Finding adventures in London is easier than one might think. While London is known for is amazing museums, long-reaching history, and afternoon tea, there are plenty of adventurous things to do in London. While these are not free things to do, you’ll be smiling the whole time.
Adventurous things to do in London
London Adventure #1: Kayak the Thames
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The Thames is at the heart of London and has welcomed people to the city for centuries. Taking a kayak out on the river is one of the best adventurous things to do in London.
Harry Whelan, the owner of the London Kayak Company, has over 20 years of experience and has circumnavigated both Britain and Ireland via kayak.
The London Kayak Company offers day and early evening tours allowing adventurers to see London’s top attractions – Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, Bank Side, and Tower Bridge – from a different viewpoint.
Read more: Guide to London Airports
Adventurous things to do in London #2: See London from a Helicopter
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One of the best things to do in London is hopping in a helicopter and seeing the city from the sky. Being able to see the London Eye, Big Ben, and the River Thames from a new perspective.
The London Helicopter runs 10, 20, and 30 minute flights taking you over some of London’s most famous landmarks. The longer the flight the more of London you’ll be able to see.
For me this is a bucket list item, and while I didn’t do it during my last trip it is on my list for my next trip to London. It’s on my 40 things to do before I turn 40 list and I need to do this adventurous things to do in London
Read More: 3 Day London Itinerary
London Adventure #3: Up at the O2
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The O2 Arena plays host to some of the biggest stars in music from around the world. However, while many people come to the arena to take in a concert or go shopping, they don’t know you can climb to the top.
Located in Greenwich, climbing to the top of, and then back down, the O2 arena takes around 90 minutes. With full gear on including shoes, a full body harness, and a jumpsuit or vest (depending on the time of year), climbers make their way up to the top of the arena. Upon arrival, visitors are rewarded with a 360 degree view. On a clear day, you can see approximately 15 miles away.
Climbs happen during the day and at twilight. Celebrating something special? Have a champagne toast upon arrival to the top. This was one of the highlights of my visit to London, and my personal favorite of all the adventurous things to do in London on this list.
For a in-depth look at climbing the O2 check out my blog post!
Read More: My experience climbing the O2 Arena
London Adventure #4: Bike London
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Biking around London is easy with Santander bikes (one of my Must Have London Apps) available for rent. If you want to add a bit of history and find some hidden places take a bike tour with London Bicycle Tour Company.
During my visit to London, I took the Classic Tour with them on my first day and London. It was a great way to get acquainted with the city. It is a great introduction to adventure in London that will take visitors to some of the highlights of the city such as Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Covent Garden.
Majority of the tour takes place in a bike lane, but riders should be comfortable biking near traffic. I encourage everyone to wear a helmet just in case.
Check out these non-touristy things to do in London
London Adventure #6: Learn to use a sword
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Have you ever watched an epic sword fight in a movie and thought, I want to try that? Then visiting the London Longsword Academy needs to be one of the top things to do in London during your visit.
The London Longsword Academy holds 4 sessions a week, each focusing on a different weapon. The use of the longsword, rapier, montante, and sword and buckler are each taught.
For those starting out all the equipment needed to participate in the lesson will be provided. If you live in London and continue to do the classes you’ll be required to purchase your own gear.
Adventurous Things to do in London #7: Go to flying trapeze school
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I hope you’re already singing, “The man on the flighting trapeze,” in your head. I know I am know that I wrote it down. If you’ve always wanted to fly through the air, then you need to find your London adventure at the Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School.
A Level 1 class is 2 hours long and gives you the basics of the flying trapeze. At the end of the class participates will get to try and be caught by an instructor on a separate bar!
Classes are held outside in Regant’s Park and in Kensington Gardens, and are weather dependent. If the weather is good make sure you do one of the best adventurous things to do in London, flying trapeze!
London Adventure #8: Bungee Jumping
Probably one of the most adventurous things to do in London is bungee jumping with the UK Bungee Club. While they have jumps all over the United Kingdom, there are regular opportunities to go bungee jumping in North Greenwich next to the O2 arena.
The Greenwich jump is 160 feet high and is done from a crane. Don’t want to jump alone? Not to worry, tandem jumps are available, because making crazy decisions is more fun with friends.
Pre-booking is required as there are only a limited number of jump times available.
Read More: Best Day Trips from London
London Adventure #9: Whitewater Rafting
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A short ride outside of London will take you to the Lee Valley White Water Centre which was used during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Lee Valley also plays host to other activities, including Hydrospeeding (going down the white water course on an oversized boogie board), Hot Dog sessions (2 person inflatable kayaks) and Canoeing.
For those more interested in watching friends and family than doing adventurous things to do in London, check out the cafe and terrace to sit back and relax.
Adventurous things to do in London #10: ArcelorMittal Orbit
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Taking a literal spin down the giant slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit will be one hell of an adventure. Taking you back to when you were a kid going down the slide to a new level, the ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide.
At 250 feet tall the ArcelorMittal Orbit will plummet you down the slide in around 40 seconds at approximately 15 miles per hour.
To add even more adventure to London, visitors can also abseil down the ArcelorMittal Orbit with Wire and Sky.
What other adventurous things to do in London did you know about? Let me know in the comments!
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Wow – I love all these ideas, well except bungee jumping which I’ve sworn to never do. I’m always looking for adventurous things to do in cities and this is right up my alley. Definitely saving for my next trip to London! My favorite is the "learn how to use a sword"! Awesome!
That’s one of my favorites too! And I want to learn how to do the trapezee!
Great post! I had no idea there were so many thrilling things to do in London!!
It was a big surprise to me too! Which one would you like to try the most?
I had no idea there were so many adventurous options in London – especially the white water rafting! Thanks for sharing!
That looks like a blast doesn’t it? I’m going to be finding my way out there the next time I head to London!
Wait, white water rafting in London?!?! Haha, these are awesome! I like the idea of learning how to use a sword! So fun.
I lived in London for a year and had no idea that most of these adventurous activities were there!
It’s always surprising what adventure you can find in your own backyard.