Best Things To Do In London This Summer

Go sky-high this summer at some of London's top rooftop events, which include sunrise yoga with a view or wild late-night parties at venues all over the city. From non-stop raves touting live music sets from some of the best in the biz to afternoon teas with cider, whiskey and showstopping scenes of the city, our guide has it all.

Wondering about the best things to do in summer in London, UK? There's no better way to enjoy the hot weather than with a good old festival, whether it's all about the live music or a local food and drink event you're after. We've got some of the best, from Latin cultural celebrations to open-air beer fests - and if you're looking for free things to do this summer in London, some of them don't even charge entry.

When it comes down to things to do in London this summer holidays, Dabbers Bingo is sure to impress. Whether you fancy karaoke, comedy nights or brunch clubs in the City, there's something for everyone here - all while playing fun rounds of bingo.

Get stuck into a range of events across the city, which will have everyone quaffing bottomless drinks and enjoying hilarious entertainment from the hosts. And the best part? Tickets start from as little as £12 per person.

Perfect for any amateur bakers out there, The Big London Bake is the quirky cooking event taking place this summer across venues in Tooting and Haggerston. You'll be set a number of challenges by talented professionals in order to find out who is London's true baker, with all the ingredients provided in your ticket price - which starts from £32.40 each. There's also a cake-themed bar to relax in afterwards, serving up cocktails and snacks. What more could possibly you knead?

What could be better than an Aperol Spritz on a hot summer day? Nothing, if you ask us. We've rounded up all the best bars for the sunnier months, from decadent rooftops to gorgeous beer gardens, where you can relax in the heat with a pint or a cocktail. From urban beaches in Holborn to bustling terraces in Canary Wharf, there's something for every occasion here.

Looking for a unique way to explore the city this summer? Then check out the Race Across The World Experience, where you'll work in private teams of two to eight people to journey across the city on foot - stopping off at three checkpoints along the way.

Inspired by the hit TV show, this experience is all about budgeting while working against the clock. You'll solve puzzles, riddles and challenges along the way, with optional 'work' tasks on offer too. You'll be ranked at the end, and top scorers can bag themselves a place on the live leaderboard.

Gravity MAX Wandsworth and Stratford are dynamic entertainment hubs, offering everything from high-speed e-karting and immersive VR gaming to karaoke booths and AR darts. With retro arcade machines, beer pong tables and themed bars across multiple levels, it's the ultimate spot for thrill-seekers, social hangouts and standout date nights.

For their 'Summer of Fun', enjoy one activity from E-Karting, AR Bowling or Urban Street Golf and a drink for £9.95 a person.

If you fancy a fun, quirky tourist activity this summer, then check out Unique Tours. These walking tours are created by knowledgeable travel experts and guides, who will add fun storytelling as you explore the city, focusing on royal landmarks.

They offer two different tours, one of which features the Changing of the Guards, while the other takes you around multiple different palaces and parks. Afterwards, The Great Scotland Yard Hotel will whip up either a Michelin star Sunday roast or a picnic to end the experience.

Conchiglia, a charming family-run Italian trattoria nestled in Fitzrovia, offers a sun-soaked summer terrace that brings a slice of southern Italy to the heart of London. The outdoor seating area is beautifully adorned with creeping vines, trellises, and potted flowers, creating an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast. Owned by Giovanni and Suzan, Conchiglia is known not just for its food but also for its warm, personal hospitality.

The menu is ideal for sharing and features Roman-style thin-crust pizzas, indulgent pastas like truffle-filled mafalde and pistachio pesto, and generous portions of classics such as carbonara and rigatoni alla vodka. One of the standout draws is their popular £59 for two brunch offer, which includes two litres of Aperol Spritz alongside a 14-inch pizza or deli platter.

Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden ain't just your usual alfresco space. Oh no, the heaving South London favourite is also bringing you drag queen bingo, themed bottomless brunches, live sports screens and plenty more. The cocktails here are pretty impressive too, with tasty street food from Wagyu Burger, French Tacos and other popular vendors to go with them. They've even got all-day happy hours on Monday and from 12 until 7pm from Tuesday to Friday, so what are you waiting for?

Boogie your way through the city with a West End Musical Silent Disco Walking Tour, setting off from The Marquis of Granby every single weekend. Grab your own personal headset and groove through the streets of London, while singing along to some of the best showtunes around. There will be an entertaining host to guide you through the experience, providing commentary along the way.

Ride the waves this summer at London's finest boat bars, canal cruises and river retreats. We've got everything from silent discos while cruising down the Thames to anchored pubs in our city's most beautiful riverside spots. Whether you're after lunch, dinner, drinks or a boozy brunch, these floating hangouts have got it all, plus some stellar views along the way. 

On the hunt for summery things to do with pals? Boasting gorgeous views of London from the city's highest public garden, Sky Garden is promising everything from sunrise yoga sessions to seasonal parties and music nights with resident DJs spinning tunes. Events here start from as little as £11.50 per person, meaning that you can enjoy great scenery and rooftop drinks without breaking the bank.

Explore all of London's most famous destinations from an equally iconic board game at Monopoly Lifesized. You'll complete escape room-style challenges, build your own houses and you might even go to jail, before crowning your winner and taking a seat at the Top Hat Bar and Restaurant. They've got themed cocktails and classic British dishes like fish 'n' chips or burgers, making it an all-round perfect activity for those pesky rainy days this summer.

Occupy your London summer months with non-stop social darts at Flight Club. With venues dotted across the capital, from Shoreditch to Victoria or Bloomsbury, this is the perfect place to get stuck into a few games, all before digging into unlimited pizza slices and a whole bottle of prosecco each at their brunch socials, with prices starting from £33 per person for these two-hour sessions, an hour of which will be spent at the oche.

Need plans for summer in London this 2025? Then test your orienteering and problem-solving skills with Hyde Park's Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt. Grab your closest pals (and your sunnies) to explore the surrounding area in a bid to find the X. Tickets start from just £19.99, and this experience is suitable for up to eight people which makes it perfect for group days out.

Spend your summer sipping mezcal and munching on Mexican food at The Tacover Taco Tequila Festival. Set to be the biggest event of its kind in Europe, it's bringing 40 world-class traders to Richmond Athletic Ground.

Expect roaming luchadores, folk dancers, mariachi music, a dedicated tequila and mezcal tasting tent, plus tortilla slapping and hot taco challenges. If previous years are to go by, this one will be a sell out - so grab your tickets from just £1.10 for kids and £8.80 for adults.

If you're on the hunt for delicious street vendors, London Bridge venue Vinegar Yard has plenty to offer, from burgers and pizza to bao buns and boozy bevvies - from big names like Nanny Bill's, Baba G's and Nik's Kitchen. In addition, the venue has pop-up shops and art installations to keep you entertained, as well as a weekend flea market hosted by Flealondon.

Get balls deep in a range of fun-packed events at Shoreditch stalwart Ballie Ballerson, touting their iconic pink ball bit. From hilarious bottomless brunches with cocktails to hip hop-themed parties and DJ sets galore, this venue is a real staple come summertime. And if you head there on a Tuesday? These guys are even offering two for one pizza and drinks for a little midweek summer fun.

Inspired by tales from the notorious Wild West, the immersive Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience is one of the best things to do in London this summer. Smuggle in your favourite bottle of liquor and let expert mixologists craft some snappy cocktails for you, but be sure to avoid the Sherriff. This experience starts from £35.99 per person, which includes all the mixers for your drinks and plenty of interactive fun.

We all know that this city isn't short of places to eat, but there are certain spots that really come into their own at summertime. Think Instagrammable rooftops looking out over St Paul's, bustling streetside dining and leafy terraces, serving up everything from hearty barbecue fare to indulgent Italian dishes. Whether you fancy a chilled pub in Hackney or a lively outdoor market in London Bridge, we've got you covered.

Looking for a stunning spot to while away your summer evenings? Then head to The Berkeley, an iconic hotel that is opening its gorgeous rooftop bar to the public this season, with the theme Capri In The City.

Expect Italian drinks and dining, featuring a menu full of pizzas and delicious sharing platters. What's more, you're guaranteed amazing views of the pool and the streets below.

This summer, the stunning five-star hotel Pan Pacific London has teamed up with fragrance brand Jo Loves to bring you a brilliant pop-up: With Love From Como. They've transformed their indoor infinity pool, turning it into a paradise of all things Italian.

Lounge on the deck chairs, or plunge into the water where rubber rings are floating. There's even a sauna and steam rooms available, as well as a selection of delicious cocktails and small plates.

Step inside Stormzy's House Party, a seven-storey townhouse in Soho that's been quietly rewriting London's nightlife rules. Forget the usual club scene; here, there's no VIP section and no flashing lights, just the vibe of a legendary mate's house party.

With secret kitchen sets, surprise rooftop gigs, and premium French beer 1664 Bière flowing, this invitation-only spot keeps things fresh and unpredictable. Get your name on the waitlist and arrive before 10pm to be part of the magic where even household names vanish into the crowd.

It's hot, you're sweaty and in need of something cool to throw your perspiring self into. Fortunately, London is awash with pools and outdoor spots for swimming, from Tooting Bec Lido to the much-loved Hampstead ponds. We've got our favourites here, along with the best places for well-earned brunch nearby. You can thank us later.

Though winter in the capital is magical, our city truly comes alive in summer. London is also full of gorgeous routes to explore, whether you're strolling down The Thames Path or venturing out to the stunning Richmond Park. We've got walks of all lengths, from casual saunters to full-on hikes, meaning that there's something to suit everyone here.

There's nothing better in the summer than boogieing to live music all afternoon, so why not attend some of the city's best festivals? From All Points East to Wireless and BST Hyde Park, we've got the low-down on all the greatest spots for drinking and dancing in the sun. From May right through to September, get your seasonal plans sorted with our comprehensive guide.