Summer in London: Fun things to do on your time off
When the sun’s out, London feels like a different city. Streets get louder, parks get fuller, and rooftops come alive.
Whether you’re studying, working, or just passing through, London summer offers endless ways to unwind. From open-air cinema to sky-high cocktails, here’s how to do summer right in London.
Cruise the Thames – or glide through the canals
London by water is spellbinding in summer. Glide its waterways with a Thames river cruise for sunset views, flowing drinks, and a relaxed way to take in the skyline. There are options to suit every mood, from champagne-fuelled dinner cruises to private hire boats for you and your circle.
Want something quieter? Swap the Thames for London’s historic canals. The route between Camden Lock and Little Venice is especially peaceful in summer, with leafy banks, hidden gardens, and pastel-coloured houseboats lining the way.
Shop blooms at a flower market
Brighten up your apartment or student home with a fresh bouquet from a London flower market. Colombia Road Flower Market in Shoreditch is a popular Sunday spot, boasting a vibrant selection of seasonal blooms and greenery.
Alternatively, head west to Chiswick Flower Market for a smaller, more relaxed shopping experience. Held on the first Sunday of every month, it offers a carefully curated range of flowers and plants, together with crafts, food, and art.
Take in a summer art exhibition
Summer is a great time to see London’s art world at its best. The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is a must – a beautifully curated, bold, and sometimes chaotic collection of contemporary art that sprawls across the Academy’s historic galleries.
Looking for something with sparkle? The V&A’s ongoing The Cartier exhibition explores the fashion house’s creative legacy through rare jewellery, design sketches, and iconic pieces – a feast for anyone with an eye for detail and design.
Watch a film or show under the stars
Outdoor performances are a must in summer. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a perennial favourite – hidden in the trees with top-tier acting and serious atmosphere. For a classic theatre show, hit up Shakespeare’s Globe, where standing tickets cost as little as £5.
In the mood for a film night instead? Try Rooftop Film Club, BST Hyde Park Open House, or Summer Screens 2025, which pop up in beautiful venues with deck chairs, fairy lights and cult favourites on rotation.
Discover London on foot
One of the best ways to experience London is to walk it. Join a curated walking tour to uncover the city’s layered history, architectural secrets, and best-kept culinary spots.
Not into history? Opt for a food tour instead, or a pub walk along the river – both are as much about soaking up the atmosphere as they are about learning something new.
Wander a botanical garden
Need a breather? London’s gardens are the perfect way to get a hit of nature without leaving the city.
Kew Gardens is the classic choice, but for something a bit quieter, visit Chelsea Physic Garden — a hidden gem with thousands of medicinal plants and a chill café. For greenery with a view, hit up Sky Garden — an observation spot filled with exotic plants and stunning views of London (plus cocktails, if you’re in the mood). Or head to Horniman Museum Gardens in Forest Hill, where you’ll find beautiful gardens, cool art installations, and a quirky Sound Garden you can actually play with.
Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar
Long days mean long drinks – and there’s nowhere better to toast summer than on a rooftop with a view.
Try Wagtail in the City for skyline glamour and signature cocktails, or The Nest in Fitzrovia for laid-back luxury under hanging plants. For something bolder, Joia in Battersea offers Iberian dishes and sweeping views from the top of Art’otel. Also worth a visit: Florattica, Bō Kiri, and Seabird for seafood with your skyline.
Pack a picnic and find your green patch
London has some amazing green spaces – and summer is your chance to take full advantage them. Pack a blanket, a speaker and something cold to drink, and you’re set.
Top spots? Hyde Park (by the Serpentine is ideal), Holland Park for shaded calm, or Regent’s Park for a garden-party vibe. For a picnic with a view, head Primrose Hill, which offers amazing views of London – just time it right to beat the crowds.
Ride the Emirates Cable Car
Skip the London Eye – the city’s famous giant observation wheel – and see London from a different angle. The Emirates Cable Car offers a smooth glide over the Thames from Greenwich Peninsula to Royal Docks, with panoramic views across Canary Wharf and East London.
It’s quieter, cheaper, and a lot more fun than you might expect. Go around golden hour for the best light (and fewest kids).
Take a dip at a lido or swimming pond
On hot days, nothing beats a refreshing swim outdoors. Luckily, London has plenty of open-air spots to cool off.
Take a dip at London Fields Lido, a classic heated pool surrounded by green space. For a touch of vintage charm, head to Brockwell Lido with its iconic Art Deco vibes. Or escape into nature at Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds, where you can swim in peaceful, leafy surroundings.
Browse a summer food market
If you’re after great food this summer, London’s markets have you covered.
Borough Market and Camden Market are popular options, providing global street eats and a lively atmosphere. While Seven Dials Market offers countless vendors to try under one roof – ideal for those annoying summer days in London when it rains.
Catch a summer music festival
London’s festival season is unmatched. The big names – BST Hyde Park, All Points East, Wireless – bring major artists and all-day vibes to the city’s parks and green spaces.
But don’t sleep on smaller festivals either. From jazz in Canary Wharf to indie pop-ups in Peckham, there’s something on almost every weekend. Just bring your sunglasses and check the weather twice.
A little about us
London in summer isn’t something to watch from the sidelines. Whether you’re exploring new corners of the city, sipping cocktails in the clouds, or swimming in wild ponds before brunch, there’s always something happening, always somewhere new to be.
Looking for a place to call home this summer? Our private, all-inclusive apartments across London are perfect for students and professionals alike, with flexible leases, standout design, and everything taken care of. Get in touch to find out more.
