Updated on 09/07/24
London is one of the most exciting cities to visit all year round, but in the summer, it’s truly something special.
If you’re considering taking a break for your holidays, you might already be planning a trip to London in the summer.
If you’re looking for inspiration on what to do when visiting London in the summer, we’re here to help.
The best things to do in summer in London include, but are not limited to:
- Outdoor cinema
- Notting Hill Carnival
- Booking a private tour
- Chelsea Flower Show
- Enjoying a bottomless brunch
- Swimming at Hampstead Heath ponds
Let’s dive into some of the best summer activities London has to offer!
1. Outdoor Cinema
One of the best things to do in summer is to see a film at an outdoor cinema.
Everyone loves a movie, but not everyone likes wasting a summer evening sitting in a dark room, especially when the good weather in the UK can be so infrequent.
There are plenty of outdoor cinemas around London if you want to enjoy a film on a summer evening. Openaire, for instance, is the UK’s first float-in cinema that is essentially a “drive-in” cinema on water, offering a must-try experience before you’ve even sat down for the film.
Whether you’re with a group of friends or on a romantic date for two, an outdoor cinema is the perfect summer activity in London.
2. Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival is easily one of the most popular and iconic carnivals in all of the UK.
Started in 1966, the carnival is renowned for celebrating the history of Caribbean culture in the city of London. According to Time Out, Notting Hill Carnival attracts over 2 million attendees every year, which makes it Europe’s largest street festival.
From a vast range of dancers to music to food, Notting Hill Carnival is a feast for the eyes, ears, and of course the stomach.
Notting Hill Carnival usually takes place on a weekend in late August. If your trip to London coincides with the carnival, it’s not one to miss out on.
3. Booking A Private Tour
What better way to celebrate the glorious sunshine than on a private tour of London?
A private tour is a great way to see the city and can be as fun or educational as you like.
At Yellow Moon Tours, we’re able to create a unique and tailored private tour of London just for you. From Westminster Abbey to The Shard, we have years of experience in curating fun and informative private tours for families, couples, and solo travellers.
So whether you want to explore off the beaten path or want to experience the most famous landmarks in London, we’ve got you covered.
If you’d like to book a private tour or want to learn more about the services we provide, be sure to get in touch today.
4. Chelsea Flower Show
Another one of the best summer activities London has on its doorstep is the Chelsea Flower Show.
Known for its stunning garden designs and extraordinary floral displays, Chelsea Flower Show is a wonderful place to spend a sunny afternoon in London.
Taking place from May 23rd to May 27th, non-members can pre-book tickets from May 25th and from the 23rd if you’re a member.
5. Enjoying A Bottomless Brunch
Another one of the best things to do in summer in London is to enjoy a bottomless brunch in the sun.
Bottomless brunches have become a rite of passage for Londoners and tourists alike, and restaurants that provide them are dotted across the whole city.
Bottomless brunch can range from Japanese to Lebanese to standard brunch foods, so there’s always something for everyone depending on your mood.
From a full English to piles of pancakes to waffles with whipped cream and fruit to endless drinks, nothing signifies the start of summer quite like a bottomless brunch.
6. Swimming At Hampstead Heath Ponds
If you’re looking to escape the sweltering heat on a summer’s day, then what better way to cool down than to take a dip at Hampstead Heath’s Swimming Ponds?
Home to some of London’s best open-air swimming spots, there are multiple ponds that you can swim in, including the Mixed Pond, Kenwood Ladies’ Pond, and Highgate Men’s Pond.
Payments can be made with cash or card, as they have card machines for contactless payments.
There we have it! We hope this article has shown some of the best things to do in summer in London.
For inquiries or questions, contact us today at info@yellowmoontours.com or on 02032903665 to book your private tour today or check out our Instagram page.
Written by Jemima Thomas for Yellow Moon Tours, the private tours specialist covering private day tours from London, private tours of Paris, New York private tours and Ireland private tours from Dublin.
