Whether it’s going for a gentle swim or jogging through Hyde Park, there are lots of ways to keep fit in London. However, if you want something a little more adventurous, you can find plenty of places to try out extreme sports across the city. While not for the faint-hearted, these sports are guaranteed to get your heart racing and provide an unforgettable experience. And who knows, you might just find your new favourite activity!
Some of the best extreme sports in London include:
Read on as we take you through each of these sports, and where to do them, in more detail.
Thankfully, we aren’t talking about scuba diving in the River Thames – you can do this activity in a heated pool instead. Head to Golden Lane Leisure Centre (near the Barbican Centre), home to London Scuba, one of the largest scuba diving schools in the UK. Here, you’ll be trained by qualified instructors in a purpose-built indoor pool. You can choose to try out the Scuba Diving Experience or take an entry-level certification course (PADI Open Water Diver) which allows you to dive 18 metres.
Once you’ve qualified, you’ll be able to head out on one of the club’s annual holidays to exciting locations such as the Maldives. If you’re already an experienced scuba diver, you can take a Refresher Course or an Advanced Diver Course to brush up on your skills.
Fancy putting your climbing skills to the test? Climbing provides an effective cardiovascular workout and engages every muscle group in the body. There are many climbing centres dotted across the city that cater to all abilities.
One of our top recommendations is Mile End Climbing Wall, which offers bouldering, top-rope climbing and lead climbing across a 16,000 square foot climbing surface. Choose between taster courses and introductory courses, with the option to book a one-to-one lesson with an instructor.
Another popular climbing centre is The Arch Climbing Wall, a three-venue bouldering complex (two centres in Bermondsey and one in Edgware). Here, you can choose from a range of introduction lessons to learn the basics of climbing. Or, if you’ve climbed before, you can simply register online and start climbing at the centre right away.
If you want an activity that will get the adrenaline pumping while providing stunning views of the capital city, bungee jumping is your answer. Bungee jumping is the ultimate extreme sport for thrill-seekers, and several places across London offer this unmissable experience.
One of the best places to bungee jump in London is the O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula. Here, you’ll jump from a platform suspended in the air by a 160-foot crane, enjoying views of the Thames, Canary Wharf and central London as you glide through the air. If you’re new to bungee jumping, never fear. Before your jump, you’ll be guided through a briefing process and safety checks by a qualified instructor. Whether you choose to jump alone or with a friend, this extreme sport is truly unique.
For an action-packed adventure, head over to Lee Valley White Water Centre, where you can try your hand white water rafting as well as canoeing, kayaking and other activities. The centre is located in Hertfordshire, just outside Greater London, but is easily accessible via a car or train journey.
Take on the Olympic standard Rafting Unleashed course and navigate turbulent waters – the perfect way to get the heart pounding! Before hitting the rapids, you’ll be guided through the safety elements and basic rafting skills, so you’ll know exactly what to do out on the water. You can choose to book an individual space, spaces for two people, or a raft for nine people.
Go-karting is an excellent activity for those with a need for speed, and there are plenty of tracks around London to give this sport a go. Put your driving skills to the test at one of the TeamSport go-karting venues, located at London Docklands, Edmonton, Acton, Mitcham and Watford.
Complete with massive courses and plenty of corners to contend with, the TeamSport tracks are ideal for karting novices and experienced racers alike. Race against friends and family and reach high speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Wind down with a game of crazy golf afterwards with the Putt Club Crazy Golf Course, newly opened at the Docklands, Edmonton and Watford TeamSport centres.
One of the fastest-growing extreme sports worldwide, paintballing is an excellent way to keep fit and enjoy some friendly competition. Visit Bunker 51 for a session of immersive indoor paintball entertainment with friends and family. Located near North Greenwich, Bunker 51 is a themed nuclear bunker full of high-adrenaline activities. Burn calories and have lots of fun as you get stuck into fast-paced paintball games.
There are two different game zones, Loading Bay and Missile Silos, full of obstacles to hide behind and different rooms to take cover in. Choose between one-hour and two-hour sessions, depending on your preference. Other activities available at Bunker 51 are Laser Tag, Zombie Experiences and Escape Rooms. Whether you’ve never played before or you’re a total paintball professional, this extreme sport is definitely one to tick off your list.
Planning a trip to London? Book a stay at one of our Leonardo London Royal hotels and enjoy total comfort and relaxation. Whether you’re trying out extreme sports or visiting London’s top attractions, our hotels offer the perfect place to rest at the end of a busy day. Our Tower Bridge Hotel, London City Hotel and St Paul’s Hotel all boast high-quality rooms, excellent restaurants and outstanding health and leisure facilities. If you are visiting Watford to do extreme sports, book a room at our Leonardo Hotel London Watford for a truly enjoyable stay.
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