While there is always much to do in London, the summertime reveals an entirely other aspect of the city. As soon as the sun rises, London’s parks transform into shady social clubs, eateries clean off their outside furniture, fountains spring from dingy concrete squares, and all of a sudden, outdoor theater, music, and art fill the city’s air.
Even after spending your extra-long days and warm evenings seeing amazing art exhibits, famous landmarks, hidden gems, world-class theatre, and breathtaking parks, you’ll only feel like you’ve begun to scratch the surface. And that’s before you take into account all those iconic, historic London pubs, trendy restaurants, and exciting venues.
It might be intimidating to explore this city, but a smart place to start is with our London bucket list. Everyone can find something here, but you have to know where to look.
While there is always much to do in London, the summertime reveals an entirely other aspect of the city. As soon as the sun rises, London’s parks transform into shady social clubs, eateries clean off their outside furniture, fountains spring from dingy concrete squares, and all of a sudden, outdoor theater, music, and art fill the city’s air.
Even after spending your extra-long days and warm evenings seeing amazing art exhibits, famous landmarks, hidden gems, world-class theatre, and breathtaking parks, you’ll only feel like you’ve begun to scratch the surface. And that’s before you take into account all those iconic, historic London pubs, trendy restaurants, and exciting venues.
It might be intimidating to explore this city, but a smart place to start is with our London bucket list. Everyone can find something here, but you have to know where to look.
1. Visit Columbia Road, Flower Market
- Shopping
- Markets and fairs
- Bethnal Green
It is what? One of the oldest and most popular flower markets in London, bursting at the seams with all kinds of floral pleasures.
Why go? One of the greatest places in the city to buy flowers, bedding plants, cactus, and even a banana tree provided you have the patio space and upper body power to get it there, the Sunday flower market that borders Columbia Road is a weekend staple in east London.
Don’t pass up: The greatest flowers and deals. In all weather conditions, the market is open until 3 p.m., but for the greatest deals, you must arrive before 8 a.m. (or hold out to the end for a bargain on unsold stock). Discover charming cafés, stores, antique dealers, and galleries by exploring side alleys that adhere to market hours.
2. Watch tennis at Wimbledon
- Sport and fitness
- Leisure centers
- Wimbledon
It is what? Every year, the greatest lawn tennis event in the world is held in Wimbledon, a lush neighborhood in southwest London.
Why go? Wimbledon is more than just the oldest tennis tournament in the world; it’s also the real-life home of the fictitious Wombles and a windmill. However, summer is the greatest season to visit SW19. Every July, the world’s top tennis players gather to compete, and the biggest tennis fans arrive to sip Pimm’s, down strawberries and cream and enjoy sports glory on the sidelines. Get seats on Center Court, relax on Murray Mound, or watch the action on a giant screen for free on Aorangi Terrace, just outside the grounds.
Don’t pass up: Tickets. They are challenging to get. The top slots must be applied for by ballot (UK applications open in August before the event), however, there are also tickets available every day for anyone willing to wait in line.
3. Attend Shakespeare’s Globe as a “groundling”
- Theatre
- Shakespeare
- South Bank
It is what? A few hundred yards from its original location, a replica of William Shakespeare’s circular theater that was destroyed by fire was located.
Why go? It will be the closest you ever get to see the plays of Shakespeare as his Elizabethan audience did. The dilemma is whether to stand up or not. When attending a play during Mr. Shakespeare’s day, many spectators would stand up. Those that stood got an excellent and up-close view of the entertainment and were known as “groundlings.” This custom is still practiced at the Globe, where standing room alone costs £5. Since the motion is so compelling, it won’t be long before you realize your feet are hurting.
Don’t pass up: An after-midnight show. For one of these late-night performances, you’ll need to make reservations far in advance, but the rowdy atmosphere is worth it. Visit the local bar in beforehand for a few beers and perhaps a coffee to keep you up till the wee hours.
4. Enjoy the panorama from Primrose Hill.
- Things to do
- Primrose Hill
It is what? The name of the posh neighborhood that surrounds the grassy hill on Regent’s Park’s northern side.
Why go? While seeing the picturesque view of London’s skyline from Primrose Hill may be your main reason for visiting, it shouldn’t be the only one. An excellent area to people-watch, this well-kept extension of Regent’s Park is also flanked by upscale cafes and stores and frequented by some of London’s nicest dog walkers.
Don’t pass up: The twilight. Set your camera to “panoramic” as the sun begins to set to capture the beautiful rays it casts across the city. While London is drenched in magnificent orange light, play the game “spot the landmark.”
5. Dinosaur safaris are available in Crystal Palace Park.
- Attractions
- Parks and gardens
- Crystal Palace
It is what? This south-east London park was once the grounds of an enormous glass exhibition hall known as The Crystal Palace, which burned down in the 1930s.
Why go? For the dinosaurs. Yeah, you read that right. The park is populated with Victorian dinosaur sculptures, which are extremely anatomically incorrect. Hire yourself a pedalo and you’ll be able to admire the beasts which inhabit the shores of the lake from a brand new angle. You can even take a waterborne dinosaur selfie, which should win you a few Instagram likes. Other good reasons to visit the park include a maze and the ruins of the old Crystal Palace’s aquarium.
Don’t pass up: Capel Manor Urban Farm, where, when you’re done with the concrete animals, you can find real meerkats, pigs, horses and more.
6. Spend some time at the Dulwich Picture Gallery
- Art
- Galleries
- Dulwich
It is what? South London is home to the first purpose-built public art gallery in the UK.
Why go? One of our nation’s best architects, Sir John Soane, created this south London gallery with brilliant style that matches its outstanding collection. At least four Rembrandt paintings, as well as pieces by Canaletto, Gainsborough, and Van Dyck, are among the numerous Old Master paintings in the collection. Too little for you? It is in lovely Dulwich Village, offers wonderful family activities, presents fascinating short-term performances, and has a nice café.
Don’t pass up: Catch “Girl at a Window” by Rembrandt while you can because it has been stolen several times. Don’t forget to see the gallery’s remarkable internal tomb, which is eerily lit by Soane’s distinctive colored glass.
7. At the Natural History Museum, meet “Hope.”
- Museums
- Natural history
- South Kensington
It is what? A sanctuary for an astounding 80 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, rocks, and minerals. This South Kensington location, which doubles as a top-tier research facility, is full of marvels.
Why go? A man-sized model of a foetus, a dodo, a big sequoia tree, an earthquake simulator, and glow-in-the-dark crystals will all be right there for you to encounter.
Don’t pass up: The Hintze Hall’s ceiling is home to a massive blue whale skeleton that bears the word “Hope.”
Hope you enjoyed reading this?
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