There’s no shame in admitting that the dry Jan ritual so many of us attempt every year doesn’t exactly incite joy and excitement. It’s a sacrifice we make in order to feel like we’re getting our year off to the best possible start. But this year we’ve decided to reclaim the narrative and focus on everything there is to be gained in this month of new beginnings, instead of the things we have to give up. Seeing as spending time outside is known to be fantastic for your mental and physical well-being, we thought that’d be a great place to start. So we’ve partnered with Corona Cero, the 0.0% alcohol, 100% natural beer that is best enjoyed whilst disconnecting with friends amongst nature, to bring ten new adventures that’ll help you reconnect with the great outdoors and turn your dry Jan into Try Jan.
1. Take a splash on the wild side
We know it sounds crazy. But what better way to plunge yourself into a new year of positive and healthy habits than taking a dip in some refreshing water? All you have to do is speak to a cold water swimming convert to know that the benefits of this activity are very real. Trust us when we say, even the buzz you feel immediately after will be enough to keep you coming back for more. Here’s a list of our fave wild swimming spots to start you off with some inspo.
2. Forage for a tasty outdoor dinner
There’s something so rewarding about sitting down to enjoy a meal that you’ve prepared from scratch – especially when you gathered the ingredients from the wild with your own bare hands. There are lots of delicious ingredients to be found across London’s parks and woodlands (as long as they’re not privately owned) – from chestnuts and walnuts in Burgess Park to berries in Hampstead Heath. Then why not wrap up warm and enjoy the fruits of your labour by incorporating them into an al fresco meal, cheffed up on an open flame? Just be sure to do your research and check everything you’ve foraged is safe to eat!
3. Cheers to Try Jan with a Corona Cero
Of course, you need something nice to sip whilst you enjoy your foraged dinner – and whether you’re giving up drinking for the month or just keen to try some alcohol-free alternatives, Corona Cero is a great go-to and we think it tastes best with a breath of fresh air. Pop a wedge of lime into this crisp and refreshing 0.0% alcohol beer and raise a toast to rediscovering nature in 2024.
4. Go on a run and be at one with nature
Running is outdoor exercise 101, but for a lot of Londoners this involves pounding the pavements or doing a circuit of the local park. If you’re willing to break out of your regular routine and perhaps venture slightly further afield, there are so many scenic trails to explore. Head to Epping Forest, Richmond Park, or Hampstead Heath and enjoy a peaceful run amongst nature, free from traffic, grumpy pedestrians, and noise pollution.
5. Relax in a rooftop tropical oasis
Something of an inner city botanical haven, Crossrail Place is home to one of London’s largest roof gardens, and it’s free to visit. Blooming with exotic plants, the roof is broken up into two ‘hemispheres’ which can be explored through lots of hidden pathways. You’ll find Asian plants to the east, plants from the Americas to the West, and peace and tranquillity all around.
6. Explore the hidden gems of South London
For a route that amounts to over 50 miles, The Green Chain Walk is surprisingly untapped by Londoners. Reaching from the River Thames to Nunhead Cemetery, the walk is only 15 miles as the crow flies, but this tangled nest of 11 different sections truly explores every nook and cranny of south London. Whether you’re in the mood for beautiful green spaces or a little slice of local history, you’ll find a section of this intricate network to suit your needs. Just be sure to pack a lunch and some Corona Cero’s in a cool bag and you’re good to go!
7. Get hands on with gorgeous flowers
There are so many ways to connect with nature, even in London. On a day when you’re looking for something a little more low-tempo, flower arranging is the ultimate creative, relaxing, and therapeutic pastime. There’s no reason you can’t get out and about, source your flowers, and start arranging at home, but if you did want a bit of guidance, Petersham Nurseries and Moyses Stevens both offer fantastic workshops.
8. Tour the Thames in a kayak
One of the things we love the most about London is that there is always something new to be discovered. And never has this been more true than when you’re exploring the city by kayak. Aside from being a far more tranquil mode of transport than the bus or the tube, kayaking is a fantastic way to get the blood pumping whilst seeing London from a whole new perspective. We’ve even pulled together some suggestions on great kayak rental companies, depending on what kind of boat trip you’re after. From dense woodlands and nearby islands to iconic London landmarks – there’s so much to see!
9. Play outdoor padel tennis
Padel tennis appears to be having a bit of a moment, and we’re absolutely here for the hype. A fun hybrid of tennis and squash, it’s great for a game of doubles with mates and the perfect way to combine getting your daily endorphin hit with socialising! There are plenty of places in London where you can play, but Padium in Canary Wharf has open-air courts, so you can fill your lungs with fresh air and soak in the Vitamin D whilst you play.
10. Gaze at the glittering constellations
Thought to be great for improving your sleep quality, as well as a natural source of stress and anxiety relief, it turns out the stars have much more to offer us than celestial beauty. Whilst they mightn’t be as immediately visible for us city dwellers, you can still see them if you know where to look. The key is to find spots with lower levels of light pollution and/or higher vantage points – some of our favourites are Parliament Hill, Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park Hub, Hampstead Observatory and The Royal Observatory. And whilst you’re marvelling the twinkling sky, why not sip a frosty Corona Cero?
