10 Unique Things To Do In London This Spring/Summer

In case you haven’t heard in just 3 short weeks I am heading off on a 6 week Europe trip and could not be happier or more excited about it! This will be my first time back since I left 5 years ago after studying in London for half a year (you can read about it here) and close to when I first started this blog in 2012. Where did the time go?! London is truly a unique and mesmerising place in spring/summer. Temperatures are warming up and everything is blooming leafy green. The parks are filled with locals basking in the sun, and the swarms of tourists haven’t just yet arrived. Winter is long gone with no sign of any grim cold snowed in days and the city is bustling with energy and enthusiasm.

London attracts millions of visitors all year round but it isn’t until these warmer seasons that the city truly comes alive. You know me.. I love the ocean and coastal getaways, but I definitely appreciate the sights and variety London has to offer, and the multitude of activities, places to see and foods to eat. Here is my list of 10 unique things I’ll be doing when I visit London this May and June. Oh and yes there’s a good amount of food places to try because isn’t that the best thing about traveling?

10 Unique Things to Do in London in Spring/Summer

1. Enjoy an airy lunch and Spritz at Coppa Club, Tower Bridge

Oh Instagram I do love you. When I saw this photo pop up in my feed shared by Travelling Through The World, I nearly fell off my chair. Straight away I knew I had to visit, especially considering the warmer temperatures and being able to enjoy the outdoor sights of London. Coppa Club is a space for eating, drinking and unwinding. Built around a central, brass bar that’s open on all-sides, it has both a lounge and café. Outside, there’s a large, south-facing terrace that catches the sun all day. Sounds pretty perfect right?!

2. Picnic at St. James Park and bask in the sunshine

The English love their picnics indeed. There’s nothing like escaping the craziness of the city and relaxing at a lush green park with the sun in full bloom. St. James’s Park is just right for that. It is one of the best maintained parks in London with several flower beds and paved pathways that meander through the park. In the summertime, sunbathers relax in deck chairs on perfectly kept lawns and also stroll through the park greeting the wildlife and birds. Apparently Greenwich Park, Regent Park and Richmond Park are good options too.

3. Take the girls out for a dinner at The Gallery, Sketch Restaurant

Created in collaboration between stalwart French chef Pierre Gagnaire and restaurateur Mourad Mazouz, Sketch has been catching the attention of thousands of locals and tourists since 2002. Developed to join fine dining and music and art into one, this Mayfair institution is unique to all other restaurants in London. The two Michelin starred venue features a series of eclectic dining rooms, alongside fine wines and a series of inventive cocktails. The only option is to try them all out, right?

4. Wander and shop through the markets and flower shops of Notting Hill

Even if you’re a traveler, there’s nothing like visiting the local markets, buying fresh flowers and baked treats to make you feel right at home. Whether it’s renowned food, floral displays or antique markets you’ll find everything you need along Portobello Road. If you’re feeling brave enough to tackle the crowds, Oxford Street, Europe’s favourite shopping destination is the place to go for high street fashion. Fun fact: the shops can features sales of up to 70% this time of year!

5. Photograph your way through the impressive art galleries and museums such as the Tate

Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city, and shopping til you drop, and awaken your senses at some of the world’s greatest art galleries. The British Museum, Natural History Museum and Science Museum are all great places to start. After something a little more arty? Try the National Portrait Gallery or Tate Britain. I personally find visiting local museums a great way to immerse myself in the culture and history of a place and understand the world more.

6. Devour all the cakes you can at Peggy Porschen Cakes

Okay surely everyone has heard of this place. Sadly I only stumbled upon this place a few months ago when I was going through a pink obsession on Insta and Pinterest. Since 2010, the Peggy Porschen Parlour in London’s Belgravia has been offering visitors the chance to step into a beautiful fairytale past the pastel pink doors and into a world of freshly baked delights. Every day you can indulge in a mouth watering range of ready-to-eat cakes, cookies and drinks. I’m ready.

7. Cafe hop in search of the best espresso and meander through Soho

Looking for the best coffee in London? London’s addiction with coffee has been much documented including old-school classics and undiscovered gems. For a list of the best best brews the city has to offer I recommend this article. Biscuiteers also looks impressive with its hand-iced cookies and unique designs. My friends also have recommended Kaffeine, Flat White and Milk Bar as some favourites. I know where I’ll be exploring when I arrive.

8. People watch at Trafalgar Square with a seat nearby the fountain

This was one of my favourite things to do when I was in London 5 years ago. For some reason my fascination with people watching has not subsided. Grab a coffee or a snack from Pret-a-manger and enjoy the variety of people you’ll see pass this popular monument. Spot the locals from the tourists and try guess where people are from!

9. Dine sky high over London at the Fenchurch Sky Garden

This restaurant and public garden reminds me of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. Innovative, well kept and lusciously green. Enjoy the array of flora and fauna and top it off with spectacular views and drinks over London.

10. Finish with a sunset wine and picnic at Primrose Hill

Known for its aspect and elevated hill, Primrose Hill is the perfect spot to feel like a true Londoner. In the warmer months, thousands of Londoners flock here to enjoy picnics, hang outs and the beautiful grounds of Regents Park. Why not bring some wine and cheese and reminisce the sweet memories of London?

What is your favourite thing to do in London in summer and spring?

A x