From ice baths to ice cream, here’s how to survive a London heatwave.
The words London and heatwave sound like they shouldn’t go together. Londoners spend so long complaining about the rain that it almost feels wrong to complain about a heatwave. With endless stretches of concrete, little air conditioning and few places to escape the midday sun, however, the capital can feel hotter than an armpit on the London Underground. Temperatures climbed to a record-breaking 35 degrees Celsius in June, and it looks set to soar again over the summer.
The bad news: rail services get disrupted, roads soften in the intense heat, and the ice cream section in supermarkets start to look a lot like the toilet roll shelves during Covid. The good news: there are cool ways to stay, well, cool. Whether you’re visiting an ice bar, ice rink or ice cream parlour, here are the best ways to survive a London heatwave. Excuse us while we grab another glass of water.
Cinemas
When you head to the cinema, you may well face that familiar dilemma: sweltering in the heat and shivering in the air con. Head to somewhere special, grab the popcorn and a jacket. Electric Cinema in Notting Hill dates back to 1910 and hosts unique screenings. FACT once joined a screening where Zendaya surprised the crowd. The Everyman and Curzon cinemas can be found across the city, offering everything from arthouse releases to major indie hits. If you want to go full blockbuster, book the BFI IMAX. Over the summer, it is showing Disclosure Day, Supergirl and The Odyssey.
Gardens and parks
How does your garden grow? In London, they grow rather beautifully. Escape the hustle and bustle in one of the capital’s leafy parks or glorious gardens, where shade and serenity offer the perfect antidote to the heat. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is a hidden gem, complete with waterfalls, koi carp and the occasional peacock. Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens in Regent’s Park offer peaceful paths and welcome pockets of shade among thousands of blooming roses. Hyde Park becomes every Londoner’s back garden in summer – you’ll spot sprawls of picnic blankets and jumpers for goalposts. And, if you haven’t managed to bag tickets for the music festival BST Hyde Park, simply settle on the grass and let the festival soundtrack drift over you for free.
Ice cream parlours
Give your lollies an upgrade and head to an artisanal gelato bar in London. Darlish, the Persian ice cream parlour with locations in Bloomsbury and Notting Hill, is serving up inventive flavours alongside its signature Baklava Ice Cream Sandwich – a rich, indulgent treat that has already become a firm favourite. In Soho, you’ll spot the queue for Gelupo before you spot the shop itself. Inspired by the flavours of Southern Italy, the beloved gelateria is known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients, from fruit and nuts to rich chocolate. Be sure to try its newest flavour, Cremolato, a refreshing blend of almond, sour cherry and strawberry that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot summer’s day.
Ice bar
If Elsa from Frozen were to visit London, she would probably head to the Ice Bar by ice Hotel. The venue will be opening soon, although the exact date has not yet been confirmed. Located near Leicester Square, all of the art, glasses and walls come from Sweden. Guests are encouraged to get into the spirit(s), dress up in thermal capes, and enjoy taking photos surrounded by the ice sculptures.
Ice baths
Only the brave should step forward. Following Wim Hof’s famous breathing method, ice baths have become increasingly popular across the wellness scene. FACT tried one at Six Senses London and managed to last the recommended three minutes. We were cold to the core, and it certainly took our breath away. At Banya No 1, guests can experience the cold plunge pool and ice bath. The benefits include improved circulation, reduced muscle soreness and a reset for the body and mind.
Ice rinks
When the city feels like it’s melting into the pavement – the gritters were out on the roads to stop them from melting, after all – there’s something clever and counterintuitive about stepping onto an ice rink. Whether you’re taking twirls or clinging to the side of the wall, it’s one of the quickest ways to swap beads of sweat running down your face for a breath of fresh air. Make a day of it and head to Queens in Bayswater. The venue is home to ice skating, bowling and arcade games. Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City both offer indoor ice skating alongside air-conditioned shopping.
Lidos
Dive into London’s lidos and wash away all those thoughts about a heatwave in London. If you are one of those men who are tempted to take your top off in the heat, a lido is one of the few places where it’s acceptable. During the June heatwave, we found ourselves paddling in the pools three times in one week. Many lidos open early, making them a superb spot for a splash before work (and before the midday heat really kicks in). Cool off at Brockwell Lido in Herne Hill, take on the iconic Parliament Hill Lido on Hampstead Heath ponds, or enjoy the Olympic-sized pools at London Fields Lido and Tooting Bec Lido.
Museums and galleries
Swap the rays of light for a splash of colour – and benches under air conditioning. The permanent collections at museums and galleries are free to visit and offer a relaxing respite from the heat. The British Museum, Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum all offer culture in a chilled, comfortable setting. For something suitably summery, visit Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the National Gallery. For family-friendly fun, visit the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. You’ll be too distracted to think about a heatwave in London.
Splash parks
Make a splash at one of London’s splash parks. As water jets dance throughout the day, children – and the occasional adult – can be spotted running through the fountains. Families can cool off at the Diana Memorial Fountain in Kensington Gardens, the fountains at Granary Square in King’s Cross, the splash pad in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Coram’s Fields in Bloomsbury. For something a little different, head to the Southbank Centre to experience Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms. Part fountain, part interactive artwork, it regularly sees children in swimming costumes dashing through its ever-changing walls of water, making it one of London’s most joyful ways to cool down.
River Thames
Ditch the Tube and buses – many of which can reach temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius during a heatwave in London – for boats. During the 17th and 19th centuries, the River Thames would freeze over and Frost Fairs were held on the ice. With the changing climate, we might not be able to skate on the river anymore, but it’s easy to forget that we can still travel from one end of the city to the other across the water. Hop on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers – routes include Barking to Woolwich, Surrey Quays to Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf. Tap in and tap out with your Oyster or contactless card, or buy a ticket in advance.
Water bar
During London’s heatwave, it’s recommended that you drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Water doesn’t have to be boring, so rehydrate at Diptyque’s Water Bar. Located at Diptyque on New Bond Street, the pop-up runs from 18 June to 31 August. The counter serves infused waters created by The Social Food, with bottles presented in bright packaging and brighter colours.