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If you’re planning a trip to London in the summer, or you have arrived in London on a beautiful summer day, you may be wondering what the best activities are in the city to make the most of the weather.


This article will be your London summer activity guide, pointing you in the direction of the very best outdoor activities and other things to do in London in the summer!

The London Eye

The London Eye (also known as the Millenium Wheel) is located on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is a huge structure at 135 meters tall and takes around 30 minutes to ride.

Queues can be large, so it’s best to book in advance where possible. Each capsule on this giant ferris wheel carries up to 25 people and gives incredible views of the city.

In addition, if it’s a really special occasion, you can even book things like meals and massages in the pods at an additional cost.

Thames River Cruise

The Thames river cruise picks up from multiple locations around London including Westminister Pier, Embankment, Tower Bridge Pier, and Greenwich Pier.

It offers a completely different perspective of the city and educational talks from the guides on the different buildings you can see from the boat.

The great thing is, that the cruise runs lots of pick-ups every day and therefore you can hop onto the boat between other attractions and enjoy the sunshine on the water.

Hyde Park

As food and drink can be expensive in London, enjoying a picnic in Hyde Park may be a wonderful way to spend a few hours and relax in the sun.

Hyde Park often has events on too, so you might even get more than you bargained for.

The park is wonderful for tennis, riding, and walking, and gives some beautiful greenery in an otherwise bustling city.

London Zoo

If you’re a fan of the zoo then the London zoo is a great outdoor attraction. Boasting an impressive range of species, experiences, and talks, it is a fantastic activity for the young and old alike.

Open Top Bus Tour

If sightseeing is your bag, then the iconic London bus tour with the twist of an open top is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.

The highly entertaining hosts will talk you through all of the sights you pass on route, and the tickets are hop-on, hop-off, which means if there is an attraction you’d like to see closer up, you can simply jump off the bus and get back on it after an explore!

Some providers also combine this ticket with a river cruise ticket, allowing you to have a full sightseeing experience.

Street Theatre Convent Garden

Covent Garden is famous for its street theatre. On any given day you could be treated to a magician, living statue, mime artist, or miniature play! It’s worth having a walk around to see what is on during your visit.

Photos At Horse Guards Parade

A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without taking a photo alongside a guard in a red uniform.

The best place to do this is in Horse guards Parade, Whitehall or the Tower of London.

These iconic pictures will certainly be one for your photo album!

Abbey Road Zebra Crossing

Beatles Fan? Why not visit the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing and have your own Beatles-style photo shoot!

Walking Tours

London has some really interesting walking tours, one of the most popular ones being the Jack The Ripper Tour, which will take you around the locations where Jack the Ripper’s victims were discovered.

On the tour, you will learn about the infamous killer and what happened to his victims!

There is also a ghost walk and this is a must for any horror fan.

The Shard Outdoor Viewing gallery

The Shard, whilst generally an indoor attraction, has a wonderful outdoor viewing gallery on level 72. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch before taking in the breathtaking views of the city from a height.

Oxford Street Shopping

If you fancy a spot of retail therapy on a sunny day, then forget the shopping centers and head to the amazing high street on Oxford Road.

Oxford Road is famous for its collection of shops and is a wonderful way to kill a few hours in London!

The Changing Of The Guard

The changing of the guard is a ceremony you can watch free of charge at Buckingham Palace. It doesn’t occur every day, so you should check in advance when the next change is, but usually occurs every other day and between 10 am and 11 am.

Arriving early is a good idea, as this event always draws a crowd.

Summary

London has so much to offer and on a warm day, there are still plenty of things to do in London outdoors. Most are best off being pre-booked to save time and money.

Attend an English Course with ABC School during your visit to London - to find out more get in touch with our friendly team now!