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.
Thames path, South Bank
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.
Houseboat, Regents Canal
Richmond
Richmond has a lovely aspect on the River Thames. Apart from its royal park
there 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 .
Hampstead Heath This
green grandstand overlooking the city covers 8 sq km (3 sq miles) and
is a rural mix of meadows, woods, lakes and ponds for both swimming and
fishing. Head off in any direction, and make the Spaniards Inn or Kenwood House a stopping-off point .
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens Central
London’s largest green area can tire out any walker. It takes about an
hour and a half to walk around, but there are plenty of diversions, from
the Serpentine Gallery, to cafés, fountains and flower gardens . Hyde Park W2 Open 5am–midnight daily
Battersea Park This lively park is not just for children . It has a pleasant riverside promenade beside a Buddhist Peace Pagoda, lakeside walks and the Festival Gardens .
Battersea Park
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 . Blackheath This treeless expanse, enjoyed by kite flyers, lies behind Greenwich Park. Donkey rides can be taken around the edge, and on the far side is Blackheath Village. Blackheath SE3 Train to Blackheath
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 . Highgate Cemetery Filled
with grand tombs, many of the rich and famous, this is the best of
London’s cemeteries. The living have to pay to get in, too, and the
cemetery is divided into eastern and western halves, the latter
visitable only with a tour .
Faded grandeur, Highgate Cemetery
Top 10 Outdoor Activities
Rowing Parks with rowing lakes include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Battersea Park. Ice Skating Indoors
at the Leisurebox in Queensway. Outdoor winter rinks include the
Broadgate Centre, Somerset House and the Natural History Museum. Kite Flying Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and Blackheath are the best places to get a lift. Swimming There are a number of public indoor pools. The OasisPorchester CentreChelsea Sports CentreNature Watching London’s open spaces and woodlands are full of plants and wildlife to discover. Skateboarding Many parks have skateboard facilities. The South Bank’s concrete spaces have a regular clientele. Cycling Rent
bikes from On Your Bike in London Bridge (020 7378 6669) and The London
Bicycle Tour Company in Gabriel’s Wharf (020 7928 6838). Tennis For indoors try Islington Tennis Centre, Market Rd N7. Outdoors, Holland Park, Battersea Park or Regent’s Park. Skating Wide paths make Hyde Park the most popular choice. Horse Riding The best place is the stables at Hyde Park.
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