Whilst Londoners don’t usually sweat through long hot summers, they do get at least a few weeks of wonderful summer sunshine and the occasional heatwave! Once the weather warms up, people become so much happier and you really can experience the best of London! After work drinks spill out into beer gardens, ice cream shops pop up on every corner, rooftop bars and parks become even more appealing, you can BBQ outside and even take a dip in one of London’s pools, lidos or ponds! Here are our recommendations of what to do on those beautiful, hot summer days in London.
Take a dip in London’s lidos, ponds & outdoor pools
There is no better way to cool down in a heatwave than with a swim! London has a mix of pools, ponds, and lidos to choose from including Tooting Bec Lido, London Fields Lido, Serpentine Lido, Charlton Lido, Brockwell Lido, Hillingdon Outdoor Pool (aka Uxbridge Lido), Parliament Hill Lido, Kings Cross Pond, Hampton Pool, Oasis Lido, Park Road Leisure Centre and Pools on the Park Richmond, Our pick is the natural swimming ponds at Hampstead Heath, which have a Ladies’ pond, Men’s pond and Mixed pond, which are also life-guarded.
BBQ in the park
London isn’t known for its large backyards and so when the weather becomes BBQ-ready, you’ll need to head to a London park to have your BBQ. A large number of council’s don’t allow BBQ’s so make sure you check before lighting up your BBQ. Some parks have designated BBQ spaces, as well as purpose built BBQ stations. We found the Londonist’s post on where to barbecue in London’s parks to be the most comprehensive list of where you are allowed to BBQ. Make sure you follow the rules so that everyone can continue to enjoy their summer BBQ’s in the sunshine. Just don’t forget your picnic blanket!
Cool off with a pint in a beer garden
When the sun does come out, Londoners love a drink! It is hard to beat settling into one of London’s many amazing beer gardens for the afternoon, cold pint in hand.
Take a spin around an ice skating rink
A lot of people think that you can only ice skate in London in winter, but the Alexandra Palace ice rink is open all year round, offering ice skating even on the hottest of days!
Hire a Car
Hire a car, pump your air conditioning and head to your favourite beach to cool down with a dip in the sea! I’ve always used Holiday Autos to book my car hire in the UK.
Go to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is an iconic London Landmark and during the summer offers plays, musicals, films and comedy performances in the 1,250 seat outdoor auditorium! A visit to the award-winning theatre is a must for Londoners and visitors alike and there’s no better summer experience than enjoying a cultural performance in a Royal Park on a warm summer’s evening.
Drink cocktails in -5°C at the Ice Bar
On a scorching summers day, London’s ICE BAR is the perfect place to cool down! You’ll spend 40 minutes dressed in a thermal cape and gloves inside the sculpted and themed ice bar, which is kept at a consistent -5°C! You’ll love exploring the ice sculptures and enjoying your cocktails which are served in ice glasses! Its the perfect place to provide fun, instant relief from the heat.
Hire a Boat
The majority of London’s lakes have rowing boats and pedalos available for hire during the warmer months. So if you don’t fancy getting in the water, why not hire a boat and get on the water? Our top picks are Hyde Park, Battersea Park, Victoria Park, Finsbury Park and Regent’s Park!
Seek out London’s best ice cream & gelato
London has some epic ice cream parlours and gelateria’s that are perfect to help you cool down on a hot day.
Finish the day on a high at one of London’s many rooftop bars
London has some of the world’s best rooftop bars, but unfortunately for a lot of the year the weather isn’t normally conducive to outdoor dining and drinking. There is a rooftop bar for everyone, and they are the perfect place to cool off with a drink or two and watch the sun set over the iconic skyline. I don’t think there is a better way to end a hot day.
If you’re planning a trip to London this summer, we highly recommend booking your stay at either The Montcalm at the Brewery London City or The Piccadilly London West End, two stylish and ideally located hotels for a your summer holiday!
Stay cool!
This post is brought to you in collaboration with The Montcalm Group.
Our opinions are as always, our own.
