8 things everyone visiting London during the summer must do
Summer has officially started. Marked by the ‘longest day of the year’ on 21st June, summer is here, the sun is shining and we’re ready to enjoy it.
One of our favourite times of the year, ask around the city when someone should visit London and it would be surprising if the vast majority didn’t say the summer. The winter is definitely quieter, which is a plus for some, and both spring and autumn have their own draws, but we can’t deny that London truly comes alive in the summer.
We’ve said it before, but there’s something for everyone in London, regardless of what your tastes and expectations are, and that’s never truer than it is during the summer months.
And so, if you’re coming to stay with us at DUKES London to enjoy all that London has to offer this summer, what exactly should you do?
- See the street entertainers at Covent Garden
It’s a simple one but it’s an easy one that everyone can enjoy – take a stroll through Covent Garden during the day and you’ll find numerous street entertainers wowing the crowds with magic or making them laugh with their antics. Traditional fun for all of the family (and it’s all completely free).
- Eat too much food in Camden Market
One of London’s most iconic markets, Camden Market has become known for its eclectic combination of styles in every sense of the word, and this shows itself particularly well when we look at the food that’s available.
Quite literally covering cuisines from right around the world, Camden Market is always a great place to try something new whenever you visit London, but when the outside areas are packed full of cooks during the summer, you can quite easily travel the globe for food without leaving the market.
- Watch an outdoor film
Perhaps a little surprisingly to some, London has quite an active outdoor film scene and whilst some try to operate the year round, it’s clearly much more enjoyable when it’s warm outside.
This article offers a brilliant insight into all that’s happening in the outdoor film scene in London this summer, but we’re expecting the showing of ‘Four Weddings And A Funeral’ at Westminster Abbey to be particularly packed out!
- Relax on the beach
London may be a train ride away from the nearest stretch of sandy shore, but that doesn’t have to stop you from feeling the beach underneath your feet when you’re in London.
During the warmer months of the year, numerous ‘urban beaches’ pop up throughout London. Giving you the chance to get that seaside feeling at Fulham or Hampstead (to name just two locations this year), it’s all possible without having to do more than take a short tube journey or two.
- Enjoy the music
A true centre for all things music, London comes alive during the summer months for music fans. With there too many options to mention, you’ve got everything from Wireless, British Summer Time and Arcadia right through to BBC Proms.
There’s one thing we can definitely say, though – if you love live music, you’ll find something perfect for you in London over the coming weeks.
- Explore Buckingham Palace
From the middle of July to the end of September, Buckingham Palace opens its doors to the general public. The official residence of Her Majesty The Queen, we can all see Buckingham Palace from the outside every day of the year, but it’s something special – awe-inspiringly so – when you can enjoy it from the inside.
- Soak up the atmosphere of Notting Hill carnival
If you’re coming to stay with us at DUKES London towards the end of the summer, not many would argue against the fact Notting Hill carnival is a spectacular event you should head to.
Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the carnival is undoubtedly loud and busy, but it’s always one of the most lively and welcoming event atmospheres you’ll find in London. Put on your dancing shoes and follow the thousands of others who’ll be dancing through the streets.
- Walk!
This isn’t the name of a West End show or a new restaurant, but simply that wondrous activity we can do where we head out into the beautiful world that is London.
When it’s spring, it can be a little too cold to stay out and wander the city at night. When it’s autumn, it can be too chilly for some to enjoy a morning walk. When it’s winter, the wind, rain and snow can make you want to take only the most necessary of journeys outside.
In the summer, however, you can rise at the first light at 5am and spend the whole day taking in the city.
What so many forget is London is one of the oldest cities in the world, with such a rich history. Whether you head north, east, south or west, walking through the city you’re guaranteed to find something that makes you stop and appreciate the true beauty of London.
Do what you want to do
London is a truly remarkable city and one that everyone can enjoy. Summer really does accentuate the many great points about the city and whilst we can recommend activities all day long, the reality is if you’re staying with us at DUKES London for the summer, you’ll find something that perfectly meets your needs every single day.
Image courtesy of vgallova