London is one of those cities you can return to again and again and still uncover something new. I’ve been plenty of times before, so this summer I skipped the classic highlights (Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Eye) and leaned into greenery, quirky finds, rooftop views, and slower moments.
If you’ve already ticked off the must-sees, this 4-day London itinerary is for you. Think gardens, hidden corners, a little shopping, and just enough city buzz to balance the calm.
Practical Info for Summer in London
- Weather: Typical July means cloudy skies, mild temps (15–24°C), and light rain showers. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella.
- Getting Around: Just tap your contactless card or phone on the Tube, bus, or Overground. No need for paper tickets anymore.
- Pace Yourself: London is huge. Pick one or two neighborhoods each day to avoid criss-crossing the whole city.
- Shoes: You’ll walk a lot. Comfortable sneakers are non-negotiable.
Day 1: Gardens, Museums & a Picnic
Chelsea Physic Garden
London’s oldest botanic garden, tucked away by the Thames. It feels like stepping back in time, medicinal herbs, exotic plants, and peaceful pathways for just £5 with a student discount (normal adult ticket is £13.50). Perfect for escaping the city buzz. You can wander around for hours, and there’s loads to see. Definitely worth it! It was one of my favorite London summer activities on this itinerary.
Natural History Museum
One of London’s most famous museums, and free to enter, the Natural History Museum is known for its stunning Victorian architecture, dinosaur skeletons, and endless exhibits on science and nature. It’s a must if you’re into history or traveling with kids. That said, in July it gets packed and with no air-conditioning, the heat can be overwhelming. I only lasted about 12 minutes before escaping, but if you’ve never been, it’s worth popping inside at least once.
Harrods Picnic in Hyde Park
One of my favorite London hacks: grab food from Harrods’ iconic food hall and picnic in nearby Hyde Park. It’s cheaper than dining inside and just as much of an experience. Locals do this too!
Day 2: Hidden Corners & Rooftop Views
St Dunstan in the East
A hauntingly beautiful bombed-out church, now a peaceful public garden. Free, quiet, and a true hidden gem. Bring a coffee and sit under the gothic arches, it feels otherworldly.
Leadenhall Market
Just a short walk away, this ornate Victorian market hall feels like stepping back in time (you might even recognize it as a filming location for Harry Potter). It’s not just photogenic, there are also shops, pubs, and cafés tucked under the colorful arches.
Perfect for a quick stop to just admire the architecture and aesthetic or grab a quick bite or drink at a pub or restaurant!
The Lookout
Witness uninterrupted views of the City’s iconic landmarks, impressive skyscrapers, and historic architecture at the Lookout. Great for photos, and not nearly as crowded as Sky Garden. Entry is free, but online pre-booking is mandatory. It is one of the highest viewing points in London. However, it’s not a full 360 view of the city, because one side of the building is not accessible via the glass viewing point. It’s very impressive to see London from so high up though and I definitely recommend going!
The Garden at 120
Just a short walk away from the Lookout and completely free. No tickets, no pre-booking online, just a beautiful open-air rooftop garden with stunning views where you can walk around for a 360 view of the London skyline. Honestly one of the best hidden rooftops in the city! It was not busy at all, we blasted through security and had the first lift up to the top. I don’t think many tourists know of this one yet. There were mostly finance bros at noon eating their meal deal for lunch.
The view is slightly different here, which is why I would recommend doing both lookouts. The Garden at 120 is lower compared to the Lookout, so you might not be able to see as far, but that does mean that you have a better view of landmarks such as the Tower of London, because you’re located closer to it.
You can bring your own food and enjoy it here! We bought a meal deal from M&S and had our lunch here on a bench while watching the London skyline. 10/10 experience and it costs you nothing!
Kew Gardens
If you love plants, history, or just need a quiet escape, this 300+ acre botanical paradise is a must. A bit of a ride from central London, but 100% worth it. Huge glasshouses, treetop walkways, and more plant life than you can take in during one visit. A plant lover’s paradise, I never get tired of coming here.
Ticket prices are around £22 and discounted rates are available for young persons and children. Kew Gardens is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. Glasshouses often close earlier (around 5 PM)
What to expect when visiting Kew Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Victorian glasshouses, like the iconic Palm House and the world’s largest Temperate House. A Treetop Walkway, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, Pagoda & lush themed gardens to explore. Great for immersive nature, photo ops (see photos below!), and a sense of calm, even on busy days.
Book Your Tickets Here:
👉 Pro tip: Download the GetYourGuide app here and use my code “THEBUGGIRLADVENTURES5” for 5% off your first in-app booking.
👉 Book your Kew Gardens tickets directly here.
Day 3: Battersea Power Station & Lift 109
Battersea Power Station
This redeveloped riverside landmark is quickly becoming a new London hotspot. Packed with restaurants, shops, and a gorgeous riverside walk, it’s worth the trip on its own. Inside you’ll find:
- Shops: everything from high-street favorites like M&S, Mango, Uniqlo, and Adidas to luxury names like Mulberry, Aesop, and Jo Malone.
- Dining: an incredible mix: street food-style vendors, cozy cafés, and sit-down restaurants. Options range from Italian (Tozi Grand Cafe), Japanese (Ippudo, Tonkotsu), and modern British (Fiume, Wright Brothers) to sweet treats at places like Kova Patisserie or Le Bab.
- Entertainment: it’s not just shopping and eating: there’s a cinema, an arcade-style bar (Boom Battle Bar), and plenty of events happening year-round on the riverside.
- Atmosphere: the whole area feels lively but relaxed, with riverside terraces, public art, and even a river boat connection to central London.
Lift 109
The real highlight, though, is the 109 Chimney Lift experience. You step into a futuristic glass elevator that takes you 109 meters up inside one of Battersea’s iconic chimneys. At the top, the views stretch across the Thames and London’s skyline, a truly unique vantage point!
I booked my Lift 109 tickets through GetYourGuide, and it was super easy. The app has real reviews, free cancellation on many tickets, and is my go-to when traveling.
Book Your Tickets Here:
👉 Pro tip: Download the GetYourGuide app here and use my code ”THEBUGGIRLADVENTURES5” for 5% off your first in-app booking.
👉 Book your Lift 109 experience directly here.
Day 4: Rainy Day Shopping & Cozy Cinema
Oxford Street
When it rains in London (and it will, even in summer), shopping is the perfect indoor activity. And there’s no better place to start than Oxford Street. Europe’s busiest shopping street and a true London icon.
It’s lined with over 300 shops, from big-name high street staples like Zara, H&M, and Urban Outfitters, to department stores like Selfridges, which is worth a visit even if you’re not buying (the food hall alone is an experience). Oxford Street is the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time just wandering between shops and soaking in the city buzz.
Westfield White City
For a more modern shopping experience, head to Westfield White City. It’s one of the largest malls in Europe and feels like a city within a city. You’ll find hundreds of shops (everything from Primark and Sephora to luxury brands like Prada and Burberry), plus dozens of dining options if you need a break. It’s indoors, spacious, and a lifesaver on rainy days when you want to keep exploring but stay dry.
Together, Oxford Street and Westfield make for a full day of retail therapy, perfect for when the London weather doesn’t cooperate with outdoor plans.
Electric Cinema, White City
One of my favorite ways to end the trip! This cinema is unlike any other: housed in Television Centre, Electric Cinema White City sits inside a landmark piece of modern architecture. The rich past of the iconic building can be seen in the artworks on the walls of Electric Cinema White City, inspired by the cultural heritage of the space which, for over 50 years, was home to the BBC. (source: Electric Cinema – London)
This cinema has plush armchairs, cozy sofas, and blankets for ultimate comfort. The perfect spot for a rainy evening. You can order soft drinks, cocktails, wine, beer, etc., at the bar. You can even order hot food and have it delivered to your chair, and enjoy while watching the movie. We made good use of the Pick ‘n’ Mix and filled up a whole bag for £5. We had an absolute blast!
Why This London Trip Felt Different
This wasn’t about ticking off the main attractions. Instead, it was about slowing down, enjoying quieter corners of the city, and mixing in new favorites like Battersea Power Station with timeless classics like Kew Gardens.
If you’ve been to London before and are ready to go beyond the postcards, this 4-day itinerary is your guide to hidden gems, leafy escapes, and rooftops with killer views!
Xo Bug Girl
Instagram: @thebuggirladventures
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to London
Visiting Chelsea Physic Garden – London’s Oldest Botanical Garden – Bug Girl Adventures
Exploring London in 3 Days: A Perfect Itinerary – Bug Girl Adventures
Hotel Review: Ibis London Earls Court – Affordable Comfort in West London – Bug Girl Adventures
48 Hours in London for the Not-So-First-Time Visitor – Bug Girl Adventures
A Day at Kew Gardens – What to See, Do & Know Before You Go – Bug Girl Adventures
Tower of London Visitor’s Guide: What to Know Before You Go – Bug Girl Adventures
The Ultimate Camden Market Guide: Best Food, Shops & Travel Tips – Bug Girl Adventures
Soar Above London: Your Guide to the IFS Cloud Cable Car – Bug Girl Adventures
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