What's on in London this weekend (1-2 August 2026)
Weekends in London are packed with possibilities, so we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in London this weekend, drawing on a mix of first-hand visits, local insight, visitor popularity and what’s uniquely London.
From adrenaline-packed adventures and immersive exhibitions to award-winning West End shows and music experiences, this guide is kept up to date with the best things to do in London right now.
Don’t miss our guide to what’s on in London this month for more ideas and download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration.
1. Visit Buckingham Palace as it opens its doors for the summer
Kick off the summer holidays by ticking Buckingham Palace off your bucket list. Open to the public every summer, this rare chance to step inside one of the world’s only working royal palaces offers a full royal experience packed with art, history and grandeur.
Upon arrival, pick up your free audio guide before making your way through the magnificent State Rooms, still used today for official events, State Banquets and ceremonies. Follow the red-carpeted Grand Staircase as it leads you through some of the palace's most impressive interiors, before discovering highlights including the Throne Room, with its lavish red drapery and ceremonial chairs.
You can also choose to make a full day of it by combining your visit with another top royal attraction. Popular options include Buckingham Palace paired with afternoon tea at Brown's Victoria, or a combined visit of Buckingham Palace with an open-top bus tour.
Book your tickets now for the Buckingham Palace summer opening of the State Rooms.
2. Teamwork makes the dream work at the Crystal Maze Experience!
Take part in the ultimate team challenge and put your skills to the test in the same conditions as the legendary TV show, The Crystal Maze. The experience takes you to different themed zones, ranging from medieval to futuristic, with each challenge requiring you to utilise your team's strengths, whether they be intellectual, physical or technical.
Successfully completing each task earns you the highly sought-after crystals needed to access the legendary Crystal Dome. You'll get to enter a spaceship and solve your own naval battle, as well as operate a life-size version of the board game Operating Table, climbing up rocks and avoiding spikes to reach the prized reward.
Gather your friends and book your tickets for the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience!
3. See Maureen Lipman in Allegra, a laugh-out-loud comedy
Catch Maureen Lipman as she returns to the London West End in Allegra, a joyful new comedy packed with singing, laughter and plenty of heartwarming moments.
The story follows Allegra, an older woman who finds joy in life’s smallest moments, often bursting into song whenever inspiration strikes. Her unexpected performances bring chaos to the village bakery, local shops and beyond, leaving her brother and carer struggling to keep her eccentric outbursts under control after countless visits from the local policeman. But trying to quiet Allegra’s spirit risks taking away the very thing that makes her happiest.
Filled with hilarious scenes, unforgettable songs and moments of genuine emotion, Allegra is a heartwarming and uplifting show that celebrates finding happiness in the everyday.
Book your tickets to see Allegra before it ends on 8 August.
4. Admire the newly opened Venus Gardens at Windsor Castle
Take a day trip to Windsor Castle this weekend, escaping the hustle and bustle of London and stepping into one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most beloved royal residences, where centuries-old royal traditions remain very much alive. If visiting on Saturday, make sure to time your arrival for 11am to witness the Changing the Guard ceremony, a spectacular display of British pageantry.
Explore the State Apartments, open to visitors throughout the year, with their lavishly decorated rooms, glittering chandeliers and walls lined with royal portraits. Newly opened this summer, the Venus Garden offers another reason to visit, transforming the former East Terrace Garden into a beautiful floral-inspired landscape. Created as an ode to the planet Venus, the new gardens feature wildflower meadows, sculptural ornamental trees and sculptures from the Royal Collection.
5. Immerse yourself in FRAMELESS new gallery inspired by the Sistine Chapel
Discover London’s state-of-the-art immersive gallery FRAMELESS, where some of the world’s most famous artworks are brought to life through floor-to-ceiling projections, motion-sensor animations and a stunning musical score. Spread across four different galleries, the experience transforms masterpieces by artists including Klimt, Dalí and Monet, allowing visitors to step inside the artworks and see them in a whole new way.
Exclusive this summer, step inside The World Around Us gallery’s reimagining of the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes are transformed through special effects and spectacular music. The immersive experience brings the artist’s sacred scenes to life in a remarkable new way, surrounding visitors with centuries-old masterpieces like never before.
Visitors can also join FRAMELESS LATES on Saturdays, with after-dark sessions offering the perfect date night or evening out with friends. Explore all four galleries in a different atmosphere, complete with a curated Soho Radio soundtrack. During the late openings, visitors can also discover a new curated space created in partnership with the National Gallery: Discover Stories – Brought to Life, exploring the lives of some of the world’s most influential figures, including Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, William Shakespeare, Amy Winehouse and Malala Yousafzai.
Book your tickets now and explore the immersive art experience at FRAMELESS.
6. Head to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for the revival of CATS the musical
An annual rendezvous for London theatre lovers, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre never disappoints, bringing bold new productions to life beneath the open London sky.
Closing this season’s programme is the brand-new stage adaptation and revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical CATS, taking over the theatre until 12 September and ending the 2026 season on a purr-fect note. Brought to life by director and choreographer Drew McOnie, the production sees London’s stray cats and rebels gather beneath the Jellicle Moon for the chance to be chosen and ascend to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn.
Arrive early to make the most of the theatre’s magical surroundings, where you can enjoy a picnic on the lawns or choose from a range of food and drink options on site. From themed menus at the Covered Dining restaurant (pre-booking required) to the theatre bar serving sandwiches, pizzas, desserts and more, it’s all part of the experience before the show begins.
Book your tickets now to see CATS at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
7. Join the Jumanji safari experience at Madame Tussauds
Make the most of the summer holidays with a family day out at Madame Tussauds, always a hit with children and adults alike. Get up close with uncannily realistic wax figures of your favourite celebrities and fictional characters, from The Beatles, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Star Wars favourites and more, with plenty of opportunities to snap the perfect selfie. Spot a star-studded line-up of sports superstars too, including Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris, football legends Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Exclusive this summer, step into the world of Jumanji with the Jumanji Safari Tours 4D Expedition, a thrilling immersive experience packed with special 4D effects that transport you straight into the action. Join field guide Nigel Billingsley on a wild safari adventure through the heart of Jumanji, where surprises await around every corner.
Book your tickets now for Madame Tussauds and enjoy a thrilling family day out this summer.
8. Watch the stage adaptation of world famous manga series Death Note
Head to the Barbican Theatre this summer as Death Note: The Musical makes its highly anticipated London premiere. Running for a strictly limited season of just 50 performances, the new production is based on Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata's bestselling manga and is presented in collaboration with the producers of the original hit Japanese production. The musical also features a captivating score by Grammy and Tony Award nominee Frank Wildhorn.
The story follows gifted student Light Yagami, who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook granting its owner the power over life and death. Determined to rid the world of criminals, Light embarks on a vigilante mission that soon spirals out of control, drawing the attention of the brilliant and enigmatic detective L Lawliet in a gripping battle of justice, morality and power.
Secure your tickets for Death Note: The Musical and dive into this thrilling battle for justice
9. Dive into Chinatown’s sweet dessert scene
Chinatown is always a good idea. Whether you’re looking for a feast, a quick bowl of noodles before heading to the theatre, or want to explore the area’s buzzing street food scene, there’s always something new to discover. But did you know Chinatown has also developed quite the dessert scene?
Head to Newport Court, Chinatown’s very own dessert alley, where you’ll find must-visit spots including Chinatown Bakery, famous for its viral custard and chocolate-filled taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) and Bun House, serving its signature brioche-style pineapple buns. Don’t miss Speedboat Bar for its famous Pineapple Pie with Taro Ice Cream, a Thai-inspired twist on a classic dessert.
Don’t miss Mamasons, the Filipino ‘dirty’ ice cream parlour known for its inventive flavours, from pandan to the Instagram-famous ube (purple yam), or stop by Kova, a Japanese patisserie with a French twist, serving beautifully layered mille crêpes in flavours ranging from matcha and chocolate to durian.
Find plenty more recommendations on what to do in Chinatown with our detailed guide.
10. Pour the perfect pint at Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Head to London’s historic brewing quarter in Covent Garden, where you’ll find the recently opened Guinness Open Gate Brewery, an immersive brewing experience bringing visitors behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic beers.
Join a 90-minute guided tour and discover brewing techniques, innovations, and the craft behind the perfect pour. Highlights include a 360-degree immersive introduction to Guinness’s history, as well as a visit to the Tasting Room, where you can sample everything from the classic stout to experimental flavours and seasonal brews.
At the end of the experience, visitors are invited to try their hand at pouring the perfect pint before heading into one of the brewery’s bars and dining spaces for a well-earned drink and bite to eat.
Make the most of the sunshine in the Old Brewer’s Yard courtyard, where Calum Franklin, London’s own Pie King, serves a selection of freshly baked pies, including the popular Pie Flight for those who want to try a bit of everything.
Book your tickets now for the behind the scene tour of the Guiness Open Gate Brewery
11. See an all-star line-up at the Roundhouse Comedy Festival
Head to Camden as the Roundhouse Comedy Festival returns, celebrating its fringe roots with a huge line-up of top comedians, stand-up performers and live comedy events.
The festival kicks off this Saturday with a special edition of Live at the Roundhouse, headlined by Frank Skinner, with opening night also featuring performances from Phil Wang, Rosie Jones and Celya AB. Throughout the festival, the iconic Camden venue welcomes some of the biggest names in comedy, including Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan, Sam Campbell, Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe and Vittorio Angelone, alongside live podcast recordings with Adam Buxton and Alexei Sayle.
Check out the full line-up and experience some of the best stand-up comedy in London this weekend at the Roundhouse Comedy Festival.
12. Discover local stories at the Kilburn High Road Festival
The Kiln Theatre is bringing two weeks of theatre, music and community celebrations to north west London with the Kilburn High Road Festival. The festival shines a spotlight on Kilburn's rich history and heritage through local storytelling, site-specific performances, live music and visual art, celebrating the diverse communities that call the area home.
Don't miss All Things We Can't Explain, a new Kiln Theatre production by Sonia Jalaly (31 July-1 August), which sees a Kilburn community come together to protect what matters most as beloved local institutions begin to disappear. The production features a cast of 80 local performers aged between six and 88.
Also on display is Capturing Kilburn, a photography exhibition by Roy Mehta featuring portraits of Kilburn's independent business owners and celebrating their personal stories and connections to the area. The images are displayed in shopfront windows along the High Road, creating an open-air exhibition for everyone to enjoy, with maps available from the Kiln Theatre and online.
Discover the full programme of the Kilburn High Road Festival.
13. Explore the Imperial War Museum's latest exhibition, Childhood in War
Step into the Imperial War Museum's latest exhibition, Childhood in War, an immersive experience exploring the lives of children affected by conflict from the First World War to the present day. Through interactive displays and powerful personal stories, the exhibition reveals the extraordinary resilience and adaptability of children living through times of war.
Bring history vividly to life as you step inside recreations of an evacuee train carriage and a Cold War-era kitchen, while discovering real-life stories through personal objects and letters, including one written by a young boy from Dublin to Lord Kitchener, then Secretary of State for War.
Families can also follow a literary trail inspired by much-loved children's books, collecting stamps at six different points around the exhibition while engaging with stories that explore childhood in times of conflict.
Discover more family activities to enjoy this summer at the Imperial War Museum.
14. Hear traditional sea shanties at the Cutty Sark
Hop aboard an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and cruise along the Thames to Greenwich, London's historic maritime borough and home to the iconic Cutty Sark.
Step aboard the world's last surviving tea clipper and experience life at sea through the rousing sounds of traditional sea shanties. On Saturday, The HighEye Men perform aboard the ship's atmospheric 'Tween Deck, while on Sunday, resident sea shanty group Swinging the Lead, who have been entertaining visitors at the Cutty Sark since 2011, take to the stage.
Performances take place at 11.45am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm this weekend, with all shows included in the standard admission ticket.
There's plenty more family fun to enjoy at the Cutty Sark this summer, including Meet the Characters of Cutty Sark, an interactive tour where you'll meet the captain, chat with the ship's cook and join Nannie the Figurehead for a lively adventure around the vessel. The experience is also included with standard admission.
15. Dive into the Jurassic era at the Natural History Museum’s new exhibition
Just opened this week, the Natural History Museum’s new exhibition, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep, is a fascinating display that takes visitors back 200 million years. Take a thrilling dive into ancient oceans and come face-to-face with legendary prehistoric creatures, including the pliosaur, the ichthyosaur – a dolphin-like predator – and the mosasaur, the fiercest predator of them all.
The exhibition is packed with fascinating exhibits, from millions-of-years-old fossils to a mosasaur tooth, alongside plenty more ferocious creatures that once roamed our oceans.
Things to do this weekend under £20
- 🎞️ Best Wallace & Gromit fans and budding creatives: Step inside the world of your favourite films at Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends, and discover the creativity, characters and craftsmanship behind some of Britain’s most loved animations.
- ⛴️ Best for history enthusiasts looking for a boat trip: Hop aboard the Tower of London River Cruise for a fascinating journey along the Thames, uncovering the river’s murky history, hidden stories and iconic landmarks along the way.
- 🏙️ Best for summer food and drinks with a view: Soak up the sunshine at one of London’s best rooftop bars and terraces, enjoying spectacular city views with a drink in hand.
- 🎭 Best for literature lovers: Step into the Jane Austen Experience, where you can dress in Regency style and immerse yourself in the sights, stories and elegance of the era.
- 💉 Best for history buffs: Explore the fascinating world of medical history at The Old Operating Theatre Museum, and discover the pioneering people, practices and discoveries that shaped modern medicine.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in London this weekend?
Our experts handpick the top things to do in London this weekend, from unmissable exhibitions and theatre shows to live music, street festivals and foodie hotspots. Check our guide for activities across London, including options under £20.
What should I wear or bring for London events this weekend?
Check the weather forecast – many events are outdoors or include walking. Comfortable shoes, layers and a portable umbrella are recommended, especially if combining multiple activities.
Can I plan a last-minute weekend in London?
Absolutely! Our guide includes timely recommendations and ongoing events, so you can plan a weekend at short notice. Many shows and exhibitions offer online booking for same-week visits.
