Things to Do in London in August

Finding things to do in London in August is never a challenge. There are tons of annual activities around London that last the whole month. Additionally, there are always special events that celebrate unique activities happening in the different neighbourhoods.

Whether you are interested in things to do that are foodie, music or art related, there are endless options to keep you busy. From Afternoon Tea Week to the London Craft Beer Festival to Tango lessons- you’ll have plenty of options.

And since it’s generally a warm, sunny month when most people use their annual leave to soak up the rays, there are tons of outdoor events scheduled too.

So, get ready to embrace the vibrancy of the city and uncover its best-kept secrets this summer!

You’ll find Things to Do in London in August organised below by:

• What’s Coming Up/On Sale Now
• Exhibitions
• Candlelight Concerts
• Afternoon Teas
• Arts & Culture
• Beer Things to Do in London
• Sports
• Bank Holiday
• Seasonal/Outside Recommendations

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no additional cost to you and it helps support the Sunny in London blog.

What’s Coming Up – On Sale in July

WINTER WONDERLAND

London’s most magical winter destination! At this Christmas themed amusement park you can enjoy ice skating, rides, games, food, entertainment and more! It’s open for 45 days from 21st November 2024- 5th January 2025.

Weekends are super popular and sell out quickly each year!

This year (2024) the exclusive email subscriber pre-sale is 31st July at 10am. General ticket sales begin Thursday 1st August.

• LOCATION: Hyde Park
• PRICE: Varies based on advanced ticket package purchased (Watch video below to learn more)
• TIMES: 10am-10pm

WINDSOR GREAT PARK ILLUMINATED

Returning for its fourth year, this activity lights up the iconic Windsor Great Park. It brings the woodland and water to life with a festive celebration of light and sparkle of magic. Soon, they launched their exclusive 48 hour pre-sale to email subscribers on 30th July.

• LOCATION: Windsor Great Park
• PRICE: 1 adult, peak time, £29.15
• TIMES: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025

CHRISTMAS AT KEW

Enter a botanical world filled with seasonal cheer. Christmas at Kew features a magical light trail across Kew Gardens, making it the perfect festive winter evening.

Tickets are on sale now for 13 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. If you’re even considering this holiday activity- get your tickets as soon as possible. They frequently sell out fast!

• LOCATION: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3EG
• PRICE: Non-member adult off peak £25.50 / Peak £32; Member adult: Off peak £21.50 / Peak £26
• TIMES: Entry slots start at 4.20pm through 8pm (depending on Entry Gate)

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Exhibitions

Paradox Museum: London

See the world from another perspective. From captivating optical illusions to challenging paradoxes, this unique voyage is a haven for curiosity and discovery. Behold the impossible, challenge gravity and interrogate the essence of reality as you engage in an immersive escapade unmatched. 

If you’re looking for family things to do in London in August, this museum should be on your list!

• LOCATION: Paradox Museum London, 90 Brompton Rd, SW3 1JJ
• PRICE: from £14
• TIMES: based on booking, approximately 90 minutes
• FEVER EVENT

The Art of the Brick: An Exhibition of LEGO® Art

The most famous exhibition of LEGO® art! Find out how over a million LEGO® bricks have been transformed into more than 100 sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya. Critically acclaimed, this collection includes not only original sculptures by the artist but also new versions of great masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s The Starry Night and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

• LOCATION: The Boiler House, 152 Brick Ln, E1 6RU
• PRICE: from £15.90
• TIMES: based on booking, lasts approximately 60 minutes

Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive VR Expedition to Ancient Egypt

With The Horizon of Khufu, travel back thousands of years to the heart of ancient Egypt. Unlock the secrets of one of the seven wonders of the world with a brand new concept: the immersive expedition. Discover the Great Pyramid of Giza as it was more than 4500 years ago. Walk through its mysterious corridors, enter the Queen’s Chamber, and even try to decipher some hieroglyphics during a one-of-a-kind experience in London.

• LOCATION: The Street 1, London E20 1EJ
• PRICE: from £21
• TIMES: based on booking, duration 45 minutes

Bubble Planet: An immersive Experience

Inside this spherical world full of bubbles, you will have the opportunity to hop from one immersive space to the next, experiencing them all with your five senses! With oversized bubbles, balloons, soap and more, this sensory universe will give you the opportunity to see the world in a whole new way—even allowing you to travel the globe with a hot air balloon flight simulator. 

• LOCATION: Unit 22 Fulton Road, Wembley
• PRICE: from £21
• TIMES: based on booking, approximately 60-90 minutes
• FEVER EVENT

Candlelight Concerts in London

These are Fever Original Events. I have attended several and highly recommend them for date nights, special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries or just a fun night out! You can read more about my first experience at the Tribute to Coldplay. I’ve also attended the Tribute to Taylor Swift and Hans Zimmer Candlelight Concerts.

Things to Do in London – Afternoon Teas

You might be surprised to see afternoon tea included in things to do in London in August because it’s typically a hot month. However, it’s when Afternoon Tea week is annually held.

It’s the second week of August each year and celebrates the tradition of Afternoon Tea. You’ll find many locations will offer a special, such as a free glass of champagne, to accompany their delicious sweet and savoury treats.

Afternoon Tea Week will be from 12th-18th of August 2024. However, there are also some regular afternoon teas which I would like to highlight for you too.

CUTTY SARK AFTERNOON TEA

Immerse yourself in a unique afternoon tea aboard the historic Cutty Sark. Here you can indulge in delicious treats beneath the iconic copper hull of the world’s last surviving tea clipper. You’ll also explore the magnificent ship and enjoy exclusive access.

• LOCATION: The Cutty Sark, Royal Victoria Dock 1 Western Gateway
• PRICE: Adults begin at £44.50
• TIMES: Tea is served at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm during a 3-hour tour.
• LEARN MORE about this Afternoon Tea

LONDON AFTERNOON TEA CRUISE

Experience the most enchanting afternoon tea cruise on London’s majestic River Thames! While enjoying delectable delights of buttery scones, tantalizing pastries and an array of scrumptious sandwiches, you’ll feast your eyes on Big Ben and glide gracefully by the formidable Tower of London. You can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring 360˚ vistas from the expansive open deck after your treats.

This is great to include on a list of things to do in London in August if you’re tight on time during a trip and want to enjoy traditional British food while taking in iconic sights.

• LOCATION: Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames Street, EC3N 4DT
• PRICE: Adults begin at £55
• TIMES: 3.30pm, lasts for 90 minutes
• LEARN MORE about this Afternoon Tea

Watch highlights from my experience below.

@sunny_in_london

Things To Do in London Afternoon Tea Cruise | London Trip | London Attractions | London Travel Tips #thingstodoinlondon #afternoontea #londonattractions #londontrip #afternoontealondon #londontravel #traveltips @feverup #feverambassador

♬ As It Was (Bridgerton Orchestral String Style Rendition) – Hits Capital 200

Taylor Swift Afternoon Tea

This iconic musician inspired an afternoon tea bus trip around London! Enjoy as Golden Tours takes you on one of their English tea buses. You’ll go around famous landmarks including Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and more.  

It offers 3 different seating options: upper deck, lower deck or premium upper deck seating. Premium upper deck means you’ll be right at the front of the bus with the best view.

The Taylor Swift Inspired London Afternoon Tea Bus includes: enjoying a glass of Prosecco, listening to Taylor Swift’s top hits, receiving a souvenir mug

• LOCATION: Departure Point: Golden Tours Stop 1, Bulleid Way SW1W 9SR
• PRICE: £49 adult, £44 child (5-15 years)
• TIMES: Departure times are 12.15pm and 3.15pm; Duration: approximately 90 minutes

ARTS & CULTURE: Things to Do in London in August

SHREK: The musical

Join Shrek, Donkey and a merry cast of companions as they set out to rescue Princess Fiona at the Eventim Apollo Theatre.

• LOCATION: 45 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9QH
• PRICE: varies
• TIMES: from 19 July
• Tickets through Fever Events or TodayTix.

BBC PRoms

The World’s Greatest Classical Music Festival which occurs annually to celebrate classical music.

• LOCATION: Royal Albert Hall
• PRICE: varies based on event
• TIMES: varies based on event, begins Friday 19th July – 14 September 2025

SOMERSET HOUSE: ‘Summer in the COURTYARd’

This is a series of free and affordable events and activities with the community and family at its heart.

Weekdays it will feature space for families to enjoy sunshine alongside workshops, food & drink pop-ups and the fountains (except 17, 24, 25, 26 August). Weekends feature a series of live events and performances.

KING’S CROSS / COAL DROPS YARD

This energetic London neighbourhood has many fun things to do in London in August 2024.

• David Hockney outdoor art exhibition, 17 Jun-31 August
• Free Open-air Cinema, July – 18 August
• Official Team GB King’s Cross Fanzone, 26 July- 11 August
• Free 12- day live music festival, 15-26 August

princess diana: accredited access

Discover intimate and iconic moments from London’s first ever photography exhibition dedicated to Diana.

• LOCATION: London’s Dockside Vaults, St Katharine Docks, E1W 1AT
• PRICE: £21
• TIMES: Until 2 September, 10am-7pm, last admission 5.30pm

Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-avon ad cotswolds tour from london

Step back in time at Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, immersing in the tales of the legendary playwright. Explore Anne Hathaway’s quaint cottage and enchanting gardens, where love stories come to life. And lose yourself in the stunning beauty of the Cotswolds, a true embodiment of English countryside charm.

• LOCATION: Leaves from Bulleid Way (Victoria Coach Station)
• PRICE: £85 adult ticket
• TIMES: leaves 8.30am, 10 hour tour
• LEARN MORE

TANGO AT SPITAFIELDS MARKET

Tango outdoors! Bring your dance trainers or old comfortable shoes because it’s an outdoor floor. There will be many of the UK and London’s best tango DJs playing at the events.

However, the website warns of last minute changes and cancellations. Maybe give their Instagram a follow: @tangofeverlondon

• LOCATION: Bishops Square, Spitalfields Market, 37 Brushfield Street, London E1 6AA, (next to the goat statue, follow the music from there)
• PRICE: free
• TIMES: August 4 and 25, 8 & 29 September

CARNABY SOUNDS OF SUMMER

Bringing Soho’s buzzing music scene to life this Summer and in partnership with Soho Radio, enjoy live music performances including DJ’s and renowned artists throughout July and August. Across the Soho neighbourhood, venues will be introducing fresh music programming and curations to keep the sound going all summer long.

• LOCATION: Carnaby/Soho
• TIMES: from 20 July – 17 August

SPORTS: Things to Do in London in August

Beer Things to Do in London for August

LONDON CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Try 800+ beers from over 100 craft breweries with 16,000 people! Your ticket includes all of your beer. And you’ll receive entry to the event for your allotted session time, including access to entertainment and music areas. Plus you get a souvenir glass to take home.

Tickets do not include cocktails & spirits, food and merchandise.

• LOCATION: Tobacco Dock
• PRICE: from £55, based on session and ticket offers
• TIMES: 9-10 August, times and entries vary based on session

PUB HOTEL STAYCATION

Have you considered a short staycation in a pub hotel? If not, consider putting it on your list of things to do in London in August.

Mr Sunny and I stayed at The Bedford Arms to promote the Young’s Pub Hotels ‘Summer Nights’ offer in July and had a fantastic time! We also brought our rescue dog Jessie to enjoy a little luxury getaway.

https://www.tiktok.com/@sunny_in_london/video/7395891707050560800?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7382589820872328737

The Young’s Hotels Summer Nights promotion for 2024 includes a two-night stay with breakfast, a proper pub meal on either night and a Hugo Spritz on arrival for two people. 

Things to Do in London in August: Bank Holiday Weekend

• Notting Hill, West London – Europe’s Biggest Street Festival returns and will have an estimated 2.5 million attendees. It happens Sunday 25 and Monday 26 August 2024.
• Hampton Court Palace Food Festival – features street food, pop-up bars, boutique drinks, artisan producers, drinks masterclasses, pop-up ProCook Cookery School, circus skills, fete games, face painting, music and shopping. This year it is happening 24-26 August.

Seasonal / Outside Activities in London