Missing the pickup basketball games you're used to playing with friends back home? The HOSANA Ballers evenings are the London solution. Hop on the National Rail Service from London Bridge to the Crystal Palace stop. Up the hill and to the right is the National Sports Centre. Be sure to arrive early, the Crystal Palace area, though certainly missing the same charm that made it such a landmark in the 1800's, is still beautiful. The lawns make for a terrific walk away from any of the London rush. Try to get a good view of the football field; you might be lucky enough to catch some practice in action.
Once you make it past the front desk, take up your position of choice. If you just want to watch, stay on the floor above the courts for the best view. It's free to watch and the three courts are always featuring games, making it impossible for a dull minute to exist. The court closest to the entrance is the Pro/College Level court and features many players from top collegiate basketball programs or professional leagues in both the United States and Europe so play is guaranteed to be competitive and entertaining. The Lady Baller court is no less impressive. Moreover, if there is a lull for whatever reason the music keeps the atmosphere fun the entire time by playing lots of loud hip-hop and rap.
If you want to play, toss ₤3 at the desk by the court entrance and put your name down on the list of the court you wish to play on. The person in charge of the court creates the teams and sends them out as the losers leave the court. Winners stay on and losers are free to sign up as many times as they like until the night ends.
HOSANA Ballers Evenings
Thursdays 8-10pm, May thru August.
National Rail standard-fare ticket ₤4.60.
www.hosana.co.uk for more information.
Ye Olde Swimming Hole
Lovingly ignore your great aunt’s advice to attend the Changing of the Guard and put your friend’s suggestion of spending a full day at the National Gallery on the backburner. Instead, head for the Heath – Hampstead Heath that is. Situated in the north of London, the 791-acre countryside offers lush green atmosphere, unpaved footpaths, and vast open fields.
To get the full experience, tote along your bathing suit and a towel and take a dip in the swimming ponds. There are three bathing ponds to choose from: the Men’s or Ladies, which are located in the western section of the heath or the Mixed bathing pond toward the south. Two pounds gets you through the gate and off to your adventure paddling alongside the ducks and lily pads. The ponds are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months, but go during the heat of the day as the pond water is quite cold.
Along with getting great exercise in a beautiful, serene setting, you’ll also be able to tell all future London-goers, “You simply must spend a full afternoon in Hampstead Heath and go swimming with the ducks.”
Hampstead Heath
C2 To the end of the line then walk *OR*
Northern Line to Hampstead and walk further
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