London, UK
Sports Associations
4 Play Squash
London’s LGBT squash league. Games every Saturday and Sunday and newbies are always welcome.
Dykes on Bikes
Contrary to the North American version of Dykes on Bikes, these gals truly mean bikes, and not motorcycles. With regular cycling meet-ups throughout the year, the trips can be anywhere from 10 km to 50 km, but they always follow the pace of the slowest rider so no one is left behind. Visitors welcome.
Dynamo Dykes Volleyball
I guess the name pretty much explains this one. During the regular season (fall-spring) teams are organised and if you’d like to play they’re looking for a bit of a commitment. But if you’re around in summertime, they hold weekly Sunday afternoon fun games and all lesbians are welcome, no matter what your skills set.
G-A Why Don’t You
This is an excellent on-line resource with links to pretty much every LGBT sports and recreation association in London. I’ve highlight a number of groups of special interest to lesbians in this section, but for the full picture, check this organisation out.
Gay Outdoor Club
“The Gay Outdoor Club operates throughout the UK and provides a wide range of outdoor and indoor sports and recreational activities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender men and women. These activities include walking, cycling, swimming, badminton, rock climbing, canoeing, caving, mountaineering, and skiing.”
GLUG
The gay and lesbian underwater group is for scuba enthusiasts. About one third of their members are women, and they organize about ten dive trips per year. Newcomers are welcome and membership is open to all. Check out their website for more details.
Hackney Women’s Football Club
“Hackney Women’s Football Club (HWFC) was founded in 1986 and was the first totally women run team and the first predominately lesbian team in London, possibly even the UK.” Cheer for the girls on the pitch, then join them for drinks after the match.
Hiking Dykes
This is an umbrella association presenting a number of lesbian hiking and walking clubs in the U.K., including London Hiking Dykes and Walk on the Wildside.
London Frontrunners
LGBT running group, part of the international association of Frontrunners. Runs take place every Monday and Wednesday evening as well as Saturday mornings. They also organize Frontwalkers for those of us who prefer to take it slow. Visitors are always welcome.
London Lesbian Kickabouts
Now there are a number of London-based lesbian footie groups out there (that’s soccer for all of you North Americans), but I’m going to mention this one because it’s the group most welcoming to one-off visitors and newbies. There is no membership or formal "joining" process. If you want to play - just turn up at the pitch and ask for help. You don't have to let them know in advance. To boot, it’s free, unless they have to pay for a pitch and then it’s only a modest amount you’ll be asked to shell out. There are games pretty much every Tuesday night and every other Sunday afternoon, year-round.
London Raiders
A hugely popular gay and lesbian softball league. There are several teams on their roster, and even if they don’t allow visitors to grab a glove for a few innings, it’s always fun to watch these gals play. New players who will be sticking around for the season are always welcome. The Raiders also play 10 pin bowling in the winter months. Check website for game details.
Out To Swim
The U.K.’s largest gay and lesbian swimming and water polo club. They train six nights a week in five different venues across London. Visitors are welcome and all members of ILGA associations have ten free training sessions (but you must bring your membership i.d.)
Remnants Hockey Club
"The only openly gay women’s (field) hockey club in the South East! Although our membership is predominantly gay we don't really care who you fancy. We also encompass all abilities, so if you’re interested in joining but haven’t picked up a stick for years (or if you never have), it’s not a problem."
Tennis London International
The U.K.’s biggest gay and lesbian tennis association. They play most Sunday evenings and there are also coaching sessions available. Visitors are welcome, you just pay just a slightly higher court fee…. But bring your own racquet!
Walk on the Wildside
This lesbian group organizes walks and hikes in the London area pretty much every weekend. They may go out of town, but all destinations can be reached by public transportation. Visitors are welcome.
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