30+ Fun Things To Do In London This Weekend

It’s finally the weekend! How will you be spending it? Whether you’re in the mood for secret bars or exclusive pizzas, immersive exhibitions or pop-up experiences, there’s plenty going on in London to accommodate your desires. From new exhibitions to new activities (pasta making anyone?), here’s what to do in London this weekend.

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What To Do In London This Weekend: 27–28 July 2024

Afternoon Tea On Nyetimber’s Bus

Mix up your afternoon tea setting by hopping aboard Nyetimber’s bus, which will be perched in the court of The Savoy to celebrate the Olympics kick off on 26 and 27 July. After that, you can enjoy the offering within the hotel’s Thames Foyer until 18 August. Taste a selection of the brand’s beloved sparkling wines (including Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, Rose Multi-Vintage, and Cuvee Cherie Multi Vintage) while tucking into an array of sweet and savoury treats. Think pea and broad bean tartlets, and Scottish salmon with caviar and gold leaf, followed by strawberry and elderflower tartlets with vanilla custard, emblazoned in the Team GB logo.

Details: Ticketed events are available on the bus on 26 and 27 July 2024, followed by afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer until 18 August. From £60pp, nyetimber.com

Visit The Lush Perfume Library

A trip to Lush is always a sensory experience. Even before stepping across the threshold, the heady scent of bath bombs, jellies and creams trickles out onto the pavement – drawing in shoppers by the nose. But the British label is expanding its fragrance empire with the arrival of the Lush Perfume Library, which has now officially opened its doors in Soho. Read more about the new concept store here.

Details: 11am–6pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12pm– 6pm on Sunday (67-71 Beak St, Soho, London W1F 9SW). lush.com

Waltham Forest Pride

Pride Month may have passed, but there’s still reason to celebrate this weekend: Waltham Forest Pride is inviting everyone to celebrate local talent with a whole host of events and activities this Saturday.

Details: 3–8pm on Saturday 27 July in Fellowship Square (Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, London E17 4JF). Book your free ticket at walthamforest.gov.uk

Cawston Press’ Frozen Fruit Waters Mobile

Celebrating Disney Pixar’s Inside Out 2, Cawston Press is bringing its Frozen Fruit Waters mobile to the streets of London this weekend, handing out ice-cold juicy goodness for free. Families embarking to London now the summer holidays are in swing can also embrace the chill-out zone featuring parasols, deck chairs and colouring activities for the kids.

Details: 10am–5.30pm on Saturday 27 July at Clapham Common Temperance Fountain, located near the children’s fountain play area. All visitors big and small are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, while stock lasts.

Follow The Songbook Trail

The V&A’s Taylor Swift exhibition trail is officially open, featuring iconic costumes and important artefacts in the pop star’s storied career.

Details: Entrance is free. Click here to find what to expect.

House Of Q At Burlington Arcade

Bollinger and Aston Martin have teamed up on House of Q at London’s iconic Burlington Arcade in celebration of 60 years since Goldfinger (1964).

Details: Open until 4 August at Burlington Arcade (51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ). Click here to find out what to expect.

Nobu Sushi Masterclass

Learn the art of sushi making from the masters this weekend in an intimate class (10 guests max) at Nobu Old Park Lane. Begin with a chilled glass of Champagne and watch the experts at work, before you roll out your own mat and craft one cut roll, one hand roll and three pieces of nigiri. Afterwards, settle down and tuck into your creations, plus some bonus iconic Nobu dishes, before heading home with a goodybag to remember the experience and continue honing your skills at home.

Details: Last Saturday of every month at Nobu Old Park Lane (19 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1LB). Slots are £250 pp plus service charge. Book at noburestaurants.com

Visit Paradox Museum

There’s a new mind-bending immersive experience in London, and it’s open to the public this weekend. Paradox Museum features more than 50 interactive exhibits across 25 immersive rooms, designed to astound visitors of all ages. Think mental and visual illusions, perfect for impressing little ones as the summer holidays get underway – or just impressing yourself as you somehow defy the laws of gravity in the reverse rooms.

Details: Paradox Museum London (90 Brompton Road, London SW3 1ER) is open to the public from Wednesday 17 July 2024. Tickets are £14 for children and £18.50 for adults and can be booked at feverup.com

Play At London’s First Community Wallball Court

Padel, pickleball and now wallball? It’s hard to keep up. Try your hand at the latter in Fleet Street Quarter this weekend, and challenge your hand eye coordination like never before.

Details: 17–30 July 2024 at New Street Square (Fetter Ln, London EC4A 3BN).

KX Pétanque

Try Pétanque and enjoy King’s Cross’s French Riviera makeover this weekend, championing the Olympic spirit all summer long. Two 15 metre Pétanque courts are free to book, while nearby there’s a funky gift shop, markets, and Everyman’s Screen on the Canal streams all of the Wimbledon action – and, very soon, the Olympics.

Details: 19 June–1 September 2024 at King’s Cross.

Max Mara Art Prize For Women Exhibition

The ninth edition of the prestigious Max Mara Art Prize for Women culminates with an exhibition at London’s Whitechapel Gallery this month, celebrating the work of the winning artist, Dominique White, perfect for some culture vulturing this weekend. Exploring transformation and rebellion, White’s exhibition is titled ‘Deadweight’ and is a new body of work developing during a six-month residency in Italy. It’ll be shown at Whitechapel Gallery until mid-September before journeying to Italy’s Collezione Maramotti for the winter.

Details: 2 July–15 September 2024 at Whitechapel Gallery (77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX). whitechapelgallery.org

Cool Off In A Lido

Summer has finally arrived in London – and what better way to celebrate than with a dip in one of the city’s lidos? If you’re a nature lover, try and nab a spot in Hampstead Ponds; if you’re keen to do some proper lengths Brockwell Lido will do the trick. Find our full list of suggestions here.

Dine At Mildreds’ New Victoria Spot

Veggies, listen in: a new branch of the beloved plant based restaurant Mildreds has opened just a stone’s throw from Victoria station. Expect all the classic fresh, colourful and internationally-inspired dishes, all housed in an arty, equally as colourful space. Highlights include moreish kim chi gyoza, divine harissa patatas bravas, delightfully crunchy arancini rosso with an indulgent smoked paprika mushroom filling, plus wholesome mains and finger-licking buns (the hot mango glazed chick+n burger is not to be missed). Complete with a (fingers crossed) sun-soaked terrace surrounded by greenery, it’s the perfect spot for a long lunch or divine dinner this weekend.

Details: Mildreds Victoria (128 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1JZ) is open everyday: 8am–11pm on weekdays, 9am–11pm on Saturdays and 9am–10pm on Sundays. Book your table at mildreds.com

Kensington + Chelsea Art Trail

This popular west London art trail is back this weekend, celebrating art and summer with a trail of world-class sculptures for all to enjoy. This year’s theme is Changing Landscapes, and visitors can expect to find 25 sculptures (from artists including Yoni Alter, Gillie & Marc, Charlotte Colbert and more) across some of West London’s most beautiful and iconic sites, including Duke of York Square, Sloane Street, Royal Avenue on the King’s Road, Earl’s Court, North Kensington, Holland Park, High Street Kensington, and Knightsbridge.

Details: Until 31 August 2024 across Kensington and Chelsea. Find the trail map at kcaw.co.uk

Nibble In The Heart Of Chelsea

Summer in Sloane Square has landed, and it’s the perfect spot for a nibble beneath the sun this weekend. Created in partnership with The Royal Court Theatre, The Botanist, Côte and Azzurra, surrounded by festoon lighting, guests are invited to tuck into a selection of delicious summer plates, sharing nibbles and exquisite cocktails in the heart of Chelsea.

Details: All summer at Sloane Square.

Visit A New Food Market

The latest street food market to hit London is Vauxhall’s Metropolis London, with 11 of the city’s best street food vendors taking over one of Albert Embankment’s railway arches, spanning loaded fries, Cal-Mex tacos and Sri Lankan food inspired by family recipes. The expansive space will also play host to up and coming talent, comedy nights, music and sports, open everyday from lunchtime until late.

Details: Metropolis London is now open at Albert Embankment Railway Arches (SE1 7TP) everyday of the week from 11am. metropolislondon.co.uk

INKO NITO DJ Nights

Fancy starting the weekend with a bang? Every Friday, tucked away on Soho’s Broadwick Street, INKO NITO hosts vibrant and bustling DJ nights offering a mix of funk, soul, hip hop and deep house music alongside the unconventional Japanese robatayaki and sushi dishes that the restaurant is known for. Special dishes bespoke for DJ Nights will also be available, including Portobello mushrooms with smoked butter, sea bream with salsa rosa, Salmon teriyaki, and Kimchi rice.

Details: Every Friday at INKO NITO (55 Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QS). inkonitorestaurant.com

Tuck Into West London’s Best Roast

Big words, but the Sunday roast at Chelsea’s No. 50 Cheyne is (rightly) the stuff of legend. Tucked away on Cheyne Walk – a stone’s throw from the River Thames and Albert Bridge with the King’s Road to the north – this light-filled brasserie is brimming with pretty flowers, bright interiors, and a buzzy atmosphere. Begin with a glass of fizz or treat yourself to a cocktail, before tucking into the legendary roast, choosing between 40 Day Aged Beef Sirloin, Roasted Cauliflower Heritage, Cumbrian Chicken or the restaurant’s prized 100 Day-Aged Belted Galloway Beef Rib Roast, with a limited quantity available. With Executive Chef Iain Smith inspired by a desire to first find and then cook London’s best roast, you’ll find all accompanied with perfectly roasted classic sides: roast potatoes (super crispy yet buttery soft in the middle, just as they should be), Yorkshire pudding (with a surprise stuffing ball nestled inside), huge glazed carrots and hispi cabbage, with a generous serving of gravy to boot. Divine. Best of all, this well-priced, in-demand roast is available on Saturdays as well as Sundays – but you’ll still need to be quick to cinch your table.

Details: Roasts are available every Saturday and Sunday at No. Fifty Cheyne (50 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5LR), with prices starting at £25 on Saturdays and £28.30 on Sundays. Book your table at fiftycheyne.com

London’s Very Best Roasts

Eat Viral Pancakes

Apple Butter is a buzzy all-day dining spot and home to some viral pancakes that are worth going out of your way for. There’s the original branch in Seven Dials, or head to the newly opened venue on Langham Place – a stone’s throw away from Oxford Circus – for all the goodness in a slightly more tranquil spot. There’s a full menu of delicious, middle eastern inspired plates, plus an extensive menu of hot and cold coffees and speciality lattes; the cinnamon roll latte is a real treat. But the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the pancakes. There’s a daily special flavour of uber fluffy pancakes, spanning the likes of strawberry cheesecake, lotus and white chocolate, hazelnut praline and, if you’re lucky, sticky toffee pudding – a rich, gooey marvel with dates and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Divine.

Details: Find Apple Butter in Seven Dials (32-34 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HA) and Langham Place (4-5 Langham Pl, London W1B 3DG). Tables are walk-in only. Good luck! applebuttercafe.com

See A Secret Photography Exhibition

Tucked away in the speakeasy bar of Chelsea’s chic …At Sloane is an exclusive exhibition of 12 hedonistic black and white photographs by James D Kelly, hung in tandem with Photo London. While you’re there, sip on a delicious cocktail in cool surroundings, or rest your head in one of 30 bedrooms tucked away in art-filled corridors.

Details: Find the Bar …At Sloane at 2 Holbein Pl, London SW1W 8NP.

Visit A Playground For Grownups

This is how Roof East is best described, featuring vibrant colours and sparkles that really shine when the sun finally shows up. Shoot up the elevator – or climb the many stairs – to the rooftop carpark, transformed into a fun haven featuring a beloved rooftop cinema, street food vendors, a Birdies mini golf course, Sluggers batting cages, Arrows archery and Glitter Bowls. Enjoy ice-cold cocktails, tuck into delicious street food, and challenge your friends to a round of giant jenga before snuggling up with a blanket for a movie.

Details: Roof East is officially open for 2024 at 7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1XE. roofeast.com

Natural Face Lift, Anyone?

This is how HarSPA Richmond’s brand new HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is best described. A truly rejuvenating experience, enter the spa at Harbour Hotel Richmond’s den of tranquillity, and emerge renewed. Created with UK-based sustainable skin and body care brand, Proverb, this facial is less about layers of serums and more about energising the skin and facial muscles for natural brightness and lift – all elevated with Proverb’s  gender-neutral, clean and natural skincare. Launched by former pro rugby player Luke Sheriff and his partner Kirstie, Proverb draws on athletic performance, and this facial really is a workout. Thanks to proven facial techniques to lift, contour and tone the skin, your circulation will be boosted bringing nutrients to the surface, and you will also benefit from lymphatic drainage, removing any toxic and waste. (Gua sha fans, this is your dream come true.) Afterwards, wind down from your workout (yes) in HarSPA’s idyllic facilities: luscious relaxation rooms, bubbly Scandi hot tubs in the garden, and a wellbeing juice bar to fuel your skin with lots of nutrients. For more fuel, Harbour Hotel’s laid back restaurant, The Gate, is the perfect pitstop – and the carrot salad is perfect (and very delicious) for any health-conscious visitors.

Details: The Proverb HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is available at HarSPA (Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). The treatment is £68, with an exclusive gift when you book your first treatment. The Gate is located in Harbour Hotel (152–158 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). harbourhotels.co.uk

Islington Square Saturday Market

Every Saturday, Islington Square is overtaken by a carefully curated weekly market in partnership with Urban Food Fest. Visit for mouth watering street food, unforgettable desserts and artisanal products alongside creative crafts for all the family.

Details: Every Saturday from 11am–5pm at Islington Square (116 Upper St, London N1 1AB).

Build A Terrarium

Bring some brightness to your living space with your very own beautiful (and low maintenance) terrarium. If you fancy making your own, join Katie and Lucas in Tottenham for guidance and all the materials you need to craft your very own oasis.

Details: Sessions take place on Saturdays in Tottenham, priced at £70 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

See A Sculpture

With only 13 percent of known sculptures in London attributed to women, Brookfield Properties and its new partner, The Association of Women in the Arts (AWITA), has unveiled the first of two consecutive exhibitions by women sculptors, curated through a female lens and timed to coincide with Womens’ History Month. ‘Creating visibility for female artists and valuing them through a commissioning and exhibition platform is vital to continue progress towards gender equity,’ explains Sigrid Kirk, co-founder of AWITA. Crafted by Jodie Carey and curated by Eve Miller, Beyond the Matrix is on display now.

Details: ‘Beyond the Matrix’ can be seen at 100 Bishopsgate (London EC2M 1GT) until September 2024.

Learn To Make Gelato

Say hello to warmer days with a gelato making session. Join Elisa and Fabiano in Wandsworth to learn all about the art of gelato and sorbet making, before tucking into your creation – 500g of it, no less.

Details: Sessions take place on Wednesdays and Sundays in Wandsworth, priced at £65 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

Watch A Rooftop Film

Film lovers rejoice: Rooftop Film Club is back for 2024, herading rooftop season with it. Both the Peckham and Stratford venues will be screening a mixture of new releases and cult classics throughout Spring and Summer, from Anatomy of a Fall to About Time, Poor Things to Notting Hill. Meanwhile, nibble on pizza, popcorn and desserts, and sip on cocktails from the bar.

Details: Roof East (Rooftop Film Club Roof East, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1BB) will be open from 18 April, while the Peckham venue (Roof A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST) will open on 25 April. Book your tickets at rooftopfilmclub.com

Celebrate Aperitivo Hour At Swift

With lighter evenings finally the norm once again, celebrate the weekend off in style with Aperitivo Hour cocktails at Swift. Order any cocktail before 6pm and get it for only £7.

Details: £7 cocktails are available everyday before 6pm at Swift Borough (66 Borough High St, London SE1 1XF; open from 3pm on Friday, 1pm on Saturday and close on Sundays) and Swift Shoreditch (91-93 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3HZ; open from 3pm Friday–Sunday). Walk ins are very welcome, or secure your table at barswift.com

Skin Refresh For The Weekend

Skincare lover wondering what to do in London this weekend? Cult skin clinic Skin Laundry is pioneering the non-invasive laser facial, and we’d highly recommend it. With a limited number of services available, expect high quality, clinically proven treatments delivered by warm clinicians, many with no down time at all and some with instant glowy results. Unsure what to go for? Book a consultation and step into the calming studio ready for a candid conversation with one of the friendly clinicians regarding your skincare goals. They’ll guide you through the whole process, explaining why the lasers work, and what results you can expect. And even though ‘laser’ might sound daunting, don’t worry: it doesn’t hurt in the slightest. Already sold? Join the Skin Laundry club for multiple monthly facials and exclusive discounts on all services and products.

Details: Skin Laundry is open everyday in Chelsea (69A King’s Rd, London SW3 4NX), Soho (9 Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RL) and Hampstead (68 Heath St, London NW3 1DN), 10am–8pm with reduced hours on Sundays. Book your appointment at skinlaundry.uk

See The Yoko Ono Exhibition

She may be best known for being married to John Lennon, but there’s a lot more to Yoko Ono than her Beatles connection. The Japanese musician and performance artist, now 90, has a fascinating body of work that spans over seven decades – which is being explored in an landmark exhibition at Tate Modern. The largest show Yoko Ono’s work yet, Music of the Mind will delve into some of the most talked about works of her career, from the 1950s to the modern day. Naturally, her London years (1966 – 1971) will be a point of intrigue: the period she became intertwined with a nonconformist network of artists and musicians, including Lennon. Her banned Film No. 4 (Bottoms) will be shown, and visitors will have the chance to participate in White Chess Set, a game with solely white chess pieces believed to symbolise Ono’s anti-war stance.

Details: 15 February–1 September at the Tate Modern (Bankside, London SE1 9TG). tate.org.uk

Visit The Immersive David Attenborough Experience

Nature fan looking for a new immersive experience in London? We’ve found the perfect thing for you to try this weekend in London: OTHERWORLD’s David Attenborough Immersive Anthology. A three-part immersive journey narrated by David Attenborough, this stunning 8K virtual reality casts nature’s beasts and beauties into sharp relief, featuring carnivorous flytraps, majestic butterflies and towering pterosaurs, all brought to life by state-of-the-art 3D cinematography and computer graphics, spatial audio and tactile bass technology.

Details: OTHERWORLD has two London venues: Victoria (85 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0QJ) and Hackney (336 Acton Mews, Haggerston, London E8 4EA). Tickets are £35 per person for the 70 minute experience, including a 15 minute interval, and can be purchased at other.world

Sip Cocktails In A Secret Bar

Sotto is London’s latest speakeasy bar opening, hidden beneath Soho’s buzzy Bocconcino. It’s all about classic Italian elegance, expressed through chic interiors, soft lighting, and a cool menu of unique savoury cocktails. Everything has an Italian twist: think an Old Fashioned infused with wild mushrooms, or the Avocado Amore blending the favourite fruit with Italian lemons, Calabrian chilli and basil foam, or the Velvet Corvina mixing corvina wine with peach purée, wine cordial, crème de cassis and blood orange. Enjoy alongside a selection of small plates for the perfect intimate date night spot. Cheers!

Details: Sotto is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm–2am at Bocconcino Soho (59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JY). Book at bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

Sound Healing At The Mandrake

Seeking some serenity? Experience the transformative combination of Reiki and Sound Healing every Saturday at The Mandrake Hotel, guided by skilled sound healer Maria Lodetoft. Expect Reiki healing amid the soothing soundscape of alchemy crystal singing bowls, producing tones and frequencies thought to align the chakras, calm the mind, and open the heart.

Details: Every Saturday at 11am at The Mandrake Hotel (20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG). Places cost £40 per person and can be booked at themandrake.com

The Leo Green Experience

Live music and jazz fans should flock to QT this weekend, where The Leo Green Experience celebrates the best sax solos centre stage, putting a high-energy sax twist on the biggest hits of the last 30 years. Featuring table service delivering an array of small plates and cocktails, there’s an old school vibe with an easy breezy air: think drinking, dancing and eating while Leo and his band raise the roof.

Details: Every Friday and Saturday evening from 7.30–9.15pm and 9.45pm–1am at QT (Middle Eight Hotel, 66 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BX). Tickets are £25 for general admission, or £35 for seated table service. Book at middleeight.com

Live Music Bars

There’s only one thing better than live music: live music with a glass of something in your hand. London’s live music bar scene is thriving – it always has been – and from jazz clubs to hi-fi DJ venues, there are plenty to choose from. Our favourite this winter is Brilliant Corners, a vibrant yet moody spot tucked away in Dalston, serving natural wine, zingy cocktails and a delicious seasonal five-course set menu inspired by the izakaya of Japan.

Details: Brilliant Corners is open 5pm–1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and 4pm–midnight on Sundays at 470 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE. Book your table at brilliantcornerslondon.co.uk

London’s Best Bars For Live Music

Columbia Road Flower Market

Brighten the gloomy winter days with a trip to London’s premiere flower market this weekend: Columbia Road. Taking place every Sunday between Bethnal Green and Hoxton, it attracts people from far and wide in droves and for good reason, offering a glorious slice of unchanging London life, with reasonable prices across flowers and bulbs, succulents and houseplants. With a rainbow of vibrant colours, it’s hard to resist succumbing to the classic Instagram shots. Afterwards, head into Shoreditch, or grab a bagel on the ever-popular Brick Lane.

Details: Sundays, 8am–2pm at Columbia Road, Bethnal Green E2 7RG. columbiaroad.info

More Of London’s Gorgeous Flower Markets To Visit

Go Bowling

OK, OK, a generic weekend suggestion – but London’s bowling alleys are some of the nation’s best. Whether you’re looking to host a big birthday blowout, make plans with friends or you’re in need of new date ideas, you’ll bowl everyone over with these spots.

Learn To Make Pasta

Wondering what to do in London next weekend? Try your hand at the Italian art of pasta making at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy in Farringdon. Expect to learn all about the best ingredients and techniques, and eat your creation at the end, too. Read our review of the Beginners’ Class here.

Details: Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy (62-63 Long Lane, Barbican, London EC1A 9EJ). These classes are extremely high-demand, so your weekend activity will inevitably be booking ahead for a future weekend. pastaevangelists.com

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