Top five outdoor activities in London this winter
We’re ticking off one of our new year’s resolutions by launching a blog and entry number one is our pick of outdoor activities in London this winter. This is just the start – we’re looking forward to sharing lots of behind the scenes news from StreetHunt Games and keeping you up to date with fun things to do in London.
If this sounds up your street, then sign up to Word on the Street and you’ll receive updates straight to your inbox each month (no spamming we promise!).
Right – back to our debut blog…
What better place to start than how to get outside and move in the New Year?
From unearthing hidden history and solving mysteries to exploring the Thames by boat, we’ve tracked down the best outdoor activities in London this winter.
1. Dust off your lycra and get physical in your local park or outdoor gym
Outdoor exercise and organised park runs are perfect for keeping fit in the winter. It’s a great way to work off those mince pies if you indulged over Christmas!
Parkrun offer organised free 5km runs and there are nearly 50 locations in London, so there’s bound to be one near you.
Participants range from complete beginners walking the 5km to experienced runners – no matter what your ability everyone benefits from being part of this motivating community.
If you’re not a runner then how about an outdoor Gym? You’ve probably walked past them in your local park but never known quite what to do or if anyone uses them. We’ve found a fantastic summary of free outdoor gyms in London by the Thrifty Londoner here with some solid reasons for checking them out.
Price: Free!
Location: Throughout London. StreetHunt Games’ favourite Parkrun is at the stunning Brockwell Park in South London and we love Kennington Park outdoor gym which is set out like an obstacle course.
Websites: www.parkrun.org.uk/, www.thriftylondoner.com/outdoor-gyms-in-london/
Top Tip: There’s a great list of all the London based Parkruns here.
2. Take to the river and discover something new
Have you seen the Uber boats and thought they were only for commuters or tourists? How about trying something new in London this winter by combining a London day trip with some time on the water enjoying blue skies and fresh air (blue skies harder to guarantee 😂).
With 23 piers across London, there are plenty of destinations to choose from.
Price: £8.20 per adult
Location: From Woolwich in the East to Putney in the West. Boats run from early morning to after 9 pm (check latest timetables to confirm).
Website: www.thamesclippers.com
Top Tip: After finishing StreetHunt Games’ Colombia’s Finest around Blackfriars you can be in historic Greenwich in less than 20 minutes. Have a wander around Greenwich Park and enjoy views as far as the eye can see.
3. Discover London’s most infamous criminal
You’ve heard of Jack the Ripper, but how much do you really know? The guides on this tour are absolute experts having written ten acclaimed books between them. You’ll learn all about Jack’s exploits dramatically and entertainingly, with the bonus of fresh air and exercise.
Price: £12 per adult
Location: Aldgate
Website: www.jack-the-ripper-tour.com
Top Tip: Have a drink at The Ten Bells Pub, an East London institution since 1666, to warm up after the tour.
4. Enjoy the winter light exhibition at Southbank
A neon canopy, experimental projections and eerily lit abandoned cars – Winter Light adds another dimension to wandering on Southbank this winter.
Colombia’s Finest finishes across the river at Blackfriars so this makes a bright end to a London day trip where you’re surrounded by venues to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Price: Free
Location: Southbank Centre until 20 February
Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/art-exhibitions/winter-light-2021
Top Tip: If you’re looking for a family trip to Southbank there’s currently a free family adventure trail which is right up our street. You can collect activity sheets to keep the kids entertained between 10 am to 4 pm. Running from 9 – 20 February 2022.
Image credit: Morley Von Sternberg
5. Who’s up for the hottest outdoor activity in London?
StreetHunt Games couldn’t compile this list without a shout out to Colombia’s Finest. Think grown-up scavenger hunt meets escape room meets murder mystery, played outside across London.
Our debut game, Colombia’s Finest, introduces you to Jim Robusta and his coffee company – Jim’s colleagues have shady pasts and Jim has asked you to sniff out evidence of crime amongst the caffeine.
Players LOVE the game – have a read of all our five-star reviews on Google and Tripadvisor.
Do you like the sound of getting outside to play, exercise, see new parts of London, learn fun facts and connect with friends and family?
Price: £15 per player
Location: Starts close to Blackfriars station
Website: www.streethuntgames.com
Top Tip: Sign up to Word on the Street and follow us @streethuntgames to hear about any giveaways and discounts.