When London’s in a good mood — i.e. the sun’s out and you’re not soaked through your trainers — there’s truly no better city to be in. The parks get packed, everyone’s suddenly your best mate, and even the pigeons seem less aggressive. It’s like a collective exhale. And when that rare nice-weather energy hits? You want to make the most of it.
So whether you’ve lived here forever or you’re just popping in for the weekend, here’s your guide to some of the most fun things to do in London when the weather’s behaving. Think rooftops, rivers, markets, and a little bit of chaos — because London doesn’t do boring.
1. Glide through Little Venice on a self-drive boat
Is it even sunny in London if someone’s not captaining a GoBoat on Regent’s Canal with a speaker and a picnic? Grab some mates (or go full main character and do it with just two), and drift from Paddington through the leafy backwaters of Maida Vale and Camden. You can bring your own snacks and drinks, and you don’t need a license – just a sense of direction and ideally someone who can reverse.
2. Hop between rooftop bars like you’re on holiday
London rooftops in good weather = unmatched energy. You’ve got your laid-back local hangouts like Frank’s Café in Peckham (cheap drinks, great views, industrial stairwell entrance), or the more polished vibes of Queen of Hoxton, Bar Elba, and Seabird if you’re feeling swanky. Each one has its own vibe – whether you want DJs, fairy lights, or just a killer Negroni in the sun, there’s something up top for you.
3. Get lost (in a good way) at a food market
Food tastes better outside, and London’s markets know it. Head to Mercato Metropolitano for a chill atmosphere with twinkly lights and enough food variety to prevent decision-making for hours. Broadway Market on a Saturday is elite – people-watching, pastries, fresh produce, dogs with better coats than you. Borough Market is still iconic (yes, even for locals), especially if you time it for a quiet weekday lunch. Bonus: most markets also have live music or cheeky wine bars hidden in the mix.
4. Cycle the Thames Path or Regent’s Canal
Rent a Santander bike or bring your own, and pedal your way through some of the most beautiful routes in the city. Start at Tower Bridge and follow the Thames all the way east towards Greenwich, or weave along the Regent’s Canal from Camden through King’s Cross, Hackney, Victoria Park and beyond. Add a pub stop or two and you’ve got yourself the perfect sunny-day adventure.
5. Swim in the great (urban) outdoors
London actually has some brilliant spots for wild-ish swimming, and when the temperature climbs above “mild” you’ll want to dive in. Try Hampstead Heath ponds (men’s, women’s and mixed options), Beckenham Place Park lake(complete with swans and a floating jetty), or the lido at Brockwell Park if you want a pool with a bit of retro flair. Bring snacks, sunscreen, and a towel you don’t mind sitting on for the rest of the day.
6. Take the scenic route through a lesser-known park
Hyde Park’s great, sure — but if you want a bit more space and a bit less stampede, check out Peckham Rye, Battersea Park, or Crystal Palace Park (complete with dinosaurs). Alexandra Palace gives you sweeping views and space for roller skating, or head to Greenwich Park and climb to the top for that classic “yes I’m in London” panorama.
7. Catch an outdoor movie with snacks and sunset
There’s something inherently fun about watching a film under the sky, even if you’ve seen Clueless ten times already. London has loads of options in summer: Rooftop Film Club, Luna Cinema, and Everyman’s outdoor screenings pop up all over the city. Book a deckchair, bring a jacket (British evenings are still British), and settle in with popcorn, drinks and a smug grin.
8. Wander the flower stalls at Columbia Road Market
Even if you’re not in the market for peonies or eucalyptus, Columbia Road on a Sunday morning is full of charm. Street musicians, colourful shopfronts, the occasional free floral sample — and plenty of cafés and bakeries to dip into after. It’s a great way to start a sunny day and just soak in that “isn’t life actually quite lovely” vibe.
9. Kayak, paddleboard or pedalo your way through town
Yes, you can paddleboard past Big Ben. Or through Hackney Wick. Or down a quiet stretch of the canal in Islington. Book a session with Active360 or Paddleboarding London and get your core workout in without setting foot in a gym. If standing up isn’t your thing, you can also kayak — or go full old-school with a pedalo in Hyde Park’s Serpentine. Chaos, but the fun kind.
10. Get involved in a free festival, party or pop-up
When the sun comes out, London becomes one big open-air event. From Southbank’s summer-long festivals to surprise gigs in parks, outdoor art installations, or mini beer festivals popping up outside railway arches – there’s always something happening. Check listings on Time Out, Meent, or Secret London, or just head out and follow the sound of live music.
Bonus: Do absolutely nothing (somewhere scenic)
Sometimes the most fun thing is no plan at all. Grab an iced coffee, find a bench or a patch of grass in a hidden square, and just people-watch. London in the sun is a show in itself — from couples arguing about Google Maps directions to spontaneous buskers and bubble-blowing toddlers. Sit back, enjoy the chaos, and be grateful you’re not underground on the Central Line.
Final Word: Make it count
Nice weather in London doesn’t hang around. One minute it’s rays and pints and smiling strangers, the next it’s sideways rain and wet socks. So when the good vibes hit? Grab your mates, pack the SPF, and get out there. This city knows how to shine — even if only for a day.