Half-term is almost upon us, and parents everywhere are looking to keep their offspring occupied for a week. Here in Canada Water there’s plenty to keep them busy – read on and see if there’s something to suit your family.
Explore the area on foot
Stave Hill Ecological Park
With the striking Rafter Walk across Canada Dock, the nature reserves of Russia Dock Woodland and Stave Hill Ecological Park, and the Thames Path all on our doorsteps, there’s no shortage of options for anyone looking to blow away the cobwebs with some time in nature.
With the nesting season in full swing, late spring can be a great time for spotting the bird life that makes its home in the area’s various natural habitats. No fewer than 47 species of bird* were recorded in the area in March, including exciting sightings such as sparrowhawk, goldcrest and great crested grebe.
*Rotherhithe Birding Newsletter
Pick up a unique purchase at Thrive’s monthly market
For a dose of retail therapy you won’t find anywhere else, head down to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre on Saturday 30 May, between 9am and 7pm. Local traders from Thrive by Tree Shepherd’s affordable workspace will be offering handmade products, fashion and more. Thrive’s markets pop up in the shopping centre every two weeks.
Play padel
With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to get active outdoors. Why not do so with a game of the world’s fastest-growing sport?
Padel is a racket sport with similarities to both squash and tennis. It’s played with solid bats, and almost always as a doubles game. Canada Water’s four courts are located outside Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, 300m from Canada Water Station.
They can be booked through the CourtBrain booking system here.
Get them into tennis
The older racket sports are still going strong too. Canada Water Tennis are running a half-term camp for 5 to 8-year-olds, from Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May, on the first floor of the Decathlon building. It’s designed to introduce them to the basics of the game, and all equipment is provided. Click here for more info and to book.
Go for goal
Young Ballers hone their skills
Ballers Academy will be running their ever-popular half-term camp once again, catering foe all skill levels. Sessions run from Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May, 10am to 3pm, and cost £56 for the week. Click here for more info and to book.
Work out indoors
If you’re not feeling the great outdoors, Canada Water Leisure Centre offers a host of ways to keep fit in the warm. The gym with its nearly 100 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment is open, as are the group fitness studios with 30 and 60-minute classes available to book. The triple-height, wooden-floored sports hall has four courts on which you can play badminton, football, cricket and more.
Get cosy
Cafe seating at Corner Corner
This being Britain, springtime doesn’t guarantee endless sunshine, and doubtless there will be days when spending the day indoors is the way to go. Corner Corner is just the place to do that. There’s a food hall with street food from some of London’s leading independent operators and leafy greens from the on-site vertical farm, and all-day café and restaurant Sireli serving up a menu of Armenian flatbreads and small plates.
Feed your ears with music from live acts and DJs, and keep your eyes open for events such as glass-garden-making workshops. There’s also free Wi-Fi and plenty of open-plan seating, making it the perfect spot to meet up with friends, relax, study or work remotely.
Dig into Canada Water’s history
The Brunel Museum site hosted the world’s first underwater concert in 1827
Canada Water oozes history and tapping into some of the traces it has left can be a great reason for an expedition. The Brunel Museum explores the story of an engineering family that changed the world and the pioneering Thames Tunnel that opened to the public in 1843. The exhibitions are housed in the spectacular Grade II-listed tunnel shaft that once served as the grand entrance hall for Victorian visitors.
This half-term holiday (Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 May), families can drop in to the “Tunnellers’ Tales” object handling station, where you can put yourself in the shoes (literally) of the brave workers who dug the Thames Tunnel, facing disgusting conditions, terrible smells and even the odd explosion. The exhibit is aimed at children aged 7-11, but younger and older siblings are very welcome. It’s included in the price of admission, and under-16s go free.
You can take a tour of Rotherhithe’s historical sites on a self-guided walk, following the leaflet produced by voluntary group Our Rotherhithe. When you’re done, why not reward yourself with a visit to the Mayflower, the pub named for one of the world’s most famous ships, which set sail from just nearby: a visit here is a highly enjoyable way to chase away the winter blues and get a feel for the area’s past.
Meet the animals at Surrey Docks Farm
Surrey Docks Farm
Get hands-on with animal feeding, gardening and seasonal activities — a classic that never disappoints. Find out more here.