Royal Docks Summer Splash 2025 

At the Docks

Royal Docks Summer Splash 2025 

The Royal Docks Summer Splash returns for the At the Docks summer season of arts and culture, waterside activities and family-friendly events!

This free, family-friendly lido in the docks features lifeguard-supervised swimming, sandpits, deckchairs and sunsafe areas to relax in. There’s also swim safe sessions for children to learn how to stay safe in the water, as well as a packed programme of free family activities to enjoy.

Plan your trip below:


Friday 25 July

Swim Safe session. 8:00am. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Saturday 26 July

Knit the Docks. Drop-in from 11:00am to 4:00pm. New sessions start approximately on the hour.

Learn how to knit with this fun knitting and textile craft workshop.

Ensemble Festival – Day 1 Drop-in from 12:00pm to 20:00pm.

Ensemble Festival presented by Certain Blacks is back with an explosive mix of circus, dance, theatre, and street art.


Sun 27 Jul

Swim Safe session. 10:00am. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.

A souvenir from SPLASH at the Docks! Drop-in from 11:30 am to 16:00pm.

Make DIY badges, bag charms and keyrings from recycled treasures with this fun crafts workshop.

Ensemble Festival – Day 2. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 20:00pm.

Ensemble Festival presented by Certain Blacks is back with an explosive mix of circus, dance, theatre, and street art.


Tuesday 29 July

Arty Pants: Pimp my Specs & Funky Fish. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.

Take part in this family-friendly crafts workshop with Arty Pants. Decorate a pair of sparkly sunglasses and craft a funky fish.


Wednesday 30 July

Arty Pants: Tickle Sticks & Bandana Bracelets. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.

Take part in this family-friendly crafts workshop with Arty Pants. Craft a tickle stick wand and make a beautiful bracelet using funky bandanas and scrap material.

Swim Safe session. 5pm. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Friday 1 August

Arty Pants: Sun Printing & Sea-creatures. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.

Take part in this family-friendly crafts workshop with Arty Pants. Learn the ancient art of sun-printing (cyanotype) and create your very own sea creatures from knotted wool.

Swim Safe session.  5pm. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Saturday 2 August

YLoWChildren and Young People’s Multi Sports Day. Drop-in from 11:00am to 16:00pm.

A day of sports, physical activities, and wellbeing activities for children aged 4+.

Swim Safe session.10am. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Sunday 3 August

Crafted Corner. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00 pm. Sessions approximately every 30 minutes.

Create your own tote bag or t-shirt using plant-based natural dyes. For ages 8+.


Tuesday 5 August

Makendoo Activities. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.

Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Makendoo Activities.


Wednesday 6 August

Makendoo Activities. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.

Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Makendoo Activities.

Swim Safe session. 5pm. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Thursday 7 August

DLR Extension Consultation. Drop-in from 11:00am to 15:00pm.

Have your say on the DLR Extension with this in-person consultation event with TfL.

Disco Shed. Drop-in from 5pm onwards. Please note that the lido will be closed at this time.

Enjoy evening entertainment with live DJs at the Disco Shed.


Friday 8 August

Makendoo Activities. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.

Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Makendoo Activities.

Swim Safe session.5pm. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Saturday 9 August

IROKO African Drumming Workshop. Workshops run at 12:00pm/13:30pm/15:00pm. (Each workshop is 45 minutes).

Join IROKO for a family-friendly drumming workshop filled with rhythm, movement, singing, and fun! Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Swim Safe session.10am. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Sunday 10 August

Laika The Space Dog. 3 performances: 12:00pm/13:30pm/15:00pm. 2x30 min workshops: 12:30pm/14:00pm.

A lively family-friendly puppet show that retells the story of the first dog in space.

Swim Safe session. 10am. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Tuesday 12 August

Tootles and Nibs. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.

Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Tootles and Nibs.


Wednesday 13 August

Tootles and Nibs. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.

Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Tootles and Nibs.


Thursday 14 August

Disco Shed. Drop-in from 5pm onwards. Please note that the lido will be closed at this time.

Enjoy evening entertainment with live DJs at the Disco Shed.


Friday 15 August

Tootles and Nibs. Drop-in from 12:00pm to 16:00pm.

Take part in family-friendly craft activities with this workshop from Tootles and Nibs.

Swim Safe session.5pm. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Saturday 16 August

Map My Docks. Drop-in from 11:00am to 16:00pm.

Explore and celebrate the Royal Docks through this banner and badge making workshop.

Swim Safe session. 10am. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.


Sunday 17 August

Dance for Everyone! Workshops between 11:00am – 16:00pm

Enjoy beginner-friendly street dance classes for kids, parent-child partner dancing, Latin Ladies, dance games, and a live DJ.

Swim Safe session.10am. Register to attend.

Children will learn how to stay safe in the water in this session from Swim Safe.

Time & date

25 July – 17 August 2025 from 11:00am to 17:00pm. (Last entry 16:30pm).

Location

Royal Victoria Dock (next to City Hall), Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE

Tickets

Free (unticketed)

For your visit

Food & Drink

Heroica Lounge

It's a bus, it's an Italian restaurant; you decide whether to order pizza or pretend to drive.

Royal Victoria Dock
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Food & Drink

Tapa Tapa

Tapas at this red-bricked Spanish place just inside the ExCeL comes traditional or with a modern twist.

Royal Victoria Dock
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Food & Drink

Starbucks Coffee

Just off the walkway linking Custom House DLR with the ExCeL, this branch is a favourite quiet spot for students.

Royal Victoria Dock
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