Summer Ideas for a Day Out in London — Things to Do & Places to Visit

We’ve been teased recently with some lovely sunny days, and with another bank holiday and half-term upon us, we want to give you some London day-out ideas for the summer.

While checking out Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London does sound swell, you’ll have to stand in a long queue for several hours. So, you might want to consider something a bit more active.

At StreetHunt Games we offer outdoor self-guided mysteries set around captivating locations.

Think scavenger hunt meets escape room meets murder mystery, played outside across the city.

It’s one of the better things to do in London if you’re looking to combine sightseeing with a casual adventure. 

Once you’re done with your detective work, there are a few awesome pubs where you can try local beer and grub. However, the visit to the London won’t be complete until you check out some of the biggest museums, churches, and other classic buildings.

Keep in mind that the city has some of the biggest art collections in the world, so it would be a real shame if you can’t allocate at least a few hours to check them out.

Here are our 3 stages to the perfect London day out ideas.

1. Book a Hunt for a fun day out in London

If you’re looking to solve mysteries during your London visit, we have two Hunts you can choose from. In our opinion, the trip wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to the great Sherlock Holmes.

The Case of Colombia’s Finest

Your friend Jim Robusta needs your help!

Step into the shoes of a private investigator who has built up a network of contacts across the city ready to help you attempt to solve a crime before the trail goes cold.

There’s still time to save the day, but only if you check every corner and pay attention to the smallest of details. 

Start and finish location: 5 minutes from Blackfriars station

Difficult and age group: Hard 13+

Theme: Crime-solving murder mystery

Duration: 1.5-2 hours (excluding optional breaks)

With your Hunt chosen this London day out idea needs a food and drink stop. Luckily, we work with a number of venues around our Hunts that offer great options. After that, if you still have time, you might consider adding the London Eye, the Shard, Westminster Abbey, and a few other attractions to your London itinerary. 

For other similar options, see our guide on group activities in London.

2. Food and drink stop

If you’ve gone with the crime-solving caper of The Case of Colombia’s Finest, then we recommend you try a local brew or enjoy an afternoon tea. If you only got one day in the city, these would be the best places to visit. Check websites for opening times and availability.

Fleets– A bustling bar in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral, it’s a great place to bring your friends for a quick drink when you’re running out of time

Humble Grape– Quirky and comfy Fleet Street wine bar, kitchen & wine shop hidden in the original crypts below St. Bride’s Church. The place issues gift vouchers for wine-drinking and is usually packed even during weekday. 

Punch Tavern– A historic pub on Fleet Street, Punch was named in the 1840s after the popular magazine of the same name (open 7 days a week). The place serves some of the traditional British dishes, such as fish and chips, as well as shepherd’s pie. 

Harrild & Sons– An impressive gastropub/cocktail club located inside a historic print house on Farringdon Street. Here, you can try local beers and finger food.

Krua By Nathong– Family-run traditional Thai restaurant on Carter Lane (Karaoke also available!) It is a great place to visit after checking out St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

Gourmet Burger Kitchen– A relaxed option offering luxury burgers and open 7 days-a-week. People who live or have lived in London swear this is one of the best burger places in the city. 

If you’re looking to celebrate uncovering your uncle’s inheritance in Will Breaker, then here are a selection of local venues. We have listed some of the best nearby places, each with a unique offer of food and drinks, so there’s something for everyone. 

Sarastro restaurant–  Offer a heady mix of fun, Mediterranean food with a Turkish twist and music. Enjoy the opera house decor that will send you back to some older times

The Old Bank of England– A stunning pub interior paired with honest pub grub and Hertfordshire-brewed beers. The place is located near some of the most iconic world heritage sites, so it’s not surprising that it’s always full of tourists

The Ship Tavern– A classic British tavern and first-floor dining room situated on the edge of the tranquil Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Londoners love to visit this place when they’re aching for the traditional pub experience

Lucky Voice– Private karaoke rooms and late-night cocktail bars. Enjoy karaoke, drinks, and bar snacks with your girl or boyfriend during a day out in London 

BigEasy Covent Garden – Bar.B.Q-inspired home cooking, fresh East Coast lobster, and live music. It’s the perfect place to visit during the school holidays when you’ve only got one day in the city. 

3. Bonus hit of culture attraction

If you’ve still got any time on your hands, then how about adding some extra culture to your London day-out idea with one of these classics?

Whether you’re a Londoner or staying in the city for just a few hours, these are the places you need to visit.

• British Museum – The home of two million years of human history, art, and culture. The museum features 8 million permanent pieces, making it the largest collection in the world. This summer there are special exhibitions on Rembrandt and Michaelangelo alongside the incredible permanent collections.
• Tate Modern – See some of the world’s most exciting modern and contemporary art at Tate Modern. This summer there are paid exhibitions by Yoko Ono and a review of famous expressionists such as Kandinsky and Münter. The popular gallery is marvelous by itself, so make sure to charge your phone before visiting so you can take a few photos.

• Barbican Centre – Theatre. Music. Dance. Film. Art. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it here. The largest performing arts center in Europe also features an art gallery, a library, and several restaurants. The Barbican has lots of arts and entertainment events ongoing over the summer, so it’s always worth checking out what’s on.
• Southbank – The largest arts centre in the UK is buzzing with events all across the summer. In the half-term week, there is a hip-hop musical for all the family, and classical music concerts alongside many talks and events. The Southbank centre food market is also a great place to refuel.
• Somerset House – A beautiful neoclassical building at the heart of London (very close to the end of Will Breaker) has a number of events over the summer, including their famous Summer Series of concerts. On top of that, the place hosts skating and various art exhibitions. There are also organized visits if you want to learn more about its rich history. 
• Tower Bridge –  Take a few pictures from the south bank and enjoy one of the city’s most iconic buildings. After that, take a stroll along the River Thames all the way to London Bridge, London’s first bridge. 
• Primrose Hill – This London district is famous for its marvelous, cookie-colored houses. The whole place oozes with opulence, and although this isn’t a common tourist destination, you’ll likely enjoy the architecture. There’s also a large Primerose Hill park nearby, which is a perfect place for nature lovers.

Get in touch if you’re looking to plan a day out. We also offer group packages, which include discounts at many of the food and drink venues included in this article.

We hope this has given you fantastic London day-out ideas to enjoy over the Summer.

We look forward to seeing you on a Hunt soon.