Living in an urban area can be difficult for those who crave the great outdoors. While there are many benefits of a bustling society, especially when it comes to arts and culture, these areas can leave those who want to enjoy activities in natural environments wanting.
Those living in England’s capital city may often find themselves feeling like this, planning weekend getaways that allow them to escape the city and revel in nature. However, there are a number of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed without travelling very far at all.
So, if you’re living in London and want to pick up a hobby that will have you spending time in beautiful and natural spaces, then we’ve got six great suggestions for you.
Yoga
London is well-known for its green spaces and, compared to many other cities, it has a substantial number of parks, with an estimated 3,000 open to public access. These spaces offer great opportunities for individuals and groups to find a quiet spot to practice yoga, or even tai chi and meditation.
Practising yoga outdoors, beneath the trees and away from urban noise, can be the restorative activity that many need to reduce their stress and maintain a healthy balance. So, if you’re feeling the need to escape, try first finding your local park and stretching out.
Swimming
In addition to parks, London also has a number of lakes. Many of these lakes are also maintained to a quality that welcomes wild swimming too, an activity that soared in popularity during the recent lockdowns. Individuals needn’t look too far to find a brilliant lake for a dip, with Hampstead Heath and the Serpentine Lido being among the best!
Paddleboarding
If you enjoy the water but don’t want to swim, then paddleboarding can be a great way to explore the city. There are not only a number of lakes and rivers within London that welcome paddleboarding but also a number of groups and clubs that host shared sessions out on the water, making it easy for beginners to find their feet.
Foraging
Some are motivated by connecting with nature, while others wish to improve their diet and nutrition. Whatever the lure, foraging is growing in popularity and London is a great place for it. Not only are there a variety of green landscapes, including parks, that host delicious flora and fungi, but many urban areas will surprise you with their abundance too!
Cycling
London city council continues to make great efforts to support cycling. Not only do cyclists have a number of green routes that they can use for relaxing cycles but the city’s infrastructure also ensures that travel through urban areas is often safe too.
Gardens
London has a number of stunning gardens that can be visited, with many of them being kept off the radar and described as secret gardens. These quiet locations are perfect for a relaxing afternoon picnic or an exciting day of botany. No matter what your reason for visiting, you’re likely to be amazed by the flora and foliage that thrives in these green spaces, with many also being host to some of the city’s best eateries too.
