London’s prime central postcodes offer a host of great activities to keep both mind and body in shape
When deciding on which area to rent or buy a property in London, an important factor for many is the sport and leisure opportunities available to its residents. Here’s a round-up of the fitness treats on offer in some of the capital’s most sought-after locales…
Paddle power: Chiswick (W4)
The Thames river quarter of Chiswick is the proud owner of a gold post box thanks to rower Pete Reed – member of the gold medal winning men’s four at the London 2012 Olympics – who lives and trains in the area. It’s no surprise then that rowing in Chiswick is a popular pastime, and not just for professionals. The Quintin Boat Club (quintinboatclub.org) holds taster days and rowing courses for beginners. Start now and you might be racing in the Chiswick Amateur Regatta or even Henley by next spring!
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Big splash: Hampstead (NW3)
Buying a property in Hampstead makes you lucky neighbour to the wonderful outdoor swimming ponds on Hampstead Heath (020 7485 3873). Open all year round, there are two single sex ponds (the female one beautifully secluded), a mixed pond and the Parliament Hill Lido. Being unheated, however, you’ll need a pretty thick skin to brave them in winter…although an icy swim is supposedly good for your health! If you prefer a less bracing experience, there are a host of gyms in the area with heated indoor pools.
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Gee up: Lancaster Gate (W2)
This exclusive quarter has the stunning Kensington Gardens as its backdrop, and what better way to enjoy the greenery than on horseback. Lancaster Gate is home to two stables, Ross Nye (www.rossnyestables.co.uk) and Hyde Park (www.hydeparkstables.com). Both offer horse riding lessons for children and adults, so all the family can get involved.
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March on: South Kensington (SW7)
Who needs a gym when you’re on the doorstep of the glorious Hyde Park? Apart from providing a beautiful setting for a pre or post work jog and the Serpentine Lido for outdoor swimming in the summer, the park is also host to British Military Fitness (www.britmilfit.com), boot camp for ‘civilians’ run by serving or former members of the Armed Forces. Groups are divided into three levels of fitness, and with different activities every session, it certainly beats a boring treadmill.
British Military Fitness training in Hyde Park
If you are looking to live in SW7 then search our properties to rent in South Kensington
Float away: Notting Hill (W10)
When you tire of celebrity spotting, Notting Hill has a multitude of luxury spas to cleanse your mind and body. One of the more outré examples is Float (020 7727 7133), which promises an intensely relaxing experience through its saltwater sensory deprivation flotation tank. A more conventional option can be found at the Space NK (uk.spacenk.com) in Westbourne Grove; it’s one of only two of the luxury brand’s London stores that also offers treatments, so take full advantage.
Thwacking fun: St John’s Wood (NW8)
This fashionable district is home to the famous Lord’s Cricket ground. Instead of just watching a game, why not get motivated to take up a bat and work on hitting your own century. The St John’s Wood Cricket Club (sjwcc.play-cricket.com) plays every Sunday and welcomes players of all abilities. Becoming a “Wooder” is a great way to get fit and meet the neighbours.
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On point: Pimlico (SW1)
The peaceful quarter of Pimlico provides respite from the hustle and bustle of nearby Victoria and is a hotspot for acupuncturists. The 2,000-year-old East Asian therapy involves using fine needles to balance the body’s equilibrium, and is thankfully not as painful as it sounds! Try the Helix Clinic (www.helixclinic.co.uk) whose client testimonials claim that acupuncture has helped with issues ranging from stress to infertility. To feel even more Zen, visit the Buddhist Society (www.thebuddhistsociety.org) located on Eccleston Square.
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