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 unwind, 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
24th – 25th August 2025
A small community street fair that began in the 1960s to promote unity is now a world-renowned celebration of the diverse cultures that make our capital a rich melting pot. The three-day family event is an assault on the senses, as a blanket of colour and sound envelops the West London district. 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
22nd August – 6th September 2025
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 to London’s Docklands, witness heart-stopping acrobatics against the city 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
23rd – 25th August 2025
Get ready for a magical evening under the stars with the family this August at Battersea Park in Concert. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and prepare to be enchanted by the sounds of classical, jazz and cinematic music. It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce your kids to the world of live music in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
And don’t worry about keeping the little ones entertained – there’s plenty to keep them busy too! With delicious food stalls, exciting activities and even the all-new Kids’ Tipiland, there’s something for everyone.
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Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
23rd – 25th August 2025
Love delicious food, soaking up the sun and a touch of history? Then 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, all with a live band playing in the background. There’s something for everyone here, from mouthwatering cheeses to decadent desserts, plus refreshing drinks to keep you cool.
It’s the perfect summer escape for the whole family, so grab your tickets and get ready for a right royal feast!
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All Points East Festival
23rd – 24th August 2025
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East London is calling you this August! Yes, we’ve got another anticipated music event lined up this summer, so get ready to shake your groove thing in London’s Victoria Park! All Points East (APE for short) is an iconic London music festival stretching over two weekends (including the Bank Holiday weekend) and bringing a killer line-up of performers.
From catchy indie tunes to dance floor anthems that’ll have you moving all night. Need convincing to grab your ticket? Here are some of the headliners to get you hyped: Chase and Status, Barry Can’t Swim, Raye, The Maccabees and Cat Burns to name a few. See you there!
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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 so many ways to immerse yourself in all the place offers, from some of the biggest events to family-friendly activities, incredible exhibitions and interactive galleries. There’s even an IMAX cinema – perfect for watching the latest shows and presentations.
And for the thrill-seekers, there are multiple simulators to try out. Immerse in a 3D Red Arrows experience or discover what it’s like to fly in an RAF Typhoon jet. With 3.3 million visitors per 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 dinosaurs are 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 skeletons suspended from the ceiling. Check out the incredible T. Rex, the titanosaur – one of the largest creatures known to inhabit the earth, and observe the spectacular Stegosaurus. You can even see an array of birds, minerals, including jaw-dropping gems, and real fossils from volcanoes and earthquakes.
Whether you take a guided tour or explore the museum yourselves, there’s lots to keep everyone entertained. And when you’re ready for a sit-down, just head to the on-site cafes!
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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
29th May – 27th September 2025
Summer Screens returns with a bigger and better line-up than ever before! Catch all the thrills of live sports – from F1 races to Wimbledon matches and even the Paris Olympics.
Not a sports fan? No worries! There’s a massive selection of movies on the big screen too, including family favourites, recent blockbusters and cult classics. There are even fun live gaming sessions throughout the summer, so there’s truly something for everyone. 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
Introduce your children to 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 children and parents on the importance of nature and sustainability.
Celebrating cultural diversity and significant moments in human history, the Horniman Museum also offers engaging exhibitions and displays spotlighting Women’s History, Black History, Project Coral and much more.
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Summer on the Square
1st August – 1st September 2025
Looking for a fun way to soak up the summer in London? Then check out Summer on the Square! It’s this totally free art festival happening in Trafalgar Square, right next to the National Gallery. There’ll be workshops you can jump into, cool art installations to check out, and a chance to unleash your inner artist. It’s a great way to spend a day with friends and family, or even just for some creative me-time.
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For Families
SEA LIFE London
If you’re obsessed with sea life, 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 August.
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Free theatre tickets for West End Kids Week
21st July – 31st August 2025
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 and Back To The Future The Musical.
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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 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 animals? 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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