Looking for fun outdoor team-building activities in London? Check out these London Team Building Activities for some inspiration!
Finding outdoor activities in London that suit everyone’s tastes and whims is a tricky business that might require a bit more planning than usual.
With more than just the elements to contend with - “outdoors” is a tricky business in England at the best of times - it’s never a bad time to have a handy list of ideas for things to do outside in London.
And that’s where we come in! We’ve put together a list of London outdoor activities that you can do with friends, family, colleagues or your partner - come rain or shine. Whether you’re after an urban adventure or fresh ideas, we’re here to show you what’s worth doing, where, and some handy tips and tricks along the way.
Ready to find out how you’ll be spending your next excursion into the great outdoors in London? Read on!
And just so you know, nobody pays us to be featured on this list. They’re just our recommendations to you, so you can find the best things to do in London.
The Best Outdoor Activities in London
Uncover Peculiar Urban Secrets and Hidden Gems on a Treasure Hunt or Scavenger Hunt
For me, there’s nothing more enticing than the promise of an adventure - even if it just so happens to take place just beyond my back garden.
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.
Since you don’t need to book way in advance and you can stop and start the treasure hunt whenever you like, this is an easy way to have a fun day out with next to no planning required (there’s even built-in pub and café recommendations along the way and some of them even come with discounts!).
Take a second (or even third) glance at some pretty unusual places, have some laughs decoding clues with your friends or family and immerse yourself in London’s many quirks - it’s two or three hours you’d otherwise spend in front of your TV trying to decide what to watch but more wholesome, fun and good for you!
Join a Fitness Class or Exercise at One of London’s Many Parks
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 in London, there’s a nearby park or designated space where you can be outdoors totally free of charge - and fairly often, they’re teeming with outdoor activities you can try.
Whether you fancy a bit of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) amidst the royal backdrop of Hyde Park or a combined hike and yoga session organised on Meet Up, there’s plenty happening around you.
PSST: Of course, if you’re feeling especially creative, you could even create your own activity. All you really need is good company, a space that allows you to kick, throw or swing a ball around and you’ve got yourself a game!
Solve a Centuries-Old Murder Attributed to Jack The Ripper
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.
To this day, Whitechapel’s legacy is haunted by the 11 brutal murders that are said to have been perpetrated by the infamous and elusive Jack The Ripper. What you might not know is that there were 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 a true story, you’ll read snippets from real police reports, uncover facts and follow a trail of clues before making your decision. Perfect for savvy sleuths and armchair detectives alike, this activity has you trotting around London satisfied with your day’s work.
Do Some of the Most Scenic Yoga in The City
If you’re on the hunt for outdoor activities in London that boost your Vitamin D levels and get some much-needed fresh air, finding a good outdoor yoga venue might just be the best option for you.
For me, the less pretentious a yoga class is, the more enjoyable it tends to be. That said, there’s something really wonderful about stretching in glorious surroundings - and luckily, there’s no shortage of them around London.
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.
Outwit a Zombie Apocalypse on an Outdoor Escape Room
Ever fantasised about being the hero in a post-apocalyptic saga? One of the best outdoor activities in London for people who’d typically prefer to be attached to a games controller or in front of a screen, this outdoor escape room makes you the main character in an apocalyptic adventure of your own.
Solve puzzles, crack codes, and outsmart the undead to save humanity. In this immersive game, the hitherto unheard of “Z-Virus” has spread from a Wembley pop concert, turning everyday people into dangerous, mindless zombies…
Race against the clock to find the cure, make decisions that impact the outcome of the game and follow a gripping storyline that takes you around some of London’s most iconic landmarks!
Fun Outdoor Activities in London
Visit One of The World’s Oldest Botanic Gardens - Chelsea Physic Garden
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. Incredibly, this verdant sanctuary has been a centre of botanical research and education since its founding in 1673.
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.
Take The “Un” Out of “Unfamiliar” With a Self-Guided Walking Tour Somewhere You’ve Never Visited
As any Londoner will tell you, there’s much more to London than just its iconic Tower, bridges or Buckingham Palace.
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. Just remember to wear comfy shoes - you'll be surprised how quickly the miles add up when you're distracted by fascinating tales and sights!
Spot Wildlife at Richmond Park - And Get a Top-Notch View of St Paul's Cathedral From King Henry's Mound
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.
Make a Splash at a London Lido
If there's one thing I miss most when I'm in London, it's the presence of a beach or an abundance of lakes to splash around in.
Luckily, London's city planners have thought of water babies like me and what it lacks in beaches and swim-friendly lakes, it more than makes up for with lidos. (Ironically, “lido” is actually the Italian word for “beach” - but just in case you aren’t British, in the UK, “lido” is what we call an outdoor swimming pool!)
Whether you're in it for the leisurely laps or just a way to cool down on a balmy summer's day, London's lidos are your go-to for outdoor swimming. Just be prepared for the temperature shock - British sunshine does not tropical waters make!
My favourite lidos in the city include 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) and Hampton Pool (Has two outdoor heated pools, one that is just for adults and another for little ones).
Grab a Table at A Beer Garden and Maybe Indulge in Some Pub Games
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.
My personal favourite is the Prince of Wales in Kennington where you can hire a pétanque (sort of like mini boules) set. When you’re done or you’re ready to head inside, the bar has plenty of food and drink to satisfy rumbling tummies and there’s even a cosy fire if you were a little optimistic about the weather!
Find our guide to the best beer gardens in London here.
Track Down London’s Weirdest Statues, Sculptures and Stories
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!
Play a Game of Ping-Pong, Basketball, or Beach Volleyball at Canary Wharf
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.
Take a Closer Look at Shoreditch’s Street Art
If you feel an affinity with the arts, put a trip to Shoreditch at the top of your list.
Shoreditch is the canvas of London's vibrant street art scene, where every wall, door, and shutter tells a story. Taking a closer look at this open-air gallery reveals works ranging from Banksy’s socio-political statements to ROA’s monochrome animal murals. This area's ever-changing nature means each visit could unveil new pieces, offering a fresh perspective on the creative pulse of the city.
Whether you're an art aficionado or simply curious, Shoreditch's streets offer an ever-evolving tapestry of urban creativity to explore. Don't forget to look up; some of the best pieces are above eye level!
Want to discover the best pieces of Shoreditch’s street art and history? Check out this curated trail - it even includes a Banksy original!
Seek Out Regents Canal’s Coolest Bookshop
There’s no need to overcomplicate finding outdoor activities in London. In fact, the best place to start is with a humble walk - and what better place to walk to than a bookish Eden?
Nestled on the waters of Regent's Canal lies Word on the Water, a floating haven for bibliophiles. This 1920s Dutch barge turned bookshop offers a quirky, cosy space filled with new and used books across a multitude of genres.
With poetry slams, live music events, and a resident cat adding to its charm, this floating bookstore provides a unique backdrop for literature lovers to find their next read or simply while away a few hours on the water.
Discover More Than “Just” The Cutty Sark in Greenwich
Too many people only experience the tourist version of Greenwich: the origins of GMT, the Cutty Sark and The National Maritime Museum. With these legendary venues within a stone’s throw of one another, it’s too easy to think you’ve seen and done it all - but you couldn’t be more wrong.
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.
Discover Greenwich the best way possible: By playing an interactive and immersive exploration game!
Indulge Your Senses at London’s Iconic Chinatown
Step into the vibrant heart of London's Chinatown and let your senses be overwhelmed by the bustling atmosphere, the colourful sights, and the tantalising smells.
This area is a feast for the senses, offering a plethora of authentic cuisine, unique shops, and cultural experiences. 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.
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.
PSST: Check out any upcoming events before you visit! There are way more festivals packed into the Chinese calendar than Lunar New Year. From the annual springtime Qing Ming Festival to honouring National Tea Day, there’s always something to learn or appreciate.
Get Standing Tickets for Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
For a truly immersive Elizabethan London experience, snagging standing tickets at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a must for your outdoor activities list in London.
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. It's outdoor theatre with a twist, offering both the charm of historical authenticity and the thrill of live performance.
PSST: Make sure to wear comfy shoes and maybe bring a hat if it's sunny. If it rains, the show goes ahead and a brolly will probably annoy whoever is standing next to you so don’t forget your raincoat either!
Become a Main Character in a Dickens-Themed Outdoor Adventure Game
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.
This interactive experience weaves a captivating fictional narrative inspired by the spirit of Dickens' works into a mysterious meander through Soho, Covent Garden and Mayfair. Text messages will lead the way as you follow a mysterious figure around Dickens’ former haunts. Who is he? What does he want? Will you help? Only you can give the answers…
This adventure offers a unique blend of literary homage and interactive fun, making it a perfect outdoor activity for those who love history, literature, and a good mystery.
See London From the Comfort of a Kayak at The Pirate Castle
For an outdoor activity that gives you a different perspective of London, try a tour with a nautical twist.
This unique adventure promises a blend of tranquillity and exercise as you gently paddle along the Regent's Canal with a group and guide. Before embarking on the journey towards the enchanting views of London Zoo and the iconic Camden Lock, you'll get a crash course in basic paddle strokes, ensuring a smooth sail regardless of your experience level.
The 1.5-hour tour welcomes both novices and seasoned paddlers, and it's an unparalleled way to witness some of London's most picturesque scenes from the water.
There’s a first time for everything - and if you haven’t seen London from its waterways, this is your excuse to try!
Watch a Film Under the Stars with Luna Cinema
Looking for outdoor activities in London that are film-buff friendly? Embrace the magic of outdoor cinema with Luna Cinema.
This outdoor cinema experience elevates the ordinary pastime of watching films by bringing them to enchanting locations across London, from royal parks to historic sites.
Luna Cinema curates a selection of films ranging from timeless classics to modern favourites, ensuring there's something for every taste. Bring a blanket, a picnic, some people who know a good movie when they see one, or just come alone and soak up the atmosphere.
Don't forget to check their schedule and book your tickets in advance to secure your spot under the night sky.
Find More Fun Things to Do in London with CityDays
So there you have it, 20+ outdoor activities in London you can do today, tomorrow, or whenever you fancy!
Whatever your interests are, there’s always something new for you to discover in London.
In fact, you don’t have to go out of your way at all to find them - you just have to know where to look.
Discover London’s secret sights and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our London treasure and scavenger hunts, urban adventures, escape room games or walking tours.
You’ll find curated trails and hunts all over London, including Central London, Greenwich Mayfair, Shoreditch, Kensington and Southwark.
All you have to do is team up with your partner, friends, family or whoever to solve riddles, complete challenges and answer trivia to lead you on an unforgettable journey around London’s most intriguing streets.
The best part? We’ll recommend top-rated pubs, cafés and restaurants and give your team the chance to earn rewards by competing on our leaderboard.
CityDays gives you total freedom to start and finish whenever you like, take extra breaks if you want or need them, and it’s suitable for people of all ages.