Things To Do in London This Summer
- Tuesday 25th August 2026
There’s something fun and unique around every corner in London. We’ve pulled together our top picks for the best activities to do in London this summer – experiences that really earn their place!
Get Up Close With Ocean Life at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Let’s start close to home. SEA LIFE London Aquarium sits right on the South Bank, and it’s one of those rare places that genuinely surprises you.
Walk through a giant glass tunnel while sharks glide overhead. Watch a ray navigate a shallow pool, inches from your fingertips. Spot the octopus, masterfully disguised amongst the rocks. It’s hands-on, it’s vivid, and will be one of the London attractions that kids talk about for weeks.
Take In the Views From the London Eye
Right next door (and we mean right next door) is the London Eye. It’s become a London icon for good reason. Soaring 135 metres above the Thames, it’s the best way to really see how much of the city there is to explore.
On a clear summer day, the views stretch out over the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, and well beyond. Each rotation takes around 30 minutes, which makes it a surprisingly peaceful pause in the middle of a busy day out.
And because the London Eye sits just next to SEA LIFE London, it’s one of the easiest activities to do in London if you want to combine two brilliant experiences without much walking between them.
Meet Your Favourite Stars at Madame Tussauds
Not everyone is lucky enough to meet their favourite actor, sports star, or singer IRL. Thankfully, Madame Tussauds is the next best thing. You can pose with everyone from Hollywood A-listers to sporting legends to royalty. It’s a lot of fun. And it works just as well for adults as it does for kids.
Laugh Out Loud at Shrek’s Adventure!
If you’re looking for funny things to do in London, Shrek’s Adventure! is the one. It’s a live-action, walk-through experience based in Far Far Away. Expect talking characters, 4D effects, and great gags for both kids and grown-ups.
The best part? You’re not just watching, you’re part of the story. The humour is sharp enough to keep adults entertained alongside little ones.
Make the Most of Your Visit — Combine Attractions and Save
Combining SEA LIFE London with the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, or Shrek’s Adventure! works out cheaper than booking each separately. It also takes away the faff of organising things on the day. For unique things to do in London that offer real value, this is the way to go.
Ticket TypesFAQs
London has no shortage of things to do, but the South Bank is one of the best places to start. SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and Shrek’s Adventure! are all within easy reach of one another, making them great options for a full day out.
Yes! It’s one of the city’s most immersive attractions in London, with over 500 species across themed zones that take you from the shallow rockpool right down to the deep ocean. The 360° ocean tunnel alone is worth the visit.
For a single attraction like SEA LIFE London, set aside around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you’re combining it with the London Eye (around 45 minutes to an hour including queuing), Madame Tussauds (2 hours is comfortable), or Shrek’s Adventure! (around 1 hour), a full day covers all four without feeling rushed. Booking your arrival times in advance helps keep the day on track.
You can, and it's a smart way to visit multiple attractions. Combo tickets bundle SEA LIFE London with other nearby Merlin attractions, including the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and Shrek's Adventure! They're available to book online in advance, which also means you can lock in your preferred entry times and skip any ticket queues on the day.
First thing in the morning is considered to be a good time to visit as it tends to be quieter. If a morning visit isn’t possible, later in the afternoon after 3pm is also a good time. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, so if you have flexibility, a midweek visit during school term time gives you the best experience.
The South Bank packs a lot into one stretch of riverside, and it's home to some of the best things to do in London. SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and Shrek's Adventure! sit close enough to fit into a single day out, each one bringing something different to the table.
Book a combo ticket and see all four for less.
