It’s a special thing when the sun decides to grace us with its presence during the colder months. Even with cooler temperatures, the crisp air, bright blue skies (and no rain!) are reason enough to get outside and enjoy your weekend.
We work with South West Railway to provide you with the best recommendations for making the most of the dry and sunny days of this fall.
From vibrant botanical gardens and beer gardens to outdoor art trails and treetop adventures, we’ve got you covered!
Wrap up warm and admire the beautiful plants of Kew Gardens
There are few nicer places to spend a sunny day than Kew Gardens. Home to over 50,000 living plants, it’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly for hours and admire the magnificent wildlife. Wrap up warm and stroll through the 500 acres of garden woodland, and be sure to stop at the Temperate House, the largest Victorian glass house in the world. Here you will find incredible species of plants from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Book your visit here.
Enjoy an aerial adventure with this amazing SWR reward
Thrill seekers, daredevils and adventurers will love a day at Gripped. This brand new outdoor attraction is packed with awesome activities that are perfect for a more enjoyable day. And with this SWR reward, you can redeem 20% discount on any activity package of High Ropes, Dual Zip Line Trekking, Speed Slides and more. Climb to the top of the trees and take in the views from the magnificent heights of Hobbledown Heath, then zoom through the trees, down into the valley on the zipline for the ultimate adrenaline rush!
Stop for a bite to eat at Flat Iron Square
Home to a handful of handpicked food stalls, Flat Iron Square is firmly on our list of London’s favorite places to eat. The bustling beer garden is well equipped with outdoor heaters, making it a pleasant place to sit with friends and enjoy a spectacular screen. Feast on a succulent venison burger from Gamekeeper or a succulent romaine pizza from Good Slice. You’ll also find irresistible and authentic Lebanese dishes at Lil’Watan and mouth-watering Latin-inspired street food at Streat Latin Arepas. Learn more here.
Admire brilliant works of art on this outdoor trail
Follow these steps and experience a show stopping art along the way with a walking tour Line. This public art walk spans three boroughs (Newham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich) and features an ever-changing program of art installations and sculptures along East London’s waterways. Current features on this fantastic free trail include Laura Ford’s Bird Boy and Abigail Fallis’ DNA DL90.
Treat yourself to a drink with a view at Willows on The Roof
Any opportunity to sneak into a rooftop bar when the weather permits should be taken, and Willows on The Roof is a central London sanctuary perfect for sipping a cocktail or two. Located above John Lewis on Oxford Street, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city center while escaping the hustle and bustle. Take a seat on the heated outdoor rooftop or book into a private cabin and enjoy signature cocktails such as the Passionfruti Marg and Dark Espresso Martini. You can even treat yourself to a delicious chicken wrap from ‘Raps’, Tinie Tempah’s exciting new soul food adventure. To book a table here.
Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week
South Western Railway’s winged friends Sandy and Wes are always on hand to provide their best London recommendations. Sandy is a culture buff with a love for the arts, theater and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to concerts with his homies. But one thing they can both agree on is their love of (other) animals. Vauxhall City Farm is home to many species including alpacas and chinchillas. Plus, admission is free, so you can coo in front of the animals without spending a penny! Learn more here.
Hop on a bike and explore one of the city’s beautiful bike paths
Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual cyclist in Santander, a bike ride along one of the city’s scenic bike paths is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and refuel. Throughout the city, there are tons of bike paths to choose from. Explore the parks, forests and canal roads and discover the hidden nooks and crannies of the capital. We even have our very clean guide to London’s most charming cycle routes, to help you plan your perfect day.
