Activities in London

Who says you have to fly to the Alps to get an adrenaline rush? While London may not have mountains to whizz down, it does have plenty of adventures of its own on offer, including the hugely popular London Marathon.

Ever wanted to stand at the very top of the iconic O2 Arena? The Up at The O2 experience lets you do just that. Your instructor will clip you in before you attempt the exhilarating 90-minute climb over the roof of the world’s most popular entertainment venue. Walks are available at twilight, at sunset or, for the really brave, at night. The 380m walkway reaches heights of 52m and when it’s clear you can see landmarks up to 15 miles away.

At Hyde Park you can rent paddle boats on the Serpentine, or brave the chilly waters for a spot of wild swimming in the Lido. But if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not see the park on horseback? Hyde Park Stables offer adults and children the chance to ride horses all year round round from 9am to 4pm, seven days a week. Beginners are welcome and there are five miles of bridleways to trot along.

The Cinch Championships, held every June at the iconic Queen's Club in London, is a real treat for tennis fans! Known for its top-notch grass courts, this tournament has seen legends like Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal grace its courts. It’s not just about the tennis, though – the atmosphere is fantastic, with fans enjoying the sun and the buzz of the city. Whether you're a die-hard tennis enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the Cinch Championships offer a perfect blend of thrilling matches and a lively, welcoming vibe.

If you’re unlucky with the weather and stuck with a rainy day, you’ll find that the city will more than make up for it with its supply of exciting indoor activities.

Give your socialising a competitive edge taking your friends for cocktails, street food and a few rounds of crazy golf at Swingers. Just off Oxford Street, this huge venue has a 1920s British seaside theme and two nine-hole crazy golf courses. The courses are well-designed to accommodate even large groups and there are four cocktail bars to choose from. They’ll even bring you drinks as you play.

There’s nothing like watching a movie on a rainy afternoon, but at the Curzon Soho you can do so much more - and all in luxurious surroundings. Once voted the number one cinema in London by Time Out magazine, there’s always something interesting going on, from documentary screenings complete with Q&A sessions with the directors to world and indie flicks.

Turn watching a movie into an immersive experience at the BFI Imax. With a screen as high as five double-decker buses and crystal-clear surround-sound, your eyes and ears are in for a feast. With a variety of 2D and 3D showings, you’ll find everything from action to independent films and animations.

Comfy shoes at the ready. Even if you already know the city like the back of your hand, walking tours are a great way to see some of London’s hidden gems and secret spots. There’ll be one to suit you, whatever your interests, whether that’s street art, literature or even food,

Calling all wizards! If you loved the Harry Potter Studio experience, why not try the Harry Potter Walking Tour? Learn secrets about the magical movie series as you visit all of the London locations you’ve seen on screen, from Diagon Alley to the Leaky Cauldron. Wands and glasses are optional but you will need a valid Oyster card to travel in Zone 1.

With pieces by Banksy and Ben Eine, Brick Lane is the epicentre of London’s street art scene and a walking tour is the best way to get to see it all. Shoreditch Street Art Tours is one of the best on offer, with friendly guides who’ll tell you all about the stories behind the pieces, the artists and the area.

Get a taste of what the city has to offer by booking a Borough Market Food Walking Tour. The three-hour walk takes you through London’s street food scene and helps you discover the best produce in the area, from fudge to Cumberland sausages, with some secret foodie treats thrown in, too.

Cycling in London can pose its challenges, but there are ways to make it less stressful. So grab your own two wheels (or hire a Boris bike) and head to some of the city’s quietest cycling trails.

When it comes to cycling trails in the capital, Richmond Park can’t be beaten. This vast green oasis in South West London has a 10.8km circuit that has to be the most picturesque in town. You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of the countryside, just watch out for the deer as you whizz along.

The route along the Regent’s Canal towpath is totally traffic free. Start in Regent's Park, then follow the towpath as it meanders through London Zoo, offering tantalising glimpses of the animals inside. Then dodge the tourists at Camden Market, before the ride back to Regent’s Park again.