Aberfeldy Village puts you right in the midst of some of East London’s most rewarding riverside walks and nature spots, from quiet nature reserves to beautiful parks near Canary Wharf.
Whether it’s a morning stroll before work, a weekend adventure with the family, or simply a peaceful spot to unwind after a busy day, the Thames and its surrounding green spaces offer something for everyone, right on your doorstep.
Follow the Thames Path from Leamouth to Trinity Buoy Wharf
Start close to home by picking up the Thames Path at Leamouth, just a few minutes from Aberfeldy Village. This stretch of the National Trail follows the river as it curves past Trinity Buoy Wharf, offering uninterrupted views across the O2 and the Greenwich Peninsula. The path is flat and easy underfoot, making it a relaxed option whether you’re walking the dog, pushing a pram or simply looking to clear your head before the day begins.
Keen to get more steps in? The full Thames Path stretches 180 miles from the Thames Barrier all the way to the river’s source in Gloucestershire, so there’s always further to explore when the mood strikes.
For more inspiration on exploring the local area, discover the top cycling, walking and rail routes near Aberfeldy Village.
Visit London’s only lighthouse
Trinity Buoy Wharf, just a short walk along the Thames Path, is a creative quarter built around London’s only lighthouse. Inside, you’ll find Longplayer, a piece of music composed to play without repeating for a thousand years.
Alongside the artistic installations, the wharf is home to independent cafés and studios, making it a great place to pause for coffee with the river as your backdrop.
Explore the East India Dock Basin
East India Dock Basin is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Once the last remaining section of the historic East India Docks, it’s now a haven for wildlife, with waterfowl, nesting terns and the occasional kingfisher making the most of the brackish water.
It’s a lovely spot to slow down, breathe in some fresh air and take in a different side of the neighbourhood’s history.
Follow the towpath towards Cody Dock
From Trinity Buoy Wharf, the Lea Valley Walk towpath follows the River Lea north, passing near Bow Creek Ecology Park on the way to Cody Dock.
Cody Dock is a rewarding destination for anyone keen to relax after a riverside walk, with a community garden, event spaces and a café.
Water activities near the Thames and Canary Wharf
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Paddleboarding and kayaking are a great way to experience a different perspective on the waterways near Aberfeldy Village.
Wakeup Docklands at nearby Victoria Dock offer Introduction to Paddleboarding lessons, as well as wakeboarding sessions. Just across the river in Greenwich, the London Kayak Company offers guided kayak tours along the Thames.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a regular paddler, it’s a relaxed way to explore the water at your own pace.
Boat trips on the Thames
For a more leisurely outing, Thames Clipper river bus services run from nearby piers, making it easy to hop along the river to Greenwich, Canary Wharf or into central London, all with a view no train can match. It’s a great way to combine practical travel and sightseeing.
Open water swimming in Canary Wharf
A short journey along the river, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf has brought open water swimming to Eden Dock, one of Canary Wharf’s green spaces. The site is home to a 50-metre floating pool, fully lifeguarded and open all year round. Alongside lane swimming, the site offers saunas and plenty of other dock activities, as well as spots to grab a bite to eat.
Unwind in Canary Wharf’s green spaces
Nearby Canary Wharf is home to an impressive collection of green spaces, well worth the short journey from Aberfeldy Village.
Jubilee Park is a tree-lined haven built above the underground station, with lawns and water features that make it a favourite spot for a quiet break. Nearby, Crossrail Place Roof Garden features diverse plants from across the globe under a striking timber canopy, perfect for enjoying some Canary Wharf green space when the weather turns outside.
Westferry Circus is another favourite spot, offering uninterrupted Thames views from its circular, flower-filled garden.
Together, these parks near Canary Wharf in London make for a peaceful afternoon out, whether you’re looking for a quiet place to read, a scenic lunch backdrop or just a change of scenery within easy reach of home. Ready to spend a day exploring Canary Wharf and Poplar? Read our guide to discover the best places to visit.
Prefer to stay close to home? Discover riverside life at Aberfeldy Village
Of course, a great walk doesn’t always have to mean venturing far. With the Thames Path, the River Lea and East India Dock Basin all within easy reach, Aberfeldy Village puts riverside living at the centre of everyday life, without ever feeling far from the city.
If you’re ever wondering how to spend a weekend near Aberfeldy Village, take a look at our latest news and events to see what’s coming up in the community.
