Things to do in London and Hertfordshire this summer
Summer is here, and with so many fun activities and events happening across London and Hertfordshire, there’s no excuse not to get out there and explore.
London hands its parks and riverbanks over to festivals, open-air cinemas and world-class art, while Hertfordshire answers with castle grounds, flower fields and countryside a short train ride away.
We’ve rounded up 10 things worth your time this summer…
London
1. See Frida Kahlo’s most iconic works at Tate Modern
Tate Modern is staging its first major exhibition on how Frida Kahlo became a global icon, tracing her art alongside the image and legacy she built around it. It runs until 3 January 2027, so there is no rush, but it is one of the summer’s headline shows. Tickets start from £25 (book ahead for weekend slots).
2. Wander the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
The world’s largest open-submission show returns for its 258th year, filling the RA’s galleries with roughly 2,000 works. It’s fascinating to see works by members of the public hang alongside emerging talents and household names. The RA opens late on Saturdays until 9pm this year (as well as their regular late Fridays), with an in-gallery gin bar running Thursday to Sunday. It closes in mid-August, so this is a limited window. Tickets are £23.
3. Watch a film outdoors at Canary Wharf
Summer Screens at Canada Square Park is running free open-air screenings of live sport and films until 1st September. No need for a ticket, just bring a picnic blanket and settle in. July listings include F1: The Movie, Monsters Inc and Black Panther. If you would rather have canalside surroundings, Everyman on the Canal at King’s Cross also runs free screenings beside Regent’s Canal across the summer.
4. Catch Henry Moore’s sculptures at Kew Gardens
Explore Henry Moore: Monumental Nature, a special exhibition featuring the sculptor’s iconic bronze sculptures displayed throughout the beautiful grounds of Kew Gardens. The artworks are set among the gardens, trees, glasshouses, and historic landscapes, making it a unique way to experience both art and nature.
The exhibition is included with standard Kew Gardens admission, so you don’t need to buy a separate ticket. With plenty of space for a picnic and a relaxed afternoon exploring, it’s one of the best-value days out on this list. The exhibition runs until 31 January 2027.
5. Join the crowds at Notting Hill Carnival
Europe’s biggest street festival takes over west London across the August bank holiday weekend (29-31 August), and it is free to enter. Expect steel bands, elaborate costumed floats, and some of the best Caribbean street food in the city. Sunday (30 August) is Children’s Day, with its own parade and a calmer atmosphere if you are bringing little ones along.
6. Take in the art trail at Greenwich and Docklands
Dubbed “London’s most spectacular free festival” by Time Out, the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival fills east and southeast London with free outdoor art and performances. Most of it costs nothing, and it turns familiar streets and open spaces into stages, which makes it an easy one to bring the family to. Check the programme for dates and locations before you set off.
Hertfordshire
7. Pick your own lavender at Hitchin Lavender
Boasting 30 acres, Hitchin Lavender is the largest lavender farm in the UK that allows visitors to pick fresh lavender from the field. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick some fragrant stems for your home and take some aesthetic photos while you’re at it. The lavender fields are open from 20th June until 7th August, and you’ll need to purchase an entry ticket, plus a “Hitchin Lavender Picking Bag” add-on (bring your own scissors!).
8. Bring the children to the Teddy Bears’ Picnic
If you’re looking for a family day out, Hertford Castle’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic on the 19th July is packed with entertainment for younger children. Bring along your child’s favourite teddy bear for the Teddy Bears’ Parade at 3pm, where they’ll also be able to enter the Best Dressed Bear competition. Throughout the afternoon, there’ll be live music, magic shows, and plenty of food and drink to enjoy. The castle grounds are right in the centre of Hertford, just a short walk from both train stations, making it an easy day trip.
9. Catch Hitchin Live at the Priory
Hitchin Live at the Priory takes place in the grounds of a former Carmelite friary on the edge of town, with a summer concert line-up featuring The Human League, Rudimental, The Libertines and Ministry of Sound Classical. The historic walled setting sets it apart from the usual muddy festival field, while its location close to the town centre and easy train links from north London make it an easy day or evening out.
Check the programme for the day that suits you, as acts are spread across several dates.
10. Explore the Hertfordshire countryside
Hertfordshire may be one of England’s smaller counties, but it’s packed with beautiful countryside. From the parkland at Knebworth to the Chiltern Hills around Tring and the riverside footpaths linking Hertford and Ware, there are walks to suit every pace. Best of all, they’re free to enjoy, with a welcoming country pub often waiting at the end of the trail.
