Looking for an adrenaline-fuelled challenge, a family adventure day out or simply an excuse to spend more time outdoors? You don't need a car to find it. Great Northern connects you to some of the best adventure activities near London, from kayaking and paddleboarding to zip wires, wildlife encounters and even skiing.
Whether you're planning a weekend with friends, entertaining the kids during the school holidays or trying something completely new, these outdoor activities near London are all easily reached by train.
What kind of adventure day out are you looking for?
| If you want... | Try... | Nearest Great Northern station |
| Watersports | Nene Outdoors at Nene Park | Peterborough |
| Treetop adrenaline | Go Ape Alexandra Palace | Alexandra Palace |
| Wildlife encounters | Shepreth Wildlife Park | Shepreth |
| Riverside walking | Fen Rivers Way | Cambridge and King's Lynn |
| Skiing | Gosling Sports Park Ski Centre | Welwyn Garden City |
Watersports and outdoor adventure days out
Nene Park
Nearest station: Peterborough
Why we picked it: After your session, explore the rest of Nene Park's 2,000 acres of lakes, woodland and meadows or enjoy lunch at one of the cafés overlooking the water.
Located within the beautiful Nene Park, Nene Outdoors is one of the best places for watersports within easy reach of London. Around a 10-minute bus journey from Peterborough station, you'll find a huge lake where you can try:
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Windsurfing
- Sailing
If you're completely new to paddleboarding or kayaking, beginners' sessions are available throughout the season, while experienced paddlers can simply hire equipment and head out onto the water.
Insider tip: One of the best times to go paddleboarding is early in the morning, when the lake is usually calmer and quieter. You'll often spot swans, herons and other wildlife before the park becomes busier later in the day.
What to bring:
- A towel and change of clothes
- Water shoes or old trainers
- Sunscream in summer
- A waterproof phone pouch if you plan to take photos
Find out more and book here: www.nenepark.org.uk
Sailing at Stanborough Park Watersports Centre
Nearest station: Welwyn Garden City
Why we picked it: If not everyone in your group wants to get on the water, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Just a short bus ride or pleasant walk from Welwyn Garden City station, Stanborough Park offers another fantastic outdoor adventure day out. The watersports centre runs sailing lessons for beginners and experienced sailors alike, alongside kayak and canoe hire during the warmer months.
The park itself makes a brilliant family destination too, with:
- Adventure playgrounds
- Splash play area (seasonal)
- Walking routes around the lakes
- Picnic areas
- Cafés
Find out more and book here: www.parksherts.co.uk/parks/stanborough-park
Aqua Parc at Fairlands Valley Park
Nearest station: Stevenage
If you're looking for adventure activities near London that are guaranteed to get your heart racing, Fairlands Valley Park's inflatable aqua parc delivers. Think giant slides, climbing walls, balance beams and floating obstacles spread across the lake. There's also kayaking, canoeing and sailing available, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
Insider tip: book the aqua park online well in advance during school holidays as sessions often sell out.
Find out more and book here: www.aquaparcs.co.uk/planning-your-visit-stevenage
High ropes, climbing and adrenaline activities
If heights don't bother you, these attractions offer some of the most exciting adventure days out on the Great Northern network.
Treetop adventures at Go Ape
Nearest station: Alexandra Palace
Why we picked it: Afterwards, spend some time exploring Alexandra Palace itself or enjoy panoramic views across London's skyline.
Only around 10 minutes on foot from Alexandra Palace station, Go Ape combines spectacular London skyline views with plenty of adrenaline.
The course includes:
- 23 treetop crossings
- Two exhilarating zip wires
- Rope bridges
- Cargo nets
- The famous Tarzan Swing
Find out more and book here: goape.co.uk/locations/alexandra-palace
Indoor climbing at Clip 'n Climb Cambridge
Nearest station: Cambridge
Why we picked it: The automatic belay systems mean no previous climbing experience is needed, making it ideal for families or first-time visitors.
Rain forecast? No problem. Clip 'n Climb Cambridge transforms climbing into a colourful indoor adventure with dozens of themed climbing walls suitable for beginners through to experienced climbers.
Find out more and book here: www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk
Dry-slope skiing and tubing at Gosling Sports Park Ski Centre
Nearest station: Welwyn Garden City
Why we picked it: If you've never skied before, beginner lessons include equipment hire, making it an easy way to experience the sport before heading to the mountains.
Searching for skiing near London without waiting for winter? Gosling Sports Park features one of the region's most popular dry ski slopes where you can try:
- Ski lessons
- Snowboarding
- Ringo tubing
- Open practice sessions
Find out more and book here: goslingsports.co.uk
Wildlife, walking and family-friendly adventure
Not every adventure has to involve adrenaline. Sometimes the best outdoor activities near London involve exploring nature at your own pace.
Shepreth Wildlife Park
Nearest station: Shepreth
Why we picked it: You can get two adult tickets for the price of one at Shepreth Wildlife Park when you travel with Great Northern.
Less than a 5-minute walk from Shepreth railway station is Shepreth Wildlife Park. Home to over 100 species including Sumatran tigers, red pandas, capybaras, and ring-tailed lemurs, the park gives you the opportunity to see and learn about animals from around the world.
You can take the thrill-seeking to the next level with various tailored experiences, such as the Aardvark Experience, African Sands Experience, Capybara Experience, and the Junior Keeper Experience.
Find out more and book here: www.greatnorthernrail.com/discounts-and-offers/london-2for1-offers/details/shepreth-wildlife-park
Fen Rivers Way
Nearest stations: Cambridge and King's Lynn
This long-distance 50-mile footpath follows the River Cam and the River Great Ouse across the Fenland landscape into the Wash. The route offers expansive views of the Fenlands, interesting wildlife, and historic towns.
Fen Rivers Way passes close to five Great Northern railway stations - Cambridge, Waterbeach, Ely, Littleport, and King’s Lynn - so you can easily choose a section that you want to walk if you don’t fancy doing the full 50 miles in one go.
How to plan a car-free adventure day
Travelling by train takes much of the stress out of planning an adventure day out.
Before you travel:
- Book any activities that require timed entry, especially during weekends and school holidays.
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the activity.
- Check the weather and pack waterproofs if needed.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and snacks.
- Download your tickets before travelling.
- Check whether your destination offers discounts for rail travellers.
Many of these destinations are only a short walk or bus journey from Great Northern stations, making them ideal for spontaneous day trips without worrying about parking.
Plan your adventure day out today
Whether you're paddleboarding across peaceful lakes, soaring through the treetops, tackling a climbing wall or spotting red pandas, there's no shortage of adventure activities near London waiting to be discovered.
If you're travelling with children, child train tickets provide significant discounts for children aged 5 to 15, making travel more affordable for families. Plus, children under 5 travel free with a fare-paying adult on most routes, making train journeys a budget-friendly choice for families.
With Great Northern connecting you to watersports centres, wildlife parks, walking trails and adrenaline-filled attractions across the region, planning unforgettable adventure days out has never been easier. Leave the car behind, hop on the train and discover your next outdoor adventure.