If you’re at the stage of open-water swimming where you now have a wetsuit in your wardrobe, you might be ready to register with the National Open Water Coaching Association, which provides safety bands and access to swim at specific locations. One of those locations is the London Royal Docks, a scenic spot that has set courses for casual swimmers. Whatever you do, do not forget that wetsuit, temperatures at the Docks can be less than 10°C, even in summer. London Royal Docks. Session days vary. £8 per swim + £12 annual membership fee. Find out how to register here.
Don’t be fooled into thinking summer starts on June 21. We know what’s what and the summer fun really begins with the final May Bank Holiday, a time when we all silently agree to kiss goodbye to our sleeves and ditch our coats at the first whisper of sunshine.
We’ve been spoiled with bank holidays this month, but consider these three days off work your chance to reacquaint yourself with summer in the city. Finally, the sun is out, it’s warm enough to sit outside for longer than five minutes so whether it’s hanging out in some of the capital’s best beer gardens, cooling off with some outdoor swimming, dining out in a fabulous alfresco restaurant, exploring London’s lush green spaces or browsing one of the city’s bustling markets.
Check out our guide to the best events and things to do across London for the Bank Holiday weekend falling betweeen Saturday April 27 to Monday May 29 2023.
RECOMMENDED: Read our full guide to the bank holiday in London