Soak Up The Sun: 7 of The Best Things to Do in London This Summer

Enjoy the sun in London with these activities

When the sun’s out in the summer months, London comes alive. The city is packed with outdoor events, festivals, live music and incredible sporting action. With so many summer activities spread right across the city, a London summer really is like no other.

If you’re planning on visiting the capital in the sunshine, here are some of the best things to do in London this summer to help plan your next adventure.

1. Experience a World Class Musical Festival at BST Hyde Park

Dates: Various dates in July 2026
Price: Varies by artist, from ~£75
Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner
From Paddington: A 15-minute walk or a short bus ride

British Summer Time (BST) in Hyde Park is one of the top events in London during the summer. Held in the iconic Hyde Park, this series of open air concerts has featured some of the biggest names in pop and rock music from down the years, including Taylor Swift, Adele, and The Rolling Stones.

In 2026, across June and July some incredible acts are taking to the stage in Hyde Park, including Garth Brooks, Lewis Capaldi, Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, and Duran Duran. Pitbull’s headline performance is set to be one of the festival’s most memorable moments. Fans are encouraged to wear bald caps, sunglasses and suits to try and set a Guinness World Record.

2. Join the Party at Notting Hill Carnival

Dates: 30-31 August 2026.
Price: Free.
Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove (note: stations can be very busy or exit-only).
From Paddington: A short walk or Circle line to Notting Hill Gate.

If you’re visiting London during the August Bank Holiday weekend, Notting Hill Carnival is not to be missed. The streets of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park and Westbourne Grove are awash with music, colour and the smell of incredible food blowing on the breeze.

The celebration of Caribbean culture features sound systems, steel bands, vibrant costumes and plenty of jerk chicken. If you’ve got the kids with you, head down on the Sunday for Children’s Day. The family-friendly morning starts with the official opening ceremony and the Children’s Parade. Adult’s Day is on the Monday, with the 3-mile parade beginning at 10.30am and over 40 sound systems pumping music throughout the day.

3. Watch a Film Under the Stars at an Open Air Cinema

Dates: June – September.
Price: From ~£15.
Locations: Various (Peckham, Stratford, Vauxhall, Edgware).

There’s nothing quite as magical as sitting in the open air with the stars twinkling overhead and the sights and sounds of this unbelievable city in the distance. Across London, you’ll find a range of outdoor cinemas, offering classic films or new releases in famous locations.

The Rooftop Cinema Club has spots in both Peckham and Stratford and is showing films including The Breakfast Club and The Great Gatsby. Expect cocktails, sunset screenings, and an immersive audio experience.

Vauxhall Summer Screens in Vauxhall is showing the likes of Cool Runnings, Clueless and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. And the RAF Museum has special outdoor screenings of both Top Gun and Top Gun Maverick across two nights in August.

4. Enjoy World Class Tennis at Wimbledon

Dates: 29 June – 12 July 2026.
Price: Varies. Ballot for Centre Court, or queue on the day for a Grounds Pass.
Nearest Tube: Southfields or Wimbledon.
From Paddington: District line to Wimbledon.

Grab a Pimm’s, tuck into strawberries and cream, and head down to Centre Court. Wimbledon is one of the most iconic sporting events in London and one of the four tennis Grand Slams of the season.

Tradition abounds at SW19. The players don their whites, the celebrities head to the royal box and the fans cram onto Murray Mound to watch the best of the action on the big screens. Held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club from 29^th June to 12^th July 2026, it’s two weeks of incredible tennis.

Tickets went in the ballot a while ago, but you can still queue up on the day to get a Grounds Pass for £33, which gives you access to unreserved seats in courts 3 to 18 and the famous Murray Mound. Get down as early as possible (well before sunrise) to join the queue. It’ll be a day out to remember!

5. See a Show at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Dates: May - September.
Price: From ~£25.
Nearest Tube: Baker Street.
From Paddington: Bakerloo line to Baker Street, then a short walk.

There’s something quite moving about seeing performers take to the stage in an open air theatre. Of immersing yourself in a world class performance, as the sun goes down in one of London’s leafy parks.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre offers one of London’s most memorable theatre experiences (and that’s saying a lot), with an ever-evolving stage and some truly special performances. In 2026, you can see the likes of Sherlock Holmes, A Life in Four Seasons, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cats and Anansi the Spider.

Tickets are priced from around £15, but sell out quickly. Make sure you book yours well in advance if you can.

6. Take a Dip in a London Lido

Locations: Hyde Park, London Fields, Herne Hill.
Price: From ~£5.
Season: Generally June – September.

While London is such a fun city during the summer months, it can get hot. So, there’s nothing like diving into one of the many open air swimming pools to cool off.

London has some beautiful lidos across its boroughs, including London Fields Lido in Hackney (it’s even heated) and the Serpentine Lido right at the heart of stunning Hyde Park. Brockwell Lido in Herne Hill is an Art Deco classic that even features a poolside sauna.

7. Enjoy an Immersive Experience with Grease

Dates: 22 July – 13 September 2026
Price: From £27 to £149
Nearest Tube: Battersea Power Station
From Paddington: Bakerloo line to Waterloo, Northern line to Battersea Power Station, then a short walk.

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is coming to Battersea Park for eight weeks only this summer. Fans of the musical can step inside the world of Rydell High with a production that blurs the lines between live performance and film.

Expect live music and famous locations from the film, including the school carnival and Frosty Palace. You can tuck into classic American food as the movie and music unfolds around you, with live performances and incredible dance numbers bringing the film to life.

Summer Attraction - London Train Station

Get from Heathrow to The Heart of The Action with Heathrow Express

You can’t beat summer days and nights in London. The city’s streets, parks, swimming pools and famous locations are filled with an unmatched vibrant energy. And this year you’ll be a part of it.

To start your summer adventure in style, hop on the Heathrow Express when you land at Heathrow. With a journey time of just 15 minutes, it’s the quickest way to get into Central London from the airport. Book Heathrow Express tickets and you’ll be ready to enjoy a London summer in no time.