April 6, 2026
Looking to spend summer in London and wondering how best to enjoy the weather? With the rain and chilly temperatures dwindling away, summer is a great time to visit London.
It’s no secret that London is brimming with fun things to do. But some activities and attractions are either exclusively available during summer or simply more fun during the warmer months.
From attending open-air performances and summer festivals to enjoying London’s outdoor spaces, here’s how to spend summer in the Big Smoke.
Best Things to Do in London in Summer
London’s got an array of exciting activities to look forward to. Below are some of the best things to do in summer in London.
Attend the Notting Hill Carnival
Celebrate Caribbean culture at this vibrant festival in West London. It takes place annually over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. In 2025, this festival will be from the 24th to the 25th of August.
The Notting Hill Carnival started in a town hall in 1959. By 1966, the festival expanded into a street carnival. Today, it is one of Europe’s largest street events, complete with a parade, exciting costumes, and live music.
Entry is free. But be sure to bring some cash to sample delights like Trinidadian roti and Jamaican jerk chicken.
Have a Picnic in London’s Many Parks and Green Spaces
Did you know that London has around 3,000 parks and green spaces? That means there’s no reason to stay indoors when the temperatures rise. Grab a picnic basket (or some street food) and head to one of these parks to soak up the sun.
- Hampstead Heath: A 320-acre park with a rich history and a lot to love, from swimming ponds to dreamy views.
- Hyde Park: This 350-acre park is a London favourite. Filled with trees and home to the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, it’s a lovely escape into nature.
- Regent’s Park: Home to a zoo and an open-air theatre, this 410-acre park is more than just the perfect picnic space.
- Holland Park: Looking for something more tranquil? The 54-acre Holland Park has a peaceful Japanese Kyoto Garden and is home to some friendly peacocks!
- Greenwich Park: One of London’s oldest enclosed Royal Parks, this space offers 183 acres of verdant landscape. It also has a hill offering some excellent city views and is home to The National Maritime Museum.
Enjoy the Views From the London Eye
With a higher chance of clear skies, summer is the perfect time to hop on the London Eye. The attraction usually opens around 10 am and closes as late as 8:30 pm in summer. So you have plenty of opportunities to see the city skyline from a different perspective.
Appreciate Classical Music During the BBC Proms Festival
This annual festival takes place between 18 July and 13 September in 2025 and is perfect for classical music lovers. The “Proms” started as the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts in 1895, making it one of London’s longest-running festivals.
With the aim to introduce classical music to a wide range of audiences, ticket prices are reasonable. Performances are mainly held at the Royal Albert Hall, but events also pop up at other venues across London.
Attend a Music Festival at Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a go-to for entertainment year-round. So it’s no surprise that it’s the site of British Summer Time, one of London’s biggest music festivals. With names such as Sabrina Carpenter, Clairo, and Olivia Dean headlining in 2025, it’s a must-do for music lovers. Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to check the BST Hyde Park website as soon as possible.
Attend an Open-Air Theatre Show
Enjoy the warm outdoors with a dash of evening entertainment at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The theatre was established in 1932 and has over 1,000 seats among the lush green surroundings. Expect performances like Dinosaur World Live (perfect for a family night) and La Cage aux Folles.
Performances are held daily from June to September. So you’ll have plenty of opportunities to appreciate some live theatre and good weather. Tickets start at around £15.
Make a Splash in One of London’s Ponds and Pools
London might not be known for sunny weather. But it still has a few lovely spots to cool down in during summer. The Serpentine, a man-made lake in Hyde Park, is one of the top options. There is a dedicated swimming area, some rowing boats available, and a lovely café and playground.
Hampstead Heath also has a few bathing ponds, which were once thought to have healing properties. There is a mixed pond, but there are also separate women’s and men’s pools if you’re more comfortable with that. The ponds are lifeguarded, and entry costs about £4.
Looking for a beachy vibe instead? You can always head to a beach near London by train or vehicle. But did you know that there are a few beaches in London? Most of these are man-made, pop-up beaches, so it doesn’t beat the real thing. But when all you want is to lounge about in the sun, these may do just fine.
One of the best options is Camden Beach at the Roundhouse. The venue gets transformed into a sandy paradise, complete with lounge chairs, beach huts, and live entertainment. And with so many things to do in Camden, you can make a whole day out of it.
Cruise Along the River Thames
Sure, cruising along the Thames can be fun any time of the year. But taking a river cruise during the summer makes for a more comfortable ride. You can stand on the open deck, get a clear view of the city, and simply soak up the sun.
Summer is also a great time to hop on a floating pub. Try stopping by Tamesis Dock or the R.S Hispaniola moored at the Victoria Embankment for a fancier affair. You can also opt for a Thames River afternoon tea cruise for an extra special occasion.
A family-friendly way to have fun on the Thames is to try water activities like stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. You can rent kayaks or paddle boards from Shadwell Basin or join a paddling experience with London Kayak Co.
Watch the World’s Greatest Tennis Players at Wimbledon
If you’re an avid tennis fan, you’re already well aware that July is the month of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. If you’re planning a visit to the city during that time, why not book some tickets to see your favourites at play?
Times can change depending on weather conditions, so check the website regularly for updated dates. You can also buy tickets on the day of a match.
Saddle Up for a Horse Ride
Love horses? Why not enjoy some time galloping through Hyde Park or Richmond Park when the weather is at its best?
London has multiple riding schools and stables that offer beginner-friendly horse rides and lessons in Richmond Park. Hyde Park has its own stables where you can either take lessons or enjoy a guided ride.
Catch a Film at an Open Air Cinema
Enjoy the balmy summer evenings with an outdoor movie. These are offered across the city, in parks, and even on rooftops!
The Rooftop Film Club offers “sky high cinema” at venues in Stratford and Peckham. Along with the stunning views, this film spot offers cocktails, burgers, and pizzas to enjoy during the film.
Luna Cinema also hosts exciting movie screenings in some of the most beautiful venues across London. These include Kensington Palace, Kew Gardens, and Westminster Abbey.
If you’re more into artsy films, you’ll adore the Barbican Outdoor Cinema. You’ll get to enjoy everything from Studio Ghibli classics like Princess Mononoke to films like La Planète Sauvage. One of the highlights of this cinema is its setting in the Sculpture Court, a beautiful Brutalist building.
Enjoy Live Music in Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park hosts musical performances each year at its Sunday Bandstand Concerts. It also hosts the Midsummer Jazz Concert at the Observatory Garden. This summertime event features the South London Jazz Orchestra. Both events are the perfect opportunity to gather the family or some friends for a fantastic picnic.
Tickets for the Midsummer Jazz Concert cost around £5, and it usually takes place in June. The Bandstand Concerts take place every Sunday between July and August. Be sure to bring a blanket or mat with you to relax on the grass.
Smell the Roses at Kew Gardens
Founded in 1840, Kew Gardens is home to over 50,000 plants and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It hosts the largest seed conservation project in the world and spans over 500 acres of land.
The best time to see all the stunning plantlife in these gardens is between spring and early autumn. This area has everything from a rock garden and carnivorous plants to a bamboo garden and a temperate house.
A visit to Kew Gardens not only makes for an Insta-worthy day but also an educational experience. Entry costs around £20. You can book your ticket online and in advance to get it at a discounted price.
Pick Your Own Produce at Parkside Farm
Situated in Enfield, this London attraction is a bit outside of the city but well worth the trip. Parkside Farm offers the perfect summer activity to enjoy with the little ones — picking your own fresh produce.
The farm opens to the public during summer, but you can book your slot in advance. You’ll have up to two hours to wander about and pick your favourite fruits and veggies. These include strawberries, blackberries, beetroot, sweetcorn, and many other treats. You won’t find food fresher than this.
Head to Holland Park for an Outdoor Opera Show
Holland Park has a lot going for it, like the beautiful Kyoto Gardens and the friendly peacocks wandering about. But it’s also known for its summertime opera shows, held under a temporary canopy dating back to 1988.
The 2025 season runs from 27 May until late August, and there’s a show for every taste and age. These include The Flying Dutchman by Richard Wagner to La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. They’ve even added some performances from The Royal Ballet School as a bonus.
Hit the Street Food Joints
Exploring London’s incredible street food scene is undoubtedly more fun when the sun is out. There are usually more street food vendors out, and some markets even offer extended hours.
You can head to classics like the Borough Market, Victoria Market, and Camden Market’s West Yard. Or, try spots like Maltby Street Market, Pop Brixton, and Broadway Market.
Another great option is the lively Mercato Metropolitano. This venue offers plenty of Italian delights along with a variety of international cuisines.
Watch the Street Performers in Covent Garden
You may know Covent Garden for its exciting market, but it’s also a great place to see street performances. In fact, its history of street performances dates back to the 1600s.
The street performers at Covent Garden have to audition before they’re allowed to perform. So you can trust that you’ll see some memorable shows. Expect to see everything from acrobatic shows to live music and comedic performances.
The performances take place around the West Piazza, the Courtyard, and the North Hall. Stop by the nearby Punch & Judy bar for a drink and a view away from the crowds.
Which London Summer Activities Are You Excited For?
When it comes to summer activities, London offers plenty of ways to make the most of the warmer weather. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature or enjoy some entertainment, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.
With everything from farm excursions to beach days and theatre performances to try, you’ll have no excuse to stay inside.
Looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors? Have a look at this guide to the best nature reserves in London. You’ll also love these outdoor dining spots in London.
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