While there’s not a bad time to visit London, many people’s favourite time of the year to visit the capital comes when the weather’s at its hottest and spirits are at their highest: summer! The city of London really does come into a league of its own once the sun comes out. With some of the world’s most famous green spaces and Mother Nature providing picture-perfect backdrops for iconic landmarks, there’s something for all ages and all budgets in London during summer. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve put together a list of some of the best ways to spend your time when visiting London during summer.
Pub Lunch On The Thames
The River Thames runs through the heart of London, and there’s a whole host of ways you can incorporate the famous river into your visit. From taking a romantic cruise along the river to enjoying a fun-filled day of water sports, the famous stretch of water offers something for everyone.
But during summer, there’s no better way to take in the sights of the Thames than doing so while you enjoy a spot of lunch outside one of the many pubs along the river. Here is an extensive list of pubs along the Thames, while our personal favourites include Trafalgar Tavern, The Gun, and Bread Street Kitchen & Bar.
Picnic In A Famous Park
Those travelling with children or just trying to stick to a tighter budget may want to swap a London pub for a London park. Let’s face it, if you want to indulge in a summertime picnic, then you may as well do so in one of London’s famous parks!
Your options include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, St. James’s Park and Battersea Park. Then there’s Kensington Gardens and Hampstead Heath, of which you’ve likely heard. Regardless of where you are in London, you’re never far from a famous field to enjoy a perfect picnic during the summer months.
Iconic Food Markets
If you want to explore London’s food scene like a local, then you have to head to one of the city’s iconic markets. The likes of Borough Market, Greenwich Market and Portobello Road Market all posses unique offerings, but if you’re in search of delicious food, most locals will probably point you in the direction of the world-renowned Camden Market.
With that said, don’t discount smaller markets that may be located further out from the centre of London. Maltby Street Market is a great choice if you are in London on a weekend, while Walthamstow Vegan Market offers a scrumptious array of meat-free treats on the first Sunday of every month.
London Wing Fest
If you’re a fan of chicken wings and find yourself in London during July, then there’s really only one place you should find yourself - London Wing Fest! Every summer, the largest chicken wing festival in the world makes its way to London for a tasty day filled with music, entertainment and, of course, wings.
Taking place at the London Stadium, this years fest will see 45 food traders bring their wings to the famous city from 25th July to the 27th July.
Outdoor Cinema
While this may not be exclusive to food lovers, what better way to enjoy London during summer than grabbing yourself some snacks and enjoying an old classic from a rooftop in London. Rooftop Film Club have location in Peckham and Stratford while those with a fear of heights can enjoy a similar experience at Kew Gardens and Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.
Strawberries and Cream at Wimbledon
If you want to combine a love of food with one of the world’s most watched sports tournaments, it doesn’t get more iconic that Wimbledon’s strawberries and cream. While most head to the famous venue for the tennis, few do so without sampling Wimbledon’s famous food.
Be aware that tickets are extremely hard to come by, and your best bet may be to pick up a grounds pass and enjoy your strawberries from the comfort of Murray Mound. You’ll also need to plan your transport route accordingly, as Wimbledon sits around 10 miles from Central London.
Those travelling by train can change at London Waterloo for trains to Wimbledon, while those travelling by car may want to use one of London’s city centre car parks to squeeze in a spot of sight seeing before completing their journey by tube.
