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8 Cool Things to Do in London In The Summer
Summer is undoubtedly the favourite time of the year for many Londoners. Although London struggles to compete with tropical destinations with its beaches and sunny climates. There’s a lot more London has to offer. There are many events going on in London it can be hard to choose where to go and what to do. In this article, we’ve come up with the 8 cool things to do in London in the summer. These events run between June and September so make sure you have the chance to attend.
1. Notting Hill Carnival
The Celebration of Caribbean culture has turned into the largest street party in Europe with this colourful street festival. This carnival parades through various neighbourhoods in West London. The carnival is easily accessible take the tube to Westbourne Park or Notting Hill Gate where you can take a short walk to the parade zone.
The parade is considered a great family day out and is enjoyed by millions each year. The carnival is held on August bank holiday and the main parade days are the Sunday and Monday. During the carnival, you can stand and enjoy the floats with steel bands, DJs, and collection of dancers stroll by.
If you like the style of a float you even have the option to follow behind. Dotted around the parade route are a number of food trucks serving Jerk chicken and other Caribbean dishes for you to indulge in.
- Location: Notting Hill, West London, UK.
- Open: During August Bank Holiday Weekend from 9 am to 10 pm.
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7341 5147.
- Good for: Families, Budget days out, Nightlife and Unique experiences.
2. Relax in Hyde Park
Hyde Park is the largest park in London. In the summer this park becomes the most famous hand out spots for Londoners wishing to relax in the summer sun. Many families enjoy kicking a football or and having a picnic while enjoying the sunny summer weather.
There are also events hosted in the park such as music festivals like British Summertime. In addition, you can enjoy screenings of summer sporting events, film screenings and even pop-up food festivals be sure to check time out for dates and times of these events and screenings.
- Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, UK.
- Open: Daily from 5 am to Midnight however event times differ.
- Good for: Couples, Families and Budget days out.
3. Open-air cinema screening
There are many outdoor cinema screenings through London during the summer. A number of iconic places such as Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, ferries on the River Thames and many rooftops throughout the capital host these screenings. There are a number of seats available t these screenings so be sure to book in advance. When the sun comes out Londoners tend to break out in thousands making these events very popular.
- Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, UK.
- Open: From May to September
- Good for: Couples, families, nightlife and Unique experiences.
4. Chelsea Flower Show
In May some of the world’s most famous landscape designers gather to build the worlds best flower gardens. Each year there are even more fantastic creations that really do exhibit the artistic flair of the designers. Alongside all the magical creations there are also presentations on everything from plant healing to conservation as well as gardening advice.
Hosted by the Horticultural Society this beautiful garden show is located in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea with the nearest Tube station being Sloane Square. If you visit on the last day of the show many of the luxury flowers are sold at a discount where you can grab yourself a great bargain.
- Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea, London, UK.
- Open: For 5 days During May from 8 am to 8 pm and 5.30 pm on the final day.
- Phone: +44 (0)844 995 9664.
- Good for: Families and Unique experiences.
5. Swimming in the Serpentine
The Serpentine in Hyde Park is a man-made lake. There are many activities available on the lake however there is a swimming section known as the Lido. This little swimming section is sectioned off with buoys and is a great place to spend your summer. Each week the water is tested and feeds from 3 boreholes ensuring the water is clean and fresh.
Straight after you lively swim why not relax on one of the many sun loungers, have a drink in the café and even take the kids to the playground or botting the other side of the lake.
- Location: The Serpentine, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, UK.
- Open: Between June – September, daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7706 3422.
- Good for: Families and Budget days out.
6. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
There are a total of 5 play performed in the open-air theatre throughout the summer. These range from opera to Shakespeare to children’s theatre and run in every evening. These outdoor theatre has become a popular activity for Londoners during the summer. The open-air theatre is located in Regents Park and the closest tube station is Regents Park. Ticket prices and itineraries can be found online.
- Location: Regent’s Park, Inner Cir, London NW1 4NU, UK.
- Open: Performances are daily from 7.15 pm with weekly matinees from 2.15 pm.
- Phone: +44 (0)844 826 4242.
- Good for: Families and Nightlife.
7. BBC Proms
The BBC proms run or 8 weeks throughout the summer. These yearly proms focus on classical music located in several locations around London. The larger events are held at the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington. The BBC Proms host the worlds finest Orchestras playing classical concertos to melodies from musicals and even world music from as far as Africa and the Caribbean.
- Location: Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College Rd, Kensington, London SW7 2AP, UK.
- Open: Events take place every weekend from July to September.
- Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Luxury events.
7. Watch tennis at Wimbledon
These Championships are more than just a sporting tournament. When you arrive at the championships you’ll feel like your in a real garden party. Why not can enjoy a glass of Pimms, eat the famous strawberries and cream, and sit back and admiring the well-dressed crowds?. The grass courts and stick player dress codes give Wimbledon its classic ambience.
If you want to get tickets for centre court you’ll need to apply months in advance. These tickets are scarce and its a lot easier to get tickets for the smaller courts. Take the Tube to Wimbledon Park to get to the championships where you can take a free courteous bus.
- Location: The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Church Rd, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE, UK
- Open: During 12 days in July from midday to 6 pm
- Good for: Couples and Luxury events.
