The Best Outdoor Gyms in London

With self-care top of the priorities, we’re looking for new ways to stay fit. Whether you live in London or you’re just passing through, make the most of your time in the UK’s bustling capital by visiting an outdoor gym or two.

There are lots of outdoor gyms scattered around London’s parks. These colourful adults’ playgrounds combine the health benefits of a muscle workout with the mood-boosting properties of time spent outdoors. The city’s outside gyms include moveable equipment, like leg presses and cross-trainers, and static bars for dips and pull-ups.

So forget about stuffy public gyms and enjoy a workout surrounded by beautiful nature. In this guide, we’ll share some tips for using outdoor gym equipment. Then, we’ll reveal a handful of the best outdoor workout spots in London, so you can enjoy your very best exercise.

Pull-ups can be challenging if you don’t have enough strength in your back and arms. Still, if you can hoist your body up using one of these classic pieces of equipment, a few reps every day is a great way to work on your muscle tone.

Another standard piece of equipment in outside gyms, moveable lat machines are excellent for your arms and back. Simply grab its handles and pull them downwards, squeezing your shoulder blades together. A few pull-ups and a couple of reps on the lat machine are an ideal first workout in the outdoor gym. 

Leg press machines are a favourite in traditional and outdoor gyms, working on the thighs or quads and glutes. If you find an outdoor gym with a leg press, settle into the chair and put your feet on the panels. Then, press! Make sure you keep your feet flexed to engage your legs and glutes.

There are over a hundred outdoor gyms in London, so you’ll be able to find one nearby no matter where you’re based. Still, these are a few of our favourites for their setting and standard of equipment.

This grassy hill at the north of Regent’s Park is a popular choice for workouts and relaxing. The steep ascent is ideal for some sprint training, while long-distance runners can also enjoy the park’s wide walkways. Views from the highest point are a beautiful reward for your efforts. There are also pull-up, parallel, and monkey bars in Primrose Hill, so you can work on your strength in this picturesque spot.

If you’re closer to West London, head to Holland Park for lots of ways to get active. From its enviable location in The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Holland Park boasts tennis courts and football pitches, as well as practice nets for cricket and golf. Running is always an option, with miles of beautiful paths to loop around any way you like. There’s also an excellent outdoor gym, complete with moveable equipment and bars.

Kennington Park lies in South London and has been open to the public since 1854. It’s a popular place for sporting today, with astroturf pitches for football and hockey, cricket, basketball, table tennis, and a fitness trail with adults and junior equipment. The outdoor gym in Kennington Park features ab benches, pull-up bars, and a monkey ladder. It’s a popular choice amongst some of South London’s fittest, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that newcomers can enjoy.

If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel with a gym in London, the Pullman St Pancras could be the choice for you. This Central London hotel boasts a fully fitted fitness centre with beautiful views overlooking the city. From all the machines you might need to a large outside terrace, perfect for yoga or stretching after your workout, this is one of the most luxurious gyms in London.

As well as its excellent fitness facilities, the Pullman St Pancras offers plenty of space to work and relax. Art is laid out to inspire guests at every turn, while the stylish King’s Cross location means London’s best is within easy reach. St Pancras International and London Euston train stations are also conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the hotel.