When most people think of London their minds go to grey gloomy weather and continual rain. Although most of the year is brolly weather, summer in London can be quite the opposite. Big Ben, the Royal Family, fancy restaurants, huge parks, a bustling big-city vibe and so much more – there’s a whole lot to love about London. The perfect mix of old and new, London has something for everyone.
Discover the brutal history of the Tower of London and take a walk along the vibrant South Bank. Admire the views of the city’s iconic skyline from Greenwich Park and be sure to ride a double-decker bus while you’re there. If you love art galleries - from the National Gallery to the Tate Modern - you will be in art heaven!
When is summer in London?
Technically speaking summer in Britain starts on the 21st of June and ends on the 23rd of September. June, July and August are the UK's warmest months, with long sunny days, occasional thunderstorms and, in some years, heatwaves.
What is there to do in summer in London?
With so many events going on in London each summer, it's hard to pick what to do and where to go (especially this year, with summer 2022 being the first restriction-free summer since 2019).
Why visit London in summer?
The summer is a great time to visit, with warm (even hot!) weather where you can make the most of London's green spaces, beer gardens and rooftop bars. Temperatures average 18°C (64°F) and can go above 30°C (86°F) – perfect if you're attending one of London's summer music festivals or outdoor cinemas
To help you out, we've picked out our favourite things to do in the capital, whether you want to watch films under a canopy of stars, rock out at music festivals, or just eat and drink your way around London town.
In this sunny article you will find the following highlights this summer season:
- Outdoor culture in London
- Cultural events
- New exhibitions
- Music festivals and events
- Food and drink events
- Local festivals
- Sporting events
- Family-friendly things to do
- Things to do during a heatwave and;
- Platinum Jubilee celebrations
So without further ado, let’s get right into it, shall we?
Outdoor culture in London: summer 2022
When the sun comes out, London takes the roof off. If it rains, well, then you get wet. So pack an umbrella. But it’s all in good fun, so throw caution to the wind and join in on the British summertime celebrations.
We list a few of our al fresco favourites below;
SUMMER BY THE RIVER
Running until 2nd September, this year’s festival is bringing 1930s Miami vibes to the banks of the Thames over three locations – The Scoop, Hay's Galleria and The Pier. Open-air festival Summer by the River is packed full of open-air gigs, theatre shows, film screenings, bingo and karaoke nights, with a pop-up bar and restaurant too.
SCULPTURE IN THE CITY
From the 21st of June, all sorts of weird and wonderful creations land at the Square Mile for Sculpture in the City. The free, open-air art trail has works by 19 different artists, with one piece already on display in Aldgate Square.
OUTDOOR CINEMA
It wouldn't be summer in London without a plethora of pop-up outdoor cinemas and rooftop film screenings. Some are already underway, others begin in June, and others only showcase later in the summer.
UNDERBELLY
Running from May through to July this year, Underbelly Festival has two London locations, namely; at Earl's Court and Cavendish Square. Book ahead for comedy, cabaret and crazy acrobatics and circus acts. Stay a while and enjoy the open-air food stalls and bars.
GREENWICH AND DOCKLANDS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
From the 26th of August to the 11th of September the free outdoor performing arts festival Greenwich and Docklands International Festival is back, for two weeks of art, dance, and theatre in its outdoor locations. The full 2022 programme will be available in June, but a highlight already announced is a rainbow island of foam that will be taking over the Greenwich Peninsula.
Cultural events in London: Summer 2022
LONDON FESTIVAL OF ARCHITECTURE
A celebration of architecture and 'city-making', the London Festival of Architecture programme is jam-packed with more than 400 events throughout the month of June, from public displays to walking tours, talks, debates and performances — including some family-friendly events too. Some highlights to note are; pop-up bike parking, a rocking bench and a full-size recreation of a Lebanese house.
OPEN GARDENS WEEKEND
London Square Open Gardens Weekend on the 11th and 12th of June is a chance to explore London's green spaces. Enjoy a range of greenery from small private gardens to larger areas like Eaton Square, usually only accessible to local residents with a key.
SUMMER LIGHTS
when Canary Wharf's Winter Lights event got postponed until Summer last year, Summer Lights was created and we are happy to report that it's back again this year from the 21st of June until the 20th of August you can discover temporary art installations around the Canary Wharf area, each chosen for the way they make use of natural light to create kaleidoscopes of colour.
LIFT
The London International Festival Theatre ( LIFT) takes place from the 23rd of June to the 10th of July at venues across London, allowing up-and-coming stars of music, dance and theatre to have their moment to shine. Strange wonders await as you discover ghost stories in a shopping centre, witness a climate opera performed on a beach, or watch Pinocchio reimagined as a story of gender transition.
TWILIGHT AT LONDON ZOO
We are thrilled that London Zoo's late-night openings are back for the adults. Twilight at London Zoo is a rare chance to see the animals at sunset while taking in street food and live acoustic music Tours take place on Thursdays and Fridays from the 30th of June to the 22nd of July.
MAYFAIR ART WEEKEND
One thing is for sure, Mayfair has no shortage of art galleries, a fact celebrated during Mayfair Art Weekend. Get a chance to visit all of the participating galleries and enjoy the Mayfair Sculpture Trail through the district as well as plenty of family-friendly activities from the 24th to the 26th of June.
FERIA DE LONDRES
Hablas español? In celebration of Spanish food and culture, the Feria de Londres takes over Guildhall Yard from the 1st to the 3rd of July. Indulge in food as you savour Spanish music and flamenco performances and workshops as well as other family fun.
PRIDE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
On the 2nd of July, The Pride in London Parade is going to be huge this year as 2022 marks 50 years since the first-ever Pride took place in London. To commemorate the occasion, the parade will take the same route as it did in 1972, marching from Hyde Park to Whitehall.
HAMPTON COURT PALACE GARDEN FESTIVAL
Didn't make it to the Chelsea Flower Show? Head to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival instead from the 4th to the 9th of July. Wander the palace grounds and see specially designed gardens, and enjoy demos on design, gardening, floristry and much more.
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL
Citywide event London Design Festival celebrates the top-notch design work going on around the capital, across architecture, project design, graphic design and more. Events usually include talks, tours, special installations, exhibitions and more — keep an eye out for this year's programme. 17-25 September
HYPER JAPAN FESTIVAL
For the love of all things Japanese, head to Hyper Japan, a celebration of Japanese culture from the 22nd to the 24th of July. Be greeted with food and drink stalls, live performances, a market and sake tasting. It's easy when you're big in Japan!
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
West London will be alive with noise and colour as Notting Hill Carnival takes to the streets for the first time since 2019. Be moved by the rhythm and soul as Mas, Soca and Calypso celebrations parade through the streets with Caribbean culture from the 27th to the 29th of August.
OPEN HOUSE LONDON
This annual event that takes place from the 8th to the 21st of September is always exciting with a chance to go inside London buildings which are usually closed to the public. The full programme has yet to be announced, but in the past, we've managed to get inside the St Pancras Clock Tower, Battersea Power Station (before the recent redevelopment), Bush House and many other iconic structures.
New exhibitions in London: summer 2022
A mock-up of 2022's Serpentine Pavilion, Black Chapel, designed by Theaster Gates. © 2022 Theaster Gates Studio. Usually, summer is pretty quiet for new openings on the London art and museums circuit, but there are a few fresh exhibitions opening up from June-September 2022.
DIPPY RETURNS
From the end of May, one of London's most famous museum exhibitions, Dippy the (replica) diplodocus returns to the Natural History Museum after its national tour, starring in a special exhibition. It's only running until December, so be quick if you want to say welcome back.
PENNY WORLD
The works by artist Penny Goring spanning the last 30 years are on display in the new exhibition Penny World, at the ICA. From the 8th of June to the 18th of September, the works exhibited stem from the artist’s personal processing of trauma, and include sculptures, drawings, paintings, poetry and videos.
TIFFANY & CO
Saatchi Gallery opens an exhibition about famous New York-based jewellery company, Tiffany & Co. Vision & Virtuosity celebrates the jeweller's 150th anniversary in London from the 10th of June until the 19th of August, with 400 objects from its archives on display, alongside cultural references such as the script from the iconic Audrey Hepburn film Breakfast at Tiffany's.
IN THE BLACK FANTASTIC
For all those who enjoy a trip to the gallery to enjoy some of the finest artwork around, a trip to Hayward Gallery's new exhibition, In the Black Fantastic, would be an amazing activity to include! This exhibit combines the unknown with ideas of Afrofuturism. The exhibit displays the works of 11 contemporary artists that focus on African diaspora and looks to comment on our understanding of the world around us. This exhibit can be seen from 29 June-18 September 2022.
ETERNALLY YOURS
Are you someone who is interested in the concept of making something that has been broken, beautiful again? If this sounds like you, Somerset House is hosting a free exhibition called Eternally Yours, and it focuses on the care, reuse and re-healing of the things around us. One of the most popular examples of this kind of art can be noted when looking at the Japanese art of kintsugi. This artform looks to focus on repairing things that are broken and making them even better than they were before, showing the beauty in imperfection. Have you got something you have in mind that needs to be fixed? The good news is that they have an on-site shop that can help you repair an object that may be broken! This exhibit takes place from 16 June-25 September 2022 and should not be missed!
SERPENTINE PAVILION
For those who may not be familiar with the different events that take place in London each year, the Serpentine Pavilion has a temporary structure that goes up each year in Kensington Gardens. If you are visiting London from 10 June to 16 October, you can freely visit the beautiful gardens and see what this year's structure has to offer! This year you will be able to see what is called Black Chapel! This year the design has been developed by Theaster Gates, who is an artist from Chicago, and architects from Adjaye Associates who collaborated on the design.
ROYAL ACADEMY SUMMER EXHIBITION
It is not often that you get the chance to see the works of both up and coming and established artists sitting next to one another and freely displayed, which is why the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition happens in London every summer to do just that. This year's theme is ‘Climate’ and the exhibition will be held from 21 June to 21 August, so be sure to visit before it closes!
Music festivals and events in London: summer 2022
When it comes to finding some of the best and most exciting music festivals, London in the summer is the place to be! While we could not possibly name them all, we have come up with just a few of our very favourites to be sure you go to!
ABBA VOYAGE
Who doesn't love a good ABBA song? Mamma Mia, here we go again! If you are a Mamma Mia fan you should be sure to get tickets to Abba Voyage! When attending this concert, you can expect to enjoy a ton of the iconic ABBA songs, both new and old! There are many different concerts that all take place in Stratford, From 27 May!
EFG LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL
While this jazz festival is actually in November, there will be a Summer Series that takes place from the 22nd to the 25th of June where the Barbican will host a couple of concerts! For those who would rather enjoy this concert while embracing the warm summer weather, now is your chance!
BST HYDE PARK
Now this is an event that should not be missed and after two years of cancellations due to Covid restrictions, BST Hyde Park is back and ready to rock your socks off! With some of the biggest names in music performing, this pop-up festival in Hyde Park is the perfect concert to enjoy and is spread out from the 24th of June to the 10th of July! Be sure to get your tickets soon, as some events have already sold out!
WEST END LIVE
For those who enjoy nothing more than a night of dress-up, exciting shows and the theatre, on the 25th and 26th of June, be sure to head down to Trafalgar Square and enjoy any of the dazzling West End Live performances! Be sure to look up the times and dates of the various shows to be sure you do not miss out on seeing your favourites!
KEW THE MUSIC
From the 5th to the 10th of July, grab your picnic baskets and the kids and head down to Kew Gardens for live music from some of the world's top artists and bands.
Food and drink events in London: summer 2022
For those foodies who call London home, the summertime is the chance to really enjoy the taste of the city! With tons of festivals and events, all centred around decadent dishes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds, London in the summer is any food lover's dream! Here are just a few of the most exciting, and a few exotic, foodie events to be sure you hit over the summer period!
TASTE OF LONDON
From the 15th to the 19th of June, you will be able to get a taste of all of your favourite restaurants at the Taste of London! Whether you are just in for the delicious food from your favourite locals or are hoping to discover something new, do not miss this fantastic event!
COCKTAILS IN THE CITY
If you are lucky enough to be in the city over July, September and August, you should be sure to look out for the Cocktails in the City events that take place on certain days. From masterclasses where you can learn to make your favourite cocktail to dressing up fun, these events are so much fun to attend!
GIN & RUM FESTIVAL
This year's Gin & Rum Festival is adding a bit of a unique twist by throwing tequila into the mix! Gin, Rum and Tequila, what could go wrong? Quench your thirst from the 8th to the 9th of July by attending this fun and interesting festival!
LONDON WING FEST
If you are a connoisseur when it comes to all things chicken, you will have to be sure to attend the Wing Fest! If your idea of a competition is two chicken wing shops going head to head, with you as the taste tester, be sure to look out for when this event is being held!
LONDON CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Does your idea of a good time include beer, beer and more beer? If this sounds a bit like you, be sure to include the London Craft Beer Festival in your summer itinerary and mark off the 12th and 13th of August! With over a hundred different vendors, a ridiculous amount of beer and live DJs set up, I don't think you could ask for anything better!
LONDON DESSERT FESTIVAL
This one is for all of our readers with a bit of a sweet tooth! If anything drizzled in chocolate and sugar sounds like your idea of a good time, London Dessert Festival is on from the 12th to the 14th of August! Let your inner child out, break that diet for the weekend and enjoy sweets and treats galore!
Local festivals in London: Summer 2022
The smaller towns lying on the outskirts of the city have so much culture and history to share, which is why over the summer period there are tons of different local festivals to enjoy! The following are just a few of the favourites!
WANDSWORTH ARTS FRINGE
From the 10th to the 26th of June the Wandsworth Arts Fringe programme will be taking place and with over 150 events and live performances, with a focus this year on dance, a trip down to enjoy a day with the family would be great! From picnics to teaching musical instruments, there are tons of events to choose from!
GREAT EXHIBITION ROAD FESTIVAL
South Kensington is known for the magnificent museums and what better way to celebrate the arts, science and history than by attending the Great Exhibition Road Festival! There are live performances and panels for the parents to enjoy and tons of activities that are sure to keep the kids thoroughly entertained. Head down to South Kensington on the 18th and 19th of June to take part in the fun!
TOTALLY THAMES
An exciting day spent along the river is exactly what to expect when you attend the Totally Thames programme! Whether you are hoping to enjoy a trip down the river by boat or are happy to learn about its history of it from the shore, be sure to visit from the 1st to the 30th of September!
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL
If you are a big fan of Chelsea, be sure to attend the Chelsea history festival and learn all about this region of the United Kingdom! Dates are still to be confirmed, so watch for any information that comes out!
Sporting events in London: summer 2022
We know there must be a few avid athletes in London this summer, and we have a ton of sporting events to be sure you participate in! If sport is not really your thing, these events always need supporters to help cheer those participating on!
WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE
Now, this one will not be for everyone and you may want to look away as the sea of naked bike riders participate in the World Naked Bike Ride. If you are fine with enjoying a cycle and letting it all hang loose, this cycle race may just be the one for you! The route changes every year and riders cycle along together in a group, but be sure to pack in some sunscreen and make sure to put it EVERYWHERE! This race is estimated to take place on the 11th of June, but exact details are still to come!
WOMEN'S EUROS
One of the most popular sports to enjoy in the UK is football! If you are a fan and are planning to be in the UK from the 6th to the 31st of July, now is your time to get tickets to see the Women's Euros live in action! To be sure you know what you are getting into, who is playing and where, here is our full guide to the Women's Euro tournament!
WIMBLEDON
Whether you are a tennis fan or not, everyone has heard of Wimbledon! As one of the biggest sporting events of the year, it would be a once in a lifetime experience to be able to enjoy the action courtside. If you are in London from 27 June to 10 July, be sure to try and secure tickets to this coveted event! If you are unable to get tickets and watch in person, not to worry, here is our guide to the best places to watch Wimbledon 2022!
DRAGON BOAT RACE
If you plan on heading out to South Dock in Canary Wharf on the 7th of July, be sure to enter a team into the dragon boat racing event, which is held in support of WaterAid. If you do not feel like taking part, you can head down and cheer the other teams on from the side-lines!
Family-friendly things to do in London: summer 2022
If you are looking for an activity that would entice the entire family, we may have just the thing for you! The following activities are perfect for the entire family, and are sure to keep the kids entertained!
HOBBLEDOWN HOUNSLOW
For a day out in the sunshine and for a chance for the kids to get to enjoy an animal sighting or two, you should head down to Hobbledown Heath Hounslow from the 1st of July! There are tons of different things to do and see, with a barn, a farm with some animals and even a birds of prey display that will sure to keep the entire family entertained.
LAMBETH COUNTRY SHOW
What better way to enjoy a hot day out with the family than at a country show! On the 16th and 17th of July, the Lambeth Country Show will be coming to London, with different farm animals, sheep dogs, food stalls and even some live music for the parents, this is any child's dream day!
Things to do in London in a heatwave
When you think of London, a heat wave is typically not the kind of weather you expect, but they do happen! Here's a look at some of the best things to do if you happen to be in London during that peak summer weather!
URBAN BEACHES
London may not be the place you think of when it comes to sandy white beaches, but they do have the next best thing! London's pop-up urban beaches offer a fun day out for the entire family, and if you happen to visit during a heatwave, it may be the best spot to visit in the city! There are different, more exclusive places to enjoy if you are looking for something a bit high-0end and there is also a great area for kids to enjoy, bringing the best of both worlds together for a fabulous day!
BOATING
Spending a day rowing or paddling around one of the London boating lakes is one of the most perfect ways to enjoy a hot summer day in the city! throw on that life vest, slather on your factor 50 and head down to the lake, canal or pond to enjoy some time out on the water!
ROOFTOP BARS
What better way to enjoy the heat of the summer sun than at one of London's rooftop bars? Whether you plan to make an afternoon of it or are more hoping for a quick cocktail to cool you down after a long day of work, a trip to a rooftop bar is always a grand idea!
BEER GARDENS
If rooftop bars and cocktails are not really your thing, enjoy a drink or five at London's beer gardens! they get packed with people quite early on so be sure to head down early to make sure you get a good spot.
GET OUT OF TOWN
Just because you are in the city does not mean that you cannot venture out of town and enjoy some time in the more remote parts of London! There are tons of fabulous places to venture to if you are hoping to enjoy a bit of break from city life, though if you are not sure where you want to head, check out the Beyond London section for a couple of ideas!
Platinum Jubilee celebrations: summer 2022
A Jubilee event is a celebration on its own, but this year is particularly special as the Queen celebrates her 70th year as a monarch! Though the Jubilee is over, there are tons of other ways to enjoy celebrating the occasion through summer!
SUPERBLOOM
In honour of the Platinum Jubilee and the celebration of the Queen's 70th year as monarch, there will be an event called Superbloom! This is going to be beautiful as a wildflower meadow is being planted right in the tower of London's moat! This garden will be open to the public from 1 June-18 September 2022 and should not be missed!
JUBILEE AFTERNOON TEA
What is more royal than sharing an afternoon tea? Sharing a Jubilee afternoon tea of course! To celebrate the momentous occasion, these menus have all been crafted with the idea of a Jubilee celebration in mind! Do as her royal highness and celebrate the auspicious occasion in style, with a Jubilee tea set for a royal!
VISIT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
If you are hoping to get a brief glimpse into the lives of the royals, what better way to do so than by getting a tour of The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace! During the summer, from July 22 to October 2, the palace opens its doors to the public, allowing us to briefly get an idea of the sheer opulence and beauty that is normal everyday life for the royal family! Who knows, maybe you'll bump into the Queen herself!
And there you have it! Our concise list of things to do in summer of 2022.
If something caught your eye, why not speak to one of our travel experts today and hop on over to London to enjoy it in person?
