September in London
The Mayor's Thames Festival showcases London at its very best. Two days of live music, dance, art installations, and a carnival congregate along the river Thames. Free and open to all, the weekend culminates with a spectacular fireworks display. An equally popular event is Open House London, where more than 700 of the capital's most unusual, awesome and interesting buildings open their doors to the public. Many properties are usually private, and talks and tours also feature. The London Design Festival also comes to the capital this month. This world-leading design event offers 10 packed days of exhibitions, seminars, and parties and features the biggest names in the industry at venues across the city. Illustrating London's rich heritage is the Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival. See this unique society in full pearly splendor as they mark the harvest season with a church service and parade through the city of London. Or head back to the Thames for The Great River Race. More than 300 vessels (with oars or paddles) traverse the 21 mile route, ensuring a colourful spectacle of sportsmanship.
With so much happening along the Thames, it is the perfect time to take a river walk. Spanning the entire city, you can head east to see old docks, west for leafy parkland or stay central to see London’s biggest attractions. If getting onto the water appeals but not the strong tide of the Thames, head to one of London’s boating lakes. Pedalos and row boats are available to hire for a leisurely afternoon on the water. Continue the relaxed pace with an alfresco cinema screening. Sit back and enjoy a range of films in a variety of parks across the city. Following from the Pearly Kings and Queens Cockney knees-up, east London offers an array of local pubs, pie and mash shops, markets and its famous St Mary le Bow church to experience this distinct culture in. The capital also offers a number of home football clubs, where visitors can buy great-value tickets and soak up the atmosphere of a game.
WEATHER: For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see our London Weather page.