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Our destinations offer a wealth of experiences for you to discover, including wonderful ways to live like a local.
Live like a local
Fun ways to take to the water
June 27, 2022
From the tranquillity of lakeside walks and pretty canal paths, to creating a real splash by surfing, canoeing and open water swimming – we’ve got something for all the family to enjoy.
London
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of London’s largest green spaces and offers some much-needed respite from the hectic pace of life in this city. Whether you’re looking to exercise – runners and cyclists are populous at all times – or simply stroll by the tranquil water of the Serpentine, Hyde Park is the ideal place to decompress.
T: +44 300 061 2114 | London, W2 2UH
Ascot
Bray Lake Watersports
Take to the water with Bray Lake Watersports. There are classes in everything from windsurfing and dinghy sailing to open water swimming and paddle sports, as well as special sessions tailored to younger water sports enthusiasts and private classes for those who’d benefit from some one-on-one training.
T: +44 1628 638 860 | Monkey Island Lane, Bray, Maidenhead SL6 2EB
Los Angeles
El Porto
El Porto is a surfer’s paradise. The protected beach attracts surfers from near and far with its consistently large waves, caused by a natural underwater canyon. Local surf schools such as Campsurf offer private and group lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers, while a selection of other local companies offer board rental and other water-based sports such as stand up paddle boarding.
The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Milan
Lake Como
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, and home to many rich and famous personalities. Take a boat trip to discover the lake’s enduring appeal, with many companies offering tours – a popular route is from the base of Lake Como to the picturesque town of Bellagio and back again. It’s also possible to hire sailing yachts from the harbour in Como.
T: +39 03 126 9712 | Province of Como Tourist Office, Piazza Cavour 17, 22100 Como
Paris
Bois de Boulogne
A former royal hunting ground, Bois de Boulogne is now a huge public park that’s a playground for those seeking leisure and sporting opportunities. One of the most popular activities in the 850-hectare park is rowing on Lac Inférieur. There are also myriad walking routes, cycle trails and bridleways for horse riding, as well as a hippodrome and the famous Longchamp Racecourse.
T: +33 1 53 92 82 82 | 75016 Paris
London
Regent’s Canal
The pretty waterway of Regent’s Canal is a local favourite, popular with walkers, cyclists and water sports enthusiasts. There are a number of local companies offering experiences on the canal, such as narrow boat tours, kayaking and canoeing. Alternatively, test your balance with stand-up paddle boarding led by Active 360, leaving from Paddington Basin.
Rome
Laghetto di Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Rome. Its most picturesque point is the Laghetto di Villa Borghese Lake, upon which visitors with a love of water can go boating. Rowing against the backdrop of the 18th century Temple of Aesculapius is a memorable experience the whole family can enjoy.
T: +39 06 0608 | Viale dell’Aranciera, 00197 Rome
Paris
Piscine Molitor
The Piscine Molitor was a chic Parisian hangout for designers, dancers, and Olympic swimmers in the mid-20th century. Now beautifully restored to their former glory, the glamorous pools – one indoor and one outdoor – are once again places to splash and be seen.
T: +33 (0)1 56 07 08 50 | Hôtel Molitor, 13 Rue Nungesser et Coli, 75016 Paris
Los Angeles
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is not only beautiful coastal town; it’s also a workout hotspot. Head to the beach at any time of day to see runners, roller skaters and cyclists speeding along the promenade, and muscular fitness enthusiasts working out at the open-air gyms on the beachfront, like the legendary Muscle Beach. Join the locals for an early morning workout.
T: +1 310-393-7593 | Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, 2427 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
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