London, with its rich history, culture, and diverse attractions, transforms into a vibrant playground during the summer months. Summer in London basks in longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, and there's an amazing energy that sweeps through its streets. From picnics in lush parks to cultural festivals and outdoor events, in this blog we will show you some examples for the best places to visit in London in summer.
The Best Time to Visit London?
Summer (June to August) brings the warmest weather to London, making it the ideal time to visit. Additionally, this season sees the city bustling with a myriad of events, adding to the vibrant atmosphere that permeates the streets.
Things to do in London in Summer:
Summer in London is synonymous with cultural festivities and iconic landmarks coming to life against the backdrop of clear blue skies. Here are some things to do in London in summer:
Attend Summer Carnivals and Festivals:
London Music Festivals: Rock out at London's summer music festivals, featuring diverse genres and both big names and rising stars. Enjoy pop hits at Mighty Hoopla, explore Meltdown's varied lineup curated by top artists each year, and catch famous acts at British Summer Time Hyde Park. (June-August)
Taste of London: Discover London's exceptional dining scene at the five-day Taste of London festival held in Regent’s Park. Capital's eateries showcase their finest dishes, allowing visitors to sample a delectable array of culinary delights. This festival is held from 12 till 16 June. After attending this fantastic event, savour culinary delights at the best 8 eateries in London.
Notting Hill Carnival: This carnival is held from 25 to 26 August, and it’s considered as Europe’s largest street festival. You can indulge in the lively sound systems, the colourful parade featuring drum bands and dazzling costumes. You can also find street food vendors to enjoy this experience to the max.
BBC Proms: Attending the BBC Proms is one of the best things to do in London in July. It is the largest classical music festival in the world that is held in the Royal Albert Hall. This festival runs for 8 weeks.
Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival: Hampton Court Palace is among the 5 must-visit palaces in London. Attending Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is one of the best things to do in London in July. It is held from 2 to 7 July, and is one of the largest flower shows in the world, where you can enjoy the most beautiful blooms and shows.
Experience Open Air Cinema:
During London's summer evenings, people gather for open-air cinema events. Iconic venues like Somerset House or the Rooftop Film Club host these screenings. Guests sit under the stars with blankets or in deck chairs, enjoying classic or recent movies. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with popcorn in the air and laughter all around. It's a memorable way to experience cinema in the summertime.
For Harry Potter Fans in London:
Embark on an enchanting adventure with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Harry Potter movies at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. Explore authentic sets, costumes, and props showcased in the beloved film series, and immerse yourself in iconic locations such as the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office, and Diagon Alley.
Swim in Serpentine:
In Hyde Park, you'll find the Serpentine, a big man-made lake. There's a section for swimming called the Lido, which is cordoned off with buoys and is perfect for a relaxing summer afternoon. The lake's water is regularly tested to make sure it's clean and safe. After swimming, you can chill on sun loungers, grab a drink at the café, and let the kids play in the nearby playground. If you're up for it, you can also rent rowing boats on the other side of the lake.
Explore London from a Higher Point:
Step into one of the 32 glass capsules of the London Eye for breathtaking vistas of London attractions. Experience stunning 360-degree panoramas while the capsule gently revolves above the River Thames.
Places to Visit in London in Summer:
From iconic tourist attractions steeped in centuries of history to hidden gems awaiting discovery, the city offers a plethora of attractions to explore during the warmer months.
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening: Don’t miss the chance to visit Buckingham Palace, which is one of the best places to visit in London in summer, starting from 11 July (for 10 weeks only). You can also discover how the royalty lives by visiting the rooms of this palace which is one of the most famous residences in the world.
Tower of London: Embark on a guided tour with a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, a globally renowned historic site. Discover its rich 900-year-old past, ranging from being a royal residence and prison to serving as an arsenal, jewel repository, and even a zoo.
Big Ben: The Houses of Parliament's renowned clock tower, referred to as Big Ben, stands as one of London's most iconic sights. It is undoubtedly one of the must-visit London attractions.
Family and Kids’ Activities in London:
Madame Tussauds: Meet music icons, Hollywood celebrities, and members of the royal family at Madame Tussauds. With 3 levels, 8 themed areas, and more than 150 realistic wax figures to discover, there's ample chance to capture memorable moments with your beloved ones!
London Zoo: Visiting London Zoo is one of the most fun-filled kids’ activities in London, where they can observe over 750 different animal species. Witness interesting feeding sessions with the creatures or be amazed by underwater penguin displays.
Sea Life London Aquarium: Take your little ones to the mesmerising underwater world at Sea Life London Aquarium, right in the heart of the city. Walk across a glass floor and come face to face with sharks, explore the vibrant coral kingdoms, and discover the relatives of Nemo, the clownfish.
Thamesjet: Thamesjet adventure is one of the interesting things to do in London with kids. Enjoy your sight of the city's notable landmarks, including the iconic Tower Bridge. Hold onto your seats as this high-speed military-grade boat twists through the water.
As the sun shines down on the bustling streets and tranquil parks of London, there's a sense of excitement and wonder in the air. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, indulging in culinary delights, or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of outdoor events, summer in London offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. So pack your sunglasses, grab a picnic blanket, and prepare to embrace the magic of summer in this iconic city.
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