London in August 2026: discover the city’s best things to do

Step inside Buckingham Palace during its summer opening and explore the royal residence. Beyond the famous gates, visitors can admire grand staircases, glittering chandeliers and beautifully decorated State Rooms still used for official ceremonies. Highlights include 19 rooms such as the Throne Room, along with works by artists including Rembrandt and Rubens, brought to life through a multimedia guide.

Extend your visit with a royal walking tour to explore nearby landmarks or include a stop at the Royal Mews. We recommend including Windsor Castle, which offers further insight into Britain’s royal heritage and perfect for a whole day filled with exploring royal residences.

Don't miss the Barbican's six-week run of Death Note: The Musical, a much-anticipated London premiere adapted from Tsugumi Ohba's Manga sensation. When bright student Light Yagami discovers that a mysterious black notebook, the “Death Note”, has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in its pages, he aims to rid the world of criminals. But his quest for justice soon threatens to spiral out of control. This stage adaptation comes to London following widespread acclaim in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. 

Are London's iconic attractions and landmarks on your summer bucket list? Grab a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus tour to make the most of sightseeing in London; with more than 60 stops in central London, it makes it quick and easy to cover many attractions. Just sit back, grab a top-deck seat and get on and off at your leisure on this hassle-free tour – options include one-day sightseeing, 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. What's more, a free walking tour is included, and there's also an optional river cruise, which is perfect for sunny August days.

Notting Hill Carnival is set to draw more than two million revellers to the streets of W11 for its 60th edition over the August bank holiday weekend. One of the world’s largest street festivals, it is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, featuring colourful floats, lively dance groups, steel bands and feel-good music, with performers and many attendees dressed in striking, elaborate costumes.

Festivities run from 29 to 31 August, with Sunday offering a more family-focused programme, including the children’s parade, while Monday brings the main celebrations to a close with high-energy performances and large-scale celebrations across the area.

Explore two historic sites on a guided Winston Churchill day tour from London, beginning with entry to the Churchill War Rooms. Walk through the Cabinet Room where key wartime decisions were made, see the map-filled operations rooms, and discover the living quarters used by staff, as well as Churchill’s private office. We think it is best to enhance the visit with an audio guide available in multiple languages.

In the afternoon, continue to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, an impressive 18th-century estate, and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Explore the grand State Rooms, a dedicated Churchill exhibition and beautifully landscaped grounds designed at your own pace which is one of our favourite parts of Blenheim Palace. Admire a setting that has also featured in major film and television productions such as Netflix's Bridgerton.

From the producers of The Illusionists and inspired by Lionsgate’s blockbuster film franchise, Now You See Me Live makes its London debut for a limited summer run at the London Coliseum. This high-energy stage show combines cutting-edge illusions, solo stunts and large-scale spectacle to bring the magic of the films to life.

Featuring four world-class illusionists performing as The Horsemen, the production delivers a fast-paced and visually striking experience. With performers who have appeared in sell-out shows on Broadway and across major stages worldwide, this is a must-see event for fans of live entertainment and contemporary magic.

The London E-Prix returns to the capital for the season finale, bringing two days of Formula E high-speed racing to the ExceL London. This unique track combines indoor and outdoor sections, weaving through the Royal Docklands and making it one of the most distinctive circuits in international motorsport.

Alongside the on-track action, visitors can explore the Fan Village, featuring interactive experiences, a gaming arena, food stalls and displays of cutting-edge car prototypes. Arrive early to watch qualifying sessions and explore the pit lane before the main race, with easy access to the venue via the Elizabeth line.

Olympia continues to cement its place as one of London's most exciting new destinations following its grand reopening earlier this summer.

Whether you're planning lunch, dinner or sunset drinks, there are plenty of reasons to stay awhile. Head to Wolves of Tokyo for Japanese dishes and rooftop views, sip cocktails at Bar Arriba, or settle in for British small plates and English sparkling wine at Lillie's Wine Bar & Restaurant.

Beyond the food, Olympia is also hosting a packed programme of events. In August, sports fans can catch the London Premier Padel P1 tournament as some of the world's best players go head-to-head in the UK's first elite professional padel tournament. Expect fast-paced action, world-class competition and a lively atmosphere both on and off the court.

Watch world-class theatre at the iconic open-air Shakespeare’s Globe on the South Bank. August performances include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing, bringing Shakespeare’s plays to life in an atmospheric setting.

The Globe is known for its dynamic casting, showcasing a mix of established and emerging talent. For a more affordable option, we advise selecting the standing tickets as they are cheaper and offer a special experience close to the stage. Keep an eye out for special one-night performances and book in advance to secure your seats. 

Fly along the river Thames on a Thames Rocket speedboat tour on a rigid inflatable boat with up to 35 miles per hour (55km per hour). Listen to some London facts from an expert guides before you prepare for the speed to crank up. Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Thames while soaking in the epic views along the way.

Choose between the Ultimate London Adventure, a 50-minute tour that takes you past sights including Big Ben and Tower Bridge or pick the Thames Barrier Explorers Voyage where your journey takes you right up to the Thames Barrier. Or opt for the latest high-speed vessel, Thames Rockets Rocket Rebel speedboat tour that include top tunes and plenty of speed - read the Thames Rockets Rebel tour review.

Unlock access to more than 90 top sights in the capital with this convenient digital pass. Whether you’re in London for a long weekend or planning to stay longer, the Go City Explorer Pass lets you choose how many attractions you want to see. The pass also offers an unlimited access option making it a flexible option depending on budget and itinerary.

You can download the pass to your phone and enjoy hassle-free entry to iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, London Eye, and Kew Gardens.  

Experience the magic of the West End with your little ones during the school summer holidays. Choose from much-loved family favourites such as Matilda, The Lion King, which we love for its unforgettable score, and Wicked, with its spectacular costumes, or discover newer productions including Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, where impressive acrobatics are sure to keep children captivated until the final curtain, we suggest arriving early to catch the pre-show.

With a wide range of shows to suit all ages, it’s worth planning ahead to secure tickets. Take a look at our best kids’ theatre section to find the perfect production for your visit. 

Enjoy Battersea Park in Concert, a weekend of curated live music events in Battersea Park this August bank holiday, set against the backdrop of the British summertime. The programme brings together a range of performances in an open-air setting, designed to showcase music in a relaxed and atmospheric environment.

Highlights across the weekend include themed shows such as Sounds of South Africa with Jeremy Loops, Pop Symphonic, Music and Musicals, and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, offering something for every musical taste.

While in the neighbourhood we always love visiting nearby Battersea Power Station to take for stunning views of the London skyline, particularly at night. 

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival returns for the bank holiday weekend, bringing together more than 150 artisan producers at this historic royal setting. The festival celebrates global flavours, with street food from cuisines such as Sri Lankan, Indian and Korean, alongside craft beers, books, crafts and condiments.

Best of all, tickets also include access to Hampton Court Palace, the former home of Henry VIII, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day out. Take time to explore the impressive interiors, wander through the grounds, and don’t miss the kitchen gardens, where a variety of fruits and vegetables are grown.

Discover a range of museum late openings across the city, offering after-hours access with a lively and social atmosphere. Science Museum Lates take place on the last Wednesday of each month, featuring interactive demonstrations, silent discos and adults-only activities in a relaxed evening setting.

The V&A Friday Late runs on the final Friday of the month, with a rotating programme of artist-led events, performances and creative takeovers. At Tate Modern Lates evenings include extended gallery hours, live music and hands-on workshops, providing a different way to experience the museum after dark.

London’s favourite art show returns for its 258th edition, displaying around 1,200 works across prints, paintings, sculptures and film at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Curated by a different leading artist each year, the Summer Exhibition is known for its open-submission format, welcoming entries from both emerging and established names. Past exhibitors have included David Hockney, Tracey Emin and Wolfgang Tillmans, making it a dynamic and ever-evolving highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.  

The BBC Proms returns with an extensive summer programme of live music, centred around the Royal Albert Hall. Featuring more than 80 performances, the festival brings together world-class orchestras, soloists and conductors for a celebration of classical music and beyond. 

This year’s programme includes a mix of traditional concerts and genre-spanning performances, from orchestral interpretations of contemporary music to themed shows. The season opens with leading international performers and concludes with the much-anticipated Last Night of the Proms. 

Rooftop Cinema Club, with locations in Stratford and Peckham, offers a relaxed open-air film experience with a choice of seating, from deep-cushioned deckchairs to cosy two-person love seats. Past programmes have featured a mix of crowd-pleasing classics such as La La Land, How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, Notting Hill, Zootopia 2 and Good Will Hunting.

The Barbican’s Outdoor Cinema also returns during the summer season, screening a curated selection of award-winning and international films including Arrival and The Florida Project. Elsewhere across the city, look out for programmes at Lower Marsh Lates, Everyman on the Canal in King’s Cross and Vauxhall’s Summer Screens for more open-air entertainment. 

Discover a wide range of rooftop bars across London, from scenic spots with sweeping views to stylish venues known for creative cocktails in central locations. For elevated views and refined drinks, visit Radio Rooftop at the ME London, set on the 10th floor and offering spectacular city panoramas.

Alternatively, Netil360 in Hackney offers a more relaxed setting, with panoramic skyline views alongside craft beers, playful cocktails and wood-fired pizzas. 

East London’s flagship All Points East music festival returns to Victoria Park, bringing another standout line-up to the capital. This year’s programme features headliners such as Jorja Smith and Tems, Lorde, Deftones, Tyler, The Creator and Twenty One Pilots.

Taking place across two weekends, the festival offers much more than music. Expect a curated selection of street food from east London vendors, alongside drinks from local breweries in Tower Hamlets and Hackney. There is also a programme of community-focused events and workshops, including theatre, sports and wellbeing sessions.

Explore a collection spanning two million years of history at the British Museum. From ancient Greece and Egypt to Africa and China, more than 60 free galleries showcase artefacts from across the world, centred around the striking Great Court. Highlights include one of our favourites the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures.

Enhance your experience with a two-hour British Museum guided tour or combine your visit with an afternoon tea at the museum. We suggest arriving early on a weekday to avoid the big crowds or taking advantage of the late Friday opening for a more relaxed experience.

The Camden Fringe returns to north London with a packed and diverse programme, featuring more than 370 shows across 33 venues. From theatre and comedy to music, opera, improv, dance and even game shows, there is something to suit every interest, as the festival transforms the area into a lively hub of creativity.

Enjoy both emerging and established performers in a supportive environment allowing them to test their new material. Tickets are affordable and many shows can be booked on the door making it easy to explore the programme and discover something unexpected.