October Heatwave: Things to do in London with the last sun

Although unusual temperatures are nothing to be excited by, and in fact are a great concern, this weekend might be the last chance to enjoy warm weather in London, before the long, cold grey sets in.

If you want to make the most of the October heatwave, here are some great things to do with the last of the summer sun.

1 Horizon 22, City

You’ll find Horizon 22 on the 58th mezzanine level of 22 Bishopsgate, and this newly opened viewing platform is not just the highest in London, but it’s the highest free viewing gallery in London. It stands 254 metres tall; it’s more than twice the height of Lift 109 and almost 100 metres taller than the Sky Garden. So, you’ll get a pretty good view of London, whatever the weather. There are also other galleries you can try out too.

Address: 22 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AJ

Website: horizon22.co.uk

2 Birch Selsdon’s swimming pool, Croydon

Set within the huge 200-acre estate of Birch Community’s newest retreat, this stylish, 1930s glam 25-metre pool is open until sunset. Children are welcome, but only until 3pm Thursday to Saturday. You don’t have to be staying at Birch to use the pool, but you do have to be a member to use it, but there are plenty of other lidos to try out instead.

3 Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Walthamstow

If you want to have a pint or two in the last of the nice weather for the year, head to Ravenswood Industrial Estate. Here you’ll find Pillars Brewery, The Wild Card Brewery and taproom, and gin palace Mother’s Ruin, and the chaotic neon wonderland God’s Own Junkyard which is actually a neon-sign factory turned gallery that is regularly papped on Instagram.

Address: Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, Walthamstow E17 9HQ

4 Skittle alley, Greenwich

A Victorian bowling alley found in the Old Royal Naval College, Skittle Alley is still functional today. It was built for the Greenwich Pensioners – retired ex-navy sailors and salty sea dogs – in 1864 to relieve boredom and to act as an incentive for the men to stay away from nearby pubs. Access to the alley is included in a general admission ticket.  Once you’re done at the Old Naval Collage (don’t forget to check out the incredible Painted Room) head to one of the many leafy, grassy pockets of Royal Greenwich for a park hang.

Tickets: £15

Address: 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, Greenwich SE10 9NN

Website: ornc.org

5 Roof East, Stratford

London’s biggest and best adventure playground for grown-ups at Roof East in Stratford opens up every summer with fun and games, and is a great spot with the sun is out. From sluggers batting cages and hip-hop bowls, to crazy golf, car kareokee and curling lanes – plus Rooftop Film Club – there’s plenty to do to keep you occupied between trips to the bar.

Address: Floors 7 & 8, Stratford Multi-Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way E15 1XE

Website: roofeast.com

6 Go to a museum

If you’re in need of aircon, head to a museum. We’re spoilt for choice in London, so whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find a museum for it. Try a classic like Tate, the V&A or the Natural History Museum. Don’t forget V&A Young has opened too. Like Sherlock Holmes? Go to the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Interested in the intersection of health and everything else? Visit the Wellcome Collection.