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. And there are always special events that celebrate unique activities happening in different neighbourhoods.
From Afternoon Tea Week to a boat tour on Regent’s Canal, you’ll have plenty of options. Plus, there are tickets released for Christmas in London and other events that you’ll want to get before they sell out too.
To plan the perfect London trip you need to know:
- which activities to book now
- which things to skip
- what not to miss
It’s generally a warm, sunny month with average temperatures are 73°F / 58F°. But, heatwaves can increase that to 95+°F. Crowds peak because most people use their annual leave to soak up the rays and UK schools are out for summer.
So, get ready to embrace the energy of the city and read everything below so you don’t miss out on the best things to do in London in August.
Need help trip planning?
- Save on hotels
- Book your flights
- Find Things to Do
- Get our London Travel Planners
What You Must Book Now
best theatre & SHOWS this month
- Paddington
- Sinatra
- Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
EVENTS
- Christmas at Kew
- Winter Wonderland (tickets released in August)
- Polar Express
Note: The Christmas in London Guide includes ongoing email updates whenever important festive tickets go on sale, giving you the best chance of securing your preferred dates before they sell out.
EXHIBITIONS
- The Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition at the British Museum (ends 11 July 2027)
- Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style (bookings from December 2026-April 2027)
likely to SELL OUT
- Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater Private Meet & Greet
- Interior Tour of Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard (ONLY book Monday, Wednesday or Friday when Changing of the Guard Parade takes place)
- Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, 29-31 August 2026
Experience of the Month
If you live in London or are visiting London, these are the top activities you’ll want to do in August.
- Thames Rocket Speed Boat Tour
- Afternoon Tea Cruise on the Thames
- Regent’s Canal Boat Tour
- Climb the O2
- Royal Mews (especially if you are unable to get tickets to the Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style Exhibition)
- Views of London: Sky Garden, Horizon 22, The London Eye, View from the Shard
Sunny’s Picks: What You Don’t Want to Miss
- Banksy Limitless Exhibition
- M.C. Escher: The Exhibition
- Regents Park Open Air Theatre
- King’s Cross Open Air Cinema, 29 June-16 August 2026
- Barbican Outdoor Cinema, 18-30 August 2026
- Royal Albert Hall- BBC Proms, 17 July- 12 September 2026
- Labyrinth on the Thames, (including Moby live on 16 August)
- Rooftop Film Club– Peckham & Stratford
- Between the Bridges– Summer Parties & Festivals
What’s New: Things to Do in London in August
COPPA CLUB, london bridge
- Set across two floors with a wraparound riverside terrace, Coppa Club London Bridge brings an all-day bar, restaurant and workspace to one of the capital’s most sought-after destinations on the southbank.
- Location: 2 More London Pl, London SE1 2JP
luminiscenCe
- The story of the city voiced by star of Paddington and Downton Abbey, Hugh Bonneville.
- An incredible immersive 360° video projection concert inside Westminster Cathedral that has captivated over 2 million people worldwide.
Mr Sunny’s Pub Picks for August
BEST BEER GARDENS IN LONDON
- The Edinboro Castle, Camden
- The Ship, Wandsworth
- The Lamb, Bloomsbury
- The George Inn, London Bridge
- The Prince Albert, Battersea
- The Mayflower, Rotherhithe
- The Flask, Highgate
- The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping
Afternoon Tea Inspiration: Things to Do in London in August
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.
afternoon tea week
- Second week of August each year (10th-16th of 2026)
- Celebration of Afternoon Tea tradition
- Many locations offer a special, such as a free glass of champagne, to accompany their delicious sweet and savoury treats.
5 favourites of 2026
- The Orangery, Kensington Gardens
- Kensington Hotel, South Kensington
- Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury Hotel, Bloomsbury
- The Adria, South Kensington
- Theatreland Tea, Waldorf Hilton, Covent Garden
What to Avoid in August
Sunny’s Local TipS
- The Notting Hill neighbourhood on the 29- 31 August, if you don’t like crowds. This is due to the Notting Hill Carnival.
- Borough Market any day after 12pm.
- The Central line on the Underground due to high temperatures outside and lack of air conditioning on the trains.
- Hotels without air conditioning if you are booking a London trip.
What to Do Instead
Take a day trip outside of London on the Carnival dates.
Things to Do in August: How to Save Money
London Pass
This can be a great way to organise a London trip itinerary if you plan on several things to do in London in August in one day. It’s most effective when purchased for at least two days. Note that you must use every day consecutively. My London Travel Guide has examples of itineraries.
day 1 itinerary EXAMPLE
- Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- View from the Shard
What’s Discounted Now
2026 Current Ticket Discounts for London
Next update on 2nd August 2026
Discount Code: SUNNYINLONDON10
Get 10% off these until 2nd August
- Banksy Limitless
- M.C. Escher
- LUMINISCENCE: New 360° projection concert at London’s Westminster Cathedral
- Drone Show- Harry Potter
- Smithsonian- Starstruck
- Buzz Attack
- Prison Island
- Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold
- Paradox Museum
- Bubble Planet
- House of Dreamers
- Space Explorers
- Murdér Express: Part Deux
- SABRAGE
London Travel Planner
For help on how to plan London itineraries for three days in London and more (including Christmas!) we have several options.
London Travel Planners & Custom Itineraries
1:1 Itinerary Audit or Custom London Trip Itinerary
2026 3-day Iconic London Travel Planner
Ultimate Christmas in London Guide
London Restaurant Guide
Get 1:1 Help with a Travel Consultation
Want a customised itinerary for your London trip? Stop making your vacation planning a part-time job and have me arrange your list of things to do in London for you.
You can get a 1:1 Audit of your itinerary or I can build a custom one for you.
The Most Central Location to Stay in London
Hotels in London
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
What to Read Next
related articles on sunny in london
- Guide to the Best Afternoon Teas in London
- London Pass Review
- Climb the O2: What to Expect from London’s Sky-High Experience
- ThamesRocket: Speedboat Tour Review
- Visiting London at Christmas
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.
Don’t Miss London News
One Comment