London Summertime: How to create an escape and enjoy the city this summer!
Who doesn’t love summer? In this peak travel season, if I am not headed home to New York, you will often find me right here, in my beloved London, where the city itself transforms into its own holiday scene.
As the days are now longer, and albeit, sunnier, the summer is fully upon us here in London, I am thinking about some of the ways I will be romanticizing my London life the next few months. This is a collection of some of the ways I will turn this city into my own staycation. Here's how I'll be celebrating life in the city this summer – a blueprint, perhaps, for your own equally escapades.
Queens Club: HSBC Championships
Firstly, as my love of tennis has grown over the past few years, I have been chasing the tour a bit. This is one of the tournaments I have wanted to go to since moving to London, and finally this year I managed tickets! There is something so beautiful about watching grass court tennis, and this tournament offers a lovely teaser in the lead up to Wimbledon. Each June, Queens Club, in West London, a private members club, opens their doors to tennis fans for a tournament. Firstly, we have the women’s and followed by the men the week after. Excitingly, this is the first time the women’s tournament is back in over 50 years. If you love tennis, this is quite an intimate tournament, as their grounds are quaint, but gives you a great chance to be up close to some of your favorite players. As there are still a few days for the men’s, run and get your tickets!
Wimbledon
Yes, a second tennis option, but I would be remised not to mention it. To me, Wimbledon, unequivocally, one of the most exciting events in London each summer. If you are even considering a visit, the answer is yes! You will be met with elegance and history, plus British summertime. Grab your Pimm’s and strawberries and join the fun in SW19.
Padel
A recent addition to my hobbies in 2025, which seems to be taking London by storm. As more and more padel courts pop up, it is becoming more accessible to those interested. A great way to get some exercise and socialize. There are a bunch of places making it very fun such as: Padel Social Club in earls court and Rocks Lane in Chiswick.
Anya Hindmarch: Ice Cream Project
Returning for its summer residency until August 16th is the utterly innovative and undeniably unique Anya Hindmarch: Ice Cream Project. This place features interesting flavors of ice cream such as siracha, gravy and pickled onions, but also some more a bit expected with hob nobs and Maldon Sea Salt, which is sublime. You can even do a blind ice cream tasting (if you dare).
Putney Waterfront
As I might be partial to west London, I think the Putney waterfront is one of the most charming areas during the summer months. You have the boat houses opened up, with loads of activity, Putney Bridge, pubs opened up to the river as well as a lovely park just across. More times than not you can grab an ice cream off a truck or a stand and just have a lovely stroll.
Richmond Waterfront
Similarly, to Putney, this quaint area is buzzing in the summer. Lining the Thames, you have tons of restaurants and cafes to put you seated there for hours. There’s always the option to rent some boats if you enjoy getting on the river!
Fulham Palace
While I would suggest a visit to Fulham Palace in any season, it truly blossoms in summer, making for a lovely spot to throw down a blanket and have a picnic or just lay in the sun! This place offers a respite for the craziness of the city and its surroundings.
Hyde Park: Lido Terrace
I personally love going to Hyde Park in the summer months, but if you are looking to escape the rest of the London population who shares your sentiments, the Lido Terrace is a great option. This area offers a secretive little garden with a great bar. Really fun to either grab some food, or bring a picnic of your own!
Take a trip to the sea front
Though, this is out of London, getting to the seaside is super accessible from central. If you are after some seafood and sun, grab a train to one of the many designations just outside the city. Recently I tried South-end-on- sea and it was the perfect little break I needed!
Vineyard
Something I am really looking forward to this summer is finally getting out to one of the Vineyards surrounding London. As my interest in wine grows, so does my interest in understanding the process behind growing the grapes. With climate change, the UK has entered the chat on being able to produce wine. Though the market is definitely still small for British wines, I personally cannot wait to see what the producers here are doing!
So, if you are wondering where you can catch me, there it is. Whether you're chasing the thrill of the tennis court, indulging, or simply finding a quiet moment imagining yourself outside of the city, London in summer is truly unparalleled. Embrace the 16+ hours of daylight, and enjoy London! What are you planning for the summer?
