The sun is shining, it’s warm enough for dresses and shorts, and the vibes are UNREAL. That’s summer in the city for ya, so if you’re looking for some fun and unique things to do in London in the summer, this list will give you plenty to do.
We’ve included ideas for what to do for both when the temps are comfortable and when it’s *really* hot and you actually just want to cool off. The latter is rare, but we usually get a week or two of this every summer here in London.
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(WA=Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of Brockwell Lido
Go for a swim in one of London’s outdoor pools
We’ve got quite a few public pools here in London (with small entrance fees), and two private ones at swanky hotels (for guests and members only). So if you find yourself needing a refreshing dip, find the pool nearest to you and head there early if it’s a hot day, to beat the queues! This is one of the most local things to do in London in the summer.
Some of the city’s most popular public pools are:
- London Fields Lido, London Fields (WA)
- Brockwell Lido, Brixton (WA)
- Hampton Pool, Hampton (WA)
Here’s a list of all of the outdoor public pools in London.
If you’re visiting London, you can choose to stay at one of two hotels with a pool. Have a look at booking into:
- The Mondrian London, Shoreditch (WA)
- The Berkeley, Knightsbridge (WA)
If you’re a Soho House member, the White City, Shoreditch and 180 Strand houses all have rooftop pools.
Additionally, Hampstead Heath has a few swimming ponds, great for summertime and they cost just a couple of pounds to get access to.
Image Courtesy of Abbey Tavern via Instagram
Have a pint in a pub garden
If it’s a sunny evening after work or a weekend, London’s many pub gardens will be PACKED with Londoners having drinks with their friends and families. It’s truly one of the best things to do in London in the summer, and most Londoners would agree.
Pub gardens vary in size and “vibe”. Some might just have a few seats in an internal garden, while others can hold hundreds of people. Some pub gardens are family-friendly, while others tend to be more popular with the city’s 20-and-30-somethings in larger groups.
There are SO many great pub gardens around the city, so here are some favourites that are worth a visit if you’re in the area. Don’t travel far to get to these though, because unless you’re in central London, where pub gardens are few and far between, then you’ll never be too far from a pub garden. Londoners call their favourite pub near to their home “my local”, so you might be able to do the same if you find a good pub garden near to where you’re staying.
Some fun adults-only pubs with gardens:
- The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton (WA)- *huge* garden, good for large groups.
- The Abbey Tavern, Camden (WA)- plenty of space in the back patio space for drinks with friends.
- The Avalon, Clapham South – has a hidden garden at the back of the pub.
Some family-friendly pubs with gardens:
- People’s Park Tavern, Victoria Park (WA) – has mini-golf for both kids and adults.
- The Crabtree, Hammersmith (WA)- on the River Thames and filled with local families during the day.
- The Scolt Head, Dalston (WA) – front patio area framed by greenery, serves a mean Sunday Roast.
Here’s our article about London’s most gorgeous pubs to visit.
Haven’t been to a London pub before? There are a few things to know before you go, watch the video below to get the rundown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKDCymezsRM
Image Courtesy of The Culpeper
Visit one of London’s swanky rooftop bars
Actually, they’re not all swanky, so don’t worry if that’s not your vibe!
Head up to one of London’s many rooftop bars and soak up the sunshine with views of the city.
Some suggestions to start you off:
- Netil 360, London Fields – popular local spot for skyline views and chill vibes.
- Forza Wine, Peckham – beautiful expansive rooftop with “Italian-ish” drinks, snacks and views.
- The Culpeper, Spitalfields (WA) – teeny rooftop spot lined with growing herbs and greens that the pub’s kitchen utilises
We recommend more great Londoner-love rooftop bars your friends will be jealous of in our London itineraries and Casual Tourist Guides.
Picture of Diana Memorial Fountain courtesy of Royal Parks
Cool off in a fountain
Even if you’re not that keen to go full-on swimming, there are a few fountains around the city that are specifically for playing in (read: fairly clean). This is a great option for kids as these fountains are usually full of little ones having the *time of their lives* but there’s nothing saying you can’t have a play around in the fountains too as a grown-ass adult.
Our faves include the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park and the Granary Square Fountains in King’s Cross.
Explore London’s canals
Sometimes the River Thames overshadows London’s beautiful canals that traverse the city. But in the summer, they’re hubs for canal-side dining, boathouse parties, exercising, and the loveliest transportation journey in all of London. You too can appreciate the canals in a few ways.
Drive a canal boat
Our preferred way to do this is through GoBoat, they lend you a motorboat to steer yourself and your party down the Regent’s Canal. Don’t worry, it’s super easy to do, and the non-drivers are welcome to host picnics with snacks and food during the ride. There are also various kayak rental companies like Moo Canoes that lend out kayaks, SUPs, and canoes.
Take a canal boat ride
If you’re not keen to drive your own boat, you can instead book a canal boat tour which will take you up and down Regent’s Canal. You can either start in Camden Lock and head towards Little Venice or vice versa. There’s options for a return trip as well. Each ride comes complete with live commentary from our trained guide who will tell you all about the canal’s history from 1800 to the present day.
Go to The Canal Museum
No better way to learn about the history of the city’s canals and appreciate them in all their glory. The Canal Museum (WA) is located in Kings Cross.
Walk or cycle, and make a day of it
Regent’s Canal is the most famous of the London canals and if you wanted a very summery thing to do, you could start your day near The Waterway pub in Paddington and work your way east along the canal, passing parks, cafes, pubs, and markets where you can stop off and explore. Take your time and make a day of it!
We include suggested canal walks in our London Itineraries — digital map included!
Pictured above is The National History Museum
Visit a museum
Pop inside a museum for a couple of hours of learning and cooler temps. You already know the obvious choices like the British Museum, but I’ve got you covered for more obscure and interesting museum options.
Read 15 Unique Museums to Visit in London for ideas of some of the coolest (and least crowded) museums around the city.
Go to the theatre or cinema
Is it too hot to function? You might have noticed that we aren’t super keen on air con here in London, and that’s because we only need it a week or two a year usually. But if you happen to find yourself with a hot-as-balls day, you would not be judged if you spent some of it in a dark, cold theatre.
Book last-minute theatre tickets with London Theatre Direct.
See a film at local cinemas like Rich Mix in Shoreditch (WA) or Peckhamplex in Peckham (WA).
Have a picnic in a park
You know what’s fun about parks in London? For the most part, you can drink without getting arrested 🙂 When the weather’s agreeable, Londoners LOVE to take some wine, beers and nibbles to their local park and have a picnic with friends.
Where to picnic (a few favourites):
- London Fields – you can grab drinks and food from local shops and food stalls on Broadway Market and from Netil Market when it’s open.
- Primrose Hill – there are plenty of various food shops and cafes in the immediate area, then head up the hill for beautiful views of London. Go early on the weekend as it gets busy with people doing the same.
- Victoria Park – if going on a Sunday, get some hot foods and nibbles from the Victoria Park Market and then park up on the grass nearby to enjoy it.
BTW, all of those places just mentioned are part of our London itineraries (Primrose Hill is in the 5-Day and the 6-Day London Itinerary).
Get a preview of Victoria Park in our video guide.
Whether you’re visiting London or are a local, this list should give you PLENTY of ideas of things to do in London in the summer. Now grab a drink and your sunglasses and go enjoy this amazing city.
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