From delving into British Royalty in the State Rooms to feasting on epic street food from some of the best chefs in the city, September is a month of celebration in London. The capital springs to life the moment September hits via a plethora of awesome events taking place across the city; the only real challenge is fitting everything into your schedule. From music and food to design and urban architecture, here’s our list of the top things to do in London in September.
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(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of The Great River Race via Facebook
Spectate or take to the water at The Great River Race
If you took the London Marathon and put it on the water, you’d get The Great River Race, a 21.6-mile boat race starting in London Docklands and travelling up to Ham in Surrey. 330 crews travel from all over the world to participate in this annual event, ranging from all abilities and levels, from professional athletes to fancy dress racers and charity stunts. Whether you’re taking to the water yourself or merely spectating, you’re guaranteed a day filled with fun and light-hearted laughter.
The Great River Race | WA | River Thames | 12th September 2026
Image Courtesy of Open City via Instagram
Experience the very best of London architecture at Open House Festival
Every year, Open House Festival grants access to some of the most iconic buildings in the city during a celebration of the architecture and unique urban landscape of London. As a visitor, you’ll get to explore some of the city’s most magnificent buildings, neighbourhoods, landscapes and homes of locals who welcome the public to tell the interesting story of their space.
Open House Festival | 12th – 26th September 2026
Image Courtesy of London Design Museum
Embrace creativity at London Design Festival
This year, London Design Festival returns for another year, celebrating the city as the design capital of the world. The festivities aim to provide a much-needed platform for creatives and designers to showcase their work whilst offering a glimpse at the incredible diversity of the talent found across London and the UK. Expect a programme of installations and museum exhibits, as well as collaborations and Design districts that are each depicted to reflect the local community.
London Design Festival | 12th – 20th September 2026
Image Courtesy of Thames Festival Trust via Facebook
Celebrate the River Thames in all its glory at Totally Thames
This annual festival celebrates the lifeblood of the capital over a month-long period of walking tours, talks, workshops, exhibitions and much more. The River Thames has seen it all, it’s been a mainstay in London since before the capital even existed, so it only feels right that it has its very own dedicated festival and is on our list of top things to do in London in September. From river races and floating art shows to parades and tidal swims, it’s sure to be a month of exhilarating activities and experiences all centred around the very river pumping life right through the city centre.
Totally Thames | 1st – 30th September 2026
Image Courtesy of Royal Albert Hall
Enjoy a classical music performance
The BBC Proms is the world’s greatest classical music festival taking place every summer at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. Henry Wood and Robert Newman founded it as a way to make classical music enjoyable and accessible to all. These days that still stands; it doesn’t matter if you’re a classical music connoisseur or just like to dip your toe occasionally, this eight-week stretch of concerts is accessible to everyone. They run from July until mid-September (12th September this year), and you can purchase tickets online on The BBC Proms website.
BBC Proms | Kensington | WA | 17th July – 12th September 2026
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
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 late 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 | 9th July – 27th September 2026
Image Courtesy of The Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
Visit a festival of creativity in the city
The Greenwich Docklands + International Festival (GDIF) collaborates with artists and artistic organisations from across the globe to showcase carefully curated performances set in some of the most iconic public spaces within the city. Taking place until September 6th, GDIF has a timetable of epic events lined up, including an eight-hour aerial performance on top of a melting block of ice, dances by a world-wide phenomenon and much more.
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival | Greenwich | WA | 21st August – 6th September 2026
