You can’t beat London in the summer!
Here at Secret London we are big fans of London all year round (surprise, surprise!), but when the sun makes an appearance and *gasp* a heatwave strikes us, we find that we love London even more. There’s always so much we want to do, see and experience in the city during the summertime!
To celebrate our partnership with San Miguel, we asked our Secret London team what’s on their summer bucket list. So, if you need some inspiration on what to do before the weather turns, read on!
1. Take a dip in the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds
Having an open-air swim in the Hampstead Ponds could be described as something of a rite of passage for Londoners. It might be a little chilly, but it’s always a fun experience. Grab your friends, bring towels and blankets and just hop right in! We just recommend you pick a particularly sunny day to try and tick this one off your list.
2. Frolic in the Mayfield Lavender fields
Mayfield Lavender Farm is a summer DREAM. Just wander around the endless purple fields of fragrant lavender for a beautiful and highly Instagrammable day out. There’s even an eye-catching red telephone box amidst the flowers that you can pose next to for one of those Insta pics we’re sure you’ve seen on your feed at some point. The best time to visit the lavender fields is late June and July so don’t hang about.
3. Watch a movie at an outdoor cinema
You’ve got to make full use of the summer weather while it lasts and that means when you want to watch a movie, don’t shut yourself up at home or in a dark theatre, book a spot at an outdoor cinema! From rooftops, to parks, to floating cinemas, there’s plenty of choice for you to explore. Popcorn at the ready, folks!
4. Soak up the sun in a pretty beer garden
Life is all about appreciating those simple pleasures, like sipping on an ice-cold San Miguel in a lovely London beer garden. If this one isn’t on your summer bucket list…you’re doing it wrong! Check out our guide to London’s best beer gardens (grouped by area) here.
5. Eat all the ice cream
Our team’s honest bucket list activities included a lot of ice cream, and who’s surprised. Is it even summer if you’re not walking that fine line between getting brain freeze and eating your ice cream before it melts? We’ve got loads of ice cream recommendations for you here. And for all you folks living that gluten-free lifestyle, our editor Georgie has shared a 100% gluten-free gelato shop that’s on her bucket list called, Grom.
6. Watch a performance at The Globe
Now that theatre is back on the cards, we’re adding watching a Shakespeare play at The Globe to our bucket list. Whether you’re after tragedy, comedy or some star-crossed romance – there’s lots on show this summer. And if you’d like to find out a bit more about The Globe before your visit, read our handy guide here.
7. Say hello to the cute animals at a city farm
Add some adorable-ness to your summer by paying a visit to a city farm to see some unbearably cute animals. Need we say more?
8. Escape to the seaside
Okay, technically this might involve leaving London…but who doesn’t have a trip to the seaside on their summer bucket list? Plus, if you really want to be strict about it and keep things London-based there’s always this beach that you can get to on the tube. Pack your suncream and your swimsuits!
This article is an advertising feature by San Miguel. 18+ only. Please drink responsibly. For all the facts, visit drinkaware.co.uk. Follow San Miguel on Instagram and Facebook. For more information, head to San Miguel.com.