We know that the situation we live in requires some changes in our routine and the way we have fun. Because of this, I decided to select some of my favorite tours around London and nearby that can be done outdoors and safely before the cold arrives.
1 – Exercises in the parks
There is no shortage of large and pleasant parks in London to take that walk in the sun to warm up your body and keep your exercise routine up to date. One of my favorites is Greenwich Park, which is very close to the Thames, which allows you to finish the tour with the right to a sunset by the river. The other cool side of Greenwich Park is the hills allow for not only more intense exercise, but also a huge payoff once you reach the top. The view from the top of the Greenwich Observatory is incredible and will make for wonderful photos in good weather!
But for those who live far from the big parks, there is not always the need to travel. Several boroughs of London have their own parks, and it's nice to take the opportunity to explore what your area has to offer to avoid using public transport!
2 – Bike routes
Cycling in London a few months ago was seen as stressful and dangerous, but nowadays the situation is changing. With fewer cars on the streets during the lockdown, many Londoners have switched to biking as a means of transport and entertainment. And guess what? Many have adopted the habit, and I include myself in that statistic. With this sudden change, The Guardian predicts that the number of cyclists in London at the end of the pandemic could increase 10 times, and many bike shops are already out of stock! In addition, the British government will invest more than £2bn (equivalent to nearly £15bn!) in new alternatives for cyclists and pedestrians to ease pressure on public transport systems.
This is the perfect opportunity to stay healthy and take the opportunity to plan bike routes in a city as historic as London. One of my favorite tours includes cycling to Primrose Hill for views of the city and the sunset, or riding along Southbank for a tour of the London Eye, Tate Modern, Gabriel's Wharf and Tower Bridge landmarks. So, what's your next stop?
3 – Round trips
This option is particularly good for those who have a car or are able to avoid taking trains or buses. For those who are tired of the routine of the big city, maybe this is the perfect time to stop by the small towns nearby to enjoy what they have to offer. And there are all kinds of options for different tastes! Want to know a historic place? Oxford is perfect and millennial! Prefer an indoor retreat? Check out the cottages of Bibury, a medieval village just 2 hours from London! Are you a royal fan but not invited to Harry and Meghan's wedding? No problem! Windsor is close to London and you will fall in love with the village atmosphere with a royal castle in the middle of the small town!
How about taking the opportunity to get to know one of the most famous universities in the world? Cambridge University is just a short drive from London. If you are the more adventurous type and prefer to see incredible scenery of nature, how about visiting the white cliffs of Seaford? Destiny is so beautiful that it has appeared in several famous movies and series! Definitely worth the trip (and the photo!). But enjoy it while the cold doesn't come! October is likely to be the last month this year that you can make it to the cliffs without shivering from the cold, so run while you still have time.
London is amazing, but it's also worth exploring the towns and beaches nearby. You'll be amazed at what life outside London has to offer too!
4 – London channels
Few tourists know, but London is cut from east to west by…water. And no, I'm not talking about the Thames. I'm talking about the beautiful London canals! In the north part of London, there are canals that cut through the city and are perfect for a walk and to see the decorated boats of many residents who live in the boats that are parked on the banks of the canals. Some of them not only have residents, but have also been adapted to serve as restaurants and cafes!
One of my favorite outings includes grabbing a coffee in Camden Town, and following the neighborhood canal to Regent's Park. And if you're in the mood to walk even further, after spending some time in the park, it's super cool to take a walk to Soho to end the day with late-afternoon drinks to close the tour with a flourish! Some of the most famous bars and clubs include Bar Soho, GAY, Garlic and Shots and Café Boheme. You have too much choice!
5 – Street and food fairs of the world
Ahh, London's street fairs! Not only are they famous, but they are also delicious! The most famous fair is the Borough Market – and visiting at least once is essential! But if the idea is to get out of the center a little and go to less crowded places and more frequented by the local community, one of the hottest places at the moment is the vegan street market in Shoreditch. It has everything, and even non-vegans fall in love with the delights!
Another cool fair in East London is Broadway Market on Cambridge Heath. Delights in more than 100 stalls for all tastes and for those who want to experience a more alternative and looooong London atmosphere.
Want even more diversity when it comes to food? Try stopping by the Brixton Market. The market itself is closed, but it's not difficult to find food stalls nearby. The region is known for having a strong presence of Caribbean immigration, and the food is often reminiscent of Brazil because of the common African roots we have with some countries in the region. There are many options that are worth a visit!
Regardless of whether your autumn plans are in London or nearby, you have plenty of options to enjoy the last days before the cold in a safe way outdoors to make your days even more pleasant! So are you in?
Sources:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/2-billion-package-to-create-new-era-for-cycling-and-walking
Gabriel Berwanger
Middlesex University London
