Best Things to Do in London This Summer for an Unforgettable Trip

A trip to London is a real summer adventure. The city invites travelers to soak in the charming cobbled streets, medieval and modern architecture, and the grandeur of Britain’s royal heritage. Explore the best things to do in London this summer — from the top places to seasonal events.

London – The Heart of England and the Royal Family

London is truly one of the most popular cities in Europe. Its history is full of remarkable milestones and significant events. This wonderful city is the capital and the largest city of England and the UK. According to Euromonitor International, London is the 3rd most visited city in the world in 2024, and it’s one of the contenders for the top three most visited cities in 2025.

This city is brimming with royal presence throughout the centuries. The architecture, the cultural heritage, the nature — everything in London is breathtaking and can catch your eye. 

The Weather in London in Summer

Summertime in London is known for its mild climate and pleasant temperatures. Although occasional showers and cloudy skies are common, sunny weather often makes up for it. The average temperature in London in summer ranges between 21–23°C (70–73°F), which is comfortable for most travelers. 

Global warming has also affected Europe — temperatures have reached record highs in recent years. This summer is known for extreme temperature rises around the world, with occasional heat waves in mild regions. London surprises travelers and locals with hot temperatures — 34.7°C (94.4°F) in St James’s Park.  

Best Places to Visit in London in Summer – Top Attractions 

London is one of the greatest cultural destinations in the world. With the royal buildings, iconic landmarks, and modern skyscrapers, the city offers a look at the world’s top attractions. London’s architecture blends Medieval, Gothic, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian styles with Art Deco and Postmodernism. It’s truly a gem for those seeking architectural wonders and beauties. 

The best places in London include cultural landmarks and, of course, the royal heritage. Among the top places to visit in London in summer, consider: 

   ? Buckingham Palace: If you visit London in summer, you’re the lucky one. Buckingham Palace is the heart of London and the Royal Family. The royal residence is located in the City of Westminster and is associated with significant events in the country. It was established in 1703 as a private residence and became a royal residence during Queen Victoria in 1837. It has 775 rooms and covers over 77,000 sq m (830,000 sq ft). 

The palace is open for visiting only in summer. In 2025, tourists can visit the palace from July 10 to September 28. You can enter the palace during the rest of the year with a small guided group only. 

In summer, visitors can see the full magnificence of this residence — the State Rooms, including the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room, the Ballroom, and the Green Drawing Room. In addition to that, you can admire the Grand Staircase, the Palace Gardens, and the Picture Gallery. From 2025, travelers are also allowed to the 1844 Room and the Carnarvon Room. Finally, be sure to catch the iconic ‘Changing the Guard’ ceremony, where new soldiers replace the current guards. 

   ?  Tower of London: This iconic landmark is one of the most prominent sites in the UK, marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle complex includes several buildings, but it’s got its name from the most significant part of the citadel — the White Tower. The Tower is located on the north bank of the River Thames within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. 

The White Tower was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. It’s a former royal residence that now serves as a museum. The tower is completed with Kentish ragstone and mudstone, and showcases authentic Norman architecture. The interior reflects authentic Norman architecture, with each room serving a specific historical purpose. Now you can explore the armory exhibition, including Line of Kings, in the White Tower. 

The complex contains multiple buildings and parts, for example, the Jewel House, the Medieval Palace, and the Fusilier Museum. The ticket to the tower also allows you to take a closer look at the Crown Jewels — what a fascinating experience. Note: Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula is closed until 30 November 2025. 

   ? Tower Bridge: This bridge is a pearl of the city, which you can see on many posters and pictures of London. It was built between 1886 and 1894 to cross the River Thames. The bridge is unique for its combination of ​​bascule and suspension features. It is 290 m (940 ft) long and contains two bridge towers. The towers are connected with two walkways, allowing visitors to soak in panoramic views of the city and the River Thames. 

A ticket to the Tower Bridge allows visitors to observe five sections. The tour starts with the North Tower, where you can learn more about its architects, engineers, and watch a movie of Victorian London. Then, visitors can admire the views from the walkways and look through the Glass Floor — check out the Bridge lifting time for the best experience. 

The next sections are the South Tower, the Blue Line, and the Engine Rooms. It’s a unique opportunity to take a look at the engines and mechanisms of the Tower Bridge. Finally, don’t forget to visit the Shop and get some souvenirs after your tour. 

   ? Big Ben: It’s not a list of the best places in London if Big Ben is not mentioned on it. It’s one of the most famous landmarks of the UK, in fact, of the whole world. Big Ben is the name of the Great Clock of Westminster — a striking clock with five bells. It was completed in 1859 in the Perpendicular Gothic and Gothic Revival styles typical of the Victorian era.

Big Ben stands 96 m (316 ft) tall, featuring a spiral staircase with 345 steps to climb to the belfry. While not the tallest clock tower in the world, it’s definitely one of the most elaborate buildings. Its splendid design features a four-faced striking and chiming clock. 

The building is completed with sand-coloured Anston limestone, topped by a cast iron roof-tile spire. In addition to the belfry, which houses the 13.7-tonne Great Bell, the tower includes the Ayrton Light, a lantern added in 1873. It’s placed above the belfry that lights every time the House of Commons sits after dark. Above, there are 52 shields with national emblems of the four countries of the UK. 

   ? Palace of Westminster: The Palace of Westminster is a splendid building in Central London, and it houses the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It’s also known as the House of Parliament after its 2 chambers — the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the 11th century. It’s a former royal palace, ruined then by fires and reconstructed between 1840–1876 as home to the Parliament of England.

The palace is one of the most elaborate and ornate buildings in London. It’s renowned for its Gothic Revival exterior and sumptuous interior. This palace has three principal towers — the Victoria Tower, the Elizabeth Tower, or Big Ben, and the Central Tower. There are smaller towers too, including the Speaker's Tower and the Chancellor's Tower. 

This palace covers 112,476 sq m (1,210,680 sq ft) and comprises over 1,100 rooms and 100 staircases. There are different entrances for monarchs, members of the House of Lords, members of Parliament, and the public. The palace also features royal apartments, including the Norman Porch, the Robing Room, and the Royal Gallery. The guided tour offers a closer look at the wonders of this landmark.

London is an endless surface for exploration and discovery — there are so many stunning places, it's impossible to visit them all. In addition to the mentioned attractions, other highlights are also worth your time and money, for example, St. Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, the National Gallery, Westminster Abbey, Borough Market, and Madame Tussauds London. 

Things to Do in London in Summer

Summer in London is the perfect time to explore the city’s gems, try some outdoor activities, and attend seasonal events. We’ve gathered the best things to do in London in summer for your trip: 

  ? Explore Kew Gardens: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew blooms in summer and gives visitors a unique opportunity to admire lush greenery and exotic flora. It has over 50,000 plants and various sections, such as Arboretum, Bamboo Garden, Minka House, Carbon Garden, Carnivorous Plants, and Children's Garden. Right now, the gardens have several exhibitions, including the Power of Trees and Of the Oak. 

  ? Attend the exhibition at Lightroom: Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs is an exhibition at Lightroom in London that invites you to dive into the world of dinosaurs, explore their natural habitats, and observe life-size dinosaurs through 360-degree projections. The exhibition runs from July 9 to November 2, 2025.

  ? See a movie at the outdoor cinema: Rooftop Film Club offers two locations in Stratford and Peckham to enjoy outdoor cinema in London. There are popular movies planned for August, so you could enjoy the fan-favorites like The Great Gatsby and La La Land. The Barbican Outdoor Cinema returns from August 20–31 to offer an open-air cinema experience complemented by street food and drinks. 

Besides, travelers can visit popular swimming places like Hampstead Heath Ponds, enjoy performances at the London Palladium, including Evita with Rachel Zegler, check out Battersea Power Station's River Walk Market, and take a day trip to Bath or Brighton. 

Top Festivals in London in August

Wondering what to do in London in August yet? In addition to the mentioned seasonal experiences, London hosts several festivals in August. Among the best festivals are: 

  ? Notting Hill Carnival: This festival is a celebration of Caribbean culture in London that features performances, music, dances, vibrant costumes, and 30 static sound systems. Over 300 stalls will offer delicious Caribbean food and drinks. The festival takes place from August 23–25, including the summer bank holiday. 

  ? UK Black Pride: It’s a celebration of Asian, Caribbean, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ people. The event brings together thousands of people who come to celebrate, support, and validate people of different sexualities, races, and identities. Performances, workshops, and community — all this and more will be held at the UK Black Pride on August 10. 

  ? All Points East: The seventh edition of this iconic festival returns with famous superstars and an amazing line-up. The festival takes place at Victoria Park (Vicky Park) from August 22–24. The line-up includes popular artists like Bombay Bicycle Club, RAYE, Shygirl, Confidence Man, and the Maccabees.

  ? Battersea Park in Concert: This fantastic festival offers a 3-day experience from August 23–25. Each day features a different program, starting with the Symphonic Disco on August 23, moving to A Night at the Movies on August 24, and ending with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on August 25. 

This list is only the beginning — there is much more to explore in London in August. Many other events are held in the city, such as RALLY Festival, Dance Your Way Home, Labyrinth On The Thames, and Body Movements. So rest assured, your trip to London will be unforgettable! 

Get Your Tickets to London With INFOBUS 

Visiting London in the summer is a great idea for your trip. Plan your vacation, and don’t forget to buy your travel tickets in advance. INFOBUS is here to help you with that! 

Our platform offers a wide variety of routes to London from trusted carriers. Besides, we’ve recently partnered with National Express, the UK’s largest coach operator. So now, the tickets for National Express coaches are available directly on INFOBUS. 

Search for available options, compare prices, choose your best route, and book tickets to London in just a few clicks. Whether you're visiting for culture, history, or summer fun — London has it all. And INFOBUS makes getting there easier than ever.

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