Unforgettable Summer Experiences in London

When it comes to London in the summertime, there's no shortage of fun things to do for any budget or lifestyle. If you need any ideas for places to go in any city places to eat or drink, go to @londonblockbyblock on Instagram. Cierra Block illustration is around blocks out of Wordly City, so it is the best independent place to visit.

Picnic in the park, whether that's Hyde Park, Regents Park, Primrose Hill, or St James Park, there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy your picnic. It is the perfect summer picky tea for everyone. Invite all your friends from a speaker ( though play quietly and respectfully), drinks and food with games, dare I say a football or two. So get your Gingham picnic blankets, sun cream, and prosecco and go out there, whether warm or not, to see the atmosphere and the possibility of a scoop or two of ice cream. 

Wimbledon is the tennis era in the UK.  It has a rich history and a fantastic sense of fashion. If you like strawberries and cream with Pimms, this is the place to be. Though tickets are sold, you can go into the area on a first-come, first-served basis and see the tennis on the big screen or the sidewalks. At some point, like most Brits, I take queuing to the next level and camp overnight in hopes of getting tickets first. So, if you are dedicated to sitting on the court, get that trusty pop-up tent ready. If not, Mossy will go down there and find a spot on the hill to watch the leading games on the screen. It is about tennis and the Royal Ascot, a fashion event, so get your fascinators and frocks out. Remember, some sensible shoes to walk in.

Outdoor cinema could be a local drive-through, which became more popular in the COVID era or a big screen. They are all around the UK national trust houses or manors, sometimes out of the classics, and incredibly family-friendly musicals. You can watch it from the Thames or on Brighton Beach. Everything is better outside, all snug as a bug in a blanket. With all the snacks and drinks one would desire, this is perfect for a date with friends or a solo adventure, but remember your glasses and get all cosy. The film is about to begin. ( places include Regents Park Peckham and Stratford Rooftop Film Club.)

What is more perfect than a summer boozy brunch from Bottomless with mocktails for those who do not drink, so everyone is welcome? Outside your classic pubs, Slug and Lettuce, Turtle Bay, and other chains, these are the best independent support for local businesses. Suppose you are looking to see the sights from the Thames. Kill two birds with one stone. Look up Thames dinner cruises to book. There is no shortage of things to do with a 3-hour party cruise with a live DJ with all the different types of alcohol, from fizz to beer to soft drinks. It also has a sunroof and areas if it rains, with options for vegetarians and vegans with all dietary requirements. If you want to explore a city on land, the peddle pubs are a perfect idea. It is a cart/carriage with peddles, drinks, music, and you peddle around the city.

What is more British than a pub? If it is for a Sunday roast to watch the summer of sport. London is the place to be if you have an afternoon free for a pub crawl. There is a pub on every corner, you can go to pubs around the Covent Garden, and you do not have to catch trains between them. If you have been to London in the summer, you will see everyone and anyone outside the pub on the streets catching and drinking away like it's a pastime. Make sure to pace yourself; maybe go to a floating bar, Tattershall Castle, the Albion, and the ship. 

Suppose you are looking for a quiet Sunday afternoon with greenery, or if you love the sound of music while you drink coffee and cake. The grand Somerset House used to be the home of the Duke of Somerset, with the ice rink in the winter and music in the summer, to be at peace in yourself and your surroundings. With Jazz playing at the Pavilion Cafe in Greenwich Park, you can also find many places with lovely music, karaoke, and live open mic nights for all your musical needs and desires.  

The London event of the summer, though not interested in a spot, is the Notting Hill Carnival. It is an annual Caribbean carnival event that has taken place in Kensington on the August bank holiday weekend since 1966. It is open to all and has perfect activities for families and children, with parades and adult days. There is something for everyone. It is not just about celebrating the rich Caribbean culture in the UK but also about relaxing and enjoying oneself. With steel bands dancing and sound systems, it's the perfect live event. It will have food and drink of Caribbean origin for those foodies. It is not just about food and dance but also heritage, art and culture, and it is one of the biggest carnivals in the world. There are 240 food stalls selling things like curried goat roti and jerk chicken.      

Seven Dials is the perfect place to take your picky eater friends as this food market has everything you need: burgers, pizza, chips, and, lastly, by no means, most miniature puddings galore. Being situated near Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square tube stops in the buzz on tourism there. It is a chic multi-level food court with a dozen micro restaurants, bars, bookshops, and event spaces. It also has a DJ and live music to boot. With 2 bars and 20 restaurants, it's the perfect place to pop in for food. There are outside tables till 10 pm when the sun is shining. You can book a table at the bar nan for tables of 4 to 8 every day but Saturday. It is accessible to all, with step-free access to vegetarian and vegan options for all those with dietary requirements. KERB, a membership organisation of London's most promising street food traders, created Seven Dials. The seven dials market is the first step in providing this indoors to drive culture and community together under one roof. That food atmosphere and drinks are perfect for a first take, as there will never be an awkward silence, and there is always something to talk about around you.

For The next one, you will need to adventure out of central London, and that is to pick your own. In the past, I have done strawberries, raspberries, and sunflowers. There is always something near you, even if you go on the hunt for some wild blackberries in preparation for your autumn crumbles. If you want to stay within the London boroughs, the Parkside Farm in Cockfoster has its pick-your-own, a perfect day out with the family or your girlfriends. Try not to eat before you buy. If you are looking to pick flowers, whether lavender or sunflowers, Google Maps is your best bet for finding a local field with all of them; remember to bring your secateurs to cut your flowers with. Tulley Farm always has events no matter the season and has, in the past, had sunflower picking as the perfect gift to drop around a friend on your way home.

If you are thinking of a cute second or third date idea or just some laughs with your friends, head to Hyde Park. It has more to offer than just a winter wonderland with its picturesque views. You forget you are still in central London. On all entrances, you will find rentable bikes. I hope to complete a couple of loops and end up by the lake. With the cafe nearby, you can get brunch, coffee and cake and jump in when that's all done. I'm only joking. Get into one of those peddle boats, if it is a swan or not and casually glide across the park. Some horses can be ridden in Hyde Park and Richmond Park if you do not enjoy water activities. Plus, there will always be activities during the children's summer holidays.

If you are a thrill seeker and love the feeling of adrenaline pumping through you, cold water swimming is perfect. Find your local Facebook group and drag a friend along. All you need are goggles, a swimming costume ( and a wetsuit or water top), and a buoyancy aid. The most well-known place to swim is Hampstead Health, a protected area for swimming online with a male and female plus mixed for those comfortable in different places. If you would rather be on top of the water, you can paddle down the Thames in a kayak and see the sights of the most famous river in Europe.

Finally, take a trip to Kew Gardens, which is not in central London. It has the most beautiful buildings, flowers, and plants to put in layperson's terms that we ungreen fingers would understand. Dare I say it is very Instagramable. With its parking, we drove in as it was easier and less stressful to check the rules for the emission zones surrounding your vehicle of choice. I drove there as a newish driver, which was not stressful. It is accessible to all, perfect for young children to be let loose with cafes and gift shops selling more than branded memorabilia with gifts and plans available too, but if you are like me, you kill them off too quickly, there is something for everyone. If you need fresh air or a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of central London, this is the perfect place to go with picnic tables for a perfect after-work ice cream.