Things to do in London this Saturday

The capital boasts some truly spectacular parks, from the hidden pockets of green dotted around London to the famous Royal Parks.

They’re a top way to while away the day. Warm up with a frosty stroll, admire London’s leaves as they turn a hundred shades of orange, spot spring flowers or, if it’s summer, bring a picnic, and you’ve got yourself an entire afternoon of lounging action. After a peaceful stroll around Regent’s Park, complete the experience by watching a magical performance at the Open Air Theatre in the heart of the park.

If you find yourself in the mood for a splash, head to the huge lido in Herne Hill’s Brockwell Park and try out the Windrush Lanes that are only available on Saturday mornings.

If you’re in Southwark Park, you might be lucky enough to catch busker Steve Howgego who (brilliantly) sings operatic classics on the bandstand. 

In London, you’re never far from a museum and, thankfully, so many of them are free. weird museums, museums specialising in cartoons, advertising, medicine, toys and Freud. There are more than 170 of them, including some of the world’s finest. Once a month, join the National Gallery’s Sketchbook Saturday and take inspiration for your own artwork.

Here’s our pick of the top ten museums in London, and the best art shows to see in London right now.

One of the best ways to spend a Saturday (aside from having a lie-in) is snooping around London’s marvellous markets. If you’re looking for second-hand gems, east London’s Kingsland Market is a treasure trove that runs weekly on Saturdays. Deptford has a brilliant and bonkers Saturday junk market (hagglers beware!).

If you want vintage hunting and modern feeding, pop to Broadway Market for its delectable array of street food, including Deeney’s lush grilled sarnies, Hanoi Kitchen’s warming pho and Zardosht’s Persian goodness.

Whether you’re looking to stock up your pantry ready for the week ahead, find that one-of-a-kind vintage piece to add to your wardrobe, or just soothe your hangover with some of the best street food in the city, London’s markets have got you covered.

It’s hard enough to find the time to cook dinner during the week, let alone trying to squeeze in a spinning class. Come Saturday, though, you’re granted a blissful window to fill with the gruelling workout of your choice. Yay/groan. Get your blood flowing over the weekend with a barre class at Kensington’s Equinox – we’re talking pumping music, weights and lots and lots of cardio. If cycling is more your bag, get on your bike at an immersive Psycle spin class in Clapham, Shoreditch, Oxford Circus or Notting Hill, which promises the ultimate pedalling challenge. 

New to sweating? Check out our recommendations for the best gyms in London.

Want to drink, eat and frolick in an open space with your pals? Oh, and maybe see some music? London’s festivals are properly back in business. And it’s not just bands and DJs. It might be craft ale, fitness, literature, coffee or, er, meat. Spend a Saturday at Victoria Park’s All Points East for eclectic non-stop beats and some of the best acts the music world has to offer. In September, Meatopia returns with everything a carnivore could wish for.

When you’ve got something to celebrate (like the fact that it’s Saturday), head to one of London’s excellent rooftop bars. You'll find swish cocktails, plush lounges and gourmet bar snacks galore, not to mention a front row seat to the sexiest skyline on the planet.

Make a beeline for Peckham’s Frank’s Cafe which is open until 11pm from Tuesday to Sunday: plenty of time to get your selfie on the Bussey Building’s famous pink staircase. If you’re looking for a slick bar with stunning sightlines, The Rooftop St James exceeds expectations, providing a delightful drinking spot overlooking Trafalgar Square. Though it’s not exactly cheap, the views from the roof will ease that walletache.

Our pick of the best gigs in the capital over the next month. Okay, so they’re not all on a Saturday. And hopefully the Saturdays won’t feature in any of them. But a load of brilliant rock, indie, hip hop, jazz, dance, electronica, Cafe Oto-style squeaky-bang experimental and – once in a while – classical music definitely will. 

Got money burning a hole in your pocket? Well, you’re in the right place. From Chelsea to Shoreditch and Notting Hill to Soho, you won’t be short of places to splurge. It’s what Saturdays are for, right?

London’s into plants in a big way so if you need to add another succulent to your desk collection, pop by Prick, London’s first boutique dedicated to cacti, to fulfil all your spiky wants. And for everything else? Head to Selfridges. The literal one-stop shop is an experience like no other, accommodating to all the needs you could possibly have from high-street fashion to designer couture – there’s something for everyone in this Oxford Street department store (though for fashion and Christmas, we prefer the one-and-only Liberty).