July

With the sunshine coming out to play this month we’ve picked out some of our favourite happenings in and around London. From Wimbledon, to sipping cocktails or heading to the seaside, we’re sure to have something that will get you into the summer spirit. Cheers to July may it be hot and sticky with plenty of ice cream days. Enjoy, and remember to share any hip happenings in the comments below x

Wimbledon - 1st-14th July

Kicking off this month is one of the most quintessentially British summer events, Wimbledon. It remains one of the very few major UK sporting events where you can still buy premium tickets on the day of play. Tickets are sold strictly on the basis of one per person queuing.

A limited number of tickets are available daily for Centre Court, No.1 Court and No.2 Court, except for the last four days on Centre Court, when all are sold in advance. In addition, several thousand Grounds Passes are available each day at the turnstiles entitling use of unreserved seating and standing room on Courts No.3 - 18. For more info click here.

Summer Cocktails

Secret London have a great selection of cocktail spots with some of the best places to sip on cool, alcoholic beverages in London this season; from frozen margaritas to charitable sugar snap pea-infused vodka. Believe me, they’re good. For more info click here.

Escape to the beach

There are plenty of ways to escape London - from lush park walks to weekend village breaks - but sometimes a trip to the seaside is the only way to reset and unwind. Londoners needn’t trek far for a brilliant beach; the capital is well connected to some of the best beaches in the country, and in less than two hours, city folk can find themselves oceanside making sandcastles, spotting wildlife, and copping a lungful of fresh salty air.

From the fresh oysters on the foodie coastline of Mersea Island to seal-spotting and fossil hunting at Walton-on-the-Naze - here’s Time Out’s guide to the best beaches near London.

Summer swimming

Come rain or shine, outdoor swimming was a favourite British pastime in the 1930s, over the last few years it has been making a bit of a come back. Luckily there are a few of the original lidos that remain and have been revamped for modern day – now serving as ideal spots for al fresco exercise or lazy summer days by the pool. Sheerluxe have pulled together some of the very best ones in London, and around the UK…for in for click here.

ON Blackheath - 13th-14th July

Born out of a desire to stage an event that would celebrate this stunning part of London, ONBlackheath was created as the perfect festival for unwinding and putting a smile on your face, showcasing the best in local and international artists, serving up amazing food, and offering a world of fun for our younger visitors. For more info click here.

Somerset House - Summer series - 11th-21st July

Across eleven nights of open-air gigs, Somerset House Summer Series brings a vibrant festival atmosphere to the very heart of London. With a programme of pioneering musicians across a range of genres, Summer Series gives music fans a live experience unlike any other, with the rare chance to see critically acclaimed artists plus some of the best up and coming performers in a spectacular yet intimate setting. For tickets nad more info click here.

Citadel Festival - 14th July

If we’re being honest, Sundays at a festival are usually a bit of a damp squib. After days of abuse, both your inflatable mattress and soul are dangerously deflated. Going to a festival on a Sunday all fresh and rested, on the other hand, sounds a lot more appealing, especially if it’s tailor-made for the day of rest – which is where Citadel comes in. Returning to Gunnersbury Park once again as the calmer post-Lovebox antidote, Citadel has more of a chilled vibe to it, but still boasts some top musical acts including Friendly Fires, Honeyblood and Dream Wife, plus all manner of other pursuits, including comedy, arts, talks, workshops and lots of top food and drink. Words by Time Out for more info click here.

Longboys - Now open

This new venture from former Group Pastry Chef for the Hakkasan group, Graham Hornigold, and Heather Kaniuk, former Executive Pastry Chef at the Mandarin Oriental, has brought us some very unholy doughnuts. These aren’t round boys, they’re Longboys.

Found at Wembley Boxpark and the Selfridges Food Hall, Longboys has changed the game for doughnuts. More like a eclair-doughnut hybrid, they’re filled with all sorts of fresh and tasty ingredients, such as rhubarb, custard and orange; sticky toffee, date and pecan; raspberry, rose and lychee; and lemon meringue pie.