How To Keep Cool In London In The Summer Heatwave

We spend 50 weeks of the year moaning about the weather, then when we DO get a taste of summer, it’s just too damn hot. Here’s how and where to cool down when the heatwave hits London.

How to keep cool on the Tube

Mmm…. sweaty. Image: Shutterstock

You’re joking right? The Tube is London’s own furnace — rumour has it the devil himself once had a cosy little lair on the Central line, but found it a little toasty and relocated to the cooler, more bearable flames of Hell.

That said, there are ways you can rework your commute to keep a bit cooler: meet the air-conditioned Tube map, as compiled by Geoff Marshall. No surprise that the Central line is absent, but you’ll notice that the beautifully chilled Elizabeth line runs a similar route through Central London.

Of course, we make no promises about your fellow commuters having the common decency to wear deodorant, but one step at a time, eh?

Rooftop bars and beer gardens in London

Sabine is one of London’s best rooftop bars for a summer day (or evening)

If you’re anything like us, as soon as thew sun’s out, your thoughts turn to al fresco supping. You’ve got two main options; rooftop bars, and beer gardens.

Rooftop bars can be found hovering above the streets of London, from themed hipster hangouts in the east, to Peckham’s famous negroni bar, Frank’s. Browse our guide to the best rooftop bars in London (updated for 2026).

When the sun’s out, make for your nearest beer garden. Image: Shutterstock

Otherwise, gather your crew together and make for your nearest beer garden. From riverside terraces to sprawling open spaces, and more compact gardens in the city centre, kick back with an icy pint — just watch out for wasps.

Want guaranteed sun? Launched in 2025, the SunSeekr app offers an interactive map showing you which parts of London — including those all-important beer gardens, rooftop bars and parks — will be in the sun or shade at any given time on a particular day. Great for making the most of the rays, but also handy when it’s just too hot, and you’re trying to dodge the direct sun.

Lidos and outdoor swimming in a London heatwave

Parliament Fields Lido is one of the capital’s many open-air swimming options. Image: Shutterstock

Year-round swimmers must dread summer, when fair weather dippers take to London’s many lidos and wild swimming ponds in a bid to cool down. Aside from the famous ones — think the ponds on Hampstead Heath, Brockwell Lido and London Fields — there are plenty of lesser-swum outdoor pools. Finchley Lido, anyone?

Excellent news for outdoor swimmers: the 50m lido Sea Lanes Canary Wharf opens in June 2026, offering yet another place for al fresco dips in London.

Conversely, London’s year-round, indoor pools tend to empty out a bit when a heatwave hits, so you might get more swimming space at one of these.

Willing to travel a bit? Combine swimming with a day trip at one of these outdoor pools and lidos near London.

Summer beaches in London

Viking Bay in Broadstairs is accessible from London. Image: Shutterstock

No need to hop on the train to get to the beach — although Kent, Essex and Sussex all have excellent options. London has its own beaches, which pop-up every summer to offer city dwellers the feel of sand between the toes… and in their hair, and up their nose… Anyway, if you’re up for finding sand in your crevices until October, here are the details of this year’s summer beaches in London.

London water fountains you can play in: Summer 2026

That looks incredibly tempting right now. Image: Shutterstock

Move out the way, kids — we’re coming in. In summer, London’s awash with water fountains that you’re allowed to play in. Splash, paddle and whoop to your heart’s content — just remember, you’ve got to go back to the office in that soaking shirt and tie.

Take to the ice

Ice skating’s not just for Christmas — London has several year-round ice rinks, situated in dark, cool buildings. The most central rink is located at Queensway, and has bowling, arcade games and a restaurant and bar. In fact, it’s located underground — ideal if you’re swerving the sun’s rays entirely.

Things to do outdoors in London: Summer 2026

Rooftop Cinema Club is a staple of London’s outdoor cinema scene

If you’re keen to make the most of summer in London, there are plenty of things to do outdoors — just make sure you follow safety advice, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and stick to the shade on the hottest days.

On a summer evening, few things are more delightful than watching a good film at an outdoor cinema. London’s summer 2026 options take places on rooftops, in parks and gardens, and even in the middle of the Barbican estate. Most have food and drink options available on site. Just bear in mind that no matter how scorching the day has been, things can get chilly when the sun sets, so take an extra layer along with you.

Beyond cinema, there’s plenty of other outdoor culture to enjoy in London, from live music to outdoor theatre to open-air art. Check out our guide to summer 2026’s music festivals while you’re there.

Alternatively, we’ve always found boating to be a cooling activity (providing you’re not doing too much of the rowing or pedalling yourself that is). Here’s our guide to boating lakes in London.