Travel
Unique Outdoor Events In London This Summer
Want to discover some of London’s stunning outdoor areas this summer?
Summer 2022 in London is set to be a scorcher! 
From London’s luscious parks, gardens, and outdoor venues, there will be plenty of unique pop-ups over these next two months. There’s never been a better time to soak up the sun and make the most of London’s best green spaces!
If you’re looking for live music, great food and drink, or a movie under the stars, there are a bunch of events coming up that make the perfect excuse to enjoy the long sunny days, get out into nature, and see a different side of the city.
Some of the capital’s enjoyable outdoor events – many of which are happening in west London neighbourhoods – are easy to travel to if you’re staying in the city centre.
Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
To drive straight into one of London’s most beautiful events, the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is the world’s largest flower show. There will be hundreds of elegantly designed displays to see and take photos with. There will also be artists and chefs in attendance, plus food and drink meaning you can sip a cold glass of champagne while sitting by the lake or grab a bite to eat before watching a demonstration by a celebrity gardener.
The event showcases some of Britain’s most stunning plants and wildlife, putting sustainable floristry at the forefront by featuring local artisan growers as well as hosting an organic food market. All waste at the event is recycled so you can leave feeling truly guilt-free. New this year will be Flowers After Hours, featuring live music, food stalls, and a silent disco.
4th July – 9th July
Hampton Court Palace
Kensington + Chelsea Art Trail
If you’re into art then this free event in West London will be right up your street. The Kensington and Chelsea Art Trail is part of the area’s more extensive ‘Art Week’ in these two west London boroughs. You’ll find sculptures, paintings, and quirky installations by up-and-coming artists popping up throughout the summer months in the area’s prettiest places, including Holland Park, Duke of York Square, and Brompton Cemetery.
Make a day of it and follow the walking trail beginning in Kensington and finishing near Chelsea. As part of Art Week, there will also be events, talks, poetry readings, and more to promote the two boroughs.
If you’re only in London for a visit, the trail is the perfect way to make the most of the weather and get to know the local area whilst getting to see some amazing artwork.
18th June – 3rd July
Kensington & Chelsea
Somerset House Summer Series
In the middle of the city, just a stone’s throw from the West End, Somerset House day-to-day is an institute hosting fascinating permanent and temporary exhibitions. Over summer, its open-air courtyard transforms to host the summer series, with a huge main stage that will feature eleven nights of live music from some of the world’s biggest and rising stars.
This year’s line-up includes Arlo Parks, Carly Rae Jepsen, and John Legend, among many other indie artists. There will also be a bar, although its central location means you’ll find London’s best restaurants just around the corner. For music lovers, it’s the ideal place to spend a summer’s evening and party into the night.
7th – 17th July
Somerset House
Kew the Music
Another musical festival gracing west London this summer, Kew the Music will be held in the picturesque setting of Kew Gardens. The acts this year are better than ever, including Van Morrison and Will Young, so you’ll be in for a treat if you’re in town. You’ll not only get to admire the flora and fauna on display at Kew, including the famous greenhouse and pagoda, but the festival will have open-air food and drink stalls.
For a more traditional experience, you can bring your own picnic, perhaps picking up some fresh produce from Kensington or Notting Hill farmer’s market on the way. Since the show doesn’t begin until the evening, this event can be easily combined with a day trip to nearby Richmond, which has its own scenic park to explore.
5th July – 10th July
Kew Gardens
Wimbledon Silent Screenings
A west London cinema with a twist, the Wimbledon Silent Cinema will be showing just one classic film, West Side Story, which will also have live music, food, and drink. Each guest will receive a set of wireless headphones so that the event won’t disturb any locals or wildlife, and you can enjoy the film with no pesky noise.
You can bring whatever you like to the screening, including blankets, cushions, and even tents, for a cosy experience under the stars. London has a variety of outdoor cinemas each year but this is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable and unique.
14th July
Wimbledon Chase Nature Reserve
Book a stay in one of our boutique west London apartments
Enjoying the best of London’s diverse green spaces this summer ties in perfectly with our values of sustainability and being environmentally conscious. Whether you’re spending a day listening to live music at Kew Gardens or following the art trail through Kensington, you’ll need a base nearby to rest and recuperate after a long day out in nature.
All of our sustainable short-term rentals are situated in the heart of the capital, located in Kensington, Earl’s Court, and Victoria, which will give you quick access to all of the city’s summer events, as well as west London’s exceptional array of bars and restaurants.
Our properties champion sustainability and comfort, using ethical supplies to help you have the best possible stay in the capital.