That wasn’t a typo, we do really mean IN the Thames. With the weather heating up (and our slight obsession with being near open water) we’ve rounded up the best activities you can do in London that really make a splash.
An oldie but a goodie. The humble rowboat is still top on the list of activities for us. Hyde Park, Victoria Park and Greenwhich Park are all big contenders for the best boating lakes in our eyes; they’re also perfect for a pedalo if you don’t fancy all the heavy arm work..
TUG AWAY IN A HOT TUB
You would think this wouldn’t work; but sitting in water while sitting in water is actually pretty entertaining! Take a hot tub down the Thames and you can float along the cool waters with a few beers and a warm bubbly sensation.
GO FOR A SPOT OF WILD SWIMMING
We all love a Lido, but why not take it one step further. Wild swimming is great because the water is so cold and fresh and you can really lose yourself in exploring. Our favourite spot is the Stoke Newington West Reservoir – and if you’re not quite ready to commit to the no frills wild ways, the pools in Hampstead Heath are a great way to tip your toe in the water of non swimming pool swimming!
OVERCOME THE OBSTACLES
Almost like an at home version of wipeout – the obstacle course at Lee Water Valley is definitely not for kids. Grab your friends for the best race you can have on top of the water!
FLOAT AWAY TO HOLLYWOOD
Rooftop cinemas are so last year. This year it’s all about taking in the serenity of the river whilst watching the latest films. The floating cinema provides just this – with boats setting off as the film begins and docking once the film has finished.
CANOE YOUR WAY TO CRATE
One step up from the row your own boat is the best way to earn a pint we can think of. Setting off from Broadway Market, you can take a canoe all the way down to Hackney Wick for a visit to one of the best brewery’s in London (their pizza is top notch and they do a killer brewery tour as well).
BBQ ON A BOAT
Lockdown may have had you coming to the end of your tether with parks, so why not head somewhere new for a BBQ. You can now grab a few of your pals and chat over the coals with a floating BBQ.
SPEED FROM SOUTH LONDON
Another classic activity on the Thames is the speedboat. Not just reserved for islands and beaches – this ride is surprisingly high octane so not one for the faint hearted.
WAKE UP IN THE DOCKLANDS
Almost like surfing but attached to a boat by a rope…..the best way we can think of to describe wake boarding; so it’s probably best that you try it yourself. Wake up Docklands has lessons for any ability.
GO CRAZY ON THE THAMES
Now this one is technically above the Thames not in it. But if you do feel like going a little crazy, Big Crazy London offer flyboarding right in the centre of the city.
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