Enjoy the great outdoors in London
You don’t have to leave the city to experience the joy of nature and the great outdoors. To celebrate the DVD release of adventure classic Swallows and Amazons, we’ve put together a list of classic outdoor activities you can do right here in the city. So get up off the sofa, turn off the screens and discover what adventure awaits you in London.
-
Go for a nature walk or Run
It may be hard to believe that in a city with nearly 8 million people and space at a premium, there are wild untouched parks, where nature and animals rule the roost. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, bundle up and explore the wintry scene of deer in Richmond Park or the beautiful winter blossom in bloom. Find a local nature reserve or visit one of the Royal Parks, which offer a wide range of free activities. If you fancy a quicker pace, then a Park Run is always an option—they are free and held at parks across the city. It’s easy to get back into the wild without leaving London.
-
Go retro
Reconnect with your inner child and bring back the games you used to play as a child. Show your children that there’s more to life than Minecraft and Pokemon. Grab some chalk and make a hopscotch game on the pavement or some rope and head to the park for a bit of skipping.
-
Get your skates on!
Literally! Put on some ice skates and enjoy this quintessential winter activity at one of the many outdoor rinks across the city. Skate under the stars—er, maybe lights—and go soon before it melts.
-
Go conkers
You don’t need to head far to find a good supply of conkers, but the key is finding the right size—the bigger the conker, the better. Half the joy in playing this traditional game is finding the perfect one. We love the how-to video here by Maggie from Red Ted Art.
-
Encourage imagination
Sometimes the best plan is no plan. Let the kids run wild in the garden or park, build forts, climb trees and let their imagination take them on amazing adventures.
Sponsored by Swallows and Amazons.