23 Outdoor Activities London Has To Offer (That You Actually Want to Do)

Location: Various

Treasure and scavenger hunts like these are the perfect last-minute outdoor activities in London. 

Packed with puzzles, riddles and fiendish clues, each of these trails offers new and fascinating insights to places you might have walked past a million times - or would never think to visit off your own back.

All the clues are sent to you via WhatsApp, and it’s super easy to book and use (even if the puzzles themselves are a challenge!). It's a fantastic way to challenge your brain and make an ordinary walk extraordinary—plus, it’s a lot more fun than staring at Netflix’s "Are you still watching?" screen.

Practical information: Flexible timing—start and stop whenever you want. Prices vary depending on the hunt, but starting from £15 per player. All routes include pub or café stops (some even with a handy discount!) along the route!

Location: Parks across London (Hyde Park, Regent's Park, etc.)

Although most of us think of London as an urban environment, it may come as a surprise to you to learn that 20% of the UK capital is public green space. 

This means that pretty much everywhere you go, you’re bound to find some outdoor activities in London going on just around the corner from you at a nearby park or designated space for you to enjoy.

You might be somebody who enjoys HIIT workouts (good for you!) or have an inner yogi inside of you (Meet Up is great for finding yoga classes), or maybe something totally different. Either way, they’re free to use and belong to the public, make the most of them! 

Practical information: Most parks are open 24/7 and many classes are free or low-cost. Check online for specific class timings or just bring a ball and get creative with your own workout.

Looking for festive outdoor activities in London this Christmas? Take part in a magical Christmas lights treasure hunt!

This self-guided adventure mixes the fun of an outdoor escape room with the beauty of London’s dazzling holiday displays. Delivered straight to your phone via WhatsApp, you'll solve clues, navigate through the city’s most iconic light displays, and discover hidden gems along a 3-5km route.

Perfect for families, couples, or friends, this festive walk offers fresh air, exploration, and plenty of Christmas cheer

Location: East London

Whitechapel is hardly at the top of most people’s lists for finding outdoor activities in London - it is, after all, slap-bang in London’s East End - but there’s much more to the area than meets the eye.

Everyone’s heard of Jack the Ripper, but what you might not know is that there was a string of other murders connected to the Ripper around the same time - and in this outdoor escape room, it’ll be your job to figure out whether one of them can be attributed to the Ripper himself.

Based on facts, you’ll read snippets from real police reports, uncover facts and follow a trail of clues before making your decision. 

Practical information: The experience lasts around two hours. Prices start from £15 per person. Play rain or shine, so bring a brolly just in case (or postpone your game free of charge).

Location: Various 

If you’re on the hunt for outdoor activities in London that boost your Vitamin D levels and get some much-needed fresh air, ditch the stuffy studio for some stretches and scenic views. 

You can keep things cheap by just rocking up at a local park with your mat (or a towel, fancy gear doesn’t make you better at yoga) or, for a fee, book into a class. Personally, I like Yoga Rise’s classes held on top of the Bussey Building in Peckham.

Other places that offer outdoor yoga classes in London during the spring and summer months include Chelsea Physic Garden, Kew Gardens (not strictly “outside” but you will be surrounded by beautiful plants) and Urban Tribe’s classes at Highbury Fields. 

Practical information: Classes range from £10 to £20+ depending on location, some places even have some free classes available. Check individual venues for schedules during the spring and summer months.

Location: Central London or East London

For unique outdoor activities in London that combine adventure and food, a mystery picnic is a perfect choice.

Mystery picnics like these are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, quality time with loved ones and support local businesses. 

Through WhatsApp, you’ll be sent clues that lead you to different locations to pick up gourmet treats from local vendors. By the end, you’ll have a delicious picnic spread to enjoy somewhere picturesque and al fresco-friendly. No more organisation needed!

Practical information: Mystery picnics are available on 7 days a week, with prices starting at £80 per couple.

Perfect for anybody who binge-watched or played The Last of Us, Humanity’s Last is an outdoor escape room game that puts you and your team at the centre of a crisis. And not to be dramatic, but, the fate of the city rests on your shoulders. 

Test your wits, solve puzzles, and navigate iconic landmarks while dodging the undead, and race to find a cure before we’re all taken over by *zombies.

*Obviously, this is a fictional storyline. But it’s super immersive and a lot of fun, especially if there’s a group of you!

Practical information: Typically lasts two hours. Tickets start at £20 per person. Best for groups—so grab your bravest mates and team up! Pre-booking is required, and comfortable shoes are a must.

For fun outdoor activities in London that involve entering a mini urban Garden of Eden, head to Chelsea Physic Garden.

One of my favourite places to escape the urban hubbub for a while, Chelsea Physic Garden feels a million miles away from its actual location a stone’s throw away from the Thames. 

There’s loads to see and do here: explore the Garden’s collection of around 5,000 different medicinal, herbal, and edible plants, sign up to a workshop or event, go for a stroll or practise photography - the choices are endless. 

Practical information: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm. Ticket prices start at £13.50 for adults. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

For fun outdoor activities in London that stretch your brain and your legs, give a self-guided walking tour a try. 

Not only are trails like these more interactive than your typical walking tour, but they give you the opportunity to discover the stories and secrets behind some of London's less trodden paths at your own pace (and you don’t have any strangers tagging along with you, either).

Whether it's historical enclaves, modern street art, or unique cultural pockets you’re after, you're bound to come away with a new appreciation for the capital. 

Practical information: As they’re self-guided, tours can be started anytime and are available year-round. Prices start from £15 per person, with routes lasting from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Discover the ultimate fun outdoor activity in London with a day trip to Richmond Park. 

This sprawling oasis is not just London's largest royal park, but a vibrant wildlife sanctuary. 

Home to plenty of birdlife, butterflies, bats and best of all, majestic red and fallow deer, Richmond Park offers you the benefits of the countryside without ever having to leave London. 

If you want to do something a little different, take a walk up to King Henry’s Mound. Once a prehistoric burial chamber from the Bronze Age, King Henry’s Mound is now a stunning viewpoint that offers incredible views of the Thames Valley and even St Paul’s Cathedral. 

Practical information: Open daily from 7am until dusk. Free entry. Ideal for walking, cycling, and picnicking—just remember to keep a respectful distance from the deer!

While London might lack beaches, its lidos more than make up for it! 

These outdoor swimming pools are perfect for a refreshing dip on sunny days (or a bracing one on cooler days). Of course, it’s up to you whether you rack up some laps or just have a casual splash, London’s lidos cater to all. Just don’t expect tropical waters—British weather keeps things…refreshing!

Here are my recommendations: 

• 📍Charlton Lido (a 50 metre heated outdoor pool with a lovely terrace)
• 📍Parliament Hill Lido (A grade-II listed lido that isn’t heated, so beware on cooler days)
• 📍Hampton Pool (Has two outdoor heated pools, one that is just for adults and another for little ones). 

Practical information: Entry prices starting around £5. Some pools are heated (thankfully!), but check the lido's details before diving in!

Love him or hate him, Banky’s famous for his interesting, occasionally humorous, sometimes insightful street art murals, and even though he’s Bristol-born, he’s imprinted plenty of them in the UK capital. 

For a short, quick outdoor activity in London that won’t cost you a penny, you could do a lot worse than tracking some of them down. 

Some of the murals are more elusive than others, but you’ll find all of them hiding in plain sight in London’s streets.

PSST: Combine tracking down a Banksy with uncovering more East End secrets in Search for Shoreditch!

Practical information: Free to explore at your own pace. Most murals are in public spaces, so just keep a keen eye out as you look around!

Don’t scroll past just yet - there’s much more to beer gardens than just having a pint in (at best) temperate weather. 

Securing a table at a London beer garden on a sunny day is akin to finding a needle in a haystack - challenging but immensely rewarding. These coveted outdoor spots are where you'll find Londoners basking in the rare British sunshine, pint in hand, surrounded by friends - and it’s not all about the booze, either.

If you don’t drink alcohol, no matter. Plenty of pubs offer additional games or outdoor activities you can do to wile away the hours (like darts, pool, or even pétanque!). 

Practical information: Most beer gardens are open daily, and games are usually free or low-cost to play. Prices vary, but expect to spend around £5 for a pint. Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a good table!

If you’re looking for unconventional but fun outdoor activities in London, try figuring out the back stories to some of the city’s most wonderful anomalies. 

Why are there headless lamp posts in Kensington? What’s a cow got to do with a Greenwich churchyard? And which Central London pub became a favourite for Mozart and Punk Rockers alike? Find out the answers by embarking on an outdoor exploration game around London’s most mystery-filled streets near you!

Practical information: Free to explore at your own pace. Use an online guide or app to locate these hidden gems and enjoy a quirky day out around London’s streets.

It might look like a forest of skyscrapers, but in reality, Canary Wharf is home to plenty of outdoor activities in London - you just need to know where to look. 

With spaces dedicated to ping-pong, basketball, and even beach volleyball, this financial district transforms into a playground for the active soul. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking for a casual game, these facilities offer a fantastic way to enjoy sports with a view. 

Practical information: Free-to-use ping-pong tables and courts are available throughout the year. No need to book—just turn up and play! Equipment hire is often available at nearby shops or bring your own.

It probably hasn’t escaped your notice by this stage that a lot of outdoor activities in London are about making most of what’s available just beyond your doorstep, and this is no exception.

In my opinion, Regent’s Canal is an underrated hidden gem. Sure, the Thames is lovely, and there’s no beating some of the views of the bridges and iconic London landmarks, but you know what’s just as lovely? Encountering vibrant street art, quirky floating bookshops, and cosy canal-side cafes.

Practical information: The canal is open to the public year-round, and you can rent canal boats for a unique perspective. There are loads of nearby stopping points along the way to grab a coffee or a bite to eat.

One of my favourite places to go in London when I need a bit of inspiration, London’s Chinatown has plenty to offer a casual passerby or a local looking for things to do outdoors in London.

Why? It’s got it all: atmosphere, vibrant colours, and tantalising smells that make your belly rumble even if you’ve just eaten. 

Wander through its streets to find everything from traditional Chinese medicine shops to bakeries selling sweet buns and dim sum restaurants or just take some time out to people-watch. And don’t miss out on the many events or festivals held here–there’s way more to look forward to than Lunar New Year! 

Practical information: Open year-round, with no entry fee. Food prices vary, with plenty of options for all budgets.

For a truly immersive London experience, snag some standing tickets at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Not only do you get to stand (yes, really stand) as a 'Groundling' in the open yard, just as the common folk did back in Shakespeare's day, but you'll also be up close and personal with the actors, feeling every soliloquy and sword fight in your bones. 

Practical information: Standing tickets (Groundling) start at £5. Performances run rain or shine, so bring a raincoat and wear comfortable shoes—there’s no seating!

You didn’t think time travelling would be on this list of fun outdoor activities in London, did you? Well, it isn’t - but this is the next best thing.

Step into the pages of a Dickens novel with this thrilling outdoor adventure game. 

As you wander through Dickens' old stomping grounds in Soho, Covent Garden, and Mayfair, you’ll follow cryptic text messages and clues in a race to unravel a literary mystery. Who is the mysterious figure you're tracking, and what does he want? Only one way to find out…

Practical information: The game takes around 2-3 hours and can be played at any time. Tickets start at £15 per person, and all you need is a phone with WhatsApp installed (plus cellular data) to receive the clues.

If you’ve been in London a while, you might be feeling like you’ve seen it all already. Well, I’ll challenge you on that assumption, ‘cos I’m betting you haven’t seen it from the water.

For those who’ve never been in a kayak before, don’t worry–you don’t need to qualify for the Olympics to figure out how it works. You’ll get a quick lesson in basic strokes ensures smooth sailing for everyone

Starting at The Pirate Castle, you’ll glide past scenic spots like London Zoo and Camden Lock, all while getting a low-key workout and soaking in the views. 

Practical information: Tours last 1.5 hours and cost around £40 per person. Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, with all equipment provided (18+ only).

Easily one of my favourite hidden gems in London, I urge anyone and everyone to escape the city’s bustle and see the fragrant beauty of Queen Mary’s Rose Garden.

Tucked away in the heart of Regent’s Park, the Rose Garden has over 12,000 roses and 85 different varieties (who knew there were even that many?) and it’s just the loveliest place when the weather’s nice.

Obviously, this place is at it’s best during late spring and summer when the roses are in bloom, but even on drizzly mornings or foggy afternoons, I just get a thrill from seeing it. 

Practical information: Open daily from dawn to dusk. Entry is free, and nearby cafes offer refreshments.

For an eerie yet fascinating outdoor activity, take a stroll through one of London’s historic cemeteries. 

Yes it’s unconventional and even a bit strange, but people forget just how much history is crammed into a place like a graveyard. 

Gothic architecture, notable residents, Victorian tombs, a ghost story or ten–even a few places where satanic rituals took place–it’s all here and waiting to be discovered. 

Practical information: Some cemeteries, like Highgate, require a small entry fee and offer guided tours. Others are free and open during daylight hours. Remember to be respectful of the space.

FYI, Greenwich offers much more than just the tourist staples like the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum. 

This area is a treasure trove of scientific, architectural, and royal heritage waiting to be explored. From the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian line to the sprawling greenery of Greenwich Park and the historic Greenwich Market, there's plenty to see and do in every corner.

Delve into the area's rich history, stand on the meridian line where East meets West, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of London (and don’t forget to visit the nice pubs dotted around, either). 

Practical information: Most attractions are open year-round, with some offering free entry. For a more interactive experience, try an immersive exploration game that takes you through Greenwich’s hidden gems.

If you’re looking for peaceful but scenic outdoor activities in London, I’d advise you to hop on a bike.

I’ll confess that I’m not a fan of riding a bike in London at the best of times (I feel like it’s a Marmite situation, love it or hate it, y’know?) but those worries ease somewhat near nature–at least for me. 

There are some really nice and picturesque cycle paths dotted around (near the Commons is a particular favourite of mine) and it’s a really nice way to keep fit and active.

Practical information: You can rent a bike from Santander Cycle docking stations across the city or bring your own. The routes are free to access and open year-round—perfect for a solo ride or a group adventure.