Our guide to a summer of fun in London

Once you've decided which of our West End, Southwark or Westminster apartments to stay in this summer, next on your list should be drawing up an itinerary. If you're not a big Olympics fan or you need something to do for the rest of your trip once you've had your fill of sport, then look no further than our guide.

ART: Don't miss the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition which runs until 12 August and is the world's largest open submission modern art show. 

FESTIVAL: Notting Hill Carnival takes place on the last weekend of August and is a great way to experience the music, dancing and food culture of this part of West London. It's a must.

DIAMOND JUBILEE: The summer opening of the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace includes a look at the Queen's Jewels. It takes place until October with a brief break in mid-July. 

OUTDOOR CINEMA: Try to catch a night of the 12 day Film4 summer special at Somerset House – there's old classics like The Birds as well as premieres of films like the adaptation of Jack Kerouac's Beat generation novel On the Road.