Coming to London over the the bank holiday weekend and looking for something to do? Here’s our pick of all the things you can get up to with your extra day out of the office!
Catch an outdoor movie
Where? All over the city
When? Throughout the summer
Why go? To catch your favourite cinema classics under the stars
If a trip to a dark cinema doesn’t seem like your idea of fun in the summer, then you’ll be a fan of the recent outdoor cinema revolution that’s been going on in London over the past few years. Now, you can catch comedies, romances, thrillers, classic and cult movies in some stunning spots throughout the city – all under the open sky! Check out this list to see where you can get your outdoor cinema fix this August Bank Holiday.
Image courtesy of thelondonist.com
Go for a walk
Where? All around the city
When? Whenever you like!
Why go? To discover all the hidden gems of London that you don’t see on the tube!
London can feel big and overwhelming when you see the sprawling underground map with its multitude of multicoloured lines! Why not make the most of the (hopefully!) nice August Bank Holiday weather and set off to explore some of London by foot? There’s some surprisingly delightful walking routes that will take you along canals, through nature reserves and past some of London’s real hidden gems. Check out the Londonists’ guide to some of the best weekend walks here.
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Notting Hill Carnival
Where? Notting Hill
When? 25th – 27th August 2018
Why go? For the best party vibes at Europe’s Biggest Street Party!
One of London’s most anticipated events returns this year with a bang! Get ready for a street party like no other, celebrating the best of Caribbean culture in West London. With colourful costumes, music pouring out of around forty huge speakers, food stalls, floats and some pretty epic dancing, this is a bank holiday event not to be missed. Oh and don’t forget the jerk chicken! Read our handy guide to the event here.
Image courtesy of nme.com
A Night of Reggae – Carnival Bank Holiday Special
Where? 100 Wardour Street
When? 26th August 2018
Why go? To get yourself warmed up for Carnival’s biggest day!
Calling all reggae lovers! Head along to Soho for a night of classic reggae performed by a full live band. Celbrating the music of reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown, Barrington Levy, The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs and UB40, this is the perfect night to get you in the mood for Monday at Notting Hill Carnival. More info and tickets here.
Image courtesy of variety.com
Staying at Clink and looking for events to get involved in? Check our our events schedule!
Dorothea Lange: ‘Politics of Seeing’
Where? Barbican Centre, Beech Street, EC2Y 8AE
When? Until 2nd September 2018
Why go? To witness the emotionally impactful works of two incredibly important 20th Century Female Photographers
Two shows by prominent photographers Dorothea Lange and Vanessa Winship run side by side at The Barbican this summer. Their work shares themes of dislocation, displacement, and the way that women, children, buildings, landscapes and even cars reflect societal collapse. The pieces on show can be emotionally challenging, so make sure you’ve got a fun and lighthearted activity planned for afterwards!
Image courtesy of standard.co.uk
Summer of Sound on the Roof
Where? John Lewis, 300 Oxford Street, London, 1WA 1EX
When? 9.30am-8pm Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat; 9.30am-9pm Thur; noon-6pm Sun (browsing from 11.30am)
Why go? For garden gigs, immersive studio experiences, DJ sets and finger licking fried chicken – all on a rooftop in Central London!
The Garden Society on John Lewis’ Oxford Street store’s rooftop is morphing into a rocking live music venue this summer as it teams up with Sonos, Bang and Olufsen and Ultimate Ears to offer various musical experiences. From live performances to immersive studio sit ins. Head on up and escape from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street below! More info here.
Image courtesy of justopenedlondon.com
Hip Hop Brunch Carnival Special
Where? Secret London Location
When? Saturday 25th August
Why go? An event that combines hip-hop and brunch. What’s not to love?
Get ready for some serious party vibes as the Hip Hop Brunch crew warm you right up for Carnival weekend with botomless cocktails, a mouthwatering 3 course brunch and all the best tunes to a secret London location this August bank holiday weekend. If you’re feeling bold, why not grab the spotlight during their famous Hip Hop Brunch Karaoke? … All the info and tickets right here.
Image courtesy of justopenedlondon.com
Underbelly Festival
Where? Underbelly Festival, Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
When? Until 30th September
Why go? For belly laughs and beers!
If comedy is your thing (and why wouldn’t it be?) then get yourself along to Underbelly Festival at London’s Southbank. They’re putting on over 70 shows for their 10th birthday so you’ll be sure to find something that tickles your fancy. With circus acts, theatre, a host of comedians and London’s biggest outdoor bar there’s plenty of entertainment to be had here over the August Bank Holiday!
Image courtesy of southbankcentre.co.uk
MAKEMORE Festival
Where? Victoria Park, Grove Rd, E3 5TB, UK
When? 23rd – 27th August
Why go? To get involved with a host of creative activities, from printing workshops through to tiny house building
Dubbed as ‘a festival for makers and doers’ MAKEMORE is a jubilant celebration of creativity in East London’s gorgeous Victoria Park. A festival full of cheer and craft, you can try your hand at a load of different creative activities, watch charming performers do their thing and grab a bite from one of the tasty street food offerings. A perfect way to spend a summer’s day in the city.
Image courtesy of southbankcentre.co.uk
Thirsty? London has some of the best rooftop drinking spots! Here’s our pick of the best
Deptford Bites
Where? Deptford, SE8 4BX
When? Every Saturday, from 12pm
Why go? For a taste of Deptford’s delicious food scene
Deptford is becoming a bit of a foodie hot spot with the areas railway arches filling up with all sorts of traders selling everything from craft beers to cocktails and tandoori fried chicken. Weekly food market Deptford Bites is definitely worth a visit with piping hot street food, farm fresh produce and crafty bits all on offer.
Image courtesy of theresident.co.uk
Planning your trip to London?
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