Fun Things To Do Outdoors In London

• Location: 169-171 Caledonian Road, Islington, N1 0SL
• Price: £39 for a team of two to four 
• Activity type: outdoor escape game, immersive treasure hunt, team challenge
• Why I recommend: I love that this turns familiar city streets into a spy mission, as you're actively cracking codes, solving clues and working together to stop a global catastrophe, all through your phone. It's super flexible too, since you can pause whenever you need a break for food or drinks

The UK's longest-standing escape room, ClueQuest's most recent offering, Glitch Hunters, allows you to explore the city on an exciting spy adventure. In groups of two to eight people, you'll follow a route around London while solving mysteries and gathering clues.

All you need is a phone and a stable data connection to guide you, so you can set off at your own pace. There are also options to stop off for food and drink along the way, making for a fun day out for friends, family or colleagues.

• Location: Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers, 50 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 5BQ
• Price: from £65 per person (excluding booking fee) 
• Activity type: themed, treasure hunt, cocktails 
• Why I recommend: starting at Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers, this two-and-a-half-hour experience kicks off with a cocktail before sending you out on an 80-minute treasure hunt through Soho's iconic streets, including Dean Street and Old Compton Street. I love how it turns Soho into a live-action adventure, where you're solving clues, racing against time, and fully immersed in the world of Phileas Fogg

Can you channel Phileas J. Fogg and travel 'Around Soho in 80 Minutes'? With the clock ticking and guided by Mr Fogg himself, you'll soon find out. 

After a rendezvous at the Pawnbrokers, you'll make your way around the city streets, from Dean to Frith by way of Old Compton. With all codes cracked and clues masterfully solved, a splendid Bombay Sapphire cocktail awaits to toast your victory.

• Location: Liverpool St. Station, City of London, EC2M 7PY
• Price: from £50 for a team of two adults
• Activity type: treasure hunt, team building
• Why I recommend: based on the hit TV show, this activity makes you feel like you're right in the heart of a high-stakes adventure, racing across the capital. I love how the streets are your playground, and how the adventure really tests how collaboratively you work together, whether you choose to pair up with your colleagues, friends, or even your date. You might even bump into other teams playing the game along the way 

Perfect for team-building activities, quirky date ideas, or a fun day out with friends, the Race Across The World Experience is a great way to explore more of the city. Taking its inspiration from the popular television show, this fantastic outing will have you journeying to three checkpoints on foot before completing the race.

There are all kinds of obstacles along the way, including puzzles, riddles and challenges, with the option to do some 'work' tasks too. You'll be scored on your time and budget in teams of two to eight people, aiming for a top spot on the leaderboard.

• Location: Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, SW1A 2JH
• Price: from £15 per person for a sightseeing cruise 
• Activity type: river cruise, sightseeing tour, dining experience
• Why I recommend: I think that these cruises give you a different perspective of London, swapping busy streets for open water, with uninterrupted views of the city's most iconic landmarks as you glide along the Thames. Whether you're keeping it casual with a daytime sightseeing trip or going all out with dinner and live music, it's an easy way to make a day (or night) feel a bit more special

Hop aboard one of City Cruises' boats for a unique experience. Not only will you enjoy glorious views of London as you pootle along the River Thames, but you can also join them for their themed and dining cruises, adding an extra layer; explore lunch or afternoon tea on the river, or evening experiences with live music, entertainment and drinks.

For something faster-paced, there's even a high-speed option that turns the Thames into a bit of an adrenaline ride, making it a great all-rounder for everything from relaxed afternoons to lively group outings.

• Location: Outside the Guildhall steps, 2 High Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1EU
• Price: from £12.50 per person
• Activity type: treasure hunt, team-building
• Why I recommend: I like the fact that this treasure hunt uses your mobile phone as the map, so all you need to do is show up on the day and get ready to unravel some clues. It's a great opportunity to take in new sights and learn some bits of history about London that you perhaps didn't know before

An alfresco activity that'll take you all over Kingston, Game of Stones Treasure Hunts will challenge you and your pals to crack head-scratching clues, unravel riddles and take funny photos while testing your brain. 

You'll be guided across various areas of Kingston, learning pieces of history and following photo hints - expect to venture through market squares, graveyards, alleys, and more. It's a very historical, team-building day out that's simple to play and thrives during the summer, and you can organise up to a team of six to play. 

• Location: Epping Tube Station (Central line), Return transfers from station if pre-booked, Station Road, Epping, CM16 4HW
• Price: from £27.48
• Activity type: animals, feeding, zoo, farm
• Why I recommend: escape the city, get back to nature and make some new furry friends along the way

After a short hop on the Central Line, you'll arrive at a hidden farm where our friendly herd of alpacas is waiting to meet you. In this completely unfenced, immersive experience, you can hand-feed, stroke and snap super cute pics with these quirky creatures. 

Guided by expert handlers, you'll learn about the unique personalities of your new friends, their humming sounds, and their incredibly soft fleece. Grab your tickets from just £27.48.

• Locations: various outdoor restaurants across London
• Price: ££-££££ (varies by venue)
• Activity type: outdoor dining, al fresco restaurants, terraces, rooftops
• Why I recommend: I love how London's outdoor dining scene completely transforms in the warmer months - suddenly, terraces, rooftops and hidden courtyards become the best seats in the city. Whether it's a long, lazy lunch by the water or a lively dinner with cocktails under the open sky, eating outside just makes everything feel a little more special

Editor's pick:

• Barge East - one of the most unique setups in the city, this restored barge and canalside garden offers seasonal British cooking with a strong sustainability focus, all beside the River Lea
• Forza Wine at the National Theatre - perched above the South Bank, this rooftop is all about bold small plates, natural wines and sweeping views of the Thames - particularly good for sunny afternoons or pre-show dining
• Towpath - a cult favourite along Regent's Canal, this seasonal, open-air café is all about simple, ever-changing dishes and waterside views. It's worth the queue on a sunny day, trust me

• Location: Karma Sanctum Soho, 20 Warwick Street, Soho, W1B 5NF
• Price: from £30.25 per person
• Activity type: afternoon tea, food and drink
• Why I recommend: I think that this Gentleman's Afternoon Tea is a seriously cool twist on a classic. I love how it swaps out the usual finger sandwiches for bold Japanese-inspired bites, making it feel more like a stylish dining experience than a traditional tea

If you're looking for outdoor things to do in Central London, how about a Gentlemen's Afternoon Tea on Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel's exclusive rooftop? Expect dishes like tuna tataki, aged Wagyu beef sliders, and sweet treats such as pecan pie, alongside a curated selection of teas including matcha, hojicha, chamomile, and vanilla.

The experience is available Tuesday to Saturday from midday through to early evening, and for an extra £27.50 per person, you can wash everything down with the venue's signature whiskey or paired with a Davidoff cigar.

• Location: 6A South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, SW8 1SP
• Price: free entry (food, drinks and events priced individually)
• Activity type: outdoor beer garden, street food market, live sport screenings, comedy and events space
• Why I recommend: Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden feels like a proper all-day outdoor hangout spot. You can drop in for a casual drink, end up staying for food, and suddenly you're watching live sport or stumbling into a comedy night. I think it's a great space to chill at your table under the open-air setup

Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden is one of the most wonderful outdoor pop-ups in the city, so if you're Googling 'outdoor events in London today', you'll usually find something going on around these ends. There will be alfresco drinking and dining up for grabs at this South London spot, as well as live comedy, bottomless brunches and sports screenings.

Food-wise, you can expect to find a variety of street food vendors setting up camp here, such as pizza from Sorento 7, Eat Meat Cheese Repeat, Cluch Shop, Doggy Style Hot Dogs, and Gustitos Latinos (the latter is on Sundays only).  

• Location: Starts at Gunpowder Square, Blackfriars, EC4A 3DG
• Price: from £18.15 per person
• Activity type: outdoor scavenger hunt, immersive mystery game, self-guided walking experience
• Why I recommend: I enjoy how, with this experience, you're actively piecing together clues, interrogating leads and trying to solve a mystery as it unfolds around you. It's got that perfect mix of fresh air, storytelling and teamwork, making it feel like a cross between an escape room and a walking tour

Ready for a fun, outdoor immersive experience in the city? Join StreetHunt: Colombia's Finest and dive into the sights and sounds of Colombia - all while exploring the city.

This outdoor game combines adventure and culture as you navigate through the streets, solving clues and uncovering secrets about Colombia's finest treasures. It's an engaging way to experience London while learning about one of the world's most vibrant cultures. Gather your friends, get competitive, and enjoy a day full of fun, exploration, and discovery.

• Location: The Silent Disco Boat, various locations 
• Price: from £27.50 per person
• Activity type: silent disco, sightseeing, party
• Why I recommend: I love that you can switch between three DJs on your headphones, meaning you're never stuck with one vibe, plus dancing past landmarks lit up at night just hits differently. It's ideal for groups who want something different from your standard club night

Did somebody say silent disco...on a party boat? Silent Sounds just did. Grab your friends and be sure to check out this awesome event where you'll not only get to dance and have a good old time, but also you'll get to see all of the gorgeous landmarks while you're cruising down the Thames.

There's a fully stocked bar on each deck, so you can sip bubbles or spirits while boogieing to the very best of hip hop, pop and RnB. Tickets start from as little as £27.50 per person, though their £39.96 (including booking fee) option also includes discounted entry to Ballie Ballerson for an afterparty. 

• Location: 4 Kingdom Street, Paddington, W2 6BD
• Price: entry from £2.20 per person
• Activity type: party, DJs, rooftop, drinks 
• Why I recommend: I love the Santorini-inspired setting combined with skyline views over Hyde Park and Notting Hill - it's stylish, lively, and social. With DJs, cocktails, and golden-hour vibes, it's perfect for groups who want a rooftop day-to-night experience. The pretty pink parasols and tempting cocktail menu (it's all about the spritzes) make this bar feel so summery 

For a Mediterranean-inspired event that will make you feel like the main character, head to Primadonna at Skylark Roof Garden. The classy Paddington venue comes with a glamorous outdoor terrace, providing amazing views of the city.

The place transforms brilliantly from day to night, with DJs turning the heat up in the evenings. Enjoy delicious cocktails, paired with coastal sharing platters.

• Location: West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL
• Price: from £39 per person
• Activity type: sightseeing, boat, hot tub
• Why I recommend: I feel like this is one of the most unusual ways to experience London; a floating hot tub cruise through the Docklands that combines sightseeing with total relaxation. The warm water, guided commentary, and unique setting make it feel like a mini escape right in the middle of the city

Ready for something cool and quirky? Upgrade your normal city tour by doing it while in a floating, travelling hot tub. Your guide will take you around the docklands, as you soak up the views and the sky-high surroundings. 

Run by Skuna Boats, this 75-minute shared experience sees you, and up to six others, soak in a 38°C floating hot tub while cruising through Canary Wharf's waterways. Tickets are £39 per person, and tours start around 4pm. Remember to pack your bathing suit or trunks, and have a blast.

• Location: 72-82 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, SE1 3QU
• Price: free entry (subject to capacity) 
• Activity type: pop-up, street food
• Why I recommend: you should certainly arrive hungry at Vinegar Yard, as it spoils you with choice thanks to its heavenly line-up of street food vendors (I absolutely love Baba G's Indian-inspired pachos). During market days, it really comes alive with lots of trinkets, and there's ample opportunity to enjoy a pint in the sun with your friends 

This pop-up in the centre of the city has a whole host of fun things to do in London outside while getting some fresh air, including independent shops, art installations from Joe Rush, and a weekly flea market. Topping it off? Vinegar Yard offers some of the best street food in the capital, from gooey slices courtesy of Bad Boy Pizza Society to droolworthy burgers from Nanny Bill's (who serve great croquettes, too). 

There's a great selection of outdoor spaces to relax in, including terraces, the main yard, and indoor bars, should the weather not play ball. It's also a prime spot for sports screenings in the courtyard, showing the likes of the Premier League, Six Nations, FA Cup, and more. 

• Location: Colechurch House, London Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX
• Price: free entry, brunch from £43.20 per person
• Activity type: rooftop bar, bottomless brunch, outdoor dining, DJ events, social games
• Why I recommend: I'm a fan of how this spot captures that big city summer feeling all year round - you're up above the streets, cocktails in hand, with skyline views that sweep across The Shard and the station. It's a great pick for a summertime brunch, when hanging out with your friends calls for bottomless Aperol spritzes

An open-air bar in the heart of the action, London Bridge Rooftop is a great place to be for outdoor activities. You'll find live DJs at this venue regularly, as well as bottomless brunch and an interactive dartboard.

There's plenty of great food and drink on offer too, including juicy burgers and chicken tenders. What's more, there are £8 cocktails from 4pm to 6pm, Tuesday to Friday. The views are a real highlight too, with sights of landmarks like The Shard, St Paul's Cathedral and even the London Eye in the distance.

• Location: 1 Cheapside, City of London, EC2V 6AX
• Price: from £15 per person
• Activity type: immersive treasure hunt, outdoor puzzle game, team-building
• Why I recommend: I think it's great how flexible these experiences are - you can tailor the day to exactly what you're in the mood for, whether that's racing across London, solving clues between pubs or snacking your way around the city

When it comes to things to do outside, London's CityDays is just the ticket. You can expect a treasure hunt with escape room-style games too, so you'll be solving riddles on statues, uncovering quirky locations and finding hidden nooks.

You can play games like 'Humanity's Last Days', 'A Rift In Time' (this one's all about ghosts and set in Victorian London), and 'All Gone South', set in medieval London. There's also a game set in Kensington Mews, where you'll discover the hidden history of them.

• Location: Covent Garden Underground Station, Long Acre, WC2E 9JT
• Price: from £16.50 per person
• Activity type: silent disco, walking tour, party
• Why I recommend: I enjoy how, instead of quietly following a guide, you're dancing, singing and laughing your way through central London with a full-on party soundtrack in your ears. You'll go through iconic spots like Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Carnaby Street - all while you're tuned into a playlist of feel-good hits spanning decades

Get your groove on and set off on one of Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours. Explore the likes Covent Garden, getting down to the likes of Hairspray, ABBA and more. You'll be led by a charismatic hostess through iconic areas of London, learning fun facts to an outrageous soundtrack. 

Armed with silent disco headphones, you'll follow the route, join in spontaneous dance-offs and even the occasional flash mob, all while soaking up the buzz of London's theatre district. It's a brilliant pick for birthdays, hen dos or just a lively day out with friends, especially if you're up for something a little bit different (and don't mind a few curious looks from passersby).

• Location: A Central London Pier, between Big Ben and Tower Bridge (details sent before departure) 
• Price: from £36.30 per person
• Activity type: boat, sightseeing, river cruise
• Why I recommend: if you're looking for a standout night out that ticks all the boxes, I think that this Thames boat party is an easy yes. Sailing right through the heart of the capital, you'll find yourself gliding past icons like Tower Bridge and Big Ben while a live DJ soundtrack keeps the energy alive. It's a great pick for those hot summer evenings 

All aboard London Boat Party, a fun booze cruise serving up tasty food, drinks and tunes from a DJ. Gather your mates and let your hair down while taking in some of the city's most iconic sites at this unmissable outdoor experience. 

Your ticket packs in everything you need for a night out, starting with a four-hour cruise along the Thames that glides past the city's most iconic illuminated landmarks. Onboard, a top DJ will play a crowd-pleasing mix of party anthems and current hits, while a light buffet keeps you fuelled for the dancefloor. And just when you think the night's winding down, your ticket also unlocks free guest list entry to a nearby nightclub, so you can keep the celebrations going well into the early hours.

• Locations: various rooftop bars across London
• Price: ££-£££ (varies by venue)
• Activity type: rooftop bars, outdoor drinking, brunches, dining, skyline views
• Why I recommend: when the sun is shining, there's only one thing for it in London: head to a rooftop bar ASAP. Whether you're looking to venture to Sky Garden and see the city from new heights, or are simply thinking of a laid-back spot to grab a few drinks with your friends, we've got you sorted with our list of the greats

Editor's pick:

• Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant - a spacious terrace and seasonal menus make this a strong pick for everything from long lunches to sunset drinks. Its brunches and creative cocktails add to the appeal, especially if you're planning a full afternoon outdoors
• Madison - one of the most iconic views in London, with St Paul's Cathedral practically within touching distance. Think bottomless brunches, live music and a terrace that transforms with the seasons
• 12th Knot - overlooking the Thames, this stylish rooftop blends cocktails, DJs and panoramic views of the London Eye. Ideal for date nights or a more dressed-up evening out

• Locations: various locations across London 
• Price: varies
• Activity type: bottomless brunch, eating and drinking, sightseeing 
• Why I recommend: I think it's great fun to make the most of blue skies and the balmy days of summer with a beautiful brunch. Alongside alfresco restaurants and waterside spots, you'll also find rooftop stunners in our guide, all serving bottomless drinks like prosecco, Aperol spritzes, and more, alongside some delicious food 

Editor's pick: 

• Aqua Kyoto - located in the heart of Soho, this Japanese-inspired restaurant from the Aqua Group hosts a great brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 3.45pm. You can expect dishes like yuzu kosho terriyaki salmon alongside free-flowing Akira bellinis or gin-based Miso Southsides, as well as house wines or beer
• Wagtail - this brunch will offer you brilliant views of the City of London, including the Gherkin and The Shard. On the menu? Crudo seabass, prawn and caviar cruffins, and avocado and poached egg atop a waffle, drizzled in a chilli dressing
• Darcie & May Green - part of the Daisy Green collection, this moored spot features bold artwork by Sir Peter Blake, and has a great rooftop terrace overlooking Regent's Canal. It's all about Australian-inspired, all-day dining here

• Location: Courtyard at St Martin-In-The-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JJ
• Price: from £22 per person 
• Activity type: food event 
• Why we recommend: it provides all the joy of being outdoors in nature without requiring a train ticket out of the city

Lost Oasis is dropping a living, breathing ecosystem right into the middle of the West End concrete. Designed in partnership with top landscape architects, the venue utilises intricate timber framing and dense, exotic planting to block out the city noise, replacing it with a lush, open-air haven.

It's the perfect excuse to spend your evening soaking up the fresh air and Vitamin D. Grab a seat under the palms, sample spectacular dishes from a rotating lineup of Michelin-starred chefs, and sip crisp rosé from the Whispering Angel Wine Bar while enjoying the breeze.

Kicking off near Piccadilly Circus, Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist is an interactive experience by I'm Puzzled. Using only your phone to guide you, you'll be tasked with pulling off a daring robbery of Golden Crown Bank, breaking through their security systems.

Explore the streets of London while cracking clues and solving puzzles, working in teams of up to eight people. Start at any time of day, and navigate the half-mile radius at your own pace.

• Locations: Kensington, Waterloo, and Bermondsey
• Price: from £15.75 per person 
• Activity type: immersive, mission-based, team-building
• Why I recommend: I think Urban Missions does a really good job of creating a compelling narrative and turning areas of London into fantastical adventures. The tickets are affordable, and it's a chance to get on your feet and explore areas perhaps you wouldn't usually, all while getting lost in stories involving criminals, explosives, and more 

Like the idea of playing an immersive adventure trail? Urban Missions is a thrilling game across Kensington, Waterloo, and Bermondsey, in which players will race against the clock to solve riddles sent directly to their phones and attempt to crack the case before time runs out. 

There are three games to choose from: Lost Relic, where a mystery artefact is being sold on the dark web, which might fall into the wrong hands; Bomb Disposal, where you must uncover the perpetrator behind the sale of military-grade explosives in South London; and Street Toxin, which is all about a lethal new drug wreaking havoc on the streets - can you unmask the elusive person behind it? 

Put your detective skills to the test with the London Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt, a highly rated interactive experience. Designed for friends, families and groups, this affordable city adventure combines sightseeing with a thrilling whodunnit.

Set in present-day London with a stylish 1920s twist, the story begins with a murder. Jazz fills the air, secrets are waiting to be uncovered, and businessman Chester Monte has been found dead. As London's leading private investigator, it's up to you to follow the clues, unravel a web of betrayal and uncover the culprit before they disappear for good. The experience takes around two hours to complete and guides players through central London, with all locations situated within a half-mile radius. 

• Locations: Blackfriars and Sicillian Avenue 
• Price: from £18.15 per person
• Acitivty: treasure hunt, team-building
• Why I recommend: StreetHunt Games is a genuinely fun way to explore London differently. It turns the city into your playground where you and your team solve clues as you wander through hidden streets and iconic spots. I think it's great because it gets you moving, thinking, and laughing all at once

If you think you know London, this outdoor game from StreetHunt will put you to the test. Combining a scavenger hunt with an escape room and a murder mystery, this activity will keep you entertained on dates and work dos alike.

These self-guided outdoor games take you on a two to three hour adventure through central London, all played via your smartphone. Choose from immersive storylines like The Case of Colombia's Finest or Will Breaker, where you'll crack clues, meet virtual characters, and uncover secrets as you go. Expect brain-teasing puzzles, plenty of walking, and a fresh perspective on the city.

• Location: various central London meeting points (Southwark Cathedral steps, Farringdon Tube entrance, Monument to the Great Fire of London)
• Price: from £21.45 per person
• Activity type: guided walking tour, theatrical experience, history tour, storytelling
• Why I recommend: I love that this isn't your standard history walk, as it feels like a live performance where the streets of London become the stage. Instead of some facts spurted out, you get storytelling, character-led scenes and a real sense of personality behind the history, focusing on women's stories that are often overlooked in traditional tours

Fancy exploring more of the city on foot? Then set off on one of Herstorical Tours' female-led walking tours through London. These last one or two hours, exploring the capital's dark past - bringing the stories of women over the centuries to life through acting and comedy.

Choose your subject, from witchcraft to mystics and 18th-century sex workers. You'll learn more about these lesser-known tales, the good and the bad, with tickets starting from as little as £21.45 per person.

• Location: various starting locations across London 
• Price: from £11 per person
• Activity type: walking tour, team-building
• Why I recommend: London Premier Walking Tours is a great option if you want to explore the city in a way that's both informative and entertaining. I like that their tours go beyond the usual sightseeing routes, mixing famous landmarks with hidden corners and quirky stories, so even if you think you know London well, you'll still discover something new

If you're tired of the usual tourist trails, the London Outdoor Treasure Hunt series offers a refreshing alternative. Operating from various dates and locations, these tours leverage London Premier's wealth of experience to guide your teams through the city's labyrinthine history.

From the theatrical charm of Covent Garden to the pulse of Soho, these team-based challenges offer expert-led storytelling and interactive play that make the city feel brand new again. With everything from true crime walks to treasure hunts, it's an easy win for dates, tourists, or anyone wanting a more interactive way to get outdoors.

• Location: Richmond Athletic Ground, Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2SF
• Price: from £15.40 per adult 
• Activity type: festival, food, tacos, DJs
• Why I recommend: I'm a big taco fan, and I love how this huge festival brings together up to 40 traders competing in the National Taco Awards, serving tacos capped at £4 alongside creative cocktails priced at £10 or less. The entertainment is just as lively, with mariachi bands, roaming luchadores, folk dancers, and crowd-favourite contests like the Tortilla Slap Challenge and Hot Taco Challenge

Eat alfresco at The Tacover Taco Tequila Festival. Bringing together over 40 traders, it's set to be the biggest Mexican food and drink festival in Europe.

To keep you entertained between cocktails and tortillas, there's roaming luchadores, mariachi music, tortilla slapping and legendary hot taco challenges. Snap up your ticket for just £1.10 for kids and £15.40 for adults.

• Locations: various parks and venues across London
• Price: varies by festival and ticket type
• Activity type: music festivals, outdoor events, live music, summer parties
• Why I recommend: when it comes to London things to do outside, its festival scene brings serious energy to the city every summer - you don't have to travel far to get that full festival experience. From huge parks packed with headline acts to smaller, genre-focused events, it's all about live music, street food, and sunshine (hopefully) 

Editor's pick:

• All Points East - held in Victoria Park, this is one of the biggest in the city, bringing major global artists and a mix of indie, pop and electronic acts across multiple days, with highlights including Tyler, The Creator; Turnstile; Lorde, and more
• Mighty Hoopla - taking over Brockwell Park, this colourful, queer-friendly festival is all about pop, nostalgia and big performances, with plenty of drag, comedy and side events thrown in. On the line-up this year? Scissor Sisters, Cascada, and Lily Allen
• Somerset House Summer Series - hosted in the stunning courtyard of Somerset House, this series offers a more intimate festival-style experience with a curated lineup of global artists

• Location: 265 Tunnel Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 0QE
• Price: from £23 per person
• Activity: golf, driving range
• Why I recommend: I love going to the diving range - it's an activity I've really come to love as it can be as competitive as you make it, and they're accessible in London, so you don't have to travel to the countryside to take a few swings. This is a favourite for its views and all-weather permitting bays

Offering heated and covered bays, amazing views of the city and an on-site restaurant for when hunger pangs strike, Greenwich Peninsula Driving Range is one of the top fun things to do outdoors in London for adults. Get a little competitive with your mates, colleagues or partner at this unmissable spot.  

You can book up to two weeks in advance and choose from 30 minutes to up to two hours as a single player or group indoors. The range uses Inrange® radar technology, and is used across 60 floodlit, heated and covered bays (so great for all kinds of weather). As you play, you're also treated to views overlooking the Thames and the Square Mile. 

• Locations: various city farms across London
• Price: mostly free (donations encouraged)
• Activity type: city farms, outdoor activities, family-friendly, animals, nature
• Why I recommend: I think that, if you're searching for things to do outside in London this weekend, you should check out one of its farms to visit. I love how these spots give you a proper countryside feel; how one minute you're in the middle of the city, and the next you're feeding goats, spotting alpacas or wandering through green spaces 

Editor's pick:

• Hackney City Farm - tucked between Hackney and Bethnal Green, this long-standing favourite feels like a true community hub. You can meet goats, pigs and donkeys, then swing by its café for organic, homemade food. There's also a range of activities, from pottery and gardening workshops to beekeeping
• Vauxhall City Farm - a compact but lively farm just moments from the station, this one's great if you want something central and easy. Expect alpacas (perfect for a photo), ponies and rabbits, alongside interactive experiences like feeding sessions and pony rides
• Mudchute Park & Farm - one of the largest urban farms in the UK, this sprawling Isle of Dogs spot offers a completely different experience. With 32 acres to explore, it feels more like a countryside escape, complete with nature trails, a huge range of animals and even horse riding

• Locations: various locations across London
• Price: from free
• Activity type: gardens, alcohol-free, horticulture
• Why I recommend: free outdoor activities in London? I love to make the most of the sunshine to explore some of the city's prettiest gardens. From public spaces to hidden gems and a stunning rooftop oasis, there are more than enough lush spots to keep you busy all summer long.

Editor's pick:

• Isabella Plantation - tucked away within Richmond Park, the Isabella Plantation is a serene 40-acre Victorian woodland garden, offering a colourful and tranquil escape from the city, completely free to visit. Best known for its spectacular spring displays of rhododendrons and azaleas, it's a dream spot for history lovers and nature seekers alike
• Kyoto Gardens - the Kyoto Garden is a Japanese-inspired oasis complete with a waterfall, koi-filled pond, and roaming peacocks. It's free to visit too, and is perfect for a tranquil escape; it offers a peaceful, immersive stroll 
• Chiswick House & Gardens - set in leafy west London, Chiswick House & Gardens is a stunning 18th-century estate known as the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement, blending grand neo-Palladian architecture with 65 acres of beautifully designed gardens. While entry to the gardens is free, it's an idyllic spot for family days out and picnics, with peaceful lakes, winding paths, and the option to explore the historic house for a small fee

• Locations: various open water swimming spots across London and nearby
• Price: from around £5 per session (varies by location)
• Activity type: wild swimming, lidos, outdoor fitness, wellness
• Why I recommend: if you're keen to spend a little time in the great outdoors, why not hit up one of London's many lakes for a spot of wild swimming? Secure your goggles and take a dip in the Serpentine Lido or venture east to the West Reservoir Centre in Hackney

Editor's pick:

• Eden Dock - a more modern take on wild swimming, where you can glide through clear water surrounded by skyscrapers. It's a unique mix of urban and outdoors, with access to a wider network of swim spots through membership
• Hampstead Heath Ponds - a true London classic, these historic bathing ponds offer a peaceful, nature-filled escape, with designated areas for men, women and mixed swimming during the warmer months
• London Royal Docks - great for all levels, with marked swimming loops and plenty of space to build confidence or push yourself further in open water

• Locations: various locations across London and the surrounding countryside
• Price: from free entry (pay-per-kg or farm passes for produce)
• Activity type: outdoor, family-friendly, seasonal fruit picking, farm experiences
• Why I recommend: strawberry picking is one of those perfect summer rituals - there's something unbeatable about wandering through sun-warmed fields and picking fruit straight from the plant. Around London, you've got everything from urban-edge farms you can reach in under an hour to full countryside escapes in Surrey and Kent, many offering cafés and farm shops too

Editor's pick:

• Parkside Farm PYO - tucked just outside the city in Enfield, this is one of the most accessible proper pick-your-own farms from central London. It has a clever raised table-top growing system, which keeps strawberries lifted off the ground - meaning easier picking and consistently high-quality fruit
• Crockford Bridge Farm - short hop from London but a world away in feel, Crockford Bridge Farm is all about flavour-first, traditional fruit growing. Strawberries here are grown outdoors (no polytunnels), which means what you pick is intensely seasonal, sweet, and sun-dependent - when they're good, they're really good
• Garsons Farm - spanning vast fields with over a century of growing heritage, it offers a huge variety of crops: strawberries, raspberries, vegetables, and flowers all in one place. Everything here is carefully managed, from timed entry to well-signposted fields, which makes it ideal for first-timers or groups who want a smooth, organised experience

• Locations: various locations across London
• Price: from £6-£15 per session (varies by lido/pool and membership options)
• Activity type: outdoor swimming, lidos, open-air pools, fitness, wellness, summer cooling
• Why I recommend: when London heats up, outdoor pools and lidos become the city's unofficial escape plan. From historic Art Deco swimming pools to hidden central spots and wild open-water reservoirs, these places let you cool off while still soaking up the best of the city's parks and neighbourhoods

Editor's pick:

• Tooting Bec Lido - one of London's most iconic outdoor swimming spots, Tooting Bec Lido is the UK's largest freshwater open-air swimming pool and a true South London institution. Open seasonally from May to September, it's perfect for both serious lane swimmers and casual dip-and-dry visits
• Brockwell Lido - set within the leafy surrounds of Brockwell Park, this much-loved Art Deco lido is one of the most atmospheric places to swim outdoors in London. It has a slightly more social, community feel than some of the city's bigger pools, with swimmers often combining laps with long afternoons in the surrounding park
• West Reservoir Centre - a slightly wilder take on outdoor swimming, West Reservoir Centre offers open-water swimming in a striking urban setting surrounded by nature. Located in Stoke Newington, it feels more like a tucked-away escape than a city venue, with calm waters framed by reeds and wetlands