What Are Some of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities to Do in London?

Dec 17th, 2024

London might be a bustling urban jungle, but it’s packed with outdoor adventures that’ll get your adrenaline pumping, test your skills, and make you feel alive. Whether you’re catching waves, zipping through the sky, or rolling around in paintball gear, there’s something for every thrill-seeker. So, let’s dive into some of the most exciting outdoor activities in London—from surfing lakes to sky-high swings!

1. The Wave: Surfing School – London & Bristol

Surfing in the UK without catching a flight? Sign me up! Soon to land in Enfield (North London), The Wave is a game-changer for inland surfing, offering perfect waves in a stunning, green setting. But if you’re too excited to wait, their Bristol location is already making waves—literally—and it’s just a one-hour train ride away!

At its core, The Wave is about more than surfing; it’s a destination built on a passion for nature, technology, and wellness. Their man-made surfing lake delivers perfect, consistent waves for all skill levels, surrounded by lush green space. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a total beginner, you’ll leave feeling reconnected to nature, happier in mind and body, and, quite frankly, surf-ready. So what’s so cool about it?

• Unbelievable surfing experiences inland—no coast required.

• A mission to help you surf more, reconnect to the planet, and feel alive.

2. Lee Valley White Water Rafting – Adrenaline on Tap

Ready to ride some rapids ( like real water rapids )? Head over to Lee Valley White Water Centre for an unforgettable rafting adventure. Originally built for the 2012 Olympics, this centre offers everything from heart-racing white water rafting to their extreme Rodeo Rafting experience, where it’s all about speed, splashes, and holding on for dear life.

• Winter Rafting: Brave the waves even in colder months with sessions running November–March. Gather up to 9 friends and take on the rapids for just £450 per raft.

• Bucket List Fun: 90 minutes of adrenaline-packed action where you’ll drop, splash, and surf through roaring waves.

Whether you’re here with family, friends, or workmates, Lee Valley is guaranteed to deliver thrills and spills. Not for the faint-hearted but 100% worth it for the memories.

3. Greenwich Peninsula Golf Range – Golf with a View

Golf, but make it urban. Greenwich Peninsula Golf Range delivers the ultimate golfing experience, complete with stunning views of Canary Wharf and top-notch facilities.

• Driving Range: Each bay comes with a cozy sofa and table, so you can kick back, sip drinks, and cheer on your friends.

• CrazyPutt Adventure Golf: An 18-hole mini-golf course inspired by famous holes worldwide—perfect for families or friendly competitions.

With tech-driven bays, expert coaching, and a rooftop bar serving food, beers, and cocktails, this is where golf meets relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, it’s a hole-in-one for outdoor fun.

4. Go Paintball London – Unleash Your Inner Action Hero

Ever wanted to feel like Sylvester Stallone—minus the Hollywood explosions? Go Paintball London is the closest you’ll get to action-hero status, just 30 minutes from central London.

Run by UK #1 Paintball champion Tommy ‘Gun’ Pemberton, Go Paintball London is packed with professionally designed battlefields and high-quality equipment. From semi-automatic paintball markers to sniper rifle upgrades, you’ll feel ready for anything.

Why it’s a must-try:

• Play on incredible game maps inspired by video games like Call of Duty.

• Two professional-level gun upgrades to suit your play style.

• All-weather gear, so rain or shine, you’ll have crystal-clear vision.

It’s the ultimate group activity for adrenaline lovers—just don’t forget to duck!

5. Wakeboarding at WakeUp Docklands – City Surfing

Set in London’s Royal Docks, WakeUp Docklands is perfect for anyone looking to ride the waves—urban style. This wakeboarding hub offers everything from beginner sessions to more advanced hydrofoiling for those wanting to level up their skills.

• Blue Cable Experience: Ideal for beginners, this 1-hour session includes 15 minutes of water time per person (max 4 participants). You’ll start with a safety briefing and receive 1-to-1 coaching from expert instructors to get you gliding like a pro.

• All-year-round fun: Wetsuits, boards, and helmets are provided, so you can wakeboard no matter the season.

With its peaceful waters and skyline views, WakeUp Docklands offers an unforgettable outdoor activity just minutes from central London.

6. Hangloose Adventure – Bluewater Thrills

Just outside London, Hangloose Adventure at Bluewater Shopping Centre is a must for thrill-seekers. It’s home to the UK’s longest zipline, soaring an epic 724 meters over stunning lakes and greenery. Want more? Take on Europe’s biggest swing, freefall drops, and climbing walls for a day packed with adrenaline.

• The Zipline: Fly superman-style at over 50mph—700 meters of pure, breathtaking speed.

• The Giant Swing: Towering 15 meters high (that’s 22 storeys!), it’s not for the faint-hearted.

• Outdoor Skydive Machine: Get that skydiving rush without jumping out of a plane.

Perfect for daring dates, groups, or anyone chasing an unforgettable experience, Hangloose Adventure is next-level fun with nature as your backdrop.

7. Trentham Monkey Forest – Walk Among Free-Roaming Monkeys

For a truly unique outdoor experience, head to Trentham Monkey Forest, where you’ll walk amongst 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques in a stunning 60-acre woodland. This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of this endangered primate species, giving visitors the rare chance to see these incredible animals living as they would in the wild.

The 3/4 mile path winds through the forest, and you’ll be amazed as the monkeys swing, play, and interact freely around you. Watching them exhibit their natural behaviors—like foraging, grooming, and caring for their young—is nothing short of magical.

Perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking for a break from the city, Trentham Monkey Forest delivers an unforgettable experience that’s both educational and heartwarming. It’s a breath of fresh air and a reminder of how precious our connection to nature can be.

Ready to Get Outdoors?

From surfing perfect inland waves to flying headfirst on the UK’s longest zipline, London is packed with incredible outdoor activities that’ll get your heart racing. Whether you’re looking for laid-back fun or full-throttle thrills, there’s something for everyone. So grab your gear, round up your mates, and dive into London’s best outdoor adventures—no flights required!