London in September 2027: unmissable highlights and things to do

September brings boat rides, live music, and art installations to the riverside at Totally Thames Festival.

Spanning a 42-mile stretch of the river Thames, this annual event brings together local communities and environmental organisations to celebrate London’s riverside and help protect it for generations to come. You can expect a packed programme of concerts, exhibitions, workshops and panel talks, plus nail-biting river races.

Explore a host of immersive installations at London Design Festival, a spectacular celebration of art and design which takes place across the capital every year. 

Designers from across the globe showcase their work at a variety of London locations, from legendary landmarks to intimate gallery spaces. You can also book tickets to fascinating workshops and discussions.

Follow in the footsteps of royalty during a self-guided tour of the lavish State Rooms. It’s a rare opportunity to peek inside spaces which are otherwise off-limits to visitors.

September is your final chance to experience a Buckingham Palace tour before bookings close for the year. You’ll get a glimpse into a network of magnificent parlours and halls, from the opulent Throne Room to the Grand Staircase. The tour also encompasses a section of the gardens, allowing you to take in views of the lake and the south side of the palace. For a real treat, you can combine your Buckingham Palace Tour with afternoon tea, or visit as part of a Hop On Hop Off bus tour around London.

Dive into the fashion world from your seat at the Dominion Theatre as you experience The Devil Wears Prada on stage. Adapted from the novel and subsequent hit film, the production features an all-star cast alongside original music by Sir Elton John.

While it was originally scheduled to close in 2026, the show has been extended due to high demand. You can expect glamourous sets, spectacular costumes and plenty of slick one-liners.

Indulge in a classic British afternoon tea while you take in the sights and sounds of London on a panoramic afternoon tea bus tour.

This jam-packed tour is an unbeatable way to see iconic London landmarks, from Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. As you marvel at the views, you can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea menu including sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes. You’ll even be treated to a glass of prosecco or orange juice before the tour begins.

Fancy a musical take on this quintessential British experience? We recommend trying the ABBA-inspired afternoon tea bus tour, which offers the same views and delectable treats alongside a glorious ABBA soundtrack. As you journey through the capital, you can sing along to the beloved band’s greatest hits. 

Step inside some of London’s most famous buildings during Open House Festival. This annual event champions architecture in the capital by opening hundreds of buildings to the public.

For one week only, you can enjoy exclusive access to an array of London landmarks, from theatres and historic homes to dazzling skyscrapers. You can also book tickets to guided tours around some of London’s most beloved neighbourhoods, or drop in to art exhibitions, talks and workshops.

Now in its fifth year, Black on the Square is a festival supported by the Mayor of London. It’s a vibrant celebration of Black culture, art and food, and it’s free to attend.

Whether you sample snacks from food stalls, soak up the atmosphere at a live performance, or get stuck into arts and crafts, you’ll find something to enjoy at this all-day event in Trafalgar Square. Food vendors and performers join community groups and charities to showcase the very best of Black culture, and the programme even features a lively parade.

Keen for an adventure? You’re sure to get a thrill during a guided climb at Summit at Alexandra Palace.

As the UK’s highest roof walk, it offers some truly unbeatable views. You can complete the climb by day or at sunset, for some golden-hour magic, or you can wait until night falls and watch the skyline come to life. You’ll spot legendary landmarks including The Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral, with views stretching 25 miles across London.

What we love about this climb is that it doesn’t just guarantee sweeping city panoramas – it also gives you the chance to see Ally Pally itself up close. Once you reach the summit, your guide will share a host of facts about the historic building, before giving you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere (and snap a few pictures, of course).

If London’s skies are looking grey, autumn weather calls for a comforting pint of Guinness, and we’d recommend sampling a drink at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden.

While there are multiple Open Gate breweries across America, the Open Gate experience is unique to London. Alongside a tour of the brand’s working brewery in Covent Garden, you’ll be treated to a tasting session led by a Master Brewer, before getting the chance to pour your own pint of Guinness at the in-house bar. What could be better?

As the sun begins to set earlier in September, we’d say there’s no better time to enjoy a London by Night Open-Top Bus Tour.

This breathtaking adventure takes place at dusk as the city lights sparkle. You’ll be whisked along a route spanning some of London’s most famous attractions, from Tower Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament. You’ll also make your way through Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, watching in awe as night descends on the capital.