Gallery: London in summer
News Story
This summer we're diving into our archives to explore how Londoners through the last century have enjoyed themselves in the summer, from people-watching on the side of the road to feasting on ice creams in Regent's Park.
Wondering what the city has to offer, and how Londoners have explored the streets of the capital, but also went outside of the city to seek refuge from the heat? This gallery, put together by our Interpretation Manager Michelle Johansen, shows you exactly what to do when inspiration is low.
Image gallery
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Visit an Exhibition: Head over to the new White City event space in west London, and enjoy a ride on a novelty boat at the Franco-British Exhibition.
© 1908 Credit : London Collection Photographs
Count Swans: It’s time for Swan Upping on the Thames between Sunbury and Abingdon. So why not slip on a striped jersey, pull a very serious face, and help to count the swans?
© 1910 Credit : LAMAS Glass Slides
Sail a Yacht: Get caught up in the Edwardian craze for model yachts. Take your family to the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens for the annual model yacht race.
Credit : LAMAS Glass Slides
Book a Boat Trip: Set off from Greenwich pier for an excursion to the coast. Margate, Clacton, and Ramsgate are all popular destinations for the working classes. But Southend’s two miles of promenades make it the place for summer ‘jollidays’.
Credit : LAMAS Glass Slides
Throw a Street Party: Hang out the bunting. Haul out the hot water urns. Join the residents of Cambus Road as they celebrate Peace Day in east London.
© 1919 Credit : London Collection Manuscripts/306
Visit a Stately Home: Hire a shiny charabanc and head out of the city with your workmates, like this group of public librarians. Don’t forget your straw boater.
© 1921 Credit : Society of Public Librarians Archive
Make a Splash: Cool off in the Serpentine, a popular open air swimming spot in the heart of London’s West End. Or stay dry and hire a rowing boat.
© 1920 Credit : LAMAS Glass Slides
Make a Bigger Splash: If you fancy a more daring type of dip, head to north London to enjoy a swim in the fresh water ponds on Hampstead Heath.
© 1929 Credit : Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association Archive
'Stop Me and Buy One': Look out for the uniformed ice-cream seller on his distinctive Wall’s tricycle. He’ll sell you a ‘choc bar’ for threepence or a ‘snofrute’ for a penny.
© 1924 Credit : LAMAS Glass Slides
Get On Your Bike: Pack a picnic. Cycle out of the city with your friends. Then find a farm where you can clown around on the bales of hay.
Credit : Brookfield Manor Girls Club Archive
Organise a Summer Fete: Put up a refreshment tent. Book a Punch and Judy show. Set up a coconut shy and a hoopla stall and arrange an egg and spoon race. We’ll see you at the Eton Manor sports ground in east London at noon.
Credit : Eton Manor Archive
Go to a Festival: Lace up your stoutest walking shoes and meet the Woodcraft Folk at the Festival of Britain on the South Bank. Prepare to be astonished by the new technologies on display, from the Telekinema to the Skylon.
© 1951 Credit : John Colbert: Woodcraft Folk Archive
An East End Bargain: Pop along to Petticoat Lane market with your best friend to nab a bargain or two. Make sure you’re both wearing your favourite summer frocks.
Credit : Dennis Anthony Photographs. London Collection.
Lovely Cool Tiles! Hang around by the freezers in your local supermarket. Where better to cool off on a hot day in the city?
Credit : London Cooperative Society Photographs
Roll the Top Down: Pick up your ‘It Girl’ friends and cruise along the Kings Road in Chelsea. Remember to keep your sunglasses on, and your cigarette alight.
© 1966 Credit : Derek Brook Photographs
Café Scene: Don’t own a sports car? No problem. Just jump on a number 19 bus to the Kings Road to spend the day looking bored at your favourite Chelsea coffee bar.
© 1966 Credit : Derek Brook Photographs
A Shady Customer: Head to your nearest department store with a chequebook. Buy a brightly-coloured sun lounger. Throw in a stripey parasol. Then spend the summer drinking G&Ts in the garden.
Credit : James Ince Archive
Go to the Seaside: Take the first train out of the city and make friends at the beach. You can dig sandcastles or bury your legs in the sand. Or try a combination of both.
Credit : Everyday Muslim Archive
Roll up your shirt sleeves, grab your placard, and join London’s Pride march, seen here passing along Regent Street in the West End.
© 1976 Credit : Robert Workman Photographs
Stay on the Estate: Who needs fancy trips when you can meet your friends at the local playpark? Even better, you can just pop home for a glass of squash if it gets too hot. This little girl knows.
Credit : Tony Hall PhotographsWant to find out more?
Join our Interpretation Manager Dr. Michelle Johansen for our online course, exploring the history of how the people from our city's past enjoyed the warmer months of the year.
Showcasing hundreds of images from our archives, Michelle will talk about London's green spaces and excursions out of the city. Plus, essential advice on which parks to head for if you want to see wallabies (in the 1930s).
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