Ways to avoid the Olympics in London this summer

We’re pretty excited about the Olympics, but we understand why some people aren’t. We appreciate not everyone enjoys watching sport, how frustrating overcrowding can be and how hype gets pretty distasteful after a while.

Avoiding the Olympics could be as simple as staying in with the television and internet turned off and NOT buying those Cadbury Wenlock and Mandeville chocolates. But who’d want to do that? So we’ve come up with a list of fun alternatives to the Games this summer.

Fly away
If you believe the surveys, Brits will be fleeing their homeland in their droves during the three Olympic weeks between July 27 and August 12.

There are still plenty of bargain flights to be picked up for destinations around Europe and the rest of the world this summer. Sure, London is Britain’s transport hubs, but there are a whole host of alternative airports enabling you to bypass the capital and the inevitable clogging of its transport systems.

Discover the Great British Outdoors
Admittedly, the British weather is living up to its bad reputation this year, but don’t let that keep you prisoner indoors. A day out exploring Britain’s rich history or natural beauty at one of English Heritage’s or the National Trust’s protected spots could be a great way to avoid the Olympic madness.

You could also let loose at one of the UK’s well-known music and performance arts festivals, such as Womad.

Or, check out some of the quirky events that you could only find on British shores. We’re talking Swan Upping on the Thames and Bog Snorkelling in Wales. These unique events could inspire you to compete at the World Alternative Games held in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales.

London 2012 Festival
Avoiding London during the Games just isn’t going to be an option for a few million people. Those willing to put in a little research and brave the crowds can choose from a veritable feast of cultural events this summer. The London Festival is inspired by the Olympics yes, but that shouldn’t take anything away from the many concerts, art installations, museum exhibitions, theatre performances and events that defy conventional categorisation scheduled to take place in and around the capital.

Read all our Olympic Games coverage:

You don’t have to break a sweat to win gold! Pan for it!

Get up close and personal with Olympians at Madame Tussauds

Oddest places to stay during the Olympic Games

Olympic county Dorset’s cultural Olympiad

Torch coral at The Deep – a natural Olympic Torch for London2012

5 things you didn’t know about the Olympic Games

Olympic mascots through the years [pictures]

Where to watch the Olympics if you don’t have a ticket

Getting around the Games

Arrive at the Games, Olympian style

Scale an Olympic venue – the O2 Arena