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Depends so much on where you live and what access you have to quiet roads and steady climbs. Shorter interval training with power outside in the SE should be fairly easy, longer efforts you'll need to be clever with finding loops with minimal turns, traffic, big changes in elevation etc.
I wouldn't worry too much about test protocol (20 min or otherwise), you just need something rough to guide some zones. You could roughly estimate it from a shorter interval and then you'll quickly work out if it's too high or low from the actual training eg do some research on classic shorter interval training and work backwards. The actual precision of the number really doesn't matter as long as you test consistently.
Trainerroad outside will be a waste of money. Trainingpeaks is the best all round and you can plan sessions in it if you can't remember interval lengths when you are out on the bike.
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if you want to do specific efforts a PM is a very valuable tool. But you also have to ask yourself why you ride a bike, if it's for fun, then spend the money on a good trip instead. If you want to reach your potential, for good reason, then yes, it will help to ride at set power, but still might not make you better.
You do not need a 20 minute hill. A 20 minute test isn't a valid way to set zones anyway, it's an approximate shortcut. I always like MAP tests to set zones/see fitness. But I also haven't done one in years. I have no need. Once you've ridden with power and feel for a while, you will be able to feel what is what.
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I can’t see a 20 minute hill in the South East that I could do a test outdoors on.
Whereabouts in London are you? I can do a 20 minute test in two places in south-east London;
The A21 Gates Green roundabout to the Shampan curry house in Biggin Hill https://www.strava.com/segments/2348729
Corkscrew Hill roundabout to the B265 - can't find the exact Strava segment but continue this one to the junction with the B265 https://www.strava.com/segments/12841629
They are not perfect, as both have a couple of shorter downhills, but you can whack it into a big gear and keep the power on.
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I’ve had my most active year on the bike in 2020 with ~250k/~10-12hr weeks. All riding with HRM, with friends and pushing for Strava PRs. So Strava fitness score has been going up.
I’m thinking of getting Assioma power pedals and training with power next year, but I don’t have space for an indoor trainer (and I don’t really want one).
So, is it a waste of time to add power as a metric and try to do more structured training outdoors without an indoor trainer to do periodical FTP tests to track progress and set zones?
I can’t see a 20 minute hill in the South East that I could do a test outdoors on.
Is there any point in having a power meter if you don’t have accurate zones set?
Also, what’s the best application for outdoor training? I have a basic Training Peaks account, but I’ve heard Trainerroad provides more structured workouts for the cost.
I think I have a good basic understanding of training with power but it seems that indoor trainers are assumed as a standard piece of equipment in any advice I read online. Advice from someone who has done structured training without one is appreciated!