This article gives you the best things to do in London during August (updated for 2024), including a top 10 list, nighttime activities, free things to do, and family-friendly attractions.
TOP 10 ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS IN AUGUST
This section lists our top 10 ideas for things to do in London this month, including tours, concerts, events, and attractions.
For more ideas of popular things to do, check out our posts:
For even more suggestions of activities year-round, make sure to read our master post for London things to do and see!
1. Sightseeing Tours
London is such a big city with so many things to see - make sure you see the best of it with a sightseeing tour!
Of course, we recommend our pay-what-you-like walking tours.
We have themed tours for street art, the Soho and Chinatown neighborhoods, Harry Potter, and more. Here are some of our most popular:
Royal Family admirers will also be excited to know that during August you can also tour the state rooms in Buckingham Palace!
If walking tours aren’t your thing, maybe consider a cruise down the River Thames.
Hop-On-Hop-Off buses are also very popular and make it easy to get around London.
Several great tour options are included for free or at a discount with the purchase of a London tourist pass.
2. Enjoy Major Concerts and Festivals
There are several big-name artists coming through London during August.
This part of the summer is also the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy a music festival.
Concerts
- ABBA Voyage | August 3rd - 28th
- Noel Gallagher High Flying Birds | August 5th
- Tom Jones | August 6th
- Craig David | August 13th
- Joji | August 17th
- The Weeknd | August 18th
- Indigo Girls | August 24th
- Margo Price | August 25th
Festivals
- All Points East Festival | August 18th-28th | Victoria Park | Featuring: Stormzy, The Strokes, Dermot Kennedy, and more
- Reading Festival | August 23th-27th | Richfield Avenue, Reading | Featuring: Billie Eilish, San Fender, the Killers, and more
There are plenty of other concerts and festivals taking place in and around London in August. Click here for the full list.
3. Enjoy a Sporting Event
In August, the Premier League football (soccer) season starts, which means there will be plenty of games to attend!
London is home to 3 of the top football teams within the Premier League and many others outside the League, so you can take your pick of matches.
Football
England National Rugby Union
Cricket
Check on Stubhub for additional games in August.
You could also take tours of several stadiums, such as Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Wembley Stadiumy Chelsea's Stamford Bridge.
4. Attend the Theatre
London is home to West End - the neighborhood of the world’s best plays and musicals - so there’s always something going on that you should see!
There is simply too much to show here.
From long-term residencies to short runs, here is a list of musicals and plays you can see in August:
- We Will Rock You
- The Phantom of the Opera
- Les Miserables
- Wicked
- Mamma Mia!
- Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations
- Matilda - The Musical
- TINA - The Tina Turner Musical
- Six The Musical
- Moulin Rouge - The Musical
Check out the complete list of what's playing in London.
For ways to get cheap theatre tickets, check out our handy discount ticket guide to London theatre.
5. Sample London Foods
London has a lot of delicious food on offer. There can be so much to try you might not know which way to go first!
That’s why we recommend taking a London Food Tour - and ours are pay-what-you-wish.
Oftentimes, the food changes with the neighborhood you’re in.
So depending on what you like, you might want some Asian-inspired cuisine in East London or to see all the highlights throughout different parts of the city.
Of course, there are also some great self-guided food tours.
6. Catch the Changing of the Guard
During the summer months, the Changing of the Guard Ceremony is a great way to spend your late morning.
The ceremony takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays during August.
This is great - and free! - for families and fans of the royal family. Kids love the parade and horses.
For more family-friendly ideas, check out the family-friendly section below.
For a breakdown of the best places to catch the parade or the inspections, check out our full Changing of the Guard Ceremony post.
Or, if you'd like to catch the shorter, less well-known Changing of the Queen's Life Guard at Horseguards Parade, check out this article.
TIP: Our Westminster walking tour includes the ceremony!
7. Go to the Notting Hill Carnival
If you’re in London on the last weekend of August, head out to West London for the annual Notting Hill Carnival.
It started in the 1960s as a London branch of the Trinidad Carnival celebrating Caribbean culture.
This festival is full of bright Caribbean colors, flashy costumes, and music.
Festivities take place August 27th-28th, 2023.
For more information, visit the Notting Hill Carnival website.
8. Enjoy Outdoor Cinema
There are a number of options for sitting out under the stars and watching movies in August.
Location: Floor 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park
Description: a roof with deckchairs, blankets, food, and drinks.
Dates: April - September 2022
Price: Tickets from £12.00
Location: At The Scoop outdoor amphitheater. London Bridge City, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge
Description: Not just movies but music, plays, comedy, dancing, and more. Seating is first come, first serve.
Dates: all summer
Price: Free
Location: Canada Square Park
Description: Romcoms, singalongs, action thrillers, and more. Bring a blanket and food. Drinks can be purchased at the bar.
Dates: Tuesdays, August 8th, 15th, and 22nd at 7 pm
Cost: Free
Location: Canada Square Park
Description: Family Friendly movies on the lawn.
Dates: August 5th, 12th, and 19th
Cost: Free
Location: Various locations
Description: Picnics allowed. Food and drink are sometimes on-site. Tickets needed.
Dates: August 19th, 20th, and 21st.
Cost: Start at £15.50
Location: Canalside Steps, Granary Square, King's Cross
Description: Family-friendly films shown on a screen across the canal from hill-side seating.
Dates: dates TBD
Cost: Free
Location: The Barbican
Description: Screenings "full of fantasy, adventure, and spectacular environments". Headphones provided.
Bring your own blanket. Food and drink are available for purchase.
Dates: TBD
Cost: Free
9. Attend the BBC Proms Concerts
If you’re a fan of classical concerts but your wallet isn’t, then BBC Proms is the event for you.
There will be a full schedule of high-quality concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and other venues. On the last night is Proms in the Park.
While most of the events host a classical orchestra or group, some offer contemporary music and family-geared events
Concerts take place from July 14th to September 9th, 2023.
Check out this year's Proms schedule here.
10. Purchase a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
August is a great time to spend a few full days seeing the sights and exploring London’s unique attractions.
One cost-effective way to see more attractions, tours, and landmarks is by getting a London tourist pass.
These passes work by bundling together several tourist attractions and tours into one single price and can save you up to 55%.
They also can save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket queue at several locations.
Depending on which pass you get, admission to the following activities and attractions is included:
- Buckingham Palace
- Tower Bridge
- View from the Shard
- The London Zoo
- Kew Gardens
- London Bike Tours
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tours
- London Boat Tours
- Wembley Stadium Tour
Make sure to read the full post covering London discount passes.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN AUGUST
This section lists some activities, attractions, and tours that are available in August.
For even more inspiration on how to spend your evenings in London, take a look at our nighttime activities guide to the city.
Visit St. Paul After Hours
St Pauls visiting hours usually end at 4:00 pm.
However, during August the cathedral opens up after hours on specific evenings.
St Pauls is lit with candles, and photography enthusiasts are welcome to take all the non-flash photos they can.
Please check their St. Paul's Summer Lates website for more information. Normal ticket pricing applies.
London Craft Beer Festival
The London Craft Beer Festival returns for its 11th year.
Over 80 breweries supply almost 500 beers. There are also chefs, excellent food, and DJs.
Events take place at the Tobacco Dock warehouse in Hackney from August 11th - 12th, 2023.
Check their website for details and to purchase.
Ride The London Eye
July skies are typically clear, making a night ride on the London Eye a great time to see the city at night.
Note that if you are traveling with family, this activity is a favorite with kids and adults alike!
For additional details, please read our full post about visiting the London Eye.
You may be able to get discounted tickets through the 2-for-1 program, the London City Pass, and the London Explorer Pass.
Take a Jack the Ripper Tour
The most famous serial killer in the world, Jack the Ripper, terrorized London in the late 1800s.
The media has been fascinated with him and his story ever since. Now, of course, there are tours based on Jack the Ripper, his victims, and the streets where the murders took place.
If you’re a fan of true crime and history - we recommend you take our Jack the Ripper tour.
No cheesy props or jump-scares here!
We also review other Jack the Ripper tours in London, so there are multiple dates, times, and companies to choose from.
See A Play in Regent’s Park
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is truly a hidden London gem.
Tucked away among the foliage of the park this venue is well-planned so that every seat has a perfect view of the stage.
In 2023, the plays scheduled for August are:
- La Cage Aux Folles | July 29th-September 16th
- Dinosaur World Live | August 11th-September 3rd
Visit the Open Air Theatre website for tickets and additional information.
TIP: If you want to experience Shakespeare, consider visiting Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Go on a Pub Crawl
In August, the weather is perfect for a pub crawl!
Many of these pub crawls are perfect for younger crowds that enjoy a good party into the early hours of the morning.
However, if you’re into a more laid-back drinking experience and want to learn about London’s historic pubs, we suggest a Historic Pub Crawl.
For even more inspiration on how to spend your evenings in London, take a look at our nighttime activities guide to the city.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST
There’s always something interesting and free happening in London!
This section lists some fun attractions, things to see, and activities to do in August.
Don’t forget to take a look at our comprehensive guide to free things to do in London.
Visit Harry Potter Sites
Who hasn’t heard of Harry Potter?
And of course, London is where many of the iconic movie locations were filmed or inspired by places in the city that are easily walkable or reachable by Tube.
We run pay-what-you-like Harry Potter walking tours through Central London!
All you need is a valid Oyster card for the day and our experts will do the rest. Check out all the magical details here. (We also have a self-guided option!)
If you’re looking for another free walking tour, check out our London walking tours page.
Take the Kids to Notting Hill Carnival Children's Day
The Notting Hill Carnival arrives in London during the long public holiday weekend from August 27th - 28th.
The carnival celebrates Caribbean culture with parades, dancing, music, costumes, and other activities.
It is said to be the largest street carnival in Europe, and as such, you’ll need to plan ahead with your transportation around the Notting Hill area, whether or not you go.
And don’t leave the kids at home, either! Sunday is Children’s Day with children’s groups on parade and other activities.
Best of all, it is absolutely free to show up and participate!
Visit the Brixton Windmill
One weekend most months, London’s last surviving inner-city windmill opens up for free tours.
It was originally built in 1816 and was in operation until the early 1900s.
Tours are £5.00 and available between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Tours book up very fast and are limited in size, but you can check their website for more information on how they deal with no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
NOTE: Tickets are released one month prior to the tour date. We suggest you book then.
Take a Picnic at Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is a popular lookout spot for locals and visitors.
On a sunny day, you’ll see many people out with their dogs or friends to soak up the sunshine.
From the top of the hill on a clear day, you can see all of London, with its impressive skyscrapers and the London Eye.
We suggest taking a picnic to enjoy after the short walk to the top of the hill.
Visit a Free Museum
London is home to a host of free museums all over the city.
If you’re interested in world history, why not go to the Victoria & Albert Museum? Archaeology buffs can visit the Natural History Museum.
For a full list of the free museums, you can visit in London, check out our full free museum post.
Take In Some Street Art
London’s East End is covered in graffiti and interesting street art.
Some of it is beautiful, other bits are political, and several are shocking.
August is the perfect time to enjoy a summer day and take yourself on a walk around the neighborhood to find different artwork.
If you prefer to be led by an expert, feel free to join us on one of our free London Street Art and Graffiti Tours.
Don’t forget to take a look at our comprehensive guide to free things to do in London.
Enjoy the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
This annual arts festival is one of the largest in the UK.
Visitors get to see performances in the areas of dance, music, theatre, and even circus acts.
The performances are free to attend and take place outdoors
Events run from August 25th-September 10th, and information about them can be found on the GDIF website.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN AUGUST
With the summer holidays almost over, August is the perfect time to enjoy a few more family-friendly activities with the kids.
Here is a list of attractions, museums, and things to do with the kids in London.
Don’t forget to read our full post on visiting London with the whole family.
Kids Week Theatre Tickets
While the name says Kids Week, it really is Kids Month.
During the entire month of August, there will be specific theatre shows that give children 16 or younger a free ticket to the theatre if they’re accompanied by a full-price adult.
Additional children’s tickets can be bought at half price without booking fees.
Check out the Kids Week website to find participating shows, operas, and other productions.
Madame Tussauds
The London branch of Madame Tussauds is one of the most popular locations - and for good reason.
If you’re a fan of the famous and noteworthy, you’ll probably find your favorite celebrity here.
Kids can take their picture with the Queen or their favorite Marvel hero.
And guests of all ages tend to be delighted with Shrek and noteworthy sports stars.
See the Dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park
They might not be real, but the Crystal Palace dinosaurs have become well-known as one of the most popular attractions in London.
These statues were designed by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins in the 1850s and they represent what we knew about the subject during the Victorian era.
There are 30 dinosaurs to see in total, and it’s entirely free to enjoy this attraction. Find out more here.
For even more great ideas, take a look at our full post about visiting London with kids.
The London Zoo
The weather in London might be the most stable and summery during August, which makes it a perfect time to go to the Zoo!
The Zoo is near Primrose Hill in a lovely green park.
There is space for the kids to run around and let off some steam, as well as a host of different habitats and animal species to marvel at.
Interested in reptiles? Visit the same Reptile House as Harry Potter (but please don’t set any loose!). They also have 70 species of mammals and over 100 types of birds.
Check out our post on getting discounted London Zoo tickets.
London Speed Boat Tours
Enjoy the summer weather out on the River Thames with an exhilarating speed boat tour!
This tour gives you a unique perspective of the city as well as an adrenaline rush. Who doesn’t enjoy going as fast as you can down a river?
Of course, there are other great - and calm - boat tours available. Check them all out on our London boat tour comparison post.
Kew Gardens
For families who love the outdoors, Kew Gardens is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
It sits in one of the outer zones of London and covers 121 hectares with open grassy space, walking paths, flower gardens, and other beautiful landscaping.
You can take a picnic or run around the grounds.
There’s even a tree walk that gives you the opportunity to climb high above the ground.
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