Summer has finally arrived in London (today is the exception that proves the rule, as it’s raining) and my urge to explore has increased even more. My burgeoning London List has seen loads of activities ticked off over the past two years but there’s always a new pop-up to check out or a beautiful park to visit. To keep it manageable, here’s ten things I’d love to tick off around London and the UK this summer!
1. Visit an outdoor art exhibition
I definitely want to get to the new Serpentine Pavilion while it’s open, that mix of colours and materials looks intriguing. I’d also like to do The Line art walk in East London or check out Carsten Höller’s Decision at The Hayward Gallery.
2. Drinks on a rooftop
Probably the most achievable goal as London has no shortage of great rooftop bars that pop up in summer. I live fairly close to the Southbank Roof Garden so that’s an easy win and am a big fan of Madison’s for its gorgeous view of St Paul’s, but I’d love to go further afield to tick this off. Frank’s in Peckham, Aqua in Oxford Circus or maybe Queen of Hoxton – oooh the choices!
3. Sign up for my next half marathon
My goal of running 1000 kilometres this year is well on track, but it would be great to have another half marathon in sight to keep the motivation up. While running one in summer is difficult as I’m so booked up already, I definitely want to have one that I’m working towards. I loved the Royal Parks Half Marathon last year but am away on that weekend this year – maybe Windsor or Oxford instead?
4. A weekend away in the UK
I’m currently plotting a weekend in Scotland to blow away the London cobwebs, and as always I’d love to get back to see my cousins in Abergavenny in Wales too!
5. Broadway Market
Technically this is a slight cheat as I have already visited it for the first time this summer, but I know I’ll be back because a) there was amazing variety and I need to eat more of alllll the things and b) the incredible fresh food was very photogenic and I’d love to share it on the blog!
6. Add to my Thames Path walked
I’ve done most of the easy bits of the Thames Path around central London, so it’s time to branch out further. Inspired by this TimeOut post I might try heading out to the Thames Barrier, or past Hampton Court Palace. Maybe one day I’ll make it all the way to the source!
7. Visit Buckingham Palace
Possibly the most touristy thing on my list, but I do want to have a look inside the Palace – particularly given it is apparently falling down and may soon have to be closed for years of repairs. I’m fascinated to see whether it really does look like it hasn’t been redecorated since the 1950s!
8. Outdoor cinemas
Just like the rooftop drinks, this one is all about making the most of the good weather while we can. From screens in parks to bars and with deck chairs, blankets or bean bags, there is a ton of choice – now I just need to pick a movie!
9. Sky Garden
I love my London viewpoints and I’m intrigued to see whether Sky Garden will be added to the list. I’ve read so many varied reports about people’s experiences here that I know I will have to see it for myself soon!
10. A walking tour
Of course I can get around London myself just fine, but a really good walking tour will make you look up, down or just very differently at the familiar. From Macarons & Mews to Eating London, or perhaps the ever popular Shoreditch street art, there’s a few potentials on my list!
So that’s my list – I am looking forward to (hopefully) ticking it all off! What are your summer plans (or winter, if you’re southern-hemisphere inclined!)? Do you have anything that you think I should definitely add to my list?
