Summer makes us feel alive. We become alert and active. With high spirits, it is a time to fill our days with fun pursuits. Some of our favourite summer activities are messing about on the river, festivals, picnics, outdoor theatres, and revelling in new experiences.
London isn’t your typical beach-style summer destination. It offers abundant cool and unique activities in a vibrant and colourful city. Here are 12 top things to do in London this summer.
12 Things To Do in London this Summer
- 🏊♀️ Enjoy a swim at Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park.
- 🚢 Embark on a cruise journey along the Thames.
- 🎧 Experience Silent Sounds on The Thames.
- 🚀 Thrill-seek with the Thames Rockets.
- 🎪 Attend the various festivals happening in summer.
- 🌳 Participate in the Summer by the River 2023 event, happening from 1st June to 3rd September.
- 🕯️ Enjoy Candlelight Concerts in London.
- 🎭 Experience the magic of opera at Holland Park.
- 🎼 Catch a performance at the BBC Proms 2023, happening from 14th July to 9th September.
- 👑 Experience a touch of royalty at the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and visiting the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, from 14th July to 24th September.
- 🎪 Witness a play at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, happening from 10th May to 3rd September.
- 🌃 Enjoy the clear summer skies at Sky Garden and the London Eye.
Serpentine Lido – Hyde Park
The Serpentine Lido opened in mid-May until mid-September. Cool off in the iconic lido in London’s famous Hyde Park on a hot summer’s day. It’s a natural pool and popular with wildlife. You might find yourself swimming among ducks and swans.
Opening times are daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Various prices depend on the session you swim. Full-day prices are,
- Adult: £7.40
- Child: £3.70
- Family: £16.00 (two adults and two children).
The Serpentine Cafe, located near the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial fountain, serves food indoors and alfresco, with views across the Serpentine.
A summer swim at the Serpentine Lido is a refreshing place to swim or relax with lifeguards present.
Cruise the Thames
Silent Sounds on The Thames
Silent Sounds provide unique silent disco parties across London, including on the River Thames. A silent disco on a boat is a fantastic opportunity to try something different or celebrate a special occasion.
There are several dates throughout the summer when you jump aboard a two-storey party boat, The Dutch Master. You choose your favourite soundtracks and dance the night away while cruising the River Thames and seeing London’s famous landmarks, like Big Ben, The London Eye, and Tower Bridge, which looks fabulous, illuminated at night.
When your boat party docks, Silent Sounds has teamed up with Ballie Ballerson so that your party doesn’t end, you can head to the famous club for some ball pit fun.
The start and finish points of your cruise are at Tower Millenium Pier.
Prices vary from £25.00 to £45.00, depending on how early you book and if you opt for the Ballie Ballerson Combo.
Thames Rockets
Add a rush to your sightseeing in London with Thames Rockets. Between the twists and turns fuelling an adrenalin rush, the skippers slow down the boat and provide information and fun facts about the iconic landmarks you will pass on the River Thames.
If you fancy an alternative romantic date night, there is a Thames Lates to experience the river by sunset.
There are various trip options, varying in length and time spent at full throttle. Prices start from £54.95 for adults and £49.95 for children.
Thames Rockets receive excellent reviews. The whole family feel safe, entertained, and enjoy the ride of their lives.
Festivals
Summer by the River 2023, 1st June – 3rd September
Summer by the River provides three months of summer fun through concerts, films at the outdoor cinema, theatre, pop-up events, bars, and food stalls. You can also catch up with key sporting events like Wimbledon and Royal Ascot.
Events take place at the Scoop, an outdoor sunken amphitheatre on the River Thames’s south bank. The Riverside Terrace is a cafe at the Royal Festival Hall with riverside views. The third venue is the Riverside Pavilion, with its spectacular vista of the River Thames.
The festival runs daily, between 5.00 pm and 10.00 pm. The big bonus is it’s all free. It is an excellent opportunity to chill out and relax with friends and family.
Candlelight Concerts in London
For a magical experience filled with intimacy, they offer something unique and special in enchanting settings, paying tribute to celebrated artists such as Ed Sheeran, Mozart, Coldplay, and Fleetwood Mac.
Candlelight Concerts in London take place in venues such as Southwark Cathedral and Central Hall Westminster. Prices vary, starting from £9.00 for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square.
Dates run from 3rd June to 28th August.
Opera at Holland Park
Opera Holland Park has a three-month summer festival under their canopied open-air auditorium. Watching a performance of Hansel and Gretal, Rigoletto, and La Bohème will be spellbinding in a stunning setting surrounded by the beautiful gardens of Holland Park.
Other events on the summer calendar include a Journey into Kurdish Songs as part of the Cultural Week at Opera Holland Park, in August, with an additional date, 18th June.
BBC Proms 2023, 14th July – 9th September
The Classical Musical Festival, BBC Proms, returns to The Royal Albert Hall for eight weeks of stunning performances.
The concert series showcases the diversity of classical music from French Composer Hector Berlioz to Bollywood, with an eclectic mix of large symphonic and choral work to more intimate chamber music. The Proms also feature exciting, up-and-coming performers making their debut.
Tickets for the First Night of the Proms are currently unavailable. However, prices for the second night, Northern Soul, range from £16.28 to £65.24.
A Touch of Royalty
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace takes place throughout the year. However, it increases from three times a week to daily in June and July.
It is a spectacular event watching precision drills while listening to the band playing music that can give you goosebumps.
Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Wellington Barracks.
As one of London’s most popular attractions, it is best to check times on the confirmed schedule and arrive early.
Visit Buckingham Palace State Rooms, 14th July – 24th September
Buckingham Palace is the King’s official London residence, the Changing of the Horse Guards location, and one of London’s most famous sights.
During the summer, the palace opens the doors of its magnificent State Rooms to the public for ten weeks.
Tickets sell quickly and are slightly cheaper when booked in advance than those purchased on the day. Prices in advance are,
Prices in advance are,
- Adult: £30.00
- Young Person (18 – 24): £19.50
- Child (5 – 17): £16.50
This year there is a unique display celebrating the Coronation in the Ballroom.
A visit to Buckingham Palace State Rooms is perfect if you are fascinated by stately homes, the Monarchy, and art.
Theatre
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, 10th May – 3rd September
The award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre has been presenting productions since 1932. Set in the superb surrounding of one of the Royal Parks. They aim to keep theatre-going affordable, keeping prices as low as possible.
This summer’s shows include Every Leaf A Hallelujah. It is suitable for children over four years and takes place on the theatre lawn. The production lasts 45 minutes without an interval. Robin Hood, The Tempest, has been recreated to suit over six years old, La Cage aux Folles and Dinosaur World, which is ideal for children older than three years.
Make the Most of the Clear Summer Skies in London
Sky Garden
The Sky Garden may be open year-round, but visiting London’s highest public garden in the summer is extra special as you can make the most of the clear skies.
The venue holds several events during the season to make the most of the summer skies.
Sunrise at Sky Garden allows you to enjoy breakfast for £9.50, 155 metres above the city. Or awaken your mind with Yoga or Pilates at sunrise. Prices depend on the day and whether you want to include a pastry and hot beverage and linger over the magnificent views.
Access to the Sky Garden is free. However, booking in advance is a good idea as numbers are restricted and in high demand.
London Eye
The London Eye is open all year. However, on sunny, clear days during the summer, it is possible to see spectacular 360° views across the London skyline.
A standard adult ticket is £38.00, or if you want to make it a romantic summer date, how about including a glass of champagne and being fast-tracked for £60.00?
Booking a multi-attraction ticket to include a river cruise for £46.00 provides the opportunity to discover London in its summer splendour at different levels.
FAQs: Things To Do in London in Summer
- Is London better in summer or winter? London is a year-round destination. However, it is much warmer in summer, and many events add an extra buzz to the city.
- Is London worth visiting in summer? You bet it is. London has loads of green spaces, great for picnicking and chilling out with friends. There are numerous rooftop bars, beer gardens, music festivals, and outdoor cinemas.
- What to do in the hot weather in London? Temperatures in London can reach the high 20s. Putting on sunscreen is essential, and wearing a sunhat is an excellent idea. Visiting London usually includes walking around a lot, so drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is important.
