Things to do during the August bank holiday in London (2025)

The August bank holiday weekend in London signals the unofficial end of summer, bringing with it an exciting mix of events and activities across the capital. Highlights include Europe’s largest street festival Notting Hill Carnival, east London’s staple music festival All Points East, and limited-run show The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Sadler’s Wells. 

There are plenty of ways to experience London’s top attractions in style over the long weekend. Take a tour of Buckingham Palace’s stunning State Rooms, enjoy a thrilling speedboat ride along the Thames, or see the city’s landmarks from the comfort of a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

When is the August bank holiday?

The August 2025 bank holiday – also known at the summer bank holiday – takes place on 25 August.   

Tick off London's must-see attractions

1. Pick up a London Pass to save on top attractions: Enjoy access to more than 100 landmarks in London, including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, with this convenient digital pass.
2. See London’s hottest sights in style on a hop-on hop-off bus tour: Spot major sights such as Tower Bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe, and explore landmarks at your own pace.
3. Watch London’s skyline sparkle on a nighttime bus tour: Swerve the crowds and tour London’s landmarks on this whistle-stop 90-minute tour, complete with an onboard guide.  
4. Experience a magical jazz dinner cruise down the Thames: Savour a delicious three-course meal while spotting landmarks, accompanied by a soothing ChiJazz quintet. 
5. Step inside the historic Buckingham Palace: Take a self-guided tour through the lavish State Rooms – including a look inside the Throne Room and the Grand Staircase, decorated with famous artworks – before strolling the glorious gardens. 
6. Combine a traditional afternoon tea with a panoramic tour of London: Book your seat on The English Tea Bus for tasty finger sandwiches and pastries, with a side of sweeping skyline views.  
7. Book the Total London Experience tour for an action-packed day: Discover London’s staple attractions including St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye and learn the city’s fascinating history from an expert guide. 
8. Make the most of the long weekend with the Go City London Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% on 90 top attractions and choose a pass duration that suits your budget and trip length.  

Discover more of London’s top attractions over the London bank holiday weekend.  

 West End shows over the August bank holiday 

9. Head to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and watch a show beneath the stars: Catch the new production of Lerner & Loewe’s musical classic Brigadoon or treat the little ones to Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile. 
10. Watch a long-running West End show over the bank holiday: See critically acclaimed productions such as The Lion King, Matilda or Wicked. 
11. See an Olivier Award-Winning production: Secure tickets to The Book of Mormon, Mamma Mia! and Phantom of the Opera. 
12. Experience the magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two at the Palace Theatre: Follow the story of Harry, Ron and Hermione 19 years after they graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  
13. Treat the little ones to their first theatre experience: Don’t miss the new stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s classic The Tiger Who Came to Tea, or Julia Donaldson’s The Smeds and the Smoos. 
14. Secure tickets to the final performances of Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain at the Apollo Theatre: Teens will love this show bringing Terry Deary’s bestselling books to life.  
15. Don’t miss the Tony Award-winning musical The Great Gatsby at London Coliseum: See F Scott Fitzgerald’s heartbreaking story of Gatsby and Daisy come to life through dazzling costumes and showstopping set design.
16. Catch a limited-run show over the long weekend: Marvel at Rachel Zegler as Eva Perón in Evita, follow Beth Steel’s thought-provoking play Till the Stars Come Down, or catch the spellbinding new production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Find more theatre inspiration with our guide to London’s West End.

Immersive and adrenaline-pumping activities over the summer bank holiday

17. Explore rare marine life at SEA Life London Aquarium: Uncover more than 500 species across 14 themed zones such as the Shark Walk and Rainforest Adventure. 
18. Secure tickets to ABBA Voyage: See the beloved Swedish pop band brought back together through striking special effects and sing along to feel-good songs.  
19. Experience views of London from the sky and river with a two-part ticket: Pick up the IFS Cloud Cable Car and Thames Clippers River Roamer ticket for unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel along the river and city views.
20. Test your nerves as you cross Tower Bridge’s glass-bottomed walkway: Learn the fascinating history of Tower Bridge on a self-guided tour and look down at the river below from the glass walkway. 
21. Don’t miss Robbie Williams’ news exhibition at the Moco Museum: Find thought-provoking textile, sculpture, street art and pop art inspired by Williams’ mental health journey. 
22. Scale London’s most recognisable arena with Up at The O2: Soak in sweeping views across the Thames and Greenwich as you climb the roof of the city’s famous O2.  
23. Take a thrilling speedboat tour down the Thames: Explore London’s iconic sights such as The Shard and The London Eye on this hair-raising ride. 
24. Check out Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom: This breathtaking 50-minute experience uses cutting-edge light projections to bring scenes from Apple TV’s Emmy Award-nominated series to life. 
25. Visit the Twist Museum on Oxford Street for the ultimate immersive experience: Discover more than 60 exhibits and interactive illusions. 
26. Carve out time to visit The Edwardians: Age of Elegance exhibition at the King’s Gallery: Explore glittering gowns, elaborate jewellery and historic photographs from the Edwardian royals. 

Explore more immersive experiences in London over the August bank holiday. 

Family-friendly attractions and activities in London

27. Laugh out loud at Shrek's Adventure! London: Step inside this indoor walk-and-ride attraction inspired by the hit DreamWorks film. 
28. Uncover the secrets of the night sky at the Royal Observatory Greenwich: Explore the historic home of British astronomy and stand beside the Meridian Line with one food in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western hemisphere. 
29. Make tracks to the London Transport Museum: Chart the evolution of transport in the capital with interactive galleries, and vintage buses, Tubes and taxis – kids go free!  
30. Head to Cutty Sark in Greenwich: Hear stories of the ship's past brought to life by colourful characters and scale the rig to enjoy the view of the River Thames and London. 
31. Come face to face with more than 700 animal species at London Zoo in Regent’s Park: Learn how tiny hatchlings become gigantic tortoises and meet an array of wildlife from around the world including tigers, lions, gorillas and giraffes. 
32. Spend an afternoon at The Paddington Bear Experience: Step inside the world of London’s favourite bear and meet characters inspired by the films. 
33. Book the Changing of the Guard walking tour for an unforgettable Royal experience: Hear unfold stories of the Royal family, visit regal attractions and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. 

Bookmark our guide to London with kids and check out things to do with toddlers or teenagers for more ideas. 

Unmissable events in London over the August bank holiday

34. Party at Notting Hill Carnival and celebrate London’s Caribbean culture: Europe’s largest street festival brings more than two million revellers to the streets of W11, with dazzling floats, costumes and feel-good live music. 
35. Continue the party vibes at Yam Carnival on Clapham Common: The ultimate celebration of black music, culture and food with a host of acts and activities to enjoy over the weekend. 
36. Dance the long weekend away at All Points East in Victoria Park: Enjoy headline performances from Cleo Sol, Chase & Status, Raye, Barry Can’t Swim, and The Maccabees. 
37. Catch a screening of your favourite film at Rooftop Film Club: The outdoor cinema has locations in Peckham and Stratford, with popular films such as The Notebook and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days scheduled for the long weekend. 
38. Head to the Barbican’s Outdoor Cinema: Secure your spot for Wes Anderson’s stop-motion favourite Fantastic Mr. Fox, or be transported to the streets of 90s north London with the first black British musical Babymother. 
39. Celebrate Wandsworth as the London Borough of Culture 2025 at Battersea Park in Concert: Experience sounds from Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, or pack a picnic for a symphonic disco with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Read our pick of the best things to do in August for more inspiration.  

Explore London's gorgeous parks and green spaces 

40. Stumble upon hidden gardens in the City of London: Head to the Instagram hotspot St Dunstan in the East or the secluded Barber Surgeons' Garden. 
41. See the beautiful floral displays and impressive botanical installations at the Unesco-protected Kew Gardens: Be sure to check out the striking digital art installation of an oak tree by the award-winning art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast.
42. Sprawl out or stroll in London’s parks: From St James's Park, Battersea Park, and Richmond Park, the capital’s green spaces are ideal for picnics, running and relaxing. 
43. Head to London’s breathtaking lavender fields: Uncover stunning views and vibrant colours as you wander through these aromatic landscapes. 

The best day trips from London 

44. Head to Windsor Castle to tour the oldest and largest occupied palace in the world: Step inside the striking State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the Moat Room.
45. Pair your visit to Windsor with a tour of Bath and Stonehenge: The whistle-stop day tour explores the ancient Neolithic stones and the top sights of Bath. 
46. Tick off multiple great sights in one day with a tour of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, the White Cliffs of Dover, and Greenwich plus a trip on the River Thames. 

Explore more of the best day trips from London. 

Top shopping destinations in London

47. Shop for designer threads in London's top shopping destinations: From high-end boutiques to iconic department stores, London has something for every shopper. 
48. Wander along Regent Street for big-name brands: Explore Bond Street's upscale boutiques, shop beauty products in Covent Garden, or find vintage pieces in Carnaby Street. 
49. Head off the main thoroughfares to explore independent boutiques in stylish Jermyn Street, pretty South Molton Street, and laid-back St Christopher’s Place: Or do it all under one roof at the capital's top shopping centres and department stores. 
50. Visit Battersea Power Station for a unique shopping experience: Explore stylish boutiques and premium brands and enjoy a variety of independent makers at The River Walk Market. 
51. Discover London's top markets: Visit Borough Market for fresh produce and gourmet food or explore the vibrant flower stalls at Columbia Road Flower Market. 

August bank holiday opening times 

It’s worth noting that opening hours may vary over the August bank holiday weekend, and many attractions require advance booking. Be sure to check with the individual locations before your visit. 

More things to do in London over the bank holiday weekend  

If you’re looking for “bank holiday events near me” and more things to do in London over the bank holiday weekend, download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration. 

Discover what’s on in London this weekend, explore more August activities, or browse the London events calendar for key events.  

If you're not able to visit London this bank holiday, start planning ahead for the next public holidays in London.