Things to do in London This Summer 2022
With the weather warming up (a little too warm on some days!) and summer holidays finally upon us, it’s good to know what’s happening around London to keep your family entertained.
There is a jam-packed schedule of things to do and activities to get involved with across the capital during the summer holidays this year (21st July – 1st September), so let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
Become Sherlock Holmes for the Day
Gather the family together to crack the case in this Sherlock inspired detective challenge. Choose to begin your mission at the iconic central London property 221b Baker Street or outside Notting Hill Underground station in West London. Once you’ve purchased your ticket and downloaded the app, your quest will begin.
You will be digitally assisted to solve puzzles with the help of pre-recorded videos, text messages and voicemails from the cast of the hit BBC TV show, including Benedict Cumberbatch and Andrew Scott. This Sherlock Official Outdoor Game experience lasts around 90 minutes and will be completed on foot. Suitable for kids aged 7 and over, a ticket for a family of six costs £35.
See a West-End Show
For some musical fun this summer holiday, take the family to one of the many theatres across London for a sing-along spectacular.
There is a show to suit all ages, from the wizardry of Harry Potter & the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre to the magic of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. For a tale of tragedy, resilience and survival, book your seat at the Life of Pi at Wyndham’s Theatre, or see the circle of life in action during The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.
Plus, kids go free this August when accompanied by a full paying adult, and certain performances even have activities running alongside them, look out for the blue stars on the show’s calendar pages. Even more reason to head to the theatre this summer!
Go Out of This World at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Every day during the summer holidays, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich will be running various planetarium shows to immerse you in a world you didn’t know existed. The Starstruck live show is presented by a real-life astronomer, exploring the lives of stars from birth all the way to death and everything in between! Or if that’s not up your street, The Sky Tonight will teach you about some classic astronomical sights you can spot for yourself in the night sky! Keep an eye out for famous constellations and even meteor showers.
The exhibitions are recommended for children aged 7 years and over and costs £5 per child. It is recommended you book ahead to secure your spot.
Be Entertained at One of London’s Beautiful Parks
If your kids love dinosaurs, they will love running around trying to spot all the life-sized dinosaurs hidden around Crystal Palace Park in South London. When they’ve found them all, they can head to the on-site playground, try to find their way out of the maze or see the animals at the charming children’s farm.
For nature lovers, St. James’ Park is offering walking tours every Friday from Friday 29th July, focussing on the park’s royal history and revealing the exotic royal pets it’s been home to, and the dark underbelly…plus, you’ll end the walk with the resident pelicans’ daily feeding! The Royal Parks are even offering a selection of free roadshows this summer with activities designed to get you and your children up close and hands on with tiny creatures that live in the city.
Find dates and parks here, you won’t want to miss out!
Check Out a Sweet Installation
Head to one of London’s most famous outdoor spaces, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, to witness a sweet exhibition like no other. Designed and installed by Australian artist Tanya Schultz (aka Pip & Pop), the ‘When Flowers Dream’ display uses various materials such as sugar and candy to create a vibrant piece of art. The installation has been created in partnership with Kew Scientists to use the brightly coloured sugared sweets and candy to represent a fantasy landscape filled with the food of our future.
This exhibition is available to visit from 21 May and runs until 2023. Admission is included in the entry fee to the gardens.
Immerse Yourself in the Gunpowder Plot
Step back into 1605 and go undercover to find out who is behind one of history’s most famous plots. This incredible immersive experience takes place in the purpose-designed theatre in the Tower Vaults at the Tower of London. Participants will solve clues, try and escape the Tower and discover a safehouse before making the hazardous journey along the Thames towards the infamous Houses of Parliament location. You’ll be guided digitally by actor Tom Felton who will play Guy Fawkes. Your experience will be enhanced with state-of-the-art technology, including motion simulators, special effects and virtual reality.
This experience is recommended for children aged 10 and over. Children between 10 and 15 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Book your ticket early to avoid disappointment.
If you are currently living in London or looking to move to the area to enjoy the fantastic range of activities and unforgettable events taking place across the capital all year round, take a look at the latest opportunities available across all of Berkeley Group’s London property developments here.