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!
The best things to do on a hot day in London
In this guide
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Top things to do in London when it's hot out
- Cool off with a nice treat – Ice cream, iced coffee, and bubble tea, oh my!
- Hit the ice – Ice skating all year long
- Have a picnic – Pack your hamper and hit one of these spots
- Go for a swim – Cool off in the water
- Rent a boat – Never fails to be a good idea on a hot day
- Go on a day trip – Leave the Big Smoke behind
- Enjoy a nice stroll – A shaded urban walk in North London
- Catch a movie – Aircon to the rescue
- Surround yourself with greenery – Let nature do the job
- Have a pint – It's important to stay hydrated
- Frolic in a fountain – Splish splash
- Go for a bike ride – Feel the breeze as you cycle around
- See a fascinating exhibition – All-weather standbys
- Sail away in Stokey – A hidden water sports centre
- Have a light meal – Eat the heat away
Top things to do in London when it's hot out
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.
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37 Albion Rd, Stoke Newington 23-25 Leather Ln, Holborn 228 Holloway RoadGelateria Romeo & Giulietta
37 Albion Rd, Stoke NewingtonPrufrock Coffee
23-25 Leather Ln, HolbornGonuts
228 Holloway Road -
Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta
gelateriarg.co.ukPrufrock Coffee
prufrockcoffee.comGonuts
gonutstea.comGelateria Romeo & Giulietta
020-725 479 72Prufrock Coffee
020-724 204 67Gonuts
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
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.
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17 Queensway Alexandra Palace Way, Haringey Lea Bridge Road, Waltham Forest 390 Streatham High RdQueens London
17 QueenswayAlexandra Park & Palace
Alexandra Palace Way, HaringeyLee Valley Ice Centre
Lea Bridge Road, Waltham ForestStreatham Ice and Leisure Centre
390 Streatham High Rd -
Queens London
queens.londonAlexandra Park & Palace
alexandrapalace.comLee Valley Ice Centre
better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/ice-centreStreatham Ice and Leisure Centre
active.lambeth.gov.uk/locations/streathamQueens London
020-722 901 72Alexandra Park & Palace
020-836 521 21Lee Valley Ice Centre
0300-003 06 24Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
020-867 757 58 -
Queens London Alexandra Park & Palace Lee Valley Ice Centre Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
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.
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Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets Primrose Hill, Hampstead Hampstead Heath, HampsteadVictoria Park
Victoria Park, Tower HamletsPrimrose Hill
Primrose Hill, HampsteadHampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath, Hampstead -
Victoria Park
towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open_spaces/victoria_park/victoria_park.aspxPrimrose Hill
royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park/things-to-see-and-do/primrose-hillHampstead Heath
cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath -
Victoria Park Primrose Hill Hampstead Heath The best picnic spots in London
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.
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Hampstead Heath, Hampstead Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Rd, Hampstead Dock Rd, NewhamHampstead Heath Ponds
Hampstead Heath, HampsteadParliament Hill Lido
Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Rd, HampsteadLove Open Water Royal Docks
Dock Rd, Newham -
Hampstead Heath Ponds
hampsteadheath.net/swimming-pondsParliament Hill Lido
parliamenthilllido.orgLove 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
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.
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22 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf/Tower Hamlets Hyde Park International House, 64 Nile Street, ShoreditchGoBoat Canary Wharf
22 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf/Tower HamletsHyde Park
Hyde ParkBoat Party London
International House, 64 Nile Street, Shoreditch -
GoBoat Canary Wharf
goboat.co.uk/canary-wharfHyde Park
royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-parkBoat Party London
boatparty-london.comGoBoat Canary Wharf
020-388 769 55Boat Party London
0793-936 30 20 -
GoBoat Canary Wharf Hyde Park Boat Party London Guide to boat hire in London
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.
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Camber Sands Hever Castle, Hever Road, Edenbridge Castle Hill Road, HastingsCamber Sands
Camber SandsHever Castle & Gardens
Hever Castle, Hever Road, EdenbridgeHastings Castle
Castle Hill Road, Hastings -
Camber Sands
visit1066country.com/destinations/camberHever Castle & Gardens
hevercastle.co.ukHever Castle & Gardens
0173-286 52 24Hastings 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
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.
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Florence Road, Haringey
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Website
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Parkland Walk
020-752 743 74 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho 38 Curzon St, MayfairPicturehouse Central
Shaftesbury Avenue, SohoCurzon Mayfair
38 Curzon St, Mayfair -
Picturehouse Central
picturehouses.com/cinema/picturehouse-centralCurzon Mayfair
curzon.com/venues/mayfairPicturehouse Central
08-719 025 747 -
Picturehouse Central Curzon Mayfair The complete guide to the best cinemas in London The best outdoor cinemas in London
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.
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6 Ranger's Rd 2 Forest Road, Walthamstow/Haringey/Waltham Forest Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, RichmondEpping Forest
6 Ranger's RdWalthamstow Wetlands
2 Forest Road, Walthamstow/Haringey/Waltham ForestRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond -
Epping Forest
eppingforestdc.gov.ukWalthamstow Wetlands
wildlondon.org.uk/walthamstow-wetlands-nature-reserveRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew
kew.orgWalthamstow Wetlands
020-398 974 48Royal 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
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.
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467 Brixton Rd, Brixton 2 The Avenue, Ealing 10 Thornhill Road, IslingtonThe Prince of Wales Brixton
467 Brixton Rd, BrixtonThe Drayton Court Hotel
2 The Avenue, EalingThe Albion
10 Thornhill Road, Islington -
The Prince of Wales Brixton
pow-london.comThe Drayton Court Hotel
draytoncourtlondon.co.ukThe Albion
the-albion.co.ukThe Prince of Wales Brixton
020-709 519 78The Drayton Court Hotel
020-899 710 19The Albion
020-760 774 50 -
The Prince of Wales Brixton The Drayton Court Hotel The Albion Guide to beer gardens in London
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.
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Granary Square, King's Cross
- Website
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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.
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Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Morden Road, Merton Richmond Park, RichmondThe Line
Queen Elizabeth Olympic ParkWandle Trail
Morden Road, MertonRichmond Park
Richmond Park, Richmond -
The Line
the-line.orgWandle Trail
merton.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-culture/tourism-and-travel/local-attractions/the-wandle-trailRichmond Park
royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/richmond-parkThe Line
020-348 892 50 -
The Line Wandle Trail Richmond Park The best cycle routes in London
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.
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Bankside, Southwark Exhibition Road, Kensington 100 London RdTate Modern
Bankside, SouthwarkScience Museum
Exhibition Road, KensingtonHorniman Museum and Gardens
100 London Rd -
Tate Modern
tate.org.ukScience Museum
sciencemuseum.org.ukHorniman Museum and Gardens
horniman.ac.ukTate Modern
020-788 788 88Science Museum
033-005 800 58Horniman 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
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.
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Green Lanes
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Website
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West Reservoir Centre
020-844 281 16 - Read more on Thatsup
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.
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35-37 Heddon St, Mayfair 58 Brewer St, Soho 23 Pratt Street, Camden TownSabor
35-37 Heddon St, MayfairKiln
58 Brewer St, SohoAndy's Greek Taverna
23 Pratt Street, Camden Town -
Andy's Greek Taverna
andystaverna.co.ukSabor
saborrestaurants.co.ukKiln
kilnsoho.comAndy's Greek Taverna
020-748 597 18Sabor
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