The perfect summer’s day in London

We love London all year round, but when the temperatures rise and the sun actually shines, there are so many brilliant things to do. You can jump into one of London’s outdoor swimming pools or get yourself onto a sizzling rooftop for some drinks in the sun. Summer in London means feeling the heat of the concrete as you walk down the Embankment before embarking on a River cruise, it means great art exhibitions, lazy days spent in beer gardens and most importantly: it means the soca sounds and mas bands at Notting Hill Carnival.

So, if you’re lucky enough to be in London this July or August, here are some suggestions of what you can do in between your English classes:

1. Grab a blanket, pack some sandwiches and a drink and join all the other Londoners as they head to the city’s leafy parks when the sun shines. Enjoy a picnic in Chiswick House and Gardens, have a go on a pedalo in Hyde Park or wander among the resident deer in Richmond Park.

2. Escape the heat and enjoy the best of London’s world class exhibitions, stunning art galleries and historic houses. Wander through the spectacular halls of the Natural History Museum, as you marvel at the dinosaur skeletons, discover more than 2000 paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20^th century at the National Gallery or experience the wonders of science first-hand with the Science Museum’s interactive displays.

3. Soak up knockout views of the capital from the city’s newest roof terrace: The Garden at 120, filled with picture-pretty wisteria, wildflowers and water features.

4. Head to London’s free riverside summer festival – Summer by the River. Set on the stretch of riverside from London Bridge Pier to City Hall, apart from the spectacular views of Tower Bridge, the festival will be laying on a programme of food and entertainment.

5. See one of London’s prettiest neighbourhoods, host Europe’s biggest street party – the Notting Hill Carnival is not to be missed! Dance to the sounds of steel bands, tuck into Caribbean jerk chicken and watch the colourful parade make its way through the streets of West London.