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Well, folks – the warmer weather has finally arrived now that we’re halfway through the year! And we’ve got our fingers crossed it sticks around for a while. In anticipation of the long sunny days and (patches of) glorious weather we’ve rounded up some brilliant things to do this month in London. Whether you’re sipping pints, trying out world-class restaurants, or heading off to the beach, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. So without further ado, get a load of these amazing things to do in London in July 2024!
1. Enjoy a summer-time London festival
Summer finds festival season reaching peak volume, with enormous celebrations of music taking place left, right, and centre. Here’s a reminder of the top festivals taking place in London this July:
🎶 BST Hyde Park (July 5–July 14) – headliners include Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain, Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Kings of Leon, and more.
🎵 Big Smoke (July 6) – headliners include the festival curator Skepta himself and more.
🎶 Wireless (July 12 – 14) – headliners include Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, 21 Savage, Ice Spice, Digga D and more.
🎵 Kew The Music (July 9–12) – headliners include Mika, JLS, Beverley Knight, and more.
But that’s not all! Check out everything that July – and the rest of the year – has in store festival-wise here.
2. Step into Seoul’s ultra-modern cityscape without leaving London
Fancy a trip to South Korea without the faff of international travel? The stunning PULSE: Beyond Delight is an artistic experience that envelops you in “Seoul’s mythical and ultra-modern cityscapes”. Across 13 immersive zones, the show weaves together the worlds of myth, reality, tradition, and innovation, for a jaw-dropping escape.
3. Head to the beach
July should, in theory, mean the warm weather finally arrives in our city. But the weather has been incredibly unpredictable so far in 2024. Nonetheless, we’ve got our fingers crossed for a spell of sun, blue skies, and warmth. And what better to do with those conditions than track down a sandy beach? If you’re willing to strike out across the UK, why not check out the most beautiful beaches the country has to offer? Otherwise, you can find a beach a little closer to London. Grab your swimmers and some towels, and go for a dip!
Psst, in keeping with our secretive nature, we’ve also got a list of some hidden beaches near London, where you can avoid the crowds. Just don’t tell anyone else about them, agreed?
4. Enjoy a thrilling theatrical experience aboard a train
Someone has been murdered! And now you’re all trapped aboard this train until the killer has been found and the mystery has been solved. But you knew that was going to happen… After all, this delicious theatrical dining experience of drama and food is called The Murdér Express. Even with the accent above the ‘e’ it should be pretty clear what you’re in for! So hop aboard a 1920s-style train for a three-course meal and a brilliant evening of immersive murder mystery entertainment.
5. Catch all of the hottest sporting action in July
As the weather starts heating up, so too do some of the world’s most exciting sporting events. July plays host to a plethora of tournaments and match-ups that get the whole world whipped up into a frenzy. Here’s the run-down of the can’t-miss face-offs this month:
🎾 The Championships, Wimbledon (July 1-14) – the oldest tennis championship in the world, and arguably the most prestigious! Find out where to watch it (besides at Wimbledon itself) here.
⚽ The UEFA European Football Championship (Finals July 14) – is it coming home? Can England pull out a victory? Watch all the action with our viewing guide.
🚲 Tour de France (June 29 – July 21) – you know this one, the long multi-stage cycling race! It winds its way to a conclusion in late July.
🏀 USA Basketball Showcase (July 20 & 22) – the USA Basketball Men’s National Team will play two games at the O2 in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Summer Games.
6. And the Summer Olympics – of course! (July 26 – August 11)
No, we didn’t forget it – we just thought we’d give it its own entry in this article! The Summer Olympics also commences this July, and we can’t wait to marvel at some history-making sporting feats. The anticipation is always high when it comes around every four years, and this year is no exception. Londoners can even head on down to pop-up Olympic Fan Zones as the competition gets underway.
7. Go back in time to the days of the Wild West
Fancy stepping back in time to strap on a Stetson, sip on some moonshine, and play cards with some ne’er-do-wells and shady characters? That’s exactly what awaits you at the immersive Moonshine Saloon cocktail experience. You’ll have to smuggle in your own liquor before joining the action as part of Clyde Cassidy’s bootlegging empire. Oh, and don’t worry – you’ll be sipping on something much better than moonshine in the form of four bespoke cocktails made with your bootleg liquor.
Grab a ticket for the experience here.
8. Stretch it out with London Zoo’s penguins
In what might be one of the most unexpected (but also delightful) recent partnerships, workout studio East of Eden has partnered up with the London Zoo to provide a truly unique yoga experience. Participants can stretch it out in a special yoga session right next to London Zoo’s penguin enclosure. Sessions take place after the zoo has closed for the day, and also include a talk from the zookeepers. Who knows? The penguins might just join in – and show you how it’s done!
The penguin yoga sessions take place on July 4 & 18 and on August 1, 15, & 29. The classes run from 6-8pm, and tickets are £45 per person. Grab a ticket here.
9. Explore London Transport Museum’s Acton Depot (July 5-7)
Transport fanatics won’t want to miss this! The London Transport Museum is opening the doors to its Acton Depot this summer for one weekend only. The ‘From past to Present’ open days will treat visitors to a chance to “discover the past, present and future of London’s transport”. It’s a rare chance to explore the working museum store, which is full of amazing objects, and enjoy curator-led talks, tours, vehicle displays, and family activities.
Find out more and book a ticket here.
10. Sip on a drink with a view
Warm weather means a wonderful aspect of London’s drinking scene re-opens: the rooftop bars! There’s truly nothing quite like enjoying the sun’s rays with a drink in hand, looking out at stunning views of our gorgeous city. And London’s rooftop bars run the gamut of vibes, from casual beer-focused joints to ultra-fancy spots and raucous partying rooftops. Check out our full roundups of our favourite rooftop bars and rooftop restaurants.
11. Turn your world upside down at this topsy-turvy exhibition
Be warned – you can’t trust your eyes at the perception-challenging Paradox Museum in London. “Step into a world where nothing makes sense yet everything feels real” where your very sense of reality will be tested and redefined. You might find yourself flying upside down, disappearing into the walls, or seemingly cut in two! It’s not just for kids, either, with all ages sure to enjoy (or be befuddled by) the mind-bending experience.
12. Watch a flick outdoors for FREE
There’s something about the magic of cinema that gets heightened when it’s paired with the great outdoors. And you know what else is magical? Free stuff! These free outdoor film screenings are the perfect budget-friendly way to spend a lazy summer day. Read our full run-down of free outdoor movie-watching experiences here.
13. See your favourite artwork – in LEGO form
One of the great enduring pleasures in life is the possibility for creativity that LEGO® bricks bring about. With a few (or many hundreds of) brightly coloured bricks, you can make seemingly anything. This is gorgeously demonstrated at The Art of the Brick, which comprises more than 100 famed artworks constructed out of over a million bricks. The show features everything from Michelangelo’s David to Van Gogh’s Starry Night and a 6-metre-long reproduction of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.
14. Celebrate all things bean-y at Beanfest (July 6)
Yup, that’s right – there’s a whole celebration of beans and all things related set to land at Woolwich Works this July. Beanfest will host its very first modern iteration with a roster of cooking demonstrations, talks, and discussions as well as a cookbook shop and a marketplace. Fun fact: Beanfest dates all the way back to 1773, “when King George III arrived at Woolwich by barge and proclaimed an annual holiday after enjoying an open-air feast of beans and bacon”.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
15. Celebrate Summer at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (July 2-7)
Summer is in full bloom in July, and so are the idyllic surrounds of Hampton Court Palace. Every year, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival brings us a gorgeous celebration of gardens, floral displays, and more. It’s perfect for the green-fingered and flower-eyed among you. With food and drink, plenty of shopping opportunities, talks and workshops, and gorgeous Show Gardens, it’s a blooming lovely way to spend the day.
16. Marvel at the world of science (July 2-7)
The annual (and free!) Summer Science Exhibition returns to London this July, with a “celebration of cutting-edge science.” Across the six-day event, guests can enjoy a range of events and exhibits, hear from leading scientists across a range of fields, and even meet the scientists of tomorrow! Topics include quantum dark matter detectors, stem cell embryos, ancient Antarctic ice bubbles, sustainable batteries for the future, and much more. Visitors will also be treated to the UK premiere of Luke Jerram’s stunning ‘Mirror Moon’. The work uses topographical data of the moon’s surface for an accurate rendering of every crater, valley, and mountain.
The event is free, and no tickets are required. Find out more here.
17. Eat your way through Wimbledon
Unlike any other sporting event, Wimbledon is intrinsically linked with food. There is no more iconic sporting dish, after all, than strawberries and cream while sitting courtside. These London venues are getting in on the Wimbledon spirit with some special menus for the tournament.
🎾 The Kensington is serving up a Wimbledon-inspired cake and cocktail menu of ‘Perfect Serves’. Don’t miss the gorgeously green Matcha-infused Tennis Ball dessert or the Lob, Tea-nnis, and Tie-break cocktails.
🎾 Saison by Mauro Colagreco is celebrating the tournament with a new Courtside Menu, which takes British summertime ingredients and gives them a French Riviera twist. Don’t miss the strawberry-centric desserts!
🎾 Benares is offering a Wimbledon-inspired dessert, Game Set Meringue for all the tennis lovers. The Michelin-starred restaurant will serve up the classic strawberries and cream staple on a tennis court in a sweet treat including fresh strawberries, rhubarb & ginger cordial and pistachio.
18. Laugh until you cry at the London Clown Festival (July 8 – 26)
Yup – you read that right, an entire festival of clown performances is set to land in London, taking over the Soho Theatre. Far from the stereotype of the circus clown with a powdered white face and a big red nose, the clowns at the London Clown Festival can look just as innocuous as any other performer. But with a laser-sharp focus on doing one thing, and one thing only, making the audience laugh as much and as loudly as possible. There’s a hefty emphasis on physical comedy, but the clowns in the festival range wildly in their specialities. Stand-up fans and comedy fans don’t want to miss the London Clown Festival.
See the full line-up of the London Clown Festival, and grab tickets, here.
19. Check out London’s largest free outdoor arts festival
Across four weekends in July, London will be taken over by a free outdoor arts festival: River Stage at the National Theatre. With each weekend taking place at a different iconic London venue, the programme includes everything from live music to dance performances, screenings of theatre performances, scrummy food and drink, and more. The first iteration will run from July 5-7 at The Glory in East London. It will then drop down at Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (July 12-14), Rambert (July 19-21), and The National Theatre (July 26-28).
Find out more about River Stage at the National Theatre here.
20. Then head to the West End
The West End is a legendary spot for theatre, with world-class productions in globally renowned playhouses. So be sure to take advantage of living in a city with such incredible theatre by heading to these stage shows and musicals this July:
NEW OPENINGS
🖼️ Dorian: The Musical (July 4 – August 10): Southwark Playhouse Borough – a modern, musical interpretation of the Oscar Wilde classic.
🥖 The Baker’s Wife (July 6 – September 14): Menier Chocolate Factory – a cult classic musical where ” the arrival of a new Baker and his younger wife turns a provincial French village upside down”.
🍻 Sh!t-faced Shakespeare®: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 10 – September 7): Leicester Square Theatre – each night a different cast member gets sloshed before the performance, resulting in some zany improvised Shakespearean antics.
📜 Echo (Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen) (July 13 – 27): Royal Court – each performance sees a new actor step into the role unrehearsed and unprepared.
😍 FANGIRLS (July 15 – August 24): Lyric Hammersmith – UK debut of a musical about an Australian schoolgirl’s infatuation with a boy band star.
💀 Death of England (July 15 – September 28): Soho Place – two separate performances are available to watch, telling the stories of Delroy and Michael in two pieces that converse with each other. See them both.
🐻 The Gruffalo (July 17 – September 8): Lyric Theatre – the beloved children’s book gets the stage treatment.
🧌 Shrek The Musical (July 19 – August 31): Eventim Apollo – everyone’s favourite ogre and his donkey sidekick take to the stage.
🎶 Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World (July 20 – September 8): The Other Palace – Main Theatre – a musical romp through “some of herstory’s greatest icons”.
🩰 A Chorus Line (July 31 – August 25): Sadler’s Wells Theatre – this hit musical dramatizes what goes on behind the scenes as performers audition for a new Broadway play.
💃 Frankie Goes to Bollywood (July 31 – August 18): Southbank Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hall – a new musical based on the true stories of Brits in Bollywood.
ENDING SOON
🎸Passing Strange (Ends July 6): Young Vic (Main House) – the Tony Award-winning rock musical about punk-rock and teenage-dom lands in London for its European premiere.
🗡️ Heathers The Musical (Ends July 6): Soho Place – the runaway hit based on the cult 90’s film will tour the UK after a limited six-week-only run in London.
⚽ The Bounds (Ends July 13): Royal Court – a darkly comic folk-horror tale set during the ‘true Golden Age of English football’ in -check notes- 1554!?
🎤 Babies (Ends July 14): The Other Palace – Main Theatre – a pop-rock coming-of-age musical.
💔 My Father’s Fable (Ends July 27): Bush Theatre – Peace learns of the existence of her half-brother in Nigeria following her father’s death and invites him to visit her in England.
👀 The Marilyn Conspiracy (Ends July 27): Park Theatre – a deep-dive into the last five hours of Marilyn Monroe’s life.
🧪 Marie Curie the Musical (Ends July 28): Charing Cross Theatre – you read that correctly, it’s exactly what the title suggests!
Read our full guide to London’s unmissable West End productions here.
21. Watch some Shakespeare in a square near you
Shakespeare in the Square returned this June, bringing with it a production of All’s Well That Ends Well touring around London’s theatres squares. The show performs in a different venue each night, but the tour will finish in July – so don’t miss out! July’s dates include performances in Wandsworth, Covent Garden, St James’s Square, and beyond.
Find out more, and grab tickets, here.
22. Or catch a theatre production in the Kew Gardens
What’s better than a bit of West End theatre? A bit of outdoor theatre to take advantage of the summer weather! And what’s better than outdoor theatre? Outdoor theatre in a stunning environment – like the Kew Gardens! This July, the Australian Shakespeare Company returns to London for Theatre on Kew, with three spectacular new shows for the summer. Young and old alike will delight in the open-air performances of The Wind in the Willows, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Dream Fairies – Adventure Through Bubble Land.
All three shows start on the weekend of July 19/20 and run throughout the summer holidays. Book tickets here.
23. Sip on Cocktails in the City (July 11-13)
London’s celebration of cocktails returns for its summer series with Cocktails in the City: The Games Edition. Celebrating a summer of sports, 20 of London’s best bars will descend upon Bedford Square Garden to serve up “signature cocktails infused with a dash of spirited competition.” Bars will compete for a variety of prizes, such as Best Bar Team and Best Cocktail, and if you fancy joining the action you can unleash your inner mixologist at TT LOndon’s cocktail-making sessions.
2024’s Cocktails in the City sessions see the launch of The Dover Yard B Corp Bar, which celebrates B Corp-certified spirits and their mission for sustainability. Highlighted spirits include Nc’Nean (the first UK whiskey distillery to receive net zero verification), Avallen (climate-positive calvados), Hattiers (the first British and world’s second B Corp rum), and more. Another new addition to the drinking festival is The Tasting Stage, which takes drinkers around the world with all sorts of special flavours and concoctions.
Find out more, and grab tickets, here.
24. Mosey on down to some of London’s newest openings
As with every month in London, there are all sorts of new openings to enjoy in London this July. Get those diaries open and make some room for a visit to these new openings:
🌮 TA-KO (Stoke Newington) – world-class cocktails served alongside stunning Asian food wrapped up in tacos.
🍹 The Pacific Tavern (Canary Wharf) – a restored ’80s pub with a 200-seater beer garden and terrace and a menu celebrating the flavours and ingredients of New Zealand and the Pacific region. Opens this July.
🍲 Kolamba East (Spitalfields) – Kolamba founders open their second London restaurant showcasing their modern take on Sri Lankan home cooking. Opens this July.
🦐 Lahpet Larder (Bermondsey) – the third opening from Lahpet founders ” draws influence from the duo’s Burmese heritage and love for Myanmar’s rich produce”. Opens this July.
🍸 Engel & Jang (City) – two separate venues both opening in the Royal Exchange: Engel is a cocktail bar inspired by 1920s Berlin, while Jang is an intimate restaurant and bar serving modern Korean and Japanese cuisine. Opens this July.
🍽️ Harry’s (Victoria) – timeless Italian cooking and elegant interiors combine to emulate the glamour of Italy in the 1950s. Opens July 2.
🎶 Camden Courtyard (Camden) – a new open-air venue with alcoholic slushies, live music, and more. Opens July 4.
🥳 Freight (Brixton) – set to open as Brixton’s largest open-air rooftop venue with live music, street food & BBQ, and cocktails and beer. Opens July 5.
🐙 Kaso (Shoreditch) – One Hundred Shoreditch’s new rooftop restaurant brings Eastern Mediterranean food to the East End. Opens July 5.
🥕 Holy Carrot (Notting Hill) – the veg-forward eatery opens its first permanent restaurant and bar following successful pop-ups, residencies, and supper clubs. Opens July 16.
Read our full run-down of London’s best new openings here.
25. Celebrate 50 years of Camden Market
Camden Market is celebrating 50 years (!) of creativity and free-spirited character with a three-month-long festival. Kicking off on June 30 with a Pride Family Day, the celebrations will return on July 20 with the opening celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, and August 17 with a Bollywood Festival. All the while, many of Camden Market’s best-loved food vendors will have limited-edition 50th-anniversary specials. Head on down to sample the limited-edition food and join in the festivities!
26. Drag yourself to the beach for Drag Brunch (July 13)
London City Beach is hosting a fabulous Drag Brunch that promises a vibrant and unforgettable experience. Guests will be treated to dazzling performances by some of the city’s most talented drag queens, known for their charisma, uniqueness, and stunning costumes. The brunch will feature a delicious brunch box and bottomless beverages to keep the festivities lively. Alongside the entertainment and food, there will be interactive games and opportunities for audience participation, ensuring everyone feels part of the show.
Grab your ticket here.
27. Enjoy three days of Italian feasting at Taste of Eataly festival (July 19-21)
This July, Eataly London is hosting a weekend of walk-around tastings, dining, drinking, and celebration of all things Italy. The Taste of Eataly line-up includes homemade pasta, crispy pizza, creamy gelato, exquisite wines, and an appearance from your favourite Italian brands like Campari, illy, Engine Gin, and many more. It’s going to be nothing short of a foodie’s paradise! Explore two floors of Italian delights, and use your tokens (one per dish or drink) to fuel your taste buds. Don’t miss the ultimate Italian foodie festival in London this summer.
28. Have a BBQ with James Cochran (July 12-14)
James Cochran is easily one of London’s most exciting chefs. He’s the Great British Menu-winning chef behind the esteemed 12:51, which boasts an incredible tasting menu and a jaw-dropping Sunday roasts, he’s the mind behind beloved condiments (the 12:51 scotch bonnet jam), and he seems to never stop doing more! Next on the agenda, Cochran will be cooking up a BBQ at his local pub, The Palm, for one weekend only, from July 12-14. The menu will feature 12-hour Smoked BBQ Beef Brisket Flatbreads, Pineapple Jam Glazed Pork Ribs, Jerk Fries, Rum Punch, and much more.
Don’t miss out – book here.
29. Get stuck in at an authentic Louisiana Crawfish Boil
If there’s one finger-licking good experience that we’ve always envied the Americans for, it’s the crawfish boil. The sharing experience brings friends, families, and strangers together around one table to chow down on a veritable FEAST. Well lucky for us Crayfish Bob is popping up at the Bermondsey Beer Mile’s Gosnells Bar with a weekly crawfish boil that promises an authentic taste of Cajun and Creole flavours. Grab a ticket and get stuck in!
The Louisiana Crawfish Boil with Crayfish Bob takes place every Thursday from July 4 – October 10. Grab your ticket here.
30. Explore Japanese food and culture (July 19-21)
The UK’s largest Japanese food and culture festival returns this July for a weekend dedicated to showcasing the very best that Japan has to offer. Visitors can chow down on authentic Japanese cuisine, taste their way through sake, and enjoy live performances from popular Japanese artists. There will also be workshops to take part in and even a new ‘Go To Japan’ area where you can plan a trip to Japan!
Read all about the Hyper Japan festival here.
31. Try out an all-new menu
With our city firmly in the grip of Summer, you can bet London’s many restaurants and bars are celebrating with some exciting new menus and dishes. Here are some of the new, and limited-time, offerings that you won’t want to miss.
🍗 London’s most intriguing chicken shop, FOWL, has partnered up with Junior Bake Off host Ravneet Gill to offer a spin on Gill’s childhood favourite chicken dish. Available in July only.
🥘 Manthan is taking guests on a whirlwind tour of India, without leaving Mayfair, in the form of their new summer menu. The new dishes include “flavour-packed street food style bar snacks… sharing plates…, mouth-watering grills, and curries”.
🍸 German Gymnasium is going for gold ahead of the Olympics with a new cocktail menu ‘The Spirit of the Games’, that pays homage to the site’s rich history.
🍹 Knightsbridge hotspot Sumosan Twiga has launched a new cocktail menu inspired by traditions of healing and festivity. Our pick is the Negroni Mirage with Elephant London Dry Gin, Bitter Rouge!, Carlo Alberto Sweet Vermouth, and flavours of banana, orange, and cinnamon.
🍲 Babur is celebrating its 39th birthday with a special new menu inspired by the diverse Indian region of Maharashtra. Expect a unique take on the iconic street food, Vada Pav, and more. Available from July 17 – September 17.
🍹 Ham Yard Bar is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special ‘Stories of Soho’ cocktail menu that draws inspiration from the area’s famous landmarks and characters.
32. Keep the kids entertained during summer break
July means the schools will be breaking up for the summer – and you know what that means. Now you’ve got to find a way to keep the kids entertained! Well, fret not, because we’ve got you sorted. Check out our guide to the best family-friendly activities in London for a stress-free summer break. There’s everything from VR experiences to indoor theme parks, awesome playgrounds, and more.
33. Go food-crazy at the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival (July 20-21)
The National Geographic Food Festival returns to London this July for the fourth year, with a bigger and better offering than ever before. Take a culinary journey around the world as you explore the stalls in the exhibitor space, learn how to prepare regional dishes, and hear from leading chefs, sommeliers, food writers, and more. While you’re there you can also take part in workshops, tasting sessions, and ‘Wine & Spirits Theatre’ sessions. These encompass topics like food photography, Georgian wine, British cheese, and Latin American cocktails, among many others.
34. Head-bang at a London gig
London is home to some world-class live music venues, with chart-topping stars and up-and-coming hit-makers performing in our fair city. Here are some of the best gigs to catch in July – if you can get tickets!
🎸 Royel Otis (July 1): Rough Trade East
🎶 The Last Dinner Party (July 2): The George Tavern
🎙️ Paloma Faith (July 3): Eventim Apollo
🎻 Arcade Fire (July 4-5): O2 Academy Brixton
📻 The Killers (July 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11): The O2
🎸 The War on Drugs (July 11-12): Royal Albert Hall
🎧 Corinne Bailey Rae (July 14): Somerset House
🎶 Ezra Furman (July 16-17): Union Chapel
🎤 Megan Thee Stallion (July 17): The O2
🎙️ John Grant (July 19 & 20): Cadogan Hall & Shacklewell Arms
🎵 Hak Baker (July 20): Somerset House
🎸 Garbage (July 20): Wembley OVO Arena
📻 Pet Shop Boys (July 23-24 & 25-27): Royal Opera House
35. Scoff some carbs at a pasta festival (July 21)
Emilia’s Summer Pasta Festival is back again this summer, with another day of carb-fuelled deliciousness. The event will feature pasta masterclasses, live music, family-friendly activities, and PLENTY of pasta to chow down on. Naturally.
Find out more about the pasta festival here.
36. Cool off in the Thames
Canary Wharf has opened its outdoor swimming space for Londoners to enjoy. And, don’t fret – there’s no need to fear dirty water here! The water is tested often to ensure it maintains extremely high cleanliness levels. Just take a dip and cool off, without having to head for the beach or fight for space in your local lido.
Read all about it here.
37. Learn to cook a steak inside an egg
Big Green Egg, the manufacturer of the iconic egg-shaped grills that have taken London by storm, is celebrating its 50th birthday with a summer of events. First on the agenda is a series of masterclasses with Gaucho’s Thames-side Richmond restaurant. Attendees will get a “first-hand opportunity to see the EGG in action, while honing their steak-cooking finesse”. When you’ve learned how to cook a steak like a pro, you can spend the evening enjoying a spread of steaks, sides, and rosé wine, right by the Thames.
The ‘Sundown Sessions with Big Green Egg’ will run on July 13 & 27, and August 10 & 24. Grab a ticket here.
38. Get cultured at a London exhibition
London’s wealth of museums and galleries means that there is always a new show or exhibition to catch somewhere. Here are some of the newest openings to check out, and some to catch before they close:
EXHIBITIONS OPENING IN JULY
💛 A World of Care: Turner and the Environment (July 6 – October 27): Turner’s House – exhibition displays J.M.W. Turner’s works, which grapple with man’s effect on the natural world.
🩷 Barbie®: The Exhibition (July 5 – February 23, 2025): Design Museum – a deep-dive into the history of Barbie with a wealth of archival dolls and toys.
🤎 Travel the Silk Road with 5’ELEVEN” (July 6-7): 30 Spital Square – an immersive photography exhibition that explores the Silk Road trade route through the works of global photographers.
💚 The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award (July 11 – October 27): National Portrait Gallery – over 40,000 entries from over 100 countries compete for this award; this is the best of the best.
💙 Oscar Murillo: The flooded garden (July 20 – August 26): Tate Modern – part of UNIQLO’s Tate Play series, visitors are invited to “paint water and waves over monumental canvases”.
💜 Grayson Perry, The Vanity of Small Differences (July – December): Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery – six tapestries inspired by William Hogarth’s ‘A Rake’s Progress’ that chart the aspiring protagonist’s journey in conversation with autobiographical elements from Perry’s life.
EXHIBITIONS CLOSING IN JULY
🩷 Double Exposure: David Bailey and Mary McCartney (Ends July 19): Claridge’s Art Space – career-spanning retrospective of two era-defining British photographers with celebrity portraits alongside everyday snaps.
🧡 The Last Caravaggio (Ends July 21): The National Gallery – the artist’s “final masterpiece returns to London for the first time in 20 years”.
❤️ RHS Botanical Art and Photography Show (Ends July 27): Saatchi Gallery – botanical art and photography from a variety of artists from around the globe.
🤎 Michelangelo: the last decades (Ends July 28): The British Museum – delves into the final 30 years of his life following his work on the Sistine Chapel, with poetry, letters, artistic design, and more.
🩶 Metamorphosis (Ends July 28): Saatchi Gallery – seemingly disparate filmmakers and photographers are united by their use of unconventional methods and materials.
Check out our guide to the best free exhibitions to see in London here.
39. Devour your way around one of the world’s biggest chicken wing festivals (July 26-28)
Calling all chicken wing fiends! Wingfest – one of the biggest chicken wing festivals in the world – returns to the capital on the weekend of July 26–28. Some of the best vendors in the city will take over London Stadium, including Bone Daddies, Poor Boys, and Mexican Seoul, plus there’ll be live music, axe throwing, bourbon masterclasses, and eating competitions. What’s more, on the Saturday (July 27), you’ll spot Secret London’s very own Tamsin Salfrais and Louis Schofield on the chicken wing judging panel.
40. Spend your summer at the Barbican
The Barbican has announced an impressive roster of summer events that will have you returning to the stunning spot time and time again. Head to their new pop-up Lakeside Lounge or the Martini Bar for ice-cold drinks, or enjoy live music, theatrical performances, art displays, and more. Be sure not to miss the Barbican’s summer exhibition, Francis Alÿs: Ricochets, “which celebrates the universality and ingenuity of play.”
To see the full schedule of summer events at the Barbican, head here.
41. Delight your senses at an enchanting candlelight concert
Picture the scene: you’re surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles in a stunning London church. A string quartet is playing stunning renditions of some of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. Sounds like bliss, right? Well, that’s exactly what awaits you at these stunning Candlelight Concerts. Check these out in July:
🕯️ Candlelight: The Best of Bollywood and Tollywood on Strings (July 13)
✨ Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay (July 20)
🕯️ Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works on Piano (July 26)
✨ Candlelight: A Tribute to Pink Floyd (July 27)
Find even more Candlelight Concerts in London here.
42. Share some finger-lickin’ claw-lickin’ good seafood
London’s surf & turf specialists at Burger & Lobster are renowned for their frequently over-the-top offerings and specials. Their latest stroke of madness genius sees them taking inspiration from a certain fast-food establishment, and giving it a seafood-y makeover. The new B&L Bucket is designed for sharing with friends and nets hungry diners an enormous amount of food, and never-ending sides. Each bucket includes “two fresh original recipe Atlantic 1.25lb lobsters, either steamed, grilled or fried to your preference, alongside four claws and half a pound of whole prawns” with bottomless fries and unlimited jugs of B&L’s signature creamy lemon and garlic butter.
Available from July 8 – August 12. Find your nearest Burger & Lobster here.
43. Savour a special meal
London’s drinking and dining scene is imbued with a sense of collaboration, which means that there are all sorts of one-night-only meals to keep an eye out for. If you’re after an unforgettable, and unrepeatable, night out, grab a table at one of these special events:
🍸 Mexico’s celebrated Zapote Bar will take over London’s Kol Mezcaleria for one day with a special collaborative cocktail menu with foraged flavours and ingredients, and The Lost Explorer spirits. July 6.
🔥 Islington’s Jam Delish, will kick off their ‘Jam Sessions’ – a Caribbean-inspired guest chef series – with a special menu from the legendary James Cochran of 12:51. July 2.
👀 MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Steven Edwards, will host a Supper Club at Fortnum & Mason celebrating British ingredients and unusual pairings. July 10.
🍾 Bar Antoine will commemorate Bastille Day with a free-flowing French-inspired bottomless brunch buffet – with a dedicated Bloody Mary station! July 14.
🍷 Covent Garden Hotel and Basket Press Wines have joined forces on a one-night-only supper to celebrate lesser-known wines from emerging regions in Eastern and Central Europe. July 12.
44. Check out London’s newest ‘cultural playground’
London has no shortage of venues that combine food, drinks, events, and culture all under one roof. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want even more of them! The one-stop-spots allow us to take advantage of all that London has to offer, in one easy locale. And the newest ‘cultural playground’ set to hit London is Dalston Yard – which opens this July.
Visitors can enjoy 10 food offerings (with both permanent and rotating pop-up options), 7 bars with wine, spirits, and craft beer, and a world of culture ranging from film screenings to live music, expert talks, exciting art and art experiences, and much more. The new venue will also strive to engage with the surrounding community in a meaningful way, with an emphasis on sustainability and addressing food inequality.
Keep up to date with the new venue here.
45. Keep exploring this charming city
Now, that’s hardly everything that our city has to offer you in July. It would be nigh on impossible for us to list everything! Here are even more exciting new attractions, events, and more to check out this month in London.
🛍️ London Is Home To Europe’s Longest Street Market – And It’s Open 5 Days A Week
🎢 The UK’s Tallest & Fastest Rollercoaster Has Opened One Hour Away From London
🍴 London Is Getting A New Food Truck Inspired By ‘The Bear’
❤️ This London Museum Is The First Ever Homelessness Museum In The World
🍹 This Brazilian Restaurant In Camden Boasts One Of The Biggest Caipirinha Menus I’ve Seen In London
🥪 This Iconic Bristol Sandwich Shop Is Bringing Its Mammoth Sarnies To London
🍹 This London Bar Has A Cocktail Menu That Changes With The Weather
🍽️ Dine Inside This Brixton Prison That Helps Reduce Reoffending Rates In London
👨🎤 Embark On A Rockin’ Tour Of London That Explores The Life And Legacy Of David Bowie
🥢 You Must Check Out This Brilliant Bun House In Soho’s Chinatown
🌿 London’s Beautiful Indoor Rainforest Is A Verdant Paradise
🍔 This New Burger Joint Serves Up Mouth-Watering Wagyu Smash Burgers
🦖 You Can Have A Sleepover With Dinosaurs At The Natural History Museum
🍷 The Covent Garden Wine Bar Where You’re Encouraged To Pass Secret Notes To Strangers
🌞 This Popular Japanese Restaurant In Shoreditch Has Launched A Must-Try Six-Course Summer Menu
🍻 This Enormous Beer Garden In Alexandra Palace Boasts Panoramic Views Over London
🛝 A Swish New Installation At The Serpentine Pavilion Doubles Up As A Play Area
🍺 The UK’s First-Ever Beer Spa Is Opening 2.5 Hours Away From London
🏊♂️ This Gorgeous Outdoor Pool And Tapas Restaurant Screams Holiday Vibes
More things to do inspiration…
😁 Fab and FREE things to do in London
🚶♀️ Things To Do In London You Need To Try Before You Die