Read on to find about twelve things to do in London this summer!
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park provides plenty of fun activities for families to enjoy together this summer. Riding the 178m Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit is perhaps a highlight, but with 12 twists and turns and the possibility to reach speeds of 15 miles an hour, it is not for the faint hearted! For those that would rather watch, the views from the tower are simply spectacular.
There is also a series of events on at the park including Wing Fest which takes place between 24th and 25th of July. It is one of Europe’s largest and most popular food festivals where vendors compete to become King or Queen of the Wing!
Also showcasing is until September is The Hothouse, a structure reminiscent of a Victorian greenhouse, that grows an array of exotic plants from across the globe.
For the more athletic, there is also a variety of 5K and 10K challenges around the park across the summer. What better place to complete a sporting challenge than at the venue where so many athletes have seen success.
Pack up some food and visit Richmond Park, the perfect place to end a busy day or kick start an action packed weekend. Richmond’s deer mark it out from other parks in London making it a truly special place to spend the afternoon. Along with the deer, it also has two fabulous playgrounds, the Kingston Gate Playground designed for children under 5 and the Petersham Gate playground for all ages, which keep the youngsters suitably stimulated. The Isabella Plantation has also recently reopened and is a gorgeous place for a stroll. It feels like an escape to the country without the hassle of travel and booking.
The line is a route between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the O2 following the line of the Greenwich Meridian and is one of London’s first public art walks. It takes about 2 and a half hours to complete but with plenty of art, cafes, heritage sites and nature on route you do not have to complete it all in one go. Some of the current artists on display are Larry Achiampong, Alex Chinneck, Simon Faithful and Anish Kapoor but it is ever changing.
With beautiful nature to enjoy and a huge outdoor adventure playground complete with a zip wire and climbing wall, the Wetland centre in Barnes is a great family day out. The Otters are the stars of the show but there is also tonnes of ducks, geese, and flora to enjoy. For those with particular interest in plants, the wildflower walk on the 13th and 15th of June promises to be both beautiful and informative.
The Luna cinema is coming to Hampton Court this summer and is showing films between the 22nd and the 25th of July under the stars. The films on between 19:45 and 21:15 are Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long and Bohemian Rhapsody. There is also a selection of food provided by an array of gourmet street food vendors and a full bar on site, making the perfect way to spend a summers evening.
If these dates don’t work for you, you might consider catching some films at Somerset House as the Film4 Summer Screen returns there this summer between the 8th and the 21st of August. They are showing a range of movies from The Princess Bride to Reservoir Dogs. Be sure to book quickly though as tickets are selling fast!
Equally, the Hideaway Cinema is showing a selection of films from In the Heights to Tom and Jerry at Kew Gardens between the 7th and 11th of July.
Also on at Hampton Court between the 18th and the 20th of June is the artisan festival, which takes place in the East Gardens. It promises delicious food, pop up bars, interactive workshops in everything from blacksmithing to block printing, and shopping provided by independent luxury makers. The family can also go for a ride in a Shire horse carriage, take part in traditional fête games, or kick back and listen to the tunes of the 1930’s playing on vintage gramophones; there really is something for everyone.
Spend an evening enjoying your favourite musical numbers from the best family movies including Shrek, Moana, Aladdin and Harry Potter. Played by a talented string quartet and set within the iconic Grand junction, this event is not to be missed.
This exhibition breaks with tradition, making it the perfect exhibition to captivate the whole family. Far from admiring Van Gogh’s work from a silent gallery, Van Gogh alive is immersive and interactive, capturing the attention of all ages. Along with the sensory gallery and mirrored sunflower room, there is an art activity area, where youngsters can put their new found artistic inspiration to the test. The exhibition is running throughout the summer until the 26th of September.
A classic that never ceases to amaze, the Cirque du Soleil is returning to London at the O2 Arena between the 13th and 17th of July. The show is called Corteo and depicts the lively carnival like funeral of a clown who has recently passed. Far from a traditional funeral, this show is lively, extravagant and joyus; a perfect special outing for the family.
Set within the grounds of Alexandra Palace, Kaleidoscope Festival is held on the 24th of July. With music, comedy and a dedicated area for families, this festival provides an outlet of entertainment for all. The headlining act is Groove Armada but there is also set to be appearances from The Coral, House Gospel Choir and Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, with still more to be announced.
Visit London zoo between the 24th of July and the 31st of August this summer to experience an adventure across continents and through habitats. As well as enjoying the inhabitants of the zoo, you will learn about and celebrate different world cultures with pop up activities, experiences, and food stalls stationed around the zoo. Youngsters even get their own zoo passport which is stamped as they enter different sections of the Zoo!
Every Tuesday and Thursday this summer between 8th of June and 23rd of July, visit the London Transport Museum for some singing and storytelling. The sessions include music making the sound of London, stories about travel, as well as the chance to look at objects from the collection.
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