A weekend guide to

Canada Water.

Neighbourhood of The Alba

Last updated June 2026 ■
Words by Georgie Woodcock

Walthamstow wetlands
Walthamstow neighbourhood

Things to do near Canada Water on a weekend.

SE16 is one of those parts of London where the weekend tends to sort itself out. Living at The Alba means markets, river walks, a working farm on the Thames and Peckham twenty minutes away on the Overground. If you're thinking about making the move here, we've also put together a guide on whether Canada Water is a good place to live. But first, here are eight things to do in Canada Water and the surrounding area on a Saturday or Sunday.

  1. 01

    Bermondsey Street

    Worth the ten-minute bike ride or short bus trip from Canada Water every time. Here you'll find independent shops and galleries next to some of south London's better restaurants, and the Fashion and Textile Museum is right on the street. We recommend popping over on a Saturday morning for the good energy, starting at Bermondsey Street Coffee, wandering down to Maltby Street Market and seeing where the morning takes you. If you're looking for a dinner spot, Flour and Grape has some of the best hand-made pasta in the area. Just remember to get there early as they don't take reservations.

  2. 02

    Sea Lanes Canary Wharf

    Canary Wharf is one stop on the Jubilee line from Canada Water, and it now has one of the more unusual things you can do on a London weekend. Sea Lanes opened in June 2026. The pool itself floats on the natural water of Eden Dock and runs to 50 metres, and there's a sauna and a bar there too. A swim costs £10 and the pool is open from 7am at weekends, which makes it a good reason to get up early. Grab breakfast at the on-site kitchen afterwards and you've got a solid morning sorted. Book ahead in the warmer months, it gets busy.

  3. 03

    Maltby Street Market

    One of the best things to do near Canada Water on a weekend, and one of the better food markets in London full stop. Maltby Street Market runs along Ropewalk, a narrow street tucked beneath Victorian railway arches in Bermondsey, lined with independent traders selling serious street food, natural wine and artisan produce. It manages to feel buzzy without being overwhelming, which isn't easy. Open Saturdays 10am to 5pm and Sundays 11am to 4pm.

  4. 04

    Surrey Docks Farm

    Free to visit and open every day from 10am to 4pm, Surrey Docks Farm sits right on the Thames about a 15-minute walk from The Alba. Buy feed from the farm shop and hand it to the goats, and in spring there are slots to bottle feed lambs. The farm shop is worth a stop too, run by volunteers and stocked with eggs, meat, plants and seasonal produce straight from the farm. Pear Tree Kitchen run a coffee shop on the riverside, which helps.

  5. 05

    Peckham

    Just 20 minutes from Canada Water on the Overground, Peckham is its own thing and well worth a day of it. Start on Rye Lane for record shops, independent bakeries and the kind of afternoon that gets away from you. For a drink with a view, Frank's on top of the multi-storey is a south London institution. For dinner, head to Forza Wine on the fifth floor of Market Peckham, right opposite the station. Italian-inspired small plates, good natural wine and views over the city. One of the better rooftop spots in London.

  6. 06

    The Brunel Museum

    The world's first underwater tunnel runs directly beneath Rotherhithe, and The Brunel Museum tells the story well. The shaft itself is worth seeing, a round, brick-lined space that now hosts events, concerts and art installations. Tickets are £10 for adults and free for under-16s, with a locals discount for SE16 residents. Open Fridays to Mondays, 10:30am to 3:30pm. Small, unusual, and the kind of place you'll want to tell people about.

  7. 07

    The Thames Path

    One of the best free things to do in SE16, and no plan needed. Walk west towards Tower Bridge or east towards Greenwich. The Rotherhithe to Greenwich stretch takes about an hour at a relaxed pace, past old wharves, dry docks and some of the best views in the city. It's one of the things that makes living in Canada Water so easy to sell to yourself. Just head to the river and see where it takes you.

  8. Street food vendor at Borough Market in London
    08

    Borough Market

    London Bridge is two minutes on the Jubilee line from Canada Water station, and Borough Market is five minutes on foot from there. Londoners go there for the cheese and charcuterie, fresh meats and seafood, but you'll also find great lunch options with stalls like The Black Pig selling their viral sandwiches. Go hungry.

Looking to live in the area?

The Alba is a brand new Morro building in the heart of Canada Water. All-inclusive renting, co-working spaces, rooftop terrace with city views and south and east London on your doorstep.