Things To Do In London August 2022

It’s summer 2022, and London is your Oyster! ...Why do you think it’s called an Oyster card?

However, sometimes making plans in London can be overwhelming! London is a big city with a lot going on and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start looking.

There’s also a misconception that everything in London is expensive. While this cliche exists for a reason, it’s not true when it comes to making the most of the capital in summer! Days and evenings out don’t have to be expensive. This applies to couples, families, work drinks and more - there’s something for every one in London, on every budget.

We’ve put together a guide for the best things to do in London this summer! Read on to get some inspiration for the best ways to enjoy London this summer and make some bank holiday weekend plans!

Go for a picnic in one London’s iconic parks

Why a picnic? Spending time outside, taking in the scenery, inhaling clean air, and appreciating the outdoors is something that Londoners sometimes forget to do! It’s easy to avoid this if you’re in your office and on the tube most of the time. Plus, for most of autumn and winter its near impossible to picnic outdoors. It’s also the perfect opportunity to try out some new recipes. Remember the recipe book you got for Christmas and haven’t looked at since? A fun picnic in London is the perfect time to use it. This also saves money by preparing meals at home.

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A picnic is one of the best things to do in London... But in which park?!

Regent’s Park has something for everybody. Although a perfect location for a picnic, there’s also an endless list of things to do in this huge park! Families can enjoy visiting the animals at ZSL London Zoo, taking an iconic boat across the boating lake. You can even stroll through the beautiful rose gardens which is home to a whopping 12,000 roses. If you get bored of soaking up the sun on your picnic, there are also tennis courts to keep you busy, and Oxford Street isn’t too far away.

Battersea Park is a hidden gem, just moments from the beautiful newly rejuvenated Battersea Power Station. This 200-acre Victorian park is a green haven with a large lake to walk around, children’s play areas, a famous art gallery, state-of-the-art sports facilities. With 200 acres of park, you won’t be short of some picnic space.

Representing North London is Hampstead Heath, where can enjoy your sandwiches on top of Parliament Hill while taking in stunning views of London. It’s even got its very own swimming ponds should the sun be shining. Found in South Hackney, Victoria Park is the oldest public park in London. It’s jam-packed full of canals and ponds, as well as a large green space for a picnic in the sunshine. There’s also a deer enclosure, tree walk events and café in the hidden in the middle of the park.

Hyde Park is famous for hosting Winter Wonderland every year, but is a beautiful and quintessential part of London all year round. Hyde Park is home to the Serpentine, where you can rent a boat or even swim if you’re brave enough. There’s also a beautiful rose garden if you want some pretty views with your picnic.

Richmond Park is the biggest park in all of London, at a staggering 2,500 acres. As the largest royal park, you can expect hundreds of deer enjoying the open space as well as a range of other wildlife including bats, birds and wildflowers. There are also stunning views which stretch so far you can see St Paul’s Cathedral - which makes for a beautiful view for a picnic!

Head East and explore Greenwich

London's Greenwich neighbourhood, where the hemispheres collide and modern architecture coexists with Royal heritage, is a stunning, vibrant region with a rich history. There are so many things to do, and whatever your hobbies, you're sure to find something you'll enjoy. You can arrive by DLR (a fun experience in itself), by boat or by train. Escape the hustle and bustle. There are incredible views from greenwich park. London cable car for views of the O2 arena.

Home to not only a beautiful park with incredible views, the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College including the fabulous Painted Hall, London’s cable car, Greenwich Market, Greenwich Park and The O2 Arena. Thats quite an impressive portfolio of things to do in London! Back to the park - Greenwich Park is London’s oldest royal park with unbelievable views of London.

There’s a Royal Observatory, which allows you to stand on the famous Meridian Line, which runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, therefore allowing you to stand simultaneously in both the East and the West. As this park used to be used as a hunting park you can still expect to see a small herd of deer living there.

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One of the best things to do in London this summer: The Tower of London's Superbloom

Only here for summer 2022, The Tower of London's Superbloom is this summer’s newest outdoor art installation to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee year of Queen Elizabeth II. The Superbloom display has transformed the iconic moat into an explosion of flowers, colours, nature, sounds and scents! In the 13th century the moat was filled with water and used to defend the tower, and it has now become a new habitat and a green haven for pollinators, insects and seed-eating birds. Since its original usage, the moat has been drained, grassed-over and used as a grazing ground for Victorian livestock, and even as allotments during the Second World War. The exhibition follows a one-way system through flower-lined paths set to a specially commissioned soundscape by composer Erland Cooper to enhance all of the senses. This is definitely suitable for all ages, and is only available to visit this summer as a limited time jubilee celebration.

View from The Shard

The Shard is 306m tall, meaning that London is home to Europe's tallest building! The viewing platform (The View from The Shard) offers views from 244m high, and sights over London for up to 40 miles. Even the bathrooms have incredible views! With the summer sun shining, going up The Shard in clear weather will mean you can make the most of the view and spot all of your favourite landmarks. This experience is reasonably priced, and has lots of add-ons depending on what you’d like to add to your experience. For example, you can purchase photos, champagne, a private area to sit in with a good view etc. This experience is suitable for all ages and all occasions!

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Catch a street performance in Covent Garden

If you’re looking for something fun to do in London this summer, Covent Garden is the perfect place! Buskers and entertainers in Covent Garden have a long history, dating all the way back to Punch and Judy puppet plays in 1662! King Charles II reclaimed the throne after the Puritan Oliver Cromwell's death in 1658 and promoted English culture, particularly by approving the Opera House and the Theatre Royal - which are both in Covent Garden. Covent Garden is the perfect setting to join other Londoners and tourists to watch street performances, magic shows, incredible singers/bands - all for free! There’s also shops, pubs, restaurants, cafe’s and theatres surrounding Covent Garden.

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Stroll through Portobello Road Market and Notting Hill

The perfect place in London for a couple of hours walking around and taking in the sights. Strolling around Notting Hill you can’t help but stumble upon beautiful houses, quaint mews, bookshops, record shops, and lots of familiar scenery from films such as Notting Hill or About Time. You could walk around and not spend a penny! Or you could buy treats at Portobello Road market, stop for a delicious lunch at an independent deli, or if you’re with friends or a partner, stop at a pub.

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Try something new at Borough Market

If you haven’t been to Borough Market yet this summer - why on earth not! Not only do they have a fantastic atmosphere with hustle and bustle, the smells of fresh food being prepared, people laughing and drinking, but they also have the best restaurants and food stands! Our recommendation is humble crumble, where you can buy a very delicious and very extravagant version of an apple or rhubarb crumble. Think flavoured custard, toppings and combos! Check out their instagram to see their latest creations.
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