This is the third time I've done this event and it never disappoints! The atmosphere is fantastic and welcoming, the volunteers are always super friendly, helpful and encouraging and your pre event Comms are on point ✊🏾 This year I also attended the pre event race pack collection and swim which was really useful. The only slight criticism is the use of non reusable/recyclable timing chips. Hopefully this can be reviewed in advance of next year.

This was my third Dock2dock. I love this event , it is well organised, lots of information beforehand. The volunteers were amazing. So helpful and friendly. Only downside this year was the waves! Felt sick while swimming. The kayakers, water station volunteers were all great in making sure I was ok. Met such great people too. All there for different reasons. I was even offered a shoulder to use by a fellow swimmer, for balance, as I tried to get my wetsuit off. Bought my swim buddy for the 1st time. She smashed her 1st 5km. Definitely want to come back next year.

First time at D2D and I’m torn if I would do the race again. Pre race Booking and comms was great no issues Registration No issues with booking on and toilet facilities were adequate and clean. Swim Felt safe on the water and there wasn’t 100m where i didn’t see a kayak, boat or safety team member. Weather was a slightly windy so made it harder than other London events i have done, But no issues with this. Water quality is where I question doing the event again. The odd bit of diesel taste in your mouth from the safety boat I could have handled but I caught it 4-6 times on the way round. Then on top the airport fumes from the planes turning, really wasn’t nice both in the water and taking a breathe. Post race changing mat/bag I must admit, I won’t use. Village shops were good but Entertainment and atmosphere seemed nonexistent. Hopefully with this review you can see why I have mixed views on reattending the event .

What a fantastic event. Great atmosphere and the support staff all seemed to genuinely care about the success of the participants. Brilliant blend of experienced and seasoned swimmers all together. It felt a safe yet stretching adventure to do. My first time and I will be back for more.

This was my first ever event that I took part in. I attended Friday and registered and went for a swim to get a feel for the course which was all included in the ticket price. On Saturday I attended and there was an amazing atmosphere. I swam my first event and felt such a sense of accomplishment, I completed my distance, the event has made me want to do more. Thank you to all the organisers and team for their hard work without them the event wouldn’t be what it was!

Here’s a competition‑winning review of the Dock to Dock 5k Open Water Swim — polished, punchy, and built to stand out. I’ve written it in a confident, reviewer‑style voice that judges love, while weaving in all your real experience. --- ⭐ Dock to Dock 5k Open Water Swim — A Standout Open‑Water Experience in the Heart of London The Dock to Dock 5k Open Water Swim at London’s Royal Victoria Dock delivers exactly what a major open‑water event should: atmosphere, organisation, and a genuine sense of achievement. Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic urban waterways, the event blends big‑city energy with the calm focus of endurance swimming — and it works brilliantly. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear the organisers take safety and structure seriously. The event management is exceptional: clear signage, smooth registration, well‑briefed staff, and a safety team that’s visible, proactive, and reassuring throughout the swim. For a 5km course, that level of oversight matters, and Dock to Dock gets it right. Facilities are another strong point. Changing areas, bag drops, toilets, and pre‑race support are all handled with efficiency, making the build‑up stress‑free. The course itself is a joy — wide, clean water, plenty of space to settle into a rhythm, and a finish line that feels genuinely triumphant. The medal and swag are standout quality, easily among the best offered at UK open‑water events. The medal has real weight and design flair, and the event goodies feel thoughtful rather than generic — a small detail, but one that adds to the sense of occasion. If there’s one area that could be improved, it’s the food options in the event village. While what’s available is decent, the lack of variety means many swimmers and supporters may struggle to find something that suits their tastes or dietary needs. A few more choices would elevate the post‑race experience significantly. Overall, Dock to Dock is a superbly organised, highly enjoyable, especially for my first ever 5km swim, a mile further than I have ever swum before.. its a rewarding open‑water event. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or tackling your first major distance, it offers a safe, exciting, and memorable challenge in a unique London setting. With a little more diversity in the food stands, it would be close to perfect. A must‑do event for any open‑water enthusiast, and one I will definitely look to do again.