London is an incredible place to be year round, but it really comes alive in the sun. We’ve put together a list of ways you can make the most of being in the city this summer:
Central London (Westminster, Soho, Covent Garden, Southbank)
Tate Modern
The gallery at the Tate Modern is free to visit – on display are paintings, sculptures and large-scale installations from artists around the world.
The Tate Modern Lates are starting up again this summer, where the gallery stays open late and offers live music, talks and tours – free and open to all! 2025 dates are yet to be confirmed, but to celebrate 25 years of Tate Modern there’ll be a Birthday Weekender celebration starting on 9 May.
Southbank Stroll
London’s Southbank is an energetic stretch of riverside, and is perfect for a summertime stroll. Starting from Waterloo and stretching past the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, and all the way to Tate Modern, the route is packed with fab views and fun shops and restaurants to pop into. When the sun is shining, you can find street performers, pop up markets and food trucks along the stretch.
Comedy nights in Soho
London is buzzing with comedy venues, and often you can get tickets for a really good price – and sometimes, even free! Head to:
- Top Secret Comedy Club, Covent Garden
- Soho Comedy Factory
- The Rum Monkey, Soho Comedy Club
- 21Soho
If you’re looking for some comedy clubs further afield, here are some tried and tested favourites:
- Angel Comedy Club, Camden Head and Bill Murray, Angel
- Backyard Comedy Club (also home to London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club)
- Comedy Cabin, Hoxton
- The Queer Comedy Club, Archway
A lot of these options sell really cheap tickets and are on most nights of the week. We recommend getting tickets in advance, but a lot of the time you can turn up on the evening, too!
North London (Camden, Hampstead, Islington)
Hampstead Heath + Parliament Hill
Not only does Hampstead Heath have fantastic views of London, but it has swimming ponds and woodland trails to offer, too. Take a dip in one of the outdoor ponds, cool off in the sun, and finish the afternoon off with a picnic in the fields!
On the south side of Hampstead Heath you’ll find Parliament Hill – hike up to the top, and you’ll be met with panoramic views of London’s skyline. It’s a fab spot for catching the sunset – or even the sunrise, if you’re an early riser!
Freightliners City Farm
Head over to the Freightliner’s City Farm (entry is free!), and enjoy 2.5 acres of green space. The farm is home to cows, sheep, goats and more – you might even get to pet them! Experience a little bit of the countryside in the inner city, and don’t forget to browse through the farm produce.
Camden Market
Experience over 1,000 unique shops, stalls, bars and cafes at Camden Market this summer! Open all week, Camden Market is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, browse through unique pieces in independent shops, and drink anything from iced lattes to cocktails in the sun.
East London (Shoreditch, Hackney, Stratford)
Victoria Park and Hackney Wick
If you’re craving green space and plenty of good vibes, look no further than Victoria Park. Located just east of Bethnal Green, the park is a lively spot for picnics, sunbathing and even community events.
Just a short walk away is Hackney Wick, packed with independent art galleries and fun cafes and pubs. The River Lea runs through the area, and so you can take a peaceful stroll along the canal to discover hidden cafes, pop-up markets and even craft beer breweries.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Every Sunday, Columbia Road Flower Market turns a quiet East London street into a colourful explosion of flowers, plants and music. Whether you’re looking to grab a houseplant to brighten up your room, or simply go for a stroll and take in the atmosphere, it’s a fun and affordable way to spend your Sunday.
But it’s not just about the flowers – the surrounding area is packed with independent shops, galleries, bakeries and restaurants.
South London (Herne Hill, Crystal Palace, Peckham)
Brockwell Lido
Sitting in Brockwell park, Herne Hill, the Brockwell lido is a 50 metre outdoor pool, open early morning to late in the evening during summer. It’s the perfect spot to take a dip (with friends or solo!), then stretch out on the sunny lawn. This summer, they’ve introduced sauna pods – use is included in the price of a regular entry ticket! Right next to the pool is the Lido Café, perfect for grabbing a post swim pastry and coffee.
The lido is surrounded by Brockwell Park, which is a beautiful green South London space. It’s perfect for a picnic, a walk, a game of rounders with friends - soak it all in!
Crystal Palace Food Market
Right at the heart of Crystal palace park you’ll find a bustling food market every Sunday. Food includes everything from sweet treats and full meals to seasonal fruit and veg, as well as natural wines and craft beers. After you’ve grabbed some food, wander through Crystal Palace Park – you’ll find Crystal Palace Bowl, the Boating Lake and even a museum.
South London Gallery, Peckham
The South London Gallery is free to visit and open Wednesday-Sunday. They host a wide range of events from artist talks, film screenings and performances to supper clubs and zine fairs. If you fancy coming away with a memento, they have a shop that sells a curated selection of books – dedicated to highlighting independent publishers.
West London (Kensington, Hammersmith, Barnes)
Museum hop in South Kensington
When it comes to soaking up culture for free, South Kensington is the perfect hotspot! It’s home to three of London’s most iconic museums, and they’re all within a five minute walk of each other. Check out:
- Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
- Science Museum
- Natural History Museum
Riverside Pub Crawl
If you’re looking for a summer activity that is both chilled, low cost and filled with fab views, then the riverside pub crawl (drinking not required!) from Hammersmith to Barnes is a perfect day out. It’s got everything from charming pubs and sunny beer gardens to beautiful views of the Thames.
The route is roughly 2-3 miles, mostly flat, and takes you through some of West London’s most scenic spots. Trains run back from Barnes and Hammersmith to central London regularly, so there’s no stress on getting home!
Bonus: Summer Specials
Discover London
Discover London is back for term three, and there's some great events to get involved with. This week, join us for the Hampstead Heath parkrun - after the run, we’ll make our way to Euphorium Bakery for a well-deserved coffee and pastry!
Other events coming up include:
Check out what's on - watch this space for more to come!
