Things to do This Summer in London (2026 Guide)

London springs into life in summer. High octane music festivals are unleashed on the capital’s iconic green spaces. Sophisticated and thought-provoking outdoor culture feels as if it can be found around every corner. Outdoor bars with extraordinary views of the city are bustling with revellers as the sun sets later than usual.

There are enough things to do this summer in London to fill your calendar many times over, so, whether you’re looking for things to do in central London, or further afield, we’ve compiled the ultimate London activity list to make your summer stay special.

Why Summer is the Best Time to Visit London

Whether you’re looking for things to do near London Bridge, or in the surrounding neighbourhoods, the city is packed with activities to enrich your stay, regardless of the season. However, considering the warmer weather and longer daylight hours — days can last as long as 16 hours in June — it’s tough to beat summer in London.

Longer days means more events and time for activities, and summer is when we see more world-famous events, more scope for you to see London’s iconic architecture, and outdoor spaces coming to life on every corner. London is an excellent place to visit at any time of year, but it’s extra special in summer.

London’s Best Summer Events in 2026

• The Championships, Wimbledon (June 29 – July 12): The most famous tennis tournament in the world returns to SW1, as Jannik Sinner defends his Men’s Singles trophy, as Iga Swiatek will for the Women’s. Whether you explore the ground courts, strawberries and cream in-hand, or take a Centre Court seat with a Pimm’s, Wimbledon is an unmissable occasion.
• Shakespeare’s Globe Summer Season: The Globe Theatre is one of the premier cultural landmarks in the city, and it’s an essential spot for theatre buffs. Right on the South Bank of the River Thames, the Globe lets you enjoy guided tours, take part in workshops and lectures, and, of course, watch plays. This summer you can watch Shakespearean classics such as Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
• Notting Hill Carnival (August 29-31): There’s no better place to let your hair down in London than what’s considered Europe’s biggest street party. 2026 sees the famous celebration of Caribbean culture turn 60, so expect a raucous blowout of parades, live music, and food stalls.

For the full rundown, including dates, recommendations, and advice, take a look at our guide to the best summer events in London for this year.

Enjoy London’s Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces at Their Best

• Stroll on the South Bank: A summer walk on the South Bank is one of the best ways to see the centre of the city. Outdoor bars and restaurants spill out onto the pedestrian-friendly, riverside promenade, with popular attractions like the London Eye and Southbank Centre offering plenty to do. Head to Borough Market as the sun sets, grab a drink and some street food, and enjoy.
• Relax in a park: Historic spots like Greenwich Park are the perfect places to visit in London in summer, and enjoy a picnic with a view, but just remember to always pack a light raincoat; UK weather can be temperamental at the best of times. There’s plenty of culture to be found in the capital’s green spaces, too, with BST Hyde Park festival taking place in summer, and the Taste of London food festival taking over Regent’s Park in June.
• Take in the view at a rooftop bar: An alfresco drink is great in London in summertime, but it’s even better when you take things up a notch — or several. The views of the city at sunset are enhanced many times over by seeing them from a high vantage point, so consider taking your choice of tipple in well-known options like the Sky Garden, Netil360, and Wagtail.

If you’re looking for a hotel near Borough Market to put you in close proximity to diverse cuisines on your doorstep, the London Bridge hotel is perfectly placed to put you in the centre of things this summer.

Culture and Exhibitions Worth Booking This Summer

• Tracey Emin at Tate Modern (February 27 – August 31): London’s home of international contemporary and modern art is an essential stop on your tour of the city, but Tracey Emin’s ‘Beds and Bodies’ exhibition is not one to miss. Running until the end of August, the show includes painting, video, textiles, neons, writing, sculpture, and more to use the female body to question boundaries of art, pain, and healing.
• National Portrait Gallery: London’s National Portrait Gallery boasts the world’s largest collection of portraits, and entry to the building’s permanent exhibitions is entirely free. There’s plenty to do and see without paying a penny, but there are some temporary exhibitions taking place over summer that are paid, including Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait (June 4 – September 6), which explores the star’s life, career, and legacy through portraits.
• V&A East Museum: While everyone should experience the vast collection of historical objects at the flagship V&A in South Kensington, the newly opened V&A East museum in Stratford’s Olympic Park is not to be missed. The new site opened in April this year and is dedicated to global contemporary culture. This includes their first landmark exhibition, ‘The Music is Black: A British Story,’ which follows British Culture through the lens of Black British Music from 1900 to present.

Tip: You can have a trip full of cultural enrichment regardless of time and money, but it is worth booking in advance for the most popular paid exhibitions, to avoid missing out.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in London in Summer

• SNUG Soft Play: Only open in summer, SNUG is a soft play area in King’s Cross aimed at younger children. Here, the equipment isn’t fixed, like you’d find in a normal play park — instead, soft and tactile shapes can be found, with which children can experiment, play with, and build. There’s also no shortage of restaurants in the area to ensure your kids’ energy levels are topped up.
• St James’ Park: One of London’s finest and most historic parks, St James Park offers all sorts for the whole family, including beautifully serene nature, wildlife spotting, and free play areas in the heart of the capital. What’s more, the park is just around the corner from Buckingham Palace, so you can witness the changing of the guard if you time your visit right.
• London West End Theatre Kids Week (July 20 – August 31): The theatre is one of the best things to do in London this summer with your kids, as Kids Week Performances let you bring one child below the age of 17 for free alongside an adult paying full price, or half price for two children. Some Kids Week shows will also include special activities pre and/or post-show.

London in the summer is a great place to take the whole family, and London Bridge Hotel’s accommodation options include larger Studio Suites and Deluxe Rooms, so you’ve got all the room you need for your trip.

Where to Eat and Drink in London This Summer

• Street Food Markets: No London stay would be complete without a trip to Borough Market, London’s oldest and most famous food market, but also consider the Southbank Centre’s diverse riverside selection, and Bermondsey’s less-crowded Maltby Street Market for trendy, top-tier food traders.
• Pub Gardens: A pint of warm beer in a pub garden in summer is a quintessentially English tradition. Check out Fulham’s The Crabtree for riverside views, The Spaniard’s Inn in Hampstead for authentically-British surroundings, and the vibrant spaciousness of Brixton’s The Duke of Edinburgh. Make ours a fish and chips!
• Afternoon Tea: Speaking of British traditions, indulging in a classic afternoon tea is right up there. Usually between 3-5pm, it’s an ideal opportunity to rest in the afternoon after a busy day of sightseeing, and tide you over between lunch and dinner. Expect tea, clotted cream and scones, and finger sandwiches. There’s even champagne if you want to add a touch of class to your London Bridge Hotel afternoon tea.

If you’re exploring takes you to central London, at London Bridge Hotel we have just what you need for a delicious culinary stop-off. Experience a traditional English buffet in our relaxed Londinium Restaurant or the sophistication of our stylish Quarter Bar & Lounge.

Day Trips from London This Summer

• Brighton: At just over an hour by train from London Bridge station, Brighton’s famous seaside city has plenty to do on a summer’s day, including the iconic Victorian architecture of Brighton Pier, vibrantly bohemian shopping in The Lanes, and stunning pebble beaches.
• Windsor: Also around an hour from London Bridge train station, Windsor is a distinctly royal spot in nearby Berkshire. Home to the official residence of King Charles, Windsor Castle, you can also see the famous Eton College, and take the family to one of the country’s best theme parks, Legoland.
• Kew Gardens: Home to the world’s most diverse collection of living plants, Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an excellent day out at a little under an hour from London Bridge by train. It’s not just for the green-fingered, either: Kew the Music is a week-long festival returning to the site this July.

London Bridge Hotel’s location puts it just opposite the main entrance to London Bridge train station, making it an ideal spot for travel around the city, day trips to nearby areas, and transport to and from Gatwick, London City, and Heathrow airports.

Why London Bridge Hotel is the Perfect Place to Stay in London This Summer

• Location: Located in the Shard Quarter, we’re right opposite London Bridge’s main entrance. That’s walking distance from Borough Market, Tate Modern, Tower of London, and more. Experience the best central London has to offer in summer, without the headaches.
• Competitive prices: We have a range of accommodation options to suit individuals to families, and short or long stays. Take advantage of our £129-per-room weekend deal and find out other ways you can save on our offers page.
• Perfect for summer: If you don’t want to brave the heat of the London Underground in summer, benefit from being walking distance to London’s flagship attractions and outdoor experiences, and cool off with an al fresco drink.
• Delicious food and drink: Start with a cooked or continental breakfast at our Londinium Restaurant, retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle for afternoon tea or a drink at the Quarter Bar & Lounge, and indulge in some room service with our in-room dining options.
  

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