What to do in London for the bank holiday weekend

With the bank holiday weekend coming up, and the expected return of sunshine and spring warmth, there are more than enough reasons to leave the house this weekend. Needless to say, with the recent reopening of indoor venues, life is nearly back to normal for Londoners — and it feels good! 

All this gives you plenty of options to finally enjoy the offline world in the best ways possible. Not sure what to do yet? Here’s a shortlist of some of our favourite and fun activities to do in London.

Rooftop experiences 

Dreaming about escaping the dullness of the city? Well, luckily for you, London is full of incredible rooftop terraces with fantastic scenery that will make you feel like you’re on holiday instantly. Head out to one of our favourite addresses for a cosy lazy afternoon or fun cocktail night.

Bar Elba 

If you fancy a hearty brunch, flavourful cocktail, or even a movie night with one of London’s best views, Bar Elba is a must. Located in Waterloo, you’ll get an instant summer vibe without leaving the city, thanks to its dreamy Mediterranean atmosphere inspired by the Italian island of Elba. If you fancy a spontaneous night out, then you can walk in. However, we recommend you book in advance. Book a table here. 

Rooftop, Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Road. London, SE1 8UL

Bussey Rooftop Bar 

Looking for a tropical vibe? Bussey Rooftop bar offers the perfect escape in the heart of Peckham. On top of the breathtaking view, you can enjoy their delicious cocktails and tasty pizza! You can book a table here. And be sure to keep an eye on their agenda as they often run different events such as the Rooftop comedy experience, and comedy showcases with exciting line-ups. 

Block B Rooftop Unit B3.1, The Bussey Building 133 Rye Lane London, SE15 4SL

Queen of Hoxton 

For an iconic view of Shoreditch, head out to the Queen of Hoxton! This is the perfect location to enjoy the sun with a juicy burger in a friendly atmosphere. Pre-booking is recommended, but walk-ins are available too if you want to keep your options open. Book a table here.

1 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3JX

Water activities 

While the June heatwave hasn’t struck yet, it seems that the weather is getting better and sunnier weather is expected. After months of strolling around, why not spice up your regular Sunday walks with some water activities? 

Boating adventures on the Thames 

How about cruising on the Thames in a hot tub boat? Seems surreal, right? Well, believe it or not, you can now book this unbelievable experience (inspired by Nordic traditions) in the very heart of London here, starting from £33 per person.

If you feel more adventurous, and aren’t afraid of some cold water (or have a wetsuit to hand), then you could swim in one of London’s best open-air swimming spots. 

Beckenham Place Park Swimming Lake

Located in South East London, you can book an hour session for £5.50 and get the chance to swim near ducks and swans. The ultimate ‘close to nature’ experience.  

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

Hampstead Heath also provides a couple of spots for swimming outdoors, including three natural bathing ponds and a 60m lido. You can pre-book a swimming session for £4.05 in one of the Hampstead Heath swimming locations here. 

Make sure to have a read of the cold water swimming guidelines if you’re not planning to wear a wetsuit. 

Not keen to jump in the water yet? Both of these locations offer various outdoor activities too.  

Indoor Activities 

In case the British weather gets its way, here are a couple of indoor options for you.

Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2020 Exhibition 

Discover 36 emerging artists selected by renowned artists, including Alexandre da Cunha, Anthea Hamilton and Linder. From drawing to painting to sculpture and installations, get a preview of some of the most exciting works of the next generation of artists. You can book a ticket here for free. 

South London Gallery, exhibition available until June 6 — Free 

Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser at the V&A 

Get fully immersed in the world of Alice and Wonderland through the years. Explore the origins, adaptations, and reinventions of the iconic novel from Lewis Caroll. Book a ticket here.

Victoria & Albert Museum, exhibition available until December 31 — £20

Electric Cinema 

Cinemas have now reopened! So, if you’ve missed the smell of popcorn and the excitement of the big screen, it’s time to get back to it. Check out the latest schedule of the renowned Electric cinema, which has now reopened to our absolute delight.

191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2ED

Last but not least, here are a few tips to help you enjoy these activities without stress:

• Make sure to book in advance; 
• Always check the website for the most accurate information about venues and opening times;
• Bring extra layers of clothing as the weather can still be changeable.

You now have plenty of choices to plan an exciting weekend. Need a ride to get there? Download the Bolt app now.