People roller skating on a grey road in Victoria Park People roller skating on a grey road in Victoria Park

The best things to do on a hot day in London

London doesn't get many truly hot days, but when it does, they're a doozy. The heat and the humidity have a tendency to blend into a stifling blanket pressing down on the city, and the masses of people, abundance of concrete, and heavy traffic can make things even more unbearable. There are still lots of cool (pun intended) things to do in London on a hot day, however. We've rounded up some ideas for great things to do when it's hot out in this guide, so read on and chill out!

In this guide
  1. Top things to do in London when it's hot out
    1. Cool off with a nice treat – Ice cream, iced coffee, and bubble tea, oh my!
    2. Hit the ice – Ice skating all year long
    3. Have a picnic – Pack your hamper and hit one of these spots
    4. Go for a swim – Cool off in the water
    5. Rent a boat – Never fails to be a good idea on a hot day
    6. Go on a day trip – Leave the Big Smoke behind
    7. Enjoy a nice stroll – A shaded urban walk in North London
    8. Catch a movie – Aircon to the rescue
    9. Surround yourself with greenery – Let nature do the job
    10. Have a pint – It's important to stay hydrated
    11. Frolic in a fountain – Splish splash
    12. Go for a bike ride – Feel the breeze as you cycle around
    13. See a fascinating exhibition – All-weather standbys
    14. Sail away in Stokey – A hidden water sports centre
    15. Have a light meal – Eat the heat away

Top things to do in London when it's hot out

The best ice cream in London – Hot day activities
The best ice cream in London
The best iced coffee in London – Hot day activities
The best iced coffee in London
The best bubble tea in London – Hot day activities
The best bubble tea in London
The best frozen yoghurt in London – Hot day activities
The best frozen yoghurt in London
The best ice cream in London – Hot day activities
The best ice cream in London
The best iced coffee in London – Hot day activities
The best iced coffee in London
The best bubble tea in London – Hot day activities
The best bubble tea in London
The best frozen yoghurt in London – Hot day activities
The best frozen yoghurt in London
Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta Prufrock Coffee Gonuts The best ice cream in London The best iced coffee in London The best bubble tea in London The best frozen yoghurt in London
Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta
gelateriarg.co.uk
Prufrock Coffee
prufrockcoffee.com
Gonuts
gonutstea.com
Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta
@gelateriarg
Prufrock Coffee
@prufrockcoffee
Gonuts
@gonutsbubbletea
Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta Prufrock Coffee Gonuts

Ice cream, iced coffee, and bubble tea, oh my!

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.

  • 37 Albion Rd, Stoke Newington 23-25 Leather Ln, Holborn 228 Holloway Road
    Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta
    37 Albion Rd, Stoke Newington
    Prufrock Coffee
    23-25 Leather Ln, Holborn
    Gonuts
    228 Holloway Road
  • Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta
    gelateriarg.co.uk
    Prufrock Coffee
    prufrockcoffee.com
    Gonuts
    gonutstea.com
    Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta
    020-725 479 72
    Prufrock Coffee
    020-724 204 67
    Gonuts
    020-800 108 12
  • Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta Prufrock Coffee Gonuts The best ice cream in London The best iced coffee in London The best bubble tea in London The best frozen yoghurt in London
Queens London Alexandra Park & Palace Lee Valley Ice Centre Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
Queens London
queens.london
Alexandra Park & Palace
alexandrapalace.com
Lee Valley Ice Centre
better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/ice-centre
Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
active.lambeth.gov.uk/locations/streatham
Queens London
@queens_skate_dine_bowl
Alexandra Park & Palace
@yourallypally
Queens London Alexandra Park & Palace Lee Valley Ice Centre Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre

Ice skating all year long

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.

  • 17 Queensway Alexandra Palace Way, Haringey Lea Bridge Road, Waltham Forest 390 Streatham High Rd
    Queens London
    17 Queensway
    Alexandra Park & Palace
    Alexandra Palace Way, Haringey
    Lee Valley Ice Centre
    Lea Bridge Road, Waltham Forest
    Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
    390 Streatham High Rd
  • Queens London
    queens.london
    Alexandra Park & Palace
    alexandrapalace.com
    Lee Valley Ice Centre
    better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/ice-centre
    Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
    active.lambeth.gov.uk/locations/streatham
    Queens London
    020-722 901 72
    Alexandra Park & Palace
    020-836 521 21
    Lee Valley Ice Centre
    0300-003 06 24
    Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
    020-867 757 58
  • Queens London Alexandra Park & Palace Lee Valley Ice Centre Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
The best picnic spots in London – Hot day activities
The best picnic spots in London
The best picnic spots in London – Hot day activities
The best picnic spots in London
Victoria Park Primrose Hill Hampstead Heath The best picnic spots in London
Victoria Park
towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open_spaces/victoria_park/victoria_park.aspx
Primrose Hill
royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park/things-to-see-and-do/primrose-hill
Hampstead Heath
cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath
Victoria Park Primrose Hill Hampstead Heath

Pack your hamper and hit one of these spots

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.

  • Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets Primrose Hill, Hampstead Hampstead Heath, Hampstead
    Victoria Park
    Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets
    Primrose Hill
    Primrose Hill, Hampstead
    Hampstead Heath
    Hampstead Heath, Hampstead
  • Victoria Park
    towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open_spaces/victoria_park/victoria_park.aspx
    Primrose Hill
    royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park/things-to-see-and-do/primrose-hill
    Hampstead Heath
    cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath
  • Victoria Park Primrose Hill Hampstead Heath The best picnic spots in London
The best swimming pools in London – Hot day activities
The best swimming pools in London
The best rooftop swimming pools in London – Hot day activities
The best rooftop swimming pools in London
The best swimming pools in London – Hot day activities
The best swimming pools in London
The best rooftop swimming pools in London – Hot day activities
The best rooftop swimming pools in London
Hampstead Heath Ponds Parliament Hill Lido Love Open Water Royal Docks The best swimming pools in London The best rooftop swimming pools in London
Hampstead Heath Ponds
hampsteadheath.net/swimming-ponds
Parliament Hill Lido
parliamenthilllido.org
Love Open Water Royal Docks
loveopenwater.co.uk/swimming-london-royal-docks
Parliament Hill Lido
@parliament_hill_lido
Love Open Water Royal Docks
@loveopenwater
Hampstead Heath Ponds Parliament Hill Lido Love Open Water Royal Docks

Cool off in the water

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. 

  • Hampstead Heath, Hampstead Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Rd, Hampstead Dock Rd, Newham
    Hampstead Heath Ponds
    Hampstead Heath, Hampstead
    Parliament Hill Lido
    Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Rd, Hampstead
    Love Open Water Royal Docks
    Dock Rd, Newham
  • Hampstead Heath Ponds
    hampsteadheath.net/swimming-ponds
    Parliament Hill Lido
    parliamenthilllido.org
    Love Open Water Royal Docks
    loveopenwater.co.uk/swimming-london-royal-docks
  • Hampstead Heath Ponds Parliament Hill Lido Love Open Water Royal Docks The best swimming pools in London The best rooftop swimming pools in London
Guide to boat hire in London – Hot day activities
Guide to boat hire in London
Guide to boat hire in London – Hot day activities
Guide to boat hire in London
GoBoat Canary Wharf Hyde Park Boat Party London Guide to boat hire in London
GoBoat Canary Wharf
goboat.co.uk/canary-wharf
Hyde Park
royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park
Boat Party London
boatparty-london.com
GoBoat Canary Wharf Hyde Park Boat Party London

Never fails to be a good idea on a hot day

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.

  • 22 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets Hyde Park International House, 64 Nile Street, Shoreditch
    GoBoat Canary Wharf
    22 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets
    Hyde Park
    Hyde Park
    Boat Party London
    International House, 64 Nile Street, Shoreditch
  • GoBoat Canary Wharf
    goboat.co.uk/canary-wharf
    Hyde Park
    royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park
    Boat Party London
    boatparty-london.com
    GoBoat Canary Wharf
    020-388 769 55
    Boat Party London
    0793-936 30 20
  • GoBoat Canary Wharf Hyde Park Boat Party London Guide to boat hire in London
The best beaches near London – Hot day activities
The best beaches near London
Guide to day trips from London – Hot day activities
Guide to day trips from London
Guide to castles near London – Hot day activities
Guide to castles near London
The best beaches near London – Hot day activities
The best beaches near London
Guide to day trips from London – Hot day activities
Guide to day trips from London
Guide to castles near London – Hot day activities
Guide to castles near London
Camber Sands Hever Castle & Gardens Hastings Castle The best beaches near London Guide to day trips from London Guide to castles near London
Camber Sands
visit1066country.com/destinations/camber
Hever Castle & Gardens
hevercastle.co.uk
Camber Sands Hever Castle & Gardens Hastings Castle

Leave the Big Smoke behind

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.

  • Camber Sands Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge Castle Hill Road, Hastings
    Camber Sands
    Camber Sands
    Hever Castle & Gardens
    Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge
    Hastings Castle
    Castle Hill Road, Hastings
  • Camber Sands
    visit1066country.com/destinations/camber
    Hever Castle & Gardens
    hevercastle.co.uk
    Hever Castle & Gardens
    0173-286 52 24
    Hastings Castle
    0142-442 29 64
  • Camber Sands Hever Castle & Gardens Hastings Castle The best beaches near London Guide to day trips from London Guide to castles near London

Enjoy a nice stroll

A shaded urban walk in North London

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 complete guide to the best cinemas in London – Hot day activities
The complete guide to the best cinemas in London
The best outdoor cinemas in London – Hot day activities
The best outdoor cinemas in London
The complete guide to the best cinemas in London – Hot day activities
The complete guide to the best cinemas in London
The best outdoor cinemas in London – Hot day activities
The best outdoor cinemas in London
Picturehouse Central Curzon Mayfair The complete guide to the best cinemas in London The best outdoor cinemas in London
Picturehouse Central
picturehouses.com/cinema/picturehouse-central
Curzon Mayfair
curzon.com/venues/mayfair
Picturehouse Central
@picturehousecentral
Curzon Mayfair
@curzoncinemas
Picturehouse Central Curzon Mayfair

Aircon to the rescue

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.

  • Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho 38 Curzon St, Mayfair
    Picturehouse Central
    Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho
    Curzon Mayfair
    38 Curzon St, Mayfair
  • Picturehouse Central
    picturehouses.com/cinema/picturehouse-central
    Curzon Mayfair
    curzon.com/venues/mayfair
    Picturehouse Central
    08-719 025 747
  • Picturehouse Central Curzon Mayfair The complete guide to the best cinemas in London The best outdoor cinemas in London
Guide to beautiful woodlands and forests in London – Hot day activities
Guide to beautiful woodlands and forests in London
Guide to beautiful London gardens – Hot day activities
Guide to beautiful London gardens
Guide to parks in London – Hot day activities
Guide to parks in London
Guide to beautiful woodlands and forests in London – Hot day activities
Guide to beautiful woodlands and forests in London
Guide to beautiful London gardens – Hot day activities
Guide to beautiful London gardens
Guide to parks in London – Hot day activities
Guide to parks in London
Epping Forest Walthamstow Wetlands Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Guide to beautiful woodlands and forests in London Guide to beautiful London gardens Guide to parks in London
Epping Forest
eppingforestdc.gov.uk
Walthamstow Wetlands
wildlondon.org.uk/walthamstow-wetlands-nature-reserve
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
kew.org
Epping Forest
@coleppingforest
Walthamstow Wetlands
@walthamstowwetlands
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
@kewgardens
Epping Forest Walthamstow Wetlands Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Let nature do the job

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.

  • 6 Ranger's Rd 2 Forest Road, Walthamstow/Haringey/Waltham Forest Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond
    Epping Forest
    6 Ranger's Rd
    Walthamstow Wetlands
    2 Forest Road, Walthamstow/Haringey/Waltham Forest
    Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond
  • Epping Forest
    eppingforestdc.gov.uk
    Walthamstow Wetlands
    wildlondon.org.uk/walthamstow-wetlands-nature-reserve
    Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
    kew.org
    Walthamstow Wetlands
    020-398 974 48
    Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
    020-833 256 55
  • Epping Forest Walthamstow Wetlands Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Guide to beautiful woodlands and forests in London Guide to beautiful London gardens Guide to parks in London
Guide to beer gardens in London – Hot day activities
Guide to beer gardens in London
Guide to beer gardens in London – Hot day activities
Guide to beer gardens in London
The Prince of Wales Brixton The Drayton Court Hotel The Albion Guide to beer gardens in London
The Prince of Wales Brixton
pow-london.com
The Drayton Court Hotel
draytoncourtlondon.co.uk
The Albion
the-albion.co.uk
The Prince of Wales Brixton
@powbrixton
The Drayton Court Hotel
@draytoncourt
The Albion
@thealbionpub
The Prince of Wales Brixton The Drayton Court Hotel The Albion

It's important to stay hydrated

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.

  • 467 Brixton Rd, Brixton 2 The Avenue, Ealing 10 Thornhill Road, Islington
    The Prince of Wales Brixton
    467 Brixton Rd, Brixton
    The Drayton Court Hotel
    2 The Avenue, Ealing
    The Albion
    10 Thornhill Road, Islington
  • The Prince of Wales Brixton
    pow-london.com
    The Drayton Court Hotel
    draytoncourtlondon.co.uk
    The Albion
    the-albion.co.uk
    The Prince of Wales Brixton
    020-709 519 78
    The Drayton Court Hotel
    020-899 710 19
    The Albion
    020-760 774 50
  • The Prince of Wales Brixton The Drayton Court Hotel The Albion Guide to beer gardens in London

Frolic in a fountain

Splish splash

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.

The best cycle routes in London – Hot day activities
The best cycle routes in London
The best cycle routes in London – Hot day activities
The best cycle routes in London
The Line Wandle Trail Richmond Park The best cycle routes in London
The Line
the-line.org
Wandle Trail
merton.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-culture/tourism-and-travel/local-attractions/the-wandle-trail
Richmond Park
royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park
The Line Wandle Trail Richmond Park

Feel the breeze as you cycle around

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.

  • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Morden Road, Merton Richmond Park, Richmond
    The Line
    Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
    Wandle Trail
    Morden Road, Merton
    Richmond Park
    Richmond Park, Richmond
  • The Line
    the-line.org
    Wandle Trail
    merton.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-culture/tourism-and-travel/local-attractions/the-wandle-trail
    Richmond Park
    royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-park
    The Line
    020-348 892 50
  • The Line Wandle Trail Richmond Park The best cycle routes in London
The best museums in London – Hot day activities
The best museums in London
The best art galleries in London – Hot day activities
The best art galleries in London
The best museums in London – Hot day activities
The best museums in London
The best art galleries in London – Hot day activities
The best art galleries in London
Tate Modern Science Museum Horniman Museum and Gardens The best museums in London The best art galleries in London
Tate Modern
tate.org.uk
Science Museum
sciencemuseum.org.uk
Horniman Museum and Gardens
horniman.ac.uk
Tate Modern
@tate
Science Museum
@sciencemuseum
Horniman Museum and Gardens
@hornimanmuseumgardens
Tate Modern Science Museum Horniman Museum and Gardens

All-weather standbys

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.

  • Bankside, Southwark Exhibition Road, Kensington 100 London Rd
    Tate Modern
    Bankside, Southwark
    Science Museum
    Exhibition Road, Kensington
    Horniman Museum and Gardens
    100 London Rd
  • Tate Modern
    tate.org.uk
    Science Museum
    sciencemuseum.org.uk
    Horniman Museum and Gardens
    horniman.ac.uk
    Tate Modern
    020-788 788 88
    Science Museum
    033-005 800 58
    Horniman Museum and Gardens
    020-869 918 72
  • Tate Modern Science Museum Horniman Museum and Gardens The best museums in London The best art galleries in London

Sail away in Stokey

A hidden water sports centre

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.

The best Spanish restaurants in London – Hot day activities
The best Spanish restaurants in London
The best Thai restaurants in London – Hot day activities
The best Thai restaurants in London
The best Greek restaurants in London – Hot day activities
The best Greek restaurants in London
The best Spanish restaurants in London – Hot day activities
The best Spanish restaurants in London
The best Thai restaurants in London – Hot day activities
The best Thai restaurants in London
The best Greek restaurants in London – Hot day activities
The best Greek restaurants in London
Andy's Greek Taverna Sabor Kiln The best Spanish restaurants in London The best Thai restaurants in London The best Greek restaurants in London
Andy's Greek Taverna
andystaverna.co.uk
Sabor
saborrestaurants.co.uk
Kiln
kilnsoho.com
Sabor
@sabor_ldn
Kiln
@kilnsoho
Andy's Greek Taverna Sabor Kiln

Eat the heat away

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.

  • 35-37 Heddon St, Mayfair 58 Brewer St, Soho 23 Pratt Street, Camden Town
    Sabor
    35-37 Heddon St, Mayfair
    Kiln
    58 Brewer St, Soho
    Andy's Greek Taverna
    23 Pratt Street, Camden Town
  • Andy's Greek Taverna
    andystaverna.co.uk
    Sabor
    saborrestaurants.co.uk
    Kiln
    kilnsoho.com
    Andy's Greek Taverna
    020-748 597 18
    Sabor
    020-331 981 30
  • Andy's Greek Taverna Sabor Kiln The best Spanish restaurants in London The best Thai restaurants in London The best Greek restaurants in London

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.