Things to do in London during the Summer
Living at the end of the central line as we do, London is not that difficult to get to, and not that far away in the grand scheme of things either. But is it any fun to visit during the summer? Temping as it might be to think about lounging around on a beach (whether here or abroad) or exploring a field of blackberry brambles in the sun, there’s actually quite a lot of exciting stuff to do, just a short hop on a tube train away. For those studying in the capital, there is some great accommodation for students in London over the summer holidays so you can explore a bit instead of slaving away. Plenty of mainline trains run a quick service into London too, if you live in the surrounding ‘Shires (oh, ok Surrey, Essex and Kent…you too!). But in any case, wherever you are – already in London or outside in the suburbs – you can enjoy special events on almost every weekend of the summer months. Here is a by no means an exhaustive list of some of the great things you can get up to in London now the sun is (hopefully) out:
Great Music Festivals
Blowing off steam with your mates watching the best artists in the world is a fantastic way to make the most of the summer. The awesome news is there are festivals for lovers of every genre of music going on in London over the next few months. In June, Field Day festival returns with a typically epic line-up. British Summer Time in Hyde Park boasts a bill which includes Blur, The Strokes and Kylie (sounds good to me!). And if you’re more into the urban side of things, head off to Lovebox in Victoria Park which features some of the cream of the urban crop.
Theatrical Treats
No matter how many times I see The Lion King at The Lyceum, there’s always room for one more go! And if you aren’t so keen on lions? Well then, Hakuna Matata!* There is a fantastic programme of theatre shows on in the capital this summer. But equally, if you’d rather be enjoying the sun in the great outdoors, there are a whole host of outdoor theatrical treats on offer too. Shakespearean Midnight matinees at The Globe, the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival featuring a Kahlo-inspired aerial extravaganza, and Regents Park is hosting a ‘dark’ interpretation of the Peter Pan story (with the kids current Peter Pan obsession it might make a nice change from the usual mischievous Pan adventures!).
Outdoor Places to Enjoy
Ever done that thing where you keep on going to the same old pokey bar time and again, just because it’s the only place you know? Well, Summer in London is the perfect time to get out of that frankly-yawn-inducing rut! Pop up outdoor bars will be bringing smiles and pints to the lips of the city’s drinkers this summer, plus The Oval in Hackney plays host to the London Craft Beer Festival from the 13th August, capitalising on current tastes for glasses full of unusualness. But if beer isn’t so much your thing, then check out smokin’ Graciela’s Rooftop Bar which elevates the Queen of Hoxton to supercool heights – metaphorically and literally. And for those who want to go even more upmarket there is the Peroni Bar at The Parlour on Canary Wharf; perfect for enjoying a posh cocktail while you watch all the latest banking figures spin round and around in glorious giant orange figures on a huge sign or marvel at all the shiny, shiny glass buildings.
Exhibitions
But you know, the sun has a habit of sometimes being a bit elusive. And so, if it’s hiding away in Corfu or something, then don’t worry. You don’t need to hop on a plane to have fun…there are plenty of great exhibitions in London that won’t get ruined by the rain. A retrospective of the works of sculptor Barbara Hepworth at Tate Britain, a fantastic photography exhibition at the Science Museum and a collection of images of the iconic Audrey Hepburn at the National Portrait Gallery are just a few of the many on offer…
So grab your Oyster and get going – be a local tourist this summer and enjoy what the capital has on offer!
What will you be getting up to in London this year?
*It means ‘no worries’, for the rest of your days… (if you’ve seen the Lion King, you’ll get it. If not – go and see the Lion King!).
Leave a Reply