Whether you’re seeking a cultural fix or food and drink inspiration, there’s no shortage of thrilling things to do in London on a Sunday. From a flavour-packed breakfast at Notting Hill’s hottest new brunch spot to unmissable West End shows including the celebrated production of Disney's The Lion King, this guide highlights everything you need to round off your weekend in true London style.
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The best things to do in London on a Sunday
1. Kick off Sunday with a delicious brunch
Relax into Sunday morning with a flavour-packed lunch at one of London’s best restaurants and cafes. Try Dishoom’s talked-about egg naan roll – two perfectly fried eggs sandwiched in freshly baked naan with cream cheese, tomato-chilli jam and fresh coriander – and test your luck by attempting to roll a six in their thrilling dice game to get your entire meal for free.
Head to Peggy Porschen in Belgravia or Chelsea for pink lattes, flaky pastries and a selfie with that iconic floral facade. Prefer a brunch with a view? Soar into London’s skyline in Duck & Waffle’s glass lift. The menu is organised by sweet and savoury delights, with Greek yoghurt, lobster rolls and plenty of fluffy pancake stacks.
Swap the bustle of central London for Richmond’s scenic riverside, where you’ll find the picture-perfect Peggy Jean, with its pink parasols and twinkling fairy lights providing the backdrop for an award-winning banana bread sandwich.
2. Head to a Sunday market in London
London is home to a vibrant mix of markets that are worth getting out of bed for on a Sunday morning. East London’s Columbia Road Flower Market is a must-visit, with its spectacular displays of flowers and exotic plants. Arrive at 8am to avoid the crowds or visit in the afternoon at around 2pm – but note that while prices might be slashed, some flowers might be sold out.
Brick Lane is another staple East London market, renowned for its striking street art and independent shops. Be sure to check out Rough Trade East to pick up fresh vinyl, and swing by Backyard Market for artwork and handcrafted goods from a diverse lineup of independent sellers.
Borough Market is another standout, with its exceptional street food, Michelin-starred restaurants and feel-good vibe. Explore our guide to London’s markets for more inspiration including Covent Garden Market and Greenwich Market.
3. Treat the kids to a fun-filled day out in London
Plan the ultimate family day out in London with our pick of the top attractions for little ones. Pick up a London Pass to enjoy hassle-free entry and save on landmarks like the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Head to SEA LIFE London Aquarium and discover the magnificent marine world, with more than 500 species across 14 themed zones. Fans of Paddington will love the nearby Paddington Bear Experience, where interactive sets and characters inspired by the films promise a fun day out. Adventure to the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden to explore vintage buses and taxis, as well as era-defining designs like the first-ever Tube map.
For something immersive, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London delivers. Explore original sets, props and costumes before learning about the spellbinding effects behind iconic scenes like the invisibility cloak and the hair-raising Quidditch tournaments. Check out what seasonal takeovers are happening near the time of your visit to see the Great Hall and Forbidden Forest transformed with festive decorations.
Explore our pick of the best things to do in London for families for more ideas.
4. Explore London's glorious green spaces
London ranks among the greenest cities in the world, with eight Royal Parks and pristine gardens scattered across the capital. Richmond Park is the largest park in London, covering 2,500 acres of woodlands, grasslands, and ancient trees, which are home to more than 600 wild deer. Another highlight is The Regent’s Park, with its fragrant Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens, the Open Air Theatre, and London Zoo.
For unparalleled sunsets, Greenwich Park and Hampstead Heath offer sweeping skyline views, with the latter featuring natural bathing ponds and the popular Parliament Hill Lido – a top spot to cool off in the summer or swim lengths during the winter.
In central London, Kensington Gardens is a must-visit with the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, meanwhile St James’s Park is the perfect place to recharge between sightseeing, with neighbouring attractions like Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade right on its doorstep.
5. Get a culture fix at London's museums and galleries
London's museums and galleries boast an ever-changing roster of thrilling exhibitions to discover, alongside historic permanent collections. Head to the Natural History Museum to explore dinosaurs, moon rocks, mammals, and historic artefacts, such as the first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, and casts of a man and a dog from Pompeii.
For star-studded fun, step into the world-famous wax museum Madame Tussauds, and stand alongside figures of royalty, superstars, and sporting legends. Test your senses at the Twist Museum on Oxford Street, where mind-bending exhibits and interactive illusions will challenge your perception of colour, shape, sound and heat. Book a guided tour of the British Museum and discover more than two million years of art, history and culture, with standout pieces including the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies.
Immerse yourself in modern art at Tate Modern or Tate Britain, where a thrilling lineup of exhibitions for 2026 include a showstopping retrospective of boundary-breaking artist Tracey Emin and a celebration of Frida Kahlo's era-defining artwork. Be sure to check out what’s on at the Design Museum, with highlights including a major exhibition charting the award-winning American filmmaker Wes Anderson.
6. Book a Sunday lunch at one of London's historic pubs or stylish restaurants
Nothing beats a Sunday roast in London. For the ultimate traditional treat, try Simpson’s in the Strand or The Ritz, where carvers slice sumptuous pieces of beef straight onto your plate from a trolley. Alternatively, seek out the old-school eatery The Guinea Grill in Mayfair.
For a more casual vibe, snuggle up beside the log fires after a ramble on Hampstead Heath at The Holly Bush, or savour succulent meats at Blacklock Soho. There's also a side of musical entertainment at Covent Garden's Cora Pearl and Boisdale Canary Wharf.
Alternatively, while away a Sunday afternoon munching on dim sum at one of London's many Chinese restaurants. Enjoy budget-friendly fare at Lucky Skewers, savour inventive bites at Hakkasan, pick from more than 100 dumplings at Orient London, or pay homage to the Cantonese pastime with weekend Yum Cha at Yauatcha in Chinatown.
7. Secure tickets for a Sunday show in London
Round off your weekend in style with a West End show. Choose from award-winning musicals, top London shows for kids, and fresh new productions with star-studded casts.
Follow the heartwarming story of Simba in Disney’s The Lion King, or secure your seats for Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at St Martin's Theatre – London’s longest-running play, which turns 75 this year. Make a day of it and watch Part One and Part Two of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and follows the adventures of Harry’s youngest son, Albus.
Prefer something livelier? Top off your weekend at one of London's lively entertainment hubs. Laugh out loud at The Comedy Store, dance to live music at or Ain't Nothin' But, or explore London's grassroots music venues, showcasing both emerging and established artists.
What is open on a Sunday in London?
Most attractions, museums, shops, markets, restaurants and theatres are open in London on Sundays. Most areas and neighbourhoods are buzzing with activity, except for financial hubs such as Bank and Farringdon, which are usually quieter at the weekends.
Don't just visit London on a Sunday, make a weekend of it. Find more weekend inspiration with our guide to Saturdays in London. Or check out what's on this weekend, from family fun and free activities to exciting seasonal events.
