Summer Family Adventures in London: Your Covent Garden Guide

London transforms in summer. Parks burst with picnickers, riverside terraces fill with laughter, and the long evenings seem to stretch endlessly ahead. For families, it's the perfect time to discover (or rediscover) what makes this city so special.

Making the Most of London's Summer Magic

Start Your Day in Covent Garden

There's something infectious about Covent Garden's energy, especially on warm summer mornings. By mid-morning, street performers begin their shows – from classical musicians to acrobatic acts that will have your children (and grownups!) mesmerised. The best part? It's all free entertainment in one of London's most beautiful settings.

Cool Off on the Thames

When the summer heat builds, head to Embankment Pier (just a five-minute walk from Covent Garden) and board an UberBoat by Thames Clippers. These regular river services aren't just transport – they're sightseeing tours in disguise. Children love spotting landmarks from the water, while parents can enjoy London's skyline from the best vantage point in the city. Try the route to Greenwich for maritime history, or head west to Battersea for modern London at its finest.

Culture Without the Crowds
The National Gallery's family programmes are particularly good during summer – their "Family Sundays" offer hands-on activities that bring famous paintings to life for younger visitors. The gallery's location on Trafalgar Square means you can easily pop in to escape the heat, then continue exploring. Our insider tip: the gallery stays open until 9pm on Fridays, perfect for a cultural evening after dinner.

Summer 2025 Special Events

This summer brings some exceptional family experiences: The National Maritime Museum runs "OCEAN: ABOVE AND BELOW" from 11 June to 10 August, with weekly seaside-inspired activities, themed craft workshops, and storytelling performances – perfect for young ocean explorers. The Postal Museum offers a "Summer of Storytelling" with Mini Makers costume-making sessions (24 July–30 August, Thursday–Saturday) and Caribbean storytelling every Thursday in August, with entry including a ride on the historic Mail Rail.

West End Magic

Summer brings extended runs of family-friendly shows. The Lion King remains a spectacular introduction to West End theatre, while Matilda offers clever humour that parents enjoy as much as children. Many theatres offer special family packages during summer, and most shows have earlier performance times that work better with younger children's schedules.

South Bank Discoveries

Cross any of the Thames bridges and you'll find yourself on the South Bank – London's cultural mile. In summer, this stretch comes alive with outdoor events, from pop-up food markets to free concerts and attractions like the Merry-Go-ROund. The walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge takes about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stopping points for ice cream and riverside rest breaks.

Hidden Gems Worth Seeking Out

  • Somerset House: Their summer season includes an outdoor cinema and fountains that children can play in during hot afternoons
     
  • Gabriel's Wharf: A quieter stretch of the South Bank with independent shops and restaurants, plus Thames views without the crowds
     
  • St. James's Park: The most central of London's royal parks, with pelicans, deckchairs, and some of the city's best people-watching
     
  • Leadenhall Market: A Victorian market that doubles as a Harry Potter filming location – magical for families and impressively atmospheric
     
  • Young V&A: The museum where children, young people and families can imagine, play and design – winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024, it's purpose-built for young visitors
     
  • Greenwich Fair: The free colourful family friendly festival within the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival – is finally back in 2025 (23-24 August), restored to its full two-day format

Practical Summer Tips
London's summer weather is generally pleasant, with July and August averaging highs of 22-24°C (72-75°F) and lows around 14-16°C (57-61°F). However, the weather can be unpredictable even in summer, so pack layers and a light waterproof jacket.

Many of the city's best family attractions are free, but popular paid attractions like the London Eye or Tower of London are best booked in advance. If you're planning multiple museum visits, check for family annual passes – they often pay for themselves after just two visits.

The key to a successful London family break is balancing planned activities with spontaneous discoveries. Leave time for wandering, for unexpected street performances, and for those perfect moments when everyone's happy just watching the world go by from a park bench.

Stay in the Heart of It All

When you're exploring London with family, location makes all the difference. Strand Palace's position in Covent Garden means you're never more than a few minutes from your next adventure – or from a comfortable place to regroup when little legs get tired.

Our Deluxe Studio rooms are designed with families in mind, offering extra sleeping space thanks to a comfy sofa bed, and space for a cot when needed. After days filled with sightseeing and shows, everyone appreciates having room to spread out and unwind. Book directly with us and save up to 25% on your summer stay, with additional savings for Palace Perks members. Because the best family memories shouldn't break the budget!