Summer in London: 35+ Lovely Things to Do, Eat & Book in 2026
Spending summer in London? Here’s a local’s guide to the best things to do in London in summer, from parks and swimming ponds to Wimbledon, riverside bars, food markets, festivals and seaside day trips.
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London transforms come summer.
Hot England winters get replaced with warm balmy days, museums traded for festivals and mulled wine in Hyde Park switched with dining al fresco on a sunny day in on South Bank.
As the years have gone on, I’ve become a massive fan of the season and, through very thorough trials and testing (someone has to try the best Aperol Spritzes in London after all) have found all the very best things to do for the season.
If you’re spending any time at all in summer in London, you’re a lucky one my friend. Here’s how to spend it right.
Shall we?
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
Summer in London At A Glance:
Best for: parks, swimming ponds, riverside pubs, rooftop bars, food markets, summer festivals, open-air theatre, boat days and easy day trips.
Average temperature: London summer is usually warm with a few heatwave days, average highs are around 20°C (68°F) in June and 22°C (71.6F) in July and August. That said, heatwaves do happen, and you should never underestimate the Tube on a hot day.
What to book ahead: Wimbledon, Buckingham Palace, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, GoBoat, rooftop bars, al fresco restaurants, summer festivals and seaside train tickets.
What to wear: light layers, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, SPF and a light jacket (+ a small umbrella, it is London).
Best Summer in London Hotel: The Welbeck (next to Regent’s Park and many of my summer in London receommendations)
Quick tip: Don’t overpack your days. Summer in London is best when you leave a little room for spontaneity and savouring the city’s amazing weather.
Festivals, Events & Things to Book Ahead
Summer in London comes with plenty of seasonal things worth putting in your diary, especially if you’re visiting during June, July or August. Here’s a few to add to your list.
1. Wimbledon Tennis Championships
Come summer everyone in London has The Championships at Wimbledon on their mind, whether they’re going or not!
Even if you’re not a tennis fan, from Strawberries and Pimm’s to all-white outfits and Centre Court seats—it’s one of the best times to be in London.
For 2026, The Championships run from Monday 29 June to Sunday 12 July, so this is one to plan ahead if you want to go properly.
If you don’t get tickets, you can still enjoy the atmosphere by watching at an outdoor screening, heading to a pub showing the matches or spending time around Wimbledon Village while it’s all going on.
Read More: Wimbledon Tips for First-Timers: Tickets, The Queue & What to Know Before You Go
2. Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival is one of the city’s biggest cultural moments come summer in London, celebrating all things Caribbean culture.
For 2026, Carnival weekend runs from Saturday 29 August to Monday 31 August, with the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition on Saturday, Families and Children’s Day on Sunday, and the main adult parade on Monday.
If it’s your first time going, I’d definitely plan ahead. Read my guide Notting Hill Carnival: A First-Timer’s Guide + Tips before you go, and you’ll be sorted!
3. Hampton Court Palace Festival
If you like the idea of live music in a palace setting, Hampton Court Palace Festival is well worth looking at.
For 2026, the festival runs from 10–20 June with artists including David Gray, OMD, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, The Stranglers and Nile Rodgers & CHIC.
It’s a little outside central London, but that’s part of the charm. You can take the train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court, then make an afternoon of it with the palace, gardens, river and a summer concert.
It’s a lovely one if you want something that feels a bit more special than a normal gig—because, well, palace.
4. BST Hyde Park
BST Hyde Park is one of London’s biggest summer music events, taking over Hyde Park across late June and July.
For 2026, announced dates include Garth Brooks, ATEEZ, Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, Duran Duran, Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi (swooning).
I’d pair it with a wander through Hyde Park beforehand, or dinner and drinks nearby in Marylebone, Mayfair or South Kensington depending on where you’re coming from.
5. All Points East in Victoria Park
For East London summer, All Points East is a great one to have on your list.
It takes place in Victoria Park in late August, with 2026 dates including Jorja Smith + Tems, Lorde, Outbreak Fest and Tyler, The Creator.
The setting is part of the appeal, too. Victoria Park is one of London’s best parks, and you can easily make a day of it with Broadway Market, Hackney Wick, canalside drinks or a pub garden before or after.
Al Fresco Restaurants, Riverside Bars & Rooftops
Al fresco dining in London can mean a gorgeous terrace…or two pavement tables next to a busy road.
So choose wisely, my friend.
When the weather is good, book ahead where you can. The second London gets sunshine, every outdoor table suddenly becomes very in-demand.
6. Le Pont de la Tour / La Plage du Pont
Le Pont de la Tour is a lovely one if you want a summer lunch or dinner by the river.
Set by Tower Bridge, it’s a classic riverside restaurant, and their summer terrace, La Plage du Pont, brings a Riviera-inspired feel to the Thames with spritzes, sharing plates and Tower Bridge views.
Book the terrace if you can, then have a wander around Tower Bridge or Bermondsey afterwards.
7. Savage Garden or Wagtail
For a rooftop with proper City views, Savage Garden or Wagtail are both great picks.
The rooftop terrace bars each come with a fab restaurant and private terraces, with views across landmarks like Tower Bridge, St Paul’s, The Shard, the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie.
I’d suggest going for a drink here post-dinner in Central!
8. Sea Containers x Grey Goose Summer Terrace
For a proper South Bank summer terrace, head to the Sea Containers x Grey Goose Summer Terrace, where you can sit by the Thames with plenty of cocktails and seafood-focused small plates.
Hits here include the Cucumber Fizz or Paloma, alongside English oysters, seabass ceviche tacos, jumbo shrimp cocktail and four cheese croquettes, to name a few.
A great terrace stop for summer!
9. Whitcomb’s Veuve Clicquot Summer Terrace
Leicester Square is probably one of the last places you’d think to look for a genuinely lovely summer terrace in London, but tucked inside The Londoner is Whitcomb’s Veuve Clicquot Summer Terrace, a very unexpected gem right in the middle of one of London’s busiest squares.
I’ve now been three times, and it’s such a good spot for a summer lunch, Champagne or cocktails away from the Leicester Square crowds.
From the menu, I really recommend the seabass ceviche with watermelon, jalapeño and lime, followed by the buttered lobster linguine with chilli butter, then the mango mousse with carrot sponge, buckwheat and caramel for dessert.
Top it off with one of the Champagne flights, or try the Lemon Drop 75, made with Grey Goose Le Citron, homemade lemon and kumquat sherbet, Acqua di Cedro and prosecco.
10. Brasserie Olivia
For a summer lunch or dinner around Sloane Square, add Brasserie Olivia to your list.
It feels like a French brasserie plopped into the middle of London, but never in a gimmicky way. Sit by the window for excellent Chelsea people-watching, keep an eye on the open kitchen and make your way through the classics—escargots, steak frites and crêpe Suzette—with a Fraise or Rhubarbe cocktail alongside.
Pair it with a wander through Chelsea or nearby Belgravia before or after, and reserve ahead for warm summer evenings as it’s already buzzing.
Read More: Brasserie Olivia Review: Chelsea’s New French Brasserie
11. The Churchill Bar & Terrace
You can also head to Marylebone for their Churchill Bar & Terrace, a lovely summer drinks in London option.
The terrace has a polished hotel bar feel and works well if you want somewhere central without being right in the middle of Soho or Covent Garden chaos.
Handy if you’ve been shopping around Selfridges or wandering the Marylebone area (it’s next to The Welbeck as well).
12. Roof East & Bussey Rooftop Bar
For more casual rooftops, Roof East and Bussey Rooftop Bar are incredible come summer.
Roof East in Stratford is great for groups, with games, food, drinks and rooftop cinema.
Bussey Rooftop Bar in Peckham is better for South London views, sunset drinks and a more relaxed rooftop feel.
Both put on movie nights throughout the summer too, so keep an eye out!
Beer Gardens in London
Pub culture is lovely all year in London, but especially so in summer (and no, you don’t have to be a beer person to enjoy a beer garden!).
13. Battersea Barge
For something a bit different, add Battersea Barge to your list.
It’s moored on the Thames in Nine Elms, with views towards Battersea Power Station, fit with a bar, casual restaurant and comedy nights.
Pair it with a walk along the Thames in Battersea, and you’re golden.
14. People’s Park Tavern
People’s Park Tavern is another gem for your London summer and one of the best East London beer gardens.
A brilliant one to pair with Victoria Park (right nearby), Victoria Park Market, Hackney Wick or All Points East if you’re in the area.
15. The Spaniards Inn
If you’re happy to go on a little adventure through Hampstead Heath, you’ll be rewarded with reaching The Spaniards Inn.
Dating back to 1585, this historic pub is full of character, and especially lovely in summer. The beer garden is massive, but I still recommend booking ahead and requesting outdoor seating.
You can also pair it with catching Parliament Hill views or a wander to the nearby Kenwood House.
16. Old Brewer’s Yard
Despite being in Central Old Brewer’s Yard is far from a touristy pub.
New to Covent Garden, you can stop by for Guinness, seasonal brews and of course, a summer beer garden.
17. The Founder’s Arms
The Founder’s Arms is a great one to add if you’re already on the Thames—sitting pretty between Tate Modern and Blackfriars, so it works perfectly if you’re doing a South Bank walk, visiting Tate Modern, crossing Millennium Bridge or heading towards Borough Market.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in South Bank, London
Swimming, Parks & Green Spaces
London may not be the first place you think of for a summer swim, but come summer the city has some brilliant ponds, lidos and outdoor pools to cool off in.
Add a Royal Park picnic or a proper London walk, and you’ve got yourself a very lovely summer day.
18. Go Swimming in London
One of the best things to do in London in summer is go swimming.
You’ve got the Hampstead Heath Ponds, Parliament Hill Lido, Tooting Bec Lido, Hampton Pool, Brockwell Lido and the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, just to name a few.
Hampstead Heath Ponds is probably the most famous, with the iconic Kenwood Ladies’ Pond, Men’s Pond, Mixed Pond and Parliament Hill Lido. If you’re visiting in summer, make sure to book around a week or few days in advance, especially on warm days.
Tooting Bec Lido is a South London classic, and Hampton Pool is brilliant if you want an outdoor swim in London (heated during winter too), and the Serpentine Lido is fab for a central London dip in Hyde Park.
19. Have a London Park Picnic
Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in Regent’s Park
A park picnic is one of the easiest and loveliest things to do in London in summer.
The rules are simple—pick a park, pick up some bits to eat, bring a blanket (if you’re organised), and enjoy.
A few picnic pairings:
- Primrose Hill + snacks from Regent’s Park Road
- Greenwich Park + Greenwich Market
- Holland Park + Notting Hill
- Victoria Park + Victoria Park Market
- Regent’s Park + Queen Mary’s Rose Garden
- Battersea Park + a riverside walk
- Hampstead Heath + Parliament Hill views
Primrose Hill is my particular favourite, but Greenwich Park is hard to beat if you want skyline views, tough choices!
20. Visit Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is one of those places that feels like it was made for a summer day. in London.
You could easily spend hours here wandering the glasshouses, walking the Treetop Walkway, seeing what’s in bloom and generally pretending you’re far more botanically-inclined than you are.
The gardens are huge, so it’s not the kind of place I’d rush. Give yourself a good few hours, wear comfortable shoes and leave room for a coffee, lunch or ice cream break while you’re in Kew Village.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Kew, London
21. Spend the Day in Richmond Park
Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park
Richmond Park is a great park to visit during summer in London, mainly because it’s so huge it’ll never feel as busy as Central London parks come the season.
You can walk, picnic, spot deer from a respectful distance, visit Isabella Plantation, stop at Pembroke Lodge, then make your way down towards Richmond riverside afterwards.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Richmond, London
22. Take a London Walk
One of the best ways to enjoy London in summer is simply to explore on foot.
A proper London walk lets you see the city between its big stops—from side streets to riverside stretches, neighbourhood cafés, local pubs and pretty corners you’d probably miss otherwise.
A few summer walks I’d recommend:
- Hammersmith to Barnes
- Richmond to Twickenham
- South Bank to London Bridge
- Marylebone to Belgravia
- Greenwich to North Greenwich
- Putney to Fulham
- Hampstead Heath and village
Want a ready-made London walk?
I’ve created 20+ self-guided London walking maps you can follow on your phone, from riverside routes to neighbourhood wanders to help you have incredible days exploring in London.
Browse my London walking maps here 🗺️
London Neighbourhoods to Spend a Sunny Day In
One of my favourite things about London is its neighbourhoods (so much in fact I’ve written a guide on every neighbourhood in London!).
The big attractions are great, of course, but some of the best London days are just choosing an area, having a wander, popping into a few shops, finding somewhere good to eat and ending with a pub, park or river walk.
23. Hampstead
Hampstead is one of the best London neighbourhoods for a summer day.
Start around Hampstead High Street, grab coffee, wander down Flask Walk, pop into the local shops, make your way to the Hill Garden & Pergola, then spend the afternoon on Hampstead Heath.
Add a swim if you fancy, a Parliament Hill view for classic London skyline views, and a pub stop afterwards if you’re feeling cheeky.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Hampstead, London
24. Notting Hill
Notting Hill is an obvious London summer neighbourhood, but for good reason.
Go for Portobello Road Market, colourful streets, brunch, independent shops, bookshops, the Museum of Brands and Holland Park nearby.
And if you’re visiting around Carnival, plan properly!
25. Twickenham & Teddington
Twickenham and Teddington are a lovely South West London summer pairing, especially if you want something more local than the usual central London recommendations.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Twickenham, London
You’ve got river walks, pretty local corners, Strawberry Hill House, York House Gardens, Teddington Lock and plenty of South West London life to enjoy.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Teddington, London
26. Brixton & Clapham
For a South London summer day, it’s time to head to Brixton and Clapham.
Start in Brixton for food, markets and local London vibes then make your way towards Brockwell Park, Brockwell Lido…
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Brixton, London
Or Clapham for parks, pub gardens and a more relaxed local afternoon.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Clapham, London
27. Greenwich
Greenwich is one of the easiest neighbourhoods to turn into a full summer day out in London.
Start with a wander through Greenwich Market, pop by the Old Royal Naval College, then make your way up through Greenwich Park for one of the best skyline views in London. Or take a journey up the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Greenwich, London
28. South Bank
South Bank is touristy, yes, but it’s touristy for a reason.
And on a sunny summer in London day, it’s still one of the easiest ways to remember why London is London.
Walk along the river, take in the views, browse the South Bank Book Market, stop by the National Theatre, wander towards Tate Modern, have an ice cream, and finish somewhere around Borough Market or London Bridge.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in South Bank, London
London Tours, Boats & Summer Experiences
Some London experiences are absolutely better in summer.
This is where I’d add boat days, outdoor cinema and river tours to your London itinerary, to name a few. Here’s some to check out:
29. GoBoat
GoBoat is a very fun London summer plan, especially if you’re with friends or family.
You can hire a self-drive electric boat, bring your own food and spend time on the water without needing a boating licence for the Thames.
Each boat fits up to 8 people, with London/Thames locations including Paddington, Canary Wharf, Kingston and Thames Ditton.
➔ Book your GoBoat Tour Regent’s Canal & Paddington
➔ Book Your GoBoat Tour Kingston
➔ Book your GoBoat Canary Wharf
Paddington is great for canals and Little Venice, Canary Wharf gives you a chance to see the Docklands, and Kingston or Thames Ditton feel leafier and more relaxed.
Good for birthdays, friend catch-ups, family visits, casual dates and sunny weekends!
30. Watch an Outdoor Film, London Style
A nice outdoor cinema is one of the best London plans you could have this summer.
Rooftop Cinema Club Peckham has outdoor screenings in London with rooftop views, comfy chairs and wireless headphones, including venues in Peckham and Stratford.
Roof East is great for combining a film with food, drinks and rooftop games or tuck into a night at Everyman King’s Cross with free movies shown to the public (like in the photo above!) every year, it’s marvellous.
31. Opera Holland Park
For something a little more elegant come summer, add Opera Holland Park to your list.
Set in Holland Park, their 2026 season celebrates 30 years of Opera Holland Park, with performances running from late May to August.
The season includes La fanciulla del West, Così fan tutte, Turandot, Un ballo in maschera and Die Fledermaus, so you’ve got a good mix to choose from if you fancy doing something a bit different for the evening.
P.S. – Wander through Holland Park and pop into Kyoto Garden beforehand if you can…
32. Take a River Thames Tour
If you’re visiting London in summer, seeing the city from the Thames is very worth doing.
You can keep it simple with the Uber Boat, or book a proper London river cruise, sunset cruise or dinner cruise if you want something more organised.
For first-time visitors, I’d especially recommend doing some kind of Thames journey at least once.
33. Visit Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms
Every summer Buckingham Palace opens its State Rooms to visitors, and for 2026 they’re open from 9 July to 27 September.
If you’ve never been, it’s genuinely worth doing once—especially if you’re interested in royal history, interiors, or simply seeing one of London’s most famous buildings from the inside rather than just standing outside the gates.
You’ll get to walk through the State Rooms, see parts of the Palace used for official occasions, and depending on your ticket, enjoy the Garden Café and views over the Palace gardens afterwards, too.
Book ahead if you can, especially for July and August!
34. Go to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the loveliest things to book in London in summer.
For 2026, the season runs from May to September, with shows including Sherlock Holmes, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, CATS and Anansi the Spider.
The setting is gorgeous, right in Regent’s Park, and it’s one of those experiences that feels very London in the best way.
I’d go early for a wander through the park, maybe stop by Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, then head to the theatre.
Just remember to bring layers, London evenings can humble even the cutest summer outfit.
Seaside & Summer Day Trips from London
I know it sounds slightly wrong to talk about summer in London by telling you to leave London, but the UK does summer day trips very well when the weather behaves.
Book trains ahead where possible, especially on sunny weekends, and don’t forget layers. The coast can still be breezy even when London feels warm.
35. Brighton
Brighton is the easiest classic seaside day trip from London.
You’ve got the beach, the pier, The Lanes, independent shops, plenty of food and drink.
It’s not exactly a secret, so expect crowds on hot weekends. But if you want a reliable seaside escape from London, Brighton is still one of the easiest.
Spend the day wandering The Lanes, having fish and chips or something lovely by the sea, popping along the pier and getting a bit of coastal air before heading back to London.
Read More: How to Do the Perfect Day Trip to Brighton from London
36. Whitstable
Whitstable is lovely if you want a slower coastal day.
Think oysters, seafood, harbour walks, beach huts, independent shops and a much gentler pace than Brighton.
Wander the high street, walk by the harbour, head towards Tankerton, and finish with something delicious by the sea.
37. Bath
Bath is a lovely one to add if you want a summer day trip from London that’s pretty, historic and very easy to wander.
Take the train from London Paddington to Bath Spa, which usually takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, then spend the day exploring the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, The Circus and the Royal Crescent.
38. Durdle Door
Durdle Door is more effort than Brighton or Whitstable, but it is beautiful.
2 hours from London—you can do a day trip here for Jurassic Coast views, Lulworth Cove and dramatic coastlines that’ll make you say “I can’t believe this is in London!”.
Wear proper shoes!
39. Oxford or Cambridge
Oxford is a brilliant summer day trip if you want history, architecture, gardens and pretty wandering without heading to the coast.
You can visit the colleges, explore the Bodleian Library, pop into the Ashmolean, wander the Covered Market, climb St Mary’s Tower for views, or spend time around the river.
Similarly Cambridge is another gorgeous summer day trip from London, especially if you want punting, college exploring and river views.
You can wander the historic colleges, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, browse Market Square, explore Cambridge Botanic Garden and, of course, go punting on the River Cam.
Read More: How to Do the Perfect London Day Trip to Cambridge
It’s an easy train from King’s Cross and a lovely way to spend a summer day outside the city.
FAQs & Final Bits on Summer in London
When is summer in London?
Summer in London is generally June, July and August, although you’ll definitely find the odd heat wave in May!
What is summer in London like?
Summer in London is lively, busy and wonderful (when the weather behaves). Expect parks, pub gardens, outdoor dining, festivals, river walks, food markets and plenty of long evenings outside.
Just remember this is still London, so a sunny morning can quite easily become a rainy afternoon.
Is summer in London hot?
It can be, but London summer is usually warm rather than properly hot. Average highs are around 20°C in June and 22°C in July and August, although heatwaves can push temperatures much higher.
Does it rain in London in summer?
Yes, it can still rain in London in summer. You don’t need to dress for a storm every day, but I’d always pack a light jacket or small umbrella if you’re out for the whole day.
What should I wear in London in summer?
Think light layers. Dresses, linen trousers, skirts, T-shirts, comfortable sandals or trainers all work well, but bring a light jacket for cooler evenings. If you’re planning to walk a lot, comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
Is London crowded in summer?
Yes, summer is one of the busiest times to visit London, especially around major attractions, school holidays and big events like Wimbledon and Notting Hill Carnival.
But don’t fret, just be sure to early for popular sights, book restaurants and events ahead, and balance your time in central London with slower neighbourhood days in places like Hampstead.
Is summer a good time to visit London?
Yes—summer is one of the best times to visit London if you want parks, festivals, outdoor dining, river walks and big seasonal events.
It is busier and usually more expensive, but there’s also a lot more happening.
What are the best free things to do in London in summer?
Some of the best free things to do in London in summer are walking along South Bank, visiting London’s parks, browsing food markets, exploring neighbourhoods like Hampstead or Greenwich, seeing the roses in Regent’s Park, walking along the Thames and enjoying free summer events where available.
Where should I stay for in London?
I personally recommend The Welbeck for a summer (or Christmas) stay in London—it’s a contemporary boutique hotel on Welbeck Street, close to Regent’s Park, Hyde Park and many of my rooftop bars, shops and summer walk recommendations without being right in the middle of the busiest London chaos.
For more options, check out my guide on where to stay in London.
What should I book ahead for summer in London?
I’d book Wimbledon, Buckingham Palace, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Opera Holland Park, GoBoat, rooftop bars, al fresco restaurants, summer festivals, popular exhibitions and seaside train tickets ahead where possible.
Thanks for reading my Summer in London Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:
- London for First-Time Visitors: Your Ultimate Guide
- How to Do the Perfect London Day Trip to Oxford
- Wimbledon Tips for First-Timers: Tickets, The Queue & What to Know Before You Go
- Notting Hill Carnival: A First-Timer’s Guide + Tips
- How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Cambridge from London (+ Itinerary)
- How to Do the Perfect Day Trip to Brighton from London
- 2 Days in Bath: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
- London in Autumn Guide
- London at Christmas Guide
- Spring Flowers in London Guide
Happy Londoning,
