What to do in London on a sunny day

By Elena Muñoz

She discovers who she is and who she wants to be while travelling. A journalist with a digital heart who loves to report what she sees and how she makes her feel in each destination. They are passionate about telling stories between their suitcases and talking to everyone they can.

Although London is synonymous with rain for many of us, sometimes the sun comes out full of force. And it is at that time that we have to be prepared to know what outdoor activities we can do to enjoy the sun in the city of London.

London gets an average of 150 clear days every year, but there are only really sun, sun, around 50! How could you not be ready to enjoy a day like this? Although London and the sun don't always go hand in hand, when they do go hand in hand, we have to make the most of every ray of sunshine. And there is no better way to do it than by losing yourself in parks, open-air markets and gardens or going up a rooftop with spectacular views. Find out how you can make a sunny day in London into an unforgettable experience.

a bridge over water with benches and a bench

Working city route: between iconic monuments or alongside the Thames

Enjoying a sunny day in the British capital ... is that possible! And when it’s sunny, one of the best outdoor things you can do is explore London on foot. Consider a monumental route starting at Buckingham Palace and ending at London Bridge, so you will see many iconic buildings such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben or the London Eye. This takes approximately an hour to discover the city at your own pace, enjoying every corner of the city without having to use public transport.

Another of the walking routes you can do in London is along the River Thames through the South Bank district. A pleasant one-and-a-half-hour walk full of terraces, starting in Trafalgar Square and ending on one of London’s most iconic bridges: Tower Bridge. Along the way, you will have the chance to make food and cultural stops such as the famous and historic Oxo Tower and the British National Museum of Modern Art, Tate Modern. You can also visit all the street artists and the oldest market in London, Borough Market.

Iconic London parks: Walks and picnics

One of the things that London can boast is the incredible number of green areas. So when the sun rises, it’s normal that the British capital is transformed and visitors rush to the parks. If so, make a plan (coffee in hand!) to take a walk through the popular Hyde Park and relax around the Serpentine Lake, a place full of venues for yoga and sport.

Right next to the Royal Gardens, Kensington Palace is another idyllic outdoor space that you can visit on a sunny day in London if you are staying nearby, such as the Hotel Meliá London Kensington Meliá Collection. Opened to the public in 1841, Kensington Gardens offers one of the most peaceful and most stately settings in the entire city. Lose yourself in the sculpture, flowers and palaces.

There is also St. James's Park, with its benches opposite Buckingham Palace and a lake full of birds. Few places have a more iconic view than this! And if you fancy something more active in the exclusive district of Marylebone, Regent's Park is an ideal place to rent a bike, stroll through its well-kept gardens or even visit the zoo.

Tip! If you really want to be away from home all day, prepare a delicious picnic and head down to the southwest to enjoy the huge and leafy Richmond Park, a park that will surprise you with its wild air and free deer: a genuine getaway break in the city.

a group of people sitting at tables outside a restaurant

Open-air Markets: Alternative London

After the park, nothing like one of my favorite outdoor activities: visit street markets! London is full of them, and each of them has its own personality. The best thing is that it’s not just about shopping: enjoy a drink outdoors, be carried away by the creative and artisan atmosphere, and even start up a curious conversation about traditional techniques or unique items.

The most famous are Portobello Road (popularly known as Notting Hill), one of the oldest cities in the capital and famous for appearing in the vast majority of British movies; its colorful and bohemian spirit make it perfect for buying antiques, clothing and vintage items. Another major attraction is Camden Market, a traditional market with an alternative, versatile and modern ambience, ideal for discovering fashion, art and cuisine from different perspectives.

For other markets, it is also worth a visit to Borough Market, which is more than 1,000 years old and is a paradise for food lovers (it’s not unusual to find famous chefs) with options to buy superior quality products or have a meal. And if the sun is on a Sunday... you must not miss the Colombia Road Flower Market, a small street with a large number of stalls full of flowers of all colors accompanied by live music.

Finally, you can head to Shoreditch, where markets such as Brick Lane Market and Old Spitalfields Mark are full of urban art and hipster vibes.

Rooftops: Brunch or drinks with picture-postcard views

Another thing to always keep in mind when the weather is good in London is knowing the best rooftop bars you can visit. The relaxed atmosphere, the cocktails and summer feeling makes visiting a rooftop bar even more magical!

From enjoying a delicious brunch on a terrace to ending the day with friends admiring an awesome sunset, every excuse is good. That’s why it’s vital you know some of the best rooftop bars in London, among which I recommend:

Sky Garden: A must-see attraction thanks to its lush gardens, huge height and free privileges if you book in advance.
Radio Rooftop Bar: Located on the rooftop of the ME London hotel, it provides an elegant and modern ambience in which mixology and exquisite Asian-inspired cuisine merge.
London Bridge Rooftop Bar: Located next to Borough Market, it combines spectacular views of the skyline (including The Shard) with a festive ambience with a live DJ, informal snacks and unlimited brunches.
Frank's Café: Located in Peckham, it has an industrial rooftop terrace with street activities, great value drinks and relaxed sunset views.
Roof East: In Stratford, this is an authentic upper-air entertainment park with an outdoor cinema, games such as mini-golf or ping-pong, unlimited brunches, live music, street food...
Wagtail: With almost 360° views of Palma, it’s best to book online to get a free drink after your visit.

By the way! 50th floor The Lookout Horizon 22 in the Canary Wharf also offer incredible panoramic views even if you don’t have a drink.

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Bonus! Extra ideas for things to do on a sunny day in London

✅Take a cruise on the River Thames with Uber Boat London, making up to 24 stops at different docks just like on the metro.

✅Discover Greenwich and its famous meridian.

✅Ride your bike through the picturesque canals of Little Venice.

✅Enjoy an open-air movie on the London Rooftop Film Club with the London skyline as a backdrop.

A sunny day in London is a gift and you should make the most of it. From hidden parks and gardens to street markets, walking routes and rooftops with amazing views, there are thousands of outdoor ideas you can do in the city of London. Plan well and remember that the weather can change at any time, so don't forget to bring a light jacket. It’s time to make the most of every minute and visit the most iconic locations in the British capital under the sun!