Summer in London is truly something else entirely. Parks fill up, pub gardens overflow and the old brick buildings start to glisten in a way that makes me forget there was a time (or several) where I was left standing in the middle of a sidewalk with nothing but a floppy umbrella and rain in my eyes.
So if you’re a visitor or a local who somehow always forgets how good this city gets in the summer, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of it.
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The best tours and experiences to book when visiting London in the summer
If you really want to get under the skin of this city, summer is the best time to do it. The longer days mean more time out on the streets, the weather actually cooperates (mostly), and London’s most iconic spots, from the Thames to the Tower of London, look pretty damn spectacular when the sun is out.
Sometimes the best way to experience all of that is with someone who really knows their stuff. DON’T just walk past some of London’s most historic locations without hearing the story behind them, because oftentimes, that’s the best part.
Here are six tours you should book this summer that will give you the history, the gossip and the details of the city and its sights you’d probably never notice on your own.
Image Courtesy of Walks
Experience this ancient ceremony after-hours at the Tower of London
If you’ve never witnessed the 700-year-old nightly locking ceremony at the Tower of London, you’re missing your chance to see one of the world’s oldest military rituals in action.
Thankfully, this brilliant guided tour gives you a front-row seat to the locking ceremony, plus VIP after-hours access to the grounds, so you don’t have to fight all the crowds. You’ll also be guided by a Yeoman Warder (one of the Tower’s famous “Beefeater” guards), who take you through how the tower earned its reputation as history’s most formidable prison and which famous historical figures were executed here.
Image Courtesy of Walks
Get up and tour the best of London in the morning light
It can get pretty hot during the summer afternoons in London. My recommendation? Do all your sightseeing in the AM while it’s a little cooler. I really recommend this incredible morning tour that includes early skip-the-line access to the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, plus plenty of London’s iconic landmarks. Yep, Big Ben and Westminster are included too.
Image Courtesy of Walks
Get inside the iconic church that’s hosted many royal weddings
Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, having hosted 16 royal weddings. If you want to get more of an up close and personal look at what the inside of this grand monument looks like (beyond the glimpses they show on TV), I’ve got a great tour recommendation for you. Hosted by a blue badge guide, you’ll get access to the church, and learn about all the behind-the-scenes stories of the Abbey’s tombs and coronation chair. While the church itself is not air-conditioned, it stays relatively cool inside, which is a win if you need some respite from the British sun.
Book the Complete Westminster Abbey Tour with Royal Change of Guard
Image Courtesy of Eating Europe
Eat some of Soho’s best eats on an evening food tour
London’s Soho area on a summer evening is equal parts magical and overwhelming. From neon signs, packed restaurants and prime people-watching on every corner, the best way to experience it is through the eyes of someone who knows what they’re doing, especially when it comes to the food scene.
Lucky for you, this is an option. Eating Europe runs a food-focused walking tour through the neighbourhood that pairs its history with taking you to some incredible eateries. You’ll also get four cocktails included, which makes it pretty well worth it to me. It’s popular in summer, so definitely book ahead of time.
Book Twilight Soho VIP Food & Drinks Tour | Limited WA*
*(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
**There are options for people with limited mobility, but please ensure you contact Eating Europe for more information
Image Courtesy of Tally Ho
Hop on a vintage bike and tour the best of royal London
See the royal parks, palaces and major streets of London in the best way possible– by bike. Tally Ho do a highlights tour that covers plentyyyy more ground than a walking tour and is far more fun TBH. Plus, riding is thirsty work in the summer, so you can totally justify the included historic pub stop.
Image Courtesy of City Cruises
See London’s skyline from the Thames on a Jazz Dinner Cruise
For something a little more special, book a jazz dinner cruise along the Thames. This evening tour runs nightly, with sailings that give you a meal alongside live jazz. Plus, if you head to the boat’s open roofdeck, you can soak up incredible views of London’s lit-up skyline. This is great for a date night, a birthday treat or if you just want a beautiful location to chase the sunset on a summer’s evening.
First time in London? If you want to skip the research rabbit hole, our London Starter Pack has everything you need to plan your first trip in one place, including your first three days in the city sorted, as well as how to navigate public transport, organise your budget and decide what to pack.
Fun activities to get involved in when visiting London in summer
If you’re looking for fun activities and events to fill the warm weather days of your trip, you’re in luck as London’s activity scene absolutely THRIVES from June to August, so there’s plenty you can do and see at any day, time or hour. Here are a few of my favourites…
Dance through London at the annual Pride Parade
London Pride is one of the biggest and most joyful events in the city’s calendar. Held on the first Saturday of July, the parade runs through central London. The atmosphere is electric, the sun is usually out, the vibes are high, and even if you’ve been before, it simply never gets old. While not mandatory, feel free to wear rainbow, glitter or expressive outfits to really get involved with the celebrations.
Pride in London Parade | Central London | WA
Browse London’s world-renowned museums (and bask in the aircon)
When it’s properly sweltering, disappearing into a museum for a couple of hours is not only a great way to see some of the amazing history London is home to, but it’s also just a great hack because they’ve always got the aircons blaring. And thank god for it.
There’s obviously the usual favourites like the Natural History Museum, the V&A, and the Science Museum but if you want some more lesser-known gems, read our 15 unique museums to visit in London guide.
Ground yourself with a picnic in one of London’s royal parks
A true London summer rite of passage. Grab some picnic snacks and something to sit on, and head to your nearest green space. The best bit? You can legally drink in most of London’s parks, so bring a bottle of something cold, too and settle in for a few hours.
Need some reccs? Primrose Hill is great for views of London’s skyline, Hyde Park is lovely (especially near the Serpentine Lake) and Green Park sits right near Buckingham Palace if you need a pit stop before venturing over to more sights.
For more options, read our guide to the best parks in London.
Image courtesy of Rooftop Cinema Club
Watch an alfresco movie under the stars
Rooftop and outdoor cinema nights come alive in summer, and personally, I think they’re such a fun way to spend a warm summer evening.
Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham and Stratford shows a mix of new releases and classics. Everyman also hosts a free outdoor cinema on Regent’s Canal in Granary Square, King’s Cross. My only advice? Get there early because everyone flocks for a freebie when the sky is blue. Make sure you still bring a layer (or two!) to put on later because it cools down fast in the evening.
Watch the sunset from a London viewpoint
London has spectacular sunsets, and in summer, there are plenty of clear nights where you can actually enjoy them without cloud coverage. Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill and at the top of the hill in Greenwich Park are all my personal favourites for watching the sun go down.
No tickets are needed, just your legs and the will to find a free patch of grass to sit on.
Watch the World Cup at a London pub
The FIFA World Cup runs from the 11th of June right through to the 19th of July 2026, and London is going fullllll fan-zone. Belushi’s bars in London Bridge, Hammersmith, Camden, Greenwich and Shepherd’s Bush will be showing every match live on HD screens, while Shoreditch’s Old Blue Last and Flat Iron Square in London Bridge will inevitably be hosting screenings again with loads of food and drink options.
England’s first fixtures are:
- 17 June vs Croatia (9pm)
- 23 June vs Ghana (9pm)
- 27 June vs Panama (10pm).
PSA: try to book a table early if you can because it gets packed out real fast.
Image courtesy of Wimbledon
Watch global tennis stars at the Wimbledon Championships
The Wimbledon Championships run through late June and into July, and even if you don’t have tickets for Centre Court, you can queue on the day to get a grounds pass which lets you watch any of the play on the other courts. The early-morning line up to get grounds passes is actually quite a famous experience, called “The Queue”. You’ll want to get there around 5:30am to make sure you get your pass, and to join in on the camaraderie that you’ll usually experience.
In my opinion, it’s veryyyy worth the early wake up if you’re keen on seeing one of the most prestigious tennis championships in action.
Alternatively, if the early wake up sounds awful to you. Instead, pull up a deck chair and visit a Wimbledon viewing screen at Canary Wharf, Merchant Square in Paddington or King’s Cross. You’ll also find them dotted across other venues in the city.
Get on London’s waterways when visiting in the summer
Water and swimming aren’t the first things you think of when you think of London. But, beyond the iconic River Thames, there are lidos (public pools), ponds, fountains and plentyyyy of canals that us locals love to enjoy come summertime.
Go for a dip at one of London’s outdoor lidos
London has a surprisingly good collection of outdoor pools, and on a hot day, they’re THE place to be. Get there early to beat the queues or try to book a slot online in advance.
The most popular ones are London Fields Lido in Hackney, Brockwell Lido in Brixton, and Parliament Hill Lido in Hampstead. Entrance fees are small and the vibe is very local.
Swim in one of the historic ponds at Hampstead Heath
For something a bit more unique, Hampstead Heath has men’s, women’s, and mixed swimming ponds that cost just a couple of pounds to enter.
The greenery and village vibe there makes it feel like you’re not in the center of a major city. So, if you want a bit of respite away from the concrete jungle, this is the way to do it.
Just a PSA: the ponds tend to get extremely busy on hot days, so make sure you book a swimming slot in advance. That’s coming from someone who learned this the hard way on a 30-degree day.
Image courtesy of Royal Parks
Cool off in a splash-friendly fountain
Not in the mood for a full swim? The Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park is designed to be played in, and on a hot day it’s full of kids (and some adults) splashing around in it. The Granary Square Fountains in King’s Cross are another great option. Water shoots up from the ground there, and kids absolutely LOVE it.
Explore the London canals by boat
London’s canal network is beautiful and criminally underused by most visitors. The best summer option is hiring a self-drive electric boat through GoBoat on Regent’s Canal to see London from a whole different perspective. You don’t need any experience to drive one, and any non-captains can just sit back with snacks and enjoy the ride.
If you’d prefer a more guided, structured option, you can book a canal boat tour between Camden Lock and Little Venice, where you’ll get commentary and beautiful views as you go.
Book a GoBoat or London Waterbus Tour
The best places to eat and drink when visiting London in summer
This is where London really shines in summer. The beer gardens are full, the streets that line every pub are packed, and the outdoor restaurant scene comes alive.
Here are some of my favourite places for summertime drinking and dining:
Image courtesy of Forza Wine
Enjoy cocktails and London’s skyline at a rooftop bar
There’s no shortage of rooftop options in London. Some great ones to know:
Forza Wine, Peckham (WA): Italian wines, good snacks and sweeping views over south London’s skyline. It gets busy on a summer evening for very obvious reasons, so go early or book at least a few days prior to guarantee a spot.
Frank’s Cafe, Peckham (WA): just around the corner from Forza Wine, on the top level of a disused car park, is where you’ll find the quirky and fun Frank’s Cafe. Drinks are affordable and the vibe is relaxed and buzzy. It’s a bit hard to find Frank’s, so just follow all the signs to the entrance once you get to Peckhamplex Cinema.
Bussey Rooftop, Peckham: in the same vicinity as Forza and Frank’s, you’ve also got Bussey, which is a cute, chill rooftop at the top of the Bussey Building, where you can get cocktails and pizza for affordable prices. It’s the same building as the Rooftop Cinema Club, too, so you can even head there to pre-game before your movie night.
Netil 360, Hackney: just off London Fields in east London, this rooftop definitely holds a more local, laid-back crowd, plus lovely views of east London. There are DJs and events on weekends if you’re looking to make a proper night of it.
Madison, City of London (WA): cocktails with a face-to-face view of St Paul’s Cathedral. Does it get any better? Heads up, it’s slightly more bougie than the others on this list, so the drinks are naturally a little more on the pricey side and you’ll want to dress the part.
Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch (WA): Located on top of the Boundary Hotel, this outdoor terrace full of comfy couches and yummy cocktails is the perfect place to sip a cool spritz on a summer afternoon before dinner or bar-hopping through Shoreditch.
The Culpeper, Spitalfields: a tiny, leafy rooftop on top of a four-storey building in Spitalfields, lined with herbs that the kitchen actually uses (!!!). Finished upstairs? Head downstairs into the pub for a great meal.
Treat yourself to some street food at London’s outdoor markets
Summer is the peak market season in London.
Borough Market, London Bridge (WA): is one of the oldest food markets in London. It’s existed in some form near the southern end of London Bridge for around 1,000 years, and the first recorded mention of grain, fish, vegetables and cattle being sold here dates back to 1014. Today it’s one of London’s great food destinations, where you’ll find a diverse mix of independent producers, artisan bakers, cheesemongers and street food traders, all operating under the old Victorian railway arches. My advice: go on a weekday and go early. It gets extremely busy on weekends to the point where it stops being enjoyable.
Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields (WA): is great for a mix of food, vintage and independent makers selling their wares. It’s much less busy than Borough, so head there after you hit all of Shoreditch’s vintage shops for a cheap street food lunch and a browse.
Maltby Street Market, Bermondsey: is a local favourite full of diverse cuisines. If you’re looking for a cheap dinner or lunch, or just want to try multiple different things and share with your travel mates, then this is the place. It’s only open on Fridays and weekends, so plan accordingly.
Broadway Market, Hackney: is the quintessential east London experience if you’re in London over a weekend. The street itself has been a cattle trading route since ancient times. By the 1890s, it then took the shape of a recognisable street market, serving the working-class communities of east London with fresh produce, fish and everyday goods. It declined in the 1980s with the rise of the supermarket, but was revived in 2004 as a Saturday food market, which is what it is today.
Now you can head there to grab a coffee and some treats, then go sit in London Fields and soak up the sun. If you can, try picking up some fresh sourdough or bakery goods from one of the independent stallholders for easy breakfasts back at your accommodation, too.If you go on a non-market day throughout the week, you’ll also find the street is lined with quirky cafes, so definitely check them out regardless.
Image courtesy of Duke of Edinburgh
Have a pint in the sun at a London beer garden
A true London summer essential to add to your must-do list for your London trip. Some favourites worth seeking out:
Pear Tree Cafe, Battersea Park (WA): technically a cafe, but the coffee isn’t what everyone flocks there for. The outdoor terrace sits right by the lake in Battersea Park and on a sunny day, there’s live music, which makes it one of the liveliest spots in south London for a few drinks al fresco.
Pub on the Park, London Fields: on the very edge of London Fields park, this pub has a massive beer garden that is absolutely buzzing in any weather that’s above freezing. Great for watching sports or getting some cheap pints after a long day of walking and sightseeing.
The Scolt Head, De Beauvoir: a neighbourhood pub with a leafy front patio that feels like a little green oasis in the middle of De Beauvoir. It has heaps of cute board games you can take outside and play with your travel companions. The houses in the surrounding area of De Beauvoir are also beautiful, so take a walk around the block before you go in.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton: one of the biggest beer gardens in south London (and one of my personal favourites). Perfect for large travel groups, or as a starting point before going pub-hopping around the area.
Vinegar Yard, London Bridge (WA): more of an outdoor market-bar hybrid than a traditional beer garden, but it’s got good drinks, street food and usually a fun, lively atmosphere. Sometimes, they even air the big football matches on the TVs outside, which gets the crowd going.
For more amazing eateries and bars in London, plus a bunch of other hidden gems, grab our Casual Tourist Guides. Along with recommendations for the best, locally-loved spots around the city, you’ll get a ready-to-use Digital Map for your phone, a Booking and Tickets Tracker, and other helpful tools.
Escape London and take a day trip
Sometimes the best way to cope with London in the heat is to leave it, and that’s okay. The city has fantastic transport links and there are some brilliant day trips within easy reach, including some with a beach, if you fancy a bit of a swim…
See all the summer florals in Canterbury
This beautiful little town about an hour by train from St Pancras is one of my favourite day trips from London, and it reallyyyy peaks in summer. The famous Westgate Gardens start blooming in July, and the city turns into a storybook garden. You can also visit the Canterbury Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest in England) or punt along the River Stour, which is quite popular amongst visitors. Something really cool to finish the day off is the Canterbury Roman Museum that lets you discover the city beneath the city.
Visit Windsor Castle and the iconic Stonehenge
The castle is the obvious draw, which houses the lavishly-decorated State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Doll’s House and St George’s Chapel, which is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in 2018 and where Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest in 2022.
Once you’re done with the castle itself, it’s worth crossing the pedestrian bridge over the Thames to explore the neighbouring town of Eton, with its high street full of classic English pubs and, of course, the famous college where Prince William and Prince Harry, plus many ex-prime ministers, including Boris Johnson and David Cameron went.
For a slightly more ambitious day (especially while the days are longer), you might like to combine it with Bath and Stonehenge. There’s a small group day tour that covers all three, which is pretty great value and means you don’t have to organise your own train tickets or transfers.
Find out more about what to do in Windsor, Eton and their surrounds
See the city of Bath from a rooftop thermal pool
Bath was the first UK city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it really earns that status. The Roman Baths, built around 70 AD around natural hot springs are one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world, and easily the main highlight of your Bath itinerary. They tend to get the most crowded between 11am and 3pm, so try to start your day here as soon as you arrive.
From there, the Georgian architectural highlights are all walkable: Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent, and the Circus are all within easy reach of each other and pretty damn stunning in the summer light.
Once you’ve done the sightseeing, head to Thermae Bath Spa to soak in the rooftop thermal pool, which is basically the modern-day version of what the Romans were doing here two thousand years ago.
See the British seaside in Margate
Margate is the cool kid of English seaside towns. Beyond its quaint vintage shops and old-school arcades, it has a thriving contemporary art scene anchored by Turner Contemporary art gallery that sits right on the seafront with free entry. Dreamland, the historic beachfront amusement park, also runs a big programme of live music through the summer if you want to make a proper day of it. Some headliners for 2026 include The Kooks and Fatboy Slim.All in all, it’s about 90 minutes from St Pancras on the high-speed train, so I’d recommend booking tickets in advance via Trainline.
Eat some delicious seafood in Whitstable
Whitstable is the slightly quieter little sister of Margate, and one of the most effortlessly lovely seaside escapes from London. It’s known for its colourful beach huts and very laid-back atmosphere, which is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of London. The must-dos are fresh oysters at the harbour, fish and chips on the beach, a wander along Harbour Street’s indie shops, and a pint at the Old Neptune pub right on the seafront. If you’re visiting in late July, the Whitstable Oyster Festival is worth timing your trip around.
Take in breathtaking coastal views on the Seven Sisters cliff hike
If you want something more active, head to the South Downs for the famous Seven Sisters hike. The white cliffs form one of the most recognisable landscapes in the UK, with chalk cliffs plunging into the sea and rolling farmland behind.
The classic route runs from Seaford to Eastbourne, and along the way you’ll pass the iconic Coastguard Cottages, the wide open estuary at Cuckmere Haven, and Birling Gap at the end, where there’s a beach, restaurants and toilets to regroup.
A good halfway stop is the Cuckmere Inn, right on the river, which is nice for a brief intermission before tackling the second half. Getting there is straightforward: take a train from Victoria Station to Seaford (approximately 1.5 hours), then return from Eastbourne at the end.
PSA: it’s a moderate hike, so make sure you have a decent fitness level, appropriate walking shoes and pack water and snacks as there are very few facilities along the cliffs themselves.
Image courtesy of Get Your Guide
Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the wizarding world at the Warner Bros. Studio
For the Potterheads among you, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden, just outside Watford, is one of the best days out you can do from London, and that’s not just true if you’re a die-hard fan. You get to walk through the real film sets, see the original props and intricate costumes and there are moments where you’ll literally feel like you’ve stepped right inside the films.
This summer also marks the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, so the studio is running a special First Year at Hogwarts feature from May 7th through to September 7th. Tickets sell out well in advance, especially in summer, so book as early as you possibly can.
To get there, take the train from London Euston to Watford Junction, then hop on one of the regular shuttle buses that run directly to the Studio Tour.
If the studio is fully booked, this private Harry Potter filming locations tour around London takes you to the real streets and locations used across the films, which is a fun alternative that doubles as a great way to see the city.
Summertime festivals in London to get tickets for
London’s festival calendar in summer is stacked to the brim. Here are eight to have on your radar. Just a forewarning, book these as soon as you can. Londoners love a festival as much as the next person, so don’t wait or tickets might sell out.
Image courtesy of BST Hyde Park via Facebook
See some amazing international artists at BST Hyde Park
British Summer Time is one of London’s biggest summer concert series, held across multiple weekends in July in Hyde Park. The format is simple: each weekend is headlined by a major international act, with a full supporting lineup across the day.
This year’s headliners include the likes of Pitbull, Lewis Capaldi and Maroon 5, among others.
You can find the full summer lineup on the BST Hyde Park website.
BST Hyde Park | WA
Image courtesy of All Points East
Spend the afternoon dancing at All Points East Festival
Located in the lush Victoria Park, every year All Points East is a crowd favourite among Londoners and visitors alike. That’s because over two weekends in August, they bring some incredibly exciting talent from all over the world – some of which the UK hasn’t seen in a while. This year’s line up includes Zara Larsson, Pink Pantheress, Jorja Smith, Lorde, Twenty One Pilots and more.
Image courtesy of Country on the Common
Dust off your cowboy boots for Country on the Common
Country on the Common returns to Tooting Common on the 4th and 5th of July, with a jam-packed programme of live music, family activities and lots of fun, themed entertainment for all ages. Grammy-nominated Seasick Steve headlines Saturday, with Kezia Gill, Twinnie and One Night in Nashville in support. Sunday is led by US country rising star Cody Pennington.
Obviously come for the acts, but just know that’s not the only entertainment. There will be line dancing, barn dancing, axe throwing, rodeo bull riding and loads of BBQ food trucks too.
Image courtesy of Taste of London via Facebook
Try some new flavours at the Taste of London Festival
London’s favourite food festival returns from June 17th to 21st in Regent’s Park, and this year’s edition brings together more than 30 restaurants serving over 130 dishes. From established favourites like Los Mochis to standout newcomers including Hakkasan and Ixchel, this is foodie heaven.
Beyond these tasting plates, you can join live cooking demonstrations, hands-on masterclasses and chef-led sessions, plus a curated marketplace of over 160 artisan producers.
Image courtesy of HyperJapan via Facebook
Head to Japan for the day at HyperJapan Festival
HyperJapan Festival 2026 is bringing a glimpse of Japanese culture to Olympia in Kensington this July. I’m talking about everything from manga and anime to live music, fashion, street food stalls, gaming, traditional culture workshops and so much more.
There will also be headline performances from Japanese artists Queen Bee and Avantgardey to put a fun twist on the day. There are different ticketing options (day-passes and multi-day passes), so make sure you grab the one that suits you best before visiting.
Celebrate Caribbean culture at Notting Hill Carnival
Europe’s biggest street festival takes over the streets of Notting Hill across two days in August. Full of drums, jerk chicken, party floats and costumes that take months to make, Carnival is a celebration of London’s Caribbean community and their contribution to this city’s culture.
While it’s a very fun day to be a part of, I wouldn’t recommend this if you don’t like big crowds, as it tends to get SUPER busy.
Notting Hill Carnival | WA*
*There are accessibility viewing options. Just make sure you plan ahead/attend early as it will be very crowded.
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