Lee Valley White Water Centre

This London 2012 Olympic Games venue is open to the public for adrenalin-fuelled white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking sessions – riding the rapids that challenged the world's best makes for an action-packed experience. On the centre's raft adventure, you'll be high-siding, spinning and nose dunking on the Olympic Standard Competition course before you know it. In addition to rafting, the lake, Legacy course and Olympic course are used for a number of kayaking activities catering for everyone from complete beginners to more proficient paddlers.

New activities for the 2014 season include Hydrospeeding, which is similar to bodyboarding, or Hot Dog sessions, which are held on two person inflatables and acts as a good introduction to kayaking. Corporate and team building days out can be booked and, during the summer, the centre hosts canoe polo as well as aquathlons.

Those who prefer to sit back and watch the action should head for the licensed café bar, which has a terrace overlooking the course. All rafters must be aged 14+. For opening times and seasons see the website.