Cutting back on the booze in the New Year? Don’t worry, you’re not about to hear anyone harp on about “health is wealth”. There’ll be no preaching about sobriety here or urging you to quit or cut back or turn into a monk.
But we will say this: social occasions don’t always need to be about going to the pub. We should all be a bit more active in London, go the way of Cape Towners or west coast Aussies who precede a boozy lunch with a spot of rock climbing, sea swimming or golf.
Here are 10 activities that might suit, from football to flower arranging, poetry reading to bowling.
National Poetry Library
Looking for a fun, booze-free hobby in 2026? You can’t go too far wrong with poetry. The National Poetry Library is home to the world's largest public collection of modern works, is free to join and the ideal place to read, study, write and quietly reflect. There are views across the Southbank and enough poets to go through to last a lifetime.
Level 5, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX, southbankcentre.co.uk
Finsbury Park Bowls Club
By far not the most famous place to go bowling in Finsbury Park (long live Rowan’s) but somewhere worth visiting all the same. This public lawn bowling green in central offers a slower-paced and slightly unusual outdoor activity, one that lends itself to a fair weather afternoon with friends and more than likely not too busy to have a good go on the green.
Parks Depot, Endymion Road Gate, Finsbury Park, N4 1EE, 07904 761943
The Artist’s Garden
This might be the coolest and most unorthodox arts space you’ve never heard of. A small rooftop venue above Temple Underground station, it features regularly changing outdoor installations from up-and-coming artists. It’s a quiet, unexpected place to experience contemporary pieces and boasts views across the Thames.
Temple Station Roof Terrace, WC2R 2PHT, thecolab.art
Footy Addicts
These football socials have been alive and kicking since 2013, an easy, friendly way to find matches in London. Though many form regular groups and meet at the same location each week, there are games open to all and so anyone can play. Games vary by ability and number — all you need to do is sign up to the app and find a match on a day that suits.
Across London, footyaddicts.com
Flower arranging
Floristry can have a calming, restorative effect, and might be considered a relatively cheap form of therapy with classes starting from about £50. There are flower arranging classes across town and one, from the Flower Appreciation Society, hosts regular workshops at its Dalston studio, from beginner to expert. Those who want to make a day of it are able to visit the cutting garden before getting stuck in. Refreshments are offered and classes are social.
72A Southgate Road, N1 3J, theflowerappreciationsociety.co.uk
Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park
Those the world over will know all about Speakers’ Corner. It’s one of the capital’s most historic sites, inspiring (mostly) unrestricted public speaking, debate and protest since the Parks Regulation Act of 1872. It’s a unique platform for individuals to voice their opinions on whatever topic they choose, somewhere for expression and occasional controversy. Figures such as Karl Max and George Orwell spoke there. Though the chances of witnessing anything interesting are somewhat slight, it can be passed as part of a stroll in Hyde Park so wouldn’t ever be a wasted journey.
North-east corner of Hyde Park, near Marble Arch, W2 2EU, royalparks.org.uk
Shoreditch Street Art Walk
There are numerous guided tours and walks in London, but just as many that work better without interference. The travel duo Wherever We Roam has devised a series of maps and itineraries for eager explorers. A good option is the street art walk through Shoreditch and Brick Lane, which lasts up to three hours but can be altered and shortened. The tour takes in a host of murals and graffiti in one of London’s artistic hubs, with the opportunity to discover the gateway to a much-changed East End.
Start near Shoreditch High Street Overground Station, E1 6GJ, anywhereweroam.com
Meanwhile Gardens
A community-run green space near the Grand Union Canal — which makes for a good pre-amble — with gardens, open seating and a public skatepark for kids (or adults). This is a relaxed place to spend time outdoors or meet others informally, somewhere for a picnic and a catch up and not usually as busy as some of the more famous gardens around town.
156–158 Kensal Road, W10 5BN, meanwhile-gardens.org.uk
Padel
The world’s fastest-growing sport is showing no signs of letting up. Expect to see even more pick up a padel racket in 2026. For the less organised folk, Padium in Canary Wharf would be a good place to start, especially at the weekend when the office workers aren’t there. There are also nine courts here, as well as changing rooms and a pro-shop (tuition available), so there’s a good community feel. Two of the courts are outside for those who are brave enough to go alfresco.
10 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 4DE, padium.com
Explore a London secret
London is full of unexplored places, of hidden gems that often go overlooked. It might be an old church, Roman ruins, or a dusty Mayfair boutique. Fancy lunch for £8 from what is arguably the world’s greatest bookshop for cooks? Why not explore an historic cigar shop? There’s all this and plenty more in our guide to 40 of London’s greatest secrets.
Across London, standard.co.uk
