Ah, August. The month of the great summer lull; an uninterrupted four-week period where, stereotypically, those with deep enough pockets flee the capital for their summer bolthole, the social calendar wanes, and work inevitably winds down as teams enjoying bouts of back-to-back annual leave. It is, in essence, one of the quietest months of the year for London – and Londoners. But how to make the most of it? We’ve asked our editors to suggest how they’d spend a perfect quiet day in August in the city. 

Zoe Gunn, Digital Editorial Director: Go shopping

Image: Shutterstock

Image: Shutterstock/Chrispictures

On any normal day I cannot abide by Oxford Street and, despite living a 10-minute walk away, avoid Westfield like the plague. During August, however, with families having decamped to France or Spain and most stores offering the blessed relief of air conditioning, there truly is no better time to fall back in love with IRL shopping. No returns, no ordering multiple sizes, no opening packages to discover what you thought was silk is, in fact, scratchy nylon. Dreamy. 

If your pockets are deep enough, make a beeline for Mayfair’s Mount Street – home to the likes of Simone Rocha, Erdem, Foundrae, Goyard and, the ultimate post-shopping pitstop, The Audley Public House – or the indie boutiques of Westbourne Grove. Looking for a bargain? The late summer sales mean Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Carnaby Street are all excellent choices.

Cordelia Aspinall, Branded Content and Shopping Writer: Dive into a lido 

The queues, both digital and IRL, at Hampstead Heath Ponds are a force to be reckoned with; it is one of few lidos that requires booking in advance during August. But don’t let that dampen your outdoor swimming dreams. Swap the city’s busiest swimming spot for the lidos at Tooting Bec, Brockwell, Parliament Hill, and Charlton during August and you might just swan into a tranquil haven. Whether sunbathing poolside, dipping in the water or clocking up your lengths, it’s the best time to make the most of the city’s outdoor pools and lidos. 

Phoebe Eyles, Social Media Manager: Venture beyond your home turf

Having lived in south London for the past five years, the journey north of the river can sometimes feel like a bit of a commitment, particularly when it means spending close to an hour on a crowded Tube. But with London noticeably quieter in August, there's no better time to venture further afield. 

For me, Primrose Hill is a firm favourite. Pick up a bagel from It's Bagels en route, then head to the top of the hill for one of the city's most iconic views. From there, wander through Primrose Hill and into Regent's Park before continuing to Marylebone, where a browse through Daunt Books is the perfect way to round off the afternoon. I rarely leave empty handed, making my journey back home go by that little bit faster.

Annie Lewis, Deputy Digital Editor: Visit London’s top galleries

Image: Shutterstock/Andrei Antipov

Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery

London’s cultural institutions are part of its social fabric – and that’s why each one attracts millions of visitors each year. When the city’s crowds peter out, I make a beeline for some of the most spacious and air conditioned addresses in the capital, namely Tate Modern, the V&A and the National Portrait Gallery, where you can nab sought-after tickets for retrospectives on Frida Kahlo, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Marilyn Monroe.

Read more: Everything the Luxury London team has been loving this month