There is truly nowhere like London in the summer.
I’ve lived here full-time for 7 years now after moving back in 2018 from my two-year expat stint in Sydney, and when the sun eventually comes out, the city transforms into something totally magical.
So magical, that for a few short days I don’t think about the Australian beaches and year-round sunshine that I’m missing out on.
Because when the sun is out in London, everyone suddenly seems happier, parks fill with picnickers, pub gardens overflow with laughter, and the sunsets over the Thames?
Absolutely dreamy.
So, if you’re wondering how to make the most of summer in the city, here’s my ultimate guide to enjoying the perfect summer in London, whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here your whole life!
1. Al Fresco Brunching & Outdoor Dining
Londoners love an outdoor table – even if it’s only 16°C.
Book early if you want a terrace spot, especially at weekends!
Some of my fave spots for an outdoor brunch include Granger & Co. in Notting Hill (get the ricotta hotcakes), Petersham Nurseries for a laid-back vibe with plants and flowers, or Pavilion Café in Victoria Park for something a bit more relaxed with views over the lake.
For something a bit more east, head to Barge East, a floating restaurant in Hackney Wick with a gorgeous garden on the canal. Or if you’re in central, the Terrace at St Martin’s Lane Hotel is an oasis of calm and elegance right in the heart of the city.
Dalloway Terrace, located in Bloomsbury, is possibly the most Instagrammable outdoor dining spot in the city, with dreamy seasonal florals and fairy lights. I also love the food there!!
2. Make the most of London’s Parks
We have so many beautiful parks in London, and I’m convinced one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon is lazing around with a book, snacks, and maybe a cheeky bottle of Cremant.
St James’ Park is my absolute favourite – it’s right in the middle of London but always feels so serene and calm. I find it really relaxing there and much quieter than nearby Green Park.
I’m also a big fan of Hyde Park. It’s so huge you’re guaranteed to find a spot, and you just can’t beat sitting by the Serpentine on a summer’s day with an ice-cream. Hire a row boat if you’re feeling adventurous!
Also, if you’re feeling brave or it’s one of those rare 30°C+ days, take a dip in the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park. There’s a sunbathing area and cafe too, so you can easily spend the whole day there.
If you want something wild and scenic, try Hampstead Heath. Bring comfy shoes and climb up Parliament Hill for sweeping views of the London skyline, or take a dip in the Hampstead Ponds – the mixed pond, men’s and ladies’ all open to the public.
Battersea Park is also seriously underrated and is where I spent my days during the lockdown summer in 2020.
I used to live across the river in Chelsea and loved walking there and wandering around the park with its fountains, boating lake, and riverside walks. Grab a coffee and croissant from Pear Tree Café and find a shady spot under the trees!
For something a bit more hidden, Holland Park is very dreamy and super cute!
3. Rooftop Bars & Sunset Cocktails
There’s no shortage of incredible rooftop bars in London, and honestly, there’s nothing better than sipping a cold drink with skyline views.
If you’re a cool kid, Frank’s in Peckham is iconic. The bright pink staircase at the entrance is basically a rite of passage, and the negronis are strong!
However, I am not a cool kid.
So my favourites are Madison St Paul’s, Radio Rooftop at STK, and The Rooftop on Trafalgar Square.
These three are more luxury options, so make sure you wear something cute and prepare to pay £££, but the views are 100% worth it!!
There’s also cheap-eats options like Market Halls Victoria and Mercato Mayfair – both have rooftops where you can enjoy a drink and some great food.
4. Summer Events & Pop-ups
From Wimbledon to Notting Hill Carnival, food festivals and open-air cinema nights, summer is when London’s calendar goes absolutely wild.
Wimbledon is a bucket-list summer activity – even if you can’t get Centre Court tickets, the Hill is just as much fun.
And remember to pack your Pimms and strawberries!
Rooftop Film Club has multiple venues where you can watch cult classics and new releases in deckchairs with headphones and cocktails. Again, it’s something I’ve done a few times and I really love it.
Then there’s Southbank Centre’s Summer Festival, which usually includes free performances, food markets, installations, and live music.
KERB’s street food markets pop up all over the city — my favourites are at King’s Cross and the National Theatre.
Also keep an eye on places like Somerset House, Dulwich Picture Gallery, and Barbican Conservatory for special summer exhibitions too!
5. Outdoor Concerts & Music Festivals
Now, you haven’t experienced a proper London summer if you haven’t been to an outdoor concert or festival.
British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park hosts massive headliners (think Adele, Bruce Springsteen). Bring a picnic blanket and make a day of it. I went years ago with friends and saw McBusted and we LOVED it, it was so much fun!
Both Hampton Court Palace Festival and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre are also really magical. Watching concerts, Shakespeare or musicals under the stars is such a unique experience. And yes, Regent’s Park provide blankets if it gets chilly 😉
One I’m desperate to go to is Battersea Park in Concert’s ‘A Night at the Movies’.
This year in 2025 they’ll be hosting the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra playing music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Wicked and James Bond, with a fireworks finale!
And of course, my favourite summer series in London is the BBC Proms.
Although it’s indoors, it’s completely unmissable! Enjoy over 70 concerts each year held at the Royal Albert Hall, ranging from Musicals to jazz, and of course legendary Classical pieces.
When it comes to music festivals in London, Wireless Festival is the big one. Held in July in Finsbury Park, it’s always lots of fun with an amazing lineup! I’ve seen Earth, Wind and Fire, Jayz, Justin Timberlake, and more over the years.
Just make sure you don’t wear flipflops to Wireless because I made this mistake once and my feet were literally thick with dirt by the end of the day. It was truly disgusting!
6. Thames-side Wanders
Whether you walk from Tower Bridge to Southbank, or do the full Richmond to Hammersmith river path, there’s something so peaceful about being by the water in summer.
If walking isn’t your thing, hop on a Thames Clipper boat for a breezy ride through the city — or try a sunset river cruise for something a little romantic.
7. London’s ‘Season’ Events
The London Season has been around since the 17th Century, and refers to the traditional period in spring and summer when the British social elite, particularly the aristocracy, would gather in London for a series of prestigious cultural and social events.
These days it still exists, but is far more accessible and is no longer solely reserved for the aristocracy. Some of the traditional ‘Season’ events are my absolute favourites, and you can’t really do summer in London without trying at least one of them!
One of the main ‘Season’ events in the calendar is Royal Ascot. Now, I used to go to the Royal Enclosure every year, but in 2013 I saw a horse die in front of me and I’ve only been back once since then. But ya know, if horse racing is your thing, feel free to go along.
Another key fixture of the Season’s calendar is Polo. Polo is a big deal in the summer months.
There are plenty of options in and around London to watch the Polo, from Polo in the Park in Fulham to Cowdray Polo in Surrey, and of course famous Guards Polo Club in Berkshire.
But one of my favourites, is Ham Polo Club.
Tucked away in South London, they hold lowkey and very reasonably priced polo brunches every weekend throughout the summer, and you can even take your dog!
Horse racing and Polo aside, a firm favourite with my friendship group is Henley Regatta.
Every year on the first week of July, rowing becomes the thing to see.
I’ve been to the exclusive Henley Regatta Stewards Enclosure and found it stuffy and boring, so these days we go to Phyllis Court Club as my friends are reciprocal members. If you don’t have a club membership though, you can get tickets to one of the many public areas along the river!
London in Summer is a Dream
Honestly, there’s no wrong way to do summer in London.
Whether you’re picnicking in the park, queuing for gelato in Soho, or dancing at a rooftop party as the sun sets over the skyline, this city just comes alive in the sunshine.
Some honourable mentions: grab a cone at Gelupo in Soho or Chin Chin Labs, catch a weekend market, or get tickets to a Shakespeare’s Globe performance – standing tickets are just £5!
So grab your sunnies, pack your SPF, and make the most of it, because let’s be honest, who knows how long it’ll last!
