The benefits of being outdoors are well known; being active rather than inactive is good for both body and mind. But being outdoors this summer needn't mean picking up a tennis racket or taking a brisk walk up the nearest hill.

London is a historic royal playground where large stretches of good riding territory had to be made available. But not all of London's parks were created for the rich and worthy. Battersea Park was created out of fields and marshland in 1858 as a place of healthy outdoor recreation for the large numbers who moved to the city during the Industrial Revolution. The park recently celebrated its 150th anniversary with a Victorian parade and cycle procession.

London is famed for its green and open spaces. Despite a population of over 7million, nearly 40% of the Greater London area is made up of garden squares, parks, gardens, heaths, commons and greens. But not all outdoor areas and activities in London need to be green.

City farms can provide the experience of rural life without leaving the city. As well as sheep, pigs, ducks and cows, some London farms also grow fruit and veg for sale. City farms can allow children to get involved and help feed, muck-out and look after the animals.

Riverside walks have opened up the Thames to allow visitors better access to London's most famous waterway. A river cruise may be the most well-known activity on the Thames, but the river can also be enjoyed; from a peaceful spot in a riverside pub to a short stroll to take in art and culture from the Tate Modern to the HMS Belfast by London Bridge.

Outdoor spaces to be found throughout the year include London's famous borough markets and weekly farmer's markets. A varied range of fresh produce, antiques, fashion and plants can all be found if you rise early enough on a Saturday and Sunday morning.

While outdoor activity can benefit good health, alfresco dining and drinking can provide a welcome balance. Café culture in London is booming with open air venues made for people-watching. Courtyards and squares allow restaurants to emulate European piazzas and fine dining can be enjoyed outdoors from London's rooftops.

Summer in London's great outdoors is a time for music festivals, flower shows and borough fairs. Culture can be achieved al fresco, as cinema, music, theatre and dance events head outdoors. The Hampton Court Palace Festival is an open-air music event offering classics such as Bizet's Carmen In Concert and Katherine Jenkins.

With an area covering 158,000 hectares and 33 Greater London Broughs, the City of London is a playground of outdoor spaces to enhance both body and mind.

Disclaimer: Andrew Regan writes on behalf of a digital marketing agency. He hopes you enjoyed his article, but urges you to seek further understanding of its topics before making any decisions based on its content.

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