Top things to do in summer in the Royal Parks
Key information
Enjoy world class music. Take part in nature-themed events. Enjoy the very best that food and drink has to offer. The Royal Parks will be buzzing all season long.
Whether you're a Londoner seeking new adventures or a curious tourist yearning to uncover the essence of the city, London's summer offerings are sure to captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories. So, pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and embark on a journey through London's summer delights. Get ready to indulge in a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and outdoor adventures and discover the top things to do in the Royal Parks in London this summer.
Events and activities in the Royal Parks
It’s time to head outside and enjoy the sunshine. With so much to do in the Royal Parks this summer, we’ve rounded up our top events and activities:
1. Make learning fun at our Discovery Days
Our ever-popular family Discovery Days are back this August! Join us at the Hyde Park Learning Centre for days of educational outdoor fun, giving little ones a chance to connect with nature this summer school holiday. Storytelling sessions will take place at 12, 1, and 2pm with all other actives ongoing through the days.
22nd – 24th August | Life Underground
Explore life underground by hunting for minibeasts, creating clay animals and building a fox or badger den.
Where: Hyde Park
Free, drop in between 11am and 3pm
2. Uncover the hidden stories of the Royal Parks
Join us every month for fascinating historical walking tours of the central Royal Parks. Discover the royal history of St. James's Park and gain exclusive access to Duck Island, go behind the railings of the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens, and visit Hyde Park's famous Victorian pet cemetery.
When: Monthly
Where: St. James's Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
3. Relax with fabulous live music
Come and hear a sensational line up of live musicians, from jazz and big band to a rock choir, performing every weekend this summer in The Regent’s Park and Greenwich Park.
Regent's Park Music Festival
hosted by Friends of Regent's Park and Primrose Hill
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 17th June – 17th September
Where: The Regent's Park (see map for details)
Free
Greenwich Park Bandstand Concerts
hosted by Friends of Greenwich Park
When: Sundays, 2nd July – 28th August
Where: Greenwich Park Bandstand (see map for details)
Free
4. Explore beautiful Richmond Park at our Open Day
Find out how we look after the beautiful, historic and wildlife rich habitats of Richmond Park, with talks, demonstrations and exhibits from ecologists and wildlife experts. Join a guided walk or try out activities including abseiling and woodland crafts.
When: Sunday 17th September
Where: Holly Lodge Centre, Richmond Park
5. Immerse yourself in outdoor theatre and opera
Take in a performance this summer in the inspiring setting of The Regent's Park.
Explore the fantastic summer season at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, featuring shows such as La Cage Aux Folles and more.
6. Chill out on a boat ride
See the parks from a new angle with a relaxing trip out on the water in Hyde Park, The Regent's Park or Greenwich Park. It's the perfect way to cool off this summer.
Boating on the Serpentine, Hyde Park
When: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Boating in Greenwich Park
When: Weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, 10am to 5pm. Daily from 1st July.
Boating in The Regent's Park
When: Daily, 11am Mon-Fri / 10am Sat-Sun to 7pm
7. Explore the Crystal Palace with augmented reality
Held in Hyde Park by Prince Albert, the Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased the advances of the Victorian era. With help from augmented reality technology, you can now step back in time to experience the grandeur of the 'Crystal Palace' that housed the exhibition.
Where: Hyde Park (using the AR app) or at home via our website
When: In your own time
Free
8. Enjoy playtime
There’s never a dull moment in the Royal Parks’ spectacular playgrounds. Check out the zipline at Gloucester Gate playground, the swings and climbing frame at the Hyde Park playground or the incredible wooden pirate ship at the Diana Memorial Playground.
Primrose Hill playground has just reopened following improvement works, with new play equipment including a sandpit, roundabout and wobbly bridge. The playground is complete with a wheelchair-accessible raised sandpit and accessible toilets. We have also transformed the playground at Greenwich Park with new inclusive and nature-inspired play facilities, with plenty of opportunities for sand and water play this summer.
9. Take a break
In our busy, fast-paced city, sometimes the best thing to do is nothing. We invite you to take some time out of your day to soak up the sunshine in your local Royal Park. You’ll find the perfect scenic spots for a picnic with friends or just watching the world go by.
Nature highlight
In summer, trees provide perfect roosting places for bats, our only flying mammal, with many species being found across the parks. On late summer evenings lazing in meadows rich with wildflowers and buzzing with life, keep an eye to the sky to witness some of our more elusive residents giving impressive aerobatic displays.As we approach August, keep an eye out for two flying together with mothers teaching their young the ropes of navigating the sky and catching food on-the-wing.
The Royal Parks offer a haven of natural beauty and tranquility within the bustling city and we invite you to embrace the parks’ events and activities and create lasting memories in London this summer.