August Bank Holiday fun: London’s calling!
So, you’ve got the August Bank Holiday off and you’re thinking of hitting the big smoke? Amazing choice! London is where the magic happens and there’s no better time to soak up the city’s vibrant energy than during this long weekend.
Whether you’re a culture vulture, a party animal or just looking to relax and explore, the capital has something for everyone. From world-class museums to street festivals, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your mates, pack your sunnies and get ready for an unforgettable August Bank Holiday in London! Let’s dive in and explore all the awesome things you can do.
What’s on this Bank Holiday?
Notting Hill Carnival
29th – 31st August 2026
Originally a small community street fair that began in the 1960s to promote unity, the Notting Hill Carnival has evolved into a world-renowned celebration of Caribbean culture, heritage, and the arts. The three-day West London carnival features everything from epic steel bands, mouth-watering authentic bites and plenty of buzzing live stages with a packed line-up.
This year’s celebrations include the UK National Panorama Steelband Competition. The jewelled heart of the carnival is the Mas – a parade that both the general public and masters of the masquerade can take part in. Food stalls, bars and fringe events all add to the invigorating celebratory atmosphere.
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Greenwich & Docklands International Festival
21st August – 6th September 2026
If you’re searching for sunshine, street performers and showstopping spectacles this August, then look no further than the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival in London. This free, open-air extravaganza transforms east London into a giant stage. With mind-blowing performances popping up everywhere across Greenwich’s parks and Docklands area, witness endless heart-stopping acrobatics against the iconic London skyline.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival is all about surprises and unforgettable experiences. Best of all, the majority of events announced so far are free with no ticket required!
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Battersea Park in Concert
28th – 31st August 2026
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and get ready to be enchanted by the sounds of classical, jazz and cinematic harmonies. It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce your little ones to the world of live music in one of London’s most beloved settings.
Taking place at Battersea Park, with the magnificent Battersea Power Station just a stone’s throw away, this August bank holiday content will have no difficulty keeping you and your family entertained. Friday sees Jeremy Loops taking to the stage with modern folk melodies. On Saturday, you’ll find the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra reimagining countless pop classics. Sunday is perfect for cinephiles looking to relive their favourite soundtracks. And on bank holiday Monday, experience Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra and The Amy Winehouse Band as they close out this incredible weekend of music.
Plus, with delicious street food, luxury picnic options, wine tasting sessions and even the beloved Kids’ Tipiland, Battersea Park in Concert is the place to make memories this August bank holiday.
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Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
29th – 31st August 2026
Love delicious food, soaking up the sun and a dash of royal heritage? The Hampton Court Palace Food Festival is calling your name! Enjoy the incredible views of Hampton Court Palace as you fill your plate with yummy street food and treats, and we can’t forget the live music.
There’s something for everyone here, from mouthwatering cheeses to decadent desserts, plus refreshing drinks to keep you cool all day long. The Hampton Court Palace Food Festival is the perfect summer escape for the whole family. So grab your tickets and get ready for a proper royal feast!
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All Points East Festival
21st – 23rd & 28th- 30th August 2026
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Victoria Park is calling you this August! Yes, we’ve got another anticipated music event lined up this summer, so get ready to groove the night away at All Points East. This iconic London music festival stretches over two weekends (including the Bank Holiday weekend) and is set to bring a killer line-up of performers.
Need convincing to grab your ticket? Here are some of the headliners to get you hyped: Djo, Lorde, Zara Larsson, Wunderhorse, Twenty One Pilots & Tyler, The Creator, to name a few.
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Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
29th – 31st August 2026
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Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is hard to beat when it comes to perfect ways to spend a summer afternoon and evening in London. Tucked away inside the beautiful, leafy grounds of Regent’s Park, this open-air theatre is one of the city’s most magical and unique venues, where you can watch incredible live theatre surrounded by towering trees and gorgeous skies – you’ll forget you’re in the capital! If you are planning your August Bank Holiday weekend, the theatre has an absolutely fantastic lineup that offers something for everyone.
For the little ones (and those young at heart), the lively family show Anansi the Spider will be taking over the lovely, green Picnic Lawn during the day. It’s a beautifully vibrant, high-energy production that brings classic West African and Caribbean folk tales about the clever, mischievous trickster spider to life. All you need to do is pop down a blanket on the grass and enjoy the magic!
Then, as day turns to dusk, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical CATS leaps onto the main auditorium. This highly anticipated outdoor revival brings the beloved Jellicle cats together under the moonlight, making for a truly spectacular and atmospheric evening out. Whether you’re looking for a joyful daytime family picnic or an unforgettable night of musical theatre as the sunsets, this is an August Bank Holiday weekend to remember.
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LIDO Festival
29th – 31st August 2026
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Wrap up your August bank holiday weekend with a boogie at East London’s Victoria Park. On Bank Holiday Monday, LIDO Festival takes over the park’s historic Lido Field for a sun-soaked celebration of music and community. It’s the ultimate long-weekend finale and one last chance to stretch out the summer vibes and dance in the open air. What makes this day extra special is that the incredible electronic duo Maribou State are headlining and completely curating the lineup. They’ve hand-picked an unbelievable roster of artists, including the iconic Kelis, a rare back-to-back set from Detroit house legends Theo Parrish and Moodymann and the feel-good disco sounds of Folamour.
Because the festival’s ethos is all about letting artists fully control the music, artwork and stage design, the whole day is going to feel like a beautifully intimate party rather than your standard music festival.
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Free things to do
Science Museum
Fascinated by all things science-related? The Science Museum is the ideal attraction to top up your knowledge. Year-round, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself at this award-winning museum. We’re talking family-friendly exhibitions that take a deep dive into the world we live in, as well as interactive galleries that will keep everyone awe-inspired.
There’s even an IMAX cinema where you can catch the latest incredible documentaries diving into the fascinating Antarctica plains, or you can time-travel back to the time of the T. Rex. And we, of course, can’t forget the epic blockbuster showings! With 3.3 million visitors every year and free admission, this is, without a doubt, one of the best family attractions in The Big Smoke.
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Natural History Museum
If Jurassic exploration is your thing, then the Natural History Museum is an attraction you simply cannot miss. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by an abundance of dinosaur skeletons suspended from this magnificent building’s ceiling. Check out the incredible T. Rex, the titanosaur (one of the largest creatures known to inhabit the earth) and the spectacular Stegosaurus.
You can even see an array of captivating birds, rare minerals, including jaw-dropping gems and real fossils from volcanoes and past tectonic events. Whether you take a guided tour or explore the museum at your own pace, there’s lots to keep everyone entertained.
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The Now Building – Outernet
Immerse yourself in a dazzling world of light at the Outernet. Located next to Tottenham Court Road Station, this free, public space boasts stunning LED displays in its expansive 4-storey high venue.
Known as the Now Building, this vibrant hub is packed with captivating light and visual displays, cultural experiences and even some entertainment thrown in for good measure. Made up of 5 connected LED screens, the 4k east, west and north walls and 8k ceiling make this space 16k+ resolution!
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Summer Screens at Canary Wharf
4st June – 1st September 2026
Summer Screens returns with a bigger and better line-up than ever before! And this August bank holiday, Summer Screen will be showing John Millington Synge’s classic play The Playboy of the Western World, originally performed at the National Theatre.
There’ll also be a huge selection of movies on the big screen, including family favourites, recent blockbusters and cult classics, plus live gaming sessions. Be sure to keep an eye on their website for the full calendar this bank holiday weekend. Best part? It’s all completely free! Just pack a picnic and settle in for an unforgettable summer experience.
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Horniman Museum & Gardens
Discover an array of extraordinary natural wonders at one of the best London museums, the Horniman Museum & Gardens. This wondrous family-friendly museum aims to educate and inspire on the importance of nature and sustainability.
Celebrating cultural diversity, anthropology, natural history, musical triumphs, the Horniman Museum also offers engaging exhibitions spotlighting Women’s History, Black History, Project Coral, as well as weekly events like seed-planting, craft sessions and sound garden exploration.
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For Families
SEA LIFE London
If you’re obsessed with all things aquatic, there’s simply no better day out than a family trip to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Taking pride of place along the River Thames on the South Bank, this exciting adventure is super easy to get to. But it’s what’s waiting inside that’ll have kids and adults alike bursting with excitement.
With 500 species to see in 14 themed zones, you’ll no doubt spend the entire day there. Take a peek at the Gentoo Penguin Colony in the Polar Adventure zone, check out the UK’s largest jellyfish experience inside Ocean Invaders, and touch real Starfish in the Rockpool. But there’s so much more to see, including sharks, octopuses, stingrays, and turtles!
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DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure! London
Step into the fairytale world of Shrek this August at Shrek’s Adventure! London. Shrek’s Adventure! has become one of the biggest London attractions for families, packed with laughs, surprises and unforgettable moments for the whole family.
From the moment you board the magical 4D bus to Far Far Away, you’ll be whisked away on a hilarious adventure filled with your favourite DreamWorks characters. With a blend of live shows and interactive experiences the whole family will enjoy, you’ll meet the likes of Princess Fiona, Donkey and Puss in Boots as you help them complete their magical adventure!
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Go Ape at Alexander Palace
This high-flying London adventure is perfect for kids and adults alike. Go Ape at Alexandra Palace is home to a variety of courses to choose from, from the little ones taking their first steps in the trees to thrill-seekers looking for a challenge in this urban jungle.
Imagine soaring through the air on zip lines, swinging from tree to tree and tackling wobbly bridges. It’s a fantastic way to burn off energy and create awesome family memories. Plus, with stunning views of London from the treetops, you’ll feel at one with the skyscrapers! Whether you’re a daredevil or just looking for a fun day out, Go Ape is sure to be a highlight of your summer.
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Free theatre tickets for West End Kids Week
July – 31th August 2026
Like the summers of our childhood, ‘Kids Week’ seems to last forever. And in this case, it really does – the offer of free theatre tickets for children under 17 runs throughout August. Every full-paying adult at select shows and performances is entitled to a free child ticket, as well as half-price tickets for an additional two children. From stories of triumph over adversity to the downright daft, there’s a huge range of shows on offer for toddlers to young adults.
Many West End shows are included in the offer, with highlights including Wicked, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Greatest Showman – Come Alive and Mamma Mia.
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Tower of London
Dating way back to the 11th century, the Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Owned by King Charles III, it once functioned as a royal fortress and a prison. Today, it is the home of The Crown Jewels, a collection of ceremonial objects with over 23,000 gemstones belonging to the Royal Family.
If you fancy a trip, you can get up close and personal to the treasured jewels, enjoy a guided tour with a Yeoman Warder, and meet the ravens, AKA the guardians of the tower. Located on the north side of the River Thames across from Tower Bridge, this is one of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in London’s history.
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HMS Belfast
Fancy a step back in time? Climb aboard one of London’s most iconic landmarks, HMS Belfast, located on the River Thames. This famous ship played an important role in World War II and the Korean War, and is the largest surviving vessel. Inside, there are nine decks to explore, all accessible via ladders and hatches, helping you immerse yourself in the real HMS Belfast experience.
You can hear the stories of the 950 people who lived and served on board, solve puzzles, and learn how to steer the ship whilst you’re there. Make sure to take lots of photos with the family – this is definitely an experience you’ll want to remember!
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London Zoo
Fancy getting up close and personal with some amazing wildlife? London Zoo is the spot for a wild day out with family! From playful penguins to majestic lions, there’s something to excite everyone. Kids will love exploring the different habitats and learning about the incredible creatures that call the zoo home. Plus, there are plenty of interactive exhibits and shows to keep everyone entertained.
And don’t forget to check out the zoo’s conservation efforts. It’s a great opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of protecting wildlife and our planet. So pack a picnic, grab your camera and get ready for a wild adventure at London Zoo!
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