Best Things To Do In London This Summer

Step into a mystical new world at Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience at Roscorp Laboratories in Hoxton. This immersive cocktail bar begins begin with a briefing on your mission from Dr C. Shelly, before you explore the magical woodland setting as a group. Don your custom-made jumpsuit and set off, chatting to the locals and sipping three bespoke concoctions along the way, one of which even changes colour as you drink.

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.

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.

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?

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 £36.50 per person, which includes all the mixers for your drinks and plenty of interactive fun.

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.

From the gorgeous Luna Cinema in Wimbledon to Rooftop Film Club in Stratford and Peckham, pop-up cinema events are taking over some of the finest outdoor spaces in the capital to bring you a line of only the most epic films. Whether you fancy watching old-school cult classics like Carrie and Ghostbusters or a more modern release such as Barbie or Wonka, these spots have got you covered with great movies and tasty snacks aplenty.

After summer activities in London? Thames Lates is the speedboat experience that hurtles you down the river, with both modern and throwback bangers playing in the background, great views of the city, drinks at sunset and a laugh-out-loud comedian as your host. This 50-minute experience includes a refreshing cocktail on the more chilled-out journey back, starting from £54.95 per person.

When it comes down to things to do in London this summer holidays, Dabbers Bingo is sure to impress. Whether you fancy karaoke in Hackney or comedy nights and brunch clubs in the City, there's something for everyone here. Get stuck into a range of events across the city, which will have everyone quaffing bottomless prosecco and enjoying hilarious entertainment from the hosts.

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.

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.

We all know that this city isn't short of places to eat, but there's 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.

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. 

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 £30 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.

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.

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 touting cocktails galore 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.

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 £36 each. There's also a cake-themed bar to relax in afterwards, serving up cocktails and snacks. What more could possibly you knead?

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 £9.50 per person, meaning that you can enjoy great scenery and rooftop drinks without breaking the bank.

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.