These are the best things to do over the August Bank Holiday in London

Notting Hill Carnival, the free community-led celebration in west London, marks its 60th anniversary in 2026. One of the capital's most iconic events, it brings together music, dance, food and culture for an unforgettable August bank holiday weekend.

The festivities begin with the UK National Panorama Steel Band Competition at Emslie Horniman's Pleasance Park, before Saturday's Family Day takes over the streets with a Children's Parade, colourful mas bands and live entertainment suitable for all ages.

The highlight is Carnival Monday, when more than 30 sound systems and spectacular parade floats fill the streets of west London. Expect dazzling costumes, infectious rhythms and fantastic Caribbean food at every turn. It's one of the city's biggest celebrations and an incredible way to round off the summer.

Best for: Festival goers, music lovers and anyone wanting to experience one of London's most iconic cultural events.
Good to know: The parade follows a set route and the area becomes extremely busy throughout the weekend. Plan your journey in advance and check our Notting Hill guide before visiting. 

Bringing double the fun, this flagship London festival spans two weekends, bringing some of the biggest music acts to the heart of the city.

This year's line-up boasts the formidable Tyler, The Creator, the smooth tones of Jorja Smith and the queen of the song of the summer, Zara Larsson, to name just a few.

Get your dancing shoes on and spend the day boogieing your way around Victoria Park alongside thousands of fellow festivalgoers. With multiple stages, food stalls and plenty of places to grab a drink between sets, it's one of the biggest weekends in London's summer events calendar.

Best for: Music fans, festivalgoers and groups of friends.
Good to know: There is no re-entry once you've entered the festival, so plan for a full day out. Outside food and drink, chairs and large bags are not permitted, and age restrictions vary depending on the date and headline act. Check the latest entry requirements before travelling. 

If you're a clan of foodies, then a day out at Hampton Court Palace Food Festival just makes sense to us.

With more than 150 independent food and drink brands taking over the grounds of the Tudor palace, you can eat your way around fantastic street food and tasty tipples while picking up everything from exciting produce to snazzy new kitchen gadgets.

Revellers can also enjoy music on the bandstand and fascinating live cooking demonstrations, with tickets including entry to the palace itself. Kids can meet some of their favourite characters too, including Paddington (29 Aug), Peppa Pig (30 Aug) and Hey Duggee (31 Aug).

Pack up your picnic blanket and settle in for a lovely summer day out surrounded by one of London's most impressive historic settings.

Best for: Foodies, families and history buffs.
Good to know: Entry to the Food Festival is included with a Hampton Court Palace ticket. Arrive hungry and leave plenty of time to explore both the festival and the palace grounds. 

Some seriously great talent spanning theatre, comedy, music, opera, improv, dance, game shows and everything in between is waiting to be discovered at Camden Fringe.

One of the best things about this festival is just how spoilt for choice you are, with more than 400 shows taking place across 33 different venues. It's an impressive showcase of the arts and, with many performances available at affordable prices, it's easy to fit more than one show into your August bank holiday plans.

Whether you're hoping to stumble across the next big comedy act or enjoy something completely unexpected, this Camden festival is all about taking a chance on something new.

Best for: Theatre lovers and comedy fans.
Good to know: Many performances have limited capacity, so it's worth booking ahead for popular shows. Venues are spread across Camden and beyond, so check locations before planning your day. 

Sports fans are well catered for over the August bank holiday weekend, with major fixtures and sporting events taking place across the capital.

Cricket takes centre stage with The Hundred reaching its dramatic conclusion. The Hundred Eliminator takes place at The Kia Oval on Sunday 30 August, before the tournament's finalists battle it out at Lord's Cricket Ground on Monday 31 August.

The bank holiday weekend is also a great time to immerse yourself in London's sporting culture. Take a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, catch a Premier League match or soak up the atmosphere at one of the city's iconic sporting venues.

Best for: Sports fans, groups and competitive spirits.
Good to know: Major sporting events often sell out well in advance, so book tickets early if you're hoping to attend a match. Stadium tours can be a great alternative if fixtures are unavailable. 

Buckingham Palace is a must-visit attraction during the summer months. Opening its doors for a limited time, visitors can step inside the opulent State Rooms, home to historic treasures, magnificent interiors and works by some of the world's most celebrated artists.

We think the Royal Mews makes the perfect addition to a visit to the Palace, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at royal transport. See the dazzling Gold State Coach, meet the Windsor Greys that pull the royal carriages and discover an impressive collection of historic vehicles, uniforms and stables still used today.

Best for: Royal fans, history lovers and first-time visitors to London.
Good to know: Audio guides are available in multiple languages. Photography is not permitted inside the State Rooms, so be sure to take your photos outside the Palace instead. 

Boasting nearly 1,000 years of history there’s plenty to uncover on a trip to the Tower of London. From joining a tour led by the famous Yeoman Warders (aka “Beefeaters”) to marvelling at the the Crown Jewels, every corner of the fortress has a story to tell.

Over the bank holiday weekend, visitors can also enjoy the Imagining Animals takeover (11am-6pm), where extraordinary creatures are brought to life through puppetry, music and movement, adding a playful twist to a day steeped in history.

Elevate your experience with the Official Tower of London River Tour aboard the Silver Raven, offering a unique perspective of the capital from the Thames.

Best for: History lovers and families.
Good to know: The Crown Jewels are one of the attraction's most popular highlights, so arrive early if you'd like to avoid the longest queues. The river tour includes a trip to the Tower, but book ahead to secure your ideal time slot.  

Spend the bank holiday soaring high above London on a trip around the London Eye.

A bucket-list experience for London explorers, August often brings some of the city's best weather, making it the perfect time for landmark spotting from one of its famous glass pods. On a clear day, you'll be able to pick out many of the capital's most iconic sights stretching out across the skyline.

Add a bit of sparkle to your visit with the Champagne Experience, a lovely upgrade if you're celebrating something special over the long weekend.

Best for: First-time visitors, couples and fans of photography.
Good to know: Fast Track tickets can be a worthwhile upgrade during the bank holiday weekend, helping you spend less time queuing and more time enjoying the view. 

One of the best ways to explore the capital is from the top deck of a London bus tour, taking in many of the city's most famous landmarks without the legwork.

If you're hoping to tick off plenty of sightseeing, we'd suggest booking a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, which stops at many of London's must-see attractions. Foodies can combine sightseeing with a traditional Panoramic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, while those looking to raise a glass can opt for a wine-themed experience instead.

For something a little more indulgent, book a Bustronome Voyage Gourmand Tour where you'll enjoy a three-course meal while rolling past some of the capital's most iconic sights.

Best for: Sightseers, foodies and first-time visitors.
Good to know: Most tours require advance booking, particularly over the bank holiday weekend. Check departure points carefully and arrive ahead of the start time. The top deck often offers the best views. 

If your plan is to spend the bank holiday weekend ticking off London's top attractions, The London Pass is one of the best ways to see more of the capital for less.

If we had to choose, we'd head to Tower Bridge to see the iconic landmark from the inside. Walk across the glass floor if you dare and enjoy a unique view of the Thames below. Alongside big hitters such as Madame Tussauds and Shrek's Adventure! London, the pass also includes attractions such as FRAMELESS, where famous artworks are brought to life around you.

Discover more about the London Pass and make the most of a sightseeing-packed bank holiday weekend in London.

Best for: Sightseers, families and first-time visitors.
Good to know: The London Pass includes access to more than 100 attractions, tours and experiences, with options ranging from one to 10 consecutive days, making it ideal for a sightseeing-packed bank holiday weekend. 

Have a roarsome day out with the whole family this August bank holiday at Dinosaur World Live.

Encounter impressive creatures at this interactive Jurassic adventure, including the ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex, the mighty Triceratops, the steely Microraptor and many more of children's favourite prehistoric beasts.

Expect brilliant puppetry and memorable moments throughout. Particularly brave explorers will even have the chance to make some new dinosaur friends at the meet and greet after the show.

Best for: Dinosaur fans, younger children and families.
Good to know: The show is recommended for ages three and up, and the 50-minute running time makes it a great option for younger children with shorter attention spans. 

This London experience offers 90 minutes of uninterrupted relaxation as you enjoy a leisurely journey along the Thames while tucking into a delightful afternoon tea.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the views as you're served a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and traditional cakes. Unlimited tea and coffee are included, with the option to upgrade your experience with a glass of bubbles.

Best for: Couples, foodies and special occasions.
Good to know: Window seats aren't guaranteed, so arrive in plenty of time for boarding if you'd like the best views. Dietary requirements can usually be catered for, but these must be requested in advance when booking. 

Step into one of London's most interactive indoor attractions at Paradox Museum London in Knightsbridge, where immersive rooms, optical illusions and hands-on exhibits invite families to explore, play and capture unforgettable photos together.

Highlights include the Zero Gravity Room, where visitors can snap surreal upside-down shots, alongside immersive spaces such as the Camouflage Room and Reversed Room, each designed to spark curiosity and reward exploration.

Best for: Families, teens and photo enthusiasts.
Good to know: Weekends and school holidays are often the busiest times to visit, so booking ahead is recommended. Make sure your phone is fully charged - you'll be taking a lot of photos. 

This bank holiday, London Zoo will be hosting its Horrible Science takeover, exploring all the weird, wild and wonderful science of the natural world.

Meet time-travelling scientists, get hands-on with experiments and make a few mind-blowing discoveries. There's also the live sketch show Back to the Brink, where a science experiment has gone horribly wrong and the Zoo needs your help to put things right.

Alongside the special activities, you'll still be able to visit the Zoo's much-loved animals, making it a brilliant day out for families looking to mix learning with adventure.

Best for: Animal lovers, families and curious minds.
Good to know: Arrive early if you're hoping to fit in the special activities alongside the animal exhibits. Comfortable shoes are a must, as there's plenty of ground to cover throughout the day. Check animal feeding times before you visit and plan accordingly. 

If you're a fan of the beloved brown bear, The Paddington Experience is a lovely way to enjoy some wholesome family time.

This immersive adventure brings visitors into the heart of Paddington's world, from the Brown family's house at Windsor Gardens to the magical jungles of Peru. Along the way, you'll help prepare for the biggest event of the year – the Marmalade Day Festival.

With Paddington and his friends in tow, families can dance, play games and enjoy themed treats, including some seriously good marmalade sandwiches. 

Best for: Younger children, Paddington fans and families.
Good to know: County Hall is also home to several family attractions, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day out. Book ahead for weekends and school holidays, as popular timeslots can sell out quickly. 

Check out the slick spy spoof production, The Comedy About Spies, complete with slapstick humour and non-stop surprises.

Set in swinging 60s London – complete with pantsuits and questionable sideburns – follow the story of a rogue British agent who steals plans for the mysterious weapon Project Midnight. What unfolds is a hilarious series of mishaps, double crosses and mistaken identities.

The original cast returns this summer for a limited eight-week run, so if you’re someone who loves a bit of farcical brilliance, this is one not to be missed.

Best for: Comedy fans, theatre lovers and date nights.
Good to know: The production is only running for a limited season, so book ahead. The Adelphi Theatre is just moments from Covent Garden, making it easy to pair with dinner or drinks before the show. 

Add a bit of magic to your bank holiday weekend with Now You See Me at the London Coliseum.

Fans of the blockbuster film franchise will flock to the West End for the show's five-week run, as four world-class illusionists unite as The Horsemen. Expect high-tech illusions, daring solo stunts and jaw-dropping moments as the production brings the world of Now You See Me to life on stage.

Combining theatre, storytelling and mind-bending magic, it's one of the most hotly anticipated new shows of the summer.

Best for: Magic fans, film lovers and theatregoers.
Good to know: The show runs without an interval, so plan your drinks and loo breaks beforehand. Evening and weekend performances are expected to be particularly popular during the limited run. 

See the much-anticipated West End premiere of Death Note: The Musical, a stage adaptation of the global manga phenomenon taking over the Barbican for six weeks this summer.

This captivating story follows high school student Light Yagami after he discovers a mysterious black notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in its pages. With ambitions to reshape society, what begins as a quest for justice soon spirals into obsession.

Combining gripping storytelling, striking visuals and a cult-favourite source material, it's set to be one of the most talked-about theatre productions of the summer.

Best for: Anime fans, musical lovers and dark drama enthusiasts.
Good to know: The production is recommended for ages 14+, with themes that may not be suitable for younger children. The Barbican also has several restaurants and bars on site if you're planning to make an evening of it. 

Head back to Rydell High – complete with leather jacket-clad T-Birds and permed-up Pink Ladies – at Grease The Immersive Musical in Battersea Park.

Blending the big screen with live performance, you're not just watching the show, you're becoming part of it. Expect energetic dance numbers, plenty of audience interaction and all the film's most-loved songs, including Summer Nights and We Go Together.

We love that audiences can explore the sets too, whether that's taking a stroll through the school grounds or hanging out at the Frosty Palace.

Best for: Musical fans, groups and nostalgic millennials.
Good to know: Comfortable footwear is recommended, as you'll be moving around parts of the experience. Choose an immersive standing ticket to find yourself amongst the action, or opt for a seated ticket if you'd prefer to take in the show from a dedicated viewing area. 

Unleash your inner dancing queen this bank holiday at the innovative concert experience ABBA Voyage in east London.

Using cutting-edge technology and impressive special effects, audiences are treated to a spectacular performance by the legendary pop group. Watch the digital ABBA avatars take to the stage complete with costume changes, choreography and all the hits you know and love, accompanied by a live band.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or simply looking for a feel-good night out, it's easy to see why the show continues to draw visitors from around the world. 

Best for: ABBA fans, groups and special occasions.
Good to know: There are both seated and standing dance floor tickets available. If you're hoping to sing and dance along throughout the show, the dance floor offers the most immersive experience. 

The popular free summer events, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF), returns in 2026 with another exciting programme of theatre, circus and dance performances across east and south-east London.

This year's theme, WE MOVE, celebrates London's spirit of resilience and community through an extraordinary line-up of outdoor events and large-scale performances.

Highlights over the bank holiday include Efectos Especiales (Special Effects) in Greenwich Peninsula, which transforms an everyday street into a live film set, while The Aunties: The House of Masks in Woolwich blends theatre, dance, poetry and music in a powerful exploration of cultural expectations and modern identity.

Best for: Culture lovers, theatre fans and families.
Good to know: Many events are free and unticketed, but popular performances can attract large crowds. Arrive early for the best viewing spots and check individual event listings before travelling 

After last year's success, Summer Rocks at Wembley Park returns for another free season of music, art, food, sport and family fun. Think big event days, lively weekend markets and plenty of public art installations to interact with.

Look out for the Speaker Box Street Party (29 Aug), where dance performances and live DJs come together for a unique outdoor celebration. Across the summer, visitors can also enjoy everything from family activities and cultural events to pop-up performances and community gatherings.

Best for: Families, culture lovers and budget-friendly days out.
Good to know: Most events are free to attend, but timings and locations vary throughout the season. Check the programme before travelling and consider arriving early for popular bank holiday events. 

Boasting some of the best urban green spaces in the world, London is never short of beautiful parks and gardens to explore over the bank holiday.

Hyde Park is a fantastic spot to take a picnic, whether that’s stretched out on a blanket or soaking up the sun from one of parks iconic deckchairs. Over in Regent’s Park, visitors can check out the annual summer seasonal of open-air performances, from jazz concerts and steel bands to opera and musical theatre.

One of our favourites is Richmond Park, a sprawling National Nature Reserve home to more than 650 free-roaming deer. With ancient woodlands, sweeping views and trails, it’s a great spot for an immersive walk in nature. The park is also home to plenty of activities too including, golfing, horse riding off-road cycling and power kiting.

Best for: Nature lovers, walkers and families.
Good to know: Head to Richmond Park's King Henry's Mound for one of London's most protected views, offering a rare sightline all the way to St Paul's Cathedral. 

Spend your long weekend waterside at some of London’s best swimming spots. On a warm summer's day, cooling off in a lido such as Tooting Bec or Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lido is hard to beat. If you’re after something a little more adventurous, try wild swimming at places such as Eden Dock or the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds.

Prefer to stay dry? Play sailor for the day and do a spot of boating in London. From pedalos at Alexandra Palace and a charming trip down Regent’s Canal on a narrowboat to whizzing around the London Docklands on a Skuna Boat, there’s plenty of fun ways to get out on the water.

Best for: Outdoor adventurers, families and active days out.
Good to know: Some swimming spots and boating experiences require advance booking, particularly on sunny bank holiday weekends. Pack a towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes if you're planning to make a full day of it. 

Gaze across the city skyline while sipping cocktails at one of London's rooftop bars over the bank holiday.

Circe Rooftop in Waterloo is hosting SINTILLATE, a series of rooftop brunches complete with a two-course menu, free-flowing prosecco, Aperol or beer, plus live DJs and musicians. Keep an eye out for views of The Shard while you take in the atmosphere.

Over in Shoreditch, Queen of Hoxton will once again be bringing festival vibes to the capital with its popular rooftop parties, outdoor bars and summer soundtrack.

Best for: Groups, date nights and sunset seekers.
Good to know: Many rooftop bars operate on a walk-in basis, but reservations are strongly recommended. 

Pushing the boundaries of theatrical experiences, The Lost Estate combines immersive performance with indulgent dining to create one of London's most unique nights out.

Hop over to Paris this bank holiday and lose yourself in CHAT NOIR!, a spectacular production inspired by the birth of cabaret in 1890s Montmartre. Expect dazzling illusions, devilish dances and plenty of theatrical surprises, all while enjoying a three-course French feast paired with a glass of bubbles or a themed cocktail.

Part theatre, part dining experience and part late-night party, it's the kind of evening you'll be talking about long after the curtain falls.

Best for: Date nights, theatre lovers and special occasions.
Good to know: Dressing up is encouraged and the experience lasts several hours, so arrive hungry. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated but should be requested when booking. 

Leave the crowds behind and experience some of London's top attractions after dark, from immersive art experiences to late-night events in some of the capital's most iconic venues.

For art enthusiasts, head to FRAMELESS Lates (Fri and Sat), where you can wander through famous masterpieces brought to life with music, light and movement, all while enjoying a drink and a curated soundtrack from Soho Radio.

Meanwhile, La Dolce Vita Nights with Aperol (27 Aug) at Sky Garden brings a taste of the Italian summer to the capital, complete with live music, city views and plenty of spritz.

If dancing is more your thing, head to Battersea Power Station's Silent Disco (30 Aug), where the iconic Control Room B transforms into a high-energy dancefloor for one night only. Grab a pair of headphones and dance beneath the original control panels as DJs, lights and electrifying beats take over this historic space.

Best for: Culture lovers, date nights and evening adventures.
Good to know: Many late-night events have limited capacity and sell out in advance. Booking an early slot can also give you more time to enjoy the experience.

You can see a whole new side of London when the sun sets and the city starts to sparkle. Aboard an open-top bus, this evening tour takes you past some of the capital's most famous landmarks, beautifully illuminated against the night sky.

Highlights include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Our favourite, though, is St Paul's Cathedral, which looks even more majestic at twilight.

Best for: Sightseers, photographers and first-time visitors.
Good to know: Even on warm summer evenings, the open-top deck can get surprisingly breezy, so it's worth bringing an extra layer. Try to grab a seat on the upper deck for the best views and photo opportunities.