A city that is known to be always on the go, London offers a plethora of things to see and do for its locals as well as travelers. You can visit different museums such as The British Museum and discover the place’s great history. You can even find the famous Big Ben and Tower of London here. Besides these great city attractions, there are also nature-filled activities you can try if you want to forget the busy city life for a while. If you really crave a beach vacation but do not have adequate time on your hands for such a getaway, there are great alternatives. You can check out the following water sports which you might not be familiar with yet. Scroll down for the top water sports and activities in and near London, UK, to get the thrill and excitement you are looking for.
1. Speedboat cruise (from USD 41.0)
Perfect for thrillseekers as well as families, this exciting speedboat cruise on Thames River offers an adrenaline-rushing experience and sightseeing. The rigid inflatable boat can speed past some iconic landmarks of London such as HMS Belfast, The Shard, and Tower Bridge. There are two different duration times available to select from. If you choose the longer duration time, you can enjoy some stunning vistas of the popular The O2 Arena. There will be a live commentary when you are on board, and you will be provided with a life jacket and protective clothing.
London Thames River Small-Group High-Speed Sightseeing Cruise
Duration: 20 minutes
2. Surfing (from USD 102.0)
If you are serious about learning surfing, then Cornwall is a great place to do so. Famous for its great waves and picturesque coastline, it is an ideal location to polish your surfing skills or learn fresh. This great surfing package includes two two-hour lessons. You can decide to participate in these two sessions on the same day or within a gap of a few days. The package gives special focus to the participants as each batch is limited to a maximum of 15 people. There will be a photographer on board to snap you while you surf. You can also buy those photos later should you want a remembrance.
Full-Day (2 x 2 hr lessons) Surf Experience Newquay: All levels
Duration: 5 hours
3. Coasteering (from USD 70.0)
It is not advisable to embark upon a solo coasteering trip along the coast of Newquay. This guided activity can let you experience coasteering safely. Necessary equipment will be provided so it can be easy for you to enjoy the jumps, swims, and panoramic scenery. Proceed through the edge of the water carefully and move through the whirlpools and caves. A qualified guide will be present when you swim or take deep-water leaps.
The Original Newquay: Coasteering Tours by Cornish Wave
Duration: 2 hours
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4. Ghyll scrambling (from USD 90.0)
Partake in this small-group activity to explore the wild and unexplored scenery of the famous Lake District. This exciting adventurous tour entails wearing a helmet, wetsuit, and other essential safety equipment. Enjoy sliding down and jumping from one pool to another in the mountain streams or ghylls of Lake District. You can choose to depart in the morning or in the afternoon. The package includes the distribution of free souvenir photos.
Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District
Duration: 3 hours
London Tour Guide
Robert Woolf
I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Gu... Read more
Tours by Robert
5. RIB boat cruise (from USD 71.0)
This high-speed boat cruise on the famous Thames River might suit your taste. The number of people is restricted to 12 for this tour so that participants can enjoy a small-group experience. You can get a chance to speed past some famous sights including The O2 Arena and Tower Bridge in a sophisticated RIB. It is truly an adrenaline-rushing experience as the boat speeds up to a maximum speed of 35 miles (56 kilometers) per hour. There will be an engaging commentary and popular British songs to keep you entertained during this exciting water activity.
Thames High-Speed Zone Speedboat in London
Duration: 45 minutes
6. Paddleboarding (from USD 29.0)
It is a lovely opportunity to spend some memorable time on this wonderful tour where you can experience the excitement of stand-up paddleboarding. The water activity is appropriate for people with different experience levels. There is an option to go for “open” sessions, but guests can also book a tour that is exclusively meant for a corporate group, a small group of friends, or even for celebrating an occasion. These tours are available for various locations in Somerset and Wiltshire such as canals, lakes, and rivers.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Wiltshire
7. Windsurfing (from USD 89.0)
Ideal for beginners, this windsurfing exercise can let you enjoy the water sport with proper guidance. The duration of this windsurfing session is three hours, and it can offer you an insight into what the sport is all about. You can learn how to be on board, use the equipment, and discover the basic techniques for windsurfing. You will be provided with equipment as well as wetsuits. Participants simply have to carry their towels and swimming costumes. There will be qualified instructors to teach you the fundamental techniques on the shallow waters of Hove Lagoon.
Try Windsurfing
8. Kayaking (from USD 18.0)
Enjoy a wonderful kayaking experience, and explore Chichester Harbour. There is an option to rent a kayak for four hours, two hours, or one hour. You can explore the natural harbor’s pristine coastline while kayaking. You can even catch sight of wild animals such as seals and marvel at the other boats while you paddle around. This activity includes a complimentary bottle of water.
Kayak Hire on Chichester Harbour
9. Canoeing (from USD 124.0)
Canoe along the pristine River Wye by joining this trip, which is ideal for all age groups. This is a guided canoeing tour that lasts for six-and-a-half hours. A maximum of six people can be allowed. Canoeing in small groups also means you can get more personalized attention. Get immersed in the beauty of the Wye Valley while you pass through Forest of Dean. If you are lucky, you can even get to see Peregrine falcons through Coldwell Rocks. You can definitely enjoy this package irrespective of your skill level.
Full day Guided Canoe Trip down the River Wye
10. White water rafting (from USD 55.0)
Choose this once-in-a-lifetime experience if you want to traverse through the wilds of Wales. Perfect for families, this white water rafting package lasts for three hours. There will be a safety briefing, and you will need to put on your wetsuit and collect your paddle before hopping into a raft. A competent guide will be there to guide you with instructions as you paddle down the Dee River. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy moving past the dangerous turns of the river and coping with the challenging rapids. You can also get the chance to marvel at the scenic views over North Wales’ valleys along the entire stretch of the river.
White Water Rafting in Llangollen
Discover some thrilling water sports
If you are an outdoor enthusiast or an adrenaline junkie, it is natural for you to seek out activities other than the usual sightseeing in London. Check out the top water sports and activities in and near London, UK, and enjoy a well-deserved trip.
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