Amazing places to embrace spontaneity this summer in west London

Explore a plethora of events and experiences for all tastes
Photograph: Andy Becker
Photograph: Andy Becker
Written by Time Out. Paid for by Transport for London
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Ah, summer. It’s an absolutely brilliant time to be living in London. The city has a palpable buzz to it; it’s warmer, the days are longer and the promise of alfresco hangouts uplift our spirits. This carefree attitude can, and should, be applied to all of your social plans over the summer. But while we’re all about planning your days out, there's nothing like making a last-minute decision to explore parts of the city you may never have thought about. So, this summer, we’re highlighting some of the best stuff you can enjoy in London. And thanks to Transport for London’s affordable fares (including frozen pricing* until March 2025, the Hopper fare*** and daily capping at £8.50**!), it couldn’t be easier to act on impulse and spend your summer seeing London in a whole new light.

Discover more spontaneous fun across London.

1. Experience the sounds of live jazz at the Troubadour

Nearest Tube: Earl’s Court

The Troubadour is one of London’s most well-established music venues of its kind, even hosting Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan back in the day. Found on Old Brompton Road in Earl’s Court, it opened in 1954 and is one of the last remaining nightclubs and coffee houses of its era in the capital. And uniquely, it still offers live music seven days a week. If you love a bit of live jazz, head on over for its Sunday slot and soak up the soulful vibes with your mates.
265-267 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 9JA. Every Sun, from 7.30pm. Free entry.
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2. Have a picnic at Chiswick House & Gardens

Nearest Tube: Turnham Green. Bus: Alexandra Avenue (190 & 533) and Chiswick Tennis Club (E3).

Not only is Chiswick House & Gardens a great place to hang out on a warm summer’s day, it’s also a great place to take shelter should the weather turn (this is England, you never know). Head over to W4 for the chance to spot beautiful blooms, including one of the oldest camellia collections in Europe, hang out under the skyscraper-like cedars of Lebanon and have a chat with green-fingered horticulturists in the 350-year-old kitchen garden. There’s even a playground if you have little ones who are keen for a runaround.
Chiswick House & Gardens, W4 2RP. Gardens open 7am-dusk. Free entry to the gardens; fees for the house vary.
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3. Soak up the sun at Fulham Beach Club

Nearest Tube: Parsons Green. Bus: Wandsworth Bridge (424 & C3) and Townmead Rd (28, 295 & N28).

Yes, there’s a beach in west London. Yes, it’s in Fulham. And yes, we’re here for it. Giving you a rooftop vibe but with dusty white sand and vibrant music, Fulham Beach Club at Neverland London is a hub for all kinds of summer outings. Assemble your crew and head over for bingo, its Ibiza White Party and long, hot summer days out that blend darts and shuffleboard with relaxing on deckchairs. Trust us, you’ll forget you’re in London.
Wandsworth Bridge, SW6 2TY. Open Fri 6pm-midnight, Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-7pm. £5 entrance; event fees vary.
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4. Enjoy a summer of sports, screenings and socials with the Hammersmith Summer Festival

Nearest Tube: Hammersmith

At 17 years old, this is not the first rodeo for the Hammersmith Summer Festival. And while the festival hasn't scheduled bucking broncos, there’s plenty to keep you up, active and entertained. This year is themed around a summer of sports with special family events and live action from Wimbledon and the Paris Olympic Games on the Big Screen in Lyric Square. It’s not all competitive sports either; in collaboration with Livat Hammersmith there’s ‘Feel Good Tuesdays’ with free fitness classes, wellbeing workshops and yoga, plus film screenings and dance classes.

Lyric Square, W6 0QL & Livat Hammersmith, King St, W6 9HW. 
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5. Uncover the musical heritage of a bohemian island in the Thames at Eel Pie Island Museum

Nearest Tube: Richmond, then local bus/ train services

A tiny island in the Thames at Twickenham is a virtual powerhouse of musical and social history. A popular daytripping spot in Victorian times, by the 1950s Eel Pie island’s venue was frequented by beatniks and jazz fans, before becoming a hub for the swinging sixties and early seventies. Who played there? Who didn’t play there? The Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Cream, Pink Floyd… At one time the air was filled with blues or prog rock. The museum captures the Island’s incredible musical heritage but you can also find out about the historic boatyard and artist community in residence there. 

Open Studios Eel Pie Island, Twickenham Embankment, TW1 3DY, Thurs - Sun Midday- 5.30pm (last entry time 5pm). Please check the website for closures in advance. £4.
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Get there with Transport for London

Thanks to Transport for London’s affordable fares, you can get even better value as you travel across the city. 

Download TfL Go to your iOS and Android devices to plan your journey and check live arrival times or visit TfL’s website.

*Stay cool with frozen fares
TfL’s pay as you go single fares on bus, Tube, DLR and Tram are frozen, as are the majority of  pay as you go single fares on the Elizabeth line and London Overground, including the £1.75 bus Hopper fare, until March 2025. 

**With the daily cap, you can make unlimited trips, all day long, in Zones 1-2 and never pay more than £8.50.
Always use the same card or device when touching in. Excludes London Cable Car, River Bus and Southeastern highspeed services. Daily capping applies to trips completed between 4.30am and 4.29am the following day.

***Pay just £1.75 with the Hopper fare
Travel as many times as you like within an hour for £1.75. Applies to buses and trams. You can also make unlimited bus trips all day long for £5.25 with daily bus fare capping. Always use the same card or device. Daily capping applies to bus and tram trips taken between 4.30am and 4.29am the following day. Full terms and conditions visit www.tfl.gov.uk/hopper. 

Wherever you’re going, by choosing public transport you’re making a good choice for you and a more sustainable choice for London.

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