After a dark and cold winter, summer seems to have arrived with full force and the hot weather (it actually reached 33 degrees in the capital last month!) has really brought crowds out.

Wherever you look at the moment, you’ll see locals hanging out in pubs, visitors to the capital taking boats down the River Thames, along the South Bank, and exploring the Royal Parks, and that’s before you’ve even factored in the crowds you’ll see at pop-ups, free outdoor events and strolling across green stretches in the city, including lovely Hampstead Heath in our neck of the woods…

July’s a fine month to visit the British capital and with the blue skies and sun shining, the city has a charm that is hard to resist.   Here are a few of our ideas for what you can do in London this summer, whether you’re a culture vulture, a foodie, a shopper or a sun-worshipper…!

1. Somerset House Summer Series - 10th to 20th July

Returning to the capital for eleven nights, running from 10th to 20th July, this ‘summer series’ is a must-visit for anyone who loves live music.

Situated next to the River Thames, this year’s mix is no less eclectic than previous, with a blend of legends and newbies.  Whether you’re into electro-swing, folk, r&b, indie or rock, you’ll find something to enjoy,  The line-up includes Australia’s ‘Paper Kites’, songwriters Jacob Banks and Freya Ridings  and The Snuts, a Scottish indie band. . 

Somerset House is also just a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, so if you arrive in the area early you can grab a drink or a bite, or just wander the area and soak up the good vibes.  Or simply cross the river and wander along the South Bank, enjoying the spectacular views of the city…,

Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/somerset-house-summer-series

Tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)


2. Wimbledon Tennis Tournament - 30th June to 13th July

Arguably the most difficult, and possibly the most prestigious of the Grand Slam tennis tournaments, Wimbledon opens this year on Monday 30th June at its famous home - the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, located in leafy south London.

Anyone who’s lucky enough to pick up a ticket will enjoy a day of incredible tennis, and get the chance to tuck into bowls of traditional English strawberries and cream (a time-honoured tradition).  Champagne will be flowing (although don’t forget to drink lots of water, as it’s often hot) and Royal Family aficionados might even be lucky enough to spot the Princess of Wales in attendance, who is a firm fan and patron of the club…

For those who don’t have tickets, don’t give up though - just get up early and join the famous ‘queue’.   Each morning, a limited number of tickets are released to the general public - you don’t know where you’ll end up so it’s a bit of a lucky dip, but definitely worth it for anyone who loves this sport.

Wimbledon Tennis Tournament

https://www.wimbledon.com/index.html

Tube: Wimbledon (District line)


3. British Summer Time (BST) Concerts in Hyde Park - 27th June to 13th July

For anyone who loves live music, the British Summer Time (BST) Concerts are the place to be in the summer.  Held for the tenth year now, in London’s beautiful and famous Hyde Park, there’d always a great line up and this year is no exception.  Kicking off on 27th June with the Californian pop star Olivia Rodrigo, the festival runs for three weeks and there’s something for everyone.  

Performers this year include the country singer Zach Bryan, the Irish rock quartet Florence Road, new kid on the block Beebaboobee, jazz group Ezra Collective, legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young and the one and only Stevie Wonder.  

And if the weather’s good, arrive early and spend some time in the park - with a boating lake, the Serpentine Gallery and Kensington Gardens on its grounds, it's the perfect place to wile away a few hours.

BST Concerts

https://www.bst-hydepark.com/line-up/

Tube: Marble Arch (Central line)

4. Everyman on the Canal with Free Cinema - All of July 

Regent’s Canal is one of London’s most loved walkways, stretching from Little Venice in the west all the way out to Hackney in the east.  But it’s the Kings Cross part to which you should head if you want to watch a movie outdoors, this July, sitting pretty in a deckchair, and with no damage to your wallet.

Over 100 films are being screened this summer as part of the Everyman on the Canal festival, ranging from Disney Classics such as (the Jungle Book and the 101 Dalmatians to blockbusters - Ghostbusters and Singing in the Rain.    Those who hanker for period dramas shouldn’t miss Pride and Prejudice, and nature lovers will be thrilled to know David Attenborough’s ‘Ocean’ has a showing.

So pack a picnic, and head down for an afternoon or evening of fun. Just arrive in plenty of time, because deckchairs are limited!  

Everyman on the Canal https://www.everymancinema.com/everyman-on-the-canal-in-kings-cross/Tube: KIngs Cross (Piccadilly, Northern, Metropolitan and Victoria lines)


5. Hampstead Big Fair - 6th July, all afternoon

Finally, on our very own street, the Hampstead Big Fair will take over the road (no traffic allowed) Sunday 6th July for an afternoon of revelry.  From 12 pm to 5pm, Heath Street will be filled with food stands, artisan craft stalls,  small designers, and pop-ups selling delicious ice cream.  

It’s truly a great opportunity to pop in and support local businesses, which makes London the special city it is.  Not to mention enjoy yourself in north London whilst you're at it  - check out some of Hampstead’s best pubs, wander down to Belsize Park and Primrose Hill, or just head off afterwards to the Heath for a picnic or a swim at the famous bathing ponds there.

Oh, and it’s a stone’s throw from our guest accommodation, so why not pop into us for a cappuccino too?

Hampstead Big Fair: https://www.hampsteadsummerfestival.com/

If you’re going to be visiting the British capital and looking for accommodation in London then consider staying with us, here at La Gaffe Hotel Hampstead.  Our comfortable guest accommodation is competitively-priced, we’re family-run and owned ( so you’re assured of a warm and personal welcome) and our rates include VAT and a continental breakfast (complete with our famous cappuccino).  

We’re just three minutes walk from Hampstead tube and then it’s a quick trip (around 15-20 minutes) into the city centre by underground.  And our neighbourhood is so charming, many people never want to leave it!  

To find out more about us, give us a call on 0207 435-8965 or book directly with us (for the best rates!) on our website.