Beyond the 9-5: The Best Things to Do in London this July

Thames views, brews and more await this July in London.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

Beyond the 9-5 is our round-up of all the best things to do in London each month, this July the capital is full of culture, craft beer and more.

1Partake of the Proms

The world's “largest and most democratic musical festival” kicks off this month. The BBC Proms is an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts and other events held annually, predominantly in the Royal Albert Hall.

18th July-13th September

2Noughts & Crosses

“All our lives criss-crossing but never really touching” see Malorie Blackman’s best-selling Noughts & Crosses, a bittersweet love story with echoes of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet at the Regents park Open Air theatre. Established in 1932, the multi-award-winning theatre is one of the largest theatres in London (1,304 seats) and is situated in the beautiful surroundings of a Royal Park. A performance here is a truly special experience.

Show runs 'til 26th July

noughts and crosses regents park promotional poster

3Elevate Your After Work Drinks

London landmarks take on a new perspective with our favourite rooftop drinking establishments. The Culpeper, over in Spitalfields, is a true gem with quirky cocktails, and a rooftop garden that provides ingredients for the kitchen and bar. Across town with stunning views of St Pauls, and killer drinks to match Sabine is one gorgeous rooftop bar - take your friends a share a platter.

4Go Head-to-Head With Your Colleagues at SENSAS

Think Mission Impossible meets I’m a Celebrity and you’ve got SENSAS! Based in Vauxhall this one-of-a-kind adventure offers a series of tasks that put your senses to the test in a fun and unique way.

5.Soak Up Summer by the River

The banks of the iconic River Thames undergo a mesmerising transformation into a riverside refuge, filled with sunshine, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. London Bridge City is a vibrant festival set to captivate visitors all summer long with a packed roster of events from outdoor cinema, music, live theatre and more.

Various events through July

6Take The Plunge

Cool off at one of the city's finest al fresco swimming pools. Heated or unheated, regimented lanes or wide open water, serious fitness or chilled family fun London’s lidos have got you covered. Our favourites include London Fields Lido - the stalls and trendy cafés of Broadway Market nearby are the perfect place to refuel afterwards. For incredible Royal Park views, head to the Serpentine Lido.

7Neo-Classical Rave at Summerset House

The popular Somerset House Summer Series kicks off on July 10th. Held in the in the courtyard of the iconic Neoclassical building, this open-air series of gigs has long held space for both exciting up-and-comers and well-known trailblazers from the UK and beyond.

8London Craft Beer Festival

The Capital’s biggest beer fest is back this summer for pints, pints and more pints. So if you are desperate for a post-work funky sour, cheeky saison or a fruity IPA you’re in luck!

18th and 19th July