Summer in London can feel short, so it’s worth having a few ideas up your sleeve. The city has something for pretty much everyone. Even if it might take time to narrow it down.
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With that in mind, here are 14 ways to keep yourself entertained in London before autumn arrives.
Visit the Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the major local tourist sites, attracting more than 2.8 million visitors in 2025 alone. William the Conqueror had the tower built in 1066, and it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Visiting the Tower of London is a must if you want to immerse yourself in the capital’s rich history. You can feast your eyes on the Crown Jewels, which have been on display since 1661, in a dedicated exhibition.
Summer is an especially good time to go. The Tower puts on extra exhibitions and events, everything from art installations to actors wandering the grounds in character.
Take a Spin on the London Eye
It’s important to warn you that if heights make you uneasy, it might be best to skip this one. But if you love a good view over a skyline (when it’s not foggy), the London Eye delivers.
The London Eye has been attracting visitors since it opened in 2000. It stands at a jaw-dropping 443 feet tall and was the highest public viewpoint for over a decade, until the Shard’s observation deck in 2013.
While you’re on the London Eye, you can spot some of the city’s biggest landmarks. St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament are just a few.
Take Part in University Summer Courses
If you’ve been meaning to do something creative but never quite get round to it, summer might be your excuse. Picking up a new skill is enjoyable, and as a bonus you’ll meet people and come away feeling like you actually achieved something.
The University of the Arts London runs a Summer School every year, with courses lasting anywhere from two to four weeks. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner, an experienced artist, or coming back after a break, you’ll find something that fits. The range of ages and interests they cater to is broad.
Sessions happen across several campuses, including Chelsea College of Arts, Wimbledon College of Arts, Camberwell College of Arts, and Central Saint Martins.
Can’t make it to a college each week? Online courses are available over summer, too.
Take a Seat at Open-Air Theatre Shows
Open-air theatre events take place across London over the summer, with new and classic plays performed outdoors. Theatre groups present shows at Kew Gardens, Regent’s Park, and other popular sites.
One thing worth knowing is that some productions are family-friendly while others are strictly grown-ups only. Check the age guidance before you book, and don’t leave it till the last minute either. The popular ones sell out fast.
A few venues do food and drink as well. Pizza and a glass of wine while the sun goes down is hard to beat. Just keep in mind you sometimes have to order refreshments in advance, so have a quick look at the event website or drop the organisers a message.
If you want to make a last-minute booking, there are plenty of places to use free Wi-Fi in London. But use a top-rated VPN to stay safe on public networks, as they’re usually unsecured.
See Classic and Contemporary Art at The National Gallery
The National Gallery works well for a quick afternoon wander even if you do not normally care much for museums. It’s right in the centre of town and houses centuries of paintings ranging from early Renaissance work to post-impressionist pieces.
During the summer season, the gallery extends its opening hours on certain days of the week, allowing visitors to browse the galleries after normal working hours. Closing times shift depending on the specific exhibition running at the time, so check the schedule online beforehand.
The National Gallery’s exhibitions and displays vary, but you can either wander at your leisure or join a guided tour.
Tour Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the major tourist hotspots in London, drawing visitors across the world. It can get very crowded, so choose your times carefully. Weekdays right when doors open or later in the afternoon tend to be quieter than right in the midday.
The palace opens its State Rooms to the public during a brief window each year between July and September. This period gives people access to nineteen distinct rooms, including the Throne Room and the Picture Gallery. The surrounding gardens also host various outdoor events and family activities during the summer months.
Catch Retro Movie Screenings
Cinemas across London frequently run retrospectives and vintage screenings throughout the warmer months. Venues like the Prince Charles Cinema regularly program old favourites, giving audiences a chance to catch movies from decades past, like The Goonies, Heat, or Clue.
Finding a screen is rarely difficult since the capital hosts well over 100 independent venues and multiplexes. Popular screenings sell out quickly, so check the weekly schedules early and secure seats in advance. You won’t be disappointed at the box office then.
Feast Your Eyes on Masterpieces at the V&A Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington is free to enter and open seven days a week. You can experience a number of exhibitions during the summer, covering diverse art forms and themes.
New and classic works of art are displayed around the V&A Museum, with more than 2,000 paintings alone. These include pieces by Brueghel, Constable, Turner, Rossetti, and other masters of the craft.
Discover Amazing Flowers and More at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is one of the most popular botanic gardens in the UK, having been founded in 1759. It features a massively diverse collection of flowers, plants, and more.
One of the more unusual displays is The Hive, an installation that recreates a beehive on a grand scale. Containing one thousand LED lights glowing in response to the vibrations of on-site bees, it’s a sight to behold.
You can also walk through the sumptuous Rose Garden, while the Palm House has tropical plants from multiple rainforests.
Take in a Panoramic View of London at the Sky Garden
Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London, offering a full 360-degree view of the city. Stand on one of the observation decks or the terrace to take in London like never before.
Also at Sky Garden, you can drink at two bars: Sky Pod and City Garden. The Darwin Brasserie, Fenchurch Restaurant, and Larch Restaurant serve different types of cuisine, too.
Sky Garden is free to enter, but spaces fill up fast. Advance booking is required.
Experience Live Music at Summer Festivals
London offers an eclectic mix of summer music festivals, with options for all tastes. Whether you prefer rock, pop, dance, or jazz, you can enjoy live music across the city.
All Points East, for example, is a popular festival housed in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets. Its lineups include big and smaller acts, while multiple events take place around the festival, too.
See the City After Dark in London Night Tours
London night tours allow you to see how beautiful London is after dark, with the major landmarks artistically lit up. As the sun sets later in summer than during other seasons, later tours are ideal for seeing an illuminated London.
You can find trusted companies offering walking and bus tours online, with specific routes. Whether in an open-top vehicle or on foot, night tours can give you a new appreciation for London.
Most tours must be booked in advance, but some are more flexible. Book the latest tours you can to make the most of the night hours and avoid the daytime heat.
See London from the Thames with Boat Tours
The Thames River is iconic, beloved by Londoners and tourists. Several companies offer boat tours along the Thames, which is a relaxing way to see some of London’s top sights.
Different types of tours are available. For example, Thames Rockets offers high-speed boat tours of the Thames every single day (starting at the London Eye Pier).
But be aware: Thames Rockets tours aren’t for everyone. If you feel uneasy on water or in fast vehicles, try a more laid-back experience instead. You can see footage of the vehicles in action on the company’s website, so take a look before you book.
Get Involved with Community Fun at the Notting Hill Carnival
The Notting Hill Carnival is a free street party held every year in West London. It’s free to enter, but it can get incredibly crowded, so keep that in mind if you prefer a calmer environment.
The carnival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend, with lots of food, music, and performances to enjoy. The three days of the carnival offer plenty of variety.
Friday is the Steel Band Competition Day, while Sunday is Families and Children’s Day. Monday is Adults Day, featuring elaborate costumes, dancing, and live music.
Enjoying Summer in London
London offers you parks, museums, events, and so much more. It’s truly one of the best places to spend a couple of your summer days.
The last tip would be to always check the weather forecast before you go out. People say that London can experience all four seasons in one day, which is not empty talk. Make sure you’re prepared for heat, rain, and everything in between. Pack plenty of sun lotion, loose clothing, water, and handheld fans. When you’re ready for the weather, you can focus on having fun and making memories that last.
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