English from the Outdoors: Learn While You Walk!

How to turn your daily walk into an English lesson

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to take your English learning outside and learn while you walk! Whether you’re walking through a park, strolling in the city, or relaxing in your garden, you can practise English in simple, creative ways – no textbook needed.

Here are 6 easy ways to learn English while enjoying the outdoors this summer:

1. Listen to an English podcast while you walk

Put on your headphones and turn your walk into listening time!

Choose a podcast made for learners (like Real English Conversations or English with Monty), or try an episode on a topic you enjoy – travel, music, or British culture.

Tip: After listening, try to repeat 2-3 new expressions out loud.

2. Describe what you see in English

As you walk, challenge yourself to describe your surroundings out loud or in your mind.
Try this pattern:

• “I can see a ___”
• “There’s a ___ near the ___.”
• “The trees are ___ and the sky is ___.”

Example: “There’s a woman walking her dog near the river. The dog looks very excited!”

3. Take photos and write short captions in English

Take 3-5 pictures on your walk and write simple English captions for each one.
E.g. “This is the quiet path I take to the park.” or “A colourful market stall full of fresh fruit.”

You can post them on social media or keep them in a private photo diary.

4. Use your phone to note new words

Did you see a sign you didn’t understand? Or hear a new word from someone passing by?

Use a notes app to write it down or take a photo. Later, check the meaning and try to use the word in your own sentence.

5. Follow a walking tour in English

Use a free app or YouTube to take a self-guided walking tour in English.
Choose a city, museum or park tour. You’ll learn vocabulary, facts, and hear English used in real situations.

Recommended:

• Rick Steves Audio Europe (for travel lovers)
• Free London walking tours on YouTube with subtitles

6. Reflect on your walk in a short paragraph

When you return home, write 4–5 sentences about your walk.
Include:

• Where you went
• What you saw
• How you felt
• Any new English words you used or learned

Example:
“Today I walked to the canal. I saw two swans swimming and lots of cyclists passing by. It was peaceful and sunny. I learned the word ‘towpath’—a path beside a river.”

Final Tip: Make it part of your weekly routine!

You don’t need hours – just 15–20 minutes outside can help improve your vocabulary, listening, and confidence in English. Learning doesn’t have to stay inside the classroom!

More English from the Outdoors: Learn While You Walk! What about you?

Try one of these tips on your next walk and share your favourite way to learn outside in the comments or with your teacher.