Things to Do in London This Summer
Date post added: 5th August 2026
There’s something special about London in summer. When the sun and blue skies replace the grey clouds, it brings an outburst of positivity and optimism. Our glorious green parks are filled with picnic blankets and sunbathers. Pub-goers spill out onto the pavements. And rooftop bars are heaving with people clinking glasses.
For many, this is holiday time too. Make the most of time off and explore the city, from well-known London landmarks to lesser-known discoveries. Enjoy the long, sun-filled days (it’s often light until around 9.30pm) with our guide to the best things to do in London this summer.
What are the best outdoor activities to enjoy in London this summer?
“Highgate Men’s Pond from North.jpg” by Bloodholds is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Take a dip
Cool off in an outdoor swimming spot. Cold water swimmers will dive in year round. But for those less hardy, it’s a summertime pursuit only. In London we have everything from elegant Victorian lidos to wild swimming ponds surrounded by woodland.
New for 2026, Canary Wharf Sea Lanes is a 50-metre natural outdoor floating pool in Eden Dock. You’ll also find outdoor lidos at the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London Fields in Hackney, Brockwell and Tooting Bec.
For a unique experience, the bathing ponds on Hampstead Heath are hard to beat. Fed by natural springs, these freshwater ponds have welcomed swimmers for over a century. There are separate men’s and women’s ponds, plus a mixed pond where everyone can enjoy a refreshing dip surrounded by trees and wildlife.
Cruise along the river
Take to the water and see the sights from a different perspective. Thrillseekers may enjoy the jetboat experience where you hurtle down the River Thames at high speed. Commuters make use of the regular Uber boat service to 24 piers along the river.
Our choice is the more sedate Thames river cruise which allows you to take in sights such as Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Open air stage and screen
Watching a performance al fresco along with hundreds of others is something special. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a highlight each summer. It runs until mid-September with Cats as the main theatre show.
Outdoor cinemas pop up across the city too. There’s Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham and Stratford, Adventure Cinema at Kew Gardens as well as summer screenings at Canary Wharf, Kings Cross and Barbican.
You’ll also find big screens showing sporting events like the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and the World Cup football.
Join the parade
The last weekend in August sees the legendary street festival, Notting Hill Carnival. It’s a celebration of Caribbean culture in West London. Expect live music, vibrant costumes, traditional street food and an incredible atmosphere.
The Pride in London parade takes place in early July. You’ll find other LGBTQ+ events around town over summer though, including Elephant Park at the end of July.
Fairground attraction
Electric Summer comes to Battersea Power Station this August. Enjoy traditional fairground rides and a roller rink to skate around. It’s a great destination for a family day trip or a fun evening with friends. From 15th August, the funfair comes to Finsbury Park for two weeks. And there’s a summer fairground on Shepherds Bush Green for the first fortnight of August.
Walk London’s historic streets
Summer’s the perfect time to explore London on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, discover hidden alleys in the City or follow the South Bank from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
One of the best ways to see the city is on a guided walking tour. Our exceptional guides bring London’s history to life and uncover centuries of history hiding in plain sight.
London parks and green spaces
You may associate London with skyscrapers and traffic jams. But London has more green space than you may expect. In fact, almost half of Greater London is made up of parks, commons, gardens and woodland. Enjoy a bike ride, a picnic or a stroll amongst the greenery.
10 of the best include:
- Victoria Park
- Alexandra Palace
- St James’s Park
- Regent’s Park
- Richmond Park
- Hampstead Heath
- Greenwich Park
- Battersea Park
- Kensington Gardens
- Hyde Park (don’t worry, BST Hyde Park music festivals are done by mid-July so it’s less crazy).
Rooftop bars and beer gardens
“Sky Garden (20 Fenchurch Street)” by Derbrauni is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
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Sounds of summer have to include a cork popping and the clinking of ice in a glass. This is when London’s rooftop bars, beer gardens and terraces come into their own.
Popular rooftop bars in the City include the Sky Garden at the top of the “Walkie Talkie” building and Coq d’Argent which serves French cuisine as well as cocktails. Over in the West End, Kitty Hawk rooftop bar provides a bird’s eye view of Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
For something more arty, head to Frank’s Cafe in Peckham for amazing views back into the city. At the Southbank Centre, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is a wonderful, flower-filled venue offering barbecue food and drinks.
A trip to the pub is an important part of British life. In summer, there’s the quest to find a pub with a beer garden. A few favourites include The Flask in Highgate, The Queen’s Head in Hammersmith, The Leather Bottle in Earlsfield and The Spaniards Inn on Hampstead Heath.
Combine a trip to the pub with an insightful riverside tour with our Along the Thames pub walk
What are the best indoor activities to enjoy in London this summer?
You can never assume that the sun will always shine in summer. And if it does, you may want to retreat inside for some shade and culture.
- Buckingham Palace: The world-famous royal palace opens its doors to visitors in July, August and September.
- Natural History Museum: Look out for family-friendly dino activities throughout the summer holidays. See beyond the dinosaurs with our scientist-guided walk around the museum.
- British Museum: There’s 2 million years of history and culture to discover at this incredible museum. In September, the Bayeux Tapestry (on loan from France) will go on display. Learn stories behind the artefacts on our British Museum guided tour each Wednesday.
- Science Museum: Beat the boredom over the school holidays with excellent interactive experiences at the Science Museum.
- V&A Museum: This exceptional museum of art and design hosts play labs for families in the summer holidays. Each Friday morning, you can join our guided tour of the V&A for unique insights into the collections.
- The National Gallery: Arguably, the best art gallery in the world. In summer, it’s open until 7pm daily and 9pm on Fridays. That gives you more opportunities to admire works from incredible artists from van Gogh to da Vinci. Explore the National Gallery with us on Fridays.
- London Transport Museum: Kids can clamber aboard vehicles and run around in the museum’s fabulous play area. Plus, there are London transport collections dating back to 1800 to explore.
- Covered markets: Browse the diverse stalls selling everything from fashion to street food. Offering protection from the elements, stalls are covered at Covent Garden Market, Borough Market, Camden Market and Old Spitalfields Market.
What are some hidden gems to discover in London this summer?
“Regent’s Canal, London (May 2016).jpg” by Boweruk is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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If you’re keen to escape the crowded London streets, head to some lesser-known spots in the city.
- Regent’s Canal: A walk beside this fascinating waterway comes highly recommended. Along Regent’s Canal, you’ll pass the likes of ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, Little Venice and Camden Market. Walk Regent’s Canal with our hugely-knowledgeable guide to truly get to know it.
- Columbia Road Flower Market: If you don’t mind an early start (you’ll need to be there by 8am for the best blooms), this is one of London’s oldest and best-loved flower markets. Potter around the flower stalls and enjoy the pavement cafes and independent shops too.
- Postman’s Park: To the north of St Paul’s Cathedral, this peacefull green space hosts a moving Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice. Each tile on the wall is dedicated to an unsung hero from the Victorian era onwards who died trying to save someone.
- Kyoto Garden: This exquisite Japanese garden is tucked away inside Holland Park. It’s a beautiful, tranquil space with waterfalls, koi carp and elegant peacocks wandering freely through the grounds.
Discover more hidden gardens in London
Where are the best panoramic views of London?
In summer, you can enjoy light evenings for longer. Plus, the sunsets are pretty special too. Make the most of the light and snap some panoramic pics of the city.
- St Paul’s Cathedral: The dome of St Paul’s is an icon of the London skyline. You can climb up to that dome and reap the reward of spectacular views when you reach the galleries at the top.
- Tower Bridge: This striking bridge across the River Thames has a glass walkway between its towers. You’ll see breathtaking views along the river from that vantage point.
- The Shard: The top of The Shard offers breathtaking views. But it comes at a cost. Even stepping onto the viewing platform comes with a hefty price tag.
- Primrose Hill: The summit of Primrose Hill is a gorgeous, green viewing platform over central London. Take your picnic blanket and enjoy the vista from this peaceful spot.
The list of vantage points goes on. Take a look at our 30 best panoramic views in London
Enjoy a summer walk with us
Make the most of summer in the city. It’s such a special time of year. Every day, you can join us for a two-hour guided walk in London. Explore somewhere new or discover the history of streets you thought you knew. Our guides truly bring London to life.
Pippa Jackson
Pippa is a word nerd and content aficionado with a background of working in TV on both sides of the globe. She loves to discover and share the diverse and wonderful stories of her much-loved London. When she’s not writing blogs and articles, you’ll find her walking beside the Thames or even paddleboarding on it (in the finest of conditions only!) or enjoying a coffee in the sunshine with a good book.
David Tucker
David – the Seigneur of this favoured realm – broods over words, breeds enthusiasms and is “unmanageable.”* He’s a balterer, literary historian, university lecturer, journalist, logophile and lifelong thanatophobe. For good measure, he’s the doyen of London guides.