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.
The best summer activities in London
In this guide
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The best things to do in London during summer
- Ruislip Lido – London's own beach
- Clapham Common – Music in the park
- Serpentine Lido – Swimming in Hyde Park
- Regent's Park Open Air Theatre – Award-winning seasonal theatre
- Walthamstow Wetlands – 211 hectares of nature
- Hackney City Farm – A real working farm
- Rembrandt Gardens – Wander the canals in Little Venice
- Buckingham Palace – Iconic London attraction
- Up at The O2 – Thrilling climbs
- Go Ape – Adventure through the trees
- Springfield Park – Throw down with a game of chess
- 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 Cable Car – Travel above the Thames
- Hampton Court Palace – Visit a historical royal palace
- London Eye – Popular observation wheel
- Regent's Canal Walk – Waterside walking routes
- Primrose Hill – Impressive city views
- Love Open Water – Go for a dip in the river
- The Wimbledon Championships – World's oldest tennis tournament
- Notting Hill Carnival 2025 – Massive Caribbean party
- Lavender fields – Plan a scentful day trip
- Picnic spots – Pack a basket and grab a blanket
- Boat rental – Captain, your ship awaits
- Music festivals – The soundtrack to your summer
- Outdoor cinemas – Relax with a film under the stars
- Food markets – Eat your way through London
- Woodlands and forests – A walk in the woods
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.
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Reservoir Rd, Hillingdon
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
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.
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Windmill Drive, Clapham
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Website
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Clapham Common
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.
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Hyde Park
- Website
- 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.
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The Regent's Park, Camden Town
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Website
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Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
033-340 035 62 - 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.
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2 Forest Road, Walthamstow/Haringey/Waltham Forest
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Website
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Walthamstow Wetlands
020-398 974 48 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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1A Goldsmiths Row, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Hackney City Farm
020-772 963 81 - Read more on Thatsup
Wander the canals in Little Venice
With its picturesque network of canals, Little Venice is a delightful place for a walk in the summertime. This idyllic part of West London comes with tons of photo opportunities and unique businesses running from barges, like cafés and bookshops. Take a breather among the flowers in the tranquil Rembrandt Gardens by the canal, enjoying views of the water before boarding a cruise to another part of the city.
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6 Warwick Ave, Paddington
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Website
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Rembrandt Gardens
0276-41 23 90 - 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.
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Buckingham Palace, Westminster
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Buckingham Palace
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.
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Peninsula Square, Greenwich
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Website
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Up at The O2
020-846 326 80 - 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.
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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
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Go Ape Cockfosters Go Ape Alexandra Palace Go Ape Battersea Go Ape Chessington
Throw down with a game of chess
This lush park in Upper Clapton offers a peaceful retreat, slightly hidden from the more famous Clissold Park and Victoria Park. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Walthamstow Marshes and take a scenic walk or bike ride along the Lea River towpath to Hackney Wick's Here East, where riverside dining and drinks await. You can also put your brain to work by sitting at one of the outdoor chess tables here.
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61 Ashtead Road
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Website
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Springfield Park
020-835 630 00 - 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.
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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 home to a varied range of wild creatures. During the summer the zoo is open late for adults on Friday nights, letting you see the residents in a different light, join informative tours, and play animal-themed games. Pop-up bars and street food vendors are available too.
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Outer Circle, Regent's Park, Camden Town
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Website
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ZSL London Zoo
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.
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Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - London Bridge City Pier, Southwark
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
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.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond
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Website
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Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
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.
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Burlington House, Piccadilly, Mayfair
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Website
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Royal Academy of Arts
020-730 080 90 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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27 Western Gateway, Newham
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Website
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London Cable Car
0343-222 12 34 - Read more on Thatsup
Visit a 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.
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Hampton Court Way, Moseley
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Website
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Hampton Court Palace
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.
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County Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank/Lambeth/Southwark
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Website
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London Eye
020-796 780 21 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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City Rd, Islington
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
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.
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Primrose Hill, Hampstead
- Website
- Read more on Thatsup
Go for a dip in the river
It might not look like it, but you can actually swim in the Thames—not just anywhere, though. The Love Open Water project has set up swimming areas in Canary Wharf and the Royal Docks, making sure the water is clean and safe. Swimming loops of different lengths and for different skill levels are available, and safety personnel are present throughout your sessions. During summer, Love Open Water also organises group swims and competitions such as the Dock2Dock swim.
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Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets Dock Rd, NewhamLove Open Water Canary Wharf
Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf/Tower HamletsLove Open Water Royal Docks
Dock Rd, Newham -
Love Open Water Canary Wharf
loveopenwater.co.uk/canary-wharfLove Open Water Royal Docks
loveopenwater.co.uk/swimming-london-royal-docks -
Love Open Water Canary Wharf Love Open Water Royal Docks
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. Alternatively, rock up to one of the big screens or pubs around London showing all the tennis action.
- Date: 1 July–14 July
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Church Road, Wimbledon/Merton
- 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. It's one of London's top bucket list items and we cover everything you need to know about it here.
- Date: 23 August 2025–25 August 2025
Plan a scentful day trip
Summer is lavender season, and if the thought of traipsing through endless rows of purple-hued flowers and taking in the scents as bees buzz about on their business sounds good to you, we have good news. There are quite a few pretty lavender farms open to visitors within easy reach of London, making for a lovely day trip. Pack a picnic and get ready to take a deep breath.
Pack a basket and grab a blanket
It seems as if the very moment the sun peeps out from between the cloud, Londoners throng to whichever park is nearest, ready to lounge the day away on the grass while soaking up the rays. Parks are overrun with pods of peppy picnickers, ranging from lovey-dovey couples clinking glasses and feeding each other strawberries to rowdy friend groups munching on takeaway pizza. We've highlighted some of the best spots for a picnic right here.
Captain, your ship awaits
The seaside might be a ways away, but the city still boasts plenty of waterways to enjoy thanks to the River Thames and an extensive network of canals. Various different options are available for those who wish to set sail, ranging from sightseeing pleasure cruises and picnic boats you can pilot yourself to high-powered speedboats blasting down the river James Bond-style and even floating hot tubs. Choose which vessel to captain this summer with the help of our guide to boat hire in London.
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.
- Date: 8 October–13 September 2025
Relax with a film under the stars
Warm summer evenings are perfect for pulling up a deck chair to a classic film. Outdoor cinemas are a staple of London summer, with big screens sprouting up in parks and rooftops all over the place. The programmes span everything from family-friendly movies to the latest blockbusters, and there are usually snacks and drinks served as well. Check out our guide to the best outdoor cinemas in London to plan your next summer movie night.
Eat your way through London
When the sun is shining, it's easy to spend a day just strolling lazily from one street food vendor to another, trying out exotic new dishes and tasty treats at one of London's many food markets. They're great for both quick lunch bites or lengthy summer hangs with friends, and you can usually find one just by following the enticing smells wafting from the stalls. We've also rounded up the best food markets in the city in our guide, in case your nose is unreliable.
A walk in the woods
London might be a sprawling concrete jungle, but there's plenty of greenery to find around the city, and we're not just talking about the many parks. Head to the woodland areas highlighted in our guide to get in touch with primal nature, lose yourself among the trees, and have a relaxing and satisfying day out.