It’s Father’s Day this weekend, and if you’re struggling for ideas on where to take your old man on the day, then no sweat, we’ve got you covered. May your beer be good, your cakes be sweet, and your jokes be Dad.
14 things to do for Father’s Day in London
1. Head to the Oblix at the Shard for a Whiskey-filled experience
Views of London from 32 floors up high? Check. Set menu to pair with whiskey cocktails? Check. Gift pack to take home? Check. Thanks to a patnership between Compass Box and Oblix at the Shard, that’s possible this Father’s Day. Book your spot here.
2. Exchange a generic gift for a fancy bottle of rum
Honesty can take you a long way in life. And who has definitely lived longer than you? That’s right, your old man. If he isn’t too polite not to tell you what he thinks about your generic gift, then point him in the direction of this gift exchange where you can swap socks, novelty t-shirts, ties, key rings, and pants for a classy bottle of Appleton Estate rum. They’ve done their research and found that 37% of Dads have been unsurprised by their gifts in recent years, but telling them about this exchange might just put a twinkle in their eye. The Appleton Estate Generic Gift Exchange is open to all parents from 11:00am – 6:30pm on June 20 – 21, at 68 Old Compton Street in Soho, running while stocks last. Find out more.
3. Take a day trip to the seaside
Enjoying the heatwave? Good. Think you’d enjoy it more if you were on the beach, mind. There’s plenty of ’em accessible from London for a day trip, so take your pick and have a relax with the family on some golden sands. Here’s a few suggestions.
4. Or, head to one in London…
Yep, you’ll find one. In west London, to be precise. If you fancy some golden sands, huts, cabañas, jackfruit tacos, burgers and more, then your best bet is to head to Fulham Beach for a cracking summer holiday. Read all about it here.
5. Head to a cluckin’ brilliant Chicken Wings festival
Three days of just chicken wings? With over 50 varieties? Plus a Moulin Rouge-themed drag show? And plenty of beers and cocktails to sip on all day? Alright we’re in, and I bet your dad is too. Get your tickets here.
6. Catch a movie at an outdoor cinema
Something marvellous about the weather allowing us to watch movies outdoors, isn’t there? Well, it’s June and it’s Father’s Day, so it’s a no brainer to take your cinema-loving dad out to a showing. We can wholeheartedly recommend Rooftop Film Club, who are showing pictures at both Bussey Building in Peckham and Roof East in Stratford.
7. Get a free Five Points beer
It’s the thought the counts, right? And you can treat your old man to the one after that freebie. Five Points Brew are offering your first beer free if you bring your dad along for the ride. In this heat, I don’t think anyone or their Dad will turn down a cold brew. Head down to the Five Points Taproom on Sunday to take advantage of the offer! Find it at 61 Mare Street, E8 4RG.
8-10. In fact, let’s tell you about a few more places with some free booze, shall we?
Yeah? Yeah. We all love a free drink, after all. Here’s a few more places that will offer you a free tipple on entry.
🍻 Truman’s Social Club: free pints on offer from Goodness Brewery when ordering a roast dinner.
🍸 Heliot Steak House: Complimentary make-your-own Old Fashioned experience exclusively for dads.
🥃 Any Sizzling Pub: free Jack Daniels And Cola for all dads (one free per booking).
11. Head to this lovely riverside festival
Parked at London Bridge for the warm season, Summer By The River could be just the tonic for a Father’s Day-out in London. This year, it’s themed around 1930s Miami, and there’s great food, great drinks and some world class performances. Who says no? Not your da. Read more about it here.
12. Head to one of London’s fantastic free museums
London is filled to the brim with essential museums, and even if you’ve been to them all, a trip to one with the family is dead-cert hit for Father’s Day. Whether it’s saying hello to the just-returned Dippy the Dinosaur at the Natural History Museum or getting technical at the Science Museum, there’s something for all of you and all your dads out there. Check out our list of free museums in London.
13. Have a meal up in the sky (literally)
If you and/or you old man (could run in the family) have a fear of heights, then I’d urge you to skip this one. But for any thrillseeking families out there, this could be the one for you if you’re pining to get closer to the clouds as you fill your belly. Everything is on the table. Well, to the effect of brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, sunset dinner or cocktails. Take your pick, and strap in. Read about it here.
14. Get a haircut and Sunday Roast
A left-field pairing, sure. But you and your dad might both need your barnet chopped, and you definitely both want a roast dinner. So what’s the issue? Smith’s Bar and Grill are offering paired discounted haircuts, thanks to Pall Mall barbers, followed by a mean Sunday roast with bottomless red wine, all at their idyllic riverside location. Combinations for the ages, my friend. Oh, and yes: the roast does come with all the trimmings.