34 thrilling things to do in London in September 2025

September marks the arrival of autumn in London, bringing with it an exciting wave of new openings and seasonal events. Highlights include London Design Festival (13 to 21 September) and a feel-good new jazz festival in Hackney. Plus, we highlight the top productions opening in London’s West End this month including the return of the National Theatre’s acclaimed production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, the debut of 50 First Dates the Musical at The Other Palace Theatre, and the highly anticipated revival of the hit 1967 film The Producers.

There are still a fair few summer events to enjoy in London including the summer opening of Buckingham Palace and the highly anticipated revival of Lerner & Loewe’s celebrated musical Brigadoon at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.  

Explore our pick of the best things to do in London in September and be sure to bookmark our guide to what’s on in London this weekend. Download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration.  

The best things to do in London in September 2025

1. Don't miss the summer opening of Buckingham Palace

September marks the final month to step inside the historic Buckingham Palace (until 28 September) before it closes its doors to the public for the rest of the year – book your tickets now for the ultimate royal London experience. The summer opening invites visitors to take a self-guided tour of its lavish State Rooms including the Throne Room, the glittering ballroom and the Grand Staircase adorned with famous artworks. Guests can also marvel at 70 masterpieces from the Royal Art Collection at the King’s Tour Artists exhibition. Explore the palace with a free audio guide and conclude your tour with a stroll through the glorious gardens.

2. Pick up a London Pass to save on top attractions

Unlock access to over 100 attractions in the capital with this convenient digital pass – buy your London Pass today. Whether you’re in London for a long weekend or planning to stay longer, the London Pass lets you choose a duration that suits your budget and schedule. Simply download the pass to your smartphone and enjoy hassle-free entry to top landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Kew Gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe and Tower of London.

3. Watch the anticipated revival of Brigadoon at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Lerner & Loewe’s musical classic Brigadoon will close Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s 2025 season in style this month (until 20 September) – browse the best sets and book your tickets directly with Visit London. Marking the first major London revival of the 1947 musical in 35 years, the show follows WW2 fighter pilots Tommy and Jeff, who crash in the Scottish Highlands and stumble upon the enchanting village of Brigadoon, where they meet sisters Fiona and Jean and a whirlwind romance quickly unfolds. Alternatively, catch the final showings of Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile (until 7 September) earlier in the month, with morning and afternoon showings ideal for little ones.

4. Marvel at showstopping craftsmanship at London Design Festival

The 23rd edition of the London Design Festival takes place this month (13 to 21 September), offering an exciting lineup of exhibitions, workshops, installations and open showrooms across the capital. The nine-day festival celebrates London as a global design hub and is expected to draw more than 600,000 visitors. Standout events include a talk on building a successful creative business at the Royal College of Art, featuring leading experts like Rosey Blackmore of the Tate and Jim Heverin of Zaha Hadid Architects. Elsewhere, lino-printing workshops, Orsini glass-making, and traditional Japanese indigo dyeing take place at various locations across the city. 

5. Sing along to ABBA's greatest hits at Mamma Mia! The Party

Fans of Mamma Mia will love this immersive show at The O2, where guests are transported to Nikos’ taverna on the island of Skopelos – the exact island where the first Mamma Mia film was shot. Buy your tickets for the ultimate night out in London this September and trace the story of Nikos and his daughter Konstantina, who is torn between family traditions and pursuing a new romance that her father disapproves of. Enjoy ABBA’s greatest hits and a four-course Greek feast before the taverna transforms into the ultimate ABBA disco, with the cast and audience singing and dancing.

6. Be spellbound by the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Fans of the Harry Potter franchise can buy tickets and visit the film studios where the hit movies were produced, and explore real-life sets, costumes and props. Step inside the famous Great Hall, wander the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, or board the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾. Then, learn how special effects were used to create unforgettable scenes such as the Chamber of Secrets door, the invisibility cloak, and the thrilling Quidditch tournaments. Be sure to check out the studio shop for replica wands, merchandise and your very own Hedwig.

7. Check out David Attenborough's new exhibition at the Natural History Museum 

Our Story with David Attenborough opened at the Natural History Museum’s Jerwood Gallery in July, and it’s been wowing tourists and locals alike ever since with its real-world footage. The 50-minute immersive experience is narrated by 98-year-old Attenborough, who guides audiences on a journey through billions of years of wildlife, landscapes and planetary evolution. You’ll see a family of gorillas playing in lush forests, a humpback whale soaring above the waves, and an explosion of planets in the Milky Way projected across the gallery. 

8. Party at Hackney's new festival Jazz on the Wick

New music festival Jazz on the Wick makes its debut in Hackney this month (13 September), dreamed up by the creatives behind Brainchild Festival, Colour Factory, Orii Community and Voices Radio. Taking over various venues in Hackney Wick, the day-to-night event will showcase the best in contemporary jazz. Expect performances from Alexander Nut, Charlie Dark, Goya Gumbani, Linda Dawn and Konny Kon (Children of Zeus), alongside a mix of rising talent.

9. See award-winning actor Brendan Gleeson star in The Weir

Conor McPherson’s Olivier Award-winning play returns to London this September in a limited 12-week run at the historic Harold Pinter Theatre  – don't miss out, buy your tickets today. Brendan Gleeson (In Bruges, The Banshees of Inisherin, Paddington 2) makes his West End debut in the lead role of Jack, joined by a star-studded cast including Owen McDonnell (Killing Eve), Katie Phillips (Peaky Blinders), Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (Avengers) and Sean McGinley (That They May Face the Rising Sun). Set in a pub on the Irish West Coast, the production follows a group of friends who become captivated by an unexpected guest and her chilling tales.

10. Discover London's top attractions on a hop-on hop-off bus tour

Pick up tickets for a hop-on hop-off bus tour and explore London’s legendary landmarks, with buses departing every 20 minutes and stopping at over 60 key spots including Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Choose from 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets and enjoy the freedom of exploring the city at your own pace. Swerve the crowds and watch London sparkle on a 90-minute nighttime open-top bus tour, complete with a live onboard guide sharing fascinating facts and historic tales across the capital.

11. Soak up the last of summer at London's stunning parks

Bask in the final days of summer across the capital’s gorgeous parks and green spaces. Head to Hyde Park and stroll along the Serpentine Lido or venture to Hampstead Heath for sweeping city views from the top of Parliament Hill – the ideal picnic spot at sunset. St James’s Park is a great spot to recharge between sightseeing with Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade nearby. See the first signs of autumn in Richmond Park and Greenwich Park, and don’t miss our guide to London’s best lidos and outdoor swimming spots. 

12. Celebrate London's thriving music scene using TfL's Grassroots Music Tube map

To mark TfL’s 25th birthday, the network launched a special edition Tube map spotlighting London’s cutting-edge grassroots music scene. The version reimagines Harry Beck’s circuit-like design as a vibrant web of audio cables, representing subcultures, songs and albums – think the District line highlighting 25 artists to watch in 2025, and the Bakerloo line pinpointing iconic songs inspired by London such as Adele’s "Hometown Glory". The map also features record shops and nightclubs, as well as historic music institutions cleverly marked with blue plaques.

13. Explore the Gianni Versace exhibition at Arches London Bridge

 

Uncover more than 450 original vintage Gianni Versace pieces on display at newly opened gallery space Arches London Bridge, right on the doorstep of The Shard and Tower Bridge – browse time slots and book your tickets now.. Explore the history of the visionary Italian designer, from championing inclusivity and self-expression through bold prints to dressing stars like Madonna, Elton John and Princess Diana. The exhibition showcases 21 collections from 1988-1997, with runway footage, sketches and personal items from the Versace archives.

14. Feast at Mayfair's hottest restaurant 74 Duke Street 

Cut off Bond Street and you’ll find London’s coolest new restaurant, flanked by overgrown potted plants and bistro-style chairs. 74 Duke Street is a stylish Parisian brasserie from the team behind Supernova, North Audley Canteen and Creme. Inside, tables are dressed in crisp white tablecloths and snug corners are defined by brown velvet banquettes, while playful waiters whizz around in black waistcoats. Order the chargrilled chicken with tarragon and Dijon sauce or the spicy harissa spaghetti with charred merguez and a side of perfectly crisp homemade fries. Save space for dessert and tuck into brown butter cookies with banana caramel ice cream.

15. Dance at Waterworks Festival in Gunnersbury Park

The fifth edition of electronic music festival Waterworks returns to west London’s Gunnersbury Park this month (13 September), showcasing a boundary-breaking bill of emerging and established selectors. Headline performances include Daisy Moon, Reece Spooner, Sally C and Max Cooper, alongside sets from Special Request, Eris Drew, Marcelina and Skee Mask. Savour the final moments of London’s festival season – and don’t miss street food like smash burgers and stone-baked pizzas. 

16. Champion Wandsworth as the London Borough of Culture 2025 

Wandsworth takes centre stage this year after Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan crowned the south London neighbourhood the London Borough of Culture 2025. A thrilling lineup of summer events featured new music festival Country on the Common in Tooting and open-air festival Battersea Park in Concert. This month, Roehampton transforms into a live stage as world-class dancers groove through the streets in Urban Flow (13 September). Later in September, leading disability arts festival Liberty 2025 (24-28 September) presents a mix of workshops and performances across the borough. Explore Wandsworth’s full event programme.

17. Head to Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom

Lightroom in King’s Cross is spotlighting the fascinating role that dinosaurs have played in shaping our planet in its newest exhibition. The four-storey gallery uses thrilling light projections to bring scenes from Apple TV’s Emmy Award-nominated series to life across walls and floors, accompanied by a powerful score from Hans Zimmer and narration by acclaimed actor Damian Lewis. During the 50-minute sensory spectacle, you might find a Tyrannosaurus rex or mosasaurs step into the room. Browse time slots and book your tickets now.

18. Enjoy a day trip to the regal town of Windsor 

Adventure outside the capital to Windsor on a whistle-stop day tour, where you can explore cobbled streets brimming with independent shops before stepping inside the historic Windsor Castle – the oldest working castle in the world. Discover its lavish State Rooms, tour St George’s Chapel – the final resting place of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Henry VIII – and marvel at the Changing the Guard. Be sure to stroll the 4km Long Walk with showstopping views of the castle and seek out top sights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. 

19. Get into the spooky spirit with the new adaptation of Dracula 

A thrilling new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s horror classic is launching at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre this month (11 September to 11 October), with the anticipated reimaging expected to sell out fast it's worth browsing time slots and buying your tickets soon. The production showcases the untold female voices that lie at the heart of the tale, with Umi Myers (Dope Girls, The Mirror and the Light) leading the cast as Mina Harker, piecing together the story of Count Dracula’s spine-chilling journey to England through her husband’s journal.

Make a day of it and dive into the capital’s dark history at the London Dungeon, where you’ll hear tales of Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper from terrifying actors.   

20. Step inside London's hidden architectural wonders at Open House Festival 

Open House Festival throws open the doors to some of London’s most striking and rarely seen buildings. Spanning all 33 boroughs, the two-week festival (13 to 21 September) showcases its biggest and boldest programme to date with more than 800 events to explore. Highlights include Bloomsbury’s Senate House – once the tallest building in London – the historic Guildhall and Piccadilly’s Burlington House. Private homes and hotels also open their doors, from the carbon-negative family home Hemp House in Crystal Palace to luxury boutique hotel The Mandrake in Fitzrovia. Explore the full program and plan your route.  

21. Carve out time to see the Herbert Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025

The National Portrait Gallery’s prestigious Portrait Award recently awarded Moira Cameron’s breathaking self-portrait A Life Lived as the 2025 winner. The colourful, textured artwork depicts Cameron seated in a blue armchair. Meanwhile Michelle Liu won the Young Artist Award for her striking portrait Kofi. The exhibition features 46 incredible portraits from around the world, handpicked from more than 1,000 entries by an expert panel of judges – including art historian and academic Professor Dorothy Price FBA and opera singer, and artist Maggi Hambling. Until 12 October.

22. Catch boats racing along the Thames in The Great River Race

London’s renowned river race takes place on 21 September, with more than 300 boats set to sail down the Thames. The Great River Race first took place in 1988, and, in 2025, follows the original set of rules such as boats requiring a minimum of four crew members and the display of a flag. You’ll find Chinese dragon boats and Celtic longboats, with a good handful of crews taking part in fancy dress. The boats depart from London Docklands and travel 21.6 miles down the river to Ham in Richmond, passing famous landmarks like the London Eye and Houses of Parliament along the way.

23. Sail down the Thames on a jazz dinner cruise

Soak in views of London’s top landmarks while enjoying a delicious three-course meal with live jazz by booking tickets to this scenic river cruise. Departing from Westminster Pier, you’ll ride past Big Ben, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, while savouring dishes like confit of duck with crispy pancetta and a delicious chocolate fondant with berry compote. The cruise sets sail at 8pm and lasts approximately three hours.

24. Celebrate black culture at Black on the Square 2025

Free one-day festival Black on the Squareis set to transform Trafalgar Square into a celebration of black culture on 7 September. Expect performances from top black British artists on the main stage – last year’s highlights included takeovers from Bashy, Culture FM and Krar Collective – as well as a range of street food from black-owned businesses. Bring a tote bag and shop a mix of accessories, artworks and homewares.  

25. Get tickets for the acclaimed production of The Importance of Being Earnest 

Following its sold-out season at the National Theatre earlier this year, this joyful adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic The Importance of Being Earnest returns to London’s West End at the Noël Coward Theatre this autumn (18 September 2025 to 10 January 2026) –  browse the best seats and buy tickets now.. The incredibly talented Olly Alexander (known for Channel 4’s It’s a Sin) takes on the role of Algernon Moncrieff, with the full cast yet to be announced. Follow the story of two Victorian bachelors as they try to win over two women in this hilarious, feel-good comedy.

26. Take on a thrilling Cutty Sark Rig Climb Experience

Head to Greenwich to scale the historic Cutty Sark, a 60-minute adventure that offers sweeping views of nearby landmarks such as The O2, National Maritime Museum and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. The experience begins beneath the ship’s copper hull, where a friendly guide shares the fascinating history of the famous vessel. Then, climbers make their way to the main deck to tackle a network of ladder-like ropes. The challenge is suitable for anyone aged 10 and over, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Treat yourself to afternoon tea aboard the Cutty Sark and refuel with delicious cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches.

27. Plan ahead for Christmas in London 2025 

Discover our guide to the best Christmas experiences in London including top shows, light tours, markets and ice rinks. Popular shows such as the English National Ballet’s enchanting festive performance of The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum sell out fast, while winter experiences like Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London make for a memorable day out with the iconic studio transformed into a winter wonderland. Spot London’s top sights on a magical Christmas lights open-top bus tour, where you’ll see showstopping window displays, the world-famous angels on Regent Street and Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree. Discover the best of London at Christmas.

28. Savour the final summer sundowners at Between the Bridges

Located slap bang between Waterloo and Westminster Bridges, South Bank’s favourite seasonal pop-up is a top spot to enjoy live music and great food as the sun sets over London. Every Thursday, the free event After Work: Flexin’ features the finest hip hop, R&B and garage classics, while Friday’s Dock Disco session is worth making tracks for too. There’s a mix of ticketed events including drag brunches, silent discos and themed experiences such as Oktoberfest and a Taylor Swift night. Come hungry, and feast on delights from Patty and Bun, Rack City Ribs, Homeslice, and Sen Noods (to name but a few).

29. Explore the Design Museum's More Than Human exhibition 

The Design Museum is staging a major exhibition charting non-human-centric design, with more than 140 artworks depicting diverse environments and species. On the walls, you’ll find an eye-popping tapestry exploring the perspectives of pollinators by Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, while Brazilian architect Paulo Tavares has collaborated with Indigenous communities in Sao Paulo on the development of mapping techniques used in the struggle for land recognition. Another highlight is a large-scale seaweed installation, specifically designed for the exhibition by designer Julia Lohmann. Book tickets and discover how humans can relearn to design for the natural world in the face of the climate emergency.  

30. Dine at newly opened Canal restaurant in Maida Vale 

A new modern European restaurant has opened right on the banks of Regent’s Canal in Maida Vale, from the hospitality heavyweights behind Bistro Freddie, Crispin and Studio Voltaire. Outside, a waterfront terrace overlooking graffiti-strewn walls is complete with potted plants and tables flanked by white parasols. Meanwhile, industrial-chic interiors see exposed pipework, concrete walls and a mishmash of glossy tables and counter seating create a relaxing setting. The sharing-style menu is organised by seasonal small plates such as bruschetta with tomato and pickled Roscoff, chicken drenched in lemon and wild garlic, and an exceptional bread budding with rhubarb and crème fraiche.  

31. See thought-provoking artworks at Somerset House's Virtual Beauty exhibition 

As part of Somerset House's 25th birthday celebrations, the arts and cultural hub has launched a new exhibition that shines a light on the impact social media and artificial intelligence has had on self-image. The exhibition showcases 20 artworks and interactive installations that challenge traditional beauty standards, highlighting social media filters, virtual makeup masks and AI-generated influencers. Standouts include ORLAN’s Omnipresence (1993), an era-defining performance in which the artist live-streamed her own facial surgery in a bid to challenge the unattainability ideals of Western beauty. Elsewhere, a collection of AI-generated portraits reflects digital self-expression and the evolving concept of identity in the internet age. Until 28 September 

31. Laugh out loud at Greenwich Comedy Festival 

Ed Gamble, Tom Davis, Rhys James and Kiri Pritchard-Mclean are just a few of the names on Greenwich Comedy Festival’s 2025 lineup. The five-day festival (17 to 21 September) is London’s largest and longest-running comedy festival, with top comedians taking over the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Each day sees five different comedians taking to the stage, with shows starting at 7.30pm and tickets just £29.50 per person. You can secure tickets and explore the full programme at the website and be sure to coincide your visit with a tour of the Christopher Wren building – where the famous Painted Hall and historical artefacts await.  

32. Check out the new David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse 

A new space at the V&A East Storehouse is opening this month (13 September) in honour of British glam rock icon David Bowie. The V&A acquired the artist's archive in 2023 with more than 90,000 items such as costumes, letters and handwritten lyrics all set to be presented in the new permanent exhibition at the Stratford venue. To mark the opening, the centre is displaying a curated display by award-winning musician Nile Rodgers and indie-rock band The Last Dinner Party with Bowie's famous Serious Moonlight tour suit as a highlight. Visitors can book to see Bowie's costumes, musical instruments, sketches and writings privately through an appointment with the archives team. 

33. Uncover new voices at London Podcast Festival 

Secure a front-row seat at the landmark 10th edition of London Podcast Festival at King’s Place and watch your favourite podcasts unfold in real life. Spotlighting more than 700 podcasters, previous editions have featured chart-topping shows such as Dish from Waitrose with broadcaster Nick Grimshaw and Michelin star chef Angela Hartnett, I Weigh with actress Jameela Jamil and Like Minded Friends with comedians Tom Allen and Suzi Ruffell. This year’s lineup includes live shows from Single Ladies in your Areas, The Guilty Feminist, and No Such Thing As A Fish. There are also plenty of events and workshops – from editing basics, improving your interview skills to marketing a podcast – for those just starting out. 

34. Experience striking art at London Sculpture Week

The annual celebration of the capital’s sculpture returns to London this autumn for its fourth edition (20 to 28 September), with the city transformed into an open-air gallery where the public can engage with world-class works directly from the artists and curators behind it. Standouts from the week-long programme include the launch of British artist Rasheed Araeen’s new piece Untitled The Line at Bromley-by-Bow, and a talk at the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square exploring one of the world’s most prominent public art commissions. Explore more highlights from London Sculpture Week.