The first public boats will be taking to the waters of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 10 May 2014, as part of a sneak preview of the Park’s rivers.

Known as the Bow Back Rivers, the historic network of waterways was transformed in the build up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as part of a major investment and clean-up programme. 

Works included new and refurbished locks and water control structures; dredging to create deeper channels; new river walls and towpaths; as well as improved wildlife habitats to give these once hidden and forgotten waterways a new lease of life.

On 10 May, for the first time since the rivers were restored, public boats will navigate the rivers in the shadows of some of sport's most iconic venues as the St. Pancras Cruising Club and the Inland Waterways Association lead a flotilla of boats into the Park. The event is part of a series of preview days this summer, giving boaters the chance to marvel at the breath-taking design of the London Aquatics Centre as they cruise along Waterworks River before getting up close to the iconic Stadium on the Old River Lea, City Mill River and Bow Back River. 

Boaters and members of cruising clubs wishing to register interest in future cruises should email waterways@queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk