A quick guide to some of my favourite ways to spend time outside in London.
Large cities may not be a normal place to go to find fun ways to spend time outside, but when I’m on a city break, I spend a surprising amount of time doing just that. And after a recent long weekend in London, I wanted to share a few of my favourite ways to spend time outside in England’s capital.
Whether or not you like to spend time in a concrete jungle, you can’t deny that London is brimming with energy, culture, and history. And amongst its iconic landmarks and bustling streets lie a wealth of outdoor spaces waiting to be discovered. Honestly, I love it! I couldn’t live there, but I thoroughly enjoy visiting – a few days at a time is ideal.
London is a National Park City
London became the world’s first National Park City in July 2019, highlighting its extensive green spaces and commitment to making the city greener, healthier, and more sustainable. With over 3,000 parks and nearly 47% of the city covered in green space, London offers a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty.
The National Park City movement emphasises the importance of biodiversity, health, and wellbeing by providing access to nature and promoting outdoor activities. From cycling and walking to community gardening, Londoners are encouraged to engage with their environment and enjoy the benefits of nature. This grassroots effort is supported by various organisations, including local councils, environmental groups, and businesses, all working together to enhance the city’s natural spaces.
Education and awareness are also key components of the initiative, inspiring people of all ages to connect with their surroundings and protect urban nature. By integrating these elements, London sets an example for other urban areas, creating a city where people and wildlife can thrive together, blending the best of both worlds. Or that’s the idea.
Spending Time Outside in London
In this short guide, then, I’ll share some of my favourite ways to spend time outside in London. There are guided walks taking in hundreds of years of history, relaxing afternoons in the city’s beautiful parks, organised sport and leisure activities, window-shopping focused strolls through markets and along shopping streets, and even some walking challenges that might require a bit of training.
You’ll need some comfortable shoes (and maybe a waterproof coat!) to make the most of this mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences…
Guided Walks with London Walks
I’ll start with my number one way to spend time outside in London, and that’s by joining London Walks for a guided tour on foot. We are regular customers of London Walks (see this post and this weekly blog), with good reason.
Highly regarded, London Walks offer a variety of guided tours led by Blue Badge Tourist Guides. The guides are experts in their field and provide in-depth knowledge and engaging stories about London’s history, culture, and architecture. Known for their storytelling (and sometimes singing) abilities, they bring the city’s history to life with vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and humour.
There are a wide range of themed tours to choose from. Whether you’re fascinated by history, literature, architecture, or even ghost stories, there’s a walk for you. Discover a specific area such as Westminster or Mayfair, learn more about the plague or the Royal family, or go for pure entertainment with a Jack the Ripper or Harry Potter themed tour.
The best thing about London Walks, in my opinion, is how you will end up walking through lesser-known spots you might not find on your own.
On my most recent trip to London, I joined the Little Venice walk, which started at Warwick Avenue tube station. An area of London I’ve spent very little time in, it really is picturesque. There are pretty canals, colourful narrowboats, little parks, grand Victorian and Edwardian houses, and some interesting characters to learn about. If I lived in London, this is the kind of place I’d like to call home. Anyone got a few million to give me?!
These walks aren’t cheap at £20 per person (2024), but it’s a great way to explore the city with a knowledgeable local. Well worth it, in my opinion.
Self-Guided Tours
If you’d rather not join a group walk with a guide, another option is to do a self-guided tour, using one of the many app-based guides available on your mobile phone. I’ve not tried any of these myself (yet), but they do sound like a great way to spend time outside in London.
One such app is VoiceMap, which offers immersive audio walking tours led by some of London’s top storytellers. You can explore the city at your own pace with location-aware playback and offline maps. They have a free walk around the West End with Sir Ian McKellen to get you started, and other walks seem to be around £7 each.
Another option is GPSmyCity, with a variety of self-guided walking tours in London, covering everything from historic landmarks to charming neighbourhoods. The real sell here is you can create your own custom walk by selecting attractions that interest you, starting from whichever hotel you happen to be staying at. The app provides detailed maps, photos, and background information for each stop.
Or, if you want something more puzzle-like, check out Treasure Trails, on the recommendation of my friend Sarah. These are curated treasure hunts, detective mysteries and spy missions, a great way to explore a new place and find hidden treasures – see the sights, solve the clues, and have fun with your family or friends.
Let me know if you try either of these – or any of the others.
Parks and Gardens
Central London is home to some beautiful historic parks that offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Hyde Park, one of the largest parks, provides a variety of activities such as boating on the Serpentine Lake, cycling, and picnicking. Adjacent to it is Kensington Gardens, known for its peaceful walkways, Kensington Palace, and the iconic Peter Pan statue. Regent’s Park, with its stunning rose gardens, Open Air Theatre (an outdoor activity I haven’t done for years), and the famous London Zoo, is another green haven perfect for leisurely strolls.
St. James’s Park, located near Buckingham Palace, is the smallest of London’s Royal Parks but is packed with character. It features colourful flower beds, a lake with pelicans, and offers great views of landmarks like the London Eye and Horse Guards Parade. Green Park, situated between Hyde Park and St. James’s Park, is known for its open spaces and mature trees, making it an ideal spot for a quiet walk and enjoying the natural beauty.
For those willing to venture slightly north of central London, Hampstead Heath offers expansive green spaces, walking trails, and natural swimming ponds. It provides a wonderful escape from the city with stunning views from Parliament Hill. And you might even spot the resident deer.
These parks collectively offer a variety of experiences, from cultural attractions to natural beauty, making them perfect spots to relax and enjoy the outdoors in central London.
Kew Gardens
On my most recent visit I took the trip out to Kew Gardens, a little outside central London but a real must-visit place. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage site, spans 326 acres and houses one of the most diverse plant collections in the world.
Visitors can explore iconic glasshouses like the Palm House and the Temperate House, each home to a stunning array of plants (and I think still count as outside… yes?!). The Treetop Walkway provides views in amongst the tall trees of the gardens and over into central London. I would highly recommend a day trip to Kew Gardens for anyone interested in nature, science, and serenity.
Historical Sights
One of the biggest reasons to visit London is the sheer volume of historical sights – there is something on every corner that offers a glimpse into the past. And many of these famous landmarks are outside, at least in part…
The Tower of London, a fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury, is a must-see. Nearby, Tower Bridge offers breathtaking views from its high-level walkways and a fascinating exhibition on its construction and operation. Another iconic landmark is Westminster Abbey, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture and historical significance as the coronation church for British monarchs since 1066.
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich provides a unique insight into the history of timekeeping and navigation, with its Prime Meridian line and panoramic views of London from Greenwich Park (which is itself a lovely place to spend time outside in London). The Golden Hinde, a full-sized replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, offers an immersive experience into the life of an Elizabethan sailor. Meanwhile, Abbey Road is a pilgrimage site for Beatles fans, where visitors can recreate the famous album cover photo and see the historic Abbey Road Studios.
The remnants of the ancient Roman wall are scattered across the city, offering a tangible connection to London’s earliest history. Trafalgar Square, with Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery, is a vibrant hub of historical and cultural significance, often hosting public events and celebrations.
I’ve only named a handful here, there are many more – so what you don’t see on a London Walk you can wander around at your leisure.
Urban Wandering (and Shopping)
Forget organised walks and specific sights, a spot of urban wandering is a delightful and meandering way to experience London. Give yourself a couple of hours, and follow your nose – doing a spot of window shopping as you work your way up and down London’s busy streets.
Areas like Mayfair and Kensington offer high-end boutiques, historic landmarks, and elegant streets lined with Georgian and Victorian architecture. Mayfair, known for its luxury shopping and prestigious addresses, boasts world-famous shops like Fortnum & Mason and Savile Row tailors. Kensington blends upscale shopping with cultural attractions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall.
Oxford Street is the heart of London’s shopping scene, with iconic department stores like Selfridges and a plethora of high-street brands. Covent Garden, with its historic market square, is perfect for both window shopping and discovering unique crafts and gifts. Nearby, Carnaby Street is famed for its independent fashion boutiques and vibrant atmosphere, adding another layer of excitement to your shopping adventures.
Leicester Square and Soho are known for their eclectic nightlife, theatres, and diverse dining options. Wander through Soho’s narrow streets to find an array of independent shops, vintage boutiques, and an energetic arts scene. In Spitalfields, you’ll encounter a rich history and a vibrant market culture, with Spitalfields Market offering an array of artisanal goods, fashion, and food.
These areas collectively offer a tapestry of experiences, making urban wandering in central London endlessly fascinating.
Sport and Leisure
My list of spending time in London has been quite walking heavy so far (no surprises there), but London offers a wide range of organised sport and leisure activities that might be of interest. There are things to watch, and things to take part in.
For starters, there are a bunch of pay-for-experiences which fit nicely in this category, such as walking over the top of the O2 with Up at the O2, sliding down the ArcelorMittal Orbit at Olympic Park, and giving an outdoor escape room from Outscape Games a go.
Watching sport outdoors is a great way to get some fresh air without expending any of your own energy. You’ll find football matches at iconic stadiums like Wembley and Emirates Stadium. Rugby enthusiasts can visit Twickenham Stadium, the home of England Rugby, while tennis fans can enjoy world-renowned action at Wimbledon, held every summer.
If you do want to get active, and like the water, visit one of London’s Lidos such as the Hampstead Heath Ladies’ Pond or the Parliament Hill Lido. Boating on the River Serpentine in Hyde Park is another popular activity, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park from the water. Or, try the excitement of a speedboat ride on the River Thames, providing a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks from the Thames.
Cycling – on a rental bike or your own – offers a great way to explore the city a bit quicker than on foot. And during the winter months, ice skating at Somerset House or the Natural History Museum is a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for a competitive sport, a leisurely activity, or a touch of adrenaline, London has heaps of options.
Walking Challenges
Right, back to walking… How about going all in and taking part in a long-distance walking challenge to experience London in a different way? These three are still on my list, but I’m hoping to tick at least one off in 2025.
The London Bridges Challenge involves crossing 26 historic bridges along the Thames in one long walk. The route starts at Hampton Court Bridge and ends at Tower Bridge, covering approximately 32 miles (check out Laura Try’s blog for a route). This is certainly one way to get to know London! If you like the idea but want to start nearer the city, there are a few charities organising 13- or 16-bridge versions, which is also worth a look if you want something organised.
The Monopoly Board Challenge is also on my list. Inspired by the classic board game, the idea of this is to visit the 22 streets and 4 stations, along with a bunch of other things, featured on the Monopoly board. You can do any route you like, but Walking in Circles has helpfully made a very sensible 17.5 mile suggestion, which is the one I think I’ll follow when I do it.
My final walking challenge suggestion for this post is the Capital Ring Walk, which is 78 miles in total and so will take several days. Staying within 10 miles of the Palace of Westminster, this circular walk takes in more than just the central areas, including Horsenden Hill, Eltham Palace, Olympic Park, Walthamstow Marshes, Thames Barrier, and Syon Park, for example. Have you done it?
Running and Cycling
There are also plenty of running and cycling challenges in London that cater to all fitness levels and interests. The London Marathon is one of the most iconic events (in the world?!), attracting thousands of participants each year. It’s a fantastic way to see the city while raising money for charity. If you’re looking for something a bit shorter, there are loads of 5k and 10k runs throughout the year, often with unique themes and routes.
For cycling enthusiasts, RideLondon offers a range of events, from family-friendly rides to challenging sportives. The highlight is the 100-mile sportive, which takes you through some of London’s most scenic routes. There are also virtual challenges, like those offered by The Conqueror, where you can track your progress and earn medals for completing various routes around the world.
Street Food and Cafe Culture
In my One Hour Outside themed articles, I often talk about how spending time outside is as much about enjoying a flask of tea on a park bench as it is about having an adventure on foot. I will therefore finish this post about spending time outside in London by talking about street foot and café culture.
Exploring London’s street food scene is a fantastic way to spend time outdoors, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant culinary culture. Borough Market is a prime example, with its diverse array of foods from around the world. You can indulge in everything from French confit duck sandwiches to Ethiopian stews and gourmet cheese toasties. The market’s bustling atmosphere and delicious aromas make it a sensory delight, even if you’re not hungry.
Beyond Borough Market, places like Mercato Metropolitano near Elephant and Castle provide a lively setting with over 30 street food stalls and bars, showcasing Italian-themed offerings and international cuisines. It’s a perfect spot for a casual meal or a drink with friends. Broadway Market in Hackney, known for its trendy vibe, offers a range of foods from South Asian snacks to Persian dishes, making Saturdays a treat for food lovers.
For a more local experience, Venn Street Market in Clapham Old Town offers artisan goods and diverse street food options in a community setting, or Portobello Road and the ‘world’s most famous street market’. These markets, combined with London’s rich cafe culture, provide endless opportunities to savour delicious food – outside.
Spending Time Outside in London
London really does offer an incredible variety of outdoor experiences. From leisurely strolls in its historic parks and scenic walking challenges to the vibrant street food and cafe culture, there’s always something to see, do, and taste. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or someone simply looking to enjoy the great outdoors, London’s unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty has something for everyone.
So next time you find yourself in England’s capital city, be sure to break up the indoor activities and taxi rides by spending time outside.
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