Despite what the world thinks of London and its dreary weather, a clear sunny summer day in London is actually pleasantly common.
As the sun comes out, and stays out for that much longer, so Londoners begin to relax a little more and soak up the best of what London has to offer. As an expat, it’s when you discover or remember that London is alive and it’s why we came. It’s an incredible city.
1. Londoners get their mojo back
(And are generally in a better mood.) As the sun radiates warmth on London, so Londoners radiate warmth on one another. Cheeks are rosier and smiles are brighter and the clothes are sexier.
2. There are sneaky spots where no wallets are required
Other than museums and galleries, you can fill up your days without emptying your pockets at outdoor theatres, open-air concerts, festivals and pop up markets all over the city.
3. There is world-class entertainment on every corner
And we’re not only talking about the traditional theatre. London is brimming with open-air film screenings in summer.
4. Drinking becomes an outdoorsy habit
Pubs spill out onto the streets and pubs’ beer gardens shake off their winter coats. In order to cater for the demand, pubs tend to pop up along the Thames too.
5. There are 100 miles of canals to explore
Everything slows down to a perfect pace when you take time to promenade or cycle along one of London’s quiet leafy canal paths that shimmer in the sun. Oh, and those outdoor beers again.
6. Picnics in the park never get old
London’s parks come alive in summer, with green lawns inviting lazy picnicers and a whole host of drinking activities (again… Pimms anyone?) and other sports.
7. There’s a festival to suit everyone’s taste
Lovebox, London Wonderground, Calling Festival, the Coronation Festival, Hackney Wicked Festival, British Summer Time, Kew the Music, Jabberwocky, South West Four, the City of London Festival, On Blackheath, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the list goes on. Phew!
8. Late sunsets and early sunrises
There’s so much more to fit into a day, and so many opportunities to take in the splendour of London’s sunsets.
We say: bring on summer!
TOP IMAGE: Stock image via Shutterstock.com/pcruciatti
