London River Sport and Outdoor Activities

Get on the Water: Boats in London

Events are a great way to try boating for the first time, research the options, ask lots of questions or try a boat you have been looking at for free. See the British Marine Federation's On the Water website for information and ideas.

Sailing in London

Generally, you need to be a member of a sailing club to sail on the Thames. However, there are water sports centres where you can learn to sail or canoe in a safe and fun environment. Try the Westminster Boating Base or have a look at our Unique Experiences on the River page for more ideas.

Oar Action: London Rowing and Kayaking

If you're spurred on by Britain's Olympic medal success in rowing and fancy your chances as the next Steve Redgrave, the Thames is an ideal place to learn and train. There are plenty of clubs to choose from. However, to take part in club activities and use the equipment, you need to be a fully paid-up member, with fees varying significantly between clubs.

Have a look at the Port of London Authority website for a list of rowing clubs.

Thames River Adventures has guided kayak tours of the Thames near Tower Bridge or Hampton Court and also offers an eight-mile kayak tour along Regent's Canal.  

Catch of the Day: Fishing in London

While away the hours fishing on the banks of the river Thames and your patience may be rewarded with a catch of dace, roach, bream, carp, barbel, perch or even eel. Angling is very popular in London. All you need to set up a line along the Thames is a fishing rod licence, provided you can access the river safely and without trespassing on private land.

You can buy a fishing licence from the Post Office or the Environment Agency.

Horse Around in London: Polo

Become part of the polo set (for an afternoon, at least) and see Royalty and the super-rich at play at Ham Polo Club, near Richmond. Or head along to Hurlingham Park in Fulham for regular Polo in the Park games. Fast-paced and daredevil at times, polo is best described as hockey on horseback! The highlight is half-time when spectators are invited to "divot stomp" - replacing the earth torn up by horses' hooves.

Up for Adventure? Sports in the City

The Jubilee Outdoor Education Centre was set up to provide young people with an opportunity to take part in adventure sports in the city. Have a go at their indoor climbing wall, canoe on the river or join in a hill walking trip.

Love Lee Valley

Head down to scenic Lee Valley to enjoy the open spaces, wildlife habitats and sporting facilities, with the Lee Valley Ice Centre perfect for year-round skating action. After a stroll through the park, take the kids to see the farmyard animals at the delightful Lee Valley Park Farms. A lot of London 2012 Olympics venues are located in this area too. 

Odds-on Favourite: Horse Racing in London

And they're off! Have a flutter on the horses at one of London's Thames-side racecourses. Kempton Park, home to the King George VI Chase, is on the north side at Sunbury. On the south side there is Sandown Park, near Esher. Both jump-racing and flat-racing meets take place throughout the year.

Hole in One: Golf in London

Tee off at London's riverside golf courses, and admire the views between swings on the fairway. Richmond Park Golf Course has two 18-hole pay-and-play courses. You can hire clubs here too. East of Woolwich, Riverside Golf Centre in Thamesmead has a 9-hole course and 31-bay driving range. And, as it also hires out equipment, you can just turn up and play when the mood takes you.

Drift Off in London

Spend a leisurely afternoon on the river. Float past pretty riverside residences, do a spot of nature watching, moor up on the bank and enjoy a picnic under the shade of a tree. You can hire traditional rowing boats from Richmond Bridge Boat House by Richmond Pier, or a motor boat from Turk Launches at the Palace Boathouse in Hampton Court. Boats are available by the hour, day, week or longer. For dinner cruises and guided tours, see the information below. 

For more ideas for active pursuits in the capital, see our Sport in London page.