How to Spend Summer Solstice in London

Celebrate the city at its most luminous
On 20 June, as the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the Sun, embrace the transformative energy of the year’s longest day. As cultures across the globe celebrate nature’s enduring cycles, midsummer in London offers unique ways to channel a spirit of renewal and vitality. See the capital bathed in extended daylight, connect with ancient traditions, and set an intention for the coming months.

Greet the day
Catching the earliest rays of sunshine on this special morning is a powerful way to acknowledge the longer days ahead and set an uplifting tone for the season. It’s a moment to pause and reflect while basking in the soft, early morning light, surrounded by nature – perhaps sharing the experience with others drawn to this fresh start. London’s magnificent Royal Parks provide a serene backdrop for a contemplative stroll within the city. Share this quiet awakening with the resident pelicans – of which three are aptly named Sun, Moon, and Star – as they bask on their favourite rocks at St. James’s Park, just a short walk from the historic Hotel Café Royal.

Celebrate the season’s bounty
The solstice is an ideal occasion to show appreciation for fresh, seasonal ingredients. Feasting on nature’s generous produce is a tradition rooted in the ancient agricultural rhythms of the year; an acknowledgment of the sun’s radiant power and the earth’s energy. Start your day with breakfast at The Gallery, an elegant and storied space within Hotel Café Royal. Opt for a light and refreshing seasonal fruit plate from the à la cart menu, choose something a little more playful such as buttermilk pancakes, or fuel up for the longest day of the year with a traditional full English.

Connect with nature
London’s lavender fields are stunning at this time of year, and strolling amongst them offers a profound midsummer connection. Believed to heal and offer protection in ancient times, this richly-scented purple herb would traditionally be harvested on the day of the solstice to form flower wands, or be used to flavour food and drinks. Visit Kew Gardens, whose fragrant borders pop with lavender at this time of year, or Kennington Park whose bee-friendly flower patch is modelled on an old English garden. Make a day of it with a trip to the rolling fields of indigo and mauve at Mayfield Lavender Farm, which harvests and distils lavender oil on its original Victorian site.

Nourish body and mind
A potent time for personal renewal, the solstice is an invitation to consider integrating new wellness practices into your day. Akasha, Piccadilly’s tranquil subterranean spa, cocoons you in comfort while offering treatments inspired by ancient wisdom. Hotel Café Royal guests and Akasha members enjoy complementary access to a wide range of holistic wellness classes here. Pay a powerful homage to the sun’s energy and the earth’s grounding capabilities with a Yoga Flow class, or experience a gentle entry into mindfulness with a Guided Meditation. While here, discover new summer treatments such as the SUNDÃRI Replenishing Body Polish or Neem Healing Body Envelopment, leaving skin detoxed, hydrated and smooth.

Take a cruise down the Thames
Extend your solstice celebration with a captivating boat cruise to Greenwich’s Royal Observatory. This year holds particular significance in commemorating 350 years since King Charles II founded the Observatory in June 1675. This pivotal moment in history laid the very foundations for Greenwich Mean Time and the global time system we rely on today. On 21 June, as London is bathed in a glorious 16.5 hours of daylight, standing at the Prime Meridian offers a tangible connection to the celestial mechanics shaping our world. Experience a unique perspective on the journey there, taking in landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London as you glide along the River Thames.

Embrace the city’s artistic soul
The summer solstice is an inspiring moment to engage with art’s boundless creativity. Lean into the vibrancy of high summer with Nicholas Hytner’s joyful take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre. Or explore the role that flowers play in Cecil Beaton’s iconic fashion photography, costume and set design in a new exhibition at the Garden Museum. The Royal Academy of Art’s Summer Exhibition 2025 showcases over 1,700 contemporary pieces, including prints, paintings, films, photography, sculpture, and architectural works, with most available to purchase. This year’s collection includes new paintings by Tracey Emin and works by other renowned artists, as well as less-known creatives and newcomers.

Extend the day with al fresco cocktails
Enjoy golden hour sipping classic cocktails on the Green Bar Terrace, tucked just off Regent Street. Pair the elegant Hemingway Daiquiri or an effervescent French 76 with seasonal small plates as you watch the world go by in the heart of the city, savouring every moment of the longest day. During your stay at Hotel Café Royal, allow London to guide you through a celebration of light, life, and new beginnings, setting a positive and intentional tone for the second half of the year.