The summer has finally arrived in London and with temperatures climbing above 30C I can’t think about better ways to cool down than with an ice cream or a refreshing cocktail. If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, I have the following suggestions for top 5 ways to cool down in London:
1. Enjoy a Cool Cocktail at Ice Bar
If you like to do something different in London, visit the Ice Bar. This place is located in Mayfair and is the only all year around bar made of ice in the UK. Book the tickets online to make sure to get access to the venue. Online prices are £12.50-16 and include a cocktail of your choice and 40 minutes in the bar. This gives you enough time to cool down with exciting cocktails like Suicide Blonde, Purple Rain, and Moonshine. Tip: The design changes once a year, so make sure to come back.
2. Take a Speed Boat Ride on the Thames
London offers many boat rides on the Thames especially during the summer. The most exhilarating and effective ride is definitely a speed boat tour that goes up to 35 knots on the Thames. During the spectacular 50 minute round trip you’ll experience London’s sights followed by a speed boat ride to Canary Wharf. After the ride you will definitely feel refreshed!
3. Take a Refreshing Dip in an Open Air Pool
Dive in to the outdoor pools and ponds across London to escape the soaring temperatures. My favourites are the bathing ponds in Hampstead Heath (North London) and Tooting Bec Lido (South London) which is the largest freshwater open-air swimming pool in the UK.
4. Treat yourself to Ice-Cream
London boasts a lot of ice cream parlours. One of them is the Parlour Restaurant which is located on the first floor of Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly. This is the place to be if you’re after wacky flavours that are found nowhere else in the world. If you fancy a traditional gelato, sorbet or granitas make your way to Gelupo in Soho. You can choose from plenty of delicious flavours like banana, stracciatella, blood orange, nutella and bitter choc.
5. Winter Sport Activities
Are you up for winter sports? Then visit Ellis Brigham’s Covent Garden store where you can climb over their vertical ice wall – an hour fun guaranteed. Alternatively, head to the Lee Valley Ice Centre to do some ice skating on the international sized rink with space for over 800 people.
