London in July 2026: explore the best of the city this month

Wimbledon – the home of tennis - is one of the world’s most famous tournaments, known for its buzzing atmosphere and world-class matches. Think crisp white outfits, a fresh glass of Pimm's and plenty of strawberries and cream.

If you didn’t secure tickets for Wimbledon 2026 in the ballot, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the action. Arrive as early as possible to the ground (we’re talking before sunrise) for a chance to secure a Grounds Pass or soak up the atmosphere from the hill.

Alternatively, catch a match at one of London’s popular outdoor screens like St Katharine Docks, Screen on the Canal in King’s Cross and The Big Screen near Tower Bridge. 

One of the capital’s most anticipated summer openings returns this July, giving visitors the rare chance to step inside Buckingham Palace while it is open to the public. Beyond the famous gates lies a dazzling collection of grand staircases, glittering chandeliers and beautifully decorated State Rooms still used today for official royal occasions and ceremonies.

Visitors can explore 19 magnificent State Rooms, including the Throne Room, famously used as the backdrop for royal portraits and ceremonial occasions. If you’re a lover of fine art, it’s a special moment to get up close with works by Rembrandt and Rubens. As you move through the palace, the multimedia guide reveals stories behind the royal residence, from historic state banquets to the workings of the modern monarchy.

We suggest combining your visit with a trip to the Royal Mews or pairing it with a delightful traditional afternoon tea. Or venture further afield to another fantastic historic royal residence, Windsor Castle.

Join thousands of revellers lining the city’s streets for the annual Pride in London parade, one of the capital’s biggest and most joyful summer celebrations. The parade sets off from Hyde Park Corner at midday, moving through Piccadilly, Haymarket and Trafalgar Square, before concluding in Whitehall.

Along the route, you’ll find six stages in Soho, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square hosting live performances from iconic drag artists and acclaimed DJs, alongside delicious street food stalls. Continue the celebrations at one of the city’s top LGBTQ+ bars like the popular Village Soho or Dalston Superstore. 

A staple event on London’s festival circuit since 2013, British Summer Time is back with its biggest and boldest line-up to date. Spanning three weekends across June and July, the 2026 festival will see performances from Scottish pop star Lewis Capaldi and American country artist Garth Brooks.

Pitbull’s headline set is also expected to bring one of the festival’s most memorable moments, with fans encouraged to don bald caps, sunglasses and sharp suits in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record.

We think BST Hyde Park has become such a success not only because of its huge headline acts, but also its surprise moments. While you may arrive for your favourite artist, expect unexpected collaborations, special guests and unforgettable crowd moments throughout the festival. Robbie Williams bringing out Danny Dyer for a surprise rendition of Parklife? Pretty iconic.

Just outside central London, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London offers Harry Potter fans the chance to step behind the scenes of one of the world’s most beloved film franchises. From wandering through the Great Hall to exploring Diagon Alley, it remains one of the capital’s most magical day trips.

This summer, Potterheads are invited to celebrate 25 years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with a special feature at the studios. To mark the anniversary, many iconic moments from the first film will be brought to life, from house banners and floating hats in the Great Hall, alongside a brand-new space – Secrets of Sounds – which showcases how sound effects help create magic on screen.

The food and drink offerings never disappoint either, especially the chance to try a famous Butterbeer. One of our favourite parts, though, is the enormous souvenir shop, where visitors can pick out their very own wand.

For first-time visitors, there are few better ways to experience London in the summer than from the top deck of an open-top bus. Passing many of the capital’s most famous landmarks in a single journey, it’s an easy and entertaining way to get your bearings while soaking up the city atmosphere.

As you travel through the city on the world’s first Electric Routemaster Tour Bus, you’ll tick off major sights such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, while hearing fascinating stories and historical insights from a live onboard guide. Want to explore further? Enjoy a flexible, self‑paced sightseeing experience where you can hop on and off the bus whenever you like with a Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus Tour.

What we also love about these tours is that they can help shape the rest of your itinerary. Whether you’re searching for a great lunch spot or wondering which river cruise to book, the live guides are often full of fantastic local recommendations and insider tips.

Few landmarks capture the imagination quite like Stonehenge. Shrouded in mystery and dating back more than 5,000 years, the ancient monument remains one of Britain’s most fascinating historical sites.

While most visitors can only admire the famous stones from a distance, this special tour grants rare access inside the inner circle itself. Stepping beyond the usual visitor route, you’ll get remarkably close to the towering stones while an expert guide shares stories, myths and theories surrounding the mysterious monument.

We think this is an exceptional experience for history lovers wanting to explore one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks from a completely different perspective. The quieter access also makes it a fantastic opportunity for photography, allowing you to capture the stones without the usual daytime crowds.

If you’re a theatre enthusiast who has a thing for dreamy sets, then what better way to see a stellar production than under the stars? We believe Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre offers one of London’s most special performance experiences, encouraging tourists and Londoners alike to see a production on its ever-evolving stage.

It always has a programme that is set to impress, and this year’s lineup is not to be missed. What could be more whimsical and perfect for its lush green setting than A Midsummer Night’s Dream? A powerful new adaptation of Shakespeare’s most spellbinding comedy will be showing until 18 July.

For fans of classic theatre productions, CATS makes its highly anticipated return, bringing the beloved story to life under the moonlight – perhaps exactly as it was always meant to be.

After causing chaos on Broadway, Beetlejuice the Musical arrives in the West End this summer with plenty of mayhem, mischief and larger-than-life spectacle. Based on Tim Burton’s beloved cult film, the smash-hit production blends dark comedy, dazzling visuals and outrageous humour into one wildly entertaining theatre night.

The supernatural story follows Lydia Deetz and her family as they move into a mysterious old mansion haunted by its recently deceased former owners. In an attempt to scare away the new arrivals, they enlist the help of Beetlejuice – the striped-suited troublemaker who quickly turns the house upside down.

Although packed with spooky twists and gothic charm, the show is ultimately a huge crowd-pleaser filled with catchy songs, sharp one-liners and jaw-dropping stage effects. It’s set to be one of the biggest theatre tickets of the summer – and with only a limited run, you’ll want to book quickly.

Those summer nights... are back! Rydell High lands in Battersea Park for eight weeks only, giving fans of the beloved musical film the chance to step inside the world of Grease with a production that blurs the lines between cinema and live performance.

With live music, a summer fairground and classic American diner-inspired delights, every unforgettable moment from the film unfolds around you. We challenge you not to sing along as iconic choreography is brought to life through live performances and energetic dance numbers while the movie plays all around the space.

You’ll also get the chance to step into famous locations from the film, including Frosty Palace and the school carnival. Whether you’re a budding T-Bird or a Pink Lady, grab a milkshake and watch the magic unfold.

Mixing rare visuals, famous performances and immersive storytelling, David Bowie: You’re Not Alone offers fresh insight into the man behind the icon.

We think music fans – especially those who are Bowie obsessed – will be more than impressed by this dedicated show. Set in a 360-degree audio-visual screening room, you instantly feel as if you’ve stepped inside a Ziggy Stardust performance. With archival footage and clips from one particularly infamous interview, there’s plenty to soak up.

After chatting with the show’s writer and director, we were even more impressed by the level of detail and care that has gone into creating this experience – one which celebrates Bowie as “a champion of human creativity”. What you’re really doing here is entering the artist’s imagination. Clever graphics paired with iconic audio allow you to fully immerse yourself in Bowie’s creative universe.

A staple in London’s summer cultural calendar, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition returns for its 258th edition (16 June to 23 August), bringing with it a vibrant mix of eclectic and thought-provoking works.

Curated by a different leading artist or architect each year, the Summer Exhibition features around 1,200 artworks spanning painting, sculpture, film, photography and print. The magic of the exhibition lies in its open-submission format, which welcomes entries from emerging talent and established names – previous exhibitors have included David Hockney, Tracey Emin and Wolfgang Tillmans.

We’re particularly looking forward to seeing how artists respond to this year’s theme, Interconnectedness, led by co-ordinator Ryan Gander OBE RA. With so many different styles, mediums and interpretations on display, it’s one of the best ways to experience the breadth of contemporary art in London this summer. 

Watch world-class theatre at the open-air Shakespeare’s Globe on the South Bank, where performances beneath the summer sky feel particularly special.

In July, the classics return, with Much Ado About Nothing top of our list. Sharp tongues and savage gossip fuel this stylish new production, set in a sun-soaked world of status, scandal and secrets.

Keep an eye out for special one-night performances throughout the summer, and for Shakespeare superfans, one of the guided tours is a must for a behind-the-scenes look at the historic theatre.

What we also love about the Globe is that it remains one of London’s most affordable ways to experience incredible theatre, with standing tickets starting from just £5.

For a summer evening in London with a difference, Rooftop Cinema Club combines skyline views, cult classics and cosy open-air seating for one of the city’s best outdoor cinema experiences.

Rooftop Cinema Club has locations in the heart of Stratford and Peckham, offering three types of seating, including deep-cushioned deck chairs and two-person love seats – ideal for those looking to snuggle on a double deckchair while watching their favourite film.

This year’s screenings include classics such as Pretty Woman, The Dark Knight and Pride and Prejudice, alongside special screenings in collaboration with Sofar Sounds featuring favourites like 10 Things I Hate About You.

We’re particularly fond of the Peckham location for its incredible views across the London skyline, including The Shard glowing in the distance as the sun sets. The Bussey Building's rooftop bar has live DJs, and we’re obsessed with the popcorn station – buy the M&Ms to elevate your sweet treat. But the real standout? Deck-chair service. That’s right – order your next margarita straight to your seat so you don’t miss a single scene.

Swap the usual pub night for something a little wilder at London Zoo’s after-hours summer event, Zoo Nights. Taking place on selected Friday evenings throughout June and July, the adults-only experience gives visitors the rare chance to explore the famous zoo after dark.

Alongside the chance to spot more than 8,000 animals, there’s also a fantastic street-food market serving up global flavours, from bold Indian bites to American-style hot dogs. Live acoustic performances from Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King add to the lively summer atmosphere.

What we particularly love about Zoo Nights is being able to wander the zoo at your own pace with a cocktail in hand – something that feels surprisingly peaceful once the daytime crowds have gone home. For those after something a little cheekier, the adults-only Naughty Nature Tour offers a glimpse into some of the animal kingdom’s wildest secrets. Just make sure to arrive early, as some animals begin heading to bed from 8.30pm.

The summer school holidays are one of the best times for families to explore London, with interactive attractions, outdoor activities and family-friendly theatre taking over the capital.

Treat the little ones to an unforgettable day out at Shrek’s Adventure!, where live performances and special effects bring the much-loved films to life. Or head to The Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall to step inside themed rooms and meet familiar characters from the beloved books and films.

We also recommend exploring some of London’s fantastic free museums and green spaces during the holidays. The Young V&A is one of our favourite family-friendly museums for creative play and hands-on exhibits, while SEA LIFE London Aquarium is always a hit with younger visitors. For warmer days, South Bank’s riverside attractions and Greenwich’s open spaces make great spots for a family day out. If you’re planning to visit several attractions during your stay, the London Pass can also be a great way to save money while sightseeing.

Be sure to bookmark our guide to the best family-friendly activities in London, alongside our roundup of the top London theatre shows for kids.

Home to some of London’s most fascinating maritime attractions, Greenwich is packed with cultural events and family-friendly activities throughout July.

At the National Maritime Museum, visitors can experience the Caribbean Takeover, a lively celebration of education, music and community that brings people together through performances, talks and hands-on activities. This year’s event will also honour the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival, so expect plenty of colour, music and celebration throughout the day.

Another highlight is Matariki, a celebration of Māori New Year inspired by the reappearance of a bright star cluster in the night sky during late June and early July. The event offers visitors the chance to learn more about Māori culture through storytelling, performances and creative workshops.

To mark the occasion, the National Maritime Museum will host a series of family-friendly events and workshops, making Greenwich a brilliant choice for a cultural day out during the summer holidays.

The London Stadium in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park once again hosts the London Athletics Meet 2026, bringing some of the world’s best track and field stars to the capital for an afternoon of record-breaking action. Spectators can expect everything from high-speed sprint races to dramatic field events, including the long jump, hurdles and pole vault.

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson is set to race in the 800m, returning after making history at the 2024 event with a meeting record and personal best that propelled her up the world rankings. While the full event schedule is yet to be confirmed, previous editions have also featured athletics stars such as Noah Lyles, Dina Asher-Smith and Katie Moon.

What we love most about this event is the atmosphere inside the stadium. Whether you’re a lifelong athletics fan or simply curious to watch world-class sport live in London, the mix of crowd energy, elite competition and summer sunshine makes it a brilliant day out.