Canary Wharf Swim Event - 1 Mile & 2 Mile Event

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From Turner Swim

  • Date Sat 4th July 2026
  • Time 09:00
  • Location London, Greater London
  • Price £32.00 - £65.00
  • Races 7 races

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating day of open water swimming at the Canary Wharf Swim Event, proudly organized by Turner Swim! Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 4, 2026, as swimmers from all levels gather at the stunning Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre in London, Greater London. This exciting event features race distances of 1 mile and 2 miles, with a brand-new half-mile swim added for 2026!

The races will kick off with the 2-mile wave starting at 9:00 AM, followed by the 1-mile waves at 10:00 AM, 10:40 AM, and 11:20 AM, culminating with the half-mile at 12:00 PM and the final 2-mile wave at 12:45 PM. With a maximum of 50 swimmers per heat, this event is perfect for both beginners and seasoned athletes alike. Enjoy the thrill of swimming in the iconic Millwall Outer Dock—famed as a filming location for James Bond's "The World is Not Enough." Entry fees are an affordable £39.00 for the 1-mile and £49.00 for the 2-mile swim, which includes timing, results, and a post-swim fruit snack

Canary Wharf Swim Event - 1 Mile & 2 Mile Event

Sat 4th July 2026

Two women are standing by the waterfront, smiling, and appearing to engage in post-rowing activities. One wears a black and green striped athletic top, while the other wears a black outfit. A docked rowing boat and a cityscape with tall buildings are in the background. A group of athletes in wetsuits and red swim caps stand on a dock, preparing for a swim in a body of water. Skyscrapers and modern high-rise buildings form the urban background under a partly cloudy sky. Several kayaks and boats are visible nearby. A group of people wearing red swim caps and wetsuits are swimming in a body of water next to a concrete dock. Some individuals are holding orange flotation devices while others are scattered around, treading water or preparing to swim. Two women in wetsuits stand by a waterfront, smiling and raising their arms in celebration. One wears a green swimsuit with a black wetsuit around her waist, and the other is fully dressed in a black wetsuit. The background features water, buildings, and a partly cloudy sky.

Organiser's Description

Starting at the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre, this 1 mile and 2 mile race takes place in Millwall Outer Dock, a filming location for James Bond's "The world is not enough."

NEW for 2026: Half-a-mile swim event!
NEW: We've added more time between each wave, as the event is growing in popularity.

RESULTS TIMING LINK: https://results.racetimingsolutions.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16269&RId=24274

FULL EVENT INFO: Is available on this page since December 2025, please scroll and read all of page, including FAQ's TAB and "How to get there" TAB towards the bottom (underneath the races section).

Taking place on Saturday 4th July 2026 with waves at 9am, (2 mile), 10:00am (1 mile), 10:40am (1 mile), 11:20am (1 mile), 12noon (1/2 mile) and 12:45pm (2 mile). The 1 mile event is just £39.00 and includes timing and results. This year we are running the 2 mile wave again for £49.00 which sold out in 2025 and 2024.

All waves require you to bring your own wetsuit.

With a maximum of 50 swimmers per heat, this is a perfect event for first timers and experienced athletes.

Feeling fit? Why not swim in 3x1mile waves - waves 3, 4 and 5!

Entry includes: 1 or 2 mile swim, warm up area, timing with results, swim hat and post-swim fruit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

- Will I receive a race hat in advance along with further information?
Your race hat will be provided on the day, please arrive 45 minutes before your wave start time. We will email out the final race numbers 3 days before, by 5pm on Wednesday 1st July.

- Is this is a compulsory wetsuit swim?
Yes, for all events an open water swimming wetsuit is mandatory, and you will not be able to participate in the event if you do not have an open water swimming wetsuit. There will not be any refund if this occurs, and our decision is final. We want you and all participants and organisers to be safe.

How do I know if my wetsuit is approved?
At its simplest, the wetsuit needs to be an open water swimming wetsuit that keeps you warm and is buoyant. If you are buying a wetsuit we recommend that you purchase an open water swimming specific one from the main suppliers (Orca, Huub, Zone 3, DHB, Yonda, Blueseventy) it will be, or rent one externally. If you are in doubt send us an email to office@turnerswim.co.uk with a photo more than 72 hours prior to the event, and we will get back to you. There will not be any refund if you don't have a wetsuit or it is unsuitable to swim in.

How long do I have to complete the swim?
The half-Mile has a very generous finish within 45 minutes time. The 1-Mile waves have a generous finish within an hour time. The 2-mile has a finish within one hour and 30 minutes, though we can be flexible on this depending on safety, as we want swimmers to enjoy the event without feeling under any pressure.

Can under 18's swim?
This is an adult event for over 18's only.

If I can't attend or am too unwell or injured to attend, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Is this a good event for spectators to watch?
Yes absolutely! Spectators can view the event from the dock path but are not permitted to enter the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre premises.

Can I bring a picnic and enjoy watching other waves?
Absolutely, fruit is included post-race, but feel free to join our community spirit and bring your own picnic too!

Thank you for your understanding - enjoy your swim - we love a community atmosphere.

Races

  • 2 Mile Swim (Wave 1 - Start 9:00am) - CLOSED for ENTRIES 30th JUNE

    Sat 4th July 2026 (09:00)

    £49.50

    CLOSED
  • 1 Mile Swim (Wave 2 - Start 10am) - CLOSED for ENTRIES 30th JUNE

    Sat 4th July 2026 (10:00)

    £39.00

    CLOSED
  • 1 Mile Swim (Wave 3 - Start 10:40am) - CLOSED for ENTRIES 30th JUNE

    Sat 4th July 2026 (10:40)

    £39.00

    CLOSED
  • 1 Mile Swim (Wave 4 - Start 11:20am) - CLOSED for ENTRIES 30th JUNE

    Sat 4th July 2026 (11:20)

    £39.00

    CLOSED
  • Half-a-Mile Swim (Wave 5 - Start 12noon) - CLOSED for ENTRIES 30th JUNE

    12noon

    Sat 4th July 2026 (12:00)

    £32.00

    CLOSED
  • 2 Mile Swim (Wave 6 - Start 12:45pm) - CLOSED for ENTRIES 30th JUNE

    Sat 4th July 2026 (12:45)

    £49.50

    CLOSED
  • Enter 3x1 Miles (Waves 2, 3 and 4 - Start 10am) - CLOSED for ENTRIES 30th JUNE

    Sat 4th July 2026 (10:00)

    £65.00

    CLOSED

Reviews

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

4.9

17 reviews

MC
Marie

·9 days ago

Amazing experience for my first OWS. Now already booked a few others.
BG
Belinda

·9 days ago

I had been reassured that this was a great event for new OW swimmers as well as seasoned triathletes. I suffer from anxiety and this was a really good introduction to open water events. The things I found really helpful were the friendly registration crew, the pre swim briefing, the ability to warm up in the water before the swim, the spaced out timing between one group to the next group, the ample kayaks / safety crew around during the swim ( I suffered a bad cramp episode and stuck my hand in the air and nano seconds later someone was there) , the event atmosphere was nice too and the wharf is super safe to swim in (I swallowed gallons of water to no ill effect🤣) . I will definitely do this one again next year
NS
Nick

·10 days ago

Good organized event. Small familiar atmosphere. I personally had difficulties spotting the buoys, but the rest was good. Thank you.
PR
Paul

·10 days ago

A great race in a stunning location, well organised, friendly people, lots of encouragement whatever your ability, highly recommended!!
HC
Haynes

·a year ago

This is a very well organised and friendly event. The course layout was intuitive and the water was largely calm even with a bit of wind. Yes, it is a bit of an urban jungle, but the sky above and spectators looking on from the sides made it enjoyable. I swam in the 9am 2 mile wave and there were 30 of us which was perfect. Hats off to Turner swim for all their efforts. Really great staff who put in a lot of effort on the day. I'll be back again.
ZD
ZoeyDillon

·a year ago

Enjoyed this years event. So well organised and all the staff so helpful. Safe swim and confident with kayakers visible everywhere. Would definitely recommend.
DD
Delroy

·a year ago

It was my first time and I enjoyed the experience while it was not easy. The organisation and briefing was excellent, clear and precise. Initially, I was disappointed with my time, but considering in August 2024 I could barely swim 100 metres in open water, I think I did pretty well. It has inspired me to have focused training to swim more effectively new year.
Pauline avatar
Pauline

·a year ago

Enjoyable event, great venue with adequate facilities. Clear and cool water, hope to be back next year.
GM
Glenn

·2 years ago

The organisation for the race was excellent. The Turner Swim team are so friendly and helpful. The course is great, with stunning views of Canary Wharf as the backdrop. The venue, Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre is brilliant, it has lockers, hot showers and the staff are lovely. I felt well looked after and safe the entire time. I would really recommend this event for first timers and those looking to push themselves a bit further.
HP
Hannah

·2 years ago

This was a really great event, the organisers were friendly and supportive, a fun course and overall great atmosphere. The facilities were good too, plenty of lockers to store your things whilst you swam and hot showers in the changing rooms. Highly recommend!
DH
Dionne

·2 years ago

A fabulous intro into open water swimming - the event was well managed, the water clear and clean, hot showers after!, the staff were fabulous and really cheered you on - will defo do this again
JM
Joe

·2 years ago

Brilliant Event. Superbly organised, great course and a range of abilities. I’m at the lower end of that range and everyone was friendly and supportive. Great instruction, warm up and relaxed start. Highly recommend as an event to try out open water swimming.
HC
Helen

·2 years ago

My first open water swim. Friendly atmosphere, plenty of space to change with hot showers and free lockers. Squash, fruit and biscuits after. Regarding the swim we had about 5-10 minutes to warm up and then we were off. In parts the water was choppy! Good if you’re a new swimmer or in preparation for a triathlon.
TF
Thomas

·2 years ago

Good fun race. Nice atmosphere and great location.
DA
David

·2 years ago

Brilliant. Super well organised by a friendly and happy team in a great venue. Fantastic
EW
Elizabeth

·6 years ago

Friendly relaxed event. This was my first open water swim. Would recommend for other new starters.
Paul avatar
Paul

·6 years ago

Brilliant race - will get incredibly popular. The water in Millwall Docks was surprisingly fresh and clear. The 1 Mile race course was easily navigated and the whole event extremely well organised. Coming back next year. I want to be sub 30.
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Location

Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre, Westferry Road, London, UK

Who's In

See who else did this event

Jacob Snowden

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