Summer in Dalston
Last updated May 20, 2025
When the sun makes an appearance in London, there’s no better place to soak it all in than Dalston. Nestled in the heart of East London, this uber-cool neighbourhood blends a strong sense of community with a buzzing food, drink, and arts scene - and summer brings it all to life. Our aparthotel is in the heart of it all, with easy access to central London (we’re just a 3 minute walk from Dalston Kingsland Station!) as well as being walking distance from Hackney Downs and Ridley Road Market. Whether you’re after rooftop cocktails or lush green parks, Dalston offers something for everyone.
Dalston Roofpark
Perched above the Victorian rooftops of Hackney, Dalston Roofpark is the area’s only rooftop bar, and it’s a must-visit as soon as the temperature rises. This rooftop oasis boasts panoramic views of the London skyline and is home to two bars – one open-air and one covered – perfect for both sunny afternoons and breezy evenings.
The atmosphere is always lively, with music events regularly taking place and walk-ins welcome. Grab a refreshing cocktail, a draught beer, or a glass of bubbles and pair it with delicious Greek street food from their resident food truck Street Greek while lounging in the sunshine. Whether you're there for an event or just a casual drink in the sunshine, it's the ultimate urban escape.
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Hackney Downs Park
Located just a 15 minute walk from our Dalston aparthotel, Hackney Downs Park is a calming retreat from the city’s pace. This beautifully maintained park is ideal for relaxing, strolling and connecting with nature. Wander through the wildflower meadows, take in public art installations like community mosaics, or find shade under the mature trees while you enjoy a picnic. Perfection.
For those wanting something more active, the park features tennis courts, basketball courts, and even a cricket pitch. Fancy getting a gang of friends together for a summer sports day? You can book the park’s sports facilities here – just don’t forget to pack the refreshments!
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London Fields & London Fields Lido
A little further south but still under a 25 minute walk from our aparthotel, London Fields is one of Hackney’s most iconic green spaces. A hub of activity in the summer months, it's a spot where you might catch an impromptu cricket match, join in a game of pétanque, or experience the lively Hackney Carnival. It’s also the starting point for the famous Dunwich Dynamo — a nocturnal cycling event that stretches all the way to the Suffolk coast.
Within the park, you’ll find London Fields Lido, an Olympic-sized, heated outdoor swimming pool that’s open year-round. In the summer, it’s particularly popular for its sunbathing terrace and café. Whether you're a serious swimmer or just want to splash around and soak up the rays, it’s a refreshing way to spend a sunny afternoon.
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Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
Tucked behind Dalston Junction, the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is a lush and welcoming urban hideaway. This beautifully landscaped space offers a mix of greenery and creativity, with regular events including live music, gardening workshops, family-friendly activities, and outdoor cinema nights.
The community-led vibe makes it a wholesome and feel-good space to connect with others, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with nature and a good book. Come early to grab a spot among the trees or near the herb garden, and you may just catch a surprise musical performance or art installation.
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Ridley Road Market
No visit to Dalston is complete without a wander through Ridley Road Market. Open six days a week, this bustling street market really is a feast for the senses. Expect vibrant stalls overflowing with fresh produce, exotic fruits, spices, clothing, and street food from all corners of the globe. It’s a living portrait of Dalston’s diversity and energy, where you can shop, snack, and soak up the rhythm of local life. In the summer months, the market stays buzzing well into the evening, with golden hour casting a warm glow over the scene. Just steps away, Ridley Road Market Bar keeps the vibe going with laid-back rooftop drinks as the sun goes down, DJ sets, and a crowd as eclectic as the neighbourhood itself.
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Night Tales
For those who love to dance the night away, Night Tales is Dalston’s go-to open-air party venue. Known for its themed summer events like the nostalgic ‘Paradise City’ nights, which throwback to 80s and 90s classics, it combines food stalls, craft cocktails and a lively crowd into one unforgettable evening. With DJs spinning everything from disco to house, it's a guaranteed good time under the stars. You can check what’s on in advance and book your tickets here.
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The Dusty Knuckle
On a slower summer day, stop by The Dusty Knuckle, a much-loved bakery and café tucked away in Dalston, complete with a sun-drenched courtyard. It's the perfect spot to savour excellent coffee, rustic sandwiches and flaky pastries while watching the world go by. With its laid-back, community-first atmosphere, it's one of the area's best-kept secrets… though word is getting out fast.
In the evenings, the space transforms with their popular pizza nights, ideal for a relaxed yet delicious dinner. And during the summer, their ‘Dusty Dinners’ bring in some of London’s most exciting guest chefs for one-off Sunday night takeovers. These evenings sell out quickly, so if you're keen, book your tickets in advance here.
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Dalston in the summer is magic. Think rooftop drinks, park picnics, market wandering, and city swimming - every corner holds something unexpected. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this pocket of East London offers the perfect backdrop for summer memories.
