During the summer months, London transforms into an amazing place full of activities, world-class festivals, and unforgettable experiences.
This guide explores how to plan your perfect summer in London, from hidden parks to must-visit rooftop bars. You’ll discover the best things to do in London this summer!
What to do in Summer in London
Summer in London is from June through August, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C. The extended daylight hours are ideal, with sunset occurring as late as 9:20 pm in late June, giving you maximum time to explore.
What makes the London summer special:
- Over 100 festivals and outdoor events between June and August
- Average of 7 hours of sunshine daily in July
- More than 400 outdoor terraces and rooftop bars
- Extended museum hours at major attractions
- Reduced theatre ticket prices during “Theatre Summer Season”
- Free outdoor cinema screenings across multiple parks
Best outdoor activities and parks
London has more green space than any other major European capital, with over 3,000 parks covering 18% of the city. These spaces come alive in summer in London, offering everything from swimming to open-air theatre.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Covering 350 acres combined, these adjacent royal parks form London’s green heart. The Serpentine Lake has pedal boat rentals (£12 per adult for 30 minutes), and the Serpentine Lido provides outdoor swimming from June to September.
Regent’s Park
Home to 12,000 roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens, Regent’s Park reaches peak bloom in June. The Open Air Theatre runs from May through September, staging four productions annually to audiences of approximately 140,000.
Richmond Park
London’s largest Royal Park spans 2,500 acres and houses approximately 630 free-roaming red and fallow deer. Cycling is permitted on designated routes, and bike hire is available at Roehampton Gate for £6 per hour.
Must-do outdoor activities checklist:
- Rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine Lake (Hyde Park)
- Watch the sunset from Primrose Hill with takeaway food and drinks
- Join a free walking tour of Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory
- Swim outdoors at Hampstead Heath bathing ponds (£3 entry)
- Cycle the Thames Path from Richmond to Hampton Court (11 miles)
- Attend an outdoor yoga class in Battersea Park (various providers, £12-18)
- Explore the Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday mornings
Best summer events and festivals
Things to do in London this summer extend far beyond sightseeing.
Wimbledon Championships (late June – early July)
The world’s oldest tennis tournament attracts 500,000 spectators annually.
Notting Hill Carnival (August Bank Holiday)
Europe’s largest street festival draws over 1 million people across two days. Fifty sound systems and 38 static stages showcase Caribbean culture, steel bands, and contemporary music.
British Summer Time Hyde Park (June – July)
British Summer Time transforms Hyde Park into London’s premier outdoor music venue. Past headliners include Bruce Springsteen, Adele, and The Rolling Stones, all performing to crowds of up to 65,000. In terms of pricing, general admission tickets start at around £85, while VIP packages are also available. As for the schedule, gates open at 2 pm; thereafter, supporting acts begin at 3:30 pm, and later in the evening, the headliners take the stage around 8 pm.
Major summer festivals and events:
- Pride in London
- The Proms
- Greenwich and Docklands International Festival
- Taste of London
- Somerset House Summer Series
- Love Supreme Jazz Festival
- Wireless Festival
Famous landmarks and points of interest
London summer offers ideal conditions for exploring outdoor landmarks; moreover, it’s the perfect time to discover some of the most beautiful neighbourhoods across the city.
Tower of London
Book timed entry tickets online to skip queues averaging 45 minutes during summer. The Crown Jewels viewing typically takes 90 minutes, including queuing.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Open exclusively during the summer months (July–September), when the Royal Family holiday at Balmoral Castle, the site offers a limited-time opportunity to explore its interiors. Inside, the 19 State Rooms showcase priceless works from the Royal Collection; therefore, it’s advisable to book at least two weeks in advance, especially as daily capacity is limited to 8,000 visitors.
Thames River experiences
River cruises run frequently during the summer in London, with unique perspectives of iconic landmarks.
Dining and rooftop terraces
Al fresco dining defines things to do in London this summer. The city’s rooftop scene has exploded, with over 80 new venues opening in the past decade.
Summer dining tips:
- Book weekend rooftop reservations a minimum of 2 weeks ahead
- Many top rooftops enforce smart-casual dress codes (no sportswear/trainers)
- Lunchtime rooftop visits (12 pm-3 pm) avoid evening queues and booking fees
- Borough Market operates Wednesday-Saturday; arrive before 11 am to avoid peak crowds
- Street food markets (Maltby Street, Flat Iron Square) offer better value than restaurants, expect £10-14 per meal
Essential tips for your summer trip
Maximising your summer in London requires strategic planning. These practical tips help you get around the crowds, weather, and logistics efficiently.
Transport and getting around
We suggest purchasing an Oyster Card or using contactless payment. The Tube runs until approximately 12:30 am weekdays and 24 hours Friday-Saturday on major lines. Alternatively, you can use Boris Bikes (Santander Cycles), which cost £1.65 for 30-minute journeys.
Weather preparation
Despite it being London in summer, pack layers. Morning temperatures averaging 15°C can climb to 25°C by afternoon, then drop sharply after sunset.
Money-saving strategies
- Free museums include the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Natural History Museum
- TKTS booth (Leicester Square) offers same-day theatre tickets at 25-50% off, queue opens at 10 am
- Many restaurants offer pre-theatre menus (2 courses £18-25) available 5 pm-7 pm
- Free walking tours operate on tips—budget £10-15 per person for 2-hour tours
- Visit attractions on late-opening evenings (Friday nights at V&A, British Museum) for fewer crowds
Booking your summer visit to London
London summer has so many amazing things to see, do and enjoy.
Ready to experience things to do in London this summer for yourself?
Make your visit comfortable by booking with Urban Retreat Apartments. We offer premium serviced apartments throughout central London, providing the perfect base for your summer adventure.
Unlike traditional hotels, our spacious apartments give you the freedom to prepare breakfast before early-morning sightseeing; additionally, you can store picnic supplies for park visits and, after a full day exploring the capital, relax in complete comfort.
Book your stay today and discover just how amazing summer in London really is!
