Action-packed adventures may seem hard to come by in a big concrete jungle like London, but in actual fact, there are numerous adrenaline-fuelled activities to be had in the UK’s exciting and dynamic capital.
From conquering your fear of heights by bungee jumping next to The O2 to seeing the city skyline on the world’s fastest city zip wire, read on to find out about some of the top London adventures that promise to get your blood pumping.

Zip Now London

 

 
Zip Now London offers excitement for all ages. With a 225m-high zip wire that reaches speeds of up to 50kmph, this is a great attraction for thrill-seekers. As well as offering exhilarating heights and speeds, you can also see the London skyline while you hurtle through the air, including The London Eye right through to the Houses of Parliament.
Marketing Manager Shaun from Zip Now London told us what makes the attraction so popular: “Zip Now London is the biggest, fastest city-centre zip wire in the world. Open during the summer months, you have the chance to fly through the sky at up to 50kmph while enjoying a unique view of the London skyline. Over 90,000 people have launched themselves from our 35-metre tower and experienced our adrenaline-fuelled activity.”

ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide

For a 40-second thrill like nothing else in London, you’ll want to experience the slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit. The longest and tallest tunnel slide in the world, this is an experience that all the family will be able to enjoy. The slide is made up of several loops and spirals for an exciting descent, created by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit website describes the experience in more detail, including the structure’s two viewing platforms: “Challenge your friends and family to a 40-second descent down the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide, as well as experiencing breath-taking views of London from two observation platforms, Anish Kapoor’s famous concave mirrors, innovative touchscreens and the sounds of the city as you descend the 455 stairs.”

Thamesjet Speedboat Ride

 

​Not keen on heights? Explore the sights of London on a thrilling Thames speedboat ride with City Cruises’ Thamesjet. Enjoy a fantastic 50-minute ride twisting and turning through the water at high speed.
First, you’ll get to enjoy a gentle cruise along the river taking in the sights from Westminster to Tower Bridge before the boat picks up speed and powers through the water for an exciting ride to Canary Wharf. Once you’ve caught your breath, it’s a smooth ride back to Westminster to take in the sights and snap some pictures. London sightseeing deals don’t get better than this, with a family ticket costing just £99.
 

Go Ape Cockfosters

Image credit: Go Ape
If you’re looking for a fun day out with friends and family, Go Ape Cockfosters will delight the outdoor adventurer in you. Encircled in 413 acres of stunning woodland, Go Ape will test your nerve and ability to keep cool while you take on a range of high rope adventures up in the trees.
Louise Coyte, site manager at Go Ape Cockfosters, told us what makes the company’s adventure courses so much fun: “Escape busy London life without travelling too far at Go Ape Cockfosters. We offer high-rise fun, without the high-rise London backdrop – and we’re only five minutes’ walk from the tube! The beginner’s course is great for guiding you in, as it starts low and builds up. Once your confidence is soaring, you’re all set for the highest course in the South East, which is also home to the longest and fastest zip wire in London and two big Tarzan swings.”

The London Helicopter

Leave the crowds on the ground and marvel at the London skyline from the clouds on a one-of-a-kind helicopter ride with The London Helicopter. Take in the sights and study the patchwork of buildings below, looking closely to spot some of London’s top attractions including The Tower of London, The Gherkin, Marble Arch, The Shard, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, and many more famous London landmarks.
The London Helicopter website describes the incredible experience in more detail: “Our most popular London helicopter flight is a breath-taking journey down the Thames from west to east that takes in some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. We promise it’s a trip of a lifetime you’ll never forget.
“Once up in the sky, you’ll start to understand why a journey with The London Helicopter is definitely one of the best things you can do in London, whether as a tourist or a local.”
For more incredible London sightseeing packages, check out our range of Thames river cruise and attraction ticket packages perfect for a day out with friends and family.

Up at The O2

Image credit: Up at The O2
See 360-degree sights of London on top of the city’s prized The O2 arena. Climb the dome-shaped roof of The O2 on a 90-minute expedition during the day or later in the evening for incredible views of the sun setting over the London skyline.
Georgina Bushell, Communications Assistant at The O2, told us more about the experience and why it’s like nothing else in London: “Join half a million people who’ve discovered a new way to see the city, by climbing Up at The O2. Feel a sense of achievement (and even reward yourself with a glass of Champagne Lanson) when you reach the viewing platform, suspended 52 metres high, over the centre of the iconic roof that’s hosted Prince, Beyoncé and the Rolling Stones below. As well as incredible 360-degree views of London, there’s much to be discovered about this renowned feat of engineering and expert guides are on hand to share their knowledge every step of the way.”

UK Bungee Club

Image credit: UK Bungee Club
As well as being able to climb Up at The O2, you can also experience a heart-racing bungee jump next to it with UK Bungee Club. The jumping platform offers stunning views in every direction, with brave thrill-seekers being hoisted 160ft into the air by crane.
Into The Blue offers gift vouchers for experience days across the UK. It describes the spine-tingling bungee experience in full detail on its website: “You’ll be welcomed to the crane platform by the jumpmaster and the ascent to 160ft will begin. As you rise above the skyline you’ll see unforgettable views of London, the river and nearby Canary Wharf and historic Greenwich. Then after a final check, you’re ready to fly and it’s up to you to take the dramatic step and launch yourself into thin air.
“Before you know it, you’ll be plummeting downwards until the bungee cord steadily checks your trajectory and you rebound upwards into a series of giant exhilarating bounces before you are finally lowered to a thick air cushion on the ground below. Afterwards, you’ll be rewarded with a personalised certificate commemorating this most unique bungee jumping experience in London.”

Kitevibe

 
For something a little different, Kitevibe offers a different kind of adventure. Head to Richmond Park for a beginner’s course on power kiting, a fun, fast-growing sport enjoyed all over the world on various terrains.
The Kitevibe website explains more about power kiting and its history: “Power kiting really came into being in the early ‘70s with the advent of a flying wing made by two college students (later becoming known as the ‘Flexifoil’). The next step was how it pulled you. New Zealander Peter Lynn started making three-wheeled buggies and ever since then people have been attaching all kinds of different things to themselves: skis, skateboards, surfboards, roller skates and more.”
Looking to do some sightseeing and visit some of London’s top attractions during your visit? Browse our London sightseeing packages which include a fantastic Thames river cruise plus entry to a variety of attractions including Madame Tussauds, the London Dungeons, the London Eye and more.