Summer in London is unlike anything else. When the weather clears up, the city comes alive, and you can feel the good vibes in the air.
If you are lucky enough to spend your summer in London, then you are spoiled for choice on how to fill your days. From picnics in the park to climbing the dizzying heights of the O2 arena, there is something to suit everyone’s interests.
But with so many attractions and activities at your disposal, you might be scratching your head and wondering where to start. Well, that’s where we come in! Here’s what to do in London this summer, from morning to evening.
London Summer Attractions and Activities: Morning
Escaping the hustle and bustle of busy London mornings can be challenging, especially if you’re mingling around Central. But some quiet, quaint areas are like treasure troves for a relaxing morning in the city – you just need to know where to find them!
St James’s Park
St James’s Park is blissful for sitting down and enjoying an outdoor breakfast with the backdrop of Buckingham Palace or the Horse Guards Parade. If you’re further east, venture to the beautiful Royal Observatory Greenwich and take in the breathtaking views of the city as it wakes up or visit the beautiful expanse of Hyde Park if you’re more central.
View from the Shard
As the tallest building in London, the View from the Shard promises to be an unforgettable one. The 360-degree views showcase the city’s most famous skyscrapers. While the River Thames runs like a heartbeat through the centre of the landscape, and you’ll be blown away by the beauty of it all.
London Summer Attractions and Activities: Daytime
London is generous with its bustling markets and your pockets don’t have to be full to take advantage of them! Simply walking around the vast Camden Market is a treat – taking in the many different cultural offerings and succumbing to the smells of delicious street foods. Go on, give it a try!
The capital is known worldwide for its free museums. Whether you’re a science buff or a budding historian, there’s something for everyone to learn. Try out the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum or the Natural History Museum for a great day out!
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Many people believe they have finished exploring London – after all, once you live in the capital, you must know it inside out, right? Wrong. For most, we haven’t had the chance to discover London’s special treats – that’s why our Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is just the ticket. Taking you through the city with guided commentary, you’ll get to see London’s most iconic landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.
London’s Ultimate Routemaster Bus Tour with Live Guide
For those seeking something extra special, you can enjoy a 90-minute tour of London on an iconic 1960s Routemaster bus. See the sights of the city with ease and convenience, and enjoy live commentary from your English-speaking guide. Hear stories and fascinating facts about London’s history and culture, and don’t forget to snap as many pics as possible!
Buckingham Palace
During the summer months, Buckingham Palace opens its doors to the non-royals amongst us and lets us saunter through the Palace like Kate Middleton for the first time! Starting in late July, you can explore the many luxurious State Rooms that the King uses to entertain overseas guests (and now us!), the Royal Gifts Exhibition showcasing a collection of gifts from the likes of Nelson Mandela and Ronald Reagan and London’s biggest garden – the 42-acre royal garden.
London’s Theatreland Walking Tour
Filled with stunning theatres, rich history, and grand hotels, London’s Theatreland is world-renowned for a reason. This guided walking tour takes you around the areas once frequented by a litany of famous people from Charles Dickens to Madonna. See the stunning Royal Opera House, the beautiful Theatre Royal Drury Lane and explore Covent Garden.
London Summer Attractions and Activities: Evening
London at night is a buzz of eclectic energy, with lights of reds, blues and greens lining the streets. If you’ve budgeted for a cheap night out, head down to Southbank for street performers, ice-cream, live music and some of the most wonderful views in London once darkness falls.
If you’re more central, explore Piccadilly Circus or Trafalgar Square. Sit by the fountain as the National Portrait Gallery lights up and enjoy the singers and performers who silence the nearby traffic. The Mall is just moments away, so take a gentle walk through to Buckingham Palace for a real British treat.
London by Night Open Top Bus Tour
Experiencing the sights of London when it’s lit up like a treasure chest is one of the most memorable tours of the city. Step aboard our London by Night Open-Top Bus and adventure through the capital where you’ll take in sights of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Why not add some music to your night and hop on board the Taylor Swift Inspired Singalong London by Night Bus Tour?
Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience
Step into Cell Block Two One Two and enjoy an immersive experience like no other. Put your orange jumpsuit on, accept your guilt and let the highly talented actors at the Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience bring the characters of the prison to life. With your own liquor smuggled in, the incredible mixologists will create four personalised cocktails based on your tastes. You can get into character yourself and complete the multiple secret missions on offer or simply sit back and sip!
The London Dungeon
If you want something that’s going to send shivers up your spine (and potentially keep you up at night), try the notorious London Dungeon. When London is cloaked in darkness and the ripples of silence start to hush the city, you will be welcomed into the Dungeons for the capital’s deepest and most murderous tales! Be warned and enter at your own peril – the Plague is running fierce through the Dungeons and Sweeney Todd’s formidable pies are selling like hot cakes!
London Dinner Cruise
Soak up the beauty of London at night with stunning views from the best seat in the house, with a delicious four-course meal and a live singer. A London dinner cruise is the perfect way to end an amazing summer’s day in the city. The three and a half hours on the River Thames will take you downriver towards Canary Wharf and back again to Westminster Pier.
For a full selection of summer activities to fill up your diary, click here and get inspired!