Things to do on August bank holiday weekend in London

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Unmissable bank holiday events in London

Check out some of the many London events over the bank holiday weekend. Here’s our pick...

Catch carnival fever

Europe's largest street festival, Notting Hill Carnival, hits a climax on Monday with steel bands, sound systems, colourful dancers and mouthwatering street food.

Be transported out of this world

Grab a deckchair during a film at one of London's outdoor cinemas, and immerse yourself in plethora of movie genres.

Party to electronic hits

Head to Clapham Common where a line-up of top DJs returns for South West Four on bank holiday Saturday and Sunday. 

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Explore London on the August bank holiday

The long weekend gives you even more time to discover your London, from hidden gems to lesser-known areas and iconic sights.

See the Thames in a new light

The Illuminated River art installation sees four of London’s bridges lit up at night. So grab your camera for that perfect #nofilter shot.

And don’t miss the exhibitions, events and workshops as part of the Totally Thames festival hosted across London until the end of September – there are usually a few installations in place by the August bank holiday weekend.

Visit the sights for less

Pick up a London Pass or London Explorer Pass for entry to many of London’s top attractions – not sure which is right for you? Take a look at our guide to sightseeing passes.

Tick off those must-see attractions

A long weekend allows plenty of time to see more than one of London’s top 10 attractions, including Buckingham Palace – it closes again in September, so don’t miss out on tickets.

Refresh your wardrobe

Shop till you drop for designer threads in Oxford Street and Bond Street, beauty products in Covent Garden or retro style in Carnaby. Or seek out independent boutiques in elegant Jermyn Street, pretty South Molton Street and laid-back St Christopher’s Place.

Uncover a new area

Enjoy bank holiday days out in some of the city’s outer boroughs. 

• In the east, Greenwich mixes maritime attractions with markets, world-class art and historic sites.
• Go north to Brent, which hosts plenty of activities as the Mayor of London's Borough of Culture for 2020.
• Head west to Richmond for riverside walks, a sprawling park full of deer and charming pubs.
• In south London, Tooting fuses south Asian delicacies with markets full of bargains. 

Venture into the great outdoors

As the world’s first National Park City, there are plenty of green spaces where you can indulge in some “me time”.

• Stumble upon hidden gardens in the City of London, such as Instagram hotspot St Dunstan in the East and secluded Barber Surgeons' Garden.
• Sprawl out or enjoy events in London’s parks, including free concerts in some parks over the weekend.
• Enjoy drinks at one of London's rooftop bars, including relaxing among the butterflies and bees at Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Italian style at Selfridges' Alto by San Carlo or music and Filipino street food at John Lewis’ Roof Fest London.
• Cool off with a dip in Hampstead Heath’s natural pools or mingle with locals in stylish lidos.
• Take a shopping pit stop at tranquil spots in the West End, from Brown Hart Gardens in Mayfair, to community-run The Phoenix Garden near Seven Dials.

Find more things to do in London.

What to do on bank holiday for cool kids

It’s nearly the end of the school holidays, so make the most of the final days by creating memories to last a lifetime (or to brag about to your friends).

Get your teenage kicks

• Snorkel with sharks with a special VIP experience at SEA Life London.
• Get that perfect Instagram shot as you glide over London on the Emirates Air Line.
• Work as a team to solve clues in the Crystal Maze Live Experience.
• Hold your nerve as you cross Tower Bridge’s glass-bottomed walkway.
• Scale one of London’s most recognisable sights with the Up at The O2 climb.
• Take on a high-wire adventure at one of Go Ape’s fun-packed London courses.
• Hold onto your hat as you speed along the Thames on a thrilling RIB boat ride.
• Feel the wind rush through your hair as you whizz along the South Bank with Zip Now London, the world’s fastest city zip wire.
• Feel each of the twists and turns on a high-speed descent through The Slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit.
• Get the adrenaline pumping with more hair-raising experiences in London.

Find more things to do with teenagers in London.

FOMO-inducing family activities

• Check out London's top attractions for kids.
• Emulate everyone’s favourite secret agent at the London Film Museum’s Bond in Motion exhibition, featuring the world’s largest collection of vehicles from the 007 films.
• Delve into the inner workings of the human body and even have a go at being a junior doctor at Body Worlds.

Discover more family activities in London.

August bank holiday opening times

Most attractions, shops and restaurants are open on the bank holiday weekend. However, opening times may vary, so check with the individual venues before you go.

Travel during August bank holiday

Check before you travel over bank holiday weekend, as some transport services may be disrupted.

If you’re attending Notting Hill Carnival, some Tube stations may be closed or become entry or exit only during the weekend, while bus routes may be diverted. Check before you travel and take a look at our top tips for Notting Hill Carnival for more information.

Some rail services are also affected over the weekend. Check the latest rail updates before you travel.

More bank holiday ideas

If you’re looking for “bank holiday events near me” and more things to do in London on bank holiday weekend, download the Visit London app.

Alternatively, discover what’s on in London by day, more August activities or browse our London events calendar for events throughout the year. Find more inspiration for weekends in London with our handy weekend guides.

If you can’t visit this time, learn when the next public holidays are in London.