44 Things to do in London in July 2023

Take in the July warmth at London's outdoor attractions and open-air events, including the capital's biggest music and flower festivals.
Two people in white tshirts and sunglasses eat ice creams on a sunny day in London.
Enjoy an ice cream from one of London's many parlours. © London & Partners/Peter Kindersley

July brings fabulous festivals to the city, and is one of the warmest months of the year in the capital! It's time to head to London's great outdoors: enjoy open-air theatre, see the sights on an open-top bus tour or visit top outdoor attractions

With the warm weather and relaxing vibes around every corner, there are lots of iconic summer events to experience – check out our top picks below to make this month utterly unforgettable. 

Unmissable London events July

People enjoying a boat ride, with their hands up in the air on a bright day.

  1. Make memories during the school summer holidays in London: Enjoy epic attractions, fun family activitieschildren’s theatre shows and top family experiences this summer. 
  2. Head to the Hurlingham Club for the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic: Sit back in the sunshine while sipping on free-flow drinks in the Whispering Angel Garden Bar while watching world-class tennis. 1 Jul
  3. Or watch the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in various spots in the city: If you haven't secured a ticket, follow the action at pop-up screens across the capital. 3-16 Jul 2023
  4. Enjoy an evening of entertainment at the Dulwich Comedy Experience with Ed Gamble: An exciting stand-up night with top comedians in South-East London. 28 Jul
  5. Attend a workshop at the Chelsea Physic Garden: Go on a bee safari, do some seasonal botanical sketching, plant your own dinosaur habitat and more. 
  6. Meet Prince Charming at Shrek's Adventure! London (included in standard entry): It's time to crown a new monarch this summer, and Prince Charming is making sure he's first in line for the Far Far Away throne! 22 Jul-3 Sep
  7. See the London Zoo in a whole new light at Summer Evenings at London Zoo: Join grown-up tours, talks and giant games and some delicious cocktails. Until 28 Jul
  8. Take the kids to Turtles and Terrapins at SEA Life London Aquarium (included in standard entry): Go on turtle patrol, join a rescue mission and learn all about these cute sea creatures. 22 Jul-3 Sep
  9. Celebrate the capital's LGBTQA+ community with the Pride in London festival: Watch the famous Pride in London Parade through central London and enjoy free performances in Trafalgar Square. 1 Jun-1 Jul
  10. Marvel at beautiful gardens and floral displays at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival: Immerse yourself in vibrant summer blooms at the largest annual flower show in the world. 4-9 Jul 

London theatre in July

Once on this island theatre show at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

  1. Catch a show at the enchanting Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre: The 2023 line-up features six exciting shows, including Robin Hood and Dinosaur World Live.
  2. Bring out your inner dancing queen at Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre: Enjoy the summertastic musical full of love, laughter and your favourite ABBA songs.
  3. Be charmed by Matilda The Musical at London's Cambridge Theatre: See the heart-warming stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved book.
  4. See riotous comedy The Crown Jewels at the Garrick Theatre: An exceptionally star-studded cast (Al Murray, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Neil Morrissey, and more) take to the stage for this hilarious royal heist.
  5. Meet some colourful characters of the past at Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors at the Garrick Theatre: Hear tales of Britain's gruesome past at this hilarious family show.  
  6. Follow the story of Usher in A Strange Loop at the Barbican Theatre: Watch as queer Black artist Usher explores the boundaries of creativity in a society that constantly marginalises him. 
  7. Join Dorothy and Toto along the yellow brick road at The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium: A fun-filled family show starring screen and stage favourites Jason Manford, Ashley Banjo and Gary WIlmot.
  8. Take the little ones to The Smeds and the Smoos at the Lyrics Theatre: An exciting stage adaptation of the beloved children's book that tells the tale of friendship on a distant planet.
  9. Sing along at ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: See the iconic pop band come to life through mesmerising AR as they their top hits this summer. 

Discover more of London's top musicals, explore comedy shows and see what's on for kids

What can I do outdoors in July?

A smiling family is taking a selfie with the city in the background on top the Up at the O2.

  1. Sail by London landmarks on a top river Thames tour: Combine cruising with a top attraction, travel with the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers River Roamer to North Greenwich pier before soaring above London with a London cable car.
  2. Soak up the sun as you explore Kew Gardens: Immerse yourself in nature as you wander the themed gardens and seek out exotic flowers and giant lily pads.
  3. Reach new heights at Up at The O2Make memories this summer as you climb the famous tented roof of London's top entertainment venue.
  4. Take on the rig climbing experience at Cutty Sark: Scale the masts of the famous tea clipper and enjoy views of iconic London landmarks. 
  5. Grab a picnic basket and bask in the sunshine at London's top picnic spotsSpend summer days soaking up scenic views.
  6. Search for secret spots and epic vistas at commons and heaths around LondonFind picturesque green spaces to relax and unwind.
  7. Roam some of the city's best parksDiscover the bicycle-friendly Hyde Park, wildlife-rich Richmond Park or pretty St James's Park.
  8. Work your way through 101 things to do outdoors in London: including the best picture spots, waterside walks and outside hidden gems.
  9. Swim, sweat and sightsee at these outdoor fitness spots across the capital: Get active in London's great outdoors.
  10. Grab some friends and head over to London's cool outdoor cinemasCatch your favourite films at trendy rooftop locations, open-air screenings and retro drive-ins.  

What are the best London festivals in July?

Fearn cotton stands in a green dress in front of tipis at the happy place festival in london.

  1. Discover the best new and established London bands at Camden Rocks FestivalSee rock, alt, indie bands and more at this famous summer festival. Until 30 Sep
  2. Attend London's newest addition Uptown Festival in Blackheath: Enjoy three stages of legendary live acts, street food, fun bars, wellness and much more. 30 Jul 
  3. Get your wellness fix at Fearn Cotton's Happy Place Festival at Chiswick House: Attend talks, craft workshops, energy studios, yoga sessions and dance to great music acts. 15-16 Jul
  4. See globally renowned artists at BST Hyde Park: Watch legendary headliners perform their top hits including Blackpink and Bruce Springsteen in 2023. 
  5. Fill your summer calendar with classical concerts: Don't miss the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with more than 40 days of concerts to enjoy. 14 Jul-9 Sep
  6. Head to London's urban music festival Wireless: See some of the biggest names in rap, hip hop, and R&B at Crystal Palace. 7-9 Jul
  7. Be dazzled by the many summer events at Somerset House: From film to live music performances, the annual festivities are a great way to celebrate summer.

London exhibitions in July

A man dressed in georgian clothing sits on a bench in front of paintings in a red gallery at the queens gallery in london.

  1. Visit Style and Society: Dressing the Georgians at The Queen's Gallery (included in standard entry): An exciting exploration into 18th-century fashion, with garments, artwork and many other historic objects. Until 8 Oct
  2. Discover exciting artworks at the Royal Academy of Art's annual Summer Exhibition: Explore all forms of art on display, from painting and photography to sculpture and prints. 12 Jun-20 Aug
  3. See The Queen and her Corgis at The Wallace Collection: Queen Elizabeth II's love for her Pembroke Welsh corgis was no secret and now you can meet her beloved pets at this charming exhibition. Until 6 Aug
  4. Explore the thought-provoking Civilisation at the Saatchi Gallery: Follow the thread of humanity's ever-changing, extraordinary complexity through the eyes of 150 of the world's most accomplished photographers. Until 17 Sep
  5. Immerse yourself in the After Impressionism exhibition at The National GallerySee more than 100 works by artists ranging from Matisse and Picasso to Mondrian and Kandinsky. 25 Mar-13 Aug
  6. Venture to Escape the Slick at the Whitechapel Gallery: Discover a reimagining of how we use space at this unique exhibition that embraces comfort and self-expression. Until 6 Aug
  7. Celebrate the power of iconic performers with the DIVA exhibition at the V&A Museum: Explore how the role of 'diva' has been subverted or embraced over time. From 24 Jun
  8. Be inspired at A World in Common: Contemporary African Photography at Tate ModernDiscover dream-like utopias and bustling cityscapes from the artists' perspectives. 6 Jul-14 Jan