A summer of festivals!
The joy of summer is washing over the capital, and with it comes plenty of things to see and do!
Summer Festivals
Battersea Jazz Festival
Battersea Jazz Festival returns from 3–12 July 2025, celebrating London’s world-class jazz scene across some of Battersea’s most iconic venues and open-air spaces. Expect 10 days of unforgettable live performances, emerging talent, and vibrant riverside vibes.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
ESEA Encounters at Southbank Centre
Join Southbank Centre from 17–20 July 2025 for four days of vibrant performances, live music, poetry, literature, art and a buzzing pop-up market, celebrating the creativity of East and South East Asia and its diaspora.
Nearest pier: London Eye Waterloo
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Rhythm & Taste: Jazz & Food Festival
Be transported on Saturday 26 July by a full day of genre-defying jazz, bold street food, and roaming performances. With live headline sets, vinyl DJs, pop-up dance and vibrant market stalls, experience the Peninsula’s ultimate summer celebration of sound and flavour – and it’s all free.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich
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Summer Screens
Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens are back now until 27 September 2025, showing a packed line-up of live sport, free films and gaming fun. From F1, cricket and Wimbledon to Ascot and more, the biggest sporting events will be screened in the heart of Canary Wharf. The Film Club also returns with free weekend family favourites and midweek evening classics, from Hollywood blockbusters to musicals. Gamers can look forward to the return of the Mario Kart Championship and family-friendly gaming sessions on the big screen.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
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Summer in Battersea Park
Summer in Battersea Park is back for 2025, running until 13 July with a packed programme of free, family-friendly events across the borough. From vibrant community celebrations at Furzedown Recreation Ground, to live music and dance around the iconic Battersea Park Bandstand, there’s something for everyone. Expect live entertainment, food, fun and plenty of reasons to get outside this summer.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Somerset House Summer Series
Returning in July 2025, the Somerset House Summer Series offers eleven nights of unmissable gigs in the stunning courtyard. This staple summer experience features a trailblazing line-up of breakthrough music artists and established acts from around the world.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Feel the Spirit of Barbados at Battersea This Summer!
Running until 25 August, Battersea Power Station brings the sunshine and soul of the Caribbean to the capital, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Holidays and Visit Barbados.
Get ready for a summer packed with FREE Barbados-inspired events, from music and food to vibrant island vibes – all right by the river. Whether you're planning your next tropical escape or just craving a taste of paradise, discover the best of Bajan culture at London’s most exciting riverside destination.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Enjoy a summer of free films at Canada Square Park's Film Club from June to August. With the largest-ever line-up, there's something for everyone—rom-coms, sing-alongs, Bollywood, Hollywood, and family favorites on Saturday mornings.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
There isn’t a better feeling than jumping in a pool on a hot summer’s day, but unless you have your own, you’re a bit limited for choice (no, you can’t fill up the wheely bin…). But, due to popular demand, open water swimming at Canary Wharf is back!
Open to residents, visitors, and workers alike, take a dip in the water whilst enjoying the views of the iconic One Canada Square. Before you panic, the venue is in partnership with Love Open Water who regularly test and ensure that the water is clean and safe to swim in.
So, head over, and cool off!
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Exhibitions along the Thames
Emily Kam Kngwarray at Tate Modern
From 10 July 2025 to 11 January 2026, Tate Modern presents a major exhibition celebrating Emily Kam Kngwarray — one of the most significant artists of the late 20th century. Her bold, vibrant works reflect her deep connection to Country and the desert landscapes of Australia’s Northern Territory.
Nearest pier: Bankside
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Yoshitomo Nara
Explore the captivating world of Yoshitomo Nara at Hayward Gallery until 31 August 2025, with over 150 works spanning drawing, painting, sculpture, installation and ceramics in the largest European retrospective of one of Japan’s most celebrated artists.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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Edward Burra – Ithell Colquhoun
Running until 19 October 2025 at Tate Britain, delve into the vivid, satirical world of Edward Burra’s urban underworld and the surreal, mystical creations of Ithell Colquhoun. Experience two influential British artists side by side with one ticket, exploring Burra’s bold watercolours and Colquhoun’s boundary-pushing surrealist works.
Nearest pier: Millbank
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The Genesis Exhibition: Do Ho Suh
Step inside the world of Do Ho Suh, the Korean-born, London-based artist known for his striking fabric installations. This major exhibition at Tate Modern, running until 19 October 2025, invites you to explore the meaning of home, identity and belonging through large-scale sculptures, videos, drawings and immersive architectural works.
Wander through life-sized recreations of Suh’s past homes in Seoul, New York and London, and experience the powerful connections between space, memory and the self.
Nearest pier: Bankside
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Shop the future of fashion at NOW Gallery
From 10 July to 31 August, NOW Gallery hosts Charity Super.Mkt – the UK’s first ever multi-charity shop. Browse a curated mix of second-hand fashion from top charity retailers, including band tees, bold prints, timeless denim and unique one-offs. It’s conscious shopping that looks good and does good – no fast fashion, no greenwashing, just style with purpose.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich
Find out moreWimbledon screens across London
If you’re like 99.9% of the population and didn’t buy tickets a year in advance for Wimbledon, but still want to sit outside and enjoy the games in the sun, we’ve put together a list of locations to watch the tennis along the Thames! Make the most of it, get there by boat.
Canary Wharf
Watch the Wimbledon Championships in the bustling Canada Square Park! Not a huge tennis fan? There will be other sports to see including cricket, F1, Ascot and the Olympics
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
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London Bridge City
As part of its Summer by the River celebrations, London Bridge City’s famous big screen will be showing all of the Wimbledon matches.
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
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St. Katharine Docks
Ever considered enjoying Wimbledon on a floating pontoon? Well, now’s your chance, enjoy the games with a cocktail in hand!
Nearest pier: Tower
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Battersea Power Station
Until 13 July, catch all the Wimbledon action on the big screen in Turbine Hall A, Level 1. With every serve, rally and match point shown live, soak up the Centre Court atmosphere right here at London’s iconic riverside destination.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Spend the day making unlimited journeys aboard our services with your family and sail pier-to-pier across London making unforgettable memories. A Family Hop-on Hop-off ticket gives unlimited all-day travel to 2 adults and up to 3 children (5 to 15). Kids 4 and under travel free.
Make a splash
Help the kids cool off during the summer holidays by taking them to the many kid-friendly fountains along our route:
Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms
This interactive sculpture at Southbank Centre is the brainchild of Danish artist Jeppe Hein, whose combination of architecture and technology produces sculptures which are joyful, engaging and playful.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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More London Riverside Fountains
On a sunny day, people adore jumping through the fountains near The Scoop amphitheatre in London Bridge City. With 200 spouting jets and views of City Hall and Tower Bridge in the background, it's the perfect setting for splashing with a view!
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
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Splash Park Barking
One fountain not quite cutting it? Splash Park Barking is only a short bus ride away (EL1 or EL3) from Barking Riverside Pier. It has a wide variety of fountain features going up and down at different intervals, as well as a soft, flat ground to keep the little ones safe. Relax and have fun!
Nearest pier: Barking Riverside
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Leicester Square Fountain
Located at the heart of Leicester Square, a lovely play fountain surrounds the statue of Shakespeare in the centre. Cool off while watching the many street performers around the square!
Nearest pier: Embankment
Find out moreLondon Craft Beer Festival at Greenwich Peninsula
On 18–19 July 2025, the London Craft Beer Festival returns to Greenwich Peninsula, bringing together top brewers, great beer, and a lively atmosphere. Meet your favourite makers, discover new flavours, and celebrate the best of craft beer in the heart of London.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich
London Trans+ Pride 2025
London turns pink and blue on Saturday 26 July as London Trans+ Pride marks its seventh year. This year’s march will be especially significant following a recent Supreme Court ruling affecting trans rights in the UK.
Since 2019, the event has honoured trans lives lost, celebrated the next generation, and stood up for vital trans rights. Final details are still to be announced, but past years have seen a powerful parade from Trafalgar Square to Wellington Arch. Attendees are often encouraged to wear flowers in tribute to trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming and intersex communities.
Nearest pier: Embankment
Set off from Gravesend or Tilbury and cruise straight into central London!
Join our special sailings on Saturday 12 July, Sunday 20 July and Saturday 26 July for a one-hour journey past the Thames Barrier, The O2, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and under the iconic Tower Bridge.
A scenic and stress-free way to reach the capital - don’t miss the boat!
Titanic: The Immersive Exhibition at London Dock X
Step aboard one of history’s most iconic ships in this breathtaking 2-hour experience. Spanning over 3,000 sqm, the exhibition features original artefacts, stunning replicas and cutting-edge technology. Walk the decks, explore the ship’s opulence, and witness the story unfold through immersive 360º projections, AR, VR and metaverse moments.
Nearest pier: Greenland (Surrey Quays)
Dragon Boat Race at South Dock
Head to South Dock, Canary Wharf on 10 July for a day of thrilling dragon boat racing in support of WaterAid. Cheer on the teams from the sidelines and soak up the atmosphere - it’s free to attend!
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Elvis Evolution at Immerse LDN
Coming to Immerse LDN at ExCeL Waterfront this July, Elvis Evolution is a brand-new immersive experience from Layered Reality™ celebrating the life of Elvis Presley. Featuring cutting-edge tech, live music and iconic moments, it’s a high-energy tribute to the King like you’ve never seen before.
Join the waitlist for presale access and the latest updates.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf (then bus 241) or North Greenwich (and fly across on the IFS Cloud Cable Car)
Battersea Park
200-acres of open green space, floral gardens and a boating lake, Battersea Park lies on the south bank of the River Thames. The park has stunning river views, a children's zoo and an adventure playground that kids love!
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Greenwich Park
A short walk from Greenwich Pier, gorgeous Greenwich Park offers outstanding views of Canary Wharf and the City on a clear day. As one of London's largest Royal Parks, Greenwich Park offers a wide range of facilities and is home to the Royal Observatory and the Meridian line, as well as the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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Thames Barrier Park
One of London’s newest parks, Thames Barrier Park offers the best view from the land of London's impressive flood defence, the Thames Barrier. Discover the delights of this urban oasis and its most creative feature 'The Green Dock' that provides a wind-protected microclimate for a variety of plants and butterflies.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
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Mudchute Park and Farm
Llamas, in London?! Mudchute Park and Farm is located on the Isle of Dogs, a short walk from Masthouse Terrace Pier.
Set in 32 acres, the farm brings a touch of the countryside to Tower Hamlets and is home to pigs, sheep, cows, donkeys and chickens as well as llamas.
Nearest pier: Masthouse Terrace
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St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
A 6-minute walk from Tower Pier lies the former church of Saint Dunstan in the East. A truly unique place in London, this peaceful green oasis is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is set within the ruins of a Wren church which was bombed during the Blitz.
Nearest pier: Tower
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St James’s Park
The oldest of London's Royal Parks, St James's Park is at the heart of Westminster. The park's artificial lake, flowers, trees and birds will make you forget that you are actually in the heart of London. It has breathtaking views of Buckingham Palace but don't forget to say hello to the pelicans!
Nearest pier: Westminster
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Chelsea Physic Garden
Celebrating it's 350th anniversary, Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanical garden. An oasis in the city, the tranquil garden was established to supply medicinal plants for scientific study and was only opened to the public in the 1980s.
Nowadays visitors are welcomed to learn more about fauna from around the world. Please note the site is compact so booking in advance is essential.
Nearest pier: Cadogan
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Bishop's Park
Across Putney Bridge from Putney Pier lies Bishop’s Park which has been awarded Grade II status by English Heritage.
The park houses Fulham Palace, the historic home of the Bishops of London, a beautiful walled garden and an ornamental lake. Bordering the north bank of the River Thames, Bishop's Park provides one of the best views of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
Nearest pier: Putney
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