St Katharine Docks is getting into the autumn spirit this October half-term with a free Weekend of Wishes for families on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, 10am to 5pm. The Coronarium at the heart of the central London marina will host free crafts, acorn planting and a brand new Wishing Tree, with no booking needed.
Autumnal florals and seasonal colours have been installed across the 23-acre dockside estate near Tower Bridge, setting the scene for a cosy family day out by the water.
Free Wishing Tree activities at St Katharine Docks
The Wishing Tree is the centrepiece of the weekend. It stands on the Coronarium’s outside terrace, ready for visitors of all ages to add their hopes and dreams for the season ahead.
Make a Wish-Leaf: Children can hunt for a fallen leaf around the Docks, then bring it inside to make a leaf rubbing with chunky oil pastels. They write a wish on the back and hang it on the Wishing Tree outside.
Plant a Wishing Tree: Families can decorate their own pot and plant an acorn to take home. With a bit of patience, it could one day grow into an oak tree.
Both activities take place on the first floor of the Coronarium and are free to join. Grown-ups can warm up on the ground floor, where a pop-up autumn coffee bar is serving chai, maple and pumpkin-inspired drinks.
St Kat’s Sessions: Spooky Halloween jazz on the water
To round off half-term, the marina’s floating pontoon will be transformed into an intimate candlelit jazz club for Halloween on Saturday 31 October, 6:30pm to 8:30pm (doors open at 6pm).
Expect live jazz on the water, blankets to keep cosy, a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival and a floating bar serving drinks and warming refreshments. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged, and there’s a prize for the best costume.
Headlining is Olivia Swann, St Kat’s Sessions’ Artist-in-Residence, joined by pianist Jamie Safir and special guests. They’ll take audiences through jazz classics from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, with a few suitably eerie surprises along the way. The event is listed as suitable for all ages, though tickets are very limited and must be booked in advance.
Plan your visit
St Katharine Docks is on St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1UN, a short walk from Tower Hill and Tower Gateway DLR. Wapping Overground and St Katharine Pier are also nearby.
Find out more about the Weekend of Wishes on the St Katharine Docks website, and book Halloween jazz tickets via Eventbrite.
