“The California animal is a bear
Angeleno, but the devil may care
Summer time to talk and swear
Later maybe we could share some air
I’ll take you to the movies there
We could walk through Leicester Square
What could be wetter than
An English girl American man.”
Whilst traveling on the River Thames, I said to Clyde "Let's look for dames."
"Very well," said he, "but it's called Thames."
"Alright," said I, "we'll look for femmes."
-Ogden Nash
The English are famous for many things, including The Beatles, afternoon tea, the royal family, but, above all, their rain. Although G.K. Chesterton lauded the English climate, saying: “I will praise the English climate till I die—even if I die of the English climate”, frequent deluges aren’t exactly welcomed on a city-break. So, if you are planning a long weekend jaunt to London, there’s no better time than summertime.
Once home to Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, Sylvia Plath, Jimi Hendrix, Mozart, and Richard Burton, England’s capital is steeped in a vast and divergent history with many a tale to tell. Few cosmopolitan cities can boast of such an array of iconic architecture, ranging from the instantly recognizable Big Ben, the Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament to the innovative architectural styles of the Shard, the Tate Modern, and the London Eye. And the best way to enjoy such a plethora of structural heritage is to get immersed into the city, spending as much time wandering the higgledy-piggledy streets like a local. As the skyline of this vibrant and vivacious city is ever-changing, the time to enjoy it is definitely when the sun is shining.
To avoid reverting back to a bulky and outdated guidebook, here are some quirky and unique ways to see London in the summer.
Enjoy a spot of summer sun alongside Shoreditch's canals...
...or perhaps a jaunt with a friend
Getting Around
London is a large and busy city, so planning your routes is vital. One fun and unusual way to buzz around is in one of smallcarBIGCITY’s Mini Coopers: they allow you to nip through the hustle and bustle of the capital while absorbing the panoramic view from this adorable little car – an experience you can’t enjoy on the underground.
Alternatively, you can opt for London’s own transport. One of London’s iconic black cabs can take you wherever you wish to go. The drivers of these cabs all have a complete knowledge of every route and landmark in London - hence the name, “The Knowledge”, for the grueling geographical test they have to pass.
There is also a fleet of big, red buses that take to the street (including ones specifically for tourists), on which you get a great view of the sights from the top deck.
Hidden Treasures
Markets & Arcades
It is no secret that London is host to some of the finest and quirkiest retail experiences – the secret is knowing where to find them! With a myriad of hidden markets and arcades dotted all over London, all your shopping demands will be more than satisfied.
You can’t visit London without taking a stroll down one of the most British streets in London, Cecil Court. This eccentric pedestrian half-block with its used book stores, toy shops, and hobby shops is perfect for presents and gift shopping and specializes in traditional English-ness.
London’s arcades often have narrow and discreet entrances, so you have to have a keen eye to spot them, but they are one of the weird and wonderful characteristics of London life. One of the oldest and most famous arcades is Burlington Arcade, which opened in 1819. The trouble with some of these arcades, however, is that they are positioned in spaces that demand some of the highest rents in the world, so they aren’t exactly cheap - but well worth a visit!
A Cecil Court Shopkeeper
S
Pubs
Should you find yourself parched or in need of some sustenance, you are never far from a good old English pub where you’ll find some of the finest ale and best fish and chips you could ask for. Like so many buildings in London, each pub has an interesting and unique past.
The Shakespeare’s Head, on Carnaby Street, was built in 1735 and was originally owned by Thomas and John Shakespeare, who were distant relatives of the great dramatist himself.
The George Inn, in Southwark, was built in 1677 and glories at being the only remaining galleried inn in London. The George can also claim to nineteenth-century fame through having Charles Dickens as a regular patron when the inn was a coffee house.
Escape from the Hustle and Bustle - Manchester
If the energetic London life gets too much, you can always hop on a cross-country train at Euston and head up to Manchester for a mini getaway.
The city is a refreshing blend of old and new, undiscovered and inexpensive. The pace of life is much more relaxed than in the capital, so you can still enjoy urban life without feeling rushed off your feet.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities with large department stores and high street chains, along with great cultural activities and excursions, in the form of museums, galleries, football clubs, and a private library. The John Rylands Library is open to everyone, in which you can research their collection of ancient manuscripts – you just need to book an appointment.
Be sure to get a Blue Badge Guide - it’s an official tour agency in England and the guides have excellent training in history and culture. These guides can be easily arranged either through me or through your hotel.
Maury’s Checklist for London in the Summertime
1. The amount of transport options available to you in London means that you don’t have to spend months in advance planning and preparing your visit.
2. The iconic landmarks and tourist sites are easily accessible and well-known, but choosing the best pubs, shopping experiences, markets, and alike require insider-knowledge and some forethought, so familiarize yourself with their locations and plan your day accordingly to make the most out of your visit.
3. Some of the best places in London are discovered by getting lost and there’s nothing like wandering through the side-streets of London on a summer’s day (you definitely won’t fancy it in the winter!). So, take advantage of the amazing weather and get lost in this marvelous city and see what hidden treasures you stumble across!
Shepherd Market, in Mayfair, is an experience in itself simply because it is a little-known gem to locals and tourists alike - and understandably so, given how understated the entrance is. This hidden treasure is the definition of cultured chic, specializing in hotels, pubs, rare books (from Maggs Bros Ltd), art galleries, and Simon Carter Menswear.
Markets are another prominent feature of London life. There’s Spitalfields Market, which sells everything from food and drink to cosmetics and bicycles. Borough Market offers a more nuanced range of produce, specializing solely in British and international foods - it was also where Bridget Jones’s Diaries was filmed. Amongst the best markets is also Piccadilly Market, which is great for belts, bags, all things leather and jewelry.
Pubs in Summertime can take up an entire sidewalk
Manchester is often more relaxed than London...
...but still very social!
Enjoy London's favorite tourist sites...
...but don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path!