The Tower of London, Big Ben, London Bridge… London is one of the most interesting cities in the world, overflowing with must-see historic sites. But there’s more to this melting-pot than history. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, then there are plenty of activities in and around the city worth adding to your itinerary.
Top tips on what to do outdoors in London:
- Enjoy a tree-top adventure. Fancy soaring through forests from a Tarzan swing, high ropes or an epic zip wire? Go Ape’s Trent Park venue offers various adventure options nestled in acres of beautiful woodland. To get there, catch the underground train from Piccadilly Circus to Cockfoster’s (on the Piccadilly Line). The train ride will take an hour, and Trent Park is a ten-minute walk away from Cockfoster’s station on the other end. Allow two to five hours to enjoy the outdoor options thoroughly! And don’t forget to pack a good book for the train, or buy an e-reader before you fly – we promise, it makes all journey time pass easier!
- Go horse riding in Hyde Park. Whether you’re a newbie or an old hand, you can live out your Olde English Romance fantasy and gallop through London’s most famous park on horseback thanks to Hyde Park Stables , which offer horse-riding packages for the whole family, including lessons for those just starting out.
- Take a speedboat cruise down the Thames. London RIB Voyages offers thrilling speedboat experiences down the river, departing hourly from the famous London Eye. TripAdvisor users have rated these cruises the #1 experience in London, so it’s worth giving it a bash! You’ll likely get rather wet (and London is always at risk of a spell of gloomy wet weather), so you might want to pack a waterproof jacket.
- Go bird-watching in Barnes. For an easy day out in nature without trekking out of London, seek out some of the city’s finest feathered attractions at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes. Catch a Tube from Piccadilly Circus to Hammersmith (19 minutes’ travel time) and a 10-minute bus ride to the centre, which offers free guided tours and interactive feeding time. Visit the nearby Kew Gardens and you’re set for a full day immersed in nature – in the heart of London! Don’t forget to pack a good pair of binoculars for this one!
- Play golf while admiring London views. Alexander Palace near Wood Green station (26 minutes from Piccadilly Circus) offers various fun adventure activities including ice skating, a skate park, a farmers market, a boating lake, and a 10-hole “Pitch & Putt” golf course with stunning views across the whole city.
Other outdoor activities worth checking out include outdoor swimming pools, beer gardens and rooftop bars, outdoor cinema screenings, hidden parks and gardens and city farms – to mention but a few.
