Active Things to Do With Friends in North London
The group chat finally lines up a date. Everyone is free on the same Thursday, which feels like a small miracle. Then comes the usual plan: a restaurant, a couple of bottles of wine, a late night and a very rough school run the next morning. There is nothing wrong with that now and then. But if you are craving catch-ups that leave you feeling better rather than worse, there are plenty of active things to do with friends in and around North London. Here are the ones I recommend to the parents I coach, with honest notes on cost, effort and how much talking you can actually do.
Why moving together works so well for parents
When you are a busy mum or dad, time with friends and time to exercise both get squeezed. Combining them means you get both in one go. There is also something about walking side by side or laughing through a hard set together that makes conversation flow more easily than across a table.
The NHS recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, as set out in its physical activity guidelines. A long walk with friends at the weekend can cover a good chunk of that without feeling like a workout.
Active things to do with friends: 8 ideas that beat another dinner
1. A proper long walk with a coffee stop
The easiest place to start. The Parkland Walk, the old railway line between Finsbury Park and Highgate, is flat, leafy and easy to chat on. My Parkland Walk guide covers where to join it. Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood are other good choices. Aim for 60 to 90 minutes at a pace where you can talk but feel slightly warm.
Effort: easy. Talking: plenty. Cost: the coffee.
2. A fitness class together
Booking a class as a group takes the decision-making out of it. You show up, the coach runs the session, and you have something to laugh about afterwards. A small class is better for this than a huge studio, because you can actually see each other. If your group likes a bit of fun, a beginner boxing class with pads is brilliant for stress and very sociable. My SYP Box Fit class is beginner boxing fitness with no sparring, so nobody gets hit.
Effort: moderate to hard. Talking: between sets. Cost: per class.
3. A swim and a sauna chat
Archway has its own pool. Archway Leisure Centre lists its swimming sessions online, so check the timetable before you go. In summer, the Parliament Hill Lido on Hampstead Heath is a lovely group outing. Swim a few lengths, then sit and catch up.
Effort: as easy or hard as you like. Talking: mostly after. Cost: entry fee.
4. Parkrun on a Saturday morning
Free, weekly, timed 5k events where walking is completely allowed. Plenty of people walk the whole thing in a group and chat. My post on parkrun in North London covers the local options.
Effort: your choice. Talking: lots if you walk. Cost: free.
5. Racket sports
Padel, badminton and table tennis are all very social and easy to pick up. Padel is played in pairs, so a group of four is perfect. Book a court, play for an hour and grab a drink after. Racket sports are fast and involve quick changes of direction, so warm up properly first.
Effort: moderate. Talking: lots of banter. Cost: court hire split four ways.
6. A cycle ride
A gentle weekend ride on quiet routes and towpaths makes a great morning out. Ride at the slowest rider’s pace and plan a café stop.
7. A climbing or bouldering session
Bouldering is short climbs over crash mats without ropes. You take turns, so there is lots of time to talk and cheer each other on. Most centres run beginner inductions. It is hard on the forearms, so expect to feel it the next day.
8. A home workout and brunch
No budget, no childcare? Take turns hosting. One person leads a 30-minute bodyweight circuit in the garden or living room, then everyone shares brunch. Kids can join in or play nearby.
A simple 30-minute friends circuit
For the home workout idea, pair up and work through this. One partner works, the other counts or rests, then swap. Do 3 rounds.
- Partner squats facing each other: 12 reps (hold hands for balance if needed).
- High-five push-ups: 6 to 10 reps from knees or toes, high-fiving your partner at the top. Do them against a wall if push-ups are new.
- Wall sit race: both hold a wall sit, first to stand loses (cap it at 60 seconds).
- Reverse lunges: 8 each leg.
- Plank shoulder taps: 10 each side.
- Rest 90 seconds and chat.
Warm up first with 5 minutes of marching, arm circles and gentle squats. The NHS has a good page on how to warm up before exercising.
How to keep it going
- Put it in the diary as a regular slot. “First Saturday of the month” is easier than finding a date each time.
- Rotate who picks. Everyone gets to choose something they enjoy.
- Keep it beginner-friendly. Pick things the least fit person can enjoy. Nobody wants to be left behind.
- Keep the pub as an option, not the plan. A drink after a walk is still a great evening.
If you only have one friend who is up for it, that still counts. My post on finding a workout buddy has more on making it stick.
Where a bootcamp class fits
A small-group class gives your group structure without anyone having to plan the workout. In my classes there is a cap of 10 people, so a group of three or four friends can come along together and still get coached. Every exercise has easier and harder options, so the friend who runs marathons and the friend who has not exercised since school can train side by side.
FAQs
What can I do with friends that is not drinking?
Walks, swims, parkrun, fitness classes, racket sports, climbing and home workouts with brunch are all good options. Most cost little or nothing and leave you feeling better the next day.
Is it better to exercise with a friend?
Many people find it easier to stay consistent with a friend because you are less likely to cancel. It also makes sessions more fun, which matters if you want to keep going.
What if my friends are at very different fitness levels?
Choose activities where everyone can set their own pace, such as walking, swimming or a class with scaled options. Avoid races and anything that relies on keeping up.
What are cheap active things to do with friends in London?
Parkrun, park walks, outdoor gyms and home circuits are free. Swimming and pay-as-you-go classes are a low-cost step up.
Book your first class
Why not make your next catch-up a class? SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group sessions indoors in a church hall in Archway N19, max 10 people, £15 a class, with options for every fitness level. Book your £15 class here and bring a friend, or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215 to check spaces for your group. If you and a friend want coaching built around the two of you, see my partner personal training in Archway.
About the author
Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.
