Six unmissable things to do in east London this summer

Nearest DLR station: Canary Wharf

There’s nothing like a golden hour stroll by the Thames after work – and that’s exactly what we’d recommend before settling down with your blanket for an evening of movie magic in Canary Wharf. Catch free screenings every Tuesday night in June, kicking off with the Brit classic Bend It Like Beckham (June 6) then moving onto high-octane Cruise movie Top Gun: Maverick (June 13), the MCU’s best flick Black Panther (June 20) and, finally, brilliant drag movie (and inspo for the musical, of course) Kinky Boots (June 27). 

Canada Square Park, 25 Canada Square, E14 5AH. Jun 6, 13, 20 and 27 (see also dates in Aug). Free entry. 

Nearest DLR station: Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich 

After touring the UK throughout 2022, the groundbreaking exhibition ‘The World Reimagined’ will be on display outside the National Maritime Museum – and it’s a real must-see. Thirty-six giant globes are adorned with artworks that respond to themes of the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and its legacy in Britain, calling for empathy, honesty and hope for a more equal future. Look out for work by big-name artists like Yinka Shonibare, as well as emerging talents. 

National Maritime Museum. Romney Rd, SE10 9NF. Open every day until Jun 25. Free.

Nearest DLR station: Star Lane

We’re big fans of this community-led gem – and you’ll be too once you visit. Once a derelict location, Cody Dock is now home to a community garden, café, outdoor classroom, studio and exhibition space. Plus, it opens up access to the River Lea. Take your time to relax here and look out across the river to the 60-metre painted installation by much-loved Newham artist Madge Gill, called ‘Nature in Mind’.

11c South Crescent, E16 4TL. Open daily, 9am-7pm. Free.

Did you know? Next year TfL will introduce brand new DLR trains, too – and as with the current ones, they’ll be fully wheelchair-accessible. We love to see it.  

Nearest DLR station: Deptford Bridge

Grab your mates and put your general knowledge to the test at this quirky spot on Deptford High Street. Ease into soft vintage sofas and play for a rolling pot of money every second Wednesday. The questions veer towards pop culture and art; fitting as you’ll be surrounded by fun retro prints and colourful decor. Start thinking about that pun-loving team name now!

37 Deptford High St, SE8 4AD. Every second Wednesday (Jun 7 and 21). £2 entry. 

Nearest DLR station: Shadwell 

Want to admire London’s glittering cityscape on Skylight’s fairy-lit rooftop near Shadwell? Course you do. Nab a covered booth, then challenge your mates to a game. Will it be a fast-paced table tennis match? Or maybe a (surprisingly intense) round of shuffleboard? Maybe you’re more the classic croquet type? There's something at Tobacco Dock for everyone.

Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF. Open Tue 5-11pm; Thu-Sat noon-11pm; Sun noon-10pm. Free entry, activities from £5 to book. 

Nearest DLR stations: Various stops (Prince Regent, Pontoon Dock, Royal Victoria, Custom House, Royal Albert, Beckton Park, Cyprus, Gallions Reach, King George V, West Silvertown). 

At the Docks is a brand new summer season of epic artworks, free swimming, theatre, live music and more – and most of it is free! Don’t miss the ‘At the Docks Summer Commission’ series, featuring 11 projects that respond to the climate emergency. We’re looking forward to ‘Breathing Room’: a free, walk-in, kinetic light installation, which will envelop visitors in 28,000 luminous ‘breathing’ cones, by disabled artist Anna Berry (June 23-25, Royal Victoria Dock edge, near City Hall). 

Royal Docks (various locations) and Thames Barrier Park: North Woolwich Rd, E16 2HP. Open daily throughout summer (exact dates TBC). Free.