As summer kicks off in earnest, London really starts to come into its own with artificial beaches, nights at the Zoo, exhibitions and more. Forget holidays abroad, London really is the place to be in the summer

To guide your through the mayhem, we’ve put together a list of our Top 5 things to do in London in June. From the best food London has to offer, to snooping around private gardens, we’re all set for an action-packed month.

1. Zoo Nights @ ZSL London Zoo

Tipped as the most original after-hours event of the summer (no mean feat in a city like London), ZSL London Zoo is throwing open its doors for their adult-only Zoo Nights. Just a stone’s throw from The Marylebone in Regent’s Park, Zoo Nights takes its inspiration from the natural world, celebrating bioluminescence. Wind your way through street entertainers, stilt walkers and pop-up food stalls – this is no ordinary feeding time at the zoo.

2. Evening Standard London Food Month

The Evening Standard’s ‘London Food Month’ will be celebrating all things delicious in London this summer. Curated by two of the most well respected food critics in the country, Grace Dent and Tom Parker Bowles, the month-long festival will see 400 events taking place across London (including a Night Market just down the road from The Kensington). Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury will be celebrating all things Scandi with The Scandinavian Summer Brunch, whilst 108 Brasserie at The Marylebone have a special daily lunch menu devised by Chef Russell Ford. [Link to Evening Standard Blog.

3. Open Garden Squares Weekend

Who could resist an opportunity to take a peak inside some of London’s most beautiful private gardens? 17^th-18^th June is your chance to snoop around more than 200 hidden gems across the capital. From 10 Downing Street and Belgrave Square to Crossrail Place Roof Garden and the gated community garden at Tate Modern, this is the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner nosiness.

4. OM International Yoga Day @ Alexandra Palace

Taking place on 18^th June for the third year running, Alexandra Palace will be hosting a full day of free yoga to celebrate International Yoga Day. Where better than the beautiful grounds of Alexandra Palace to enjoy free classes led by some of the country’s leading yoga teachers for all levels from beginner to expert. Namaste.

5. Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains @ The V&A

Just a stone’s throw from The Kensington, the world renowned V&A’s eagerly anticipated exhibition on one of the best-loved bands in history is a must see this month. From a giant replica of the group’s famous inflatable pig, to a room dedicated entirely to perhaps the most famous album cover of all time, Dark Side of The Moon, this exhibition has something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a musical newbie, Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains has to be on your list this June – it’s certainly on ours (watch this space for our review later this month).