Weekend swim break: TRIBE Canary Wharf, London

Discover a different side to the capital with a weekend stay at TRIBE Canary Wharf. With waterside walks, urban green spaces and the new Sea Lanes outdoor swimming venue on its doorstep, it’s a city break with plenty of opportunities to get in the water.

If you are going to stay in London, staying near the water is a great place to start and Canary Wharf offers both waterside views and city slick living. What once was only home to finance and banking is now an area bustling with life and community, including London’s newest outdoor swimming venue, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf.

If you are visiting the capital, you would be wrong to assume Canary Wharf is all glass towers, padded gilets and lanyards, as well as the outdoor pool, there is a roof garden, museum and sculpture trails.

With the new Elizabeth Line as well as the Jubilee Line and DLR, it is also very easy to reach. You can even arrive by water, with the Thames Clipper river bus running to Canary Wharf pier. From my nearest mainline train station in Surrey, I can get to the area in less than 50 minutes, which is pretty impressive for public transport.

Until Sea Lanes opened their newest venture, it wouldn’t have been a destination for me, but since I first returned to the area in June, I have been back four times already and not just for the pool. While it might not be thought as a wild or natural place, there are plenty of green and blue spaces, which make visiting and staying a great experience for outdoor souls.

The accommodation

TRIBE Canary Wharf is a functional yet stylish lifestyle hotel in the heart of Canary Wharf. The rooms here are equipped with premium bedding, rainfall showers and the usual comforts like climate controls, tea and coffee making facilities and televisions. On the ground floor there is a social hub with informal co-working, lounge and a 24-hour coffee and snack kiosk. It is also home to a beautiful restaurant, Feels Like June, which offers California inspired dining. The hotel is just a 15-minute walk from Sea Lanes and there is an abundance of restaurants and cafes in the area. The rooms overlook the surrounding docks and basins, giving watery views reflected in mirrored buildings. Just two minutes from the door is Harbour Quay park, which is adjacent to the South Dock connecting to the main River Thames via a lock. It’s a great spot to sit and watch the vibrant community. Guests can also get a discounted day pass to Third Space gym, with its pool, sauna and spa.

The swimming

The nearest and biggest draw here is the new Sea Lanes Canary Wharf. Just a short walk from the hotel and you have access to an outdoor, spring-fed, 50-metre pool within Eden Dock. As well as fantastic swimming, there are two saunas, changing spaces, a bar and a café with great coffee. There is also the opportunity to swim out into Eden Dock and get a proper urban, open water experience.

If you are visiting and haven’t packed a wetsuit, you can hire wetsuits here too. Also, a short DLR ride away is London Royal Docks where the London Dock 2 Dock swim is held annually. There is also Charlton Lido, London Fields Lido and the London Aquatics Centre all within easy reach via public transport.

The food

The hotel restaurant, Feels Like June, is a beautifully designed and presented place to sit and eat. I recommend booking a room with breakfast included, which is extensive and brilliant quality. There is a wonderful variety and it’s all very relaxed so there’s no need to rush back after an early swim or a lazy morning in bed. You could also eat here for brunch, lunch or dinner even if not staying at the hotel.

Best of the rest

As well as walking along the water, there is a sculpture trail and the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, where the planting reflects the Meridian line, with Asian bamboo and Japanese maple alongside ferns and sweet gum from the Americas. Entry is free. Then follow the dockside paths around the water back to Sea Lanes.

Our fave thing

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf. Book a weekend here and you will return to swim at this unique urban swim spot again and again.

King rooms start from £144 per night To book, visit: all.accor.com/hotel/C007/index.en.shtml