London in September 2026: unmissable highlights and things to do

Catch the iconic two-part production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child before it closes on 20 September. The multi-award-winning show brings the eighth Harry Potter story to life, inviting audiences back into the world of the beloved Hogwarts trio as they reunite in adulthood. You can expect plenty of on-stage wizardry, including levitating props and ghostly illusions. 

From October, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will reopen as a single-part production, so this is your last chance to experience it in its original format.

September brings boat rides, live music, and art installations to the riverside at Totally Thames Festival.

Spanning a 42-mile stretch of the river Thames, this annual event brings together local communities and environmental organisations to celebrate London’s riverside and help protect it for generations to come. You can expect a packed programme of concerts, exhibitions, workshops and panel talks, plus nail-biting river races.

Explore a host of immersive installations at London Design Festival, a spectacular celebration of art and design which takes place across the capital every year. 

Designers from across the globe showcase their work at a variety of London locations, from legendary landmarks to intimate gallery spaces. You can also book tickets to fascinating workshops and discussions.

Follow in the footsteps of royalty during a self-guided tour of the lavish State Rooms. It’s a rare opportunity to peek inside spaces which are otherwise off-limits to visitors.

September is also your final chance to experience a Buckingham Palace tour before bookings close for the year. You’ll get a glimpse into a network of magnificent parlours and halls, from the opulent Throne Room to the Grand Staircase. The tour also encompasses a section of the gardens, allowing you to take in views of the lake and the south side of the palace. For a real treat, you can combine your Buckingham Palace Tour with afternoon tea, or visit as part of a Hop On Hop Off bus tour around London.

Dive into the fashion world from your seat at the Dominion Theatre as you experience The Devil Wears Prada on stage. Adapted from the novel and subsequent hit film, the production features an all-star cast alongside original music by Sir Elton John.

While it was originally scheduled to close in April 2026, the show has been extended due to high demand. You can expect glamourous sets, spectacular costumes and plenty of slick one-liners.

Immerse yourself in Southeast Asian art, food and music at CelebrASIA, a three-day festival at Battersea Power Station. It’s best to arrive hungry as street food vendors will be offering an array of traditional dishes while DJs set the mood.

Family fun is guaranteed thanks to face painters, craft sessions, and an AI-powered photo booth, while film screenings, workshops and talks will take place in the Power Station’s famous Turbine Halls. We’re particularly looking forward to exploring the festival’s new performance space in Malaysia Square, which will set the stage for a variety of dancers and musicians.

Indulge in a classic British afternoon tea while you take in the sights and sounds of London on a panoramic afternoon tea bus tour.

This jam-packed tour is an unbeatable way to see iconic London landmarks, from Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. As you marvel at the views, you can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea menu including sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes. You’ll even be treated to a glass of prosecco or orange juice before the tour begins.

Fancy a musical take on this quintessential British experience? We recommend trying the ABBA-inspired afternoon tea bus tour, which offers the same views and delectable treats alongside a glorious ABBA soundtrack. As you journey through the capital, you can sing along to the beloved band’s greatest hits. 

Step inside some of London’s most famous buildings during Open House Festival. This annual event champions architecture in the capital by opening hundreds of buildings to the public.

For one week only, you can enjoy exclusive access to an array of London landmarks, from theatres and historic homes to dazzling skyscrapers. You can also book tickets to guided tours around some of London’s most beloved neighbourhoods, or drop in to art exhibitions, talks and workshops.

Now in its fourth year, Black on the Square is a festival supported by the Mayor of London. It’s a vibrant celebration of Black culture, art and food, and it’s free to attend.

Whether you sample snacks from food stalls, soak up the atmosphere at a live performance, or get stuck into arts and crafts, you’ll find something to enjoy at this all-day event in Trafalgar Square. Food vendors and performers join community groups and charities to showcase the very best of Black culture, and the programme even features a lively parade.

Autumn might be settling in, but you can still visit Regent's Park Open Air Theatre; in fact, it’s the perfect time to witness the revival of CATS, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical.

Showing until 19 September, CATS will wrap up the theatre’s summer programme, offering a final chance to enjoy an outdoor performance. CATS itself is the ultimate 80s musical, featuring a beloved soundtrack, spellbinding choreography, and plenty of nostalgic touches.

Keen for an adventure? You’re sure to get a thrill during a guided climb at Summit at Alexandra Palace.

As the UK’s highest roof walk, it offers some truly unbeatable views. You can complete the climb by day or at sunset, for some golden-hour magic, or you can wait until night falls and watch the skyline come to life. You’ll spot legendary landmarks including The Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral, with views stretching 25 miles across London.

What we love about this climb is that it doesn’t just guarantee sweeping city panoramas – it also gives you the chance to see Ally Pally itself up close. Once you reach the summit, your guide will share a host of facts about the historic building, before giving you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere (and snap a few pictures, of course).

Every year, you’ll find an impressive collection of vintage boats on show at the Classic Boat Festival in St Katharine Docks. Entry is free to all visitors and there are plenty of historic vessels to admire, from sailing barges to steamboats. You can even meet the owners of each boat.

Back on shore, you can enjoy food, drink and live entertainment, alongside engaging talks and immersive activities for children. If you’re a maritime fanatic, you’ll love browsing the nautical antiques on sale at Marble Quay.

Thirty years after its groundbreaking opening, RENT the musical is back. It returns to London on 26 September, with Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo playing narrator Mark.

The show is directed by Luke Sheppard, who is best known for his work on Paddington the Musical. Featuring a hit soundtrack that is still beloved by fans today, the musical follows a group of young artists and musicians in 1980s New York as they navigate love, loss and friendship. 

While London’s biggest music festivals usually dominate the summer season, September is a brilliant opportunity to experience something a little different, and Jazz on Wick is a fabulous example.

Taking place at a range of venues across Hackney Wick, this festival celebrates jazz music, neo-soul, and afrobeats, with a packed line-up of DJs and singer-songwriters.

In an action-packed day out spanning both London and Oxfordshire, the Blenheim Palace and Churchill War Rooms tour will leave you brimming with knowledge about one of Britain’s most famous figures. 

Beginning at the Imperial War Museum, you’ll see first-hand where Winston Churchill worked throughout World War II. Now known as the Churchill War Rooms, each space has been carefully preserved since 1945, from the infamous Cabinet Room to the Map Room and even Churchill’s private office.

After getting your London fix, there’s a scenic coach ride to look forward to as you head to Blenheim Palace. Standing proudly within manicured grounds in Oxfordshire, this lavish residence was Churchill’s birthplace – and you can explore the State Rooms, the gardens and the popular Churchill exhibition as part of your tour.

Now celebrating its tenth year, Soho Jazz Festival sees an array of bars and clubs come alive every September. Instead of sprawling auditoriums, think stylish basement rooms and intimate performance spaces. We believe it’s one of the best ways to get acquainted with the hidden gems of London’s music scene.

While gigs take place throughout the three-day festival, make sure to mark your calendar for 18 September, when the winners of the annual Great British Jazz Prize are announced. This year, the awards will be held at Alfie’s Soho, an iconic jazz bar on London’s Greek Street.

If London’s skies are looking grey, autumn weather calls for a comforting pint of Guinness, and we’d recommend sampling a drink at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden.

While there are multiple Open Gate breweries across America, the Open Gate experience is unique to London. Alongside a tour of the brand’s working brewery in Covent Garden, you’ll be treated to a tasting session led by a Master Brewer, before getting the chance to pour your own pint of Guinness at the in-house bar. What could be better?

If you’re planning a day out at Tate Britain this month, don’t miss the James McNeill Whistler exhibition, which closes on 27 September.

Whistler wasn’t simply an artist, but a Victorian celebrity. (He was, in fact, a close friend of author Oscar Wilde.) Though he was born in America, Whistler spent most of his time in Britain, eventually becoming one of the most influential Victorian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. He is best known for his evocative portraits, which are on full display at the Tate Britain; however, the exhibition also gives visitors a rare chance to marvel at some of Whistler’s never-before-seen works, including drawings and prints from his youth.

With Wicked now in its 20th year, there’s no better time to catch the hit musical in London’s West End. 

A new cast (including the award-winning Emma Kingston as Elphaba) began performances back in May, but the show’s official anniversary falls on 27 September – and a thrilling events programme will be unveiled in celebration. Exclusive tickets are now available for the weekend of 26 and 27 September, with plenty of special performances planned.

The Royal Albert Hall may be one of London’s most esteemed performance venues, but it’s about to get even more magical thanks to a concert series that allows spectators to watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone accompanied by a live orchestra.

As the beloved film unfolds on a giant HD screen, you’ll be treated to a live performance of the score by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus. Among many London’s immersive experiences, this one is sure to be a highlight.

As the sun begins to set earlier in September, we’d say there’s no better time to enjoy a London by Night Open-Top Bus Tour.

This breathtaking adventure takes place at dusk as the city lights sparkle. You’ll be whisked along a route spanning some of London’s most famous attractions, from Tower Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament. You’ll also make your way through Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, watching in awe as night descends on the capital.