Calling all thrill seekers and all-out wild things, this list of fun activities to do in London will be right up your alley. From feeling the wind in your hair as you travel incredible speeds to putting your fight or flight response to the test, there is plenty to do in London to get your heart rate racing.
Conquer the fear – or embrace it and call it an ally, with these action-packed activities.
Helix Slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit
Slides are fun, no doubt about it. Starting at the school playground, we all remember the thrill of racing to the top, sliding down and doing it all over again. But the Helix slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit takes it up a notch. And when we say notch, we mean 178 metres.
Helix is the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide and is located at the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. You might have seen the weird and wonderful design – it features red poles going every which way and the metal tunnel slide weaving between them.
The tunnel slide twists and turns as you loop around 12 times, catching glimpses of London from an incredible vantage point through the glass-paned sections. Reaching speeds of up to 15mph, the Helix slide will take your breath away.
Up at The O2
You might have watched your favourite band perform inside the venue, but have you ever considered walking on top of The O2? The world-famous roof has some of the best views in London, with uninterrupted vistas from all angles.
The 90-minute roof walk adventure will see you standing 52 metres high at the summit with 360-degree views of landmarks up to 15 miles (24 km) away. See Greenwich, The Olympic Park and Canary Wharf.
You can climb The O2 during the day or at sunset, and even during the winter, and step into the immersive snow globe. There are multiple options to choose from to get the most out of your climb.
Escape Rooms
We know that adrenaline junkies come in all forms, and some prefer to race against the clock, solving riddles and finding clues rather than riding roller coasters. Each to their own, we say! All thrill seekers are welcome and celebrated here, and if you want to put your brain matter to the test, then escape rooms are the place to do it.
As the time dwindles and the tension rises, your pulse begins to quicken, and your heart is somehow now in your throat. You might be leading the charge or following your fearless (self-appointed) leader to free you all from the prison you have willingly entered.
It’s not hard to find an escape room in London; they are located in various areas across the capital and run by a range of reputable companies. So, sharpen your wits, test your agility, strengthen or destroy relationships and enjoy an indoor activity that, regardless of the unpredictable London weather, will give you an adrenaline hit.
Love a mystery? The Sherlock Holmes-themed escape rooms will have you scratching your head in agony and joy.
Thames Rockets
Who said sightseeing has to be slow? If you want to see London landmarks from the River Thames while thrashing through the water at speeds of 30 knots (35mph), then may we introduce you to Thames Rockets.
The speedboats twist and turn through the river as you pass iconic buildings such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, The O2 and on through the Thames Barrier. The experienced skippers are experts at thrills and entertainment, providing interesting facts and witty banter while you zip past famous sights.
What are you waiting for? Go get your thrill on!