This time I’m taking my wander lusting a little more local and fantasizing about The Great British Summer. No sarcasm intended. Summer in London can be just as exciting as being on a sandy beach, promise!
Normally, mention British summertime and I hear barbecues fizzling feebly under umbrellas and picture pasty, goose pimpled bodies stubbornly sporting swimwear.
But not this year. I’m coming back to London to catch the hottest line-up around during August. Here are a few ideas on where to spend your Great British Summer:
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Open May to September
Get your hit of summer sophistication at Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Each year offers a varied programme of top rated entertainment. In previous years you could sing along to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cult classic ‘Jesus Christ superstar’ or feed your love for Dickens.
There’ something here for all ages, so dive in, take your pick and enjoy being in one of the great places for open air entertainment on a summer’s night.
Music Festivals
On throughout summer
If there’s one activity that you really must attend then it’s one of London’s music festivals. Whatever your genre of music, there’s a London festival for you. Cross the Tracks festival gives you the best in soul, funk and jazz. Meltdown is the urban festival on the South Bank, curated by someone different each year.
British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park is whwer you’ll find the biggest acts givin their all in the largest of the outdoor arenas. The BBC Proms covers the classical genre, and runs over most of the summer.
Summer in London really does come alive with sounds of music.
Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House
During August
Lookign to watch a film? Then head for Somerset House and you can see some of the biggest blockbusters on London’s largest outdoor screen. Bring your own picnic hamper or raid the food stalls and hunker down on the grass to catch a cinema showing under the stars.
The Luna Cinema
Classed as London’s No 1 open air cinema, you can get yourself ready for a summer of fun and film. Head to one of twenty outdoor London locations to catch every classic film under the sun…or stars if you want to get literal!
New and old films are shown, so you can decide if you want to look back at an old favourite or enjoy the latest blockbuster. Also, take in the settings where the films are shown. It’s an added bonus to your movie experience. They even have a drive in cinema option for anyone looking for an American style experience.
London Craft Beer Festival
During August
Away from the music and film, one of London’s great loves is it’s beer! Head for Tobacco Dock during August and you can quench your thirst at the beer festival.
Over 100 of the world’s finest breweries, pop-up kitchens cooking up beer inspired menus and 4 headlining DJ sets. The beer fest is celebrating its fifth birthday in a converted old power station in Shoreditch. With over 800 of the world’s best beers to taste, you better come thirsty.
Notting Hill Carnival
August Bank Holiday Weekend
The highlight of the Long August Bank holiday weekend and, for many, the entire summer. Europe’s largest street festival has been running since 1964, and continues to snowball and surpass itself every year.
The Caribbean takes London, Notting Hill, by storm with a flurry of feathered dancers, a clanging of steel bands and limitless supply of jerk chicken!
Arcelormittal Orbit Slide
Open all year
A bit of a wildcard, but who doesn’t love a good slide – especially when it’s supersized!
At 178 metres tall it’s officially the longest, fastest, tallest slide in the whole wide world! Take a deep breath ready to weeeeeee 40 seconds to the bottom. You can find the slide in Stratford, next to the 2012 Olympic stadium (now home to West Ham United). Make a day of it and enjoy the surrounding park, the slide and the nearby shopping centre.
Late at Tate Galleries
4th August
A cool and cultured evening of art and fashion. Mosey through the museum at night, attend free workshops and hop between street-food stalls and pop-up bars. After all, what artistic eye isn’t sharper after a glass of wine?
A summer in London is full of exciting possibilities. Music, cinema and culture mix to give you the best London can offer. There’s no need to void the city in the summer when there’s so much going on. Make the most of your time in the capital, and you’ll have your rewards.
