Outdoor events in July: summer calendar 2019

CULTURE

Be transported to Venice Beach

Make your way to Camden's Roundhouse to visit Backyard Cinema's L.A. Nights season, which is recreating the unmistakable Venice Beach. Pull up a bean bag on the sand, gaze up at the giant palm trees and savour an exotic cocktail under the bohemian beachscape.

Enjoy the magic of open-air theatre

Nothing says summer more than picnic, Pimm’s and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Regent's Park's Outdoor Theatre is bringing Shakespeare’s comedy back into its programme after a seven-year break.

See stars of sculpture descend on the City

Head over to the Square Mile as Sculpture in the City returns for its 9th edition, brightening up that that part of London usually associated with bankers and glass-fronted buildings. 17 artworks have been announced so far.

Watch the sun go down at Somerset House

What do you get when you cross a music festival with a Neoclassical palace? That’s right, Somerset House's Summer Series includes an eclectic lineup that's sure to attract the cool crowd to its elegant courtyard.

Zoo it yourself at London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo is giving kids the best bit of both worlds this summer, with a new Zoo it Yourself experience to celebrate the launch of the Zoo's new Animal Adventure play zone.

Children will feel they are a part of the action with Zoo uniforms and daily task lists, as they play in recreations of the Zoo's potting shed, workshop and keeper kitchen. From mini-digger rides to help plan and build animal homes to hands-on potting for any green-thumbed children, there will be plenty of opportunities for the kids to see exactly what goes on behind the scenes at the Zoo and to live and breathe the experience for themselves.

Volunteer at London Wildlife Trust

If you’re an animal lover and want to dedicate your time to helping protect those in the wild, get involved with the London Wildlife Trust. The charity looks after 41 nature reserves in the capital, and relies on a large body of volunteers to help London’s wildlife thrive across these sites.

While away the hours at Portobello Market

Travel west to the candy-coloured streets of Notting Hill and join the tourists, bargain-hunters and fashion buyers in a hunt for some of the best vintage finds in the capital often at unbelievably low prices. From a bargain vintage Gucci blazer to perfectly worn-in denim, fashion editors and influencers swear by Portobello.

Browse the world's most glamorous art fair's sculpture garden

Frieze Sculpture will return to The Regent’s Park for three months this summer, featuring works by artists presented by world-leading galleries. Selected and placed by Clare Lilley (Director of Programme, Yorkshire Sculpture Park), Frieze Sculpture will create an exceptional cultural attraction at the heart of the city, for Londoners and international visitors alike.

FOOD AND DRINK

Sip negronis on a floating bar

Glassroom bar on the Thames has teamed up with Italian dry gin brand VII Hills to bring us London's first floating Negroni bar in time for Negroni week.

Tuck into street food on a traffic-free Regent Street

To celebrate the summer season, this year Regent Street will once again be pedestrianised the length of the street from Oxford Circus station down to Piccadilly Circus station on set Sundays in July, August and September. Including a range of activities, entertainment and food and drink offerings instead of the usual traffic, Regent Street is the perfect place to while away your summer days.

Eat outside at Notting Hill's new gem, Mazi

With its vine-laced pergola and hanging lanterns, this secluded garden feels as if it could be Santorini on a balmy evening. The diners mostly have model good looks and a cosmopolitan demeanour. The sophisticated food is superb, far from the usual predictable Greek dishes.

Soak up the sun at Sky Garden

Head to East London and ascend to the capital's highest public garden and enjoy spectacular views across the capital, before choosing from one of its four bars and restaurants for a tipple and meal in the sky.

Take in the sun at The Ritz's new Secret Garden Bar

This summer The Ritz has opened the Secret Garden Bar, an elegant oasis for drinking and dining alfresco overlooking Green Park (11am-11pm daily, weather permitting).

Clearly no expense has been spared in designing the secluded space with trimmed topiary, olive trees, fragrant lavender and plenty of geranium colour. In the evening, the garden is lit with twinkling lights and candles.

FESTIVAL

Lambeth Country Show

Horticultural displays, home-grown vegetable and flower competitions, and the show's very own on-site farm are only half of what’s on offer at the Lambeth Country Show. Grab a bite at one of the numerous food stands (we recommend Mama's Jerk) and browse the various arts and crafts stalls, then head over to the main stage for a truly global music experience. The stand-out event of the weekend promises to be the Dog and Sheep Show, where sheep dogs show off their herding skills.

Watch world-class opera in Holland Park

Situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Royal borough's largest park, Opera Holland Park venue is the perfect place to enjoy critically acclaimed opera in the heart of London. This July, the venue's acclaimed strand of operatic rarities continues with Francesco Cilea's tragedy of desperate passion, jealousy and rigid moral codes in the heat of rural Provence.

Head to Generation Z's favourite zen festival

If you're allergic to the hustle and bustle of the country's larger festivals, WOMAD is the place to be. Its more modest size and lack of big-name artists make wandering the site logistically liberating. You're free to explore without constantly rushing between stages placed miles apart,

Get your yogi on at a festival for gym bunnies

Wanderlust is the original transformational festival - a one-day mindful triathlon that includes a 5km run, an outdoor DJ-powered yoga class and guided meditation from a series of experts.

SPORT

Swim in London's new wild-swimming spot, Beckhenham Place Park

A newly-renovated wild swimming spot, and South London's watery answer to Hampstead Ponds, will welcome sanctuary-seeking urban aquatics to its cool depths this month. The lake is nearly 300 meters long and three meters deep, complete with a sandy beach, a jetty and circumference of shady trees. Swim your way to serenity.

Night Kayak: glide through London’s waters after dark with Secret Adventures

You might end up doing more shivering than sweating on this one, but you’ll return to dry land having seen truly unique views of the capital. A chance to see all of London’s landmarks lit at night, Night Kayak offers guided paddling tours past the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge and the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. For those who value their beauty sleep, Secret Adventures also organises daytime and evening kayak outings combined with a visit to the pub or a brewery.

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