5 things to do in London this summer

There is so much going on this summer in London from festivals and parades to performances, exploring nature and entertainment experiences. I wanted to share my 5 things to do in London this summer including some activities I have done before and a few new ones as well! I hope this inspires you to do something exciting in the next few months and really enjoy the city as the weather improves and London really comes alive.

West End Live in Trafalgar Square

I didn’t even know that there was a celebration of the West End in Trafalgar Square until I read this blog post. On the 18th – 19th June West End LIVE showcases the quality and diversity of entertainment on offer in the heart of London, promoting the West End as an exciting venue for all the family – all live, all for free in the iconic setting of Trafalgar Square. Check out the full schedule on the website. With this year’s show including the cast of The Lion King, Les Misérables and Wicked, this is one summer spectacular that all musical lovers should attend.

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

One of my favourite days out of last year was a visit to Hampton Court Palace, so this summer’s Flower Show has to be on my list of top 5 things to do in London. The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show comprises of six days of horticultural displays and green-fingered fun in the beautiful grounds of the historical Palace and forms the the world’s biggest flower show. From exciting garden design and astounding floral displays to getting top tips for nurturing your own garden from celebrity demonstrations and you can even learn how to growing fruit and veggies at home. If you’ve been inspired to visit this celebration of everything flora you can find out more here.

London Pride Festival

If you’re looking to join a parade this summer then the London Pride Festival is where you need to be. Taking place from 10-26 June, with the main weekend on 25-26 June Pride provides a platform for every part of London’s LGBT+ community to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues and campaign for  genuine equal equality. The colourful and exciting annual Pride Parade moves through the heart of the West End giving the LGBT+ community visibility and speak loudly to the rest of the city about what they have achieved. Will a full schedule of activities such as LGBT+ Self Defence Classes, Pride in London Bottomless Brunch and Secret Soho Saucy Tours the London Pride Festival has something for everyone. See the website for the full schedule.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

I really loved seeing Lord of the Flies last summer with my sister at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and this year’s schedule is jam packed with all sorts of performances from William Shakespeare and Jane Austin to Andrew Lloyd Webber! The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is an award winning London landmark which offers a cultural hub during the summer months with an extraordinary ambiance helped along by the hampers, Pimm’s and twinkling fair lights in the trees. Despite seating 1,250 seats the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre feels very intimate and makes a fabulous romantic evening or night out with the girls. Just be sure to bring a raincoat and blanket just in case! This season includes Henry V (17 June – 09 July), Jesus Christ Superstar (15 July – 27 August) as well as Pride and Prejudice (02 September – 17 September). See more on their website.

Pick your own at Parkside Farm 

It’s easy to forget that London isn’t home to just shops, parks and restaurants but to a number of farms. During the summer months you can find fantastic things to do including picking your own fruit and vegetables from farms like Parkside, north of the city in Enfield. No booking is required, unless you have an unusual request and baskets and bags are provided. The crops are all clearly signposted and there is a huge range of tasty treats available throughout the summer including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, courgettes, french beans and sweetcorn. Weigh and pay on the way out for the freshest local produce ever! Learn more on their website.