9 of the best things to do in London in summer

When the sun shines over the British capital, the city bursts into bloom, and its people come out to picnic, play and paddle. Want to know how to have your own summer of fun? Jessica Baldwin discovers the coolest things to do in London on a hot summer's day...

A vibrant patchwork of pubs, parks and palaces, London is without doubt one of the world’s most thrilling cities to visit. With ancient streets bursting with world-class museums, galleries, theatres and restaurants, there’s always something new to see or do. The big question is where to start?

When summer descends on London, the fun spills out into the streets, with incredible music, movies and markets taking over the capital's leafy squares and picturesque waterfronts.

From spotting monkeys along the city’s waterways to relaxing on a golden sandy beach you can reach via London Underground, here are nine ways to celebrate summer in London…

1. Watch some theatre beneath the stars

Originally a hunting ground for King Henry VIII, lush Regent’s Park has changed beyond all recognition from its wild origins. Now home to record-breaking rose gardens, a boating lake and even the odd giraffe (thanks to London Zoo), it’s one of the capital’s most popular royal parks.

Venture into its wooded heart and you’ll discover London’s most beautiful auditorium: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Almost a century old, actors from Ralph Fiennes to Dame Judi Dench have performed at this multi-award-winning theatre. Seating a staggering 1,240 people, the enormous summertime venue invites theatre fans of all ages to enjoy great shows while engulfed by glorious greenery.

Commission Air/Alamy Stock Photo

2. Catch the tube to a sandy beach

Though London is well and truly inland, Ruislip Lido (just over a mile from Ruislip Underground station) is home to a vast golden sandy beach. Dotted with palm trees and overlooking a brilliantly blue lake it’s surrounded by a sprawling nature reserve, which at a vast 726 acres dwarfs even Hyde Park.

Families are spoilt for choice, with a waterpark to splash in, a pirate ship to climb and even Britain’s longest 12”-gauge miniature railway to jump aboard. Nature lovers will appreciate the surrounding woodland, crisscrossed with well-marked hiking trails winding their way past ancient trees, trickling streams and butterflies galore.

Ruislip lido (Image: Shutterstock/Pav-Pro Photography Ltd) Shutterstock/Pav-Pro Photography Ltd

3. Spot wolves and warthogs

When you think of boat trips in London, it’s the River Thames that usually springs to mind. But jump aboard a narrowboat in peaceful Little Venice and you can chug your way along Regent’s Canal all the way to lively Camden. The journey takes you past colourful houseboats before plunging you into the darkness of Maida Hill Tunnel.

Keep your eyes peeled as you drift through leafy Regent’s Park. It can feel more like a safari than a city cruise if London Zoo’s monkeys, painted wolves and warthogs are visible from the river. Once in Camden, head to the famous markets, where you can mingle with goths and punks and enjoy edgy fashion stalls, thumping music and delicious street food.

John Farnham/Alamy Stock Photo

4. Enjoy a concert in England’s oldest garden

Within the walls of Westminster Abbey hides College Garden; a spectacular 900-year-old garden thought to be England’s oldest. Originally used to grow food and medicinal herbs for the Abbey’s monastic residents, each summer music lovers stream through its ancient cloisters for ‘Brass on the Grass’, a series of free lunchtime performances from some of the country’s best brass bands.

Hungry for more? Purchase a ticket to venture inside this working royal church and discover the tombs of kings, queens, poets and more. And don’t miss the Coronation Chair, which has been used for every British coronation over the last 700 years.

5. Paddle in one of the world’s biggest museums

With almost three million objects on display, the V&A’s endless galleries may never lead you to the museum’s greatest secret: the John Madejski Garden. Combining the charm of a flower-filled English courtyard with the drama of a theatre stage, it often plays the role of an outdoor gallery for pop-up installations. The garden’s piece de resistance is its enormous oval pool. With steps to enter the water and lively jets to frolic in, it’s one of London’s best paddling spots.

Tony Watson/Alamy Stock Photo

6. Dive into the Docklands

Dating back to 1855, London’s Royal Docks offer some of the most historic and scenic open water swimming in the world. Thanks to an epic regeneration project, the enclosed docks (once the world’s largest) are now home to a safe and well-manned swimming area, with lifeguards on duty and swimmers safety-tagged when entering the chilly waters.

While beginners and leisure swimmers can bob around in peace, separate race areas suit those training competitively. Out of puff? Jump aboard the nearby cable car to cross the river to Greenwich for a well-earned refuel at one of its famous pubs.

JonShore/Shutterstock

7. Splash about on the site of a long-lost royal palace

Built on the site of a Tudor palace, today Somerset House honours the arts rather than royalty, with an impressive selection of exhibitions, screenings and cultural events filling its galleries. At the heart of this grand neoclassical complex is the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court; a sun-drenched oasis where on certain days throughout August, 55 water fountains shoot and spurt at will, creating a splash park fit for a king. With magnificent 18th-century architecture and a delicious array of foodie pop-ups, it feels more like a fun-filled Italian piazza than central London.

Stephen Finn/Shutterstock

8. Climb London’s most famous ship

After an almost 70-year pause, you can now climb the eye-wateringly high rigging of the Cutty Sark – the world’s only surviving extreme clipper ship. Kit up beneath the historic hull and walk the main deck (once overflowing with noisy pigs and chickens) before beginning your epic rig climb.

Make your way up the ‘ratline’ rope ladders for a bird’s-eye-view of the capital. From here, you can enjoy incredible views of Canary Wharf, the River Thames and the London skyline. Back on deck, take the helm, explore the captain’s cabin and meet colourful period characters along the way.

Ioannis Liasidis/Shutterstock

9. Catch a free film

Each summer, Screen on the Canal sees colourful beanbags take over the steps between Granary Square and glistening Regent’s Canal. This unticketed event is totally free; arrive early, pick a beanbag and watch a cracking film as the swans and ducks float past. Expect singing, clapping, tanning and picnics galore at this popular summertime hangout. Need to cool down? Just steps away you’ll find countless restaurants, shady seating and Granary Square’s famous paddle fountains.

Main image: Sergii Figurnyi/Shutterstock