We’re in the midst of a heatwave and, as always, us Brits aren’t coping well.
For the sun-seekers who do love a bit of sunshine and sweatiness, though - and who have a few days off this week - we’ve got some fantastic recommendations of things to do in the capital.
From barbecuing juicy burgers in London Fields, to sipping mojitos in one of the capital’s best rooftop bars, here’s what you need to know.
Watch a movie at Rooftop Film Club.
Love watching films? Love being outdoors? Then you need to see a movie at one of London’s incredible rooftop cinema locations.
Popcorn at the ready.
Eat ice cream (and get brain freeze) at Gelupo.
One of the perks of being in a heatwave is that you can eat all of the ice cream you want, without fear of judgement.
Gelupo offers delicious Italian-style ice cream from its parlour based in Soho.
Check out our roundup of London’s best ice cream parlours for more places to go.
Cool off at Hampstead Heath’s ponds.
If you’re feeling really brave and would like to fully embrace the hotter than Ibiza temperatures, then we recommend hitting up either the Ladies’ Pond, Men’s Pond or Mixed Pond at Hampstead Heath.
The Ladies’ and Men’s Ponds are the only life-guarded open-water swimming facilities open to the public every day of the year in the UK.
Race you there.
For more information about swimming at Hampstead Heath, click here.
Have a tipple at Sky Garden’s bar.
The views from Sky Garden are unparalleled and, after a day of frolicking in the sun, the only place you need to head to its bar.
Sky Pod Bar sells a range of fancy pants cocktails including the ‘Sunset’ which contains an Earl grey-infused vodka, blood orange liqueur, white wine and homemade sparkling kiwi juice.
Check out the cocktail menu here and don’t forget to book a table in advance.
Get your BBQ on at London Fields.
When you live in London and your only bit of outdoor space is a tiny window box, it can be difficult to make the most of the good weather.
Luckily for us, London Fields is one of the few public spaces where you can pitch up, take a BBQ and cook some juicy burgers.
The park has a designated BBQ area which, we’re guessing, will be pretty packed this weekend.
Get there early to grab a space. And don’t forget your picnic blanket!
Check out the views at Primrose Hill.
On a hot day, Primrose Hill is a hive of activity.
The hill offers amazing views over London and is a great place to just park up on a bench and watch the world go by.
Primrose Hill lies to the north of Regents Park, the nearest tube stops are Chalk Farm and St John’s Wood, which both take roughly eight minutes to walk from.
Alternatively, check out our pick of London’s best parks here.
Devour delicacies at Borough Market.
Just a hop, skip and a jump from London Bridge tube, Borough Market is jam-packed with everything a foodie could ever want or need.
From hot food stalls - check out the Spanish cuisine from Brindisa - to more artisan stalls offering up delicious goods such as olives, meats, spices and fine cheeses - you could spend hours here.
And when it’s sunny, it’s ten times better.
The market is situated at 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL.
Not feeling Borough Market? Check out our pick of London’s best food markets here.
Bask with the animals at London Zoo.
If you’re looking to take your kids somewhere exciting in London then why not pay a trip to London Zoo?
Prices start from £24.30 (online ticket price) for adults or £18 (online ticket price) for children aged 3-15 years old.
Sip Prosecco at Madison Rooftop Terrace.
The rooftop terrace at Madison London has spectacular views of St Paul’s cathedral.
Whether you’re after tapas, wine or some über refreshing cocktails, you’re guaranteed to have a jolly old time.
Book a table here or, alternatively, check out our list of London’s best rooftop bars.
Get ripped in the sun.
If you’re looking to improve your fitness, the folks at British Military Fitness run a series of outdoor fitness classes across London parks including Finsbury Park, Richmond Park, Wandsworth Common and Shoreditch Park.
Each session lasts for one hour and includes: a warm up, cardio and strength training, a cool down and stretches.
Exercises include push ups, squats, star jumps, burpees, a bit of running every now and then, and competitive games.
