The best things to do on a hot day in London

Strictly speaking it's not really an activity, but when the temperatures rise, you'll definitely want to have a nice cold treat in your hand – it'll make everything else on this list that much better. London is home to some of the best ice cream parlours in the land, the various coffee shops around town keep trying to outdo one another with their iced drink offerings, and bubble tea is equally fun and refreshing when hot or cold. Check out our dedicated guides and treat yourself.

Ice skating is traditionally associated with winter and the festive period, but if you ask us, it makes much more sense to hit up a nice, cool ice rink when the sun is beating down outside than when you're already shivering. Thankfully, the folks at the various all-year ice rinks across London seem to agree with us. As an added bonus, newbies who start their ice skating lessons in summer will be zooming around like Brian Boitano come Christmas.

It takes only a few rays of sunshine for Londoners to turn on the old out-of-office, hightail it to the nearest park, and plonk themselves down on the grass. Picnicking is a tried and true favourite when it comes to things to do on a hot day in London. Find a nice spot in the shade with the help of our guide to the best picnic sites in London, from vast Royal Parks to tiny patches of green hidden away in the urban jungle.

Nothing cools you off when there's a heatwave in London like plunging into water from head to toe. You can swim in a range of settings, from the outdoor ponds of Hampstead Heath and retro lidos like the one in Parliament Hill to modern Olympic-style complexes and even carefully managed parts of the otherwise mucky River Thames. For a hot day hot spot, you can also hit up one of the city's luxurious rooftop pools. 

If you want all the cooling benefits of water without actually getting wet yourself, rent a boat and float on down the canal. There's a range of vessels to choose from plying their wares on London's waterways. Book a GoBoat for nice picnic on the water, pedal gently around the oldest boating lake in the city, or gather all your mates and throw a big party – these are just a few of the options you'll find in our guide to boat rental in London.

Thanks to all the concrete, the urban jungle that is London can be quite the hellscape when the temperatures start to rise, especially once you factor in features like sweaty tube crowds. One of the best things you can do on a hot day in London for both your physical and mental wellbeing is to just, well, leave. There are plenty of lovely beaches, countryside towns, and grand old castles to discover within easy reach of the city, offering a brief respite from the heat and humidity of the city.

Parkland Walk is nature reserve and walking trail that traces the path of a former railway line once linking Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. Around three miles one way, this popular route is lovely on hot days thanks to an abundance of shade. As you wander along the trail, you'll come across vibrant street art, remnants of old railway platforms and tracks, and the creepy Spriggan sculpture, which peers out from beneath a railway arch.

The UK isn't big on air conditioning in general, but one of the exceptions that prove the rule are cinemas. Taking refuge in nicely cooled theatre with a bucket of popcorn and a blockbuster ready to roll is one of the best things you can do in London on a hot day, and there are plenty of cinemas to choose from. Alternatively, book tickets for one of the seasonal outdoor screenings – there's no aircon, but the cool evening air will still have you feeling refreshed.

As already established, the urban sprawl is no place to be on a hot day. Trade skyscrapers for towering trees and beating the pavement for hiking the trails, and you'll feel better despite the heat in no time. There's plenty of greenery to explore in London and its immediate vicinity, from ancient forests and wetlands buzzing with life to vast parkland areas and even lovingly tended gardens.

Beer tastes different in hot weather, that's just fact and we'll brook no argument. It particularly hits the spot when enjoyed in a pleasant outdoor garden, in good company, and possibly with some snacks. Discover the wonderful world of pub gardens, secret terrace around the back, and rooftop drinking havens with the help of our guide to London's best beer gardens.

Little ones in particular will appreciate Granary Square when it's hot out, as its standout feature is an impressive array of over 1,000 fountains, each individually controlled and illuminated in a mesmerising display. Kids can splash around in the water while parents relax at one of the nearby cafés – or wade in after them. There's no age limit on fun, after all.

Most modes of transport are a big no-no when it's hot in London – even car AC loses its charm once you're stuck on the M25 in rush hour. Bicycles, however, are not just a great, environmentally-friendly way of getting around – they're a great leisure option during heatwaves as well, as you can make your way around any number of interesting cycle routes around the city.

It's funny how museums and galleries are a great thing to do on a hot day as well as a rainy one. In order to protect the delicate exhibits, these cultural venues maintain a nice, cool temperature throughout the year. Find refuge among intriguing contemporary art at Tate Modern, learn why it's so hot outside at the Science Museum, wander the gardens at the Horniman Museum, or visit one of the other museums and galleries we've highlighted in our guides.

It's not widely known – in fact, you could walk right by it every day and not realise it – but there's a water sports centre right in Stoke Newington. The West Reservoir Centre is tucked away next to Green Lanes and runs a range of water sports classes for adults and kids alike. Learn sailing or kayaking and you'll never run out of things to do on a hot day in London.

Lots of people don't have much of an appetite in the heat, but the trick isn't to avoid eating at all – it's what and how much to eat. Take your cue from countries shaped by their hot climate, be it the bite-size portions of Spanish tapas, the cooling effect of spicy Thai cuisine, or the fresh flavours of Greece.