10 things to do in London this summer 2021

Whether you live in our great metropolis or nearby, there's always lots going on, especially over the holidays, to keep everyone entertained. Here's our pick of the best...

Back to the Future the Musical
Yes, you read that right. The 1985 blockbuster movie is getting an all singing, all dancing makeover and personally we can't wait. Marty McFly, Doc Brown and that time-travelling DeLorean car will be raising the curtain as the Adelphi Theatre near Covent Garden from 20 August, featuring fab new songs, alongside old school classics, The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode. So, fasten your seatbelt folks, this promises to be quite a ride! lwtheatres.co.uk

Openaire Float-In Cinema
Not content with just giving movie buffs an al fresco cinema experience, this goes one better, and does so on water! Not only do you get your very own boat to steer across the canals and waterways of Little Venice, you then get to moor up at Merchant Square in Paddington where as well as a big screen to watch your chosen film on, there will also be delicious food, drinks and snacks available. Oh, and with Haagen-Dazs being the main sponsor, you can expect plenty of ice cream too. openaire.co.uk

The Hundred
Taking place for the very first time this summer at the Kia Oval and Lord's Cricket Ground is The Hundred, a thrilling new 100 ball cricket competition that's been designed to appeal to cricket aficionados and first-time spectators alike thanks to its accessible, family-friendly format. Eight men's and women's teams from seven UK cities are taking part, with famous international and domestic players among them. thehundred.com

Hop-on, Hop-off London Bus Tour
Thought these were the preserve of foreign tourists? Well, think again. Even seasoned Londoners will get a buzz from jumping on board one of these double deckers where they'll get up close and personal to many of the city's most iconic sights. See such familiar landmarks as Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey through fresh eyes, thanks to the insights of knowledgeable tour guides. And should you want to explore a specific area, attraction (or heaven forefend, a public house) in more detail, simply hop off and fill your boots. hoponhopoffplus.com

Dodge
Head to the spectacular courtyard of Somerset House this summer for a brand-new open-air experience with a difference. This previously sedate setting has been transformed into a giant bumper car ride, while bold installations from acclaimed artists and a mouth-watering selection of food and drinks all add to the celebratory feel. Walk-ins are welcome, with entry free, but to ensure a dodgem ride it's best to book, and better still, you'll also get a free drink when you do so. somersethouse.org.uk

ArcelorMittal Orbit and Slide
You're never too old to enjoy a good slide and they don't come much better than the one at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the twisting red sculpture that was erected to mark the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, with the slide added four years later. At 76 metres high and 178 metres in length, it's the world's tallest and longest tunnel slide, whizzing users down at a tummy-churning speed of 15 miles per hour. Not for the faint hearted, but worth it for the views alone, especially those seen through the glass floor! arcelormittalorbit.com

London Wonderground
Eclectic outdoor bars, fabulous street food, vintage funfair rides, a roster of live entertainment and even a sandy beach - what's not to like about this annual bash that brings all your summer fun together under the one roof, which this year happens on the former Earls Court 2 Exhibition Centre site. Also new is the appearance of Underbelly, the cult event and festival company, whose upside-down purple cow tent has become famous in its own right. londonwonderground.co.uk

Buckingham Palace Garden
Pack a picnic fit for a Queen (after all, you never know who you might bump into), because for the first time the public can explore freely the beautiful gardens of Buckingham Palace, and that includes the option to unfurl that blanket and open the hamper. But before that, you might want to build up an appetite by doing a bit of nosing around, with more than 1,000 trees, 30 bird species and 325 wild plant species to admire. rct.uk

Discovery Days
Throughout the month of August, the LookOut Discovery Centre in Hyde Park will again be hosting its ever-popular drop-in Discovery Days, where families can embark on a variety of themed outdoor activities. We're especially liking the look of the one on Peter Pan (whose statue can be seen in nearby Kensington Gardens), which includes a treasure hunt, a pirate orienteering challenge and building a tree home suitable for elves and fairies. royalparks.org.uk

Uniqlo Tate Play
Who doesn't love the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern, where there always seems to be something interesting and a bit unusual happening. And that's certainly the case this summer with visitors, old and young, invited to scribble, doodle and sketch on the floor and on banners and become part of a collective, ever-changing artwork. As well as the art, the space will also be used for activities, performances and play. tate.org.uk