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On our radar: Best activities to do outdoors in Central London

Fitzrovia Quarter outdoor activities
Fitzrovia Quarter

You don’t need to leave the city to enjoy the outdoors – Central London is packed with fun, fresh-air experiences. Whether you’re after a peaceful walk or a high-energy climbing session, there’s plenty to do outside. Here are some of the best outdoor activities in Central London to try this year.

Must-visit parks and gardens in Central London

If you’re looking for a free activities in Central London but still guarantee body movement, you cannot go wrong with parks & gardens here.  There’s something great about finding a green space amidst such a bustling city:

  • 1. The Phoenix Garden: A small, community-run garden near Soho with wildflowers, bees, and peaceful corners.
  • 2. Cavendish Square Gardens: Just behind Oxford Street, this is a calm spot for sitting in the sun with lunch.
  • 3. The Green Park: A simple but spacious park close to Buckingham Palace, great for a relaxed walk.
  • 4. Regent’s Park: One of London’s biggest parks, with rose gardens, open lawns, and rowing on the lake.
  • 5. Russell Square:  A leafy square in Bloomsbury, surrounded by cafés and historic buildings.

Water activities to try out in Central London

If you’re in the mood to cool off or see the city from a new angle, London has some surprisingly great options by the water:

1. On the Thames River:

Join a guided kayak tour on the Thames: Paddle through the heart of London with views of Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

Paddleboarding on the Thames: A fun and active way to explore the river, especially in warmer months.

Watch rowing at Putney or Hammersmith: Find a bench and catch teams gliding by on weekend mornings.

Take a boat ride from Westminster to Greenwich: It’s not free, but it’s scenic and gets you outdoors.

 

 

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2. Other exciting sports activities in Central London that you can explore:

Swim in the heated pool at Oasis Sports Centre: This outdoor swimming Central London spot is open year-round and great for laps.

Boating on the Serpentine: Rent a pedal boat or rowboat in Hyde Park and float for a bit. 

Splash in Granary Square fountains: A family-friendly spot where over 1,000 jets light up and dance.

Dip into Hampstead Heath ponds: Technically North London, but still a favourite open-air swimming tradition.

 

Adrenaline-pumping activities in Central London

Looking for something more active? These outdoor activities in Central London add a bit of energy (and maybe a little competition) to your day out. Whether you’re racing, climbing, or shooting paintballs, here’s where to get moving:

F1® Arcade: Strap into a racing simulator and compete against your friends on digital tracks.

Urban Climb West End: Try indoor bouldering in a relaxed but challenging climbing space.

Monopoly Lifesized: Play a giant version of the  Monopoly classic board game with challenges in real-life sets.

 

 

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VauxWall East Climbing Centre: Another great indoor option with routes for all levels, close to Vauxhall.

Lift 109 at Battersea Power: Ride to the top of the iconic chimneys for epic city views

GO Paintball London & Laser Tag: Gear up and play tactical games in themed outdoor zones.

 

Where to visit outdoor fitness in Central London

If you’re looking to move a little more while enjoying the outdoors, these outdoor spots in Central will surely help you in keeping things energised.

1. London Fields Lido: One of the best spots for outdoor swimming in Central London, this Olympic-size heated pool is open year-round.

2. Outdoor exercise classes in parks: Join free or donation-based sessions like yoga, Pilates, or bootcamps in places like Hyde Park or Regent’s Park.

 

3. The Green Park outdoor gym:  Use open-air fitness stations for a self-paced workout right by Buckingham Palace.

5. Burgess Park BMX Track: Try your hand at riding a proper BMX trail in South London – it’s free and open to all skill levels.

6. Go Ape Battersea: Climb, swing, and zip through the trees in this high ropes course inside Battersea Park.

Explore more: Can’t miss locations for fitness in Central London 

 

Social experiences in the outdoors in Central London

If you’re after something laid-back but social, these outdoor activities let you connect with others or just enjoy being outside in a more playful way:

1. Relaxing activities to chill out:

Watch a movie beneath the stars: London’s outdoor cinema scene pops up in places like Somerset House, Battersea Park, and rooftop venues during summer. If you visit London with your significant other, this is probably one of the best Central London activities for couples.

Enjoy a picnic in one of Central London’s parks: Pack your favourites, pick a spot, and take it slow in places like Green Park, Russell Square, or Embankment Gardens.

Go on a silent disco walking tour: Put on headphones and dance-walk through the city while a guide leads your group on a musical adventure.

 

2. Cool activities for adventurers:

Go geocaching: Use an app and GPS clues to go on a real-world treasure hunt across London’s parks and hidden corners.

Join a group hike or walking club: Great way to explore the city, meet new people, and get your steps in while learning something new.

Take a trip to Vauxhall City Farm: A city farm where you can pet goats, meet alpacas, and take part in small events: great for all ages.

 

 

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Where to visit for relaxing activities in Central London?

If you’re after a slower pace without leaving the city, Fitzrovia Quarter is a great shout. Tucked between Oxford Street and Regent’s Park, this West End neighbourhood has a calm, creative feel – with plenty of ways to unwind.

Take a stroll through its charming streets lined with Georgian buildings, pop into a cosy café like KIN, Costa, or Kiss The Hippo, or explore small but brilliant galleries like The Cartoon Museum, Yield Gallery, and Hope 93.

Visit Fitzrovia Quarter to explore a quieter, more wellness-focused side of Central London.

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