Updated for 2025! Wondering what to do in London this summer? Summer in London is more than just swarms of tourists and sweaty tube rides. When the sun shines and the temperatures warm up, the capital really comes alive. Rooftop bars overflow, bottles of rosé are opened in the park, and Londoners flock to their favorite beer gardens. Not without complaining about the (not so) sweltering heat, of course!
This is our list of the best things to do in London during the summer. Many of these can be done year round, and many can be done each summer, but we’ve thrown in a few summer 2025-specific events, as well. Pair this list with our Great British Summer Bucket List and you’re in for the best summer ever!
Enjoy a picnic in the park
London’s parks are the place to be in the summer, and there’s no better way to enjoy a day in the sun than with a picnic in the park.
If you’re visiting London, we recommend a picnic in St. James’ Park. With views of Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, St. James’ Park is one of my favorite spots in London. I think I could stand on the bridge in the center for hours each day and be at peace with the world. Put together a picnic basket, grab a blanket, and pick a spot in the shade as the day comes to a close. We recommend the nearby M&S for ready to eat picnic food!
If you prefer a restaurant over a picnic, head to the Pear Tree Cafe in Battersea Park for a picnic-like lunch. Pair it with a visit to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo and take a lap around the boating lake for the perfect family day out in London. Battersea Power Station is also nearby if you need to cool off.
Two other honorable mentions are Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park – both are massive and truly feel like an escape from London.
Spend the entire day in a pub’s beer garden
There is nothing better than a summer day spent in the garden of your favorite pub with friends. With pitchers of Pimm’s flowing and hearty pub food to accompany them, there is literally no reason to leave. Most pubs move TVs outside for the summer, as well, so you do not have to miss any sport. Sit in the sun or opt for the shade – just make sure you pick a spot you are ready to sit in all day! Some of our favorite summer pubs include The Windmill (Clapham), The Ship (Wandsworth) and The Anchor (Southwark).
Indulge at London’s outdoor food markets
Duke of York Square’s Saturday market is open year round and is one of our favorite food markets in London. In part, this is because of it’s small size, which makes it easy to try everything. Also, they serve champagne and cocktails. And above all, there is the incredible duck confit sandwiches – the best sandwich in Chelsea, as they like to say! Mix up your Saturday shopping day with a quick visit to this market. In the summer, they usually have other events going on as well, or you could make a quick trip to Saatchi Gallery.
If you’re looking for something more central, we also love Maltby Street Market. It’s one of our favorite spots on our London Bridge Food Tour!
Walk along the Thames
Walking along the river in London gives you plenty to see and do. There are museums, pubs, tourist attractions, and some incredible architecture! Westminster and London Bridge are both great starting points – just pick a direction and start walking. If you want to feel like you’ve escaped from the city, start in Richmond and wander alongside the Thames towards Mortlake. You’ll be transported to a different world – and there are plenty of pubs to stop at along the way.
If you are visiting London, the Marriott County Hall and Sea Containers are two family-friendly luxury hotels that serve as perfect jumping off points for a river stroll (and many of the other activities listed in this post!
Take a boat to Greenwich
When I studied abroad, we were forced to take the Greenwich boat tour as our “welcome” tour. However, it’s not a bad thing to be forced into (except ours was in January!). It’s fun to see London by water, and Greenwich is a lovely area. Head that way on the boat, wander around, pop into a pub for a pint, and then jump on the DLR back. It’s an easy day away!
Greenwich is also an incredibly family-friendly neighborhood. Check out the Greenwich Maritime Museum’s AHOY! Children’s Gallery before grabbing a bite to eat at the maritime-themed Plume and Feathers.
Bask in the sun on Brighton Beach
A warm summers day calls for a day trip to Brighton. It is such a fun and easy day trip from London. Better yet? You end up at the beach! Go bask in the sun or have a picnic or just wander for hours.
Attend a festival
There are food festivals, cocktail festivals, music festivals, and more in London each summer. There are small festivals and big festivals. One day festivals and week long festivals. London and it’s surrounding areas turn into festival grounds all summer long! I swear everywhere you look there is something else going on. Find one that matches your style, buy a ticket (if required) and go!
2025 London Summer Festivals
- Taste of London: 18-22 June, Regent’s Park [Food]
- BBC Proms: July-September, Royal Albert Hall [Music]
- British Summer Time: 27 June-13 July, Hyde Park [Music]
- Country on the Common: 5-6 July, Tooting Common [Music]
- Somerset House Summer Series: 10-20 July, Somerset House [Music]
- London Wing Fest: 25-27 July, London Stadium [Food]
- Notting Hill Carnival: 23-25 August, Notting Hill [Street Party]
And, of course, there are other major festivals throughout the UK. Glastonbury takes place at the end of June if you’re lucky to score tickets. Or, if you want to head North, it’s much easier to visit Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, where you can take in theatre, comedy, music, and more. If you’re heading to Edinburgh this summer, our friends at Eternal Arrival have published a great list of free things to do in Edinburgh. Most can be done year round, but why not take advantage of the sun?
Pin this post for later!
There are some great ideas here! I always love a picnic from Fortnums.
We recently bought a hamper from John Lewis to start putting together our own picnics, and are having too much fun with it. It comes with cutlery, wine glasses, and everything!
I haven’t heard of the Duke of York’s Square market, will have to check it out. I love Borough Market.
I’ve been in London on one of those rare summery days and I couldn’t believe how fast everyone stripped off to sun bake
It honestly becomes such a different place! We just don’t get enough quality time outside!
Great tips! I grew up not far from Brighton so I love it when people include it in travel lists!
It’s such a lovely place, it’s hard not to include it!
Seems like an easy place to enjoy a summer! I have never been but it’s on my list!!
Looks like an easy place to spend a summer, I have never been but it’s on my list!
Oh this brings back so many memories (and yet so much more I want to return to London to do!). I love festivals, pop up bars and generally just drinking in the sun in summer!
Become your own party planner. Host a day party under the sun and arrange a cocktail competition for you and your friends. May the most refreshing summer cocktail win! Cotton candy, magic castles, balloons and exhilarating roller coasters. Who doesn t love living in a fairytale if only for one day?