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London is hot. There’s no denying that. The UK is having one of those freakishly good summers, with temperatures soaring well into the 30s and people wondering how their skin isn’t melting off. We Brits love to hate it.
But you can’t deny that we’re having an incredible summer. The vibes are immaculate, everyone is happier, and life seems a little more relaxed (unless you’re trying to sleep in your furnace).
Now, you might not think London is the best place to be when it’s hot, but we promise you it isn’t all sweat and tears. Read on for our guide to making the most of a London summer.
The Top Areas to Stay
You can’t enjoy London if your hotel makes you feel like a damp sock.
You need comfort in a comfortable hotel. You need air conditioning that works. You need breakfast that shows up on time. You need a bed that eases your swollen ankles and a shower that doesn’t dribble water.
That’s why areas like South Bank, Kensington, and King’s Cross make sense. They mix charm with convenience. From these areas, you can easily get to the parks, pubs, and the palaces without melting on the Tube for hours. Why does the London tube system have no air conditioning?! That’s a rant for another article.
In the summer, hotels around Hyde Park and Shoreditch really step it up. Think rooftop terraces, cold drinks on standby, and staff who actually look happy to help. That matters. You want quality service with a human touch. Not a reception desk that treats you like a Wi-Fi password request. These stays get it right.
The Top-Rated Attractions in London
When the sun’s out, even the pigeons look smug.
London’s landmarks take on a whole new personality. You can actually enjoy the London Eye without your teeth chattering. Stroll across Tower Bridge and feel like you’re in a movie. Grab an ice cream in St James’s Park. Watch street performers in Covent Garden.
It all feels brighter. Livelier. Real.
The British Museum has an air-con system now, so you won’t melt while looking at mummies. The Sky Garden gives you 360-degree city views with a breeze that makes you forget you’re sweating through your shirt. And don’t miss a summer picnic at Primrose Hill. It’s got the kind of view that makes even lifelong Londoners stop talking.
Escaping The Sun
Look, we’re not all built for the heat. Some of us wilt. Some of us burn faster than toast. When you need to cool off, London won’t judge. It’ll offer you shade and a cocktail instead.
We recommend going to the Barbican Conservatory. It’s a green jungle in the middle of brutalist heaven. It’s cool, quiet, and it’s kind of magical. You can also duck into the Tate Modern. Art and AC are a heavenly combo. If you’ve got kids—or you’re just a big kid—there’s also Sea Life London Aquarium. It’s dark, it’s cold, and it’s full of creatures that won’t ask you to reapply SPF.
Even shopping can be a shady sanctuary. Liberty London’s interior is a haven of calm. No direct sunlight, no sweaty tourists, just fans gently humming and fabric you can touch without guilt.
The Best Streets for Beer Gardens
Come on, we’re British. You have to go to a beer garden when it’s sunny, even if only for a J20. And London delivers. From Camden to Clapham, there are cobbled corners and leafy lanes filled with laughter and lager.
Try Exmouth Market. It’s relaxed and friendly. The pubs are everywhere and full of life. If you want something louder, go to Camden High Street. There’s music, mischief, and probably someone playing Oasis on an acoustic guitar (especially now after their long-awaited tour).
In East London, you can’t miss Hackney’s pub scene. Broadway Market is stacked with options.
A London summer is hot. But, despite the heat, you can’t beat the vibes in London when the sun is out. Plan your stay now to make the most of it.