8 events and fun things to do in London in June 2026

Buckingham Palace balconies overflowing with blooms? Check. Pub gardens basking in a warm (ish) glow? Check.

London in June is a city awakening from its springtime slumber, ready to be explored with gusto. So, ditch the raincoat (hopefully) and dust off your walking shoes – here’s your guide to a cracking good time in London this June!

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1. Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition

• 
  16th June 2026 – 23rd August 2026

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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2. Summer Screens at Canary Wharf

• 
  4th June 2026 – 1st September 2026

Summer Screens returns with a bigger and better line-up than ever before! Catch all the thrills of live sports – from Formula One races to Wimbledon and Cricket games, they have it all.

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.

3. Mayfield Lavender Farm

• 
  6th June 2026 – 23rd August 2026

Forget the Eiffel Tower, London lays claim to the most Instagrammable sight in June – Mayfield Lavender Farm. Picture yourself wandering through rows of purple perfection, the air scented with calming essential oils. Be sure to check their website for opening dates and those all-important #aesthetic photo ops.

Please note that Mayfield operates across two locations with different opening dates. The Banstead site, which hosts their nursery and shop, opens on 6th June. Meanwhile, the main Epsom farm – the iconic, sprawling 25-acre field complete with the famous red telephone box – will welcome visitors starting on 15th June.

4. Taste of London Food Festival

• 
  17th June 2026 – 21st June 2026

Forget the Eiffel Tower, London lays claim to the most Instagrammable sight in June – Mayfield Lavender Farm. Picture yourself wandering through rows of purple perfection, the air scented with calming essential oils. Be sure to check their website for opening dates and those all-important #aesthetic photo ops.

Please note that Mayfield operates across two locations with different opening dates. The Banstead site, which hosts their nursery and shop, opens on 6th June. Meanwhile, the main Epsom farm – the iconic, sprawling 25-acre field complete with the famous red telephone box – will welcome visitors starting on 15th June.

5. Trooping the Colour

• 
  13th June 2026

June in the UK is bursting with events, but for a truly iconic British experience, look no further than Trooping the Colour, also known as the King’s Birthday Parade. This spectacular ceremony celebrates the King’s Official Birthday (while his actual birthday falls in November) with a display of splendid pageantry unlike any other.

Witness over 1,400 officers and soldiers from the Household Division march in perfect unison down The Mall, accompanied by hundreds of musicians and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The parade itself can be viewed for free along The Mall, so pack a picnic, grab a Union Jack flag and soak up the atmosphere of this historic and joyous occasion.

6. Summer Evenings at London Zoo

• 
  5th June 2026 – 24th July 2026

Experience the ultimate adventure at London Zoo as Zoo Nights return for summer 2026! Witness the captivating blend of wildlife and city life as the sun sets. From June 5th to July 24th, 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.

7. West End Live

• 
  20th June 2026 – 21st June 2026

As the city thaws out, so does its theatre scene! June welcomes West End Live, a two-day extravaganza showcasing the best of London’s musicals. This is your chance to see an array of show-stopping performances from London’s hottest West End musicals. Think show tunes, dazzling costumes, and enough energy to light up Piccadilly Circus.

8. Canary Wharf Open Water Swimming

• 
  19th June 2026

Looking for an exhilarating summer activity in London this June? 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.