Lee Valley White Water Centre

From Olympic Dream to Public Playground

Lee Valley White Water Centre began life as a bold proposal to give London its first purpose-built white water course. Designed by John Hopkins Architects with engineering by Arup, the 31-million-pound venue was completed in 2010, making it the first new Olympic facility ready for the 2012 Games. The Princess Royal opened it in December that year, and the public could paddle the rapids a full 18 months before the Olympic torch arrived.

During five days of canoe slalom competition in the summer of 2012, a combined 55,000 spectators watched athletes navigate the course. Britain's Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott won gold in the C2 event, cementing the venue's place in Olympic history. After the Games, a 6.3-million-pound redevelopment added improved visitor facilities and a permanent training base for the GB Canoe Slalom team.

What to Expect on the Water

The centrepiece is the 300-metre competition course, fed by five pumps that push 13,000 litres per second from a groundwater-supplied lake. The 5.5-metre drop generates Grade 4 rapids — serious enough to thrill, but safely navigated under instructor guidance in a raft. Sessions last around 90 minutes, with wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids provided.

Beyond rafting, the centre offers hydrospeeding (a body board through the rapids), Hot Dog inflatable kayaks for pairs, and introductory kayaking on the gentler 160-metre Legacy Loop. The flat-water lake hosts paddleboarding sessions and Water Wipeout, an inflatable obstacle course that draws families in summer. The British Canoeing team trains here daily, so you may spot elite athletes between public sessions.

Planning Your Visit

The centre sits in Lee Valley Regional Park, just inside the Hertfordshire border. Cheshunt station is the nearest rail link, with a pleasant 20-minute walk through the country park to reach the venue. By car, junctions 25 and 26 of the M25 are both within 10 minutes, and parking is free. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your session for registration and kit fitting.

The on-site cafe serves hot food and drinks, and there are changing rooms with showers. Sessions run most days from spring through autumn, with a reduced schedule in winter. Booking online is strongly recommended — peak-season rafting slots sell out weeks in advance. Spectators can watch from the bankside terraces free of charge.