With temperatures rising and the sun finally peeking out from behind the clouds, it’s safe to say that summer has finally arrived. Keeping cool in the current heatwave can seem like something of an impossible task, especially in cities such as London. Fortunately, there are a whole host of fun and affordable activities that will allow you to keep cool, calm and collected in the capital this summer.
Affordable activities to keep cool in London, summer 2022
Grab an ice cream
If you’re feeling the heat, then a delicious ice cream will definitely help you to cool down (and they’re tasty too!). London is home to an array of ice cream parlours and gelaterias, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. We’ve heard that La Gelatiera and Gelupo are some of London’s top ice cream spots.
La Gelatiera, New Row
La Gelatiera specialise in artesian gelato. Their gelato is made through the traditional process called Mantecazione and prepared fresh on site, every day. Not only is their gelato delicious but is also packed with flavors, refreshing, rich in vitamins and healthy nutriments, and low in fat.
Gelupo, Soho
Gelupo serves the finest gelato, in the heart of London. If you’re not looking to make the trip, they do daily deliveries across the city so keep enjoying the sunshine wherever you are.
Head to a Lido
There might be a shortage of beaches in central London, but the capital has a great selection of lidos. They offer the perfect spot to cool down in a sun-kissed outdoor pool. We’d recommend heading to Tooting Common where you’ll find the UK’s largest, unheated outdoor lido, the Serpentine in Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath bathing ponds, or Brockwell Park lido in South London.
Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Common
Featuring the UK’s largest outdoor lido, Tooting Bec Lido is an ideal spot to keep cool this summer. With paddling pools, a café and a lovely picnic area, there is something for all ages to enjoy.
Serpentine, Hyde Park
Home to Britain’s oldest swimming club, The Serpentine Lido, is back for summer 2022. London’s iconic open water swim spot features a waterside café bar where you can enjoy a refreshing snack and drink.
Bathing Ponds, Hampstead Heath
Featuring three natural bathing ponds and a 60m lido, Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds is a great and cost effective spot to keep cool in London this summer. If you fancy going a little more often, season tickets are also available.
Brockwell Park Lido, South London
Brockwell Lido has been a Brixton community favourite since 1937. Featuring a 50m outdoor pool, café and a range of fitness activities, it is a great spot for all of the family to enjoy.
Check out an art gallery
An art gallery might seem like a strange choice of venue for a hot sunny day, but galleries have to keep their temperature at a very precise level, so you can guarantee that they will be nice and cool, however hot it is outside. The good news is that there are countless galleries to choose from in London, for example the National Gallery, and the Tate, to the National Portrait Gallery and Saatchi. All you need to do is pick your favourite and go take advantage of their super-precise air conditioning systems!
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery is situated in the City of Westminster in central London and homes Britain’s national collection of European paintings. Featuring over 2,000 paintings, The National Gallery is free for all to enjoy.
The Tate Modern, London
The Tate Modern national art gallery is part of a family of four galleries across the UK. It features a national collection of British art and international modern and contemporary art.
Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York Square
The Saatchi Gallery exhibits contemporary art of up and coming artists. It is also a registered charity with the mission to access contemporary art for all.
Find a fountain
Frolicking in fountains isn’t just for kids. In the midst of a heatwave, they’re a great place to keep cool. Luckily, there is no shortage of fountains in London. Some of our favourites include the fountain outside the Royal Festival Hall, the square just behind King’s Cross, and the classic Somerset House courtyard fountain.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution to escape the summer heat, we specialise in internal water cooled air conditioning systems. They are ideal for restricted properties in London such as apartments and listed buildings. Get in touch for more information!
