{"id":20139,"date":"2019-06-18T11:09:29","date_gmt":"2019-06-18T15:09:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=20139"},"modified":"2025-07-07T08:38:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T12:38:15","slug":"best-london-events-apartments-summer-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2019\/06\/18\/best-london-events-apartments-summer-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunny Skies Ahead! The Best of London This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated on July 3rd, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A perfect London summer combines traditional favorites with modern insider tips!<\/p><\/div>\n

The grand city of London<\/strong> was practically designed for summer travel<\/strong>. The city may have a reputation for overcast skies and rain, but the summer sun still makes frequent appearances, and temperatures are comfortably warm, rarely rising above the mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 30\u00b0 C). Londoners seize every chance to enjoy the summer<\/strong> weather, frequently taking lunch breaks in local parks and green squares, and children enjoy the summer holidays from school by flocking to neighborhood playgrounds and swimming pools or lidos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just locals who get to have all the fun! The city welcomes tourists with plenty of summer-friendly activities like the Changing the Guard<\/strong> and exclusive summer tours of Buckingham Palace<\/strong>, free activities on Regent Street, and the return of favored summer activities like free outdoor film screenings<\/strong> (consult our previous London summer guide<\/a> to learn about all of them!). Finally, with a furnished apartment rental through New York Habitat<\/a>, your accommodations will welcome you to London with open arms too\u2014don\u2019t miss your chance to live like a local this summer in London and experience all of the activities in our summer guide<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

London\u2019s secluded gardens and hottest summer parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola is a secret oasis on the western edge of the park. (Photo credit: David Skinner)<\/p><\/div>\n

London may be one of the most populous cities in Europe, but it is possible to find your own private escape! Throughout London\u2019s urban sprawl and its parkland alike, you can find plenty of gardens<\/strong> and hidden oases\u2014if you know where to look! There are mini parks like Postman\u2019s Park<\/strong> near St. Paul\u2019s Cathedral, with its memorial to everyday London heroes, Camley Street Natural Park<\/strong> in King\u2019s Cross, the medicinal Chelsea Physic Garden<\/strong> in Chelsea, and Holland Park\u2019s Kyoto Garden, with its tranquil Japanese influence.<\/p>\n

Our favorite hidden garden for the summer is Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola<\/strong>, a landscaped Romanesque garden with reflecting pools, lush hanging plants, and plenty of shaded areas. While in the area of Hampstead<\/a>, you can enjoy the idyllic Hampstead Heath<\/strong>, take a dip in the ponds, and enjoy some of the best views in London. Don\u2019t hesitate to plan a romantic evening<\/a> with a stroll in one of these secret gardens, either!<\/p>\n

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There\u2019s endless active fun to be had in Clissold Park (and we\u2019ll guess you haven\u2019t visited yet!).<\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re looking to be more active, you can visit London\u2019s parks<\/a> and enjoy the sun! In addition to the classic parks like Hyde Park<\/strong>, Regent\u2019s Park,<\/strong> and St. James\u2019s Park<\/strong>, London holds many more casual, summery parks that are not as well-known to tourists but are brimming with activities. First up is Clissold Park<\/strong> in Hackney<\/a>. This park offers great activities to do with kids during the summer<\/a>, with an animal enclosure, a shallow paddling pool<\/strong> to cool off, a butterfly greenhouse, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports, including a skatepark<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In Hackney, you\u2019ll also find London Fields<\/strong>. The laid-back green space is home to a lido, cricket pitches<\/strong>, children\u2019s play areas, and is one of only a few places in London where you can have an outdoor barbecue! Dulwich Park<\/strong> in Southwark is also a great bet for those looking to go boating<\/strong> or play on one of the sports fields.<\/p>\n

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The tranquil modern look of this vacation rental in Hackney mirrors the area\u2019s laid-back parks. (Rental ID: LN-1492)<\/p><\/div>\n

If the local parks of London and Hackney particularly impress you, you can make Hackney your temporary home with a stay in this 1-bedroom vacation rental<\/a>! Bring home the memories of your time in London\u2019s natural areas with the contemporary<\/strong> style of this apartment’s light hardwood floors<\/strong> and d\u00e9cor in hues of natural beige and green. You can also extend your time in the fresh air by sitting on your own private balcony<\/strong>. High-end appliances in the full open kitchen make cooking easy, even if you only come home when the sun goes down! Take time to explore the surrounding areas of Shoreditch<\/strong> and Hackney<\/strong>, which are popular for their selection of restaurants and nightlife.<\/p>\n

Celebrate arts and culture in ways both traditional and modern<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The BBC Proms draw hundreds of people in anticipation of an evening of top-notch classic music. (Photo credit: Paul Hudson)<\/p><\/div>\n

London\u2019s proud, regal history makes it a proper destination for the most cultured travelers, especially in the summertime! First and foremost, summer marks the return of the BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall<\/strong>, an eight-week season of orchestral concerts considered to be one of the most anticipated events of the year in England. The Last Night of the Proms celebration is the kingpin of the entire event, and commemorates the proud musical tradition of the entire United Kingdom. This is a can\u2019t-miss event if you want to experience British culture!<\/p>\n

For a more pop culture-oriented experience with a younger crowd, try attending an outdoor film screening<\/strong>, particularly the California-themed LA Nights parties by Backyard Cinema<\/strong>. The screening events (featuring many sing-along musicals) also come decked out with real palm trees and a full beach bar<\/strong>. If you\u2019re looking for more pop-up cinema experiences and other fun summer activities, check out our London summer Guide<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Natural artwork at the Hampton Court flower show<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The English display their pride at the RHS Hampton Court Palace flower show with a classic English tea surrounded by stunning flowers. (Photo credit: Jonathan Cardy)<\/p><\/div>\n

Of course, London is a haven for art, both traditional and unconventional. While you can visit the London’s renowned (and often free!) museums<\/a> like the National Gallery<\/strong> and the Tate Modern<\/strong> year-round, why not experience a more unexpected, outdoor twist on a classic art show? Each July, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival<\/strong> transforms the historic palace grounds into a living gallery. Instead of traditional masterpieces, you’ll find acres of stunning floral displays, immersive gardens, and botanical sculptures, each a vibrant work of art created from fresh flowers and plants. Note that the early days of the festival are reserved for RHS members, with general public access following soon after.<\/p>\n

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Contemporary design accentuates this South Kensington vacation rental. (Rental ID: LN-1535)<\/p><\/div>\n

If you\u2019re in town for the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, you can opt to stay in posh luxury in South Kensington with this 1-bedroom vacation rental<\/a>. Bring the artistic inspiration of the flower show home with the contemporary design aesthetic, bright hardwood floors, and cheery potted plants in this apartment rental<\/strong>. The rental is located in a luxury building designed to bring you the utmost comfort and convenience, with amenities like a concierge<\/strong> and maid service<\/strong>. No need to worry about cleaning on vacation! The convenience continues with the open kitchen that welcomes you to cook, the queen-sized bed<\/strong> that offers a restful place to retire at the end of the day, and the super-convenient South Kensington<\/strong> location, a central neighborhood for both regulars and those new to London.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the biggest party of the summer! Dance your way to Notting Hill Carnival<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Bask in the bright colors and spirited music and dance of the Notting Hill Carnival! (Photo credit: S Pakhrin via Flickr)<\/p><\/div>\n

Ask anyone to name the most popular summer events in London, and they\u2019re almost guaranteed to mention the Notting Hill Carnival<\/strong>. Since 1966, this raucous celebration has taken to the streets of the musical Notting Hill neighborhood<\/a> to celebration London\u2019s West Indian and Caribbean community with dancing<\/strong>, parades, street food, and of course music. What really brings this celebration to life, though, is the brilliantly-colored costumes! Join an annual crowd of over one million spectators and participants from Notting Hill and beyond during the August bank holiday weekend, and dance your way through one of the biggest celebrations in London.<\/p>\n

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Host your own summer celebration in this stylish and open Notting Hill vacation rental! (Rental ID: LN-1695)<\/p><\/div>\n

At the end of the day, you can also keep the party going at your vacation rental<\/strong>! This 1-bedroom vacation rental in Notting Hill<\/a> is ready to host your ultimate summer getaway thanks to its open layout with plenty of floor space to mingle, a kitchen alcove<\/strong> that gives you full view of the party, and an ultra-cool private outdoor patio<\/strong>. The relaxing modern d\u00e9cor and secluded bedroom with double bed will be music to your ears too after a full day of celebrating in Notting Hill or sightseeing at London\u2019s most famous attractions<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Experience the full \u2018flavor\u2019 of London!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Sample London\u2019s sweetest treats at the London Dessert Festival in August.<\/p><\/div>\n

Summer in London is packed with a lot of events! In July, you can experience the London Craft Beer Festival<\/strong> at Magazine London on the Greenwich Peninsula<\/strong>. The festival features over 100 breweries from the UK and beyond, as well as surprise musical acts and entertainment. Then, in August, you can visit the London Dessert Festival<\/strong> at the Business Design Centre in Islington, just outside of the City of London. The festival promises to be an absolute sugar rush celebrating the art of sweets and indulging all 5 senses with displays, performances, art, and of course treats to sample.<\/p>\n

Other summer events include the ever-popular Underbelly Festival<\/strong>, which runs throughout the summer months and offers amusement rides, food stalls, performers, theater, dance, and more, as well as the Hounslow Desi Mela<\/strong>, an annual celebration of South Asian culture held in Hounslow, showcasing vibrant music, art, dance and a variety of traditional cuisines.<\/p>\n

Explore London\u2019s vibrant cultural enclaves and mini-neighborhoods<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Indulge your tastebuds and broaden your horizons by taking a tour of London\u2019s diverse cultural enclaves.<\/p><\/div>\n

Don\u2019t miss the chance to explore the cultural roots of London during some of the most pleasant weather of the year! The summer season is a perfect time to walk around London\u2019s cultural enclaves<\/strong> and \u201clittle\u201d neighborhoods; after all, what better way is there to get acquainted with a city than by hitting the streets? And if you\u2019re a foodie<\/strong>, you\u2019ll be in heaven! Sample some of London\u2019s most famous ethnic dishes like chicken tikka masala and curry. Here are some great places to start!<\/p>\n