The Events In & Around London To Book This Summer
Hidden London Tours & Lates
London Transport Museum
Explore a secret side of the capital with the London Transport Museum’s acclaimed ‘Hidden London’ series, offering exclusive access to disused stations, WW2 shelters and forgotten tunnels. Pair it with one of the Museum’s late-night openings, which include cocktails, DJs, behind-the-scenes talks and after-hours exhibitions in Covent Garden’s former flower market building.
July 11th-13th; prices vary
Visit LTMUSEUM.CO.UK
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Regent’s Park
Nothing says summer in the city quite like a night at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Set in one of London’s most beautiful parks, this al fresco venue is back with a standout season of live performances. From 18th July, don’t miss Noughts & Crosses, Malorie Blackman’s gripping love story set in a world divided by race and power, directed by Dominic Cooke. Then from 15th August, Brigadoon brings sweeping romance and Highland mystique to the stage in a rarely seen Lerner and Loewe musical revival. For families, The Enormous Crocodile, Roald Dahl’s classic story, runs throughout the summer holidays.
18th July-20th September; tickets from £25
Visit OPENAIRTHEATRE.COM
Desire Lines Festival
Deptford
For a low-key, creative day out that feels both local and original, Desire Lines is the newest addition to London’s alternative festival scene. Brought to life by the minds behind Brainchild, this one-day event unfolds across The Shipwright – a characterful riverside venue tucked away in Deptford. Expect a thoughtfully curated programme of live music, theatre, DJ sets, zines, craft stalls, spoken word and experimental performance, alongside street food from some of south-east London’s best independent kitchens.
20th July; tickets from £15
Visit BRAINCHILDFESTIVAL.CO.UK
Somerset House Summer Series
Strand
Set in one of London’s most iconic Neoclassical courtyards, the Somerset House Summer Series returns this July with a genre-spanning line-up of open-air concerts. With the striking Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court as its stage, the series has become a cultural highlight in the city’s live music calendar – this year’s bill includes names like St. Vincent, Freya Ridings, Giggs, FLO, Parov Stelar and The Snuts. Come for the headline acts but stay for the atmosphere.
11th-21st July; tickets from £39.50
Visit SOMERSETHOUSE.ORG.UK
Yoxman, Wilderness Reserve
Suffolk
For those looking for something beyond the usual supper club, Yoxman offers a transportive culinary escape on the Suffolk coast. Held on the 8,000-acre Wilderness Reserve, this immersive, all-inclusive dining experience invites guests to indulge in a weekend of gourmet feasting and refined hospitality. Michelin-starred chefs will each host their own edition, offering multi-course menus, paired wines, intimate masterclasses and countryside luxury. The setting alone – think wildflower meadows, private manors and lakeside firepits – makes this a dream ticket for anyone who takes their food seriously.
26th-28th July; also October & December; prices on request
Visit YOXMAN.COM
Cocktails In The City
Bedford Square Gardens
A must for cocktail fans and Londoners who want a chic summer night out, Cocktails in the City returns to the Georgian surrounds of Bedford Square Gardens this August. For three evenings, the leafy private gardens will transform into an al fresco playground for some of the capital’s most exciting bars – from speakeasies and hotel lounges to rooftop haunts and new openings. Expect signature serves from the likes of Swift, Nightjar, Tattu and Callooh Callay, plus live music, tastings, immersive pop-ups and a generous dose of friendly competition.
8th-10th August; tickets from £22.50 including one cocktail
Visit COCKTAILSINTHECITY.COM
All Points East
Victoria Park
A mainstay in London’s summer festival calendar, All Points East transforms Victoria Park into a ten-day haven of live music, creative production and culinary brilliance. This year’s headliners include Loyle Carner, LCD Soundsystem, The Smile and Mitski, with Field Day’s dance-focused takeover returning on the 24th. In between sets, expect pop-up restaurants, cocktail bars, boutique vendors and shaded corners perfect for lingering. Weekday community programming offers free entertainment, while the weekend line-ups promise standout performances from some of the biggest names in indie, electronica and alternative.
15th-25th August; day tickets from £74.95
Visit ALLPOINTSEASTFESTIVAL.COM
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
East Molesey
Few food festivals have such a majestic setting. Held in the grounds of Henry VIII’s former residence, Hampton Court’s Food Festival blends gourmet street food, artisan produce, chef demonstrations and family entertainment over the August bank holiday. Guests can wander between small-batch gin distillers, fine cheese makers and pop-up kitchens serving global flavours – then settle down for al fresco dining on the palace lawns. Entry includes access to Hampton Court Palace itself, so you can make a full day of it.
23rd-25th August; tickets from £25
Visit HRP.ORG.UK
Battersea Park In Concert
Battersea
Offering a refined twist on the traditional open-air concert, this three-night series pairs orchestral music with candlelit ambience and picnic-perfect surrounds. Held beneath the canopy of Battersea Park, the programme includes The Proms in the Park, a musical tribute to James Bond, and a finale filled with West End hits. Expect performances by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, gourmet food options, wine bars and VIP packages – all designed to elevate the experience beyond your usual outdoor gig.
23rd-25th August; tickets from £29.50
Visit BATTERSEAPARKINCONCERT.COM
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BBC Proms
Royal Albert Hall
A pillar of British musical life, the Proms continue through August with a spectacular and varied programme. From classical masterpieces to cross-genre collaborations and contemporary commissions, the Proms offer something for every listener – whether it’s a candlelit performance of Mozart, a tribute to Studio Ghibli or an appearance by the Chineke! Orchestra. With promenade tickets still just £9, and the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall as its setting, there’s no more stylish or accessible way to experience world-class music this summer.
Now until 14th September; tickets from £9
Visit BBC.CO.UK
Notting Hill Carnival
West London
London’s biggest street party returns for another dazzling celebration of Caribbean culture, music and food. Over the August bank holiday, the streets of west London will come alive with steel bands, feathered dancers, sound systems and delicious jerk cuisine, as more than two million people descend on Notting Hill for this iconic annual spectacle. Sunday is family day, with a more relaxed feel and children’s parade, while Monday is the main event.
25th-26th August; free
Visit NHCARNIVAL.ORG
Westminster Abbey Summer Family Programme
Westminster
For a quieter but no less enriching summer experience, Westminster Abbey offers a varied programme of family-friendly activities throughout the school holidays. Designed to spark curiosity in children and deepen their connection to British history, the events include garden trails, storytelling sessions and hands-on craft workshops. Entry includes access to the Abbey itself – one of London’s most important historic landmarks – and the opportunity to spend a peaceful afternoon exploring its cloisters, chapels and gardens.
Various dates in August; included with general admission (£29 adult, £13 child)
Visit WESTMINSTER-ABBEY.ORG
Open Water Swimming
Canary Wharf
For a restorative antidote to London’s summer heat, head to Middle Dock in Canary Wharf for an invigorating open-water swim. The water is clean and lifeguard-approved, with changing rooms, lockers and hot showers on site. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just looking to try something different, the industrial skyline provides a dramatic backdrop – and with early morning and evening slots available, it’s easy to fit a refreshing dip into your city day.
Daily through summer; £8 per session
Visit LOVEOPENWATER.CO.UK
Prehistoric Planet at Lightroom
King’s Cross
Lightroom’s immersive projection space turns prehistoric this summer with a new visual experience inspired by Apple TV’s Prehistoric Planet. Created in partnership with the BBC’s Natural History Unit, this 50-minute show uses floor-to-ceiling digital visuals to bring dinosaurs vividly to life, from soaring pterosaurs to ocean predators. A highlight for families, it’s also a visual feast for adults interested in tech, science and storytelling.
On now; tickets from £25
Visit LIGHTROOM.UK
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