DK Travel : London : Outdoor

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Regent’s Canal

It’s possible to walk along the whole 14-km (8.5-mile) canal from Paddington to Limehouse. The most accessible part lies between Camden Lock and Regent’s Park, where grand houses back on to the water. Further on, in Little Venice, moored “narrowboats” are owned by the wealthy.
Richmond

Richmond has a lovely aspect on the River Thames. Apart from its royal parkthere is a lot to see and do, with riverside pubs and cafés, and boats to rent. It’s a half-hour walk along the towpath to the 17th-century Ham House, owned by the National Trust. In summer you can take a ferry across to Marble Hill House in Twickenham.
Rowing

Parks with rowing lakes include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Battersea Park.
Skateboarding

Many parks have skateboard facilities. The South Bank’s concrete spaces have a regular clientele.
Skating

With wide paths, Hyde Park is the most popular place to rollerblade.
Swimming

There are a number of public indoor pools.
Tennis

For indoors try Islington Tennis Centre, Market Rd N7. Outdoors, Holland Park, Battersea Park or Regent’s Park.
Thames Path, South Bank

Start by the London Eye and walk along the South Bank downstream to London Bridge and the Design Museum beyond Butler’s Wharf. This stretch of the Thames Path has enough to distract you all day.
Wetland Centre

London’s major bird sanctuary covers 105 acres in four disused Victorian reservoirs. It has trails, a visitor centre and an observatory where you can spot some of the 130 species which come here.
Wimbledon Common

It is easy to get lost in this wild public space. Start by the Windmill and go down to Queens Mere Pond or stride out along the cinder horse track to the pine copse of Caesar’s Camp, an old Iron Age hill fort.