Ideas for things to do in London in the hot weather

[SharonEllis]

I have relatives visiting for a few days. They don't like art galleries but might be ok with visitor attractions. I have never met most of them and they are not telling me what they want to do . Its going to be pretty hot next week and Im wracking my brains to think of places to go that won't be blazing hot. Any tips?

Kew Gardens?

Henry Moore exhibition on, lots to look at.

Take a boat up the Thames. Start at Woolwich (accessed by a Crossrail or rail). Thames Clippers pass the Thames Barrier, O2, Royal Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben and on to Battersea. Nice cool breeze if you can get seats in the outside bit. You can go on to Putney and make your way to Kew Gardens for the afternoon. Lots of shady spots there.

Great ideas, thank you.

St James park is lovely to walk around, and you'll probably see the pelicans.

Some of the city towers have rooftops open to the public, eg Sky Garden and others.

Yes I was going to say St James park. It’s a favourite it hot weather as you can hire a deck chair (picnic?) and sit under the massive trees.

I second the suggestion to go on a riverboat. I think they’re called Uber boats now (used to be Thames clippers).

(Caveat: I’ve not done it for a while so please double check if the following info is still correct)

Buy a river roamer day pass and you can hop on and hop off along the way. There’s lots to see and do, and the whole Southbank area has many options for casual food/drink if you like. There’s a rooftop garden bar (roughly where the skateboarders are) that has great views over the Thames and usually a bit of a breeze going. If you’re all getting too hot you can always pop into the Tate Modern for a bit - I know you said they’re not into museums but it’s just an impressive building with aircon and entry is free! The vast engine hall is worth seeing even if you don’t want to go into the galleries.
One thing to bear in mind is that the central riverboat stops can get crowded and there may be a bit of a wait.
Like @Dilemma999 said, it’s a good idea to start out towards one or the other end of the line.

i live in London and we’re going to St James’s Park today to see the baby pelicans!
Boat up to Greenwich is good - loads to do there. Aldo canal ip/down the canals from maida vale to Camden. Or kings x to Islington.
Southbank - will be lively!
Any air con museum!

Swimming at Hampstead ponds?

I went to Hampton Court last week with a couple of friends. Was dreading it in the heat! But there’s lots to see inside and it’s cool. Courtyards etc are lovely - we didn’t go near the gardens! It’s a bit of a schlep, I got the train out from Vauxhall.
NB it’s expensive, we went as we’re trying to get our money’s worth from annual passes.

Museums? Science museum is epic and British museum is gigantic. Both will be cooler Id imagine.

If there’s kids the fountains at Coal Drop Yard near Kings Cross were full of them in swimmers having an absolute blast yesterday plus there’s an outdoor cinema but in the sun.

To add to Kings Cross, there’s Camley St nature reserve and the Canal Museum which has (sporadic) boat trips - both of these are small!

Yes, this. Take an Uber boat from London Eye or Westmister all the way to the Thames Barrier and back. Or get off at Greenwich, wander around the market, the park, have lunch in one of the cafes. You could visit the Naval college, Royal Observatory, Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark clipper ship if any of those appeal to them.

How about seeing a show? There are some very good offers on right now, and many theatres have air conditioning or are cool.

St James's Park with free-roaming pelicans is fun and central. Regent's Park is pretty. The zoo is there, if that appeals.

All the markets - our younger relatives love Camden Market, and everyone love Borough Market though it can get packed. Covent Garden has buskers and everything from high-end shops to cheap stalls in Jubilee Market.

You can also get a boat to Hampton Court from Kingston. (Which is probably also a bit of a schlep but depends where in London OP is based.)

Thank you for great ideas! I will see what my gang think....

Nor sure where you are based but a few thoughts - go to Richmond and stroll along tbe river, there are plenty of historic pubs and also some low effort, safe water activities such a kayaking and paddle boarding along that part of the river. Ther eis a fun pub that gets cut off high tide.

Go to Crystal Palace and see the refurbished dinosaurs.

A wander along tne Southbank, lots of shady areas and air conditioned buildings to duck in to. The appearing rooms installation is always fun (however check of it is on, it may be switched off due to water restrictions).

A boat ride down the Thmeas and off at Greenwich or even the Thames barrier?

I would be careful of the parks in hot weather - many at the moment are sad, arid dustbowls and not that much fun to be in.

Also Borough market is a great experience but as someone who walks through it most days to go to work, it is hotter than satan's jockstrap in very warm weather.

Thanks for all the ideas - we did River boat to Greenwich and on another day from Big Ben to the Tower and they went to Kew as well as I couldn't do that day. Everyone very happy!

It sounds like a very laid back and fun time - well done!

I love when OPs report back