London in the summer is glorious, even if most years we don't get as many hot and sunny days as we might like. The city is also full of exciting summer events and activities, from music festivals to great places for walks and picnics, activities on the Thames, and fab ways to admire the city views on a clear day. If you're ready for a summer of fun we know lots of great ways to stay busy all season – this is our guide to summer activities in London.
Guide to summer activities in London
In this guide
-
The best things to do in London during summer
- Ruislip Lido – London's own beach
- Music festivals – The soundtrack to your summer
- Clapham Common – Music in the park
- Serpentine Lido – Swimming in Hyde Park
- Skuna Boats – Fun floating experiences
- Regent's Park Open Air Theatre – Award-winning seasonal theatre
- Camden Market – Canalside market
- Walthamstow Wetlands – 211 hectares of nature
- Rooftop Film Club – Relax with a film
- Hackney City Farm – A real working farm
- Little Venice – Canals in West London
- Southbank Centre Food Market – Global street food
- Buckingham Palace – Iconic London attraction
- Up at The O2 – Thrilling climbs
- The Shard – Unparalleled viewing platform
- Go Ape – Adventure through the trees
- The Wimbledon Championships – World's oldest tennis tournament
- Highgate Wood – Walking in the woods
- Active 360 – Paddleboarding experiences
- London Zoo – Friday night at the zoo
- Uber Boat by Thames Clipper – Get around by boat
- Kew Gardens – Botanical paradise
- Royal Academy of Arts – Major summer show
- London Waterbus Company – Scenic canal cruises
- London Cable Car – Travel above the Thames
- Thames RIB Experience – Exhilarating speedboat rides
- The Churchill Arms – Stop and admire the flowers
- Greenwich + Docklands International Festival – Discover the performing arts
- GoBoat – Drive your own boat
- Hampton Court Palace – Historical royal palace
- London Eye – Popular observation wheel
- Notting Hill Carnival – Massive Caribbean party
- Regent's Canal – Waterside walking routes
- Primrose Hill – Impressive city views
The best things to do in London during summer
Top summer activities in London
London's own beach
At the end of the Piccadilly Line you'll find Ruislip Lido, a sandy artificial beach for swimming, boating, fishing, and catching some sun. This summer hotspot also has play areas for children, an outdoor gym for adults, and is surrounded by woodland if you fancy a nice shady walk.
-
Reservoir Rd, Hillingdon
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
The soundtrack to your summer
Summer is peak festival season in London and the UK as a whole. There's hardly a park to be found in the capital that doesn't host a major music festival during the summer, and the big ones such as BST Hyde Park, Wireless or All Points East bring together thousand of people to enjoy shows by some of the biggest stars in the world. Our rundown of the best music festivals this summer will help you find the right one for you and your crew.
Music in the park
London has plenty of great spots for a picnic but one option in South London is Clapham Common, measuring over 85 hectares. This green space combines open land, meadows, woodland, and avenues of trees, with lots of room for walking or picnicking. During the summer there's a music programme at the Victorian bandstand to make your visit more enjoyable.
-
Windmill Drive, Clapham
- Website • 020-792 690 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Swimming in Hyde Park
Cool off with a dip in the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. This lake is a hotspot for birds and nature but also has a designated swimming area in the summer months. People have been swimming in this outdoor spot since the 1860s and if it does get chilly you can warm up in the café afterwards.
-
Hyde Park
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Fun floating experiences
Enjoy the summer by cruising along the Thames in your own floating hot tub or barbecue boat. Ideal for families and groups of friends, you'll enjoy a two-hour self-driven cruise. Alcohol is permitted on board but the designated driver has to stay sober. For barbecues you can bring your own food or order a food package.
-
West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets
- Website • 020-720 528 27
- Read more on Thatsup
Award-winning seasonal theatre
Enjoy a show at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. This award-winning theatre is one of the city's largest, and it's open for 18 weeks per year, including the summertime. Arranged in a fan shape amongst towering trees, it's an atmospheric place for plays, musicals, comedy, and shows aimed at children.
-
The Regent's Park, Inner Cir, Camden Town
- Website • 033-340 035 62
- Read more on Thatsup
Canalside market
Camden Market has warren-like passages filled with vendors selling alternative fashion, jewellery, and gifts, as well as a waterside food market section that's fab for a lazy summer lunch. Bars and sit-down restaurants are also in the area.
-
54-56 Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town
- Website • 020-376 399 00
- Read more on Thatsup
211 hectares of nature
Discover nature at Walthamstow Wetlands. This 211 hectare site is a nature reserve and reservoir of international importance, home to thriving and diverse wildlife. Walk around in the spacious and peaceful setting here and join events like bush-crafting workshops. On-site you'll also find a gift shop and a café.
-
2 Forest Road, Walthamstow/Haringey/Waltham Forest
- Website • 020-398 974 48
- Read more on Thatsup
Relax with a film
Watch a great film paired with great views of the city at Rooftop Film Club. This seasonal open-air cinema runs at two locations, showing films ranging from iconic classics to new releases. Sit in a comfy deckchair with wireless headphones so you don't miss any action. Drinks, food, and classic cinema snacks like popcorn are also available.
-
Great Eastern Road, Newham Roof A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, PeckhamRooftop Film Club Roof East
Great Eastern Road, NewhamRooftop Film Club Bussey Building
Roof A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham -
Rooftop Film Club Roof East
rooftopfilmclub.com/london/venue/roof-eastRooftop Film Club Bussey Building
rooftopfilmclub.com/london/venue/bussey-building -
Rooftop Film Club Roof East Rooftop Film Club Bussey Building
A real working farm
Visit Hackney City Farm to see a working farm in the heart of East London. This is a fun day out for all ages. Explore the farmyard and gardens, meet the animals, visit the sustainable farm shop, and enjoy a meal at the on-site Italian restaurant. A range of workshops and activities for kids and adults take place too.
-
1A Goldsmiths Row, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
- Website • 020-772 963 81
- Read more on Thatsup
Canals in West London
With its picturesque network of canals, Little Venice is a delightful place for a walk in the summertime (or any time). This idyllic part of West London comes with tons of photo opportunities and unique businesses running from barges like cafés and bookshops. You can take canal cruises to other parts of the city too.
Global street food
If you want some tasty food for a summer weekend, grab something to eat at Southbank Centre Food Market. Picnic tables are set up so you can enjoy an al fresco meal, or you can take your food closer to the river for picturesque views. The stalls here showcase eclectic global cuisines like Ethiopian, Italian, and Japanese.
-
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, South Bank/Southwark
- Website • 020-387 995 55
- Read more on Thatsup
Iconic London attraction
Home to the British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is an iconic landmark. You can view the building from outside all year round but in the summer you can head inside to visit the State Rooms. The famous changing of the guard ceremony takes place here and happens every day during June and July, so that's the best time to catch it.
-
Buckingham Palace, Westminster
- Website • 0303-123 73 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Thrilling climbs
Thrill-seekers can climb to the top of the O2 Arena with Up at the O2. You'll scale the roof and at the top you'll be rewarded with clear views of Greenwich, Canary Wharf, the Olympic Park, and beyond, looking especially impressive on a nice summer's day. Daytime, twilight, and sunset climbs are available.
-
Peninsula Square, Greenwich
- Website • 020-846 326 80
- Read more on Thatsup
Unparalleled viewing platform
The Shard is home to London's tallest viewing platform, situated on the 72nd floor. This dramatic modern landmark also houses restaurants, bars, and a hotel. Head to the viewing floor to enjoy sweeping 360 degree views of the capital and beyond, up to 40 miles away. Views are particularly good on clear sunny days and make great photo opps.
-
32 London Bridge St, Southwark
- Website • 08-444 997 111
- Read more on Thatsup
Adventure through the trees
Go Ape adventures take place in all weather conditions but it's a great outdoors activity for the summer. These treetop experiences run at several parks around London and are fun challenges for all ages. Explore plunging zip wires and adventures at a height – groups and parties are welcome too.
-
Trent Country Park, Cockfosters Road, Enfield Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Haringey Battersea Park, Battersea Leatherhead Road, ChessingtonGo Ape Cockfosters
Trent Country Park, Cockfosters Road, EnfieldGo Ape Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, HaringeyGo Ape Battersea
Battersea Park, BatterseaGo Ape Chessington
Leatherhead Road, Chessington -
Go Ape Cockfosters
goape.co.uk/locations/cockfostersGo Ape Alexandra Palace
goape.co.uk/locations/alexandra-palaceGo Ape Battersea
goape.co.uk/locations/battersea-parkGo Ape Chessington
goape.co.uk/locations/chessingtonGo Ape Cockfosters
016-038 955 00Go Ape Alexandra Palace
016-038 955 00Go Ape Battersea
016-038 955 00Go Ape Chessington
016-038 955 00 -
Go Ape Cockfosters Go Ape Alexandra Palace Go Ape Battersea Go Ape Chessington
The Wimbledon Championships
World's oldest tennis tournament
One of the biggest fixtures in London's sporting calendar is The Wimbledon Championships. Tennis players and fans from all over the world descend on the famed All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club grounds each summer for the oldest tennis tournament in the world. The tournament is broadcast by the BBC but you can also enter ballots for tickets or purchase on-the-day tickets to see the action in person.
-
Church Road, Wimbledon/Merton
Walking in the woods
Explore 28 hectares of ancient woodland in North London with a stroll around Highgate Wood. This natural woodland is a haven for wildlife and attracts plenty of walkers too. A range of facilities are available here as well including a playground, sports facilities, and a café.
-
Muswell Hill Road, Haringey
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Paddleboarding experiences
A variety of paddleboard experiences are available with Active 360, suitable for all levels of experience. You can learn the basics if it's new for you, get private tuition to improve your skills, take paddleboarding tours, or try yoga or pilates on your board. You can also rent a paddleboard and go off on an independent adventure if you're experienced.
-
Paddlers Avenue, Hounslow Merchant Square, Paddington Kew Bridge Arches, Strand-on-the-Green, HounslowActive 360 Brentford Lock
Paddlers Avenue, HounslowActive 360 Paddington Basin
Merchant Square, PaddingtonActive 360 Kew Bridge
Kew Bridge Arches, Strand-on-the-Green, Hounslow -
Active 360 Brentford Lock
active360.co.uk/brentford-lockActive 360 Paddington Basin
active360.co.uk/paddington-basinActive 360 Kew Bridge
active360.co.uk/kew-bridgeActive 360 Brentford Lock
020-339 353 60Active 360 Paddington Basin
020-339 353 60Active 360 Kew Bridge
020-339 353 60 -
Active 360 Brentford Lock Active 360 Paddington Basin Active 360 Kew Bridge
Friday night at the zoo
London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo and is still home to a varied range of wild creatures. During the summer the zoo is open late for adults on Friday nights, where you can see the residents, join informative tours, and play animal-themed games. Pop-up bars and street food vendors are there too.
-
Outer Circle, Regent's Park, Camden Town
- Website • 0344-225 18 26
- Read more on Thatsup
Get around by boat
Avoid getting stuck on the sweltering tube in the summer by travelling with Uber Boat by Thames Clipper. This is a fun and scenic way to get about, whether you're sightseeing or commuting. You're guaranteed a seat and refreshments are sold on-board. A number of different routes operate along the Thames.
Botanical paradise
Immerse yourself in botanicals at Kew Gardens. This riverside space is an ideal way to escape the hectic pace of the city. You'll see a huge variety of plants, flowers, and trees here. The Princess of Wales Conservatory is a popular spot, with different climate-controlled zones and fascinating ecosystems.
-
Kew Gardens Car Park, Richmond/Hounslow
- Website • 020-833 256 55
- Read more on Thatsup
Major summer show
Based in the heart of Piccadilly, the Royal Academy of Arts puts on blockbuster exhibitions by contemporary and historical artists throughout the year. Every summer the galleries are taken over by the Summer Exhibition, which anyone can enter and which features rooms curated by some of today's top artists like Bob and Roberta Smith.
-
Burlington House, Piccadilly, Mayfair
- Website • 020-730 080 90
- Read more on Thatsup
Scenic canal cruises
Beat the heat with a scenic cruise along Regent's Canal with London Waterbus Company. Each trip takes about 45 minutes, with cruises throughout the day in both directions between Little Venice and Camden Town. Along the way you'll get commentary from your friendly and knowledgeable guide, revealing some of the capital's hidden gems.
-
West Yard, Camden Lock Market, Camden Lock Place, Camden Town Blomfield Road, PaddingtonLondon Waterbus Company Camden
West Yard, Camden Lock Market, Camden Lock Place, Camden TownLondon Waterbus Company Little Venice
Blomfield Road, Paddington -
London Waterbus Company Camden
londonwaterbus.comLondon Waterbus Company Little Venice
londonwaterbus.com -
London Waterbus Company Camden London Waterbus Company Little Venice
Travel above the Thames
Originally built for the 2012 Olympics, the London Cable Car has now become a unique way to see London's sights. The journey takes you over the Thames between Greenwich and the Royal Docks, showing you gorgeous panoramic views. Daytime trips take about 10 minutes but there are slower journeys during the evening.
-
27 Western Gateway, Newham
- Website • 0343-222 12 34
- Read more on Thatsup
Exhilarating speedboat rides
With Thames RIB Experience you'll blast along the river in a high-powered RIB – these are the fastest speedboats available in London. A variety of routes are offered and each boat is equipped with a powerful PA system so you don't miss anything. You can also remember your experience with a souvenir photo.
-
Victoria Embankment Tower Millennium Pier, City of LondonThames RIB Experience Embankment Pier
Victoria EmbankmentThames RIB Experience Tower Pier
Tower Millennium Pier, City of London -
Thames RIB Experience Embankment Pier
thamesribexperience.comThames RIB Experience Tower Pier
thamesribexperience.comThames RIB Experience Embankment Pier
020-324 511 77Thames RIB Experience Tower Pier
020-324 511 77 -
Thames RIB Experience Embankment Pier Thames RIB Experience Tower Pier
Stop and admire the flowers
Famously floral-laden pub The Churchill Arms is often regarded as one of the most attractive pubs in the UK. It gets fitted out with festive decorations at Christmas, but visit in the summer and you'll be able to see it full of colourful blooms. Inside the pub you'll find a wide range of drinks as well as Thai food.
-
119 Kensington Church St, Kensington
- Website • 020-772 742 42
- Read more on Thatsup
Discover the performing arts
Every year, Greenwich + Docklands International Festival brings performing arts and extraordinary outdoor events to Greenwich. The festival runs over nine days and the events are free to enjoy. Visitors can expect a diverse array of outdoor performances and experiences that transform the area's public spaces.
Drive your own boat
GoBoat lets you explore the river or canal at your own pace. These self-drive boating experiences are suitable for groups of up to eight and you don't need any prior experience. Several routes are offered. Each boat is equipped with a picnic table and you're free to bring food to enjoy on the way.
-
Bishop's Palace House, Bishop's Hall, Kingston upon Thames 22 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets Merchant Square, PaddingtonGoBoat Kingston
Bishop's Palace House, Bishop's Hall, Kingston upon ThamesGoBoat Canary Wharf
22 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf/Tower HamletsGoBoat Paddington
Merchant Square, Paddington -
GoBoat Kingston
goboat.co.uk/kingstonGoBoat Canary Wharf
goboat.co.uk/canary-wharfGoBoat Paddington
goboat.co.uk/paddingtonGoBoat Kingston
020-388 769 55GoBoat Canary Wharf
020-388 769 55GoBoat Paddington
020-388 769 55 -
GoBoat Kingston GoBoat Canary Wharf GoBoat Paddington
Historical royal palace
Known for being the home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is an impressive Grade I listed palace that's still owned by the royal family today. As well as the building, there are acres of grounds to explore, including the palace's maze that's fun to wander through on a sunny day.
-
Hampton Court Way, Moseley
- Website • 020-316 660 00
- Read more on Thatsup
Popular observation wheel
Even during the summer, London's weather is unpredictable but the clear pods of the London Eye mean you can enjoy sightseeing in all conditions. Located on the South Bank, this is the city's famous observation wheel, attracting millions of visitors per year. A leisurely journey takes about half an hour and offers fab city views.
-
County Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
- Website • 020-796 780 21
- Read more on Thatsup
Massive Caribbean party
The Notting Hill Carnival is a huge event on London's calendar and has been since 1966. Taking place during the August bank holiday weekend, thousands of people descend on Notting Hill's streets for this Caribbean celebration. Expect music, dancing, costumes, street food, sound systems, and a serious party vibe.
Waterside walking routes
Stroll along picturesque Regent's Canal for an enjoyable summer walk. The canal snakes across the city connecting areas like Little Venice, Camden, Islington, and Bethnal Green. A walk here can be as long or short as you'd like, but wherever you are you'll see barges cruising gently by and idyllic canalside scenery.
Impressive city views
Camden's Primrose Hill is a great place to take a walk, enjoy a picnic, or sit down and take in uninterrupted views down into central London. The summit of Primrose Hill is one of London's protected viewpoints, and even the trees here are kept below a certain height to ensure views aren't obstructed.
-
Primrose Hill, Hampstead
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup