With Summer officially here, it's time to embrace the great outdoors in London. Despite a few weeks of less-than-ideal weather, brighter days are on the horizon, and there's no better time to explore the city's vibrant outdoor offerings.
Curious about where to start? Rest assured, we've got you covered. As London enthusiasts, we believe that the city's finest experiences often happen beyond its walls. Brace yourself for an exciting lineup of outdoor activities that you won't want to miss:
For those who are planning to extend their outdoor adventures into a weekend getaway, consider staying at the edward hotel. Nestled in the heart of London, it's the perfect home base to ensure you're ready to explore all the outdoor activities the city has to offer.
With so many options available, you might be wondering about the best spots for your outdoor excursions. Visit tophotels.com to discover the top-rated outdoor attractions and accommodations based on traveler reviews, helping you make the most out of your summer in London.
1. Befriend the delightful creatures of London's city farms
When thinking about London, 'farming' isn't typically the first thing to come up, but the true charm of this city lies in its ability to constantly offer unexpected experiences. If socializing with humans has perhaps been a bit too much recently, why not try forming connections with animals instead? The Hackney City Farm is an excellent choice in terms of starting points. It offers free access, it's ideally located between Hoxton and Cambridge Heath. You'll meet pigs, ducks, geese, goats, sheep and even Clover, a resident donkey known for its parades around London when circumstances allow.
Prefer to hang out on the south side of the river? Then head to Vauxhall City Farm. Here you'll have the opportunity to come face to face with two alpacas that enjoyed their moment of fame in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Be ready to snap some pictures!
2. Enrich Your Personal Plant Selection
It's no secret that us London dwellers tend to have a certain infatuation with greenery, perhaps because many of us lack our own outdoor areas. As such, it's incredibly soothing to dedicate a day hunting for the perfect new botanical addition. For most, Columbia Road Flower Market is the go-to choice for its vibrant blooms, but the city offers myriad other spots to explore.
Hidden under the arches of Nunhead station, you'll find The Nunhead Gardener – a charming location blanketed in a wide variety of indoor plants, shrubs and ferns, not to mention an array of delightful plant pots. Don't miss Dalston's N1 Garden Centre or the creatively named Battersea Flower Station. If you fancy a trip to the West, the Chiswick Flower Market also provides a great selection.
3. Explore more of London’s off-the-beaten-trail walks
We couldn’t mention a list of the best outdoor activities to do in London without throwing in this one. The sheer number of walks you can do in our city is pretty damn phenomenal, whether you want to tick off UNESCO-listed landmarks or be at one with nature away from the crowds.
One of our favourites is North London’s peaceful Parkland Walk, which takes you from Finsbury Park to Highgate along an abandoned railway line. The trains are long gone, but the stations, graffiti-covered tunnels and platforms still remain, giving you the chance to alternate between historic railway relics and swathes of wild woodland along the way. As London’s longest nature reserve, you may be lucky enough to spot some of the resident wildlife along the way, and you can opt to extend the walk to Ally Pally to soak up some of the city’s best panoramic views.
4. Absorb the breathtaking panorama from London's premier observation spots
Speaking of scenic views, London offers more than just the magnificent vista from Ally Pally, albeit it's one certainly worth beholding. On the city's other extreme, the Crystal Palace enthroned, affords a sight of iconic structures such as The Shard, the Walkie Talkie, and a faint view of St. Paul’s Cathedral for those with keen eyes. Venturing further south, noteworthy mentions include Gipsy Hill and One Tree Hill, the latter famous for its ancestral oak under which Queen Elizabeth I reputedly lounged.
Fusing the city's panoramic allure with its rich history, one could enjoy London's expanse from the very spot in Richmond where Henry VIII received the chilling news of Anne Boleyn's beheading - an ominous, yet intriguing spot. Alternatively, marvel at the Thames' grandeur from the elevated grasslands of UNESCO-listed Greenwich park. And of course, let's not forget Primrose Hill - conveniently located a short walk from both Camden Town and London Zoo.
Wishing to explore deeper into Richmond Park? Do check our Secret London guide for exclusive insights on what to do in and around this lush expanse.
5. Savour a pint or two in a pub beer garden
Ah yes – there’s nothing Londoners love more than a pint of the sweet stuff at a pub, and luckily for us, most of them are decked out in all manner of heaters, blankets and covers to keep you nice and toasty when it’s raining cats and dogs outside. If you’re knocking about North London, The Flask in Highgate is a firm favourite – it’s also considered one of London’s most haunted pubs – so who knows, you may be joined by a resident spook while you’re sipping on a bevvie out in the garden!
For East Londoners, Crate Brewery, The Crooked Billet and the People’s Park Tavern are all good choices, and if you’re west, the garden of The Prince Albert in Notting Hill is perfect for whiling away the hours. South of the river, don’t miss the Tamesis Dock – a converted 1930s Dutch barge-turned-pub which serves up a never-ending selection of beers.
6. Indulge in the Plethora of London's Food Market Delights
There are few things more enjoyable than exploring London through its vast array of food markets. This delightful gastronomic journey is undoubtedly among the top picks when considering outdoor activities in this vibrant city. Take a leisurely stroll in Borough Market and get introduced to the crème de la crème of London's food establishments. Here, long-standing mainstays like Neal's Yard Dairy, Brindisa, and Bread Ahead can be found co-existing alongside vendors offering global cuisine, be it from traditional Valencian paella to Middle Eastern mezze.
With an abundance of gluten-free, dairy-free and meat-free alternatives, the market ensures there are culinary delights for every dietary preference. So remember to come prepared for a gratifying feast. Subsequent food trails could extend to Hackney's Broadway Market, famous for its dairy-free cheese, coffee and mouth-watering doughnuts served every Saturday. Other well-known markets include Maltby Street, Camden and Seven Dials Markets, each of them offering a unique spin to London's food scene.
7. Embrace London's vibrant street art scene
In a city as dynamic as London, the streets themselves become a canvas for artists. Bright, engaging street art can be a beautiful burst of creativity in your day—or, why not showcase it on your Instagram for your followers to enjoy? East London proudly stands as the city's hub for such expressive artistry. Keep an extra eye out for a standout spot: Brick Lane. This area is practically a mural, with the talents of various artists transforming walls and hidden corners into imaginative displays that depict everything from pelicans to parkour dancers. You might even come across a genuine Banksy near the Truman Brewery.
As well as East London, the city has an array of other neighbourhoods that play host to diverse and captivating street art. These include Dalston, Bethnal Green, Camden, Brixton, Dulwich and Hackney Wick. You can best explore the latter by leisurely strolling along the River Lee Navigation Canal, where the intriguing art continues to line the path.
8. Discover and conquer a fresh biking trail
Taking a leisurely bike ride, allowing the cool breeze to hit your face as you peddle alongside some of London's remarkable sights, is incomparable. Although biking may not be everyone's cup of tea, it undeniably presents the most efficient method of transportation in the city. It is a well-known fact that over recent years, there has been an increase in designated cycle lanes marking the city streets, and, needless to say, the endless green spaces throughout London like parks, canals, and marshes are more appealing when explored on a bike.
If you're looking for an urban biking experience, a trip along Regent’s Canal is highly recommended, taking you on a journey from Paddington Basin to Canary Wharf, passing by the iconic ZSL London Zoo. For those longing for a dash of wilderness, Richmond Park’s Tamsin Trail awaits, home to native herds of wild deer that you can observe as you cycle through.
9. Ascend to exhilarating viewpoints at a renowned London stadium
Among the best outdoor activities in London is one that will set your pulse racing. Known as ‘The Dare Skywalk’, this unique experience lets you ascend the globally recognised Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Once at the top, you're greeted with breath-taking, 360-degree views of the city and the stadium bowl beneath.
A visual tour of London’s iconic landmarks awaits you like The Shard, the Sky Garden, Stratford's Olympic Park, and Ally Pally. Plus, you can witness the football pitch sitting 46.8 meters below. Seeking for more heart-thumping excitement? Then venture out off 'The Edge'- a heart-stopping abseil journey to the solid ground below, backwards or forwards, your choice. Experiences like this are sure to linger in your memory for a long time. A similar exhilarating activity can also be enjoyed at the 02 Arena in Greenwich.
10. Experience Afternoon Tea from the Heights
Afternoon tea, traditionally, is a ground-level affair. However, who said traditions can't be given a modern, adventurous twist? Specifically, throughout August, there’s the thrilling opportunity to scale the iconic O2. As a reward, you'll be greeted with an assortment of scones, sandwiches, and cakes to savour as you relish the stunning 360-degree panorama of London from the North Greenwich viewpoint. Visualize yourself in the shoes of Batman surveying Gotham City, only with the comforting presence of delightful treats instead of the concern for capturing Joker. From our perspective, the swap seems quite alluring.
11. Embark on an adventurous outdoor escape game
While this might seem like an out-of-the-box choice, it's undeniably one of the top outdoor experiences currently available in London. Described as the intersection of 'an escape room and a treasure hunt', these games engage you in an exciting journey around diverse areas of the metropolis. You'll embark on a pre-determined path via your smartphone, decipher cryptic clues, and solve brain-teasing puzzles whilst trekking through the city's intriguing nooks. Imagine following the intrepid path of the renowned author Charles Dickens or exploring traditional British pubs – isn't a classic pub crawl enticing?
This type of sightseeing is not only entertaining but also gives a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture. London’s streets are filled with stories just waiting to be discovered, from the cobblestone streets Charles Dickens once walked on, to the historic pubs that have been serving locals and tourists alike for centuries.
12. Embark on a boat adventure for a navilgational tour of London's landmarks
In wrapping up our compilation of London's best outdoor experiences, we can't overlook the magnetic charm of the city's waterways. Far beyond the typical riverfront scenery, London boasts an intricate web of canals, reservoirs, and certainly, a notable river that snakes its way in the city. Venture onto the nearly two dozen 'Uber boats' that ply across the Thames, beginning their journey in Putney and making their way down to Woolwich, with the well-known London landmarks offering a picturesque backdrop. Secure your tickets for an unforgettable experience today.
If you're eager to escape the indoors and pump up your health routine, find our handpicked list of the topmost running paths in London here.