Summer has officially arrived come July, and there’s no place better than the UK’s capital for fun under the sun. London has everything you need to make memories to remember.
We’ve found all the top things to do and events in London throughout July so you don’t have to!
The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta
7th, 21st or 28th July
Don’t miss a chance to witness the magic of the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta®! This year, up to fifty colourful balloons will take flight across central London, raising money for a worthy cause. The standby dates have been confirmed as the 7th, 21st and 28th of July. Conditions will need to be perfect on the day of the to allow the event to take place. Keep your fingers crossed this is the year as it’s been a while since the incredible spectacle went ahead!
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Free theatre tickets for West End Kids Week
24th July – 6th September
Like the summers of our childhood, ‘Kids Week’ really does seem to last forever. And in this case, it really does – the offer of free theatre tickets for children under 17 runs from late July to early September. 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, Horrible Histories and Back To The Future The Musical.
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Summer Screens at Canary Wharf
30th May – 8th September
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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Barbie®: The Exhibition
5th July – 23rd February 2025
Did you hear? Barbie’s taking over the Design Museum in London! This isn’t just a trip down memory lane with childhood toys, though. It’s a deep dive into the design world through Barbie’s 65-year evolution. From the very first doll to groundbreaking fashion collabs, you’ll see how Barbie has reflected (and even influenced) culture. It’s a fun and surprising exhibit, perfect for a summer day out.
So grab your friends and get ready to be amazed by the world of Barbie – in a whole new light!
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River Stage
5th – 28th July
Sunshine, fresh air and free entertainment? Sounds like a perfect summer plan, doesn’t it? The National Theatre’s River Stage is back in July, turning the South Bank into a festival zone for four whole weekends. Expect everything from dazzling drag queens and breakdancing battles to singalongs and family workshops. There’s delicious street food to grab too, so come ready to fuel your fun.
So ditch the telly and head on down – River Stage is the place to be for a dose of summer magic!
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Grab last-minute tickets!
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny at Hackney Empire – Friday 5th July (book tickets)
ABBA Voyage – multiple dates from £77pp (book tickets)
Peter Kay Live at The O2 – Saturday 13th July (book tickets)
Offset at O2 Forum Kentish Town – Wednesday 17th July (book tickets)
The Play That Goes Wrong – multiple dates from £30pp (book tickets)
2:22 A Ghost Story – multiple dates from £24pp (book tickets)
Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition
18th June – 18th August
Looking for a vibrant splash of culture this summer? Then the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition is a must-see! With everything from captivating paintings to thought-provoking sculptures, it’s a chance to discover new artistic talents and see fresh takes on the world. It’s a London tradition that never disappoints, so why not wander through the galleries and see what artistic gems you’ll find? You might just surprise yourself!
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Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Step into a world of theatrical magic at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, a historical gem established in 1932. Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of a Royal Park, this multi-award-winning venue boasts an impressive capacity of 1,240 seats, making it one of London’s largest theatres. Several shows which debuted here have successfully made their way to the West End and even North America, captivating audiences far and wide.
Whether you’re a seasoned theatregoer or a first-time visitor, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is certain to delight everyone. Check out what’s on today.
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Wimbledon
1st – 14th July
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, with the first match played over 145 years ago in 1877. But it’s also known as one of the most prestigious, attracting royalty, celebrities, and tennis enthusiasts from around the globe. The matches will take place over two weeks, from 1st-14th of July. And although the public ticket ballot has now closed, you can still get involved.
There’s the infamous Murray Mound outside the courts, or you can head to the nearby Wimbledon Piazza to watch the action unfold on a big screen. Or if you’re super hardcore, join the Wimbledon queue for tickets on the day of! Wherever you’re watching from, there are sure to be some nail-biting matches heading your way!
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Canary Wharf Open Water Swimming
Looking for an exhilarating summer activity in London this July? Look no further than open water swimming at Canary Wharf’s Middle Dock! By popular demand, this thrilling experience is back, allowing residents, visitors, and workers to take a refreshing dip in the waters while enjoying breathtaking views of the iconic One Canada Square and Newfoundland. Supported by NOWCA, the UK’s largest network of safe open water venues, Love Open Water regularly tests the water at Canary Wharf to meet high cleanliness standards. Rest assured, the water is completely clean and safe to swim in!
Each session is supervised by lifeguards and is open to swimmers over the age of 10. You can find session times and book your swim conveniently through the ACTiO app. The pontoon next to Humble Grape on Mackenzie Walk provides easy access to the water, and there are changing huts available for swimmers to get ready. So grab your gear and prepare to make a splash in the heart of London’s bustling financial district.
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RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
2nd – 7th July
The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, also known as the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, runs from July 2nd-7th. This is the world’s largest festival of flowers spanning 34 acres, and it takes the festival organisers a staggering 21 days to set up the entire show. Visitors can expect engaging talks and demonstrations, insights from the likes of Dame Mary Berry, and plenty of tips on how to spruce up their own gardens. There’s even an opportunity to enjoy some high tea!
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Wireless Festival
12th – 14th July
Prepare to be captivated as Europe’s top celebration of black music makes its triumphant return, showcasing the crème de la crème of global artists. This iconic festival remains deeply rooted in the sounds of hip-hop, grime and R&B, attracting visionary musicians from both the UK and the US. Mark your calendars for the three-day extravaganza which takes place in London’s Finsbury Park.
Plus, Wireless is known for showcasing emerging talents, so you never know who you might see before they grow in popularity! With meticulous attention to visual production and sound quality, Wireless Festival promises an unparalleled experience that is destined to be truly remarkable.
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The BBC Proms
19th July – 14th September
This year, the BBC Proms is back with a bang for eight weeks, beginning July 14th. This world-renowned event sees fantastic artists come together to put on a once-in-a-lifetime performance of a classical concert inside the Royal Albert Hall. First launched in 1895, the annual concerts have come a long way, presenting ticket holders with an incredible experience all-round.
You can enjoy a bite to eat and a tipple with a choice of over 20 restaurants at the venue, including a relaxed spot for afternoon tea. Or, you can have food delivered to your seats, meaning you can truly sit back and relax at the concert. If you adore classical music, a visit to the BBC Proms is the ultimate July activity!
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Summer Evenings at London Zoo
7th June – 26th July
Experience the ultimate adventure at London Zoo as Zoo Nights return for summer 2024! Witness the captivating blend of wildlife and city life as the sun sets. Throughout June and July, every Friday the Zoo will open its doors to adults only, from 6pm to 10pm. Zoo Nights is undeniably one of the most extraordinary events in London and the absolute highlight of the summer.
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Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival
13th – 14th July
Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival 2024 is a revolutionary event where diversity is celebrated and extraordinary experiences await. This unique gathering is dedicated to fostering connections, providing a platform to engage with the most fascinating minds on the planet and partake in captivating conversations (and a spot of yoga).
This is a space that encourages giving back and paying it forward, seeking to uncover the joy that resides within each day. The event takes place at Chiswick House on the 13th-13th July, with guests including Will Young, Jason Donovan and Denise Van Outen. So why not come along? All you need is an open mind and a dash of curiosity to embark on an unforgettable adventure together.
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Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
11th July – 29th September
Fancy a peek into the royal lifestyle? Buckingham Palace is open to the public every year for 10 weeks over the summer. This year, the grand opening is on July 11th. By booking onto a guided tour, you can explore the infamous public State Rooms where King Charles and the Royal Family entertain their guests. And when you’re done, you can stop by for a classically British scone with cream and jam in the Garden Cafe.
If you love the monarchy, a trip to Buckingham Palace is a must-have on your July itinerary.
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