7 lovely activities to enjoy in the late-autumn sun in London

When our typically damp British weather relieves us of the rain and surprises us with sun, getting out and about in the big city is the only thing for it.

It’s a special thing when the sun decides to grace us with its presence in the colder months. Even with chillier temperatures - crisp air, bright blue skies (and no rain!) are reason enough to get out and about and enjoy your weekend.

Here are the very best recommendations of how to make the most of the dry, sunny days this autumn. From botanical gardens and bustling beer gardens to outdoor art trails and tree top adventures, we’ve got you covered!

Wrap up warm and admire beautiful botanicals in Kew Gardens

There are few places more blissful to spend a sunny day than Kew Gardens. Home to over 50,000 living plants, it’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly for hours and admire the beautiful wildlife. Wrap up warm and amble within the Garden’s 500 acres of woodland, and be sure to make a stop in the Temperate House - the world’s largest Victorian glass house. Here you will find incredible species of plants from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Asia and The Pacific Islands. Book your visit here.

Tip: Discover trains to Kew Gardens here.

Enjoy an aerial adventure with this amazing SWR reward

Thrill-seekers, dare-devils and adventurers alike will love a day out at Gripped. This brand new outdoor attraction is full of awesome activities that are perfect for a nicer day. And with this SWR reward you can redeem 20% off any activity bundle from High Ropes, Dual Zip Line Trekking, Speed Slides and more. Take to the tree tops and admire the view from the beautiful heights of Hobbledown Heath, then speed through the trees, down into the valley on the zipline for the ultimate adrenaline rush!

Stop for a bite to eat at Flat Iron Square

Home to a handful of carefully selected food-traders, Flat Iron Square is firmly on our list of favourite London dining spots. The bustling beer garden is well supplied with outdoor heaters, making it a lovely place to sit with friends and enjoy some spectacular scran. Tuck into a succulent venison burger from Gamekeeper or scrumptious Roman style pizza from Good Slice. You’ll also find irresistible, authentic Lebanese dishes at Lil’Watan and mouth watering Latin inspired street food at Streat Latin Arepas. Find out more here.

Admire brilliant works of art on this outdoor trail

Get those steps in and check out some show stopping art along the way with an ambling walk along The Line. This public art walk spans three boroughs (Newham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich) and showcases an ever-changing programme of art installations and sculptures along East London’s waterways. Current features on this fantastic free trail include Laura Ford’s Bird Boy and Abigail Fallis’ DNA DL90.

Tip: Discover UK's best street art cities here.

Indulge in a tipple with a view at Willows on The Roof

Any opportunity to sneak in a rooftop bar when the weather allows must be leapt upon, and Willows on The Roof is a central London sanctuary, perfect for enjoying a cocktail or two. Situated above John Lewis on Oxford Street, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city centre whilst escaping the hustle and bustle. Take a seat on the heated outdoor roof or book into a private cabin and enjoy signature cocktails such as the Passionfruti Marg and the Dark Espresso Martini. You can even tuck into a tasty chicken wrap from ‘Raps’, Tinie Tempah’s exciting new soul food venture. Book a table here.

Tip: Discover the best rooftop views in the South West here.

Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week

South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always on hand to provide their top London recommendations. Sandy is a culture vulture with a love for the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they can both agree on is their love of (other) animals. Vauxhall City Farm is home to a range of species, including alpacas and chinchillas - plus entry is free, so you can coo over the animals without spending a penny! Find out more here.

Hop on a bike and explore one of the city’s gorgeous cycle routes

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or occasional Santander bike-user, a cycle along one of the city’s scenic bike routes is a great way to enjoy the wonderful outdoors and get the blood pumping. Dotted all around the city, there are tons of cycle paths to choose from. Explore parks, forests and canal routes and discover the capital’s hidden nooks and crannies. SecretLDN has even got a guide to London’s most charming cycle routes, to help you plan your perfect day out.

Tip: Discover the most scenic cycling routes in the South West here.

Visit southwesternrailway.com to discover the ticket options that are right for you and claim amazing rewards.