When the weather perks up, there’s nothing more exciting than the prospect of actually being able to enjoy ourselves in the Great Outdoors. Beer gardens are full to the brim, often spilling over onto the pavements of Soho, streaming plumes of barbeque smoke can be seen billowing over London and generally, everyone’s a little bit happier. We’ve done some digging and looked beyond the usual outdoor activities to find some worthy of splashing a bit more cash, should you feel the need to treat yourself. Here’s our top picks:

Jimmy Garcia’s Sky High Dining
Ok, not strictly outdoors, but worth it for the views. Famed for his pop up restaurants, BBQ Club and Patch & Picnic on the Southbank, nomadic chef Jimmy Garcia has taken to the skies for summer, commandeering Emirates Air Line’s cable cars in Greenwich to offer you a specially curated 5 course menu. I was lucky enough to sample the menu at an event and I can confirm – it’s all delicious. The experience begins with welcome bubbles and canapes as you await your carriage, then, once seated inside, you’ll enjoy a starter of grilled scallop before moving onto lamb rump, or, if you’re veggie, Ricotta Gnudi. After sailing over the Thames, staff will swiftly switch your dinner plates for desert, then offer you a choice of two cocktails and petit fours, the experience lasts 90-120 minutes. jimmyspopup.com

Time Out’s Movies on the River
Back for its third installment, Time Out’s Movies on the River is what dreams are made of. You’ll sail along the Thames past some of London’s most picturesque sights on the top deck of the movie boat, drinking in the atmosphere before watching one of their fantastic films (think Grease, Dirty Dancing, A Star is Born, Pretty Woman or The Greatest Showman). The boat runs five nights a week from early June until mid August. timeout.com/london/film/movies-on-the-river


Streatlife at Alexandra Palace
A free street food and craft beer festival? Count us in. Alexandra Palace welcomes visitors over four weekends in summer, with a hearty offering of 30+ delicious food vendors, craft beer bars and more cocktails than you can shake a stick at. On Saturdays, there’ll also be live DJ sets, while Sunday’s enjoy a more relaxed vibe with sets curated by radio stations. Bring your sunscreen, bring your sunglasses – it’s set to be amazing. Streatlife.alexandrapalace.com
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park
Step outside of your comfort zones and go for a swim or lounge in the 100-metre water stretch of the Serpentine. This outdoor event has everything you need for adults and children, along with a café bar, waterside tables and a designated spot to relax with a beer or snacks. There’s also a sunbathing area and children’s play spot with a paddling pool and climbing Outdoor Opera, Opera Holland Park Theatre

Outdoor Opera, Opera Holland Park Theatre
Opera Holland Park Theatre only presents opera shows in the summer, and the location is ideal for sunny and rainy days. Happening under a canopy, everyone has enough space to chill without feeling too close to strangers. You can catch an array of performances over the summer and everyone will find something to suit their tastes.
Skuna Boats, Islington
Love food and water? Why not combine the two along with some sun? Things just got creative with a BBQ in a boat along London’s canals. Each orb is designed for up to 10 people and is equipped with its own grill in the centre so everyone can flip burgers as you drift along. This truly unique experience would make a great date idea or get-together with friends. This awesome activity doesn’t require perfect skies, as each boat features a built-in umbrella for slight drizzles. It’s due to launch in summer 2019, so make sure you don’t miss out