Visit London in July 2026 – Things To Do, Weather, Tips and More

Are you coming to London in July?

You’re in for a treat! July is one of the best times to visit the UK capital. It’s typically one of the warmest months of the year, with long daylight hours and sunsets between 8:50pm and 9:30pm. Just don’t forget your umbrella, occasional rain is still possible!

London truly comes alive in July. The city is buzzing with festivals, live music, open-air cinema, and food and drink events. Street performers, pop-up markets, and lively outdoor spaces add to the buzzing summer atmosphere. There’s something to do for everybody from families to couples to solo travellers and teenagers! 

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about visiting London in July. We cover everything from weather and packing tips to 30 unforgettable things to see and do.

Visit Buckingham Palace.

The Royal family leave Buckingham Palace during the summer months and the Palace opens its doors to tourists. In 2026, the Palace is open between the 9th July to the 27th September.

Take a Dip Outdoors

 

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Head to one of London’s many lidos to cool off in the warm July weather. These outdoor swimming pools are a great place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the summer sun. Tooting Bec Lido, Brockwell Lido, and London Fields Lido are just a few of the many lidos in the city. Additionally you can take a swim in open water at Canary Wharf if you’re brave enough!

Fancy challgening your friends and family to a free game of mini golf? If so visit, Canary Wharf where it’s free to play on a colourful course created by artists Craig and Karl. Open from 12pm to 6pm, it’s suitable for all ages.

Why not extend your outing by checking out nearby attractions? The Museum of Docklands is an excellent family day out with interactive exhibits and a recreation of the old cobble streets shops.

Enjoy a Summer Afternoon Tea

Summer is a brilliant time to take a cruise along the River Thames. Why not make it extra special with an afternoon tea while you enjoy the sights?

There are also outdoor options available for those who would like to enjoy the British tradition of afternoon tea outdoors in the sun. Try the the tranquil Garden Room at the Corinthia Hotel. St. Ermin’s Hotel is renowned for lovely afternoon teas and it has an outdoor terrace as well.

Explore Hyde Park and Dip Your Feet in the Diana Memorial Fountain

Hyde Park is the largest of the four royal parks in central London. Walk by the side of the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and on hot days, sit on the edge, dip your feet in and cool down.

There are also many other things to do at Hyde Park. Take a boat out on the Serpentine lake or a dip in the Serpentine lido. Wander around and look at the many memorials, fountains and statues. Visit the children’s playground with the kids. Or just relax in a deck chair. Don’t forget to bring a picnic!

There are some amazing walking tours of London which are ideal for a July activity due to the warmer (and hopefully drier) weather!

Ideas include: 

The themed street art and graffiti tour which allows you to discover the street art and graffiti of East London.

A Harry Potter walking tour –with the option of a short river trip along the Thames

A Jack the Ripper walking tour – where you can discover more about 19th Century Victorian Britain with an expert guide.

A Secret London walking tour – journey off the beaten track and discover the secrets of London’s past and present.

Shakespeare’s Globe is an open air theatre so July is a great month to see a performance here. If you stand, the cheapest tickets only cost £5, great if you’re on a budget. 

See the Sights on a Boat Trip

Marvel at magnificent London landmarks on a river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich. It’s a great way to see London during the summer months.

Catch an Outdoor Film

Enjoy the BST Hyde Park Festival

The BST Hyde Park Festival is an annual event which takes place over 2 to 3 weeks in June and July in London’s beautiful Hyde Park. In 2026 it’s taking place from 27th June to 12th July.

The event includes massive headline concerts in Hyde Park, featuring artists like Maroon 5, Lewis Capaldi, Duran Duran, Pitbull, Tini Tempah and many others over weekends.

There is also a free midweek “Open House” program with cinema, food, and activities.

If you’re a fan of films, check out the Rooftop Film club which shows movies on roof terraces in Peckham and Shoreditch, so you can watch your film with a view!

Walk Along the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens

July is a great month to explore beautiful landscapes, greenhouses, and outdoor gardens at Kew Gardens. Highlights include the Palm House, Princess of Wales Conservatory, Temperate House and the new children’s gardens for the kids. I love the treetop walkway, an elevated walkway with an incredible view of the garden’s treetops.

Visit Greenwich

The Cutty Sark, Greenwich

Greenwich is a lovely part of London to visit in the summer months. Enjoy some time at Greenwich park and climb the hill to see views of Canary Wharf and south London. Walk around the Cutty Sark and if it does rain you can pop into one of the museums which includes The National Maritime Museum.

Take the IFS Cloud Cable Car

The IFS Cloud cable car offers breathtaking views of the city and is a great way to see London from a different perspective. The ride lasts for around 10 minutes and doesn’t cost the earth either.

Ride the London Eye

You are more likely to get a clear, sunny day in July (although it’s never guaranteed!) making it a great month to ride the London Eye. Jump on one of the 32 spacious capsules and enjoy a slow, 30-minute rotation that offers panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks and skyline.

On a clear day from the top of the wheel, you can see up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) in all directions, taking in sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Take an Open Top Bus Trip

If you like open top bus tours, the warmer weather in July make it an excellent month to try one out in London. London bus tours offer open top buses to see all the major London landmarks.

Check Out a Music Gig at Somerset House

In July 2026, Somerset House hosts 11 nights of music gigs in it’s spectacular courtyard. See performances from new and established acts from all over the world.

Find out more at Somerset House Summer series. 

See a Classical Performance at BBC Proms

Set at a date to see a classical performances at the magnificent Royal Albert Hall which hosts over 40 days of concerts as part of the BBC Proms. The Proms open on 17th July 2026.

Take a Picnic To Primrose Hill

Enjoy magnificent views of the city while tucking into a picnic at the top of Primrose Hill. Primrose Hill is located at the top end of Regent’s Park. Why not combine your picnic with a visit to Camden Market which is about 10 minutes walk away?

Watch The Annual Tennis Tournament at Wimbledon

Get tickets to see a tennis match at Wimbledon. The tennis tournament takes place from the 29th June to 12th July 2026. If you can’t buy tickets, watch it on one of the pop up screens across London. Most of the screens are free and you can just turn up. In past years pop up screens have appeared at Canary Wharf, King’s Cross, Mayfair, Baker Street, Greenwich and many other places.

Enjoy the Atmosphere at Pride, London

In 2026, Pride London is on 4th July. Don’t miss the Pride Parade, a colorful and vibrant process through the streets of central London and free performances at Trafalgar Square.

Watch a Play at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park, in Central London is a beautiful park to visit during July. It borders London zoo and sometimes you can see the animals when walking past. It’s also home to four playgrounds and a boating lake.

In July, there are also open air theatre performances both in the daytime and evening.

Book online in advance to secure tickets. 

See the Lions, Tigers and Meerkats at London Zoo

A lemur at London Zoo

You’ll be spoiled for choice with the range of animals you can see at London Zoo. From gorillas to giraffes, lions to lemurs and meerkats to macaws – there is an animal that everybody will love to see.

Marvel at the Glass Roof at the British Museum

Sunny days in July are a great time to visit the British Museum. The sun shines through the glass roof in the main area making it a lovely space to sit and enjoy. Of course exploring the rest of the free museum is a must while you’re there.

Watch Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre

If you love Abba and the movie Mamma Mia, you’ll love the stage production too. It’s currently on show at the Novello Theatre in Aldwych.

Book your tickets here.

Visit Hampton Court Palace (and make a date for the garden festival)

Hampton Court Palace is located on the outskirts of London (about a 45 minute train ride). It’s a great place to visit in the summer. See Henry VIII’s great hall and visit the Tudor kitchens at this historic Royal Palace. In the summer, the 60 acres grounds are glorious and kids will love the playground.

Enjoy the View from Tate Modern Viewing Point

If you enjoy modern art the Tate Modern is a must visit while you’re in the city. Entry to the art gallery is free and you can enjoy modern and contemporary art collections from around the world.

July is a great month to enjoy the magnificent view from the observation level at the Tate Modern. It’s free to take the lift to the top floor of the Blavatnik Building. Enjoy a drink and snack from the bar while admiring the view of the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf.

Walk Along the South Bank

Enjoy a walk along the South Bank of the River Thames from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge (about 2.5 miles)  Or just walk a little way. Walking along here in July when the weather is great is a fun and free thing to do. This is where some of London’s main attractions are based including the London Eye and the Aquarium. Street performers keep you entertained. Sit on a bench along the way and soak up the atmosphere. The South Bank skate park has some great street art and skaters to admire.

Visit Camden Market

Camden is a great place to go when the weather is good, especially if you like shopping from independent shops and stalls

The atmosphere in summer is buzzing. There’s also plenty of street food, pubs and other places to eat and drink. It has a unique and vibrant atmosphere. In July, it’s the ideal place to wander, shop and eat.

Jump On a Speedboat Tour

Thrill seekers will love a speedboat tour! Experience London from a unique perspective during the warmer month of July.

The Ultimate London Adventure by Thames Rockets is one of the best speedboat trips! Marvel at London’s famous landmarks from Big Ben to London Tower Bridge on a 50 minute blast along the River Thames. The Skippers make the trips informative and fun.

Ride the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide

Head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and ride the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide.

The summer months are a great time to climb the 114.5m tall, ArcelorMittal Orbit slide. If you like dramatic views, you can see London’s famous skyline through stunning floor to ceiling windows. There’s also an outside observation walkway suspended 80m above the ground.

On the slide, you can reach speeds of up to 15mph. This is a great experience but not for the faint at heart!

Book your slide today

The Paddington Bear Experience is at the County Hall.

Explore many amazing locations from the Paddington movies while helping Paddington and the Brown Family prepare for a very special event; the Marmalade Day Festival.

Find out more

Visit One Of London’s Many Rooftop Bars

Visit on of London’s many rooftop bars and enjoy a view of the city while you sip on a drink.

There are plenty to choose from. Radio Rooftop London is situated on the top floor of Hotel Me in the Strand and offers panoramic views of the city.

Other options for rooftop bars include Florattica Bar in Aldgate, London Bridge Rooftop and Sabine Rooftop. 

Weather in July

In July, the weather in London is generally warm and sunny with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

However it’s fair to say the weather is unpredictable. It can rain a lot in July too. We can get heatwaves with days and weeks of hot sun where the temperatures rise to 35°C (95°F) or even higher but we can also get summers where it’s cooler and / or rains a lot! We also get days where it’s warm and sunny with the odd rain shower thrown in!

What to Wear in London in July

When you bring clothes, you need to be prepared for hot weather but also rainy and cooler weather. It’s a lottery as to what you’ll get! It’s also a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly – although the weather forecast can change and it can be wrong!

Lightweight clothes which you can layer are always a good option for a trip to London. If you use the tube, it can get very warm underground in the summer, even if it’s cool outdoors. It’s great to be able to take off and / or put on layers when you need to. A small tote to carry layers you’ve taken off or may want to wear later can also be useful.

Here is a list of clothes you may need in London in July:

T-shirts and shorts/skirts: For hot & sunny or warm days, wear a t-shirt and a pair of shorts or a skirt. Or you may prefer a short sleeved shirt / blouse and linen shorts.

Lightweight dresses: A dress can be a great option for women, especially for a casual or relaxed look. You can layer a dress with a jacket / cardigan on cooler days.

Light jackets, cardigans, sweater: You may need a light jacket or sweater on a cooler day. Even if it’s warm, a light jacket or cardigan or sweater is useful for cooler mornings and / or evenings.

Jeans / Light pants: – if the weather is on the cooler side, jeans, leggings or light pants can also be great to wear.

Comfortable shoes: London is a large city, so you will be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in all day.

More formal wear: if your plan to visit a high end restaurant or the theatre it’s useful to have smart attire. Some bars and nightclubs can request smart clothes and footwear too.

Sun protection: Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses, and apply sunblock if needed, as the sun can be strong in July.

Rain protection: An umbrella or rain jacket just in case.

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