When the sun's out, London is a stunner. And what's amazing about the capital is that there's always something to do, whether you're after a bask in the sun at a chic rooftop bar, fancy a summer sip along the Thames, or your in need of a wholesome activity - the city has you covered.
There's also no need to break the bank every time you leave the house. We've put together a list of the best summer activities to enjoy on a budget, whether that's building sandcastles at an East London beach (you read that right), playing crazy golf on a cool rooftop, or eating £1 oysters at the weekend. Here's the best things to do in London this summer for under £20.
Affordable Things To Do In London This Summer
Challenge Your Friends To A Game Of Crazy Golf At Birdies
- Cost: from £5 for kids and £10 for adults
- Where: 7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Rd, Stratford, E15 1XE
- Best for: outdoor games
Did you know there's a rooftop playground hidden in Stratford? Roof East is a seasonal fairground that features an open-air cinema, archery and Sluggers batting cages. There's even plenty of delicious food vendors and bars to try out. If you're wanting to experience the fun without breaking the bank, then Birdies Mini Golf is just the ticket.
This nine-hole course is set to challenge your putting skills, whether the sun is shining or when the British weather goes full downpour mode. You can get kids tickets for just £5 at weekends, and £10 tickets for you and your mates. Pints start at £6.30 too.
Play mini golf on a cool rooftop this summer.
Nab A £6 Spritz At London Bridge Rooftop
- Cost: £6 spritz
- Where: Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, London Bridge, SE1 2SX
- Best for: postcard views of the city
Did you know there's an unassuming rooftop near London Bridge station that boasts some of the best views of the city? London Bridge Rooftop is all about skyline sips, banging beats, and unbeatable vibes. Expect fairy lights, mint-green pergolas, and heaters to keep things toasty year-round. The menu’s got your back with juicy burgers, loaded fries, and cocktails that hit just right.
But the real hero? Après Sundays. From 12 to 4pm, Aperol and Campari spritzes are just £6 a pop - perfect for soaking up the views of The Shard with a side of disco, house, and garage. No frills, just good times and even better drinks.
This rooftop boasts some of the best views in the capital.
Watch The Sunrise At Sky Garden
- Cost: £11.40 per person
- Where: 1, Sky Garden Walk, City of London, EC3M 8AF
- Best for: mornings with a view
Early risers listen up, this one's for you. Sky Garden, the iconic indoor green space at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, allows you to watch the sunrise from 35 floors up. A ticket includes access to the building, a pastry and a hot drink to give you that morning energy.
This is before the doors are open to the public, so you'll get to experience to gardens in all their tranquility. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the sights of the City while it's still sleeping.
Watch the sunrise with a hot drink and a pastry in hand.
Enjoy £1 Oysters At Smith's Bar And Grill
- Cost: £1 per oyster (minimum of 12)
- Where: 25, Sheldon Square, Paddington Central,
W2 6EY
- Best for: delicious seafood
Finding affordable oysters in London can be a challenge, but we've got the perfect spot. Smith's Bar and Grill in Paddington do a £1 oyster deal every Friday and Saturday, so you can go out at the weekend without splashing the cash.
From 6pm to 10pm, you can nab £1 oysters (you have to order a minimum of 12). And if that doesn't quite hit the spot, then order as many as you want at the bar. Cocktails are also two for £12 from 3pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, which is the perfect addition to a delicious plate of oysters.
Smith's Bar and Grill serve £1 oysters at the weekends.
Take On The Bermondsey Beer Mile
- Cost: ranges from pub to pub
- Where: Bermondsey Beer Mile
- Best for: summer bar crawls
One of the best cheap things to do this summer in London is a pub crawl, that's a well-known fact. There's plenty of historic, chic and quirky pubs to explore across the capital, but some of the best are right near Tower Bridge. The Bermondsey Beer Mile is up there with the best, featuring places like the Marquis of Wellington, The Arch House and Gosnells.
You don't have to fork out loads of dosh either, places like Fabal offer 10% off drinks for group bookings or Cloudwater's taproom that have pints for less than £5 during their happy hour. Expect to pay anywhere between £3 and £5 for a half pint too, in case you fancy having some smaller sips.
Pub crawls are a London staple and The Bermondsey Beer Mile is a must.
Make Sandcastles At Walthamstow-On-Sea
- Cost: £4 per ticket
- Where: 1 Priestley Way, Walthamstow, E17 6AL
- Best for: day out by the beach
No need to travel down to Brighton if you're wanting a seaside getaway, just hop on the Victoria Line to Walthamstow instead. The beach pop-up, Walthamstow-on-Sea, at Big Penny Social has returned for another year, allowing you to feel sand between your toes with an ice cream in hand.
There's plenty of beach balls, games and toys to keep the little ones entertained, as well as deck chairs, ice cold drinks and fish and chips (of course). Kids bites - think mini pizzas, chicken strips and burgers - are all £6.70 a plate and you can get a piping hot pizza for £11, with each pint costing over £6 too. It's the perfect family-friendly activity to try this summer.
Walthamstow-on-Sea is one of the best cheap things to do in London for families this summer.
Experience A Rooftop Voga Session
- Cost: £13.50
- Where: The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin St, Dalston, E8 3DL
- Best for: group exercise
Stretch out your worries from the week at a Rooftop Voga Session, a fusion of yoga and dance. Hosted at Dalston Roofpark, this creative class will have you moving to the best house, vogue and 80s pop beats while stretching out your muscles.
You can even stick around for a post-class mocktail, cocktail, tea or coffee and even have a gander at their brunch menu if you're feeling a tad peckish. This place boasts stunning views too, so be sure to take a few snaps while you're out on the rooftop.
Voga takes places at this tranquil Dalston rooftop.
Head To Night Tales For A Summer Party
- Cost: from £15 a ticket
- Where: Arches 13/14/15, 13 Bohemia Place, Hackney, E8 1DU
- Best for: dancing in the sun
The ultimate summer party, Viva People Presents Paradise City, is heading to Night Tales for a day party spectacular. Expect sets from Darrell Privett, Odyssey Inc and Uncle Drugs at this iconic venue.
As the evening goes on, the nostalgia trip will start to hit as the best and biggest 80s and 90s anthems will be blasting from the speakers. Tickets are limited so be sure to nab yours as soon as possible - don't miss one of the biggest summer parties London has to offer.
This summer party at Night Tales is a must this July.
Get A Pizza And Cocktail For Under £15 At The Hawk's Nest
- Cost: £14.50
- Where: 190 Railway Arches, Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd's Bush Market, Shepherd's Bush, W12 8DF
- Best for: outdoor food and drink
West London hotspot, The Hawk's Nest, is a firm favourite among Londoners. Not only because it's a stunning venue adorned with fairy lights and foliage, but because of its amazing pizza and margarita deal.
Every Sunday to Friday, between 4pm and 7pm, you can get a margarita cocktail and a delicious margherita pizza for just £14.50. They are also do £4 pints on Mondays and a pub quiz on Tuesdays with a £150 bar tab up for grabs.
This might be one of the best food and drinks deals in West London.
Eat Delicious Seafood With A View At Seabird
- Cost: £3 oysters and £7 palomas
- Where: The Hoxton, Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, Waterloo, SE1 8PB
- Best for: seafood with a view
Situated on the 14th floor of The Hoxton is Southwark is Seabird, a gorgeous rooftop restaurant and bar that serves the best views in the city. They're known for their extravagant sea food platters, summery cocktails and NYC-inspired decor.
Better yet, you don't need to break the bank to come here. They are serving £7 palomas and £3 oysters every weekday between 3pm and 6pm. If you're more on a vino enthusiast, then glass of the wine starts from just £6 too.
This rooftop in Waterloo boasts some of the best views in the city.
Here's more cheap things to do in London.
