FREYA RICHARD
An article by The Guardian notes that living in close proximity to bodies of water, including rivers, dams, canals, streams and oceans, is associated with many positive physical and mental health indicators. A 2013 study on happiness in blue and green spaces found that of the 20,000 participants involved, some of the happiest were those at marine and coastal margins. These participants reported happiness levels of around six points higher compared to that of their peers in urban settings.
When you rent luxury waterside apartments from Vertus, you will gain access to both blue and green spaces along the iconic River Thames and waterways. These spaces offer a wealth of opportunities for relaxation, unwinding, and connection with nature.
Here are some things to do along the Thames when you move into one of our waterside apartments in Canary Wharf.
1. Waterside Dining
There are plenty of luxury bars ideal for meeting up with friends for a few draught beers and signature cocktails or small plates and proven classics.
If you are renting apartments overlooking the Thames in Canary Wharf, there’s a range of delicious dining options right at your doorstep. Find delicacies at MMy Wood Wharf, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta where in the warmer months you can enjoy outdoor dining taking in views of Harbour Quay Gardens and boats passing by on South Dock, Patty&Bun, Fishh Game among many other unforgettable options. Pop in for a few hand-crafted drinks at The Parlour, The Alchemist, or the Pearson Room to complete your experience.
The banks of the Thames are also home to a range of world-class outdoor markets where you can experience a range of cultural street foods and dishes crafted by true experts. Take Borough market for example, easily accessed with a short trip along the Thames from Canary Wharf to London Bridge City Pier and a 10 minute walk at the other leg. Borough Market brings together immersive foreign cultures, and provide niche grocery items, traditional and trendy street foods. They often host cookery demonstrations, events and showcases to help expand your palette and culinary horizons too.
2. Thames Nightlife
The Thames is home to a variety of luxury bars that boast stylish décor, great ambiance, and fantastic drinks menus for those seeking night life in Canary Wharf. Try unique cocktails at The Lowback; premium gins, whiskies, and wines at Rocket; and a range of delightful drinks at No.35 Mackenzie Walk.
Available for private hire and ticketed live music evenings, The Boathouse, sitting peacefully on South Dock in Wood Wharf, is the perfect setting for your next event. Inspired by intimate speakeasies and chic Parisian jazz clubs, music sits at the heart of the boat’s ethos with a calendar of music events and live lounge sessions with new and upcoming artists set to be unveiled soon.
3. Boat Trips on the Thames
Another of the most popular River Thames activities on offer is catching a boat ride along the water. There are many different route and cruises to choose from, ranging from elegant dining cruises to speedboat experiences for thrill-seekers.
Just a few of the in-demand options available to residents at Vertus’ London waterside apartments include City Cruises’ hop-on hop-off tours and afternoon tea cruises, the Bateaux London Dinner Cruise, the One-Day River Roamer cruise from Thames Clippers, and Thames speedboat tours from Thamesjet or Thames Rockets. If you’re eager to explore the waters at your own pace, you can enjoy a kayak tour through the London Kayak Co. Explore GoBoats in Canary Wharf on the South Dock too.
4. FRONT LINE ACCESS TO THAMES-SIDE EVENTS
Living along the Thames opens up a wealth of new opportunities for entertainment, leisure and fun. There is a variety of unique events on the annual waterside calendar, including festivals, concerts, traditional ceremonies, and other engagements for people of all ages.
If you’re interested in learning more about British royal tradition and history, the Windsor Royal Horse Show, Royal Swan Upping, Henley Royal Regatta, and Thames Traditional Boat Festival will give you a taste of local heritage. Fitness fanatics will enjoy attending the Chilterns Walking Festival, and festivalgoers of all kinds can experience a range of cultures and social settings at events like Totally Thames, the Thames Path Challenge, the Henley Festival, and the Cliveden Literary Festival.
You can also find spectacular fireworks displays along the Thames on New Year’s Eve that usher in the New Year in a highly memorable way.
5. Fishing on the Thames
You can enjoy prime fishing opportunities along the Thames towards Oxfordshire. Many local green and blue areas welcome fishing enthusiasts onto the Thames’ banks to fish and relax, as long as you are willing to adhere to local fishing regulations and licenses.
6. Swimming
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you swim near the Thames?”, the answer is yes! Canary Wharf’s first open water swimming area, supported by NOWCA and Love Open Water, opened this year to residents, visitors, and workers alike who can take a dip in the waters of Middle Dock enjoying the views of the iconic Newfoundland whilst swimming. The water is regularly tested for cleanliness and safety, and all swimming sessions are lifeguarded and available to anyone over the age of 10.
All you need to do to enjoy this swimming spot is to purchase an annual NOWCA membership for £15, which provides access to all 40 NOWCA locations. Alternatively, open water swimming sessions are £8 per three-four hour session, and free NOWCA Swim events are also regularly on offer. This swimming venue is due to open in Summer 2023 however, you can still swim in London Royal Docks at this time of year.
Renting a Thames-Side Apartment with Vertus
Vertus’ Thames view apartments for rent in Newfoundland offer complete access to a wide range of waterside activities and amenities, not to mention health-enhancing blue and green spaces. Our Newfoundland apartments overlook Canary Wharf and Docklands, as well as the River Thames. Our apartments also include exclusive amenities including a terrace, fully equipped gym and studios, a self-service bar and private dining room, a screening room, a children’s play area, and high-speed broadband internet to complete the WFH set up.
Find your new waterside apartment in London. Rent, Connect, Belong at Vertus.