Explore London
Top 10 Things To Do in London Before the Summer Ends
Arts and Culture
Things to Do:
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Regent’s Park, with an intimate setting that makes the experience feel like a secret pleasure, the open air theatre has become something of a summer staple for clued-up Londoners. The season runs from May – September, meaning you still have time to take in their much-lauded production of the popular musical . You’d be ‘mad to miss this uplifting revival’, states Paul Taylor at The Independent , while Sam Taylor at [The Times]https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/theatre-review-little-shop-of-horrors-at-the-open-air-theatre-regents-park-nw1-g78rxqh9q) deems it a ‘gloriously succulent and devilishly sinister’ production. runs until 22 September 2018.
If you’re a classical music fan, the Proms – the world’s biggest classic musical festival, which was founded in 1895 – is simply unmissable. With concerts taking place daily until 8 September, and featuring everything from Beethoven’s Fourth to West Side Story, there’s something in this year’s exciting line-up to suit any music lover.
Audrey Hepburn: Beyond the Big Screen
An excuse to visit Proud Galleries is always welcome. Europe’s most popular photographic gallery – and London’s finest – has long been known for its willingness to showcase unusual, inspiring works. Notable previous exhibitions include ‘The Stones and their Scene’, an intimate archive of unseen Rolling Stones images, and ‘The Official Bob Dylan Show’.
But Proud isn’t only interested in sharing rare pictures of rock stars with the public. From 17 August – 30 September, visitors to the gallery can enjoy a nostalgic selection of Audrey Hepburn portraits. The exhibition, entitled ‘Audrey Hepburn: Beyond the Big Screen’, has been collated to commemorate the 25 anniversary of Hepburn’s death and offers a rare glimpse into her private life as well as the chance to revisit some iconic images.
Heritage
Things to Do:
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
No trip to London would be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace – and those who are lucky enough to stop by during the summer months are afforded an extra-special treat. For ten weeks each year, the State Rooms are open to the general public, allowing visitors to take a closer look at 19 rooms (including the spectacular Throne Room) in which the British royal family entertain important guests. Each room contains opulent furnishings and a number of the Royal Collection’s finest treasures.
If you’re planning to visit one of the world’s last remaining working palaces during your London sojourn, be sure to take in the special exhibition of Prince Charles’ favourite artworks, ‘Prince and Patron’, which has been curated to mark his 70 birthday. Both the exhibition and the State Rooms are open to the public until 30 September 2018.
Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at the Barbican Centre or Bloomberg’s European Headquarters? Now is your chance to find out. On the 22 and 23 September, the Open House initiative will open the gates to some of the most important buildings in London. From guided walks to tours of art collections, there are lots of things to see and do – and most are free! Do note that popular events tend to get booked up advance, though, so be sure to plan ahead.
Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival
If you’re not sure what or who the ‘Pearlies’ are, the good news is that they’re easy to spot due to their hats and costumes, which are bedecked in hundreds of shiny buttons! One of London’s most-loved groups, the Pearly Kings and Queens are responsible for maintaining the society’s dedication to charity and spend much of the year fundraising.
The traditional harvest festival – the biggest event in the ‘Pearly’ calendar – takes place on the 16 September and is the perfect end to summer. Join the troupes at Guildhall Yard and enjoy marching bands, maypole dancing, and a rousing chorus of ‘Maybe it’s Because I’m a Londoner’ before joining the parade around the city. This old-fashioned, East End knees-up is free to attend, though harvest donations (such as non-perishable goods) are welcomed.
Sports
Things to Do:
Hold your breath – the world’s fastest zip wire has returned to London. Its latest incarnation can be found on the South Bank until 9 September, treating you to stunning views of the London Eye, Parliament and Lambeth Palace if you decide to take the plunge.
The Great River Race – also known as the London River Marathon – is in its 30 year. With over 300 teams from across the globe competing, including professional athletes, charity racers and fancy dress boats, this spectacle is not to be missed. Take up position along the route (which can be viewed on the official race website) or buy a ticket and view the competition in style from one of the passenger boats. Don’t forget to cheer as loudly as you can!
Celebrating the Cityscape
Things to Do:
Urban Beaches
London has it all: gorgeous parks, world-famous museums and galleries, a thriving theatre scene, and a plethora of highly-rated restaurants and bars. All the perfect ingredients for a brilliant summer break – except the bucket, spade, and sand part, that is.
Yes, London isn’t known for its natural beaches; so we could certainly forgive you for binning your bikini when packing your bag. However, the capital is in fact home to a number of temporary beach ‘pop-ups’ during the summer – like Neverland in Fulham, which offers bottomless brunch, beach huts, and riverside views, or the centrally-located South Bank Centre Beach. Sunshine may not be guaranteed, but if you’re looking for a vibe that’s more Maldives than Mile End, a day at the beach should definitely be on your to-do list.
Providing the perfect bridge between summer and autumn is the Totally Thames festival: a month-long celebration of London’s famous river that commences on 1 September. The festival incorporates a wide variety of local events – such as exhibitions, themed parties, live music, and archaeological walks – and most of them are free to attend. Consult the online calendar and prepare to be amazed by what’s on offer.
If you’re looking for other ways to pass the time on a sunny day in London, check out these informative blogs from UnderTheDoormat: ‘Top 7 Best-Rated Beer Gardens in London”; ‘7 Amazing Summer Events in London‘; and ‘Top Things Londoners Love to Do in the Sun‘.
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