London for outdoor activities in London is an exciting city, with a unique atmosphere, a mix between the most traditional of the English and the modernity of a city at the forefront, but without forgetting the heritage of the British Empire, which has led to a cultural mix in this city that will surprise you at every corner.
Fun outdoor activities London is one of the outstanding cities of Europe, the capital of England and the United Kingdom; It is a city whose history dates back millennia and was originally founded under the name of Londinium, keeping until today the most important of its medieval culture and traditions.
It is the most visited city in Europe and a vibrant city in constant transformation, with a thousand outdoor activities in London.
Beyond such emblematic and well-known attractions as Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, the Palace of Westminster and the London Eye, we explain bluntly what visits you can make according to your travel preferences.
London is one of the most cultural cities in the world, and this is evidenced by the quality of world-class centres such as the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the British Museum, which are also free!
There are outdoor activities in London, in addition to visiting some of the most popular museums in Europe, tasting the famous pints in the best bars in the city or even various plans to do with children in London.
Table of Contents
What outdoor activities can you do in London? 9 Awesome Activities.
1. V&A Cast Courts; Reproduced Famous Sculptures
You’ll find an impressive five-metre-high reproduction in Kensington, in the Cast Courts of the V&A.
Collecting plaster reproductions of European monuments and works of art for the British public was a popular activity in the 19th century, and at the V&A, you can experience something like that again.
An essential place to see many sculptures whose originals have been damaged.
2. Borough Market; A World-Class Produce Market
This mega-market on London Bridge has a history dating back to the 13th century, and it’s busier than ever: Borough Market is packed with traditional artisans like Brindisa and Monmouth Coffee.
Take a seat under the glass and steel roof and watch the workers pack their wares at what is the city’s largest food market. You have many things to do in London outside.
3. See The National Collection Of Modern Art At The Tate Museum
Can’t decide between visiting Tate Modern’s ‘Picassos’ or Tate Britain’s ‘Constables’? Visit both!
The Tate Boat (decorated with elements of Damien Hirst) connects the River Thames, the Tate Britain by the Vauxhall Bridge, and the Tate Modern on Bankside.
\It does so every 40 minutes during museum business hours, seven days a week (except December 24-26).
4. Visit The Botanical Garden In London; The Kew Gardens
The colours at Kew change throughout the year: from a gorgeous sea of two million purple and white flowers in February to the pink cherry blossoms on Cherry Walk in March, to the red poppies that bloom in August to the fruit autumn leaves of the Berberis bushes.
Visit the Kew Gardens website to find out what will be in bloom when you plan your visit to this botanical wonderland.
5. Enjoy a Shakespearean Play Where Shakespeare Used To Perform; The Globe Theater
In this reconstruction of the original Globe Theater, you can see a Shakespearean play as Elizabethan audiences saw it at the time.
In Shakespeare’s time, many theatregoers did it standing up, and they also had the best view of the theatre. At the Globe, you can do it for only 5 pounds.
6. Buy Flowers For Your Loved One At Columbia Road
A weekend institution in East London is the flower market that covers Columbia Road on Sundays. It’s a fact: it’s fashionable, and it’s also one of the best places for outdoor activities in London.
Here you can buy flowers, plants for window boxes and even a banana tree if you have space at home. It’s open until 3 pm, but to get the best buys, you’ll need to get there around 8 am.
7. Book a Show At London’s West End
London’s West End is the best place for outdoor activities in London, there is an insatiable appetite for Broadway adaptations like ‘The Book of Mormon and ‘Kinky Boots.
They also offer great works of their own such as ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, by Andrew Lloyd Webber; ‘Les Misérables’, by Cameron Mackintosh; and ‘Matilda the Musical’.
Usually, last-minute tickets at the Leicester Square box office are the best option to get a good price.
8. Explore The Market At Portobello Road
There are stalls selling vegetables and other interesting things during the week, but Saturdays are the best day to go to Portobello Market and take advantage of it.
At the end of Portobello Road, in Chepstow Villas, you’ll see antique and bric-a-brac stalls. Do not be fooled by the folding tables because we promise you that there are many hidden treasures.
And if what you are looking for is second-hand shopping, continue down the same street, past Westway, and you will find them.
9. The Cultural Hub, Southbank Center
The Southbank Center is the ultimate arts complex. A true cultural Transformer: it can be converted into an artistic need.
It is made up of three rooms and several small spaces and terraces, where a large number of activities take place, such as the London Literature Festival, the Meltdown and the Women’s World Festival.
Do not hesitate and go enjoy a Vegan cake at the market or buy an edition of an interesting book at the Southbank Center Book Market.
9 Tips for travellers who want to enjoy outdoor activities in London:
- Take advantage of the free walking tours offered by many official tour guides as well as many amateur walking tour companies.
- Pack plenty of layers as the weather can change quickly.
- Make sure to check the opening times for all attractions, as many are closed during certain days or hours of the week.
- London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe; be prepared to budget accordingly for activities and attractions that you wish to experience.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of exploring to do!
- Take advantage of public transportation- it will save you time and money when getting around town!
- Bring your camera- you won’t want to miss out on capturing any memories while enjoying outdoor activities in London!
- Look for luggage storage in London to free up your hands and make it easier to explore.
- London has much more to offer than just the typical tourist attractions- so be open to exploring and discovering places off the beaten path!
FAQ’s
How can I spend my afternoon in London?
Anish Kapoor’s ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture was one of the biggest surprises in the 2012 Olympic Park and one of the most fun outdoor activities in London places. Sliding down its 178-meter-high slide-work of art, which winds around the tower until it reaches the ground, is an incredible experience. Created by Belgian artist CarstenHöller, the slide will take you from the top of the sculpture to the bottom in just 40 seconds. Also, there are several clear plastic windows to look out for. You can spend your afternoon at this place.
Where can I dance outside in London?
Whether you already know the city from previous trips or it’s your first time, there are plenty of places where you can dance outside in London. Day and night, there is so much to see and do in this wonderful city: from incredible attractions that could be on a postcard to hip spots in quirky places.
What can you do on a sunny day?
There are many things to do outdoors in London on a sunny day. Discover iconic squares like Trafalgar and Leicester Square, more unforgettable bridges over the Thames like Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge, or historical temples like Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Our conclusion:
London offers an exciting blend of tradition and modernity, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities. From historical markets like Borough and Portobello to cultural hubs like the Tate Museum and Southbank Center, the city is rich with diverse experiences.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic Kew Gardens, and the vibrant Columbia Road Flower Market, and even catch a Shakespearean play at the Globe Theater. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks or uncovering hidden gems, London’s dynamic atmosphere ensures there’s always something new to discover.
