If you’re spending the summer in London before your next academic year begins, you’re in for a treat. Many people say there’s no better city to enjoy in the warmer months. With plenty of parks and outdoor spaces, pop-up events, and exciting exhibitions to explore, there’s always something to do. We’ve rounded up our top picks for summer in London, including lots of activities that are completely free, so you can make the most of the city even on a tight budget.
The Serpentine is a large man-made lake in the heart of Hyde Park, one of London’s most iconic outdoor spaces. Visitors can swim in the Serpentine Lido, a designated swimming area, or enjoy the lake from the surrounding sun loungers and café. For those feeling more active, rowing and pedal boats are available on the wider lake.
Nearby, the Serpentine Pavilion is a temporary architectural installation that changes each year and is free to visit. It provides a unique space for art, reflection, and relaxation.
For the latest information on swimming sessions, opening times, or pavilion details, visit the Royal Parks website and the Serpentine Galleries website.
While London doesn’t have its own natural seaside, there are a few urban beaches where you can enjoy sand, sun, and summer activities within the city.
In Fulham, Neverland offers day beds, cabanas, and beach huts to rent, along with games like mini golf and shuffleboard. You can even take part in yoga sessions on the sand.
At Ruislip Lido, you’ll find a large lakeside area with a man-made sandy shore perfect for sunbathing. Although swimming isn’t allowed, children can enjoy paddling in a dedicated pool, making it a family-friendly summer spot. The lido covers around 60 acres, providing plenty of space to relax by the water.
If you want to cool down in the water, Beckenham Place Park in south‑east London offers one of the city’s most popular swimming spots. The lake is open to the public for pre‑booked swimming sessions, providing a great place for a summer dip.
In addition to swimming, you’ll often find paddleboarding and other water activities on offer, and some sessions include options like SUP (stand‑up paddleboard) yoga. Availability varies throughout the season and with booking — check the current schedule before you go.
If you’re in London for the summer, make sure you tick off some of the city’s must-see attractions. Watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of them, and it’s completely free.
This ceremonial event happens when the Queen’s Guards finish their watch and hand over duties to the next shift. Rather than a simple switchover, it’s a full ceremony, complete with marching guards and brass bands, lasting around 45 minutes.
While you can view the ceremony from several locations, Buckingham Palace is the most impressive spot to watch it. For the latest schedule, including days and times, check the official Royal Collection Trust website.
Why not tick off several of London’s must-see sights at once by joining a walking tour this summer? Walking tours are a great way to explore areas of the city you might not otherwise visit, and there are plenty of free options available too.
Despite its size, London is surprisingly easy to explore on foot. You can follow one of the many self-guided walking tours available online, but joining a guided tour often brings the city to life. A knowledgeable guide can share hidden details, local stories, and historical insights you might otherwise miss. Popular options include themed walks such as Jack the Ripper tours, which explore London’s darker history.
Although many of these tours are advertised as free, they usually operate on a pay-what-you-feel basis. As a student, you’re not expected to tip much, but contributing a small amount is always appreciated and helps support the guides who run them.
You can find a range of free walking tours in London on the Free Tours by Foot website.
The BBC Proms take place every summer and run for around eight weeks, usually through to September. Music lovers travel from all over the world to attend this iconic festival, which features a wide range of performances across the season.
Concerts range from classical works performed by world-class orchestras to more contemporary programmes, including film music and well-known tunes from musicals. The largest and most well-known performances are held at the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, although events may also take place at other venues or be broadcast nationally.
Ticket prices vary depending on the performance and venue, with options to suit different budgets. Whether you’re a dedicated classical music fan or simply want to enjoy a unique atmosphere, the BBC Proms are a highlight of London’s summer calendar.
For the latest programme details and ticket information, visit the BBC Proms website.
The Kensington and Chelsea Festival is a summer arts celebration that brings together a wide range of creative events and performances across the borough. The programme typically includes everything from art installations and theatre to film screenings and fine art, along with participatory activities such as talks, guided walks, and self-led trails that you can follow on your phone.
The borough of Kensington and Chelsea is also well worth exploring in its own right, with beautiful historic architecture and lively neighbourhoods. While you’re in the area, make time to visit Portobello Road Market, which is known for its vintage clothing, antiques, bric-a-brac, and a great selection of food and drink.
For the latest festival programme and event details, visit the Kensington and Chelsea Festival website.
The Southbank Centre is a great place to spend a few relaxed hours, especially during the summer months. The area is well known for its pop-up food and drink stalls, offering a wide range of options and making it an ideal spot to grab something to eat while enjoying views of the River Thames and the London Eye. There is also a popular food market, which usually runs at weekends and adds to the lively atmosphere.
Beyond the food, the Southbank Centre is home to several major cultural venues, including the Hayward Gallery, Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Purcell Room. These spaces host exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year, making the Centre worth visiting in all weather and at any time of the year.
For current exhibitions, events, and food offerings, visit the Southbank Centre website.
This Docklands-based festival of street theatre brings large-scale performances and installations to public spaces, transforming the area with creative and immersive experiences. Known for its bold and playful approach to performance art, the festival attracts artists from around the world and offers visitors the chance to experience theatre in an unexpected outdoor setting.
Events often take place across the Greenwich Peninsula, with performances designed to be enjoyed by a wide audience while making the most of the surrounding urban landscape.
For the latest programme details and event dates, visit the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival website.
Take yourself around London’s world-renowned art scene
London is well known for its outstanding selection of museums and galleries, many of which offer free entry to their permanent collections. Whether you’re interested in art, history, design, or science, there’s plenty to explore. Some of our favourites include:
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
The British Museum
The National Gallery
The Natural History Museum
Tate Britain
Tate Modern
The London Mithraeum
There are many more museums and galleries across the city worth discovering. If you’re planning to do some studying over the summer before the next academic year, the V&A also has a beautiful library that is free to use and open to the public.
London is famous for its wide selection of parks and gardens, perfect for escaping the busy city. Whether you want some quiet time with a book or a spot to meet friends, exploring a park is a free and relaxing activity.
For central city green spaces, try Hyde Park or Green Park. If you want to venture further out, Kyoto Garden in Holland Park and the historic Crystal Palace Park offer beautiful scenery and unique attractions.
Take advantage of the warmer months by visiting one of London’s open-air cinemas. Many screenings are free and often feature classic films, giving you the chance to enjoy a favourite movie under the sky.
You can bring a picnic and watch with friends or on your own. Screenings take place in a variety of locations, from Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park to rooftops and ferries on the Thames. For the latest events and locations, search online for open-air cinema screenings in London.
Regent’s Park is one of London’s most picturesque green spaces, with formal gardens, tree-lined paths, wildlife, sports facilities, and even a zoo. Like other Royal Parks, it’s popular with both locals and visitors, and most areas are free to explore, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the scenery.
The park also hosts open-air theatre performances, ranging from Shakespeare to opera. These shows are held in the summer months and tickets vary in price, so check ahead if you’d like to attend.
Kew Gardens is one of London’s most beautiful green spaces, and during the summer it often hosts outdoor art and installation exhibitions. These exhibitions explore themes such as nature, sustainability, and the future of food, offering interactive experiences, workshops, and guided tours.
While the exhibitions themselves may be free, entry to Kew Gardens is required. Students are usually eligible for a reduced ticket price. Guided tours, such as those focusing on edible plants and sustainability, are often included in the ticket price.
For current exhibitions, ticket prices, and events, visit the Kew Gardens website.
London is full of iconic sights, and one of the best places to see them is the Sky Garden at the top of the Fenchurch Building, also known as the Walkie Talkie. This three-level glass atrium is free to visit and filled with tropical plants, making it a relaxing spot to enjoy panoramic city views.
For the best experience, it’s a good idea to book tickets online to avoid queues. You can also enjoy a coffee, pastry, or meal at the Sky Garden’s bars and restaurants.
Sky Garden also offers morning yoga sessions, where you can stretch and relax surrounded by greenery and incredible city vistas. Afterwards, take a walk around the garden and soak up the atmosphere.
For current opening times, tickets, and yoga sessions, visit the Sky Garden website.
Did you know you can watch proceedings at the Houses of Parliament from the public galleries? Whatever your views on politics, it’s a fascinating way to see government in action. Entry is free for everyone, and on most days you can turn up and join as a bystander.
For particularly busy events, such as Prime Minister’s Questions, it’s best to book tickets in advance to guarantee entry.
For current visitor information and booking details, visit the UK Parliament website.
If you want a summer event that’s truly unique to London, the Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and one of Europe’s largest street festivals. The parade winds through the streets of West London, bringing together dancers, floats, music, and street food.
Visitors can enjoy the sounds of steel drums, watch colourful performances, and sample traditional Caribbean dishes like Jerk chicken from the many food stalls along the route.
For the latest event dates and visitor information, visit the Notting Hill Carnival website.
Londoners love a rooftop bar, and for good reason. Whether in winter or summer, these open-air spots offer stunning city views and a lively atmosphere. While they may not be the most budget-friendly option, rooftop bars are perfect for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a memorable evening out.
Some popular options include Big Chill King’s Cross, Bussey Rooftop Bar, and Queen of Hoxton, all offering a mix of drinks, music, and great views of the city.
If you want to extend your summer in South London, there are plenty of music festivals taking place across the area. These events bring a mix of live performances, from well-known acts to emerging artists, and are a great way to soak up the summer atmosphere.
One popular festival is the South Facing Festival, held at the Crystal Palace Bowl. With a variety of performers and lively summer vibes, it’s a highlight of the local music scene. Tickets often sell out, so it’s best to book in advance if you plan to attend.
For the latest line-up and ticket information, visit the South Facing Festival website.
London has a thriving comedy scene, with performances from both established comedians and rising stars happening throughout the city. It’s a fun way to spend an evening, enjoy some laughs, and support local talent.
For free shows, check out Angel Comedy at the Camden Head. This cosy venue offers a welcoming atmosphere and regularly features a mix of new and experienced performers, making it a great spot to catch some of London’s best comedy.
For current shows and schedules, visit the Angel Comedy website.
There’s no shortage of things to do in London during the summer. Whether you’re exploring solo, with friends, or with family, the city offers activities for every interest and every type of weather. London is vibrant all year round, but in the warmer months, it truly comes alive!
