There’s nowhere quite like London in the summer. The parks come alive with blooms of colour and the sounds of wildlife, pubs, bars and restaurants are packed and it just feels that bit brighter and happier. It’s a fantastic city any time of year, but it just feels extra special in the summer. Whether you’re heading here for a short break or as a stop off as part of a wider European trip, you want to make the most of the warm weather. In this article we take a look at some easy ways for you to do this.
Book a hotel with a pool
London is a city packed with some of the most glamorous and fantastic hotels in the world. There is something for everyone, from beautiful boutique hotels to large, luxury hotels and everything in between. There are also many with swimming pools, both indoor and outdoors or London hotels with hot tubs you can make the most of. These all mean you can make the most of the warm weather and relax in the water. If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, you could leave your things in London luggage storage when you check out and head to one of the many outdoor public pools that the city has to offer. It’s a great way to cool off!
Take a picnic in one of the parks
From Regents Park to Hyde Park, there are a myriad of beautiful green spaces for you to have a picnic in London. This is one of the best ways to take in the city and you can enjoy the best of what it has to offer. You can either make your own picnic, or order one from many of the restaurants. Plenty of places offer hampers or takeaway options, some hotels even offer packages including picnic blankets you can borrow. Bring some drinks, a speaker to play some music and you’ll have a beautiful afternoon soaking up the nature and the vibrant buzz of the city.
Go on a walking or bike tour
When the sun is shining, you don’t want to be crammed into the tube or on a bus. Instead, why not plan to see the city in a more fun way, either by bike or a walking tour. There are many companies that offer these, or you can find a map online and rent a bike yourself. You can cover so much ground, heading past all the main sites such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the museums and the Houses of Parliament. Heading by foot enables you to find hidden streets you wouldn’t otherwise and stumble across some real hidden gems. If you do decide to go on an organized tour, they’ll be able to show you some of the best spots to go.
Head to one of the outdoor foodie spots
London in summer turns to an absolute foodie haven, with so many beautiful places to go and get your culinary fix. As well as the usual spots, many fling open their doors and have outdoor tables so you can enjoy the best meals al fresco. There’s nothing quite like eating some of the most delicious food from the city, while also soaking up the views. You can dine in one of the many rooftop bars with sprawling views spread below you, or choose somewhere right in the thick of it – the choice is completely up to you!
Take a boat tour
There are a host of boat tours on offer in London, where you can feel the breeze on your face and get a whole new view of the city itself. You could choose one of the many tours that heads down the Thames, or opt for a boat hire in a park such as Hyde Park where you can take pedalos or rowing boats out onto the water. This means you can enjoy the best of the city from an entirely new view, and really feel the sun on your face. It’s a great activity for the whole family!
These are just a few things you can do to really enjoy a long weekend in London in the summer. With such a wide array of activities to enjoy, restaurants to dine in and places to see, there are so many ways to make the most of your time. What are some ways you enjoy a long weekend in London in the summer? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Photo by Dominika Gregušová from Pexels
