Summer is very much upon us and here at Crown Home Buying & Letting, we’re taking a look at the best things to do in London this summer. From getting to know the city ahead of a new university term to spending an afternoon relaxing in one of London’s many beautiful Royal parks, London has it all and is a great place to call home. 

To save you having to painstakingly trowel the internet for options of ways to spend your weekends, we’ve compiled a list for you of the best inside and outside spots (as you never know the sort of weather you’ll get), as well as, those must-visit places for those readers who are foodies. 

Inside adventures

For the rainy days, it’s always important to make sure you have a backup for your “picnic in the park” plan and luckily London isn’t short of amazing museums and captivating exhibitions. From a dispatch box owned by Winston Churchill in 1921 to a Tracey Emin Longchamp, enjoy all the wonders and wisdom that is the Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum’s exhibition, Bags: Inside Out. If the high-end accessories aren’t your thing, why not lose yourself at “The Making of Harry Potter” exhibition, where you’ll be spellbound by the costumes, sets and props of the world-famous film. 

London has a never-ending supply of fabulous activities to do inside, and so we’ve compiled a few more just in case the ones above to quite make the cut.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
• V&A - Bags: Inside Out
• Natural History Musum
• Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience
• Tower of London
• West End theatre show

Outside activities

And for all those days where the sun is shining, the Pimm’s is on tap and the picnics are flowing, London is not short of fabulous spots to pull out your blanket, put on those shades and enjoy the sunshine. St James’s Park is a delightful place to wander around the lake, take in the sites of the city including the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Alternatively head to Primrose Hill, with amazing views over London, it is the ideal place to take an evening aperitif, watch the sunset and the city fall asleep.

If booking an event is more up your street then RHS Chelsea Flower Show is running throughout September and is about as quintessential English as it gets. For those readers who prefer something a bit more upbeat, Dodge at Somerset House has seen artists, designers and DJs come together to create a truly unique experience in the courtyard of the 225-year-old iconic building. 

We’ve listed the links below and a few extra must-visit spots for this summer:

• St James’ Park
• Primrose Hill
• Covent Garden
• Rooftop Film Club
• RHS Chelsea Flower Show
• Buckingham Palace Gardens
• Somerset House - Dodge

Spots for foodies

Food halls and rooftops seem to be the theme this year for hot spots to eat, drink and be merry in London this summer. The classic Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie has a delightful terrace that offers magnificent views of the London skyline and a menu to match; which you still can enjoy if it is raining, as both the restaurants have large floor-to-ceiling windows so you never need to worry! Speaking of restaurants with great terraces, Seabird at the Hoxton in Southwark serves up fabulous food on the 14th floor. And if you also love a stylish interior and “instagrammable” setting then this may be the place for you, as everything from the food, cocktails and terrace is picture-perfect...and tastes delicious of course!

Staying on the top of roofs, London is never short of rooftop bars to watch the city fall asleep and unwind after a busy day, Sabine Rooftop Bar overlooks St Paul’s Cathedral and serves up killer cocktails in a roof garden oasis, be sure to book ahead as this brand new bar is hot on everyone’s visit list. Do not fear, for those who would rather have two feet on the solid ground at all times then we recommend Seven Dials Market, a Food Hall like no other. Housed in an old banana warehouse near Covent Garden the lively atmosphere, range of delicious and unique food gives the foodie the opportunity to try a little bit of everything if you so wish.

There are many ideal food spots in London, the list continues below...

• Seven Dials Market
• London Craft Beer Festival
• Bar Elba
• Radio Rooftop Bar
• Sabine Rooftop Bar
• Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie
• Seabird, Hoxton Southwark
• The Summerhouse

Come rain or shine the options really are endless in London for the must-go spot, must-see sites and must-try bites. So make the most of your stay-cation this year check out all that the Capital has to offer.