June in London means longer days, warmer weather and the city absolutely brimming with people sinking pints in beer gardens and setting up picnic blankets among every possible green space. Coinciding with my favourite time to be in London is also a very special event in the broader calendar—the start of Pride Month.
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or a proud ally, Pride is a time to honour love, visibility, history and progress. From iconic parades and powerful exhibitions to cabaret shows, queer bookshops and community events, there are so many ways to get involved, show your support, and have plenty of fun.
(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honour its history, and continue advocating for equality. It’s about love, visibility and the ongoing fight for rights – but it’s also a wonderful month filled with events, parades, art and community.
The origins of Pride Month date back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City – a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Today, Pride is celebrated around the world, and in London, it’s a vibrant and inclusive month where the city comes alive with community spirit.
When is Pride Month?
Pride Month takes place every June worldwide. In the UK, this month-long celebration features events across the country, with London hosting some of the biggest festivities. Whether you’re local or just visiting, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy.
How to celebrate Pride Month in London
Watch the Pride in London Grand Parade
The Pride in London Parade is the city’s biggest and most iconic Pride event. Scheduled for July 5th (the closest Saturday to the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement), you can expect a sea of rainbow flags, glitter, music and high-energy vibes. The parade features floats from community groups, charities and local businesses, as well as dancers, cabaret performers, live music stages and so much more.
Like most big parades in the city, it can get super jam-packed, so I recommend heading in early to snag a good viewing spot. I’d also pack water, sunscreen and a few snacks to keep you going throughout the day. There will also be a bunch of fab food stalls to check out if you want to grab something to eat afterwards.
Feel free to dress for the occasion – rainbow gear, glitter and expressive outfits are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.
Pride in London Parade | 5th July 2025 | WA
Image Courtesy of Queer Britain via Facebook
Have a browse around Queer Britain
Queer Britain, located in King’s Cross, is the UK’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ museum. It’s a beautiful and welcoming space that celebrates, preserves and documents LGBTQ+ histories and experiences, so if you want something thoughtful, inspiring and educational to do during Pride month in London, this is a great place to visit, and it’s free.
Queer Britain | King’s Cross | WA
Visit the British Museum’s “Desire, Love, Identity: Exploring LGBTQ Histories”
This exhibition at the British Museum explores LGBTQ+ lives and stories through history. From ancient artefacts to modern perspectives, it will give you an eye-opening look at how desire, love, and identity have been expressed across time and cultures.
If you want a more in-depth look into these artefacts, you can also book a free 70-minute tour of this exhibition led by museum volunteers.
British Museum | Covent Garden | WA
Image Courtesy of Admiral Duncan via Facebook
Support London’s favourite LGBTQ+ pubs and bars
London is home to some iconic LGBTQ+ venues that offer a warm welcome and brilliant nights out. You’ll love:
- Admiral Duncan, Soho – A central London staple with real heart. The pub is also an important symbol of resilience in the LGBTQ+ community, having been the target of a tragic nail bombing in 1999. Today, it stands proudly as both a welcoming bar and a place of remembrance.
- Queen Adelaide, Putney (WA) – Great vibes and amazing drag shows.
- La Camionera, Hackney (WA) – A relaxed and stylish lesbian bar.
- She Bar, Soho – Another one of the few lesbian bars in the city – a must-visit.
- G.A.Y Bar, Soho – For classic pop bangers and strong drinks.
Supporting these venues is a great way to celebrate Pride while keeping London’s queer nightlife alive and thriving.
Image Courtesy of London LGBTQ+ Community Centre via Facebook
Join a workshop at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre
This incredible community space in Bankside offers everything from poetry nights and ballet classes to meditation sessions and meet-ups. During Pride Month, they also have a bunch of special events to look out for. You can check their timetable closer to June for the full line-up.
London LGBTQ+ Community Centre | Bankside | WA
Image Courtesy of Dalston Superstore via Facebook
Dance the night away at an LGBTQ+ club
These iconic LGBTQ+ clubs know how to throw a party, and I’ve rounded up a few community favourites:
- Dalston Superstore, Dalston – Legendary queer club with art, music and unbeatable energy.
- Heaven, The Strand – A big, bold nightclub near Charing Cross with themed nights and pop royalty appearances.
- Circa, Embankment – Sleek and stylish, with a riverside vibe.
- Two Brewers, Clapham – A South London gem with drag, dancing and drinks.
Most of these spots will be hosting special Pride parties and club nights, so keep an eye on their socials and websites for announcements.
Image Courtesy of Gay’s the Word
Grab some new books at Gay’s The Word
This iconic independent bookstore is a total gem. Set up in 1979 in Bloomsbury by a group of gay socialists, Gay’s The Word is now a London institution and serves as a community space dedicated LGBTQ+ books and community events. It also holds a big selection of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, zines and more, so it’s no wonder we include it as one of our favourite stops in our London Itineraries (it’s along the Day 5 route).
Gay’s The Word | Bloomsbury | WA
Image Courtesy of Queen of Hoxton via Instagram
Do a bottomless drag brunch
As if you need another excuse to partake in a bottomless brunch (you’re on holiday, after all!), we highly recommend these fun drag brunches. Two fab options to check out:
- Queen of Hoxton (WA*), Shoreditch – Every Saturday from 2pm – 5pm, this three-storey East London pub puts on a drag brunch for £35pp. Expect bottomless fizz or mimosas, a 2 course taco and churro brunch, provided by Club Mexicana, an on-site DJ playing the best in commercial hits, and a drag host that’ll take you through musical bingo games, prizes, glitter artists and more.
- Haus of Cabaret, London City – With new events posted every month, you’re in for hours of drag entertainment at Haus of Cabaret. Your £49 ticket includes 90 mins of bottomless pizza & bottomless house cocktail.
These events usually sell out fast, so book in advance if you can!
*Queen of Hoxton’s ground floor where the brunch is hosted is wheelchair accessible
Image Courtesy of UK Black Pride via Facebook
Get involved in UK Black Pride
Now this isn’t in June, but if you’re still around in August and are keen to keep the pride celebrations going, UK Black Pride is an essential event bringing together the diverse sexualities, gender identities and cultural backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a powerful and joyful gathering full of great performances, panel talks, community stalls and workshops.
This is more than just a celebration – it’s a safe and inclusive space designed by and for people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community. Keep an eye on the line-up when it drops as it’s always inspiring.
UK Black Pride | 10th August 2025 | Stratford | WA
If you’re looking for more fun things to do while you’re here in London’s summer, we’ve got plenty of things you should explore below.
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