Five London Summer Activities and
Ideas for Walking Holidays
Where to enjoy your outdoor activities in
London
London is the ideal summer holiday destination. With plenty of
outdoor spaces, parks and visitor attractions even in the heart of the capital, there is no shortage of
things to do. Although a vibrant city all year long, in the summer the range of activities on offer in London
expands.
Parks and
Gardens
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.
Central London boasts some of the largest parks in the country, such as Regents Park and Hyde Park. Regents Park is
the ideal location for a family day out and to have a picnic and it is equipped with the facilities to host
sporting activities and open air concerts. It is also home to London Zoo. Entrance to the park itself is free as it
is one of the Royal Parks of London. However, there is a fee for admittance to the zoo.
Hyde Park is very popular and has many attractions, including the
Serpentine Lido. It is a great venue for summer activities such as walking, running, boating and swimming.
Kensington Gardens is next to Hyde Park and surrounds Kensington Palace. In the summer, the gardens are a peaceful
retreat in which to sunbathe and picnic.
Lidos and Paddling
Pools
The Serpentine is a multi-functional water attraction centrally
located in Hyde Park. During the summer months, the lido is open daily to swimmers. For children travelling with
you on family holidays there is a shallow paddling pool to help them to cool down. In south London there is Tooting Bec
Lido, which is famous for its brightly coloured changing huts. It also has a separate paddling pool and
poolside café. Brockwell Lido boasts a 50-metre pool and an award-winning café on site. The Lido is open to
all and is an important community venue, hosting outdoor film showings and fairs in the summer.
Cycling
London is a great place for cycling. As an activity
suitable for all ages and abilities, cycling is not only a great way to exercise, it is also a relatively
cheap way to get out and about in the summer. Parks are safe venues for cyclists, particularly children and
there are plenty of them in and around central London. Cycle lanes can be found along all the major routes in
the capital, making it a very effective way to travel around the city.
Walking holidays along the
Thames
For an alternative view of London, spend a few days walking along the banks of the River Thames.
Trace the source of the river and meander through miles of beautiful and unspoilt countryside. You can walk
on your own or with others at a pace to suit you. The river will take you through exclusive and picturesque
towns and villages such Henley as you gradually make your way towards the capital. The summer is the perfect
season in which to complete this trip.
Cruising
There are many companies offering pleasure cruises along the Thames. A boat trip is a relaxing
way to see all the sights and attractions that London has to offer. In the warm weather during the summer
months, tourists can make the most of the sunshine and relax and enjoy themselves. Some cruise trips can
include refreshments such as meals and drinks.
London is a world city and has much to offer visitors, particularly
those who prefer to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
AUTHOR BIO
Kathy Lloyd writes regularly for a number of travel-related blogs and websites. Her
special interests include walking holidays and she regularly travels with her partner and children on family holidays.
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