Places in London to Cool Down

Updated June 2023

Visiting London during summer can be a wonderful experience - everything looks so much nicer in the sunshine. 

However it can get hot, hot, hot in the City and you may need to find somewhere to cool down, especially if travelling with children. So when the mercury rises, what better way to refresh the family than to enjoy some splash time?

Top 5 Play Fountains

1 💦  More London (City Hall)

On the south bank of the Thames in London, you will find the aptly named “Riverside” fountains.  Situated outside City Hall, and with a stunning backdrop of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, The Riverside has 200 jets of white bubbling water springing out of the limestone floor. 

With plenty of family-friendly restaurants surrounding them, plus delis should you want to pick up a picnic, you could easily while away an hour or two.  Remember to take a towel and swimwear or change of clothes for the children (and for you too - if it’s really hot you’ll find it hard to resist.  

Top Tip: Look for The Bridge Theatre (to the diagonal right of the fountains) - it has a large calm internal space where you can get cool drinks or coffee - and of course even watch a play.  Most importantly there are baby changing facilities that you are welcome to use.  

NOTE: The fountains aren’t always on so always have a plan b

Closest tube: London Bridge 

2 💦 Somerset House

​Somerset House used to be where the UKs public records were held. Today it is an arts centre housed in a very impressive building between the Embankment and The Strand (there are four entrances). Entrance is free although there is a charge for some exhibitions. 

​You will find the fountains in The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court.  They are operational during the spring and summer between the hours of 10.00 - 23.00.

​Closest Tubes: Temple, Charing Cross, Embankment​

3 💦 Granary Square, Kings X​

Head across London to one of the city’s latest regenerated areas (with one of the largest railway stations) - Kings Cross. 

Situated in Granary Square, you will find 1,080 enticing water jets that are illuminated at night creating an entertaining light show. 

There are plenty of places to get refreshments such as Ruby Violet for a delicious, cooking ice cream.

You can even control the fountains from your phone if you download the Granary Squirt app ​ (between 4-5 pm).

Closest Tube: Kings Cross​

4 💦 Diana Memorial Fountain

​The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain (to give its full original name) is a unique memorial to the late Princess of Wales.  

Constructed of 545 pieces of Cornish granite, the fountain spans Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, both Ideal spots for a summer picnic.  Whilst you are not permitted to walk in or stand on the fountain, visitors are encouraged to sit and dangle their feet in the cooling water.

Closest Tube: Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner​

5 💦 V&A Museum​

Heading to London’s Museum centre in Kensington? When you need to cool down make your way to the V&A Museum to visit the John Madejski Garden fountains,

This water feature is situated in the elegant central courtyard. Surrounded by green lawns and planters, steps lead into the elliptical pool so that it can function as a paddling pool in hot weather.  The water isn’t treated so it’s paddling only (no sitting in the pool I’m afraid) .

There is a small Benugo cafe in the courtyard but there is no kids’ menu or lunch boxes so bring a picnic or you could buy a lunch box from the main cafe.  

Closest Tube: South Kensington

💦Other fountains of note💦: 

Leicester Square (Tube: Leicester Square); Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Tube: Stratford).

If you fancy an alfresco lunch or a few drinks in the sunshine, check out my tips in my 5 Top London Roof Gardens Post.   

Follow me on Social media so you don’t miss my future post on London’s Outdoor Pools.