Top 10 Things to do in London this summer

London in the summer is like a different city; people smile and everyone is out and about enjoying the sun and (relative) warmth that is trapped in the city. Both within and without, there are so many things to do from sitting on a rooftop drinking Pimms, to dancing in a field to your favourite bands – and yes, you can do all this in London! Below are a list of top things to do in London recommended by our local Londoners. Who knows, you might see us there! Udderbelly Head down to the Udderbelly – the giant inflatable purple cow on the Southbank – for some outrageous shows, comedy and family-friendly events. It’s a great place to go to spend the day with its wooden terraces, cider tents, food stalls and woodland area. It’ll transport you into a place so synonymous with summer you’ll forget where you are entirely. When the sun goes down you can enjoy a breath-taking view over the Thames and Houses of Parliament all lit up, too. Picnic in Kew Gardens Kew Gardens is one of the best places to go in London during the summer when the exotic flowers are all out in bloom. It’s a beautiful place to lay out your picnic rug and relax for a few hours with friends and family. Walk off your resplendent lunch with a stroll through the rose gardens, nature trails and perhaps indulge in some Tai Chi to get your bones going again. Kew Gardens is currently hosting the Festival of Spice where you can learn about all manner of spices and herbs – a great event if you’re a dab hand in the kitchen. Experience a British Festival London plays host to its fair share of festivals over the summer, from music festivals such as Field Day, Love Box and Hyde Park Festival, to various Food Festivals and street festivals that are popping up every weekend across every borough so you can guarantee there’ll be something to peak your interest. From headliners like Snoop Dogg and world-renowned DJs, to some of the most respected chefs in the country whipping up their signature dishes, whichever kind of festival you prefer you’ll find one for you in London this summer. Cutty Sark Cutty Sark is one of the newest additions to the London Pass and we couldn’t be happier that we’ve joined forces in time for summer. Dry-docked in Greenwich just behind the National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. If you head down early you can make the most of the famous Greenwich Market and tuck into some delicacies for lunch – or go below deck in Cutty Sark’s very own Keel Café and have afternoon tea if you’re visiting later in the day. Should you not want leave, the Gipsy Moth pub is a great one to hole up in to while away a long summer evening. Southbank The Southbank has to go back on the list as you can’t argue with it being a top 10 place to visit in London in the summer. A favourite haunt of any local it’s lined with bars and restaurants, stalls and entertainment – even a second hand book fair at the weekend. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the city offering great views all down the river if you walk from one end to the other. Why not start at Udderbelly, if you fancy a few, then pass the National Theatre and British Film Institute before coming to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, opposite St Paul’s Cathedral. Outdoor Cinema An Outdoor Cinema screening is a must-do experience in London. There are lots of places across the city involved in the 'Outdoor Screen movement' that has seemingly taken over all major big cities – but we think London’s done it best! From a stunning 18th century backdrop at Somerset House, to the eery Brompton Park Cemetery there’s even now, for the first year ever, a floating cinema on a barge heading down the East End. Very cool – and can host up to 500 people! Rooftop Garden In a similar vein, London is famous for its rooftop gardens. Every Londoner can tell you their favourite as there are so many to choose from popping up around the city from East to West, both North and South. Some of our top terraces are the Queen of Hoxton, the newly opened Roofnic in Central London, Aqua for a more upmarket affair or the hipster venue Dalston Roof Park complete with Astroturf and sun loungers. Take your pick and enjoy that pint! Trooping of the Colour Help celebrate the Queen’s official birthday (not her real one, which is actually the 21st April) but the one celebrated by the Kingdom. This Saturday, 13th June, head down to Horse Guards Parade where you’ll be able get in on the action and see the marching soldiers and parade as well as the Changing of the Guard, all the way down the Mall and towards Buckingham Palace. Hear the guns salutes firing at Green Park and the Tower of London at 1pm, too. Sit on Murray Mound One of the best things about a British summer is that it means Wimbledon is back! Our famous sporting grounds are considered sacred turf welcoming the best tennis players from around the world to play in one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year. You can’t beat the atmosphere at Wimbledon; the spectators and audience are the best bits! Head down early and nab a space on the Murray Mound (was once the Henman Hill) and set up camp for the day with enough Pimms and picnic food to keep you going through the long nail-biting sets. Thames River Cruise There’s nothing better than feeling the wind in your hair aboard a Thames River Cruise – one of the best ways to see the iconic London sites. The Cruise does a round-trip of the Thames and you can hop on or off at any of the four points, from Tower Bridge, Westminster, Greenwich and the London Eye. You can easily stay on for a round trip and see it all, or jump off and explore if something catches your eye....