London Days Out: Parks and Outdoor Activities

With activities ranging from swimming and rowing to open air theatre and gourmet dining, you're guaranteed an action-packed day in London's great outdoors.

Morning: Swimming on Hampstead Heath

Located on the hilltop above Hampstead village, Hampstead Heath offers wonderful panoramic views of London. Don't forget your camera, so you can take pictures from the top of Parliament Hill.

The heath is one of the only places in London where you can swim in natural ponds. There's a men's pond, a women's pond and a mixed pond, where you can enjoy a chlorine-free dip among the ducks. If you prefer something more pristine, there's also a the Parliament Hill Lido with its  65 x 25m outdoor pool and kid's pool.

Lunch: Kenwood House Restaurant

Hampstead Heath is home to Kenwood House, an English Heritage property where you can see masterpieces by Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Vermeer – all for free.

Stop off for lunch in one of two cafés – The Brewhouse and The Steward's Room – housed in the former servants' quarters at Kenwood. If the weather's fine, you'll probably want to eat outside in the pretty courtyard garden.

Afternoon: Rowing on the Serpentine in Hyde Park

After lunch, head to Hyde Park, a grand Royal Park in Central London.

Explore free exhibitions at the Serpentine Gallery, before taking to the water in a rowing boat on the Serpentine. (If you're not feeling energetic, you might prefer a ride on the Serpentine's solar-powered boat.)

On the banks of the lake you'll find the recently refurbished Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, where you can pause for tea and cake with a lovely view over the water.

Evening: Inn The Park and Open Air Theatre

Inn The Park in the middle of St James's Park is the perfect place for dinner. Run by London restaurateur Oliver Peyton, the restaurant serves seasonal British food, using ingredients from local suppliers and artisan producers.

Finish the day with a visit to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre (open May to September). Here you can see everything from Shakespeare to comedy in the magical surroundings of Regent's Park. There's also an open air bar where you can enjoy a drink as the sun sets.