Fun things to do in London this summer

Thames river by London Eye, City Hall at Victoria Embankment in sunny summer

There are so many fabulous things to do in London this summer. London is fantastic all year round, but when the temperature starts rising and the sun starts to shine, the surroundings and activities are even more enchanting. Here are a few brilliant things to do in London this summer – how many will you get ticked off before the seasons turn?

Dance the day away at Notting Hill Carnival

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It happens every year. London sets aside their August ‘bank holiday’ for one of the world’s largest street carnivals; Notting Hill Carnival. The celebrations are a glowing and delightful display that showcases London’s rich and magnificent multicultural past and present. For any party lovers, this Carnival weekend is a vital date in your calendar. Definitely one for your list in London this summer!

Take in the summer skyline at a roof top bar

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London’s top rooftop bars have got attitude and altitude. With an incredible and recognisable skyline, there are plenty of superb places to enjoy a rooftop drink in London. The city boasts several excellent creations, at a variety of prices, locations and of course, views to enjoy, especially the summer skyline. Sounds great doesn’t it?

Pay a visit to the famous ZSL London Zoo

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Open 364 days a year! The perfect thing to do in London this summer for families – Discover animals and adventures at ZSL London Zoo. Zoo life is packed full of wonder and amazement especially in the warmer months, with more than 750 species of animals to meet and thousands more fascinating facts just waiting to be explored and discovered. A great summer day out for everyone.

Explore Hyde Park

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Hyde Park is a far-reaching Royal Park in London, stretching from Hyde Park Corner to Kensington Gardens, making it a popular favourite for a summer walk in England’s capital. With over 4000 different types of trees, plants, flowers and meadows, the park includes many attractions including the Serpentine, the world’s first artificial lake, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine Gallery. Hyde Park also includes several cafes to grab a bite to eat, making Hyde Park is an ideal place to spend time; walking, horse riding, and for the brave, swimming in a special designated area of the shimmering lake. Make sure Hyde Park is on your summertime adventure list.

Go on a ramble

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London is also a great walking destination, especially in the summer. So why not get walking and have a go at one of our self-guided maps? Our Little Venice and Abbey Road easy route is a splendid walk full of iconic sites. Or if you’re feeling a longer wander, our Sightseeing Dash (East) moderate route is a great sightseeing tour of East London. Over 80 attractions have been highlighted on the map. A walk full of  but history, architecture, nature, monuments, statues, art and museums. Enjoy!

If you take any snaps, share them on your socials using #YHAWalks.

Go on a Thames River Cruise

A cruise on the River Thames is a brilliant way to see the beautiful city of London from a different perspective. Many tour operators offer charming days out where you can catch iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. For an added bonus, consider a sunset cruise to watch the city glow in golden tones as the sun sets behind its amazing skyline.

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Cycle along the Thames Path

For those who love exploring on two wheels, the Thames Path offers over 180 miles of lovely route along the river. The cycle path goes from the centre of London out to the scenic countryside, but there are plenty of shorter routes you can enjoy in the warmer months. Renting a bike and cycling through this splendid is a great way to explore.

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Go shopping at the outdoor markets

London is a shopping paradise all year round, but the summer months add a special charm to the outdoor markets. 

For foodies, Borough Market should be on your list of places to visit. You can wander through stalls selling fresh produce and street food from around the world. Camden market is another market with a unique atmosphere. With a great mix of vintage clothing, arts and food stalls, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. Last but definitely not least, Portobello Road Market is famous for its antiques, vintage clothing, and food stalls – it’s a great market to visit.

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Photo credit: Andriy Blokhin / MM / moofushi / Lauren / jovannig / I-Wei Huang / Nantiya / Pawel Pajor / Nieuwenkampr / Adobe Stock

Ruby Higton - author

Written by Ruby Higton

Ruby is a digital marketer at YHA. She looks after all things social media, as well as content writing for YHA's travel blog and SEO. Her favourite hostel is YHA Perranporth.

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