Looking for outdoor yoga in London this summer? From June to September, Yogarise brings yoga outdoors across two brilliant Peckham locations: the green surroundings of Peckham Bowls at Peckham Rye Park, and the rooftop of the iconic Bussey Building. But beyond the setting, there’s real science behind why practising yoga outdoors takes your practice to a different level entirely.
Why Practice Outdoor Yoga?
We know yoga is good for us. We know being outside is good for us. But research suggests that combining the two doesn’t just stack the benefits – it multiplies them. Here’s why…
Better Air, Better Breath
Yoga is, at its core, a breath-led practice. So improving the quality of the air you breathe has a direct impact on the quality of your practice. Practising in or near green space – like Peckham Rye Park – significantly improves air quality compared to indoor environments, giving your pranayama and movement practice a tangible boost from the very first breath.
The Science of a Wide Gaze
Taking in open, panoramic views – like those from our Peckham rooftop – has been shown to directly reduce physiological stress. Focused, narrow vision activates a threat-detection response rooted in our evolutionary history. Widening the gaze to take in broad, open scenery actively switches that stress response off, supporting the kind of deep relaxation that makes yoga so effective. An outdoor setting gives you this naturally.
Sunlight, Serotonin + Vitamin D
Practising outside means exposure to natural sunlight, which increases both Vitamin D uptake and serotonin production – supporting mood, immune function, and overall wellbeing. Morning sun exposure also triggers healthy cortisol rhythms, helping regulate sleep, metabolism, and focus. A yoga class outdoors in the morning is, quite literally, one of the best things you can do for your body.
Grounding: The Benefits of Barefoot Practice
Outdoor yoga offers something no studio can replicate – direct contact with the earth. Research, and writers including Robin Wall-Kimmerer in Braiding Sweetgrass, point to the measurable effects of physical contact with natural landscapes, including the release of oxytocin, the body’s bonding hormone. Practising barefoot on grass isn’t just pleasant – it’s genuinely nourishing.
The Cumulative Effect
When you combine cleaner air, panoramic views, natural sunlight, and grounding contact with the earth, the result is a significant amplification of everything yoga already offers – deeper relaxation, more powerful breathwork, greater presence, and a stronger sense of connection to yourself and the world around you.
Where to Find Outdoor Yoga in London with Yogarise
Yogarise runs outdoor yoga classes across two Peckham locations from May to September:
Peckham Bowls, Peckham Rye Park | Saturdays, 10-11am – yoga in a green, open-air setting in the heart of south London
Rooftop at the Bussey Building | Saturdays + Sundays, 9:30-10:30am – elevated views across London, with all the atmosphere that Peckham does so well.
Both venues are easily accessible from across south and central London, making Yogarise one of the most well-located outdoor yoga options the city has to offer.
Yogarise offers a limited number of £5 Community Spaces for Southwark residents on a low income – email hello@yogarise.london to find out more.
