Are you planning a trip to London in June?
Or are you a local looking for the best things to do in the capital this summer?
Either way, this guide will help you discover the best things to do and fantastic events in the capital this June!
Planning a Trip to London in June
Weather in London in June
June is a pleasant time to visit London in terms of weather. It’s the start of summer in the city. You can expect mild to warm weather (read: hot if you’re a Brit) and long days of sunlight but without the peak summer crowds of July and August.
- Daytime temperatures can reach around 21°c (70°f).
- Early mornings and evenings can drop between 11-15°c (50-60°f).
- 13 days may have some light rain or drizzle, but only 6-7 of these will be more than 1mm.
- June has the longest day of the year in London, with an average of 16 hours of sunlight.
- The sun rises around 4:45am and sets around 9:15pm.
What to Pack For London in June
When planning what to pack for London in June, it’s good to have variety. Bring some summer clothing, such as t-shirts and dresses etc, but make sure you also pack a few layers for the evenings or chillier days.
- Umbrella or light raincoat in case of rain (It’s England after all).
- A hoodie or light jacket for chilly evenings.
- Layers for the unpredictable weather and stuffy rides on the London Underground.
- Comfortable shoes for walking around the city all day.
- A nice/formal outfit for fancy events, dinners, or nights out.
- A good day bag to keep your possessions safe and in easy reach while out in the city.
Best Things to do in London in June
Take a Sightseeing Tour
With its long days and warm weather, June is a perfect time to take a sightseeing tour of London.
A guided tour is an excellent way to tick off many of the capital’s world-class landmarks and attractions in a day or take a deeper dive into one of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods.
There are countless guided tours of London to choose from; by foot, bike, open-top bus, boat, kayak, and even helicopter.
Not sure which type of tour to pick? Check out my full guide to the best sightseeing tours of London here.
Enjoy London’s Parks & Gardens
Did you know that there are so many trees in London that it technically falls within the UN definition of a forest, making the capital the largest urban forest in the world?
London has countless foliage-filled parks and beautiful green spaces that are perfect for stretching your legs or enjoying a quiet picnic on a sunny day in June.
Some of my favourite London parks are:
Watch a Show at Regent’s Park Theatre
This unique open-air theatre is nestled amongst the beautiful foliage of Regent’s Park and is one of London’s hidden gems.
Open over the summer, the outdoor theatre hosts a variety of classic and modern performances, from plays and musicals to comedy and family shows.
June 2023 productions include:
Best Events in London in June [2023]
Chestertons Polo in the Park (9th – 11th June)
Taking place in Fulham’s Hurlingham Park since 2008, Chesterton’s Polo in the Park is the world’s largest three-day polo event and a firm fixture in London’s social calendar.
Londoners and non-Londoners alike get dressed to the nines and flock to the elegant event to watch talented Polo players and their horses compete in multiple matches over the three days
In the venue, there’s also a food festival, with stalls by many of London’s top restaurants, numerous lively bars, including a PIMM’s Bus, Champagne Garden, and Cocktail Bar, and a luxury shopping village.
Not a polo fan? You don’t need to know much (well, anything) about polo to attend. Many people simply go to enjoy the other aspects of the event. I’ve been three times now, and while I thoroughly enjoyed watching the matches, I still couldn’t tell you a thing about polo.
Wandsworth Art Fringe (9th – 25th June)
Wandsworth Art Fringe is an annual arts festival that takes place each summer in the borough of Wandsworth in southwest London.
It’s a celebration of the arts, featuring a range of performances and exhibitions by local artists and community groups.
The event showcases the diversity of talent that exists in the area, with everything from theatre, comedy, and dance to music and visual arts.
The vibrant festival takes place in various venues all across Wandsworth, including parks, galleries, school halls, pubs, and community spaces, making it accessible to everyone.
London Zoo Nights (9, 16, 23, 30th June)
Taking place each Friday throughout June and July, London Zoo Nights is a unique adult-only experience that allows you to explore the world-famous zoo after hours.
As well as getting to see the animals without a child in sight, the event also offers fun animal talks, grown-up zoo tours (like the Birds and Bees tour), animal-themed games, adult face painting, and lots more.
And to top it all off, you’ll also find a variety of international street food traders, bars, and live music tents around the zoo, so you can grab a cocktail and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of one of London’s coolest Friday night venues!
Tickets are limited, so make sure to grab yours here!
Taste of London (14th – 18th June)
Taste of London is one of the highlights of the foodie calendar in London, showcasing the best of the city’s diverse food scene.
The festival brings together renowned chefs, artisanal food producers, and many of the city’s best restaurants in one huge open-air event in Regent’s Park for five food-filled days.
From traditional British dishes to international flavors, gourmet dining to delicious street food, there’s something for everyone.
The event also features cooking demonstrations, masterclasses, and interactive workshops, providing you with the opportunity to learn from some of the city’s most talented culinary experts.
Trooping the Colour (17th June)
Trooping the Colour is an annual event in London in June to mark the official birthday of the British Sovereign (regardless of the date of their actual birthday).
And 2023 marks the first Trooping the Colour to celebrate King Charles III after his official coronation ceremony in May.
The 260-year-old ceremony features a huge military parade of 1400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians, all coming together in a great display of military precision and fanfare.
The event then concludes with an RAF fly-past while the Royal Family watches from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Much of the event takes place at the Horse Guard’s Parade. To attend this part, you’ll need to enter a ballot to purchase a ticket.
But if you don’t have a ticket, you can still catch a glimpse of the amazing procession and the Royal Family along The Mall. You will need to arrive super early to get a good spot though!
West End LIVE (17th – 18th June)
West End LIVE is a fantastic free weekend of musical theatre held in London’s Trafalgar Square each June.
The festival sees the cast of many of the West End’s leading musicals and plays put on special performances on a large open-air stage, showcasing the incredible talent of London’s world-renowned theatre district.
The event is completely free to attend, providing a unique opportunity for everyone to experience London’s most iconic West End shows, without the expensive ticket prices.
Whether you’re a seasoned theater-goer or just looking for a fun free day out in London, West End LIVE is an event not to be missed
BST Hyde Park (24th, 25th, 30th June)
British Summer Time is one of the biggest music festivals held in the capital each summer.
The outdoor festival takes place in Hyde Park, one of London’s most iconic locations, on multiple dates throughout June and July.
BST Hyde Park has drawn in many huge international artists across a variety of music genres over the years. I’ve seen both Taylor Swift and Green Day play at the festival before!
The June 2023 BST line-up so far includes:
- Sat 24th & Sun 25th June – Pink
- Friday 30th June – Guns N’ Roses
In addition to the music, there’s also a variety of food and drink options, as well as lots of other entertainment and activities for you to enjoy within the festival venue.
Check out these other London posts you might find helpful:
When is the best time to visit London?
Where to stay in London – an ultimate area and hotel guide
Important things to know before visiting London for the first time
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