Heading to the capital this summer? Then you’re in for an absolute treat. With scorching, record-breaking temperatures usually associated with continental Europe teamed with a whole host of fun and fabulous events in the calendar, there’s no better place to be than in London this season.
Want some tips? We’re here to help. Here’s a full line-up of some of the best things the city has to offer this summer, from special summer events in London to tasty treats to feast on. Enjoy!
WHAT TO SEE
Open-air cinema and theatre in London in the summer
London has some of the best theatres and productions in the world. What could be better than enjoying a great show or movie in the summer sun, outdoors? There are countless open-air theatres and cinemas dotted around to choose from.
A particular highlight for film fanatics is Movies on the River – London’s cinema on the Thames. For five nights a week from June to August, the movie boat offers up food and drink-fuelled film journey, departing from the Tower of London. Catch screenings of ‘Grease’, ‘Pretty Woman’, and ‘The Favourite’ amongst others, as you pass by some of the most impressive and iconic sites in London from the top deck.
Flowery events in London in the summer
Fancy something floral? London has green space in abundance, and if you want some beautiful and natural snaps for your ‘gram, then look no further than some of the top spots. The Chelsea Flower Show is your best bet for spying some of the country’s most beautiful blooms, as you hobnob with other flower fans. World-renowned, glamorous and quintessentially British, RHS Chelsea is a truly unique and unforgettable day out. During this period, you can take advantage of reasonable London hotel packages, too.
Likewise, London’s National Park City Week encourages Londoners (and tourists of course) to get outside and enjoy green spaces and waterways, with a little bit of learning along the way.
WHAT TO DO
Family events in London in the summer
Travelling to the capital with little ones in tow? Never fear – the city has loads of stuff to delight its youngest visitors. Why not opt for something fun and cultural, like the Totally Thames festival, which celebrates London’s river through exhibitions, art installations, talks, walks, quizzes and much more. Some of the events are free, and most of them are family-friendly. The full programme will be announced soon, and it runs from 1th -30th of September.
Or, if you fancy something a bit more off the wall, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the world famous Madame Tussauds, where your little ones will be able to get up close and personal with wax versions of some of their favourite celebrities.
Sport events in London in the summer
Calling all sports fans, London is home to some of the best events in the world, from tennis championships to screenings of football championships (we did invent it, after all).
The big one of course during the summer is Wimbledon – the biggest lawn tennis championship on the planet, which comes to the southwest suburb each year. No ticket? No problem. Enjoy all the action from one of the city’s many screenings, and take advantage of hotel Wimbledon packages, at the likes of the Montcalm Hotel Barbican.
Want to watch football? You’re in luck. The Bookclub in Shoreditch is hosting a heap of activities to celebrate the Women’s World Cup, including screenings of the matches, talks with key women in the sport and more.
London music festivals in the summer
London is home to some of the best bands and artists in the world, so it’s no surprise there’s an abundance of great music festivals to attend, spanning a variety of genres and areas of the city.
The biggies are British Summer Time, Wireless and Field Day, though there are many, many more. As well as music festivals, there are also family friendly general festivals, like the Underbelly, and the day activities at All Points East.
Quirky London events in the summer
There are a million things to do in London that are a little different from the norm. One of the best things to enjoy that defines this is the Pride Parade, which takes place on July 6th. This year’s pride parade will boast hundreds of floats and walking groups from across the LGBT+ spectrum, which will march through the middle of London from 12pm onwards.
Want to keep things colourful? For Londoners, it just wouldn’t be an August bank holiday without the Notting Hill Carnival. Dancers, drummers, musicians, sound systems, and a whole host of other performers take to Notting Hill’s streets for three days of festivities. It gets very crowded and lots of public transport in the area is disrupted, so do plan ahead if you’re going along.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation, special offer and packages
From luxury, arty hotels like The Barbican Rooms Hotel to casual Airbnbs, there are accommodation options for every taste and budget in the capital. During some of the city’s top events listed above, lots of the best hotels offer themed packages to enjoy too, for a special rate.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Restaurants and bars
London comes alive in the summer, as people flock outside to enjoy drinks after work, or to sun themselves in beer gardens on the weekend. From restaurants in London city and beyond, there are lots of places to indulge to soak up all the alcohol, too, with a traditional Sunday roast dinner, or a full English breakfast.
Summer food and drink in London
Keep the traditional feasting going with an afternoon tea in London city – a must experience for tourists, as this truly is a British institution. Lots of great hotels and specialist tearooms offer summer-themed ones during this season, too.
Hungry for more? Enjoy five days of feasting at Regent’s Park for the Taste of London festival. Several London restaurants will be offering tasters from their menus, alongside celebrity chef appearances, wine tastings, food pairings and more between 19th -23rd of June.
