Fun things to do in summer in London

If you're looking for fun things to do in summer in London (with friends, family, or your loved one) look no further. Here's a handy list of activities and events you can enjoy this summer.

Is London worth visiting in summer?

London is most definitely worth visiting in the summer months. With long daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and a great offering of outdoor events, activities, and markets, summer in London can make for a great time. Whether you're a local exploring your city in a new light or a tourist wanting to experience the best of what London has to offer, there's no shortage of fun things to do during the summer.

What to do with friends in the summer in London?

When it comes to spending time with friends in London, your options are practically endless! From rooftop bars and outdoor cinemas to picnics in the park, there's something for everyone. You can take a stroll in one of the many royal parks, or simply wander the streets and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. But if you're looking for a pre-planned and more organised activity, we have a few perfect ideas for you.

Jump on a Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Here at Brigit's Bakery, we're best known for our afternoon tea. But we're also famous for being original, fun, and quirky. That's why we combined afternoon tea with touring Routemaster buses and came up with our signature Afternoon Tea Bus Tours. If you've been to London, you're bound to have seen one of our stunning buses gracing the busy streets of the City.

Our 90-minute afternoon tea bus tours depart from Victoria Coach Station, Trafalgar Square, or Somerset House - departure points depend on the tour you choose, so always check at the point of booking. Routes can vary slightly, but your bus driver will take you around Whitehall, Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park Corner, Harrods, V&A, the National History Museum, and many more landmarks!

Enjoy our exclusive afternoon tea

On board, you'll get to enjoy the most delectable sweet and savoury flavours of France combined with the quintessential tradition of British afternoon tea. As you sip your tea, you'll get to admire the vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and rich history of London. It's not just afternoon tea - it's a beautiful journey through London's heritage. So expect a selection of scrumptious finger sandwiches and mouthwatering cakes and pastries. All our food is expertly crafted by our executive pastry chef to enhance your tea experience. And of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream and your choice of hot drink. You can also add a glass of bubbly when you book your seat.

Here's our Traditional menu, but if you have any specific dietary requirements or preferences, we also have the following menus available: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, and Gluten-free.

Please note that some of our bus tours are 'evergreen' and run all year round while others are themed or seasonal. To view all our bus tours, head over to this page and select the month you're interested in. Simply click on the bus tour you wish to book, and plan your trip!

Family-friendly afternoon tea bus tours

If you're planning a trip with your children this summer, you may want to know about our family-friendly tours. Our Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is ideal for the little people in your family (recommended age 5+). The tour runs 2 or 3 times a day between Thursdays and Sundays and departs from Somerset House. It's a unique experience for families, featuring a special Peppa Pig-themed menu and an immersive experience with a Peppa Pig London tour animation at each table. Be ready for sing-alongs and games, and a little souvenir for your little ones.

Another fantastic family-friendly experience is our Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. A guaranteed hit for the younger ones (and their grown-ups alike), this tour runs between Wednesdays and Sundays and departs twice a day from Trafalgar Square. The tour features a Paddington-themed menu, which, of course, includes the best marmalade sandwich. And while the bus takes you and your family past iconic London landmarks, you'll enjoy Paddington and Mrs. Bird sharing Paddington's adventures through a guided animation of the tour. Suitable for children aged 5+, this tour provides a delightful and unique way to explore London with your children this summer.

Gin lover? Check out the Bombay Sapphire Gin Afternoon Tea London Bus Tour

Most definitely not for the little ones in your family, this tour is for adults only (18+). If you're a gin lover, jump on this tour, and you'll be able to indulge in gin-infused treats and classic G&Ts, such as:

• Bombay Sapphire Lemon Cupcake topped with gin-infused cream.
• Bombay Bramble Mixed Berry Tart with gin-infused cream.
• Bombay Sapphire & White Chocolate Whipped Ganache Verrine with gin-infused lime jelly.
• Blueberry & Lemon Budnt Cake filled with gin-infused lemon curd & cream.

Doesn't that sound incredible?

This tour is available twice a day every Friday and Saturday (with the occasional Thursday) and departs from Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square. For more information and to book your space, head over to this page.

Book an Afternoon Tea Bike Tour from Chandos Place

If you're curious about the afternoon tea experience but want to try something different, you may be interested in this fantastic partnership with Veluba - an afternoon tea experience on your own private two-people pedicab!

Your Veluba driver will take the two of you through the most iconic part of the City while you enjoy our freshly prepared afternoon tea, accompanied by your choice of hot drink, and/or Prosecco. All our menus are available for you to choose from.

Please note that the pedicab can only accommodate two passengers but one of them can be a child. If you want to experience this tour with your family, we recommend you book more than one pedicab and ensure your tours start at the same time.

Come and visit our bakery in Covent Garden

Going to see a show? Or maybe you've been out all day having fun in London and you need to rest your feet and take a breather? There's no reason why you shouldn't do that in style. So take a well-deserved break and treat yourself to lunch or afternoon tea at Brigit's Bakery in Chandos Place.

We serve our signature afternoon tea with delicious savouries, a beautiful assortment of mini homemade cakes and tarts, and freshly-baked plain scones with clotted cream and jam. But what a lot of people don't know is that we serve brunch and lunch too! Our smoothie bowls, salads, and quiches are to die for. Don't believe us? Come and see for yourself. Here's the full menu and the link to book your table.

Grab an Afternoon Tea Picnic Lunch

If you'd rather be on the move and enjoy the good weather while it lasts (perhaps on a hired bike), why not book our Afternoon Tea Picnic Lunch? There's no need to spend hours shopping, cooking, or chopping fruit and veg. Our beautifully packaged Afternoon Tea Picnic contains everything you need for a delicious afternoon tea in the park. It's conveniently available for you to collect from Brigit’s Bakery in Covent Garden with as little as 24 hours' notice.

Filled with a great selection of mouth-watering cakes, sandwiches, and scones, we also include freshly squeezed orange juice and your choice of tea or coffee. As with all things Brigit's Bakery, we have a variety of dietary options available, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and Halal. All that's left to do is for you to pick a spot, lay down a blanket, and have a good time.

Ready to order? Simply fill in the form on our website or call us on 020 3026 1188.

Have Afternoon Tea delivered to your home

Having a home party this summer? Looking to invite people over for a weekend or the August Bank Holiday and want to impress your guests with food and drink but don't fancy spending hours in the kitchen? Then let us take care of that for you! Did you know you can have Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea delivered to your door?

Our afternoon tea is bound to wow your guests by combining a fine English tradition with our delicate French twist. Order with us, and we'll deliver a delicious selection of fine finger sandwiches, delicate cakes, and freshly baked homemade scones with clotted cream and jam. We also include orange juice and a beautiful ceramic tea mug. And if you want something for the little ones in your life, why not opt for a Peppa Pig mug and activity books?

When you're ready to order, fill in the form on our website.

Where to enjoy the sun in London?

There are plenty of places to enjoy the sun in London during the summer months. Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Green Park are all popular spots for picnics (don't forget to order our Afternoon Tea Picnic for yours), sunbathing, bike rides, and strolls. If you want to keep active and enjoy walks, then why not book a guided tour? You can find ones for different budgets, lengths, and cultural interests - from the Changing of the Guard to Jack the Ripper!

Or, you can head to the River Thames for a relaxing boat ride, visit the Sky Garden, or ride the London Eye for fantastic panoramic views of the city. If you're looking for a more immersive outdoor experience, Kew Gardens offers a beautiful botanical setting to explore. Whatever your preference, London has a wide range of outdoor spaces where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the warmer weather.

What happens in July in London?

In addition to the regular attractions and activities, London is home to a variety of special summer events. From open-air theatre shows, outdoor cinemas, and music festivals to food markets and garden tours, there's something for everyone.

Here are a few more fun ideas for you:

• The London Pride parade is a celebration for every part of London’s LGBTQ+ community. This year it's happening a little earlier on the 29th of June, so don't miss out!
• Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships is one of the four annual Grand Slam tennis tournaments that take place around the world. Grab your strawberries and cream for two weeks of tennis matches in south-west London.
• Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is one of the largest flower shows in the world. You can admire innovative show gardens and learn to create your own.
• Buckingham Palace summer opening. For 10 weeks only each summer, tourists can see the interior of Buckingham Palace.
• Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, where you can enjoy dozens of free art installations and live performances ranging from acrobatics and dance to theatre and music.
• Pokémon Go Fest weekend, where you can enjoy exclusive gameplay, special bonuses, and more fun.
• Formula E World Championship, where you can watch all-electric racecars speed in and around ExCeL.
• Watch a colourful parade dance through the streets of south London during Croydon Carnival. It's an exciting lineup of performances, including dance groups and musical acts (July).

More summer events in London

Here are some events happening later in the summer months:

• Watch big-name cricket players take the pitch during The Hundred at Kia Oval and Lord’s Cricket Ground. Each team gets 100 balls, and the team that gets the most runs wins (July-August).
• BBC Proms - one of the top music events in London and the biggest classical music festival on the planet (July to September).
• Rathayatra. Enjoy a summertime parade of colourful wooden chariots carrying Hindu deities. The procession runs between Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square, and free vegetarian food is available (August).
• Bartholomew Fair. Enjoy three weeks of events (including vertical dancers suspended from St Paul's cathedral) and learn about London's heritage. (August).
• Notting Hill Carnival. The most awaited annual event that celebrates Caribbean culture through music, dance, and vibrant street performances.

So what fun things to do in London will you pick for this summer?