11 top things to do in London this summer
Spending your summer in London? From Camden Beach to London Zoo, there’s lots for you to do – here are 11 suggestions.
1. ZSL – London Zoo
Where? Regents Park
When? All summer
First opening in 1828, London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Today it houses a collection of 758 species of animals, with 16,802 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom. This summer spend your time with the animals in Gorilla Kingdom, Meet the Monkeys, B.U.G.S. and Penguin Beach or experience it at night through their new summer event Zoo Lates.
http://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo
2. London Eye
Where? London Eye, Waterloo
When? 4th July – 22nd August 2014
Summer lates on the London Eye will run every Friday night until 22nd August, and you can make the most of the stunning views with one of two special experiences – either Cocktail or Wine and Tapas.
3. Nomad Cinema
Where? Various locations across London
When? Various dates and times
Taking in some of the capital’s best outdoor spaces, the Nomad Cinema lets you enjoy an iconic film in truly unique surroundings across London. Equipped with its mobile projector, the pop-up cinema team will be stopping at various places across London including Grosvenor Square and Coram Secret Garden. Highlights include iconic action flick Top Gun in Grosvenor Square, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight at Brompton Cemetery – or dive into a world of deception with The Talented Mr Ripley at Hyde Park Lido. 100% of profits going to pioneering charity The Sustainability Institute, there’s really no excuse not to catch a screening this summer.
http://www.whereisthenomad.com/
4. London Aquarium
Where? Waterloo
When? All summer
Let your imagination soar as you explore the wonderful riches of underwater life, from the beautiful coral reefs of the Indian Ocean to the dark, mysterious depths of the Atlantic and Pacific. Located on the popular South bank of the River Thames, within the historic County Hall building, London Aquarium is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life, as well as playing an important role in helping safeguard our seas and their inhabitants for the future.
http://www.visitsealife.com/london/
5. The Shard: Silent Disco
Where? London Bridge
When? Once a month
The silent disco phenomenon reaches new heights at these exclusive Time Out events. Pick your channel and choose your side as three DJs battle it out over separate wireless channels, playing the best in pop, rock and party classics, while you dance the night away at 1,000ft.
http://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/en
6. Somerset House – Summer Series
Where? Somerset House, Strand
When? All summer
The highlight of the music programme is the open-air Summer Series with American Express™, when The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court plays host to exciting and innovative artists in a spectacular location. Previous acts have included Basement Jaxx, Amy Winehouse and Jessie Ware, and 2014’s series includes Bastille, Kelis, Clean Bandit and Sam Smith.
http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/music/summer-series-2014
7. Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
Where? Buckingham Palace
When? Until September 28th
It’s difficult to imagine what it would be like to attend one of the state, ceremonial or official occasions for which the State Rooms are used for, but you’ll get a chance – they open annually while the Royal family are on their summer hols. The Grand Hall resembles an upmarket hotel foyer and the thrones are surprisingly modest but the Music Room, setting for many royal christenings, is charming, there are some glorious Nash ceilings. Amongst the paintings in the Picture Gallery are Rembrandts, Rubens and Vermeers. Included in the admission price is the ‘Royal Childhood’ exhibition, where you can find out what it’s really like to grow up in Buckingham Palace.
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace
8. Rooftop Cinema Club
Where? Various locations across London – Stratford, Ealing, Peckham Rye and Shoreditch.
When? All summer until September
London’s No.1 outdoor screening venue Rooftop Film Club returns this summer for another film-filled season of classic, cult and recent releases on London’s finest rooftops. Film lovers are able to eat fabulous food, enjoy cold drinks and watch their favourite movies on the big screen as the stars begin to sparkle – an incomparable film experience!
http://www.rooftopfilmclub.com/
9. Southbank Centre events 
Where? Southbank, Waterloo
When? All summer, check the website for full listings
Southbank Centre is a world-famous arts centre on the South Bank of the Thames. Created in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, Southbank Centre draws on its heritage as a festival site, with art and activities inside and outside, encouraging everyone to become involved in the arts in new and creative ways. This summer go along to the Southbank Centre for Human Factor, Festival of Love, What’s Love Got to Do With It and Love Motown. For more information on their extensive list of events please go to their website.
http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson
10. Camden Beach
Where? Camden
When? All summer
NW1 isn’t usually on our list of coastal getaways but, thanks to the ever-creative team at the Roundhouse, Camden Beach offers holiday-hungry Londoners 900 square metres of pseudo-shoreline (which consists of 150 tonnes of sand) to revel in over the summer months. Installed on the venue’s terrace, the free beach comes complete with deck chairs, beach huts and, as if you needed telling, a fully stocked bar.
http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/2014/camden-beach-2014/camden-beach/
11. Real Food Market
Where? Southbank Centre Square
When? Until Sun March 22nd 2015
Experience Spinach and Agusi with spicy Ghanaian stews to the Meantime Brewing Company with Greenwich-made beers; Spanish Churros, Korritos and Ash Green Organics with seasonal fruit and veg. The Food Market features around 40 food and drink producers selling seasonal produce directly to the public. Prices: about £8.
http://www.realfoodfestival.co.uk/market/
This article is also posted on The Nation Student http://www.thenationalstudent.com as I work part time for them as a content writer.
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