August Summer London
Photograph: cktravels.com / Shutterstock.com

Bank holiday in London

The best things to do this August Bank Holiday
Rosie Hewitson
Contributor: Alex Sims
Advertising

Summer is officially here in the UK now, and so far it’s been a scorcher. It might seem a long way off, but if you ask us, the August Bank Holiday weekend is the best and biggest weekend of the summer, so it’s worth getting prepared.

As ever, the bumper weekend is packed with some of London’s best events and things to do, namely Europe’s biggest street party, Notting Hill Carnival, which will be filling the streets of W11 with dancing, sequin-strewn costumes, barbecue smoke and the ring of steel pans. Make sure you look at our guides to the sound systems, timings and fringe events, so you’re fully prepped for the party.

The long weekend also brings some of London’s finest music festivals, outdoor theatre, and plenty of other culture. Don’t miss out, and keep an eye out for the best events of the weekend right here. 

RECOMMENDED: Here are even more great things to do in July 2026

The best things to do this August bank holiday

Get a culture fix over the August bank holiday

Bank holiday eating in London

Bank holiday boozing in London