8 things to do outdoors in London to soak up the sun

8 things to do outdoors in London to soak up the sun

From riding the London Eye to paddling down the River Thames, here are the top outdoor activities in London.

There are practically endless things to do outdoors in London, so you’ll need to prioritize your highlights when visiting. With a fine-tuned London itinerary, you can make the most of your time by grouping nearby stops together, such as the Tower Bridge and the London Eye. 

You’ll also discover many types of experiences in London during your trip, including canoeing, biking, and learning about the UK’s music history. It’s recommended to schedule many of these activities ahead of time, especially if you want to catch a game at one of the city’s stadiums or go on a group tour.

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Stroll through verdant gardens, where colorful blooms and shady trails invite exploration. A must-see for those seeking peaceful outdoor activities in London.

1. Walk through London’s various gardens and parks

From the expansive Kew Gardens to iconic Hyde Park, there’s a lot more to this city than tall buildings and busy streets. Take a guided tour of London’s most historic parks, or visit on your own for a peaceful solo adventure. 

Highlights

  • Walk the grounds of London's greatest hits: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.
  • Bring your walking shoes to Kew Gardens, which spans over 300 acres, to see an astounding collection of flora and fauna from every ecosystem imaginable. 
  • Check the schedule at Hyde Park to see if there are any special events, such as art galas or shows, during your visit.
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You'll arguably get one of the best views of London in a carriage of the London Eye as the ferris wheel slowly turns.

2. Gaze upon the city from the London Eye

At over 440 feet tall, The London Eye is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s a great way to soak up the sun and the sights of this vast, historic city. Additionally, the River Thames provides a cool, refreshing breeze.Facts and tips

  • A full turn around the London Eye takes at least 30 minutes, so plan your visit accordingly. 
  • The London Eye is attached to the Jubilee Gardens, which features playgrounds and parks, and is near Westminster Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and other landmarks. Group these attractions together to get the most out of your visit.

Address and opening hours

Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB. Open daily from 11:00 AM–6:00 PM between October and March; 10:00 AM-8:30 PM between April and August.

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Glide along the Thames for a quintessential outdoor activity in London that blends adventure with historical landmarks.

3. Paddle down the River Thames

The city of London is based around the River Thames, which helped make it into the commercial and cultural hub it is today. You can explore the river yourself by canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding in London. Different experiences offer various hours and starting locations, so you should easily find options that fit your schedule. 

Highlights

  • Explore the waters with friends or family in a group kayak experience
  • Choose from group and solo riding options.
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Be sure to time your visit so you can watch the historical “Ceremony of the Keys” at the Tower of London.

4. Stop by the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge

When you’re looking for things to do in London when it’s sunny, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge deserve a top spot on your itinerary. Not only are they genuine architectural feats, but many people visit to see the stoic guards, called the Yeomen Warders, standing guard over the tower and the crown jewels.

Highlights

  • If you visit at night, you can witness the traditional “Ceremony of the Keys.” This ceremony occurs at 9:53 PM every night and has occurred nightly for over 700 years.
  • Walk the Tower Bridge or see it open and close as ships pass. 

Address and opening hours

The Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB. Open daily from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM, though Ceremony of the Keys guests are welcome at 9:30 PM.

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A day full of outdoor activities in London will at some point require a restful cup of tea and some delicious baked goods.

5. Take a break with some afternoon tea

London is one of the best places to go for a high-quality, authentic cup of tea, and you’ll almost always find a shop within walking distance. Many London tea shops offer outdoor seating, perfect for an afternoon break in the sun. Alternatively, you can order your tea to go so you can continue enjoying London outdoors. 

Highlights

  • Learn to make traditional English scones at a local tea workshop. 
  • Book a tour on the Afternoon Tea Bus to keep moving during your break.
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Photo: Matt Ankers

Explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems on a guided bike tour — one of the best things to do outside in London.

6. Take a bike tour to see the sights

At over 40 miles wide and with various historic roads to traverse, London is a massive metropolis with lots to see. A group biking tour is one of the most fun sunny day activities in London and a great way to see everything you can across town, from Big Ben to St. Paul's Cathedral — all while getting in some exercise. 

There are practically countless bicycle tours across London with different group sizes, starting points, and durations. 

Insider tips

  • Make sure your biking tour starts and ends near where you’re staying, if possible. 
  • Ask your tour guide if you have any questions, and follow London’s road and bicycle laws. For example, make sure not to bike on the sidewalk.
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Visit the hallowed grounds of an iconic stadium in London, walking in the footsteps of legends.

7. See a game or a show at a football stadium

Sports fans may want to visit Emirates Stadium, Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and other London stadiums while in town. Even if there’s not a soccer or NFL game going on, check each stadium’s schedule to try other football experiences, like stadium and locker room tours. 

Highlights

  • Book a tour of London Stadium or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to see more than just the field and bleachers. Go behind the scenes to see where the teams get ready and learn more about each stadium's unique history. 
  • Schedule match day experiences to get a behind-the-scenes look before games. 

Address and opening hours:

London Stadium, London E20 2ST. Open weekdays from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM and during scheduled games and shows. 

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Photo: Matt Ankers

Stroll through the vibrant streets of Soho, where legendary music venues and recording studios shaped history.

8. Take a tour of London’s music history

From The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, many of the greatest bands have spent much of their time in London. Beatles tours will show you exactly where many of “the greats” got their start, from studio backstages to Soho’s best music pubs. 

Highlights

  • Tours often focus on specific artists, such as The Beatles or David Bowie.
  • Most tours will take you to studios, performance locations, and artists’ favorite hangout spots. So even if some parts are indoors, you’ll still be walking and finding other things to do outside in London.

FAQs

Is walking a good option when visiting London?

While London is a massive city, it’s tightly packed and has many sidewalks and pedestrian-only zones. You should find many fun sunny day activities in London within walking distance.

How many days is enough in London?

Carve out at least a few days or even a week for your London trip. This ensures you can see a solid variety of landmarks, shows, and experiences during your stay and that the famous British rain doesn’t get in the way of your plans.

Is London safe to visit?

London is relatively safe to visit, especially if you travel with friends, family, or a tour group. While pickpocketing isn’t uncommon, you shouldn’t have any issues as long as you’re aware of those around you. 

What’s the best tourist spot in London?

Many tourists visit London’s West End to see shows and the City of Westminster to see the Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.

Where do you go when the sun is out in London?

Walking through one of London's many gardens is a great and free sunny day activity. Hyde Park also has many special events, such as art galas or shows.

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