London, England: Top Outdoor Activities

The first step to enjoying a city like London is to take in all the iconic spots the location has to offer, like the legendary Fortnum & Mason department store on Piccadilly or the plentiful pubs and cafes. But, London has a wealth of other sites to see and activities to try, as well.

And, just because you’re vacationing in the world’s most visited city does not mean you have to shell out a lot of money to enjoy yourself. Some of the greatest things to do in London are either free or relatively inexpensive. For example, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a colorful and fascinating tradition that takes place at Buckingham Palace and is free to watch.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the vast green spaces the city has to offer, as well. Hyde Park is one of London’s biggest parks, and it features the winding Serpentine Lake. Greenwich Park is another huge green space in the city, and it hosted several events at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

This British capital city has been expanding its bicycle infrastructure and has quickly become a bike-friendly metropolis. Public rental services are great for gaining access to a bike if you don’t have one with you. Not only does this help you cut costs when it comes to transportation, it is also a peaceful and easy way to see the sites.

Adventure seekers can turn to the more exciting sport of BMX. For instance, head to the BMX track at Haggerston Park where you can land some awesome tricks or perform some sweet jumps.

If you can’t get enough of the outdoors, then hop in a raft and hit the white water. One of the city’s primary venues for this sport is the Lee Valley White Water Centre found in Hertfordshire, which was built ahead of the 2012 London Olympics. Not only is it a great setting for amateur and professional athletes to practice their sport, it is also the perfect place for rafting or canoe enthusiasts to get their fix. This is an ideal activity to enjoy if you’re traveling in a group, as long as you’re not afraid to get a little wet.

Whether you’re an active or passive tourist, whether you’re traveling alone or in a group, London is sure to show you a good time.