London in Summer: Best Activities and Events

Summer in London is a magical time of year, with endless opportunities for fun and adventure. From art exhibitions to new bars and restaurants, the city is alive with activity and excitement. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Despite the unpredictable weather, Londoners and tourists alike flock to the city’s parks and outdoor spaces to soak up the sun and enjoy picnics with family and friends. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. But fear not, as this article will highlight some of the best things to do in London this summer.

Key Takeaways

• London in the summer offers a wide range of activities and events for locals and tourists alike.
• The city’s parks and outdoor spaces are popular destinations for picnics and relaxation.
• This article will provide a guide to some of the best things to do in London during the summer of 2023.

Things to do in London this Summer

June

Shop High-End Vintage and do Good in the World Brixton

Starting from June 2nd, Shelter, a homelessness charity, has opened a pop-up store at Brixton Village where they are selling high-end vintage fashion at a cut price to raise money for their charity. The store will run for eight weeks, and all the money raised will go towards helping the homeless. Shelter also offers advice to people who are having trouble with dodgy landlords and estate agents.

Dine Out at London Restaurant Festival Citywide

Throughout June, the London Restaurant Festival takes over the entire city. Some of the best-loved and best-regarded restaurants put on tasting menus to showcase what they are all about at a price point that might be more appealing than their regular menu. There are also heaps of events and masterclasses to attend if your interest in food extends beyond expanding your waistline.

Check out London Design Biennale Aldwych

From 1st to 25th June, London Design Biennale will be held at Somerset House and the Soane Museum. World-leading figures in the design scene will come together to showcase their work based on the theme of collaboration. There’s design in all its forms, from architecture to research and even videogame design.

Party at Hampton Court Palace Festival Hampton

From 8th to 17th June, Hampton Court Palace Festival returns with a killer lineup. With the striking palace illuminated as the backdrop for this London event, the festival spans many genres and ages, with Grace Jones, Kool & The Gang, Kaiser Chiefs, Tom Jones all on the schedule. Naturally, it also includes all the beer tents and food trucks you could want.

See Christine and the Queens Curate Meltdown Fest The Southbank

From 9th to 18th June, Meltdown Festival comes to The Southbank. This year, Christine and the Queens have curated a run of gigs of musicians that they admire or have been inspired by, including KOKOROKO, Sigur Ross, Yemi Alade, Warpaint, and more.

Check out Some Outdoor Cinema King’s Cross

From 22nd June, the Everyman screen in King’s Cross will open its doors for outdoor cinema. With classics like Mamma Mia, Roman Holiday, and Moonrise Kingdom in the runnings, it probably has the best range of genres of any of the outdoor cinemas. You’ll be perched on the outdoor seating by the canal as you enjoy your films, and best of all: it’s entirely free.

Take a Sunset Tour of the English Countryside on a Vintage Steam Train Victoria Station

From 22nd June, Sunset Express, a vintage steam train, will take you for a spin around some very beautiful parts of the country. The trip takes a few hours and runs in a loop so that you’ll depart from and return to Victoria station. On your tour, you’ll pass through the South Downs and several other areas of recognized natural beauty, all glowing under the light of a sunset.

Hit a Festival of Caribbean Culture Burgess Park

On 24th and 25th June, Windrush Festival, a celebration of Caribbean culture and the people that brought it to England during the Windrush, will be held at Burgess Park. There’s music from very talented up-and-coming musicians, heaps of great food, and tons of art to google at over the two-day festival.

July

Visit the Revamped Museum of Childhood Bethnal Green

On 1st July, The Young V&A, formerly known as The Museum of Childhood, will reopen after a full makeover courtesy of the V&A. All the old exhibition pieces will still be there, but they’re joined by new bits and bobs from the V&A’s collection, including some legit superhero outfits and original Kermit the Frog and My Little Pony toys.

See the London Pride Parade Central London

On 1st July, London’s Pride festivities will kick off with a colourful, open celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The streets of Central get shut down, and the people pour into them to watch the parade that runs from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place. It’s no small affair, with 30,000 people already signed up to take part in this year’s event.

See Shakespeare Performed in a Pub Garden Multiple Locations

From 3rd July, Shakespeare in the Gardens will return to London. The gist of it is pretty simple: a theatre company takes over a bunch of pub gardens for one-night-only performances of Shakespeare’s plays. The show tours a host of London boozer’s backyards through July, August, and September for performances of two of the Bard’s most classic plays: Twelfth Night and Romeo & Juliet.

Go Mad for Wimbledon *

August

August is a month full of exciting events in London. From outdoor cinema to music concerts, beer festivals to food festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top events happening in August:

Watch Cinema Al Fresco in Paddington

For those who enjoy watching movies under the stars, the Watch Cinema Al Fresco event in Paddington is a must-visit. It is a series of outdoor cinema screenings that take place in Merchant Square throughout August. The event features classic comedies, such as Mean Girls, The Devil Wears Prada, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Anchorman. Visitors can enjoy the movies while sitting on a blanket and sipping on a drink. To purchase tickets and find more information about the event, visit their website.

Step Inside Abbey Road Studios in St. John’s Wood

Music lovers can explore the world-famous Abbey Road Studios during select dates in August. The studios have recorded and produced albums for some of the biggest bands and musicians in the world. Visitors can tour the rooms where the music magic happens and hear stories about the greats who have played there. This is an excellent opportunity for music enthusiasts to experience the history of music in London. To purchase tickets and find more information about the event, visit their website.

Head to a Craft Beer Festival in Tobacco Dock

The London Craft Beer Festival is a two-day event taking place in Tobacco Dock in August. The festival features a variety of craft breweries from around the city, offering visitors a chance to taste some of London’s best beers. In addition to the beer, there will be street food and live music for visitors to enjoy. This event is perfect for those who want to experience the city’s craft beer scene. To purchase tickets and find more information about the event, visit their website.

Catch the First Ever Concert at Battersea Park in Battersea

Battersea Park is hosting its first-ever concert series over the August bank holiday weekend. The event features a roster of classical music, hits from favorite West End musicals, and a smattering of soul and jazz music. Some of the confirmed performers include Gabrielle and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. This event is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor concerts in a beautiful park setting. To purchase tickets and find more information about the event, visit their website.

Party at Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival is an iconic event that takes place over the August bank holiday weekend. It is a massive celebration of Caribbean heritage in London, featuring incredible food, funky music, and exciting arts and culture. The event draws a charged crowd and promises a weekend filled with laughter. This event is perfect for those who want to experience the vibrant culture of London’s Caribbean community.

Chow Down at the Festival of BBQ in Tobacco Dock

Meatopia is a massive food festival taking place in Tobacco Dock at the end of August. The festival draws in some of the best chefs in the field to cook meat over hot coals. Visitors can expect staggering amounts of BBQ in every variety imaginable, with a roster of chefs that have graced the event in the past, including Francis Mallman, Fergus Henderson, and Yotam Ottolenghi. This event is perfect for those who want to experience the best of London’s BBQ scene. To purchase tickets and find more information about the event, visit their website.