5x Things to Do for World Ocean Day in London
- Art Play London
- May 26, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 5, 2025
Every year on 8th June, the world unites to honour our blue planet for World Ocean Day, an international celebration of the sea’s importance to life on Earth. London, while not a coastal city, still plays a key role in ocean advocacy through art, education, sustainability, and community-driven action.
From the River Thames to marine-inspired art studios, Londoners are increasingly finding creative ways to raise awareness of the ocean's beauty, power, and vulnerability. In this blog, we’ll explore five of the best ways to celebrate World Ocean Day in London — whether you're looking for hands-on action, educational inspiration, or a peaceful moment of reflection.
Let’s dive in.
🌊 Why World Ocean Day Matters
The ocean covers more than 70% of the planet’s surface and produces over half of the oxygen we breathe. It regulates our climate, supports global biodiversity, and sustains livelihoods for billions of people.
But right now, our oceans are in crisis. Pollution, overfishing, rising sea levels, and habitat destruction are endangering marine life and threatening the balance of the planet. World Ocean Day serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play, no matter where we live.
What to Expect in London
Though miles from the nearest shore, London is deeply connected to the ocean through its role as a global capital of trade, culture, innovation, and policy-making. The city offers a variety of ocean-themed events and activities designed to inform, engage, and inspire.
Whether you're an eco-conscious artist, nature-lover, parent, or city-dweller looking to make a difference, there’s something meaningful you can do this World Ocean Day.
Here are five standout activities in London that celebrate the ocean in creative, purposeful ways.
1. 🎨 Art Play x Restor Campaign: Connecting Art & Nature
📍 Chelsea, London🔗 Read the full campaign article
Handprints for the Planet, Wishes for the World. A highlight of the World Ocean Day calendar in London is the Art Play x Restor Campaign, a partnership between Art Play London and Restor, a global platform supporting ecosystem restoration through technology and community engagement.
This project uses art as a conduit for environmental reflection and action. With sessions tailored to World Ocean Day, Art Play invites participants to explore themes of ocean health, coral bleaching, sea creature conservation, and marine pollution through expressive painting.
Art Play’s studio becomes a haven where participants — children and adults alike — can reflect on their relationship with the natural world, guided by professional artists and inspired by real-world marine restoration efforts.
Why It's Powerful:
Bridges the gap between climate science and creativity
Connects local participants to global restoration initiatives
Inspires long-term action through hands-on engagement
Suitable for all ages and artistic abilities
This campaign proves that art is more than aesthetic — it’s a tool for change.
2. 🐠 Sip & Paint Class for Earth & Ocean at Art Play London
📍 Chelsea, London🔗 Book the event here
Looking for a relaxing and social way to mark World Ocean Day with meaning? The Sip & Paint Class for Earth & Ocean by Art Play London is a beautiful blend of leisure and environmental awareness.
This themed painting class focuses on marine-inspired scenes, from serene ocean waves to endangered sea turtles. As participants sip on wine, herbal tea or mocktails, they're guided through an artwork that reflects the majesty and fragility of our oceans.
All art materials are eco-conscious and non-toxic, aligning with the theme of sustainability. What’s more, part of the proceeds go towards ocean-related charities, helping to fund initiatives that clean up coastlines, protect marine species, and combat plastic pollution.
What to Expect:
A professionally guided painting session
Calm, ambient setting ideal for reflection and conversation
Environmentally-friendly materials
Ocean-inspired music, visuals, and creative prompts
Whether you’re an experienced painter or a complete beginner, this event is a relaxing, memorable way to honour the sea.
3. 🧼 Plastic-Free Thames River Clean-Up with Thames21
📍 Multiple Thames-side locations, including Hammersmith, Greenwich, and Wapping🔗 Join an event at Thames21
One of the most impactful ways to celebrate World Ocean Day is to get hands-on and help clean up one of London’s most iconic waterways: the River Thames. While not an ocean, the Thames is a vital artery that connects London to the sea — and every item of plastic pollution it carries eventually reaches the ocean.
Thames21, a leading waterway charity, organises community river clean-ups throughout the year, with special events around World Ocean Day. Volunteers are supplied with gloves, litter pickers, and guidance on how to safely remove rubbish from riverbanks, foreshore areas, and urban streams.
In 2023 alone, Thames21 volunteers helped remove over 100 tonnes of plastic waste. Your participation not only cleans the river but raises public awareness about the link between urban litter and ocean degradation.
Why Join:
Direct environmental impact in just a few hours
Learn about the health of the Thames and its marine connections
Meet a community of like-minded ocean advocates
Great for corporate teams, schools, or individuals
By clearing local waterways, you’re directly helping the health of the world’s oceans.
4. 🐬 Dive into the Blue at SEA LIFE London’s Ocean Education Day
📍 SEA LIFE London Aquarium, South Bank🔗 Visit SEA LIFE London
For a family-friendly World Ocean Day experience, head to SEA LIFE London Aquarium, where the public is invited to explore marine conservation through an immersive, educational lens.
Special talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and themed exhibits celebrate ocean biodiversity and raise awareness about endangered species. Expect to see majestic green sea turtles, rays, jellyfish, seahorses, and even sharks — all while learning about efforts to preserve marine habitats.
What makes World Ocean Day at SEA LIFE extra special is the interactive educational workshops for kids. These sessions blend science, storytelling, and craft to engage children in ocean conservation from an early age.
Highlights:
Educational and engaging for all ages
Features real marine conservation stories
Interactive learning, touch pools, and visual exhibits
Focus on responsible aquariums and habitat protection
It's not just an aquarium visit — it’s an opportunity to connect emotionally with marine life and understand why it needs protecting.
5. 🛍️ Shop Sustainably at the Ocean-Friendly Market at Coal Drops Yard
📍 King’s Cross, N1C🔗 Check Coal Drops Yard Events
On the weekend surrounding World Ocean Day, Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross plays host to a curated Ocean-Friendly Market, celebrating sustainable living, ethical shopping, and marine awareness.
This stylish outdoor market features local and independent brands dedicated to reducing ocean pollution. From reusable water bottles and upcycled fashion to zero-waste skincare and plastic-free packaging, the vendors here are doing their bit to save the seas.
You’ll also find ocean-themed artworks, info stands from NGOs, and panel talks by eco-entrepreneurs who are innovating in the field of ocean protection. It's the perfect blend of sustainability, style, and substance.
What You'll Love:
Meet and support mission-led brands
Learn simple swaps to live more ocean-friendly
Enjoy food, music, and shopping in an eco-conscious setting
Bring your own containers and bags for a zero-waste day
This is a fantastic way to turn your purchases into positive change for the planet.
Extra Tips: How You Can Protect the Ocean Every Day
World Ocean Day is an excellent catalyst for change, but the real impact lies in daily habits. Here are five simple ways to make every day ocean-friendly:
Ditch single-use plastics – Carry a reusable bottle, cup, and cutlery.
Choose sustainable seafood – Look for MSC-certified options.
Support ocean charities – Donate or fundraise for groups like Surfers Against Sewage or Marine Conservation Society.
Reduce chemical runoff – Opt for eco-cleaning and beauty products.
Stay informed and share – Talk about ocean issues with friends and on social media.
Final Thoughts
World Ocean Day is a celebration — but also a wake-up call. It’s a chance to deepen your connection to the marine world, to reflect on how it shapes your life, and to act in its defence.
Whether you’re painting waves in Chelsea, cleaning up the Thames, or shopping with purpose in King’s Cross, there are countless ways to engage with ocean protection right here in London. Choose the activity that resonates most with you and make this World Ocean Day the start of something lasting.
Let London — and your love for the sea — inspire you.
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