London sports for all the family

Embracing new sports can be both exciting and rewarding whilst also allowing you to warm up in the frosty weather, there's no better time to start than now, so catch a Grand Central train to London and prepare to unleash your inner athlete. 

Joining a sports club in London 

Local sports clubs are always eager to welcome new members, regardless of experience. Whether you're looking to try something unconventional this weekend or simply seeking a new hobby, London offers a plethora of unique opportunities for the whole family. 

Adventure playgrounds

Adventure playgrounds are a vital part of urban life, offering children spaces to explore, play, and develop their physical and social skills.

London boasts around 80 adventure playgrounds, many of which are free to access. These playgrounds are often equipped with challenging structures, zip lines, and natural play environments, encouraging children to engage in risk-taking in a controlled, safe manner. 

Climbing

Rock climbing is an exhilarating sport that has gained immense popularity over the years, especially in urban areas like London, where indoor climbing centres have become community hubs for fitness enthusiasts.

Among these, The Castle Climbing Centre in Stoke Newington stands out, not only for its challenging routes but also for its unique setting. This centre is housed in a former Victorian pumping station, an iconic London landmark built in 1856. The centre’s architecture adds to the experience, with over 450 climbing routes and more than 90 roped lines spread across two floors.

Whether you're a seasoned climber or a complete beginner, The Castle offers taster sessions, courses, and special events, including kids' climbing sessions during school holidays. The on-site shop stocks the latest climbing gear, and the Castle Cafe serves up healthy, hearty meals and snacks.

Ice skating

Ice skating in London is a magical experience, especially during the winter months when the city comes alive with festive outdoor rinks. 

One of the most iconic rinks is the Alexandra Palace Ice Rink. Known locally as "Ally Pally," this rink is part of a historic entertainment venue with stunning views over London. The rink itself is large, accommodating up to 1,250 skaters, and offers a variety of activities for all ages, including ice hockey, figure skating, and casual sessions.

After a session on the ice, visitors can explore the surrounding park, which includes a skate park (a perfect winter activity), boating lake, and even a small animal enclosure.

Skate parks

Skateboarding culture is alive and well in London, with numerous skate parks catering to skaters of all levels.

One of the newest and most exciting facilities is Better Extreme in Barking, which features an indoor skate/BMX park and climbing walls. This facility is part of the Better Network, a social enterprise that reinvests its profits into community projects and sports facilities across London.

The skate park offers a variety of ramps, rails, and other obstacles, providing a challenging environment for both skateboarders and BMX riders.

If you’re more interested in watching skateboarding than participating, the Southbank Centre is home to one of London’s most famous "unofficial" skate spots, where skaters have been practising their skills for decades.

Watersports

London’s waterways provide ample opportunities for watersports, from rowing on the Thames to kayaking and white water rafting.

Rowing, in particular, has a long and storied history in the city, with many clubs offering programs designed to introduce children and young people to the sport. London Youth Rowing is one such initiative, aimed at increasing participation in rowing among 11 to 18-year-olds. The program allows participants to learn the basics of rowing machines before progressing to boats on the water. Adaptive rowing is also available for disabled rowers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this classic sport.

For those interested in kayaking, Kayaking London offers a range of trips and tours that allow participants to explore the city’s iconic waterfront from a unique perspective. Based at the Cremorne Riverside Centre in Chelsea, the company provides guided tours that take in landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and HMS Belfast. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely paddle or a more adventurous experience, there are options to suit all levels of ability.

Another top destination for watersports enthusiasts is the Lee Valley White Water Centre. This world-class venue, where Team GB won Gold and Silver in Canoe Slalom at the 2012 Olympics, offers a range of white water activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and white water rafting.

The centre caters to all experience levels, with introductory sessions available for beginners and more challenging courses for experienced paddlers. Other activities at the centre include hydrospeeding, where participants ride a small, fast-moving float down the rapids, and hot dog sessions, where two people share an inflatable kayak.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the most accessible sports, and London offers a variety of unique swimming experiences, particularly for those who enjoy open-air and natural swimming environments.

One of the most innovative swimming spots is the King’s Cross Pond Club, the UK’s first man-made freshwater, chemical-free public bathing pond. Located within a working construction site in King’s Cross, this 40-meter-long pond is an example of Land Art, blending nature with urban development. The pond is open to the public for a small fee, offering a refreshing and unique swimming experience.

Get to the finish line with Grand Central

Getting to your favourite sports destinations has never been easier with Grand Central, all you have to do now is pack your athletic wear and get warming up.

Check out what tickets we have available and don’t forget to contact our helpful team if you have any further questions.