London in a Heatwave: The Best Ways to Stay Cool While Exploring the City

As the temperature starts to rise, London takes on a different character. Longer evenings give people more time to explore the capital, riverside terraces fill with diners, and the city's parks become popular picnic spots. While visiting or staying in London during a heatwave calls for a little more planning, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city while keeping cool.

Escape to London’s Green Spaces for a Picnic and Shade

The city’s parks provides a load of opportunities to relax and slow the pace whilst the temperature climbs.

Richmond Park offers beautiful scenery, especially in the sunshine. Its ancient woodland, open grassland and roaming deer create one of London’s more tranquil environments, all within easy reach of central London. If you’re staying in central London, Hyde Park combines wide open lawns with shaded lakeside paths, while Regent's Park is well known for its meticulously maintained Queen Mary’s Gardens.

Whether it’s a takeaway coffee, a good book or simply an hour’s lunch break out in the sun beneath the trees, London’s parks offer an easy way to feel relaxed before heading back into the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets.

Spend the Warmest Part of the Day in an Air-Conditioned Museum

London’s museums don’t just provide fascinating collections – they also offer an escape from the blazing sun.

London is home to a wide range of museums for different interests. The British Museum is home to over 8 million objects, many dating back to 2 million years ago. If animals interest you, then the Natural History Museum is the perfect place, holding a vast variety of species – including 157 types of dinosaurs, the oldest dating back to 245 million years ago!

If you’re looking to stay out of peak heat, planning indoor attractions such as museums between midday and late afternoon leaves the cooler parts of the day free for other activities.

Find a Spot to Cool Off

Avoiding the heat doesn’t always mean you need to head indoors. London has many outdoor swimming spots that become extremely popular during the summer months.

Open from May to September, Parliament Hill Lido on Hampstead Heath is open 7 days a week, offering family-friendly sessions and adult sessions. Surrounded by trees and green space, it is the perfect swimming spot if you’re looking to get away from the busy centre for a while.

Just a short walk away, Hampstead Heath’s famous bathing ponds offer a different experience. The men’s, women’s and mixed ponds are fed by natural spring water and have been in London’s outdoor swimming culture for generations.

For those looking to stay closer to the heart of the city, the Serpentine Lido offers another opportunity for open-water swimming. Nearby, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain remains a popular place for families to cool down, with children often playing in the shallow flowing water.

Cool Down with Some of London’s Best Ice Cream and Gelato

Exploring a city always feels better with an ice cream in hand, and London has no shortage of delicious places for you to enjoy.

In Covent Garden, Venchi serves traditional gelato as well as handmade chocolates. Whilst a short walk away, Amorino is making each scoop into a flower. If you’re looking for something a little different, Chin Chin in Camden has built a huge following for its liquid nitrogen ice cream and creative combinations. However, for those just after a classic 99, ice cream vans pop up all over London, just walk down a street and you’re almost guaranteed to find one.

Enjoy a Film Beside Regent's Canal or a Show at the West End

Each summer, London brings outdoor cinemas back for people to enjoy. Everyman on the Canal has become a fan favourite when searching for things to do in the evening, especially during a heatwave. From Hollywood classics to the latest blockbusters, this outdoor cinema is designed for shared moments with loved ones on a warm summer evening. As well as free entry, a food and drink menu is available, serving options from sundaes to frozen margaritas.

Based in Granary Square, King’s Cross, the screenings are completely free to the public and take place right beside Regent's Canal. The stepped seating fills with visitors enjoying films from family friendly content to major sporting events.

For those looking for a classic London experience, the West End is only a short journey away. The theatre district offers something for everybody, from award-winning musicals such as Les Miserables to dance productions such as Swan Lake.

Dine Beside the Water

As the day begins to cool, London’s rivers become some of the city’s most enjoyable places to eat outdoors. A breeze coming off the water can make a clear difference after a hot day of sightseeing.

The South Bank is one of the easiest places to find a table with a view. There is an array of restaurants to choose from which have a river view. One example is BFI Riverfront, this spot is ideal for those looking for good food in a more relaxed setting. With views of Waterloo Bridge and the Thames, BFI Southbank offers modern British dishes and small plates designed for sharing.

Another option is Obicà Canary Wharf which is an authentic Italian restaurant and pizzeria, with a waterside outdoor terrace. This venue is perfect for business lunches, after-work drinks or relaxed dinners.

End a Busy Day at Primrose Hill

As the temperature begins to drop, Primrose Hill offers one of the best views to watch the city transform into the evening. Rising 63 metres above sea level, the hill provides the perfect spot to view the landmarks uninterrupted, from The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye.

Being there before sunset gives you time to settle on the grass, catch up with friends or family, or enjoy a bite to eat alone before watching the sky fill up with colour. As the sun sets, the city lights begin to shine, offering perfect photograph opportunities.

Ready to Make the Most of London This Summer?

From shaded parks and riverside restaurants to West End shows and outdoor cinemas, a little planning can make exploring London during a heatwave far more enjoyable. Browse London accommodation on Book It Please to find a hotel close to the attractions and neighbourhoods you'd like to experience, leaving more time to enjoy the capital at its best.

Whether the day involves a swim at an outdoor lido, a picnic in Richmond Park, a film on the Canal or dinner along the Thames, staying nearby means there is no rush to catch the last train home. Browse London accommodation on bookitplease.com to find a hotel that puts the city’s best heatwave activities within reach.

Looking for more London travel guides? Check out our complete guides to things to do in London throughout the year, plus insider tips on the best neighbourhoods to stay in, top restaurants, and discover areas only locals know about.