June in London

June is a fun time to visit London as the city celebrates the Queen's birthday in style, classic British sport comes to the fore and the festival calendar begins.

See British pomp at its very best as Trooping the Colour marks Her Majesty's official birthday. More than 1,400 officers, 400 musicians and hundreds of horses form a spectacular parade along The Mall and Horse Guards Parade, as they salute The Queen. More horse play can be found at MINT Polo in the Park, a thrilling three-day event which brings the country sport of polo to London's Hurlingham Club. The sporting theme continues when the world-famous Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships takes centre stage in south west London. Expect two weeks of tennis whites, Pimms, strawberries and cream, and of course, exceptional tennis. Foodies, meanwhile, will rejoice at the sheer breadth of culinary talent on offer at the Taste of London Festival, as 40 of London's best restaurants gather in Regent's Park to present their signature dishes. Or head east to another Royal Park, this time Greenwich, for the superb Greenwich + Docklands International Festival. This 10-day extravaganza presents outdoor arts, theatre, dance and family shows at Old Royal Naval College and its surrounds.

This month welcomes the summer solstice (the longest day of the year). London's hilly landscape means there are plenty of high viewing spots in beautiful parks to watch the sun set over the city. Or make the most of the long summer days and watch a cricket match. The convivial atmosphere and genteel sporting activity is a much-loved British pastime. For something a little more rousing, head to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing The Guard. This royal custom, which is the ceremonious exchange of guard duty, takes place daily in June. The Regent's Park offers its own dazzling show this month as its world-famous collection of roses, said to be in the region of 30,000, starts to bloom. Or take a boat trip on the Thames: From leisurely cruises to exhilarating speedboat voyages, you'll gain a unique perspective on London and its mighty river.

WEATHER: For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see our London Weather page.