Are you ready to experience the English capital in an exciting and unique way? This article guides you through the 10 best eco-friendly things to do in London and the top sustainable experiences for all travellers, so you can make the most of your weekend getaway or day trip whilst minimising your environmental impact.
Whether it is your first time in London or you have been before, I am sure you will have a fantastic time! Home to many iconic tourist attractions and historic landmarks, the capital of England and the United Kingdom is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity and the ideal place to learn more about British culture.
From soaking up the views at the Sky Garden, exploring the canals on an electric-powered boat and catching a show at an indie cinema where proceeds go to charity, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city, whether you are a solo traveller, a family with children or a couple on a romantic escape.
So, join us as we dive into 10 fun and sustainable activities in London, perfect for your next city break! For all the royal history and art lovers, photo enthusiasts and nightlife seekers out there, I promise you will have a great time – without harming our planet 🌍
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Overview: green things to do in London
- Explore the city on foot
- Stay in a green hotel
- Relax in one of the green spaces
- Discover the city on two wheels
- Enjoy a different perspective from the water
- Spend a rainy evening at the cinema
- Shop until you drop at Brick Lane
- Smell the roses (& much more) at Kew Gardens
- Soak up the views at the Sky Garden
- Refuel at Buck Street Market
Looking for the perfect London itinerary? Check out this article:
3 Perfect Days in London: Complete Itinerary
Best places to visit London – Map
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.
10 fun & sustainable things to do in London
1- Explore the city on foot
London is one of the best cities to explore on foot, and it is a free, healthy and sustainable way to discover some of the most emblematic landmarks in the world.
From strolling along the embankment taking in sights such as Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace to meandering along the pretty canal walkways, you will be hard-pressed to find a walk in London that does not have an iconic and picturesque setting.
If you do not fancy planning the walk yourself, then London Walks is a top-rated walking tour company offering tons of unique walking tours where you can learn about the rich history of the city, which includes incredible must-see spots, filming locations and historic monuments.
But since London is a vast city full of tourist attractions and things to do, it can be challenging to see everything at once. Another alternative is to choose a specific area to discover each day, with a few things you want to see, and stroll the neighbourhood checking out the shops, cafés and top sites.
2- Stay in a green hotel
One of the best ways to ensure your stay in London is as eco-friendly as possible is to choose a green hotel for your trip, and you will be spoiled for choice with the options, whether you decide to stay in the city centre or a quieter area.
London is one of the leading sustainable cities in the world, and many of its hotels, from chains to boutique hotels, are choosing to offer sustainable and ethical stays with all of the home comforts you would expect.
Head to The Lanesborough, a luxury hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge. Opulence, decadence and luxury go hand in hand with an eco-conscious mentality. Choose to book a ‘green stay’, which includes sustainable extras for ultimate peace of mind.
Ham Yard Hotel in Soho is a vibrant and quirky hotel located in an urban village complex. You will find a rooftop vegetable garden complete with beehives, decor made with reclaimed materials and bathroom amenities made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo.
3- Relax in one of the green spaces
For a vast metropolis home to nearly 9 million people, you might think that London is all paved streets and densely packed urban areas. On the contrary, the city is a haven for nature lovers, brimming with green spaces. You will find over 3,000 parks and gardens to enjoy, making it one of the greenest cities in the world!
Take a leisurely stroll, go for a run, hire bicycles or simply enjoy a picnic: there are endless sustainable and non-touristy activities to enjoy in the leafy spaces of London.
Stop at Hyde Park, one of the largest parks in the city, with a picturesque boating lake teeming with swans and other birds, beautiful trails and plenty of spaces to relax in good weather.
Head to Hampstead Heath, a wonderful hilltop park offering spectacular city views and beautiful wild meadows and trails perfect for strolling, running, dog walking and more. During the summer months, the park is also filled with picnickers enjoying the lovely weather and glorious views.
The elegant Regent’s Park is also worth the detour. It is full of attractions such as the ZSL London Zoo and an Open-air Theatre. Pretty manicured gardens, glorious floral displays and a picturesque boating lake make it one of the prettiest parks in London.
Finally, the largest park in London is Richmond Park, where you will find hundreds of deer roaming the lush green landscape. Combine a beautiful walk and picnic with animal-spotting, it is a fantastic eco-friendly activity that everyone will love.
4- Discover the city on two wheels
If you are looking for a fun and healthy way to explore London, consider renting one of the Santander Bikes and hitting the roads on two wheels.
You will find the Santander bikes dotted all around the city, and you can easily rent them by downloading the app and adding your payment details. Once payment has been confirmed, a bike will unlock allowing you to freely explore the city. And once you have reached your destination, dock the bike in one of the many bike docks, and you are all done!
It is a fantastic way to get around faster without using the car or public transport, in a sustainable and active way. Plus you will have the chance to discover plenty of famous attractions and sites along the way too.
BIKE TOURS I RECOMMEND
5- Enjoy a different perspective from the water
One of the coolest and most unusual ways to explore London is from one of its many waterways, and with GoBoat, you can captain an electric-powered boat on a delightful day out whilst getting behind the wheel.
Located in four locations around London, you can rent a boat for 1 to 3 hours for up to 8 people, and it is dog-friendly! Choose where you want to go and pootle along the quirky canals, perhaps enjoying a picnic.
Fun, sustainable and suitable for the entire family, it is one of the best eco-friendly activities you can do during your short or long holiday in London. It will also allow you to discover the capital and its top landmarks from a different perspective.
6- Spend a rainy evening at the cinema
If you are looking for a unique evening activity or struggling to find plans on a rainy, why not visit The Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise? This social enterprise and community cinema is run entirely by volunteers and 100% of its profits are donated to The Sustainability Institute in South Africa, a charity providing educational and food programs, as well as ecological research initiatives.
Showing box-office hits and indie films, this popular and much-loved community hub has just opened its second screen. Powered entirely using sustainable solar-powered energy and built using green materials, this fantastic spot is one of the best eco-friendly things to do at night in London, with an incredible cause at the heart of its purpose.
And if you want to appreciate the art of carbon-neutral performance, check out the Arcola Theatre, one of the best venues for local and international arts in London, committed to becoming the first carbon-neutral theatre in the world. Another great indoor activity on a rainy or cold day.
7- Shop until you drop at Brick Lane
A city break is not complete without browsing the shops, and second-hand shopping is made easy in the vibrant and cool Brick Lane area.
Located in the heart of London’s East End, Brick Lane is a bustling area filled with fabulous independent eateries, colourful street art and some of the best second-hand and vintage shopping in the city.
You will be spoiled for choice with the vintage shops on offer, and one of the best things to check out is Brick Lane Market. Open daily, you will find an eclectic mix of goods on offer in the stalls lined along the graffiti-covered streets. Second-hand clothing, vinyl, homeware, books, furniture, toys, handmade crafts and so much more can be found on a slow weekend meander.
Sunday is also the best day to visit the market for its lively and buzzing atmosphere. Plus, you will find some of the best food in London here too. A fantastic eco-friendly day out where you can shop until you drop and leave without a guilty conscience.
🚶🏻♀️ Walking tour I recommend: Street Art and Graffiti Guided Walking Tour.
8- Smell the roses (& much more) at Kew Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Royal Botanic Garden, Kew Gardens, located in southwest London, has the largest and most diverse botanical collection in the world, making it a perfect eco-friendly day out for your weekend trip to London.
Spanning over a mile, this incredible display includes a beautiful Victorian glasshouse (the largest in the world), a Great Pagoda, Japanese gardens, a children’s garden, picturesque floral trails and much more.
This immense collection of plants, flowers, flora and fauna is an incredible place for all travellers, including families with kids, allowing you to learn about some of the most important natural beings on the planet. Kew Gardens is a wonderful sustainable experience that will inspire minds and create unforgettable memories.
🎟️ Book your entrance: Kew Gardens Admission Ticket.
9- Soak up the views at the Sky Garden
If gardens are your thing, then alongside Kew Gardens, one of the best sustainable things to do in London is to visit the gorgeous Sky Garden, a unique display of well-maintained flowers and lush gardens located on the 43rd floor of the Fenchurch Building, better known as the Walkie Talkie building, due to its intriguing shape.
The garden is completely free to visit (although there are limited spaces so be sure to make a reservation), where you can stroll through pretty gardens and admire panoramic views of the magnificent London skyline from the highest public garden in the city.
You will also find several restaurants and bars up here, and with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a spectacular panorama, it is also a perfect date night idea for couples seeking a romantic experience. Grab a delicious cocktail and soak up the views at this unique spot.
10- Refuel at Buck Street Market
After a long day of exploring and sightseeing, you will be ready to refuel, and there is no better eco-friendly way to do that than at Buck Street Market in Camden.
Located directly on Camden High Street, this unique shipping container market offers dining options and boutique shops that all have an ethical and sustainable focus. The independent restaurants all specialise in vegetarian and vegan foods and the stores sell ethical fashions, eco-friendly gifts and sustainable products.
There is a huge amount of choice here, from sushi, pasta and burgers to Greek cuisine, Indian dishes, desserts and more. You will also find a coffee shop and cocktail bar, so why not spend a few hours browsing the stores and stocking up on delicious vegetarian and vegan food?
Located in the heart of Camden (one of the coolest neighbourhoods in London), Buck Street Market is a fantastic eco-friendly place to add to your bucket list on your short or long vacation in the English capital.
FOOD TOURS I RECOMMEND
Fancy a scenic UK road trip? Check out this article:
London to Edinburgh Drive: 20+ Best Stops
What to do in London in winter
Visiting London in winter is a fun and unforgettable experience, especially in December! Here are some extra sustainable activities and eco-friendly things to do if you plan to visit the capital this season:
- Visit the Christmas Markets & go ice skating
- Learn how to zero-waste cook at the Cookery School
- Connect with nature at the Hackney City Farm
- Explore the many free museums
- Warm up with a coffee at the Borough Market
Want to spend more time in nature? Check out this article:
10 Best Campsites in the Lake District, UK
Shop the printable travel itinerary
Plan your perfect city break & live a unique experience.
Top day trips from London
Tips for reducing your eco-impact in London
Sustainable travel means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.
Being a responsible traveller in London is possible! Here are some eco-friendly travel tips for reducing your carbon footprint:
- Use the train to reach the English capital. London is incredibly well-connected by train to the rest of the world, so prioritise travelling this way to lower your carbon impact.
- If you need to take the plane, book direct flights (which require less fuel than indirect flights) and offset your carbon footprint. But, do not use carbon offsetting as a complete solution. Combine it with other sustainable practices, like avoiding single-use plastic on the plane and mindfully packing your suitcase for your green city break.
- Select an eco-friendly accommodation. It is not always easy to determine whether a hotel has eco-conscious practices, but try to look on their website for green credentials and ask questions. You can also use Bookdifferent or Ecobnb to help you decide.
- Be mindful of your water and energy usage. Conserve water and energy by turning off lights, air conditioning and heating when not needed. In addition, reuse towels and sheets instead of requesting new ones daily in hotels.
- Once there, use public transport. London has an efficient public transport network that can take you anywhere easily and fast. Another way to get around sustainably is on foot. But if walking is too tiring, use the bike! The capital is ideal for cycling around at your own pace.
- Eat at local restaurants and markets that use produce from the area and emphasise organic and sustainability. It will contribute to the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint by supporting restaurants where food does not come from long distances.
- Shop locally and responsibly. Support local and sustainable businesses when shopping, bring your own reusable bag to reduce the need for plastic bags and consider buying second-hand or vintage items to lower demand for new resources.
- Always respect the local heritage. Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful, explore museums or exhibitions, smile and talk to the locals.
More inspiration for your green vacation:
- Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
- 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
- Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World
Eco-friendly gear you might love:
- 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
- 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
- 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking
Check out this page for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.
London travel planning guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to London?
Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your city break in London stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Nomad Insurance.
💧 Can you drink the water in London?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over London. However, I also recommend travelling with the UltraPress Purifier Bottle, a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.
🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in London?
Yes, renting a car in London is easy and is a great way to explore the English countryside freely. I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
🏨 How to book accommodation in London?
The best way to book your accommodation in London is with Booking.com – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to London?
I recommend booking your plane with Skyscanner. It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.
London, United Kingdom – FAQ
I recommend spending at least 3 days in London as the city is vast and there is so much to see and do. With this limited time, you can still get a perfect taste of the capital and see major attractions, including the British Museum, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. You may not be able to see everything, but you will cover the main highlights.
Yes, London is often considered one of the more expensive cities to visit, but there are ways to manage costs and make your visit more budget-friendly. Plan your trip in advance, explore the capital on foot, eat at local markets and visit free museums and galleries to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.
London is a large and diverse city with many neighbourhoods and attractions, so its walkability will depend on each specific area. If you are exploring the capital on foot, I recommend focusing on a certain district each day so you can experience the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way.
The best months to visit London are in late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and sunny, but with fewer crowds compared to the summer months, making it perfect for sightseeing. Keep in mind that rain is still possible, so it is a good idea to pack accordingly.
And you, what is your favourite eco-friendly thing to do in London?
Let me know in the comments below!
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