The Best of Summer in London

The anticipated summer is here! Even when the sun is not shining, the city is in bloom, the days are longer, and our mood changes lifted by lighter evenings and warmer temperatures.

On this season there's so much going on, from parks and gardens to events and festivals! The capital's terraces are filled with people enjoying the weather and making the most out of it. The summer season isn’t just a period of time in London, it’s also a series of annual events that define the capital’s social calendar. If you're in London this summer, here's a guide of the best things to do: 

London Summer Events and Festivals

Drinking, dancing and music festivals are just around the corner ...

Some of the best summer festivals happening in London this summer 2019 are The Love Box, an epic 2-day festival that takes place in London’s Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets. It is a huge celebration of British music so is one not to be missed! If you're a music lover you have to attend the Reading Festival at least once in your life. The experience will blow your mind. For those who aren't fans of camping, there is the Wireless Festival aimed for those rapper lovers. Citadel Festival takes place in West London’s Gunnersbury Park, home to one of the hottest festivals of the summer. And last but not least the Kaleidoscope Festival, that takes place in London’s Alexandra Palace’ park on a hill where you can party to great music with good food and an awesome view over the city.

Culture fans can take in the annual opera in Holland Park and the open-air theatre in Regent’s Park.

Games to Play

There are also plenty of games to play on the outdoors. Try a unique and thrilling experience at the zip-line over a south London park, the biggest, fastest city centre zip wire in the world. Shake your putt at an outdoor crazy golf course. In recent years, pop-up crazy golf courses have become a bit of a ‘thing’ in London. They’re dotted throughout central London, up on rooftops, in abandoned WW2 bunkers, shopping malls, parks and beer gardens. Test your lawn bowling prowess in the city at Finsbury Square or at the London bridge. Play croquet on the roof of Skylight, abseil off the Orbit Tower while the sun shines or learn to swing on a trapeze in the sunshine.

Find Some Culture Outdoors

If you're more into cultural activities, London has a lot to offer. Join a disco dance party on Brixton’s legendary roof terrace, watch a film beneath the stars at an open-air cinema, see a play outdoors at Regents Park Open Air Theatre, take a wander through Hyde Park to the Serpentine Pavillion, find all the installations in the Frieze Sculpture Garden or Soak up the vibes at Notting Hill Carnival. 

Fun on the Water

Go on a pedalo ride on a London lake, take a plunge into a heated London lido, dare to dip in the natural waters of Hampstead Ponds, hire your own little electric boat for a picnic on the water, go on a dinner cruise along Regents Canal, play in the fountains on the South Bank or Granary Square, Kayak through east London in a cow-coloured canoe or set sail in your very own floating hot tub. 

Food and Drink

Enjoy a Pimm’s pitcher on a sunny terrace, chill all the way out at Below Zero’s ice bar, head to a local green space for a DIY barbecue, go for a walk by the river and try some Thames-side pubs, have an Italian feast at Selfridges’ rooftop restaurant, sip cocktails by a campfire at Midnight Apothecary, laze away the afternoon in a smashing pub garden, watch the world drift by at a waterside restaurant, sink a few drinks at a sexy rooftop bar, have an al fresco feast in a street food courtyard. 

London Parks and Gardens

Summer in the city brings locals to life, and there’s no better place to witness the lifting of our spirits than London’s parks. London's parks and gardens are the favourite places for Londoners and tourists where to spend the sunny days and you have a lot to choose from. 

Hampstead Heath is a wild park of woodland and meadows, tucked inside north London’s Zone miles away from the urban chaos of the capital. In Golders Hill Park you can admire the formal flower garden, feed the ducks, meet some friendly animals in the zoo and lots more! Another option is Hyde Park, London’s most famous green space set right in the heart of London. It offers both world-class events and concerts together with plenty of quiet places to relax and unwind. There is also Holland Park, an area of Kensington known for its pretty bridges and peaceful waterfall. This is just to mention a few. 

If you are looking for something more adventurous you can swim in the ponds of Hampstead Heath. This if you can forget about the fact that you can't see the bottom. Also, make sure you go on a very hot day. 

How many will you get done before the seasons turn?