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July is one of the warmest months to visit London.
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Explore and even picnic in Buckingham Palace gardens for the first time this summer.
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Annual July events include Wimbledon, BBC Proms and the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.
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Pride in London, a huge celebration of the LGBT+ community often falls in July, but it will take place in September in 2021.
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: visit one of London's parks, enjoy an open-top bus tour, east alfresco and catch up with friends over drinks at a rooftop bar.
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.
Mayors of Play
Kids can help the Mayor of London to create the ultimate summer of family fun!
What's on in London in July?
Unmissable July events for your diary
- Book ahead to discover the beauty of Buckingham Palace Gardens, which are opening for picnics and self-guided tours for the first this summer.
- The annual summer opening of Buckingham Palace takes a different form this year, with guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays only.
- Spend Summer Days Out at King's Cross, where a bunch of sizzling activities happen this month.
- Grab some friends and head over to London's cool outdoor cinemas, which are popping up across the city.
- Stuff your stomach with flavours from across the world at Taste of London in Regent's Park.
- Watch world-class tennis and tuck into traditional strawberries and cream at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. If you haven't secured a ticket, watch the action at pop-up screens across the capital.
- Marvel at beautiful gardens and floral displays during the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, the largest annual flower show in the world.
- Enjoy plenty of show-stopping performances, pop-ups and good vibes at the Underbelly Festival, which finds a new home in Cavendish Square this year.
Where are the must-see music festivals this July?
- Many London music festivals usually take place in July. You can normally take your pick from everything from Lovebox and American Express presents British Summer Time, to Somerset House's Summer Series and Kew the Music in Kew Gardens. However, most music festivals have been cancelled in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- ...But you can still fill your calendars with classical concerts, as the BBC Proms returns with 44 days of concerts from the end of this month.
Which shows are reopening in July?
- The Prince of Egypt is making a comeback at the Dominion Theatre.
- The end of July sees kids' favourite The Gruffalo Live On Stage start at Alexandra Palace Theatre.
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns to The London Palladium at the beginning of July with plenty of hit songs.
- Enjoy romantic twists and turns in Pretty Woman: The Musical, as it returns to the Savoy Theatre.
- Discover an uplifting tale in the wake of tragic events with Come from Away, which resumes its run at the Phoenix Theatre.
What can I do outdoors in July?
- Book your spot to see unique 360-degree views over Oxford Street, Hyde Park and the West End from the new Marble Arch Mound.
- Shows, summer drinks, street food and vintage rides are on the schedule at London Wonderground at Earls Court.
- Enjoy an adult-only opening featuring pop-up activities, fun experiences and international street food with Twilight Tickets at ZSL London Zoo.
- Teach the little ones all about the city this summer with the outdoor London Curriculum Family Explorer Trails.
- Or download the South Ken Green Trail map (from 24 Jul) to explore beautiful gardens, wildflower meadows and fun art installations with the kids.
- Grab a picnic basket and bask in the sunshine at London's top picnic spots.
- Search for secret spots and epic vistas at commons and heaths around London.
- Roam some of the city's best parks, including the bicycle-friendly Hyde Park, wildlife-rich Richmond Park or pretty St James's Park.
- Work through 101 things to do outdoors in London – including the best picture spots, waterside walks and outside hidden gems.
- Swim, sweat and sightsee at these outdoor fitness spots across the capital.
- Enjoy a day full of discovery as you explore new London's areas on a bike or on foot.
What are the most iconic annual festivals in July in London?
- You can usually celebrate the capital's LGBT+ community with the Pride in London festival in June or July, featuring the famous Pride in London Parade through central London, and free performances in Trafalgar Square. However, this year's event is taking place in September.
- Shop on a traffic-free Regent Street, tuck into foodie treats and enjoy free entertainment during Summer Streets, which usually happens in July. This year's event has been cancelled.
- Sit back at one of London's iconic squares to enjoy a show of opera and ballet at BP Big Screens in London. This year's event has been cancelled.
For more things to do in London in July, take a look at the events calendar and guide to what's on in London. And catch the best of the London stage with the London theatre guide. If you're in London, find out what's on this weekend and download the Visit London app for the latest information on coolest things happening in the capital.
WEATHER: For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see the London Weather page.
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