If you’re lucky enough to spend your summer in London, you should be taking advantage of the many exciting things on offer. From picnics in the park to climbing the dizzying heights of the O2 arena, you’ll surely have a summer you’ll never forget.
So, for your 50 days of summer, we’ve put together the top things to do in the capital throughout the day – regardless of your budget!
Summer Activities in London: 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 breath-taking 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.
Summer Activities in London: Day Time
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, haven’t had the chance to discover the special treats that London has to offer – 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.
Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition
Located at St Katharine Docks, the Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition is a walk-through, photography exhibition from her official royal photographers Anwar Hussein and his sons Zak and Samir. The exhibition pairs a stunning, visual journey of her most recognisable and iconic photos with behind-the-scenes stories from the Hussein family through a complimentary audio guide. Trace Diana’s emotional journey through images and art installations and pay homage to a life that touched so many.
Indian High Chai Panoramic Bus Tour of London
Enjoy afternoon tea in London with an Indian twist! Providing views of the city and a range of delicious chai, Indian food, chai teas, and instrumental music, this is one afternoon you will never forget. With sweet potato and butternut dhansak on brown bread to vegetable samosas and views of the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and so much more, it’s a great way to see the city in style.
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 Queen still uses to entertain overseas guests (and now us!), the Royal Gifts Exhibition showcasing Her Majesty’s collection of gifts from the likes of Nelson Mandela and Ronald Reagan and London’s biggest garden – her 42-acre royal garden. We’ve got our (not-so-golden) crown ready to go!
Summer Activities in London: 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 that 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. Climb 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.
Bollywood Night Bus with Live Singer
This unique Bollywood-themed bus is the perfect way to spend a night in London. With traditional Indian food, music from a professional live singer, and incredible views from the expertly designed tour bus, you can see the city like never before.
Feast on Indian-inspired sandwiches, samosas, vada pau, a range of desserts and of course, chai! It’s an unforgettable and exciting experience that will have you dancing in your seat.
London Dungeons
If you want something that’s going to send shivers up your spine (and potentially keep you up at night), try the notorious London Dungeons after Dark. 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!
Bateaux London Dinner Cruise
What could end a beautiful summer’s day in the city better than a delightful Bateaux dinner cruise along the Thames? Sashaying through the water, the Symphony boat will take you on a relaxing cruise of the waters as you enjoy the sights of the London Eye and the Shard. With uninterrupted views throughout, you’ll make everyone on shore envious—especially when the staff serves you foods from the delicious a la carte menu! We’re jealous already.
These are just some of the best activities on offer to you in London this summer. For a full selection to fill up your diary, head on over here and get inspired!