Summer is well and truly on a roll and August is soon to be in full bloom, but with so many top things to do in London in August, it can be tricky to whittle it down to the things that are truly worth your time. Here are our top picks, from gliding down the canal on a canoe in Hackney Wick to celebrating some stellar comedians at Camden Fringe.
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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of Instagram via Notting Hill Carnival via Facebook
Hit up the colourful Notting Hill Carnival
One of the top things to do in London in August is undoubtedly Notting Hill Carnival. This vibrant outdoor festival first took place in the streets of Notting Hill back in the mid-1960s as a way to unify the local community after racially motivated attacks took place directed at the West Indian residents of the borough. These days, it’s one of the biggest celebrations around the world consisting of booming sound systems, flamboyant masqueraders, delicious street food and much more.
Notting Hill Carnival | WA | Notting Hill | 24th – 25th August 2025
Image Courtesy of The Milk Float
Hire a canoe or SUP in Hackney Wick at Milk Float
Hire a stand up paddle board or canoe and take to the waters of Hackney Wick to cool off this August. It’s located on the Milk Float boat next to Barge East, a great place to grab a bite to eat post-canoe. Enjoy gliding down the canal and watch as the vibrant hustle and bustle of Hackney Wick ticks on.
The Milk Float | Hackney | Weekends only
Image Courtesy of Instagram via HRP Festivals via Facebook
Eat your way around Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
Foodies rejoice for a summer celebration of all things food and drink at the stunning Hampton Court Palace. Enjoy some of the city’s best street food, from sweet treats like churros and gelato to savoury delights like duck wraps and crispy calamari. Chow down on your choice of food to the sound of a live band with the Historic Royal Palace as your regal backdrop. When your belly is full take a stroll around the stalls of artisan producers and hit up one of the mixologist masterclass or cooking tutorials.
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival | WA | Hampton Palace | 23rd – 25th August 2025
Image Courtesy of Greenwich Docklands + International Festival
Enjoy the world of performance at Greenwich Docklands + International Festival
Greenwich Docklands + International Festival (GDIF) is a creative festival that generally runs annually during the month of August (with official dates dropping soon). Collaborating with artists and art organisations from all around the world, it aims to inspire a diverse range of audiences through specially-curated performances in some of the city’s most iconic public spaces.
In previous years, the thrilling lineup of events included an eight-hour aerial performance on top of a melting block of ice, dances by a worldwide phenomenon and so much more.
This year is expected to be much the same, so for anyone passionate about the arts and the world of performance, this festival stands as an absolute must-attend.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival | WA | Greenwich | Dates TBC
See some stellar comedians at Camden Fringe
If you can’t swing the trek up to Edinburgh for Fringe, you’ll be happy to know that London’s very own Camden Fringe is returning for its 19th year in 2025. With a jam-packed line-up featuring more than 300 acts across over 26 venues throughout Camden and the surrounds (Westminster and Islington), it’s a great and affordable night out in the city.
Camden Fringe | Camden | 28th July – 24th August 2025
Image Courtesy of All Points East via Facebook
Dance at All Points East in Victoria Park
You can’t visit London during the summer months and not go to at least one music festival, and from around May to September the city is thrum with all kinds of vibrant festivals, including All Points East. This East London festival has an awesome lineup of artists this year, from Barry Can’t Swim and Doechii to RAYE and Tyla. It’s also an excellent chance to dance the day away in the leafy Victoria Park, one of London’s lushest green spaces.
All Points East | WA | Victoria Park | 22nd – 23rd August 2025
Delve into British Royalty at the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace
Take a deep dive into British royalty with this ticket that grants you access to the regal State Rooms at the magnificent Buckingham Palace, which are only open from mid-July until mid-September. State Rooms are public areas of a palace where Royal ceremonies take place and monarchs entertain their guests, which is how the King and members of the Royal Family use the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace today. Delve into British royalty by wandering around the building’s magnificent chambers, kitted out with incredible art, including treasures from the Royal Collection, such as masterpieces by some of the greats – Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto, to name a few – sitting side by side with some of the most impressive English and French furniture in the world. Stroll around the rooms where historical events have taken place and visit one of the official residences of His Majesty the King before stopping for a bite to eat and a drink in the quaint Garden Café.
Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms | Westminster | 10th July – 28th September 2025
Image Courtesy of Battersea Park in Concert
Have a boogie at the Battersea Park in Concert 2025
If you’ll be in London for the August bank holiday weekend, Battersea Park should definitely be on your radar. From August 23rd – 25th, the park will play host to Battersea Park in Concert — a series of open-air performances blending classical, disco, jazz and blues in one of the city’s most iconic green spaces.
This isn’t just about the music (though the lineup is set to be fantastic), it’s the whole vibe. Think laid-back picnic spreads, fizz in hand and dancing in the grass as the sun sets. Each evening brings a different musical flavour, so make sure you get tickets to your preferred soirée in advance as it can get quite popular.
Battersea Park in Concert | Battersea | 23rd August – 25th August | WA
Image Courtesy of Brockwell Lido
Swim in one of London’s lidos
As soon as summer hits people flock to the lidos of London as a refreshing way to cool off from the city heat, and with so many dotted around the city, you’re bound to be staying close to one. A few local favourites include London Fields Lido (WA), Brockwell Lido (WA), Charlton Lido (WA), Tooting Bec Lido (WA), and many more. If you prefer a spot of outdoor swimming then Hampstead Heath Ponds (WA) are also a great choice, with female, male and mixed ponds to choose from.
Visit during Summer
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