It might be one of the biggest cities in the world, but there’s far more to London than high tea at Harrods and the London Eye, and the city offers plenty of opportunity to get into the great outdoors and get some exercise too. See the city from a different angle with our favourite active pursuits to undertake in London.

Active Pursuits to Undertake in LondonsunnyUK / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Walk

London is the cultural heart of the UK and just getting to and from the myriad art galleries and historic buildings can be an event in itself. You could always hop on one of the city’s famous double-decker buses, but letting your feet take you there is great fun and can save you money too. You can pick up a self-guided walking map to take you from Westminster Abbey to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the various palaces or check out one of the many walking tours available. For a more alternative view of the city try the Harry Potter, Beatles or Jack the Ripper walks as well as London pub walks.

Dance

You’re never far away from a great club in London and they play everything from Indian Bhangra to indie rock. Get down to some of London’s hottest clubs and work up a sweat as you dance the night away. Even ballroom dancing can burn more than 200 calories an hour! Check out the city guides available at your hotel for more information.

Bicycle

London is a huge city, and if you don’t fancy seeing it all on foot then bikes are a great alternative. You could rent one and plan your own tour or join the London Bicycle Tour Company for night tours, West-End tours of famous sites such as Big Ben and Hyde Park, and an Olympics tour covering the 2012 sporting venues. Experience life as an ‘urban cyclist’ and join the locals at one of their regular “critical mass” events where cyclists gather to demonstrate their strength in numbers.

Olympic Park

2012 saw the UK go wild for the London Olympics and since then its sporting scene has enjoyed a real boost. The venues that once hosted some of the world’s greatest athletes and sports stars are now largely open to the public for viewing and sports events. There are also plenty of exhibitions and chances to take part in amateur events, whatever sport you’re interested in. Rent a vehicle to get there if you can’t face the public transport.

Rollerblading in Battersea Park

Offering beautiful views of the Thames, an art gallery by the lake and a children’s zoo, Battersea Park is a fascinating place. But instead of seeing it all on foot or bike, get your skates on and try an eight-wheeled view instead. There’s a free group skate every dry Saturday at 10.30am, starting at the Japanese Peace Pagoda. With no hills or traffic, it’s suitable for children and beginners.