As the sun starts to shine with more regularity, it’s time to turn your attention to the great variety of outdoor events that are held all over London throughout the summer. From boutique music festivals to cultural celebrations and food, Londoners and tourists alike revel in the chance to get outside and enjoy the best that the capital has to offer. Here’s our pick of the must-do outdoor events over the coming months.
This annual event celebrates the Queen’s official birthday, and if you arrive early, you can get a good view of the parades, pomp and ceremony from the Mall. The event lasts for about 3 hours, during which the Queen carries out an inspection of the troops, including the Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry, before returning to Buckingham Palace for the Royal Air Force fly-past.
2. Taste of London
16-19 June, Regent’s Park
Taste of London gets bigger and better every year. This summer, 40 of the best restaurants in the capital will be demonstrating dishes, offering tastings and serving up bite-sized taster dishes. There will also be hundreds of food producers on site offering a whole range of delicious and delectable treats.
Chelsea might be more famous, but the stunning location of this event surely gives it the edge. This green-fingered fair is for keen gardeners as well as those who just enjoy the beauty of blooms and it includes a rose festival, concept gardens and traditional English gardens.
4. Kew the Music
6-11 July, Kew Gardens
Many London parks offer summertime concerts, but Kew Gardens is a truly stunning setting in which to enjoy a picnic and live music. Different bands and musicians perform each day, and this summer’s line up offers a diverse range of performers from Blondie to Bryan Ferry.
Experience a taste of the Caribbean in the centre of London and gasp in wonder at the spectacular floats and costumes. The music is provided by various sound systems, and the atmosphere is electric.
Looking for a convenient hotel for enjoying the above summer festivals? Look no further than the Montague on the Gardens – a boutique hotel near the British Museum recently feted by London Hotels Insight (using price research and data from the U.K. Tea Guild) for offering the best-value afternoon tea in London.
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.
