Sober things to do in London this summer
Summer in London is often synonymous with a lot of drinking, however, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the warm weather without the alcohol. Here’s a round-up of sober things to do in London this summer.
Summer concerts & festivals
We know London is one of the greatest cities in the world for live music, and summer festivals attract some of the biggest artists from around the world. Live gigs are a great alternative for non-drinkers as everyone's so focused on the performance that there's less pressure on whether or not you choose to drink.
BST Hyde Park
The BST Hyde Park Festival has some of the hottest tickets this year, with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Stevie Wonder serenading crowds in Hyde Park. However, if you don't manage to get tickets to one of the headliners, the festival also offers an eight-day, free Open House with local performers, an outdoor cinema, and screenings of Wimbledon matches.
On from 27 June – 13 July
Hyde Park, W2 | bst-hydepark.com
Somerset House Summer Series
Somerset House Summer Series returns with a range of artists from indie singer-songwriters to rap artists. As with previous years, the concerts take place in the beautiful courtyard of Somerset House.
On from 10 – 25 July
Strand, WC2R | somersethouse.org.uk
Lido Festival
If you're hoping 2025 will be Brat Summer 2.0, you'll find everyone's favourite party girl playing Victoria Park this summer. Charli XCX, alongside artists like Jamie xx and London Grammar, will headline Lido Festival accompanied by a lineup of their collaborators and other emerging artists.
On from 6 – 15 June
Victoria Park, E9 | lidofestival.co.uk
Check out these blogs for more summer festivals and gigs in London.
Bask in the sunshine
Getting outside in the sunshine is the easiest way to make the most of a sober summer in London. The city in the sunshine is your oyster: picnics, walking part of the Capital Ring Walk, cycling, and foraging – here are a few favourite ways to enjoy London's beautiful parks and outdoor spaces.
Take your pick: Peckham Rye, Brockwell Park, Vicky Park, Finsbury, Richmond, Regent's, and, of course...
Hampstead Heath
All of London's green spaces come alive in summer, but Hampstead Heath has a special kind of magic in the warmer months. Make an afternoon of it with a picnic with skyline views, take a dip in the swimming ponds, or head to the Brew House Cafe in Kenwood House to enjoy tea and cake in the lush garden.
Being so close to Hampstead Village also comes in handy when the weather inevitably takes a turn. The quaint shops and restaurants are wonderful to wander through, no matter the weather.
Hampstead, NW3 | hampsteadheath.net
Towpath Cafe
Summer in London means that the beloved Towpath Cafe is open for the season. This popular canalside cafe is the perfect suntrap for enjoying brunch on a warm day. The ever-changing menu etched on the chalkboard outside always includes an array of seasonal dishes presented on mismatched plates, and there are ample people-watching opportunities.
De Beauvoir Town, N1 | towpathlondon.com
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
One of the most unique ways to enjoy London's beautiful parks is the open-air theatre in Regent's Park. Spend a warm evening watching world-class theatre, with performances like the musical comedy Shucked, a production of Noughts and Crosses, and a new interpretation of Brigadoon.
Regent's Park, NW1 | openairtheatre.com
Indulge in other ways...
When you're not drinking, it's easy to justify treating yourself to just about anything because of how much you save by not purchasing alcohol. Here's one way to indulge:
Poolside staycation at art'otel Battersea Power Station
As soon as a heat wave settles in, the only place most Londoners want to be is by a pool with a refreshing drink in hand. At art'otel Battersea Power Station, you can do just that while taking in some spectacular views. Hotel guests can enjoy the rooftop pool on the 16th floor, with a dramatic backdrop of the power station chimneys and the city beyond.
Dine at the five onsite restaurants, including the rooftop bar and add a spa treatment for the ultimate relaxing staycation.
Battersea, SW11 | artotellondonbattersea.com
Canal & river cruises
Set sail and see London from a different perspective on a canal boat cruise. The cruises take passengers from Little Venice to Hackney, with options to stop in Camden, King's Cross, and Angel. Bring along and enjoy a picnic and refreshments as you lazily float through the city's canals.
You could also book a romantic two-person cruise or bring up to 10 of your mates for celebrations or just something different to do in the sunshine. Depending on the route, the journeys last from two to four hours.
Little Venice, W9 | canalandrivercruises.com
Low and no alcohol alternatives
Everyone deserves a refreshing drink in the summer; just because you're not drinking alcohol doesn't mean you just want juice or soda. Here's where to find some of the best mocktails in the city.
Club Soda
One of the greatest joys of summer in London is enjoying drinks and picky bits in a park on a sunny day. Club Soda in Covent Garden has you covered if you want something more sophisticated than a soft drink or lemonade. The shop is dedicated entirely to low and no-alcohol options, including a selection of ready-to-drink mocktails in bottles and tins perfect for taking to your next picnic.
Covent Garden, WC2B | joinclubsoda.com
Nightjar
One of London's favourite cocktail bars offers a great selection of mocktails and alcohol-free spirits. At Nightjar, you can enjoy a mocktail while listening to the nightly live jazz musicians for a glamorous summer night out. Choose from drinks like the floral Midori, made with Seedlip Garden 108, or a vibrant Libre, made with cardamom caramel and orange blossom soda.
Soho, W1F & Shoreditch, EC1V | barnightjar.com
The Maine Mayfair
For an airy al fresco mocktail, head to The Maine Mayfair, a New England-inspired hotel with a beautiful restaurant and dining terrace. The menu includes American-style seafood paired with crisp non-alcoholic drinks like the Passionfruit Cooler with ginger and honey and the Basil It Low with grapefruit and bergamot. The atmospheric terrace is covered in nautical stripes and lush greenery, bringing a bit of the Maine coastline to central London.
Mayfair, W1S | themainemayfair.com
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