If you’re visiting London in August, tourist season is still in full swing, and so is summer, if we’re lucky the average high temperature is 22ºC/72ºF and the average low is 14ºC/57ºF . Feel free to pack those shorts, yet still bring a light sweater or rain jacket (also check the forecast before you arrive, because we can get sudden heat or cold waves).
As for things to do, London is full of activities for adults and kids. Below are five things to do when visiting London in August.
Prefer to watch instead of read?
August Bank Holiday
The last Monday in August is a bank holiday– woohoo! This means that much of the city has the day off, and therefore, a three-day weekend. There are always tons of things happening, like music festivals, parties, pop-up markets and more. To see what’s happening around London during the August Bank Holiday weekend, check sites like Time Out London and Londonist, which are updated with more information and listings as the weekend gets closer.
One thing that I personally don’t recommend to visit is Notting Hill Carnival. It gets very crowded and I personally find it very unenjoyable… I prefer Hackney Carnival, which celebrates the same cultural values with a parade with colourful costumes, sound stages with live performances, and more. It’s just a bit more spread out and quiet 🙂 It happens just after bank holiday weekend, and you can find more info as it gets closer to August on the Hackney Carnival Facebook page.
Southbank Festivals and Events
There’s SO much to do along the Southbank in the summer, including some annual festivals of music, comedy, art and more. For example, check out the Underbelly Festival for live shows and performances, or the various shows that the Southbank Centre puts on. Visit the Southbank Centre website for more information.
There’s also a couple of things for kids, one year there’s a man-made “beach” as well as a water fountain that both children and adults were welcome to play in.
Check out this video for what you can expect at the Southbank Festival, including live shows till 1am, drag queens, and more…
Kids Week
This one is cool for your kids and your budget. During Kids Week, little ones get a free ticket to many popular West End shows with a purchase of one adult ticket, plus discounts for extra kids tickets. A show is a great way to cool off during a hot August London day or can entertain if rain is in the forecast.
Pin this, then keep reading…
Summer Opening at Buckingham Palace
In July, the Queen goes on holiday, so if you’re visiting London in August, the lavish State Rooms are open to visitors, plus a themed summer exhibition is on each year. Book tickets in advance as they can sell out fast for the summer months.
See a bit of a preview…
BBC Proms
Are you into classical music? You can hear a wide range of classical selections in a season of informal concerts with the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and in venues across London.
Each year, the BBC Proms host two months of concerts over the summer, aiming to bring the finest classical music to as many people as possible at affordable prices and in an informal atmosphere.
If you want to get involved, you can find more info and tickets on the BBC Proms website.
Here’s a preview of one act from the 2019 Proms…
Get my Free London 101 Guide
Will this be your first time in London? If so, sign up to get my free London 101 Guide. It’s everything a first time visitor needs in one easy to reference guide. Find out all the things you should know before you arrive in London, for free. Get helpful info on airport transportation, tipping, how to get and spend currency, and more.
