What to do this weekend in London (12-13 July 2025)
Check out our pick of the best things to do in London this weekend, from sizzling summer festivals, groundbreaking exhibitions and theatre shows to a ChessFest extravaganza and Walthamstow’s very own beach pop-up.
Secure the best seats and enjoy great theatre savings this season with the Big Summer Theatre Event.
Walk in the footsteps of royalty at Buckingham Palace
Looking for a truly regal day out? Step inside one of London’s most iconic landmarks as Buckingham Palace opens its doors for the summer.
Explore the grandeur of King Charles III’s official London residence on a self-guided tour through 19 lavish State Rooms. Look out for the Throne Room – often used as a backdrop for royal wedding photos. Marvel at the magnificent Grand Staircase and take a stroll through the Palace Gardens.
New for this year, see more than 70 works of art from His Majesty King Charles III’s private collection with The King’s Tour Artists exhibition. This special display offers a unique glimpse into four decades of royal travel, captured by some of Britain’s most celebrated artists.
Tickets for this popular summer experience tend to sell out quickly. Book your self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace now.
Catch the last weekend of Wimbledon
It’s your last chance to catch the Wimbledon 2025 Championships this weekend – and London’s alfresco screens mean you don’t need Centre Court tickets to soak up the action!
Pack your picnic blanket and head to Duke of York Square where you can watch the tennis on the big screen and pick up gourmet street food at Saturday’s fine food market. Or take a seat on the steps at Granary Square in King's Cross and catch every rally from the comfort of the canal-side steps.
Find everything you need to know about this year’s tournament with our guide to Wimbledon 2025.
Sip, shake and celebrate at Cocktails in the City
Find your new favourite cocktail at Cocktails in the City (10-12 July) – back for its tenth year and ready to mix up something special.
Set in a private garden in London’s West End, this alfresco cocktail festival invites you to sip your way through show-stopping creations, try your hand behind the bar and watch London’s cocktail-making elite shake things up live.
Expect a buzzing atmosphere, top-tier tipples and a celebration of the capital’s vibrant bar scene.
Learn more about Cocktails in the City.
Come face to face with dinosaurs at Lightroom
Step into London’s newest immersive adventure as Lightroom brings the prehistoric world to life with Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs.
Uncover the fascinating world of dinosaurs through beloved scenes from Apple TV’s Emmy Award-nominated series, reimagined through 360° life-sized recreations of ancient environments and the creatures that once roamed them. Set to a powerful score by Hans Zimmer and narrated by acclaimed actor Damian Lewis, it’s a journey through time that’s not to be missed!
Book tickets for Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs now and get ready to walk with giants.
Get tickets for the ultimate festival playground
Don’t miss Kaleidoscope Festival (12 July), Alexandra Palace Park’s one-day event featuring a packed line-up of live music, comedy and family entertainment.
See dance music legends Faithless headline the festival’s panoramic Hilltop Stage, joined by pioneering drum and bass artist Goldie. If you’re looking for a multitude of stand-up comedy, talks and karaoke, the festival’s Fringe Stage promises to keep the good times flowing, while the Victorian Palace Basements will be hosting fun-filled cabaret.
Find out more about Kaleidoscope Festival.
Enjoy a BBQ feast by the river
Make the most of the sunny weather and head down to Jimmy’s BBQ Club, a riverside pop-up along the scenic Queen’s Walk that’s all about alfresco vibes, smoky flavours and summertime feels.
Celebrating everything Jimmy loves about cooking – from laidback outdoor dining and refreshing drinks to upbeat music, tuck into a six-course feast cooked over an open fire. Watch expert chefs dish out not only incredible flavour combinations and mouthwatering sides, but also their top grilling tips as they go.
Get your fill of barbeque delights with Jimmy’s BBQ Club.
Cheer on champions at Henry VIII’s Joust
Step into Tudor England this weekend as Henry VIII’s Joust returns to Hampton Court Palace for an adrenaline-filled day out.
Watch in awe as fearless knights on horseback clash in a thrilling test of skill and courage. Pick your champion, cheer them on (or boo their rivals) and witness the dramatic showdown to see which knight will reign supreme. Don’t be surprised if you spot King Henry VIII himself making a grand appearance amid the action.
Entry to the joust is included with your Hampton Court Palace ticket – so book now for a thrilling ride through history!
See showstopping dance and electrifying rock music in Quadrophenia
Don’t miss your last chance to see the world premiere of Quadrophenia, rock icon Pete Townshend’s high-octane Mod Ballet at Sadler’s Wells, wrapping up its strictly limited two-and-a-half-week run on 13 July.
This boundary-pushing production fuses showstopping contemporary dance with the era-defining music of The Who’s iconic concept album – reimaging the powerful themes and energy of the cult 1979 film. Expect electrifying choreography, thrilling rock anthems and all the sharp style of ‘60s Mod culture.
Book tickets for Quadrophenia at Sadler's Wells.
Immerse yourself in a floral wonderland
Delve into a fabulous flower exhibition at Saatchi Gallery, where contemporary art meets botanical beauty.
Running until 31 August, this vibrant showcase fills the gallery space with more than 100,000 dried flowers, creating a visually stunning immersive experience. Discover a blooming mix of large-scale installations, striking photography, fashion pieces and archival objects – all celebrating the growing influence of flowers on creativity and human expression.
Learn more about Flowers at Saatchi Gallery.
Experience London in a whole new light
Wait until the sun starts to set, then hop aboard the London by Night Open Top Bus Tour and see the city like never before.
Enjoy panoramic views of the epic London skyline as it twinkles to life, passing by some of the capital’s most famous sights – from the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. Along the way, learn about the history of the capital and its darker secrets from an expert onboard guide.
This spectacular 90-minute trip is the perfect way to round off a summer’s day. Book your London by Night Open Top Bus Tour tickets now.
Join Trafalgar Square’s ChessFest
London’s famous square becomes a giant outdoor chessboard this Sunday as ChessFest returns to Trafalgar Square for a jam-packed day of fun and chess-themed activities.
See some of the UK’s top chess players in action, including Grandmaster Nikita Vitiugov, Mickey Adams and British Women's Champion, International Master Harriet Hunt. One of the day’s highlights? An epic living chess board, where 32 actors step into the game to recreate famous chess matches – complete with lively commentary from MC Owen and Grandmaster Chris Ward.
Discover free chess activities and hands-on challenges across the square at ChessFest.
Soak up summer sounds at Kew the Music
Get in the summer spirit with Kew the Music (8-13 July), a glorious week-long festival of summer concerts set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kew Gardens.
Bring your own picnic and settle into the stunning surroundings, or browse the open-air bars and street food stalls for something delicious – all before enjoying an incredible line-up of live performances. Across the weekend, listen to music by solo artist Alison Moyet and the crowd-pleasing rhythms of the Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes.
Find out more about Kew the Music and grab your tickets today.
Hear the music of Bob Dylan in Girl from the North Country
Head to The Old Vic and see Girl from the North Country, the multi-Tony and Olivier Award-winning show that’s back for a strictly limited nine-week run.
With music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, this powerful and poetic musical tells the story of a group of drifters navigating hardship, love and hope in 1934 Duluth during the Great Depression. Returning to the very theatre where it made its world premiere back in 2017, don’t miss your chance to experience the unforgettable storytelling of this soul-stirring musical.
Book tickets for Girl from the North Country.
Be blown away by music legends at Somerset House
Get ready for 11 unforgettable nights of live music as the Somerset House Summer Series returns from 10-20 July, transforming one of London’s most recognisable courtyards into a buzzing open-air stage.
This year marks 25 years of Somerset House as a home for cultural innovation, and they’re celebrating in style – with a line-up of personal and powerful performances from some of the world’s most influential artists.
This weekend, prepare to be wowed by soulful sounds from singer-songwriter Jacob Banks and move to the beat of Parov Stelar, whose electrifying fusion of jazz, swing and electronic music is guaranteed to get the courtyard dancing.
Check out the full line-up for the Somerset House Summer Series, and explore the complete anniversary events programme here.
Take a trip to the (Walthamstow) seaside
Can’t make it to the coast this weekend? No problem – Walthamstow is turning into “Walthamstow-on-Sea” until September, as Big Penny Social transforms its terrace into a classically British seaside resort.
Open on weekends, this urban beach pop-up is fully decked out with sand pits, private beach huts and deck chairs, perfect for chilling with friends and family. Soak up the sun with a slice of wood-fired pizza or cool down with soft-serve ice cream and frozen cocktails.
Find out more about Walthamstow-on-Sea, and if you're craving a proper dip, discover our guide to London’s best lidos and outdoor pools.
Celebrate Wandsworth’s story at the Heritage Festival
Join the festivities as Wandsworth Heritage Festival wraps up its run (13 June–13 July), marking London Borough of Culture 2025 with a final weekend packed full of local discoveries, cultural gems and hands-on fun.
During this closing weekend, take a guided historical walk through Tooting, dig into local archaeology with Pamela Greenwood’s fascinating finds at Battersea Library, or wind down with a gentle sculpture stroll in Battersea Park, where you’ll encounter four striking artworks that each tell a tale.
Check out Wandsworth Heritage Festival’s full events programme.
Recharge in nature at Gunnersbury Park
Join Ferne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival in Gunnersbury Park this weekend for a full dose of positivity, community, and uplifting experiences designed to help you reconnect and recharge.
This vibrant celebration of wellness and self-care features a wide variety of feel-good activities – from inspirational talks and movement classes to great food and joyful music, all set in the relaxed greenery of west London.
Highlights include talks from special guests such as Davina McCall, Dame Kelly Holmes, and Millie Mackintosh, who’ll be sharing their personal stories and insights into wellbeing, resilience and happiness.
Learn more about the Happy Place Festival.
See Aboriginal Art at Tate Modern
Discover the striking and soulful world of Emily Kam Kngwarray, one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, as her work takes centre stage at Tate Modern.
Step into a vibrant exhibition that showcases the rich textiles, evocative paintings, and immersive audio elements inspired by Kngwarray’s extraordinary life as an Anmatyerr woman born in Alhalker, in the heart of the Australian desert. Her art offers a compelling expression of her ancestral country and culture, capturing the deep spiritual connection between land, identity and storytelling.
Find out more about Emily Kam Kngwarray’s Aboriginal Art exhibition.
Catch London’s jazz stars live
Celebrate some of London’s premiere jazz musicians as the Battersea Jazz Festival wraps up this Saturday, after an exciting thirteen-day run across six venues in Battersea and Wandsworth.
Immerse yourself in a variety of jazz events and experiences, from intimate club gigs to vibrant open-air sessions, all spotlighting the incredible talent shaping London’s jazz scene. The festival closes with a powerful set from Christ-Stéphane Boizi, a rising star in the UK jazz world, known for his innovative approach to trombone playing and fresh take on contemporary sound.
Discover London’s vibrant jazz scene and explore the full line-up of events.
What's trending in London this weekend?
- Whether you like the smell of lavender and the sound of buzzing bees or need a great location for some stunning pictures, Mayfield Lavender Farm offers it all and provides you with plenty of local produce in their on-sight visitor shop.
- Travel to the home of time, Greenwich is not just where the Eastern and Western Hemisphere meet but also home to plenty of historical, nautical attractions.
- The Borough of Stratford is not just a shopping hub with Westfield Stratford City shopping mall but also home to the Abba Voyage arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park that offers plenty of opportunities to fill a whole day.
- The entertainment venue Outernet, with its giant screens inside and out, offers an immersive experience. It is currently showing Hidden Life, telling you a story about plankton, a lifeform and the importance of it.
Discover more of the best things to do in London in July, and don't forget to check out our guide to what’s on in London for things to do each month and key events. Be sure to download the Visit London app to find ideas on the go.
