Eco-Friendly Activities in London with iBestTravel
London has a lot to celebrate for conscious explorers. Whether you’re looking for a mindful hotel experience, spending time outdoors, or participating in activities that support social enterprises, we’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly activities across London for you to enjoy.
Immerse Yourself in Nature: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park, The Green Park
The Royal Parks Charity encompasses over 5,000 acres of historic parkland, with more than 170,000 trees, tens of thousands of plants, and countless wildlife species. In the heart of the city, take leafy strolls through Green Park, explore St James’s Park, or visit Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade. The perfectly groomed flowerbeds and tranquil waters of Hyde Park are inviting, while Kensington Gardens boasts attractions like the Albert Memorial and Diana Memorial Playground. Enjoy boating on The Serpentine or relax among the serene Italian Gardens.
Brush Up on Conscious Culinary Skills: Cookery School at Little Portland Street, Marylebone
At Cookery School, sustainable practices have been a priority for years. The school prides itself on being London’s only cookery school emphasizing eco-friendly principles. Participants can learn to bake sourdough bread or croissants while ensuring minimal environmental impact with quality ingredients and renewable energy powering the kitchen. Food waste is minimized, and anything that cannot be consumed is recycled into energy or compost.
Address: Cookery School at Little Portland Street, 15b Little Portland Street, Marylebone, London W1W 8BW
Eat Like a Flexitarian: Buck Street Market, Camden
Opened in 2020, this eco-conscious market was constructed from recycled shipping containers and is home to sustainable retailers offering vintage finds and environmentally sound food options. Diners can enjoy vegan dishes and organic coffee, ensuring a zero-plastic environment with a composting system that transforms organic waste into renewable energy.
Address: 192-198 Camden High Street, London NW1 8QP
Cultivate Greener Habits: OmVed Gardens, Highgate
OmVed Gardens represents a cultural hub in North London that combines gardening, events, and a food hub. Originally an unwelcoming wasteland, it has transformed into a tranquil outdoor space, providing a haven for meditation, education, and workshops. The initiative has encompassed planting trees and creating habitats for wildlife.
Address: OmVed Gardens, Townsend Yard, Highgate, London N6 5JF
Support a Charity with Every Screening: The Lexi Cinema, Kensal Rise
The Lexi Cinema stands as a community cinema that donates 100% of its profits to The Sustainability Institute, a center for learning in South Africa. The cinema features sustainable building designs and screens major films, utilizing funds to support significant social causes.
Address: The Lexi Cinema, 194b Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3JU
Enjoy Regenerative Dining: The Culpeper, Spitalfields
The Culpeper’s roof garden provides an inviting space for both dining and relaxation. The rooftop allows guests to sample dishes made from ingredients grown on-site, while the venue contributes to a lower environmental footprint through its family farm.
Address: The Culpeper, 40 Commercial Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6LP
Experience Carbon-Neutral Performances: Arcola Theatre, Dalston
Arcola Theatre aims to be the world’s first carbon-neutral theatre, having reduced its carbon footprint through eco-friendly practices. The venue supports local and international arts while prioritizing sustainability.
Address: Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London E8 3DL
Get Inspired in a Creative Atelier: Upstairs at Silo, Hackney Wick
Silo is known for being a zero-waste dining venue, also providing a space for upcycling and pottery. This effort encourages artisans to create innovative solutions using discarded materials.
Address: Silo, Unit 7, Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN
Enjoy Sustainable Coffee: The Green Cactus, Streatham
The Green Cactus is a neighborhood café focused on sustainability, serving fair-trade coffee brewed in an eco-friendly environment, designed to minimize waste. They connect consumers with surplus food options through an innovative app.
Address: 241 Streatham High Road, London SW16 6EN
Shop for Plastic-Free Provisions: Gather, Peckham
Gather operates as an organic refill shop that offers a sustainable shopping experience, allowing customers to avoid single-use plastic by purchasing goods in bulk. They also host events to educate the community on sustainability practices.
Address: Gather, 121 Bellenden Road, Peckham, London SE15 4QY
Host Ethical Events: 15Hatfields, Southwark
This versatile events venue has been built with sustainability at its center, harnessing renewable energy and ethically sourced materials while eliminating single-use plastics.
Address: 15Hatfields, Chadwick Court, Southwark, London SE1 8DJ
Discover Climate-Friendly Fashion: Pop London, Sloane Square
Pop London sells stylish, responsibly made clothing. The boutique emphasizes sustainable practices from production to sales, showcasing works by local designers who prioritize eco-friendliness.
Address: 43 Ebury Bridge Road, London, SW1W 8DX
Experience Eco-Conscious Haircare: Shag! Salon, Near Notting Hill
Shag! Salon merges style with sustainability. The salon is furnished with upcycled materials and biodegradable products to create a stylish yet temperature-friendly environment.
Address: Studio 204 Great Western Studios, 65 Alfred Road, London W2 5EU
Relax at an Urban Retreat: Inhabit, Queen’s Gardens, Bayswater
This independently owned retreat promotes wellness with eco-friendly accommodations and features such as guided meditation sessions and natural air-filtration systems.
Address: 1 – 2 Queen’s Gardens, London W2 3BA
Explore London by Electric Boat
Challenge the waves as you commandeer your own electric boat from various locations across London, enjoying a sustainable and fun family adventure on the water.
Keep Active with Eco-E-Bikes from Swapfiets
Experience the city on an e-bike from Swapfiets, a sustainable mode of transport available at an affordable monthly rate.