Top healthy activities in London

With summer upon us and the unseasonable weather finally receding; outdoor activities are definitely on the menu, as the schools break up and the family can enjoy sunny weekends and longer evenings. So, to burn off any excess stress from work – or to give the kids a break from their games consoles – here are a few of London’s top destinations for healthy, active fun.  

Cycling The capital’s roads can be hair-raising for cyclists, but there are some wonderfully picturesque and safe cycling routes in the city. The Richmond to Hampton Court route along the Thames Path is a lovely eight-mile ride, culminating at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, where you can grab a bite to eat or a cool drink. The Wandle Trail from the Thames to Croydon is another pleasant off-road route, this time along the River Wandle, with parks and interesting National Trust properties along the way. Cycling is also a great calorie burner: you can burn off between 200 and 800 calories in an hour, so your leisurely ride will have bonus benefits.

River Thames in London.

Canoeing Don’t be daunted: canoeing and kayaking aren’t necessarily the extreme sports you’ve seen on the telly – it’s actually quite a relaxing form of exercise and a great way to enjoy the water on a fine day. The West Reservoir Centre is a good place to learn the basics, along with the numerous canoe clubs on the Thames. It’s also a relatively easy skill to master, so there’s need to worry if you’re not a natural athlete.  

Swimming London has a number of gorgeous lidos, which offer a fun and relatively cheap day out for the family. Frolicking around in an outside pool on a sunny day is terrifically relaxing and a great way to get your arms and legs moving. Swimming is an all-round body toner and uses a large variety of muscles. Above all, kids never seemed to get bored in a pool and you can enjoy the sun (hopefully) while playing countless different games in the water.

These are just some of the hidden gems in the London area uncovered by the In the Know Telegraph Partnership with American Express, bringing you some of the best activities and days out that the capital has to offer. To make the most of your free time in the great outdoors, why not opt for one of the great credit cards with rewards from American Express, and earn exclusive reward points virtually every time you use your card.