As the warm weather graces the bustling streets of London, the city comes alive with a plethora of activities and attractions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our top picks below to make this summer season utterly unforgettable.
1. Wimbledon
Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like tennis whites, strawberries and cream and Pimms at Wimbledon. If you couldn’t nab tickets for the Championships from Monday 30 June to Sunday 13 July, or aren’t up for day‑ticket queues, fret not. London will be awash with free big‑screen broadcasts in high‑resolution glory!
This summer, public screenings can be caught at:
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Covent Garden Piazza
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Granary Square (Everyman on the Canal, King’s Cross)
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St Katharine Docks (“Screen on the Water”)
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Canary Wharf (Canada Square Park)
2. Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Explore the magnificent grounds of Hampton Court Palace during the annual RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.
Running from Tuesday 1 July to Sunday 6 July 2025 (first two days for RHS members only), this festival invites you to admire breathtaking floral displays, pick up expert gardening tips, and soak in the heritage ambience of a historic royal courtyard.
Nestled along the palace’s Long Water and in Home Park, the event blends horticultural innovation with centuries of Tudor and Baroque grandeur—a perfect union of gardening and history.
3. Regents Park Open-Air Theatre
Enjoy an unforgettable evening at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, nestled in the picturesque Queen Mary’s Gardens. With seating for roughly 1,240, this charming amphitheatre hosts a wide range of performances, from Shakespearean classics to family-friendly musicals and contemporary plays.
The 2025 season runs from 10 May to 20 September, so you can soak up theatre under the stars throughout the summer. Whether you’re revisiting a timeless classic or experiencing a bold new production, this open-air venue delivers an enchanting mix of drama, culture, and nature.
What’s on:
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Noughts & Crosses (adapted from Malorie Blackman’s novel by Dominic Cooke) – 28 June to 26 July, offering a gripping stage interpretation.
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Brigadoon (adapted by Rona Munro) – 2 August to 20 September, a mystical musical set in the Scottish Highlands.
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The Enormous Crocodile – 15 August to 7 September, a delightful family musical based on Roald Dahl’s story.
4. Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
Take advantage of this limited opportunity to explore the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace during its Summer Opening, from 10 July to 28 September 2025.
Marvel at 19 opulently furnished rooms, the Grand Staircase, Throne Room, Ballroom, White and Green Drawing Rooms featuring masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Rubens. Don’t miss the King’s Tour Artists exhibition in the Ballroom, showcasing new Coronation portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Whether you’re a royal enthusiast, art lover, or curious explorer, this Summer Opening offers a rare, immersive glimpse into the lives, tastes, and traditions of the British royal family.
5. Summer by the Thames Festival
Join the Summer by the River Festival at London Bridge City from May 29 to August 31, 2025, for a vibrant, free celebration of music, food, film, and culture set against the iconic Thames riverside.
Explore the lively stages at The Scoop, Hay’s Galleria, and The Pier, featuring live concerts, Shakespeare (e.g., Much Ado About Nothing & Macbeth double‑bill), dance workshops, BBC Introducing sets, competitive karaoke, and hip‑hop takeovers.
On Tuesdays, settle in for open‑air cinema screenings, titles include Despicable Me 4, Moana 2, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Wicked sing‑alongs, and more.
Meanwhile, riverside bars including the striking new Glasshouse Terrace and The Pier’s Aperol bar will serve spritzes, cocktails, craft beer, and street‑food specials.
Top it off with yoga classes, family theatre (like The Dragon Wagon), and sports screenings (Wimbledon, UEFA Women’s Euros). This is London’s largest free outdoor festival, offering nearly 100 days of summer joy along the Thames.
6. Notting Hill Carnival
Saturday 24–Monday 25 August herald the return of Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street festival.
Watch elaborate floats and costumed performers winding their way along the W10 parade route, dance to vibrant steel-band, soca and calypso rhythms, and savour mouth-watering Caribbean street food at hundreds of stalls.
Sunday (24 Aug) is a joyful Family & Children’s Day, featuring a shorter, kid-friendly route and lively J’ouvert festivities. Monday (25 Aug) is the full-blown Adults’ Carnival Parade, where massed masquerade bands, sound systems, and up to two million revellers celebrate together.
7. BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
Whether you’re a devoted classical enthusiast or thinking “not my thing,” the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall (18 July – 13 September 2025) offer something for everyone. Over eight weeks and 86 concerts, you’ll experience orchestral titans, captivating solo features, and immersive events, from the opening gala and Beethoven’s Fifth to the quirky “Traitors Prom” and the all‑female Last Night.
There are fun, themed proms for newcomers, while purists can enjoy anniversaries, premieres, and international orchestras. With standing tickets from just £8, it’s an unforgettable opportunity to dive into London’s biggest and most inclusive classical music festival.
8. Pride Parade
Get ready to celebrate love, unity, and pride at London’s main Pride parade on Saturday, 5 July 2025, starting at 12 noon. The colourful procession will begin at Hyde Park Corner, march through Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket, pass Trafalgar Square, and finish at Whitehall Place.
Expect hundreds of floats, around 30,000 marchers, and a festival of creativity and joy—from live singers, dancers, drag performers, steel-pan bands, to lip-sync battles and more. With crowds of over one million spectators anticipated, this is Europe’s most energetic street celebration.
9. Open-Air Cinema Screenings
During the summer months, several outdoor venues across London host open-air cinema screenings. From classic films to contemporary favourites, enjoy a movie in stunning locations such as Hyde Park (via BST’s Open House), Summer Screens at Canary Wharf, or catch screenings from Luna Cinema across parks and gardens around the city. Additional great spots include rooftop venues in Peckham and Stratford, Kew Gardens, and canal-side screenings at King’s Cross—each offering its own unique cinema vibe.
10. Festivals and concerts
British Summer Time Hyde Park (27 June–14 July) boasts headline acts like Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan & Gracie Abrams, Zach Bryan, Hugh Jackman, and Electric Light Orchestra – tickets essential and limited.
Wireless Festival returns to Finsbury Park (11–13 July) with a mega Drake triple‑header – an unmissable event in the hip-hop calendar.
11. The UEFA Women’s Euro
The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland this July, and London is gearing up to cheer on the Lionesses in style. With England facing France, the Netherlands, and Wales in the group stage, expect a summer filled with passion, pride, and pub roars.
Whether you’re watching from a buzzing fan zone like Pop Brixton or soaking up the energy at Boxpark or The Prince in Fulham, there’s no shortage of places to catch the action. From big-screen outdoor screenings to inclusive community watch parties, London promises an unforgettable atmosphere as the nation rallies behind the reigning champions.