What's on in London this weekend (11-12 July 2026)
Weekends in London are packed with possibilities, so we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in London this weekend, drawing on a mix of first-hand visits, local insight, visitor popularity and what’s uniquely London.
From adrenaline-packed adventures and immersive exhibitions to award-winning West End shows and music experiences, this guide is kept up to date with the best things to do in London right now.
Don’t miss our guide to what’s on in London this month for more ideas, explore the Summer Theatre Sale and download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration.
1. See the Premier League trophy on an Emirates Stadium Tour
Calling all football fans, now is your chance to see the Premier League trophy up close on a tour of the Emirates Stadium in London. With the World Cup in full swing, we’d say there’s no better time to embrace football fever and check out a slice of sporting history.
This experience is your behind-the-scenes ticket to all things Arsenal. Walk in the footsteps of football heroes as you cross the Players Tunnel and step onto the pitch, gaining exclusive access to areas including the Directors Box, the Players Entrance, and the Home and Away Dressing Room. Wrap up your tour with a rare glimpse of the Premier League trophy, which will be on display at Emirates Stadium until 6 September.
Discover the Emirates Stadium Tour and see the trophy for yourself.
2. Get discounted tickets in the Big Summer Theatre Sale
There’s plenty to see on London’s West End right now, and if you’re keen to catch a show this weekend, don't miss the Big Summer Theatre Sale.
Find discounts on everything from hot new shows to fan favourites. Our top pick is the iconic MAMMA MIA!, which is a summer staple. With a timeless story and an irresistible soundtrack, it’s the ultimate feel-good party.
If you’re in the mood for magic, you can save on tickets to Wicked or opt for classic musicals such as Oliver! and The Phantom of the Opera.
Browse the Big Summer Theatre Sale and book your tickets now.
3. Watch the final of the Wimbledon Championships
This weekend marks the end of the Wimbledon Championships, which means there are only a handful of games left to enjoy.
On Saturday 11 July, you can watch the Gentlemen’s Doubles Final and the Ladies’ Singles Final, plus the Ladies' Wheelchair Singles Final and Gentlemen's and Quad Wheelchair Doubles Final. Meanwhile, the Ladies’ Doubles Final and the Gentlemen’s Singles Final will take place on Sunday. If you’re seeking the perfect viewing spot, you can queue at Wimbledon for access to the grounds and courts or catch the tennis from one of the many bars, pubs and parks around London..
This weekend is also your final chance to enjoy a Wimbledon Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, sample the limited-edition Wimbledon Afternoon Tea at Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen in 22 Bishopsgate, and check out the immersive Wimbledon Experience at Battersea Power Station.
Discover more insider tips and fun facts in our ultimate guide to Wimbledon.
4. Enjoy music, comedy and family fun at Alexandra Palace’s Kaleidoscope Festival
While Alexandra Palace is the setting for many iconic events in London’s summer calendar, this weekend it will host the action-packed Kaleidoscope Festival. Running from 1pm until late on Saturday, the event will showcase live music from Rudimental, MJ Cole and The Amy Winehouse Band, alongside a comedy lineup led by Russell Kane.
Kids will love immersive experiences including an interactive wall mural and a series of Punch and Judy shows, with even more activities to enjoy in Ally Pally’s atmospheric basement area. The Fringe Stage will also offer plenty of hands-on fun; we can’t wait to try out disco yoga and hip-hop karaoke.
See the full programme and buy your tickets to Kaleidoscope Festival at Alexandra Palace Park.
5. Check out the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
It’s a brilliant time to check out the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, which is running until 23 August. This is far more than an annual display, it’s a collective celebration of art, photography, sculpture and film, and a definitive highlight of London's art and exhibitions scene.
With contemporary British artist Ryan Gander as curator, this year’s theme is interconnectedness, and you’ll find more than 1,200 pieces created by famous figures and budding amateurs alike. Plus, the Royal Academy is now open late on Saturdays, so you can enjoy an evening drink at the in-gallery gin bar after getting your culture fix.
Book your tickets to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition here.
6. Don't miss the last performance of Kinky Boots
This Saturday, the curtain will come down on Kinky Boots for a final time as the hit show ends its run at the London Coliseum. With Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe and X Factor’s Matt Cardle in the lead roles, you can expect a sensational score and plenty of sequins.
Bringing the uplifting story to the stage, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price, who revives his family’s struggling shoe business with the help of drag performer Lola. The soundtrack has been created by none other than Cyndi Lauper, and the show itself has won three Olivier Awards – so you won’t want to miss the final performance.
Book your tickets to Kinky Boots now.
7. Speed along the Thames on a Rocket Rebel Tour
Summer offers endless opportunities for sightseeing in London, but if you fancy an adrenaline fix, we recommend trying out the Rocket Rebel Speedboat Tour from Thames Rockets.
The tour guarantees incredible views as you glide along the Thames accompanied by an expert guide. It’s a chance to see the capital like never before – especially once the captain hits the accelerator. With an upbeat soundtrack playing and London’s landmarks gliding past, it’s a thrilling alternative to a traditional sightseeing tour.
Check out our Thames Rockets review and book your spot on a Thames Rockets Speedboat Tour.
8. Watch Dirty Dancing at Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham
If you’re planning a movie night this weekend, why not take it outdoors? Head to Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham for a film with a view – Dirty Dancing will be showing at 1pm this Saturday.
We love visiting Rooftop Cinema Club in the summer; there’s no better way to savour the warm weather than by gathering a group of friends and enjoying a film with the London skyline as a backdrop. You can even order snacks to be delivered straight to your seat (or deck chair) so that you never miss a moment.
Check out the full summer programme at Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham and Stratford.
9. Step inside a London landmark at Buckingham Palace's summer opening
Buckingham Palace has officially opened its doors for the summer, giving visitors the chance to experience a self-guided tour through the State Rooms and part of the gardens. The tour will grant you exclusive access to 19 different rooms in the palace, including the magnificent Throne Room.
Marvel at the Grand Staircase, admire world-famous artworks, and see the lake and the palace from a different perspective. We recommend saving some time to enjoy a coffee at the Buckingham Palace Cafe, which offers picture-perfect views across the lawns.
Find out everything you need to know about the Buckingham Palace tour summer opening.
10. Get your groove on at Boy Blue in the Park at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
As Boy Blue celebrates its 25th year, the hip-hop dance theatre collective is returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for one night only.
As dusk begins to settle in London, the stage comes alive with performances from a range of Boy Blue’s dance companies. You can expect breathtaking choreography, a spectacular soundtrack, and even a post-show DJ set to keep the party going.
Buy your tickets for Boy Blue in the Park.
11. Enjoy immersive art at FRAMELESS Lates
See art come alive after dark during FRAMELESS Lates, an exclusive events series which is now running every Friday and Saturday night. Open to visitors aged 18 and over, it offers access to limited-run exhibitions alongside the gallery’s permanent installations.
FRAMELESS is an immersive experience like no other. Showcasing floor-to-ceiling projections of some of the most famous artworks in the world, it takes multi-sensory storytelling to dizzying heights. Intricate animations and an original music score create a real sense of cinema, allowing you to see classic art in a new light.
If you’re seeking evening plans this weekend, we’d say there’s no better time to experience FRAMELESS, and you can even head for a cocktail on Oxford Street after your visit.
Discover the magic of FRAMELESS Lates.
12. Celebrate Frida Kahlo’s legacy at Tate Modern
Frida: The Making of an Icon proved to be an instant hit after it was unveiled last month, and it’s a great excuse to spend an art-filled afternoon at Tate Modern.
The exhibition showcases more than 130 items which speak to Frida Kahlo’s incredible life and her enduring artistic legacy. From treasured garments and jewellery pieces to iconic self-portraits, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into traditional Mexican folk art and Kahlo’s unique style.
You’ll also get the chance to see hundreds of pieces from artists influenced by Kahlo, emphasising her powerful influence and her status as a global icon. And, of course, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous souvenirs at the gift shop.
Read our Frida Kahlo Tate Modern review.
13. Watch a World Cup quarter-final match
If you’re eagerly awaiting the World Cup quarter-final, you’ll want to find somewhere suitable to watch the game. Bars and pubs fill up fast, however, so it’s best to book ahead and secure your spot.
Venues such as Market Halls, BOXPARK and Fanzone4D will be broadcasting matches across London, but if you’re after somewhere specific, we recommend Between the Bridges on London’s Southbank and KERB Sports Bar in Shoreditch.
If you’re in the mood for a different kind of football-themed experience, you can sample the World Cup afternoon tea at Origin Kensington, or snap a picture with Harry Kane’s wax figure at Madame Tussauds.
Check out our guide to the FIFA World Cup in London.
14. Marvel at The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular
Fancy a trip to the circus this weekend? Head to COME ALIVE! London: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular.
Unfolding at The Empress Museum in Earl’s Court, this fantastic experience brings the magic of The Greatest Showman onto the stage. It all starts with a pre-show adventure through the venue, where you’ll have the chance to meet the characters in the live show and witness unbelievable stunts up close.
Naturally, the main event takes place in the Big Top, and you can expect plenty of breathtaking performances. The show brings together international circus stars and West End performers for an evening of acrobatics, musical theatre, and all the biggest hits from The Greatest Showman’s soundtrack.
Delve into our behind-the-scenes review of COME ALIVE.
15. Take a summer stroll in Kew Gardens
The weather in the capital might be unpredictable, but when summer arrives, it’s a great time to discover the best gardens in London – and Kew Gardens is one of the most glorious green spaces to explore in the city.
Peruse the iconic Palm House and an array of glasshouses, including the picture-perfect Waterlily House, which, alongside the Kew Palace and the Great Pagoda offer a fascinating glimpse into Kew's rich history, architecture and botanical heritage.
If you’re visiting with kids in tow, you can explore the Family Trail, check out the Children’s Garden, or reach dizzying heights at the Treetop Walkway. Don’t forget to grab a slice of cake at the Orangery before you leave.
Discover what’s on at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Things to do this weekend under £20
- 🎥 Rooftop Cinema Club – Best for date nights
- 🚠 London Cable Car – Best for skyline views
- 🖼️ National Gallery – Best for free portrait art and acclaimed masterpieces
- 🛗 The Chimney Lift – Best for 360-degree views of London
FAQs
What are the best things to do in London this weekend?
Our experts handpick the top things to do in London this weekend, from unmissable exhibitions and theatre shows to live music, street festivals and foodie hotspots. Check our guide for activities across London, including options under £20.
What should I wear or bring for London events this weekend?
Check the weather forecast – many events are outdoors or include walking. Comfortable shoes, layers and a portable umbrella are recommended, especially if combining multiple activities.
Can I plan a last-minute weekend in London?
Absolutely! Our guide includes timely recommendations and ongoing events, so you can plan a weekend at short notice. Many shows and exhibitions offer online booking for same-week visits.
