With the summer already in full swing, you shouldn’t be missing out on any more fun. From cool open air movies to lazing around on a city beach, here’s our top picks for 10 awesome London events to go this summer…
Wimbledon (23rd June – 6th July)
Happening right now, this is the world famous sporting event with tickets everybody seems to want to get their hands on. Although if you’re aching for some Andy Murray centre court action complete with lashings of strawberries and cream, be prepared for some serious queueing. The grounds open at 9.30am, but as there are only 500 tickets available for each of the three main courts (Centre Court, Court 1 and Court 2). To have a chance of buying one of those tickets either arrive very early (5-6am) or be prepared to pitch up a tent overnight – but don’t worry this is all part of the fun.
Tour de France (7th July)
This is another world famous sporting event which will be coming to London on the 7th July 2014 (after setting off from Yorkshire two days before). See the world’s top cyclists whizz past London landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and then cross the finish line at The Mall. Although if you don’t like crowds it’s probably best to give this one a miss – at least one million spectators are expected to line the cycle route.
Hampton Court Flower Show (8th – 13th July)
This is a huge celebration of flowers, gardening and all things horticultural held at Hampton Court Palace. The six day summer event is a huge affair which takes place over 34 acres in the palace grounds. It features world-class gardens as well as marquees showcasing work by some of the country’s leading designers and nurseries. Buy plants, get tips on gardening or just potter around and marvel at the abundance of floral delights.
Balham Comedy Festival (11th – 19th July)
Harry Hill himself says this festival ‘celebrates all that’s great about the live comedy scene.’ Taking place at the Bedford Pub in Balham, it’s a riotous 9 day event with entertainment provided by a raft of home grown and international talent. Catch the big name comics such as Milton Jones, Reginald D Hunter, Mark Steel, Robert Newman and Paul Daniels (yes really Paul Daniels), go to one of the family daytime events or if you’re brave enough, try out a little stand up for yourself in one of the complimentary workshops.
City of London Festival (22nd June – 17th July)
This popular London festival is mostly focussed on classical music but with other culture events thrown in, such as jazz, films, world music, guided tours and lectures. It’s a classy affair, usually held in some of the capital’s grandest settings. Expect orchestral concerts in St. Paul’s Cathedral, intimate chamber recitals in the Livery Halls (which is rarely open to the public) and even jazz gigs held in the iconic London Gherkin.
Notting Hill Carnival (24 August 2014 – 25 August 2014)
This is the world famous August bank holiday street party that participants prepare for months for. It started way back in 1964 as an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival. Today it still remains true to its roots with a strong Caribbean theme lively steel bands, soca floats,chicken and fried plantain food stalls and Calypso music. The parade is spectacular with dancers wearing brightly coloured costumes and vibrant floats – expect a sea of colour as performers wind their way through the streets of London.
Barclaycard British Summer Time (4th – 13th July)
For some musical fun, book tickets for Barclaycard British Summer Time festival held in Hyde Park. The main focus is live music (shown at the weekends) but there is also programme of exciting midweek events to celebrate the summer including film, music, literature, and sport. Headline acts include Arcade Fire, Black Sabbath, The Libertines, McBusted, Neil Young & Crazy Horse,and Tom Jones. Planning to stay overnight? There are plenty of fabulous hotels in London, but with any big London event it’s best to book as early as possible.
The Rooftop Film Club (May – September)
Take one of the capital’s hippest areas, a series and of cult films and a rooftop and you have one hell of cool festival. The Rooftop Film Club is open five nights a week from May to September 2014 at Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch. Swap your usual boring cinema experience for wireless headphones, comfy chairs, blankets, a cool bar and gorgeous views of The City’s skyline.
Camden Beach (28th July – 22nd August)
Now you won’t even have to leave the city for a little sunbathing on a beach. Thanks to the very creative team at the Roundhouse, the popular so called ‘Camden Beach’ makes a welcome return this year. Popular with city slickers desperate for a little summer relaxation, the beach is 900 square metres of pseudo-shoreline layered with 150 tonnes of sand. To add to the fun, it also comes complete with beach huts, deck chairs, ice-cream van, a cool bar and a handful of pop-restaurants – who needs Brighton?
Film4 Summer Season, Somerset House (7th – 20th August)
This is another very popular film event which in 2014 celebrates 10 years of cinema under the stars. Film4 Summer Screen held at Somerset House is back for 14 nights with a special anniversary season. Expect classic, cult and never-seen-before films aired on a huge screen in the home’s beautiful courtyard. Just remember to take a nice snug cushion and keep your finger’s crossed it doesn’t rain.
31 Comments
Nicole
29 September, 2014 at 3:20 pmMost of these events are similar to those found elsewhere. The Sir Henry Wood Promenade concerts are truly unique. What a pity you forgot about them.
rebecca
8 July, 2014 at 7:35 amawww I so miss London
Tina
8 July, 2014 at 7:17 amDone with Wimbledon, Congrats Novak well deserved win.. what a match actually…
lola
7 July, 2014 at 2:15 amWimbledon is on my list of someday too. I’m gonna be in London from July 17-19 but I’m afraid busy prepping for the Mongol Rally. Wish I could take advantage of some of these cool things to do.
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:15 pmOh shame but wow what an excuse, enjoy! 🙂
Ranthambore
4 July, 2014 at 7:52 amLondon is such a nice city… My friend Abbas Lived there, he is a very nice person i will meet him in next year again and visit london first time….
Mike
4 July, 2014 at 2:15 amHi Becky! Wimbledon and the Tour de France are huge bucket list events for me! I would rather watch it somewhere in the high mountains when they are coming down at terrifying speeds. And where I wouldn’t have to battle the crowds nearly as much. But, the rooftop movies?? Yes PLEASE!! We hope all is well with you! 🙂
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:21 pmHi Mike,
Thanks for your comment and we’re all good here thanks, hope you are too! Yes the London crowds can be a little hard to handle but the rooftop movies would be a good option to get away from them!:-)
Monica Suma
3 July, 2014 at 8:25 pmLove this post. I’ve never spent more than 3 days in London, so would love to take this as a guide this summer or the next!
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:21 pmThank Monica you definitley should!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans
3 July, 2014 at 7:03 pmOooh..wish I was going to London this summer because the Balham Comedy Festival looks like it’s right up my alley. I also just read a Traveler article about certain rooftop hot tub movie-watching events that London hosts in the summer. Sounds fun!
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:22 pmHi Dana, hope you make it over one day. Let us know when you do!
Liv
3 July, 2014 at 2:28 pmI love London’s variety, and this list is great. The Notting Hill Carnival is a personal favourite!
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:27 pmThanks Liv, that’s one of our favourites too!
Emma
2 July, 2014 at 6:42 pmWow would love to go to all of these events, I’m sure it would make my summer if I did!
Scott
2 July, 2014 at 6:39 pmThe film and the sporting events are my favourites, great round up!
Clay
2 July, 2014 at 6:21 pmI’m all for going to the beach! Those all look like a blast, I wish I was able to make them this summer!
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:28 pmThanks Clay, hope you can make it over here one day!
Agness
2 July, 2014 at 1:32 amTour de France – here I come London! :-). Seriously, I could watch it on TV all day long and I never get bored of cycling myself!
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:29 pmHi Agness, definitely a very popular event!
Mary Anne
1 July, 2014 at 10:56 pmBeach in London? and who knew about the carnival? That is great to know. Thank you for finding such fun things to do this summer.
@mrsoaroundworld
1 July, 2014 at 5:37 pmOh, there are plenty of new ones for me! Who knew there was a beach?
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:33 pmYes crazy, and in Camden too! 🙂
The Guy
1 July, 2014 at 4:47 pmThat is a very timely list with some great ideas.
I love comedy shows in particular but to know Milton Jones is there would make me VERY keen to go. I saw him last year and he was as brilliant as I hoped. Just need Tim Vine there too and my comedy dream show would be complete 🙂
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:33 pmAhh good choices Guy! 🙂
Tiana in Florence
1 July, 2014 at 11:45 amOooh I’ve always wanted to see the Wimbledon in person!
Carnival is always a good idea, I had no clue there was one in London. I guess I need to go back.
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:35 pmIf you do, let us know! 🙂
PurpleTravelKate
1 July, 2014 at 9:53 amRooftop cinema club sounds like my favourite thing ever!
Shikha (whywasteannualleave)
1 July, 2014 at 9:50 amI’ve done a few of these but had no idea about the Balhamn comedy festival and have been looking for a place to go for some great stand up! Will have to check this out. Also love the idea of rooftop cinema and keep hearing people rave about it – just wish the weather wasn’t so unpredictable!!
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren
1 July, 2014 at 9:44 amSo exciting! I’ll be spending about three weeks total in London starting this month so I’ll be attending a few of these for sure. Thanks for sharing, Becky!
Becky Moore
7 July, 2014 at 10:34 pmOh wow enjoy Lauren!