How to stay cool in London during a heatwave
Most people think of London as a cold, rainy city, and for much of the year it is. However, when the summer months come along there’s always the chance of a brutal heatwave. With buildings designed to retain warmth and a lack of air conditioning, it’s difficult to escape the heat and stay comfortable.
Here are some of my best tips for staying cool during a London heatwave.
Staying cool on the Tube
One of the worst parts of heatwaves in London is getting on the Tube, which is already very warm throughout the year. Try to avoid the older lines as much as possible (Jubilee, Victoria, Central, Bakerloo) as they tend to be the stuffiest. New lines like the Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, District, and Circle lines all have air conditioning.
If you have to get on a sweltering train I highly recommend carrying water, a fan, or even ice packs to cool you down.
Finding air conditioning
When you’re in Central London, many of the bigger shops and museums will have air conditioning. Art galleries are always a safe bet as they need to be tempature controlled to protect the art (Tate Britain is one of my favorites and usually a bit less crowded than the National Gallery or Tate Modern). The John Lewis on Oxford Street is another great option with multiple cafes and several floors to wander if you need a break to soak up the cool air.
This is also something to keep in mind when booking a hotel, as a lot of the more historic buildings might not have AC.
Treat yourself
The warm temperatures are a great excuse to try as many of London’s ice cream shops as possible. Some of my favorites are La Gelateria in Covent Garden and Ice Cream Union in Chelsea.
There are also ice cream vans dotted around the major parks. Soft-serve ice cream with a chocolate flake is a must for the true British summer experience.
Take a breezy boat journey along the Thames
One of my favorite ways to see the major London landmarks is on the Uber boat. On hot days, sail past Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge while staying out of the sun and saving yourself some walking. It’s also another way to avoid the Tube if you need to travel across the city.
Head to the seaside
London usually gets the highest temperatures in the UK, so on particularly hot days it’s nice to get out of the city and head towards the sea. There are several beaches within a 1-2 hour train journey from London where you can swim and take in refreshing sea breezes. I particularly love Seven Sisters and Brighton.
Adjust your plans
The great thing about summer in London is that the sun sets so late that there are several cooler evening hours to enjoy the city. It will stay light until about 10 pm, so you can easily plan some sunset sightseeing or after-dinner strolls.
I hope these tips help you stay comfortable and safe during a London heatwave!
If you need any help planning your next trip to London, you can find my recommendation map here. I also offer personalized itineraries if you’d like to have your whole trip planned for you with custom recommendations :)
