get out of the city
News — By Outdoor Adventure Guide on June 4, 2009 at 7:11 pmRiding
From Amersham: A five minute taxi ride from the tube you will find the Shardeloes Farm, an equestrian enthusiast’s dream. With access to over 500 acres of privately owned off-road horse riding terrain, this is probably one of the best places in London to ride. For more information and bookings see www.shardeloesfarm.com
Falconry
From Watford Junction: What better way to spend the weekend than wandering around a field with a bird of prey sitting on your arm, ready to swoop off and catch your supper. Go and learn the ancient art of falconry at Impact-Falconry.
For more info see www.impact-falconry.co.uk
Streetsports
From Southwark: For skating and bmx, this is the place to see and be seen. There is no official organised group here; you just turn up and battle it out with the concrete. If you don’t fancy trying it yourself, this is the perfect place to chill with a drink and watch death defying stunts and painful crashes.
From Southwark tube walk to the river and hang
a left.
Outdoor swimming
From Hampstead: Hampstead Heath’s mighty 791 acres make up one of London’s finest green spaces. But it’s more than just a gentle stroll that brings people here; because the Heath also houses ponds that are open to the public for swimming. With a ladies’, men’s and mixed pond, this is the perfect place to get away from the big smoke and pretend you’re swimming in a lake in a wood – no wait, you really are. Windy days see a most esoteric collection of kite-flyers arrive.
For information on the Heath go to www.cityoflondon.gov.uk and type Hampstead Heath in the search menu.
Climbing
From Manor House: Even though the name clearly states the purpose, it is still a surprise, as you set foot in the impressive castle, to find a large number of people hanging off the walls and ceilings. The Castle Climbing Centre is one of London’s finest. You’ll certainly get a work out here, and the variation of routes available will set you up with the ability to tackle any face anywhere. A five minute walk from Manor House tube stop.
For more info see www.castle-climbing.co.uk
Rollerskating
From Hyde Park Corner: The Friday Night Skate is a mass roll around central London, letting the world know that Fame, legwarmers and the 70s haven’t passed in vain. Rollerskating also happens to be one of the best excercises going; efficient, low-impact on joints and great for an all-over workout especially for the core. Total beginners will need to practice before joining this regular event.
Get your skates on:
* The London Friday Night Skate, every Friday, 8pm
* The LondonSkate, every Wednesday, 8pm
* The Sunday Stroll, every Sunday, 2pm
* The Easy Saturday Skate, every Saturday, 10.30am
Mountain biking
From Loughton: One of London’s greatest woodland areas, Epping Forest is the perfect place to try out that new mountain bike. With trails in abundance there are endless possibilities here for a two wheeler, just watch out for ramblers.
For info on Epping Forest and events see www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk, for info on mountain bike clubs in the area see www.mtbbritain.co.uk
Paintball
From Upminster: It’s an outdoor centre so get your camo outfit on and massacre your mates. Conveniently within walking distance from Upminster tube; best get dressed when you’re there…
www.paintballgames.co.uk
Watersports
From Crossharbour: To most people the Docklands Light Railway either takes them to work or possibly to a Spice Girls concert at the O2 arena. Not any more; a short walk from Crossharbour station you will find the Docklands Sailing and Watersport Centre, focal point of all things boat-related in our capital. Whether it be sailing a yacht, learning to eskimo roll a kayak, mastering carve gybes on your windsurfer, or just thrashing the hell out of a power boat, you can do it here.
For more information go to www.dswc.org or www.visitthames.co.uk
Angling
From Clapham Common: There are two ponds available to anglers on the Common; Eagle Pond and Mount Pond. Anyone with a coarse fishing licence is allowed to cast a line, and it’s possible to night fish. The ponds are open all week, but check the website to ensure there are no competitions going on.
For more info see www.claphamangling.co.uk
Running
From Wimbledon: As well as being home to some of the nation’s favourite rubbish collectors, the Wombles, Wimbledon Common is also an excellent place to get away from the hectic pace of city life. Trails throughout the common offer excellent walking/jogging routes. The park is made up of scrubland, woodland, and heathland and there are nine or so ponds spread about the area, also making this a good place to look out for wildlife in its many different habitats.
See www.wpcc.org.uk for more info.
Rowing
From Putney: London has numerous rowing clubs, however, many do not cater for beginners. The Putney Town Rowing Club is one of the few that has the facilities and patience to teach anyone. If you fancy a serious workout as part of a team whilst floating down a river this is the perfect solution.
www.putneytownrc.co.uk
Waterski
From Heathrow: A 20 minute taxi ride from Heathrow airport lies JB Waterski Club. Alternatively, you can take an over land train from Waterloo to Chertsey (approx 50 min). With wire pulleys, boat tows, ramps, and slalom courses, this place caters for everyone from the beginner through to the experts. www.jbski.com
Wildlife
From Hammersmith: Believe it or not there is a place in London abundant in wildlife, and we’re not talking urban foxes and Trafalgar Square pigeons. The London Wetlands centre is one of the best places to catch some nature in action. From Hammersmith tube catch a 10 minute ride on the 283 ‘duck bus’ from stand K. www.wwt.org.uk
Great outdoors
From Uxbridge: Just outside of London lies the Colne valley, pretty much the nearest bit of countryside to our capital. A mixture of woodland, farmland, rivers, canals and lakes, this is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Angling, walking, cycling, and more is possible here. From Uxbridge the Colne Valley Park centre is a 3km walk, or from West Ruislip it’s a short taxi ride.
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