What's on in London this summer?

Open-air and rooftop cinema, outdoor theatre, Notting Hill Carnival in August, Totally Thames across September, and food markets running all season.

Where can you swim outdoors in London?

Parliament Hill, Brockwell, London Fields and Tooting Bec lidos are all open through summer, and the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds run year-round for the brave.

What are the best free things to do in London in summer?

The Sky Garden at sunset, the Thames Path, the Little Venice canal walk, Notting Hill Carnival and wandering Borough Market cost nothing but the travel.

What can you do on the water in London?

Kayak the Regent's Canal with Moo Canoes, paddleboard with Active360, hire a pedalo, take a Thames Clipper, or hire a canal boat for the day.

While it lasts

Things to do in London this summer

Summer in London is short and glorious — don't waste it. Here's our running list of the best things to do while the sun's out: open-air cinemas, lidos and wild swims, river trips, outdoor markets and long riverside wanders.

We update it through the season, so check back. Sorted so you can find something for tonight or plan the whole weekend.

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

28 quests

One-offOutdoor / rooftop cinema (summer)Seasonal film nights in parks & rooftopsCitywide/One-off££

Drop-inParliament Hill LidoUnheated stainless-steel lidoGospel Oak NW5/Drop-in£

Drop-inBrockwell LidoBeloved 1930s lido + cafeHerne Hill SE24/Drop-in£

Drop-inLondon Fields LidoHeated 50m outdoor pool, year-roundHackney E8/Drop-in£

Drop-inTooting Bec LidoUK's largest freshwater pool; winter clubTooting SW16/Drop-in£

Drop-inHampstead Heath bathing pondsMen's/Ladies'/Mixed; year-round cold swimHampstead NW3/Drop-in£

Drop-inKayaking – Moo CanoesKayak/canoe hire on the canalsLimehouse E14/Drop-in££

ClassSUP – Active360Stand-up paddleboard lessons. Main base is Kew Bridge Arches W4; other bases at Ladbroke Grove W10 and Brentford Lock TW8.Strand on the Green W4/Class££

Drop-inPunting / pedaloCheap, classic summer dateHyde Park / Regent's/Drop-in£

Self-guidedKew GardensWorld-class botanic gardens; annual pass greatKew TW9/Self-guided£££

One-offSky Garden (free)Free rooftop garden atop 20 Fenchurch St ('Walkie Talkie'). Book a free timed slot ~3 weeks ahead online; limited walk-up. Great City views.City EC3/One-offFree

Self-guidedLittle Venice canal walkPretty free waterside stroll to CamdenMaida Vale W9/Self-guidedFree

Self-guidedThames Path walkingWalk any flat section, freeAlong the Thames/Self-guidedFree

One-offNotting Hill CarnivalFree; Europe's biggest street festivalNotting Hill W11/One-offFree

One-offThames festival / Totally ThamesFree river-themed art & eventsRiverside (September)/One-offFree

Self-guidedBorough Market grazing wanderFree to wander London's most famous food market (Mon-Sat; full market Wed-Sat, fewer traders early week). Go early to beat crowds. London Bridge tube.London Bridge SE1/Self-guided£

Self-guidedStreet-food market crawl (KERB)Graze top traders at Seven Dials etc. Seven Dials Market WC2 is KERB's flagship; other KERB sites include Camden Market NW1 and Canary Wharf E14.Seven Dials WC2/Self-guided£

Self-guidedFrisbee golf + picnic comboCheap relaxed date; bring foodParks/Self-guided£

Self-guidedUber Boat by Thames ClippersCommuter boat as cheap sightseeingThames piers/Self-guided£

One-offCanal boat day-hireSelf-drive electric boats; no licenceVarious basins/One-off£££

Drop-inMini-golf – Plonk / BirdiesIndoor & outdoor crazy golfVarious/Drop-in£

Self-guidedGeocachingFree GPS treasure hunt; thousands hidden in LondonEverywhere/Self-guidedFree

One-offGo Ape Trent Park (high ropes)Treetop course + zip lines; near youCockfosters EN4/One-off£££

ClassRowing – learn to rowMany clubs run beginner 'learn to row' coursesThames clubs/Class££

Clubparkrun (free weekly 5k)Free timed 5k every Sat 9am; register once50+ London sites/ClubFree

Drop-inOur Parks outdoor fitnessFree council-funded outdoor classesParks citywide/Drop-inFree

ClubHockey club (field)England Hockey 'Back to Hockey' beginner sessions + local club nights. Find a club online.Citywide/Club£

ClubRugby – touch / socialEngland Rugby O2 Touch - mixed, no-contact, social. Find a session online; pay per session.Citywide/Club£

Questions people ask

What's on in London this summer?: Open-air and rooftop cinema, outdoor theatre, Notting Hill Carnival in August, Totally Thames across September, and food markets running all season.
Where can you swim outdoors in London?: Parliament Hill, Brockwell, London Fields and Tooting Bec lidos are all open through summer, and the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds run year-round for the brave.
What are the best free things to do in London in summer?: The Sky Garden at sunset, the Thames Path, the Little Venice canal walk, Notting Hill Carnival and wandering Borough Market cost nothing but the travel.
What can you do on the water in London?: Kayak the Regent's Canal with Moo Canoes, paddleboard with Active360, hire a pedalo, take a Thames Clipper, or hire a canal boat for the day.

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