The Marshall Street Leisure Centre is a community gym, pool, and day spa owned by the Westminster…read moreCouncil. It recently re-opened after a major refurbishment. The 25m pool is stunning---a relic of Victorian leisure and is worth a quick glance even if you don't go for a dip. It's conveniently located on a side street, moments from Carnaby Street & Oxford Circus. As the complex is owned by the council, it is remarkably affordable...most memberships start in the 40 pound range without any sort of long-term contract or commitment. They also do day passes if you just want to drop in and use the pool. In the pricey world of London gyms this is really amazing value. However, the low price comes with some draw-backs and the centre doesn't draw the same posh crowd found at 3rd Space or the Oxford Street Virgin Active. Marshall Street can also be crazy busy after work. Try coming here at 7pm and you will queue a bit to get a treadmill or to the free weights (the free weight section is small with only 2 benches). That said, come on a Saturday or Sunday and the gym will be virtually empty! If you're looking for an affordable no-frills gym with central London's most stunning pool, The Marshall Street Leisure Centre needs to be on your sort-list.

For the gym: Staff is pleasant, nice equipment but for the love of God no one picks up after…read morethemselves here. Aren't we all adults? Re-rack your weights people.

** Corporate event only** I'm not entirely sure what this…read moreplace does, but we had a corporate event there in the main room. The boating base is slightly hidden back from the road near Pimlico Gardens. As a corporate event location it was very nice. The room is large and juts out over he water, with great views up and down the river. There are adequate smaller rooms for the dreaded "breakout groups". In the afternoon I watched quite a few young rowers setting off to paddle on the Thames. A nice place.

They have started running kayaking sessions and trips on the River Thames. All groups are led by a…read morevery experienced BCU Level 5 Coach Aspirant. The sessions are fun and interesting.

Canoeing or Rowing down the river you get a completely different aspect of this beautiful area of…read moreLondon. It is really relaxing and fun, as long as you don't fall in. That does't happen too often though- a group of 15 of us went canoeing every week for 3 months and I was the only one to end upm swimming. It was freezing and dirty but I suppose the experience is fun to look back on and was very funny for everyone else at the time. This canoe centre imakes it very easy to hire equipment and also offers good courses and tuition. The location is aso in a really nice part of the river.

Big sports centre with good swimming facilities. There is a flume which is a hit with the kids…read more good value for money too. i play badminton here and there's plenty of sports to try out with classes given for people of all abilities.

Rivermead is a trully exquisite place to go swimming, because of all the great features like the…read moresoothing wave producing machine and slippery water slide, you really would'nt wanna miss out on going swimming their.

Cool lake hidden off busy thoroughfare. Inside a disused water pumping station is the canoeing and…read moresailing club, with plenty of opportunities for children and adults to learn watersports. Of course there are no big waves or beaches, but as an introduction to canoeing and sailing before hitting the high seas it is a perfect spot. There is also a small cafe you can sit in to watch the boats.

If your after a bit of water sports action, this is your place…read more Visit website for more info

So this is my local gym- and whilst I mainly detest gyms and the thousands of ripped muscles…read moresurrounding me, this is one of the better ones. It looks out over the waterfront, and you can run on the treadmill feeling like you're walking on water which is a bit disconcerting but kinda cool. It's clean, the changing rooms are reasonable and the staff are very friendly. By London standards, it's a reasonable cost per month, and you get access to a ton of classes and other local gyms/pool too. Surrey Docks Gym also leaps and bounds apart in terms of quality from its neighbour, my swimming pool nemesis, the seven islands leisure centre. Not a 5* because it opens at 7am which is way too late if you want to get in a whole hour's workout before work. If it could be open from 6 or even 6.30am that'd be brill.

South Norwood Lake is one of London's hidden gems. I stumbled upon it one day when walking in the…read morearea. It is not really marked on any tourist map and the locals seem to enjoy their lake in the middle of London. It is quite peaceful and relaxing to visit South Norwood Lake. South Norwood Lake is home to the Croydon Sailing Club and you can actually fish on the lake as well but there is quite strict rules as to what you can fish and what not. Lots of families take their kids there to feed the ducks and swanns and some even walk their dog there. I have seen a few people jog around the lake, which seems quite relaxing. You can get to South Norwood Lake by taking the 468 bus or 196 bus and get off at the stop after Cypress Road and walk down Woodvale Avenue.

My favourite park for dog walking. A lovely large green space with a beautiful lake to walk around,…read morecomplete with swans and the odd heron. It also has a woodland area attached for added fun! There is a kiosk for drinks and snacks which seems to be open 24/7. Love this space - tranquil and beautiful