London is glorious in June. With the sun shining and summer temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F) – and often reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) during a heat wave – it’s time to hit the capital’s beer gardens, embrace outdoor theater, and even enjoy the beach.

That’s right, London has beaches, and they’re at their best in June. Head to Ruislip Lido and you’ll find a golden beach surrounded by woodlands, while the Serpentine in Hyde Park has beaches and cold, refreshing waters that are perfect for a summer dip. Join cycling tours of London’s secret spots, walk the Thames Path to Greenwich, and kayak under the arches of Tower Bridge. 

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in London in June for you. Stick to these fun and unique London bucket list recommendations and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring the beautiful British capital at one of the best times of the year!

The 11 Best Things to Do in London in June

1. Cycle Your Way Through London’s Secret Sights

With the sun shining, a cycling tour is one of the best things to do in London in June. You can leave the lycra behind (or not, up to you!) and the crowds in your wake as you jump on a Fat Tire Bike Tour for a slow but steady ride through classic sights like Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.

BrakeAway Bike Tours offers a 3.5-hour ride through London’s secret sights, guiding you along hidden canals and laneways in search of colorful murals and scenes from the city’s often debaucherous past. Tally Ho Bike Tours equip you with a vintage bike and wicker basket for an eccentric tour of the city, while the classic “Boris Bikes” offer an easy way to explore London at your own pace.

2. Take a Beefeater Tour of the Tower of London

The “Beefeaters” – so called because they were traditionally allowed to gorge on beef from the King of England’s kitchens – have been a staple sight at the Tower of London since at least the 16th century. 

Officially named the Yeoman Warders, the Beefeaters are royal bodyguards, and even though they’re all ex-military (having served at least 22 years in the armed forces to qualify), these days, they’re also devoted to running tours. 

A Beefeater tour is the best way to learn about the Tower of London’s long and bloody history. Hear tales of grizzly executions, the paranormal, and royal intrigue as you walk the ramparts (perfect in June) and see famed sights like the Crown Jewels. Beefeater tours depart every half hour between 10 am and 2:30 pm in summer. 

3. Navigate the Hampton Court Palace Maze

Best tackled in the summer when there’s far less chance of you being lost in a downpour, the Hampton Court Palace Maze is one of the coolest things to do in London in June.

This magnificent work of topiary art is the oldest hedge maze in England, and it dates back to 1700 when it was planted on the commission of King William III. Elaborate mazes were all the rage back in the 18th century, but amazingly, the hedge has been preserved to this day, and it’s an incredibly popular day out in 21st-century Britain, too.

Navigate the maze itself, then explore the stately rooms and historic halls of Hampton Court Palace, which was the former residence of King Henry VIII and countless later monarchs. 

4. Walk the Thames Path to Greenwich 

If you’re in London in June, I can’t stress enough how important it is to make the most of London’s great weather, so I’d highly recommend walking the Thames Path.

This long walking route follows the banks of the River Thames, and in my opinion, one of the best sections is the eight or so miles from Westminster to Greenwich. You’ll meander past famed riverside attractions like the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye before finding yourself among the lesser-visited wharves and post-industrial landscapes leading to Greenwich. 

Once you’ve made it, you can refuel at the excellent Greenwich Market, where street food and home-baked goods abound, before visiting the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory (where Greenwich Mean Time begins). 

5. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Theater season is in full swing in London in June, but why visit the West End when you can book open-air tickets in Regent’s Park?

Established in 1932, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a summer staple, with seating for 1,304 theatergoers in Queen Mary’s Gardens. 

The theater operates a packed schedule of events and entertainment all through the summer, with June being the peak season. Watch modern takes on Shakespearian classics, catch comedians and Avant-Garde cinema, or take the kids out for children’s specials. 

6. Have a Beach Day at Ruislip Lido

Sixty acres of outdoor greenery await you at Ruislip Lido, a large reservoir that’s home to one of London’s best-kept secrets. Located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, on the outskirts of the capital, Ruislip Lido has a long stretch of golden beach that wouldn’t be out of place anywhere on the coast.

Overlooking a large reservoir surrounded by walking trails, you can spend the day lazing in the sun, picnicking on the beach, and splashing in the shallows. Ruislip Lido is also known for its miniature railway, and several pubs and cafes line the waterside. 

7. Swim in the Serpentine 

The Serpentine is a 40-acre, manmade lake set within the grounds of Hyde Park. This is London’s most iconic open-air swimming pool, and June is the best time to visit. 

For much of the year, it’s only the brave souls of the Serpentine Swimming Club who dare to swim in the frigid waters, but visit London in June, you’ll find that the lake has warmed up significantly and is open to the public every day of the month.

If you’re looking for things to do in London in June, take a swim in the refreshing waters (it’s still cold though!), enjoy the manmade beach, and then explore the sights of Hyde Park. 

8. Spend a Day in a Beer Garden

In June, all too often I find myself in London for a day of beer garden drinks with old mates. It’s summer, and when the sun is shining and London’s best attractions are all too busy with tourists, Brits just head to the pub. 

Not just any old pub, though. No. In summer, your time is best spent enjoying the revelry of London’s many outdoor beer gardens, terraces, or rooftop bars. I love the summer feel of establishments like the People’s Park Tavern in Hackney, for example, where they fire up the BBQ and brew their own beers. 

Others prefer classic rooftop spots like the Queen of Hoxton, which, by the time the sun sets, has morphed into a rooftop nightclub. The Magic Garden is a Battersea favorite, offering live music and outdoor cocktails, while Borough Market is packed with alfresco seating as riverside pubs spill out onto the banks of the Thames. 

9. Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboard on the River Thames

With soaring summer temperatures, the River Thames becomes London’s playground in June. Classic London itineraries will have you exploring the river by boat, and there are plenty of cruises and boat tours you can book. 

For something a little more adventurous, though, why not join a kayaking trip instead? Secret Adventures offers kayaking tours right in the heart of London, for example, taking visitors of all kayaking abilities under Tower Bridge, past sights like St. Paul’s Cathedral, and ending up in a riverside pub.

You can go paddleboarding on the Thames in Richmond, try SUP yoga at St. Katherine’s Docks, or canoe your way along Camden Locks. 

10. Party at West End Live in Trafalgar Square 

When it comes to events in London in June, the West End’s best plays and performers leave the confines of their stuffy Victorian theaters behind for the weekend, when they take over Trafalgar Square. 

A free event that takes place towards the end of June, West End LIVE sees the best plays being performed live to big crowds. 

Catch snippets of popular musicals like “Six” or “The Lion King,” as well as previews of up-and-coming shows and classic performances from West End greats. The event is non-ticketed, which means you’ll need to get to Trafalgar Square early to get yourself a spot in the crowd!

11. Celebrate London Pride

One of the biggest events in London in June is Pride, which typically takes place in the city towards the end of the month. Attracting millions of participants and visitors, Pride in London is one of the biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture in the UK.

During the day, a mammoth parade takes place in central London. Join the festivities, ally with their cause in solidarity, and then enjoy a night of parties and events as the parade takes over the city’s pubs and bars late into the night. When it comes to things to do in London in June, you can never go wrong by attending a few Pride events! 

There you have it! The 11 best things to do in London in June. What are your favorite events in London in June?

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