Amy Houghton

Summer's finally here! And that means it's high time you dug out last year's swimsuit (faintly bobbly though it may be) and took it for a spin in one of London's many gorgeous outdoor pools. But don't even think of heading to your local noisy, chlorine-scented indoor swimming baths. When the temperatures soar, lidos are the only way to go. I'm one of the growing band of Londoners who's been bitten by the outdoor swimming bug, and braved the waters at every al fresco pool I can find in this city. Yep, the water's a bit chilly. But that's the whole point: to feel that rush of exhilaration you only get once your body adjusts to the cool water and starts gliding through it like a dolphin (or in my case, a geriatric elephant seal – I said I'm a keen outdoor swimmer, not a good one).   The seriously dedicated will head to wild swimming spots where you bob about face to face with aggy ducks and the odd bit of pondweed. But if you want to get a proper swim in, lidos are the easiest, freshest way to do it. Heated or unheated, regimented lanes or wide open water, serious fitness or chilled family fun – these are all of London’s best lidos and outdoor swimming pools for making a splash in this summer. RECOMMENDED:🏊 The best swimming pools in London.🌡️ The best saunas in London. 💦 The best waterparks in London

As the UK's most visited national park, the captivating, enigmatic Lake District is just about as English as landscapes come. Forged from glaciers, this UNESCO site is one of the UK's most popular tourist hotspots for visitors, domestic and international. And while people flock to the Lake District because of the history, the walking, the breathtaking scenery, picturesque villages, and the, well, lakes, after all of that, you really do need a place of comfort, great food, log fires, and luxurious spas to rest your weary bones. Long gone are the days of damp B&Bs – style and quality are on the up in the region, so it’s worth checking out these incredible Lake District hotels right now, as this is just about the perfect time to explore this fascinating, beautiful part of the world. From remote bivouacs and remote stays to lakeside luxury and world-famous hotels that draw people from all over the world, here’s our pick of the best hotels in the Lake District to start booking now.  🏡 RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in the Lake District Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, our travel experts have based our list on expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 The best things to do in the Lake Distric

It’s true – Dads can be hard people to please. But if you were planning on getting your old man a pair of socks or a bottle of whiskey for Father’s Day this year and calling it a day, let us stop you right there. Why not treat him to a proper day out, eh?  If you want to go beyond the cliche steakhouse or pub dinner (though they’re both perfectly good options), London is awash with other stuff that’ll bring a smile to your dad’s face, whether he’s a sports fiend, a gaming enthusiast, a comedy lover or a beer coneisseur.  Here’s our pick of some genuinely good, not-at-all naff things to do with your pops this Father’s Day (Sunday, June 15, in case you need reminding).  Still not found what you’re after? Try our guide to London’s unusual things to do. RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to celebrating Father’s Day in London.

Greece is, quite simply, king of the holidays. It’s a country full of sprawling cities, beautiful islands and some of the best beaches in the entire world, and the food? Don’t even get us started on the food. There’s a hell of a lot of islands, and our editors have been to a hell of a lot of them, but for the on-the-ground knowledge that only a local has, we’ve roped in our Greece expert Demetrios Ioannou, who grew up in Athens but has travelled all over the country. Whatever you’re looking for, here are the best places to visit in Greece.  Where should I go for my first time in Greece? We’re firm believers that everyone should go to Athens at least once in their lives. So if it’s your first time visiting the country, you should probably start there. But the good news is that in Greece, you can pretty much do it all. So don’t stay in Athens for a full week – spend a perfect weekend there before heading out on a ferry to Aegina, Poros, Hydra and more. If you’ve ticked off Athens already, consider Greece’s latest destination dupe, Paros, which is set to this year’s ‘new Santorini’ (just without the crowds).  📍 RECOMMENDED: Discover our ultimate guide to Greece Which is the best Greek island to visit? If we’re talking most popular, Santorini and Mykonos are always going to be top of the list. But Greece has more than 6,000 islands and islets, each with its own unique vibe and all worth visiting for entirely different reasons. Crete is Greece’s biggest island, in the south of th

What makes a good party song? Is it uplifting lyrics? Or maybe it's an uptempo production?Throughout the decades, they’ve come in all shapes, sizes and vibes. However, for a song to be a proper, hip-shaking party song, there are some rules: it’s gotta be a banger, and it’s gotta give you absolutely no choice but to get up and boogie.  No wonder then that this list includes everything from funk, soul and disco classics to ‘90s RnB tunes and 2025 chart-toppers. There’s a tonne of variety on here, so pass the aux cable over to us and we’ll have your party shaking in no time. Ready to throw some shapes? You’re in the right place – these are the best party songs of all time.  RECOMMENDED: 🎵 The best songs of 2025 so far 🕺 The best albums of 2025 so far 🎤 The best karaoke songs🍻 The best drinking songs🎶 The best ’80s songs🎊 The best pop songs This guide was recently updated by Georgia Evans, who covers Time Out’s music section. Entries are by Time Out Editors. For more about how we curate, have a look at our editorial guidelines.

London looks its absolute best when it’s bathing under a blazing sun and bright blue sky. So, on the rare occassion that we’re blessed with such weather, it would be a waste not to head upwards and absorb gorgeous views of the capital in all its shining glory. The city is spoiled with dozens of rooftop bars ready to stand to attention come summertime. But if it’s just greenery, panoramic vistas and a fresh breeze you’re after, one of London’s rooftop gardens may just do the trick instead. Some of the city’s high-rise gardens stay fairly quiet and zen most of the year, while others are attached to buzzy restaurants or host DJs and live music during peak season. So, whether you want a peaceful stroll in the clouds or you’re after some sunny sky-high vibes, these are all of London’s best rooftop gardens. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor spaces in London.

Thinking of heading to the UK? Great choice. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are packed with jaw-dropping sights, fun-filled nights out and endless cultural offerings for you to fill your calendar to the brim. The Time Out team has spent a hell of a lot of time travelling up and down the country, really getting to know the big sights and local legends – and by now, we like to think we know a thing or two about what is actually worth your precious time. And trust us: you won’t be disappointed. From Cornwall’s crashing surf to Scotland’s rugged peaks, to the buzz of Notting Hill Carnival and secret spots locals whisper about, there’s something for everyone here. These are the best things to do in the UK in 2025.  What are the best events in the UK throughout the year? Where do we begin? In April, join in infectious crowds at the Manchester or London marathons. Head to Somerset for Glastonbury in June (if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, that is), and go up north for all sorts of cultural happenings at the Manchester International Festival come July. In August, we’d recommend Brighton for Pride, London for Notting Hill Carnival and Edinburgh for the month-long Fringe arts festival. The Scottish capital is also a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve with their Hogmanay street party to see out the year.  Where are the most scenic places to visit in the UK? If it’s dramatic landscapes you’re after, no trip to the UK is complete without spending time in the Scott

There’s something in the air right now. Everywhere you look in London – from the paths of Victoria Park to the pavements of Southbank – you’ll see people running. Sporting their hydration vest, sucking on gels and glancing at the Garmin watch on their wrist. But they’re not trying to catch the tube or escape a god-awful first date, they’re just… running. For fun.  Londoners have well and truly caught the running bug. But who can blame them? This city is blessed with all kinds of terrain to explore when you want to get the endorphins flowing. If you’re not in the mood for jogging down busy central streets, there are wild heaths, flat towpaths and beautiful canalside trails on your doorstep instead. With race season in full swing and the London Marathon just around the corner, Time Out asked some of the city’s keenest runners for their favourite running routes in the capital. These people have run miles and miles of the city, broken records and harnessed the power of running to build thriving communities. So they know their stuff.  There’s no gatekeeping here. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just fancy a slow and steady 3k from time to time, these are some brilliant routes to try out next (and a few words of wisdom, in case you need the motivation). RECOMMENDED: 🏃 Your winning guide to the London Marathon 2025 📍 The best run clubs in London The best running routes in London Adele Roberts, DJ Photograph: Adele Roberts Where is the best place to run in London?  ‘The place

There’s no season more welcome than the start of summer. Brighter days, warmer temperatures and more time outdoors results in an uplifted mood and a general lust for life. It also helps when you have a stellar summer playlist – the kind that draws on golden classics and modern hits alike to really add a healthy dose of that feel-good feeling we all love. Here at Time Out, our team of writers and editors have you covered when it comes to the most essential summer anthems. From a Bill Withers staple to some Sabrina Carpenter sparkle, our playlist of the best summer songs captures all the fun, warmth and mood-lifting magic you want when it comes to soundtracking your summer months. RECOMMENDED: 🎤 The best karaoke songs ❤️ The best love songs🎉 The best party songs🕺 The best albums of 2025 so far

Work-dos are a hard art to master. How do you find something that strengthens your team spirit and that everyone in the office, across multiple generations, is actually going to find fun?  Stuck for ideas? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re after some healthy competition among co-workers or an activity that requires all your colleagues to work together, London has a load of classic and quirky ways for your team to let their hair down. So, take notes, we’ve rounded up the best of them. These are some of the top places in the city to go to build your office bonds.  RECOMMENDED: The best office party venues to hire in LondonThe top London venues for a private bash 

Morocco is a place where ancient ruins neighbour glistening new skyscrapers, and where souks, unchanged for decades, live a stone’s throw from world-leading cultural centres. It’s also a place where one day you’re chugging through rural mountain villages, the next you’re hopping on a double decker bullet train – the first and only high-speed train in Africa and one of the fastest in the world, in fact.  Since launching in 2018, that speed shuttle (named Al Boraq) has opened up Morocco in a whole new way. It connects six Moroccan cities, including Casablaca, Marrakech and Fez, but with just three days in the country, we used it to explore two places that tend to fly a little more under the radar – Tangier and Rabat.  Tangier: where the ocean meets the sea With the wild Atlantic ocean to one side and the warm Mediterranean sea to the other, Tangier is thought of as Europe’s ‘gateway into Africa’ – we flew there in just over two hours from London, but you can also get an hour-long ferry from Marbella. We stay in the swish but very conveniently located Hilton Tanger City Centre, but our introduction to Tangier begins further out, on the outskirts of the city.  Photograph: Amy Houghton for Time Out We spend the next morning a half hour drive from the centre at Cape Spartel, the northwesternmost point of Africa. The headland, topped by the oldest lighthouse in Morocco, overlooks the exact point that the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet. Spread with pine trees and roamed by wil

Whether you’ve got the voice of an angel or you’re totally tone deaf, karaoke unites us all. But heed our warning: choosing the right song is crucial (aka, don’t opt for that Whitney Houston tune if you haven’t the range. And if you don't have good enough flow, steer clear of rapping. Kapeesh?) So we thought we’d help out a little bit. In our list of the best karaoke songs ever, we’ve got everyone from Adele to Toto, and from Frank Sinatra to Ricky Martin. There's even recent singalongs from Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan. Something for everyone. So down that shot, grab that mic and take to the stage. Your audience awaits you. Here are the best karaoke songs ever.  RECOMMENDED:❤️ The best love songs☀️ The best summer songs🎉 The best party songs🕺 The best albums of 2025 so far  

What is it?  Technically several adjoining markets, this sprawl of stalls stretching from Camden Town tube to the Regent’s Canal is London’s fourth most popular visitor attraction. In its recent heyday, around 250,000 people came here every week to shop, sample street food and soak up the distinctive, still-grungy atmosphere. Camden Lock Market is an arts-and-crafts haven while the Stables Market is a trendy spot for everything from quirky furniture to fetish clothing. Nearby Buck Street Market on Camden High Street has had a shipping container revamp. As you saunter through the different markets, don’t be surprised to see grungy teenagers and old punks on the street corners. Camden feels more mainstream than it did in the ‘90s, but it’s still one of London’s most rock ‘n’ roll neighbourhoods. Why go?  To get lost in a one-of-a-kind maze of art, garms, antiques, accessories, books and endless street food.  Don’t miss The Cheese Bar – London’s only fully fromage focused restaurant – for all manner of gooey, cheese-based delights in a classy, low lit space in Stables Market.  Ticket info  No tickets needed.  When to visit  Camden Markets are open everyday of the week from 10am until late.  Time Out tip If you find the lunch queues and options a bit too much in the main Camden Lock Market, cross the road to Buck Street Market where you’ll find food that is just as great and are more likely to find a free spot to sit.  RECOMMENDED: London’s best markets

What is it?  After 130 years, luxury department store Fenwick left its iconic outlet on Bond Street in February 2024 but its flagship store in Brent Cross Shopping Centre is still going strong.  What does it sell?  The three storey emporium offers up everything you expect from any good department store – apparel, homewear, beauty bits and accessories from classic and emerging high-end brands like Stella McCartney, Viviene Westwood, Ganni, Jo Malone and Our Place. There’s also a wee horticultral section downstairs, selling fresh plants and a bunch of tools and sprays to help your patch bloom.  Opening times  Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 9.30am-8pm; Sun 11.30am-6pm. 

What is it?  Since launching in 1970, Browns has played an instrumental role in the careers of some of the world’s biggest fashion titans. Founder Joan Burstein (the ‘fairy godmother of fashion’) is credited with discovering John Galliano after stumbling across his graduate collection and later on, stocking the work of (at that time) a little known designer named Alexander McQueen.  Mrs B, as she was known, also introduced the likes of Comme des Garçons, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein to the British fashion scene. More than 50 years later, Browns continues to champion young and emerging designers. After being acquired by fashion website FarFetch in 2015, Browns moved its flagship store on South Molton Street to a Grade II-listed eighteenth century building on Mayfair’s Brook Street in 2021.  What does it sell?  There are more than 100 established and next-gen designers jostling for attention at Browns, from Chloé and Dries Van Noten to Balenciaga and Christian Dior. The first floor hosts a carefully curated collection of apparel, shoes, bags, fine jewellery, accessories and homewear and the Yellow Room is where the most  luxury of luxurious brands reside. More high-fashion pieces are on display in the Focus Room on the ground floor.  Opening times Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-6.30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday (but can open by appointment).  Time Out tip On the ground floor, you’ll also fine 123V Browns, a fully plant-based, award-winning sushi restaurant. Menu highlights inclu

What is it?  In business for over 300 years, Fortnum & Mason is as historic as it is inspiring. A sweeping spiral staircase soars through the four-storey building, while light floods down from a central glass dome. The iconic eau de nil blue and gold colour scheme with flashes of rose pink abounds on both the store design and the packaging of the fabulous ground-floor treats, such as chocolates, biscuits, teas and preserves. A food hall in the basement has a good range of fresh produce; Fortnum’s Bees honey comes from beehives on top of the building. There are various eateries, including an ice-cream parlour. The famous hampers start from £60 – though they rise to a whopping £6,000 for the most luxurious. A sweeping spiral staircase soars through the four-storey building, while light floods down from a central glass dome. The iconic F&M eau de nil blue and gold colour scheme with flashes of rose pink abounds on both the store design and the packaging of the fabulous ground-floor treats, including chocolates, biscuits, teas and preserves. What does it sell?  A food hall in the basement has a good range of fresh produce; Fortnum’s Bees honey comes from beehives on top of the building. There are various eateries, including an ice-cream parlour. The famous hampers start from £60 – though they rise to a whopping £6,000 for the most luxurious. The first floor is for homewares: china- and glassware as well as finishing touches such as silver scoops for stilton, F&M coloured linen

What is it? Part of an esteemed UK chain, Harvey Nicks is a one-stop shop for luxury fashion and lifestyle goodies. Though it may have been in its Knightsbridge pad since 1831, it stays true to its ethos of bringing new and innovative products to a wider audience.  What does it sell?  Makeup junkies should head to the ground floor beauty and perfumery space to pick up established brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Shu Uemura, or to glowup with treatments from the Light Salon, Shavata, Duck & Dry and Nail’d It. Womenswear takes up the next three floors, with swimwear and a Denim Gallery on the third levels, while menswear can be found down in the basement. The clothing rails are full of top labels such as Alexander Wang, Balenciaga and Givenchy, and there’s an excellent array of accessories and beauty buys from luxurious brands such as Tom Ford and COR (whose soap contains real silver). Finish off proceedings with lunch on the fifth floor, where the buzzy food department is located along with The Fifth Floor Cafe, Burger & Lobster, Trullo and Madhu’s Brasserie.  Opening times Monday to Saturday 10am – 8pm, Sunday 11:30am – 6pm (browsing from 11.30am – 12pm).  Time Out tip  Forget Vinted and Depop – if you’ve had a recent wardrobe cull, Harvey Nichols will take any high-end pieces that are still in decent condition. It’ll do all the hard selling work for you, all you need to do is drop the items off. Once they’ve found a new home you can get  a Harvey Nichols voucher with a sw

What is it?  There is a reason why John Lewis is one of the most respected and liked shops in Britain and it’s not a complicated one – John Lewis sells good products, in a pleasant environment, served by knowledgeable and amicable staff. Add to that its sensible ratio of quality to price for all its products, and you quickly see why John Lewis retains its rightful crown as the retail world's safe pair of hands. The store offers one of the most civilised places on Oxford Street to shop – with a commodious food hall stocked with culinary partner Waitrose’s goods (complete with walk-in cheese room), the swanky 1864 Rooftop Bar, the Jamie Oliver Cookery School on the third floor, a Waterstones and four cafes to choose from.  What does it sell?  This enormous store in the centre of the city offers a broad sweep of electricals, homeware, fashion, gifts, furniture and leather goods, each coming with the reassurance of JL’s nonpareil ‘never knowingly undersold’ guarantee and lenient returns policy. Arguably the strongest selling point is the lower ground-floor cookware and white goods section, where an excellent range of kitchen staples is backed up by exemplary customer service. Other strengths include its sprawling beauty hall, technology, schoolwear and a brilliant haberdashery for those knitters struggling to find decent wool. Opening times  Open Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday 10am-9pm; Friday-Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11.30am-6pm.  Time Out tip Why not pair your retail t

What is it?  Brockwell Park is a much-needed slab of green (84 acres) just south of Brixton. Locals from the surrounding areas flock here in summer to sun-worship (if they’re lucky), fly kites, play football, swim in the outside pool, garden in the community greenhouses and parade a stunning array of dogs. The vast space was once the private grounds of Brockwell Hall and was opened to the public in 1891 by the London County Council. The hall still stands today and is one of several grade II listed buildings dotted about the park, including the emerald green Tritton Tower Clock, which was gifted to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.  Why go?  It's big, diverse and interesting, with numerous areas to appeal to different tastes, from the calm, rolling meadows around Tulse Hill and walled ‘Old English’ flower garden to the BMX track and sloped football pitches by the Dulwich Road. The playground in Brockwell Park is a favourite, with its aerial slide, massive sandpit and sections for different age groups; nearby you’ll find duck ponds and a huge paddling pool. There’s also a lovely little minature railway open at the weekends May to October, weather permitting – it’s not particularly massive but it’s been just £1 for a return for years now. Don’t miss:  Regular events at the park include circuses and a busy schedule of summer concerts and festivals including Wide Awake, Mighty Hoopla, Field Day and Cross the Tracks. But one of the most beloved annual events is the Lam

What is it?  Never mind the river buses. If you want some excitement on the Thames – the kind that 007 himself would encourage – step aboard the super speedy RIB. This ‘rigid inflatable boat’ will have you hurtling up and down the river in no time with 740 horse power behind you and ‘V8’ twin turbo thrust. No, we don’t know what that means either, but we do know that the RIB can do speeds of up to 30 knots (roughly 35 mph). It’s a pure adrenaline experience. Journeys range from 20-minute blasts to a full 75 minutes. The former either takes you from Tower Millennium Pier past The Shard, Tower of London and HMS Belfast or from The O2 Arena past the Thames Flood Barrier and Greenwich. The longest trip includes the lot. You can choose to have detailed commentary along the way, or there are experiences that keep it to a minimum. Life jackets and waterproof clothing is provided, and all ages are welcome, but there is a minimum weight requirement of three stone (15kg). Why go?  For the fastest, most thrilling way to travel the Thames. Don’t miss The Thames chase scene in ‘Spectre’ was filmed on one of these vehicles, so naturally, Thames RIB offers an ‘Ultimate Spy Experience’. Passengers are taken past some of the most recognisable Bond locations, zooming down the river with the likes of Paul McCartney’s ‘Live and Let Die’, Adele’s ‘Skyfall’ and Shirley Bassey’s ‘Diamonds are Forever’ blasting through the speakers. There’s also an onboard quiz with a chance to win a 007-themed pri

What is it?  You want stunning views of London? You’ve got to earn it. In this adrenaline-pumping experience, you’ve got to scale the height of the O2 in order to see unique vistas of Greenwich, Olympic Park, Canary Wharf and beyond. But it’s worth it.  You’ll be kitted out with boots, a suit and a harness and get a quick safety briefing before you start your 170ft  ascent. For the 90 minute experience, one of The O2’s guides will lead you along the springy walkway all the way to the top. You pull yourself via safety lines, clipping and unclipping carabiners along the metal bars leading to the top. The steepest incline you’ll have to tackle on your way up is about 28-degrees. Once you reach the summit, you’ve got 20 minutes to breathe in the fresh air, admire the panorama of the city, take a selfie or two and discover some facts about London’s landmarks before reattaching yourself to the rail and heading back down. The return route a little longer and steeper.  It’s suitable for ages 8+ and anyone at least 1.2 metres tall.  Why go?  For thrills and views.  Don’t miss If you ask us, the best experience at Up at the O2 is the sunset climb. You head up the venue as the sun goes down, meaning you get incredible shades of pink, orange and yellow backdropping your London views. Just make sure to wear an extra layer or two.  When to visit In the summer climbs are from 10am-8.30pm daily and in the winter 10am-6.30pm daily. Peak season is from June to August.  Ticket info  Prices depe

What is it?  Spread across floors 69 to 72 of Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper, the View from the Shard provides the most magnificent 360° views of the city you can get.  Your journey starts the minute you step foot in the lift. Look up, because screens in the ceiling provide fascinating facts and hypnotic visuals as you hurtle 800ft skywards to the first viewing gallery on floor 69. From here you can explore three more levels by foot (don’t worry, there is another lift if you can’t manage the stairs), with walls of windows providing an incredible backdrop and an open-air skydeck on floor 72. There are London experts dotted about the deck to guide you through your view (if you want), sharing stories of the city’s past and offering recommendations fror whatever kind of London experience you’re after.   Why go?  To look down on the Big Smoke in all its shining glory. All of London’s most legendary landmarks are visible (provided it’s not extremely cloudy!), including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and even Wembley Stadium over in Brent. and the Tower of London. On a nice clear day, views stretch as far as Southend-on-Sea.  Don’t miss Watch out for the different events going on here throughout the year. Every Wednesday from 2pm-4.30pm, there’s live music to make your visit even more atmospheric and every so often there are yoga classes offering a chance to practice sun salutations in the clouds.  When to visit Opening times change throughout

What is it?  Big Ben is technically the name of the 13-ton bell that chimes the hours from the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. Since 2012, the tower itself has officially been called the Elizabeth Tower. And before that, it was known very unimaginatively as just ‘the Clock Tower’. Still, when most of us talk about Big Ben, we mean the whole thing –bell, clock, tower and all.  Designed by architect Charles Barry as part of the Palace of Westminster, the Clock Tower was completed in 1859. The Great Clock started on 31 May that year, with the chimes of the Great Bell (that is, Big Ben himself) heard for the first time on 11 July and the quarter bells first chimed on 7 September. The Victorian clockwork still keeps surprising accuracy, thanks to a counterweight that relies on the stacking of old pennies.  You may recall that the tower was shrouded in scaffolding and its bells went silent from 2017 to 2022. The clock underwent a major five-year renovation, marking the first time that it had been removed from the Elizabeth Tower during its 160-year lifetime. It emerged more glistening and golden than ever.  Why go?  So you can say that you’ve seen what is arguably London’s most legendary landmark in the flesh.  Don’t miss The Big Ben tours. Sure, seeing it from the street is nice, but you miss out on so much of the structures details and intricacies if you never step foot inside. You climb 334 spiral steps from the bottom of Elizabeth Tower to the belfry r

This south-facing, 36-metre open-air pool, with grassy areas for sunbathing, is open and heated to a balmy 28C all year round. Built in 1922, it was saved from closure in the 1980s by a group of local residents, who continue to take part in fundraising activities. The group has rebranded itself as the Poolside Swim & BBQ Club and holds swimming and social sessions outside of normal pool hours – anyone is welcome to join. It’s also possible to book moonlight swim sessions. Which is cool.

Hey, London – things are hotting up. The city has enjoyed a relatively bearable level of heat over the past few days, but this weekend, it’s going to get positively sweltering. After the UK had its sunniest spring ever, non-stop sunny weather is predicted for the next week.  Highs of 27C are predicted from Wednesday to Friday and the Met Office has forecast that the temperature in the capital will be turned up to a boiling 31C on Saturday – even hotter than Ibiza and Portugal’s Algarve. That would make it the hottest day of the year in the capital so far, beating the 29C recorded at Kew Gardens on May 1.  It’ll be a tiny bit cooler on Sunday with the heat staying below 28C, and cooler again on Monday when the max temperature will apparently be 26C. At the time of writing, not one drop of rain is forecast.   A yellow heat warning has been put in place by the UK Health Security Agency for Saturday in response to the forecast, with elderly and vulnerable people in particular warned that they could be at risk. It suggests that people carry out any daily activities before or after 11pm-3pm, which will likely be the hottest part of the day. And of course, simple things like staying hydrated and out of direct sunlight, will help you keep cool.  The London Fire Brigade has also issued a warning over potential wildfires caused by the abnormally dry conditions. Charlie Pugsley, the deputy commissioner for operational policy, prevention and protection, said: ‘Extended periods of hot and

Ah, Oxford Street – the place that tourists love to flock to and (many) Londoners love to hate. Though it’s a world-renowned retail destination, there’s no denying that the road is a real nightmare to navigate. The pavements are narrow and packed full of people, while the road is chocka-block with buses and cabs. But, under new plans, it could soon be much, much easier to get from one end of the street to the other without being whacked by shopping bags or stopped in your tracks by a family taking selfies.  Official plans to pedestrianise the 0.7 mile strip from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch were announced in September last year. Now, following a public consultation, the mayor’s office has declared that there is ‘overwhelming public and business support’ among Londoners. It’s been revealed that two thirds of the 6,600 respondents are in favour of the idea.  Empowered by the mass support, Sadiq Khan said: ‘It’s clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I’m pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible.’ Some of the major businesses backing the scheme include IKEA (which launched its Oxford Street store just two months ago) and Selfridges. IKEA CEO Peter Jekelby said that the pedestrianisation would ‘create a more welcoming and accessible space – bringing wide-ranging benefits to visitors, shoppers, businesses and the wider community’. Selfridges boss Maeve Wall added that the store is ‘hugely energise

Two years after the Isle of Wight Festival first launched in 1968, it had become bigger than Woodstock. The 1970 edition attracted somewhere between 600,000 and 700,000 punters, with sets from Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Joni Mitchell and the Doors.  After that, the fest went on hiatus but was revived in 2002 and has continued to provide a stage for major names in music (and upcoming stars) ever since. Now, the 2025 edition is just around the corner. Got plans to be on the island for the fest? Or tempted to turn up last minute? Here’s everything you need to know about the Isle of Wight Festival 2025.   When is Isle of Wight Festival 2025?  It’s happening from Thursday, June 19 to Sunday, June 22.  Where is Isle of Wight Festival 2025 and how do I get there? Surprise – it’s on the Isle of Wight. Okay, more specifically, the festival takes place at Seaclose Park in the island’s town of Newport.  All you need to do to get there is to catch a ferry from one of the four mainland ferry ports at Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington or Southsea.  The festival is also offering travel with Big Green Coach with pickup from Birmingham, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, London Croydon, London Victoria, London Richmond Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading and Sheffield. You can book that here.  Who are the headliners for Isle of Wight 2025? At the top of the bill for the festival are Sting on Friday, Stereophonics on Saturday and Justin Timberlake on Sunday. They’ll be

It may have happened more than 400 years ago, but the Great Fire of London 1666 is still one of the worst disasters in London’s history.  The fire started at a bakery on Pudding Lane, 202 feet away from the Monument – which was erected to commemorate the disaster five years later, and still stands. It’s largely thought that fuel or wood stored at the bakery was set alight by a spark from a nearby oven, then the blaze grew at a spectacular rate as a result of dry summer weather and a powerful easterly wind.  The fire spread rapidly and devastated the city for four whole days, kept alive by densely packed wooden houses, thatched roofs and warehouses that were crammed with flammable materials. At the time, the blaze destroyed a quarter of 17th century London, left 100,000 homeless (miraculously only six deaths were recorded) and turned St Paul’s Cathedral to ruins.  To give you an better idea of just how mighty the fire was, a guy called Julian Hoffmann Anton has produced a map that puts the Great Fire of London onto the city that we know today.  If the same fire were to spread in 2025, it would, of course, engulf almost all of the City of London, plus most of Holborn and Fleet Street. The Walkie-Talkie would be gone, Bank would be flattened and Cannon Street station would be demolished – that’s a lot of finance bros being forced to work from home. The map shows that it would narrowly miss Moorgate, the Gherkin and (as in 1666) the Tower of London. Image: Julian Hoffmann Anton

The Lower Thames Crossing – the largest road tunnel in the UK and ‘the most significant road project in a generation’ – was given planning permission back in March, nearly two decades after it was first proposed.   Even though permission has been granted, such a large structure is obviously still going to need a lot of money to become a reality. Now, a huge chunk of funding has been secured. On Monday, June 16, the government pledged £590 million to the project.  Matt Palmer, the executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing said: ‘The government funding announced today means, with planning consent secured and no legal challenges, we can now take the steps necessary to bring in billions in private investment and get on with delivering this vital economic infrastructure project at pace.’ Here’s everything you need to know about the project.  Where will the Lower Thames Crossing be located? The 14.3 mile road is being built between Tilbury in Essex and Gravesend in Kent, connecting the A2 and M2 to the A13 and M25. It’ll include two 2.6 mile crossings beneath the Thames that’ll be the UK’s longest river tunnel. Take a look at the proposed route below.  Image: National Highways   How much will it cost? Right now, the cost estimated by National Highways is somewhere between £9.2bn and £10.2bn, depending on the funding model that’s chosen. Around £1.2bn has already been spent on consultations and redesigns since the idea for the tunnel first emerged in 2009 and some opponent

Two years after the magnificent futuristic dance party that was the Renaissance World Tour, Beyoncé has been back in north London for the last fortnight for her equally spectacular, Western-inspired Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour.  The Beyhive have descended on Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in their tens of thousands and it really has been a sight to behold. Across six days from June 5-16, N17 was awash with rhinestoned cowboy hats, shining concho belts, fringed chaps and denim on denim on denim. It’s safe to say that people went all out – jeans and a nice top weren’t going to cut it for Queen Bey. Photographer Ben Rowe was on the ground, capturing the buzzing fans on their way to one of the biggest gigs of the year. Whether you were there and want to reminisce, or want to see what you missed out on, here’s a look at the best pictures from outside the Cowboy Carter tour in London.  Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Photograph: Ben Rowe Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.

If you think that London is all big tall buildings, crowded landmarks and heavy traffic, you’d be sorely mistaken. With more than 3,000 green spaces dotted about the city, leafy bliss is never too far away. Some are just small gardens beneath skyscrapers, but a lot of them rival the natural beauty of woodlands, heaths and parks far away in the British countryside. One of the most beautiful of them all is, of course, Hampstead Heath, not least because of its three beloved swimming ponds (men’s, ladies’ and mixed). And it’s not just Time Out that thinks so. Last week National Geographic unveiled its pick of the seven best wild swimming spots in the UK – and the ponds at Hampstead Heath were ranked number six.  Nat Geo said of the pools: ‘Each has its own loyal community, with strangers passing around flasks and offering tips for warming fingers, and long-held rituals, from New Year’s Day dips to solstice plunges. In summer, the grassy banks are lined with readers, nappers and sun-bathers. But autumn is when the location really shines, when the water turns amber with fallen leaves and the cold quietens the crowd.’ What makes them even more special, according to the mag, is that they’re ‘often shared with moorhens, dragonflies and the occasional heron’.  The north London ponds were in very good (and gorgeous) company. Other al fresco pools to feature on the list were the Fairy Pools of the Isle of Skye, Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall and Black Moss Pot in the Lake District.  If you’r

Glastonbury 2025 is just over a week away. And if you were lucky enough to get your hands on tickets, you’ll likely have started to think about packing. But here’s the question – do you pack wellies or flip flops? A water-proof poncho or sunglasses? An umbrella or factor 50? This is the UK, so the weather at the end of June could be anything from miserably wet to excruciatingly hot. Neither are particularly ideal for an outdoor music festival packed with hundreds of thousands of people, but you can at least be prepared.   With the 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo headlining this year’s event (from June 25 to 29), here’s hoping southwest England stays pleasantly warm and dry for Glastonbury 2025. Obviously, it’s still too early to say for sure, but this is what the forecast for Worthy Farm is looking like at the moment.  RECOMMENDED:🎤 Time Out’s ultimate guide to Glastonbury 2025. 🎪 The best festivals in the UK.📱 The Glastonbury 2025 app has launched – here are all the new features. Glastonbury 2025 weather forecast As it stands, the weather isn’t looking so good for Glasto-goers. While the UK is enjoying hot weather for much of this week and next, the balmy sunshine might not last right the way through the festival.  For the period from Saturday June 21 to Monday June 30, the Met Office says: ‘Very warm or hot conditions will likely be the focus of the weather over the weekend and into the start of next week. Temperatures could remain in the low 30s of Celsius across pa

Complete University has officially unveiled its ranking of UK universities for 2026. Every year it looks into a multitude of factors to decide how good our universities really are. Entry requirements, student satisfaction, graduate prospects and research quality were all among the things that were considered before each establishment was awarded a final score out of 1,000 and ranked.   If you’re an avid follower of university league tables (by the likes of Times Higher Education, the Sunday Times, the Daily Mail and the Guardian) you probably won’t be surprised by the results. Cambridge and Oxford predictably held onto first and second place respectively, but one of London’s own claimed the bronze medal.  The London School of Economics (LSE) maintained third place with an overall score of 927 out of 1,000. It earned the one of the highest scores when it came to graduate prospects – 91 compared to Oxford and Cambridge’s 90. It got 3.53 out of four for research quality, 187 out of 200 for entry standards and 3.31 out of five for student satisfaction.  Imperial College London was bumped down one place to number sixth, having been overtaken by Durham University. With an overall score of 899, it scored 202 out of 215 for entry standards, 3.63 out of four for research quality and 3.12 out of five for student satisfaction. However, it did beat every university in the top five when it came to graduate prospects, boasting a score of 95.7 out of 100. Photograph: irisphoto1 / Shutterst

En Londres están a favor de salir a la calle con poca ropa, y no lo decimos nosotros, sino que se puede deducir por algunas de sus peculiares tradiciones, no aptas para los más pudorosos. La capital inglesa tiene algunas costumbres que implican dejarse una parte del outfit —o todo— en casa.En el mes de enero, Londres acogió el paseo en metro No Trousers, una tradición que consiste en que cientos de personas se animan a hacer un trayecto en metro sin llevar nada más en la parte inferior que la ropa interior. Este junio, la ciudad ha vuelto a celebrar otra tradición que exalta la desnudez.El sábado 14 de junio, la World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) acaparó las miradas de todos los que paseaban por la ciudad, y no es de extrañar. Más de 1.000 personas se subieron a una bicicleta para dar una vuelta por las calles de Londres completamente desnudos.El millar de participantes se reunió en varios puntos de encuentro de la ciudad para recorrer desnudos zonas como Clapham, Hackney, Croydon, Regents Park y Hyde Park en la 20ª edición de esta peculiar tradición.Antes de que lo preguntéis: sí, es perfectamente legal. La ley establece que estar desnudo en público solo es un delito si alguien expone sus partes íntimas con la intención de causar alarma o molestia, y ese no es el objetivo de esta tradición.Desde que empezó en el año 2004, la WNBR funciona como una protesta pacífica en defensa de los derechos de los ciclistas, la libertad del cuerpo, el fin de la dependencia global del petróleo y l

Download 2025 is over. That means that the countdown to Download 2026 has begun. Held at the ‘spiritual home of rock’, the festival is one of the biggest rock and metal extravaganzas on UK soil, so we can’t blame you for thinking about next year’s event already.  People on the internet have already been speculating about who could top the bill in a year’s time, with Deftones, Iron Maiden, Linkin Park and Ghost among the biggest names in the rumour mill. It’ll be a while before the next lineup is announced, but tickets could go up for sale in a matter of days. Here’s everything we currently know about securing your tickets for Download Festival 2026.  RECOMMENDED: Metallica’s M72 World Tour is coming to the UK in 2026. When will Download tickets go on sale for 2026?  Early tickets are on sale now! Early bird tickets went live on Monday June 16, and you can find them on the Download website here.   How much will tickets cost?   Five-night early bird tickets start from £315, while three-night tickets begin at £305.  When and where will Download take place in 2026? Download Fest has been held at Donington Park for the past 22 years and that’s not about to change. It’ll take place from June 10-14. How many people attend Download festival? Obviously, numbers will vary every year, but for 2025 it’s thought that more than 75,000 metalheads descended on Donington Park for the festival.  The best UK music festivals to book for 2025.  Stay in the loop: sign up to our free T

When summer comes to London, you can never have too many lidos. As soon as temperatures hit anything above 23C, we all flock to the nearest open-air pool to sunbathe and cool off. The problem is that they can often get packed and can be tricky to book. So, the more lidos, the better!  Right on cue, Royal Docks is launching a temporary lido for a month later this summer. The lido, AKA Summer Splash, opens around this time every year and has been ‘designed to provide a safe outdoor water space for local communities, young people, and particularly those without access to their own private garden or outdoor area’.  For 2025, the pool will be accessible from Friday, July 25 until Sunday, August 17. It’s unheated, just in case you need to mentally prepare yourself to brave the chill.  Besides the pool itself, there’ll be sandpits, deckchairs, lessons for kids, ‘lates’ DJs series and a wood-fired sauna. Like a sort of quasi beach club.  Summer Splash part of a wider water-focused programme in the area, titled At The Docks, that’ll also offer wakeboarding, paddle boarding and open water swimming. On top of all that, there’s a bunch of waterside events planned, like The Cause’s big birthday bash and Ensemble Festival – a showcase of circus, dance and physical theatre.  Justine Simons, the deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said: ‘The Royal Docks is one of London’s best-kept secrets, a vibrant hotspot for creativity and culture, so I’m delighted to see the return of