Summer in London is here! The sun is out, school is nearly finished and the parks, pubs, cafes and restaurants are all full of shiny, happy people.
With the better weather comes some of the London’s best events including Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the Somerset House Summer Series and BST Hyde Park.
If you are wondering what to do in London in July then we have you covered, get set for a fun month!
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July dates for your diary
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There are lots of opportunities to listen live music this month along with tennis, monster trucks, a climbing festival and more.
- Wimbledon Tennis Championships start on 1 July and serve until 14 July
- Somerset House Summer Series start on 11 July and run until 21 July
- Eel Pie Island Artists open their studios for the weekend this month. This tiny island in the middle of the Thames is only open to visitors twice a year so it’s worth making the journey to visit this reclusive island and its many artist studios when you can.
- BST Hyde Park (otherwise known as British Summer Time Hyde Park) is a series of concerts taking place in the Royal Park between 29 June and 14 July. Headliners this year include Robbie Williams, Shania Twain and Kylie Minogue.
- The sixth London Trans+ Pride festival will turn Trafalgar Square pink and blue on 27 July.
- Giant trucks will be racing their way across the London Stadium on the 13 July for the annual Monster Jam spectacle.
- Argentine theatre group Fuerza Bruta take to the Roundhouse for their latest experiential theatre experience during the month of July.
- Wireless music festival plays at Finsbury Park with acts including Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat and other artists that your teen may well have heard of even if you haven’t! Wireless takes place 12 – 14 July.
- The North Face Climb Festival sees some of the world’s top climbers scale 16 metre walls at Canary Wharf South Dock, 12 – 13 July.
- Another fun music festival taking place in July in London is South Facing at Crystal Palace Bowl. The line up this year includes Grace Jones, The Roots and Jess Glenn. The festival takes place 26 July – 11 August.
- The week-long Kew the Music festival takes place from 8 – 14 July with live performances from Ronan Keating and Mika performing in the world-famous Kew Gardens.
- OH. MY. GAWD! The Friends Experience is coming to London! The immersive experience opens in August but tickets are available to book now (and are selling fast!).
- The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival takes place from 2 – 7 July.
Our highlights for July in London (2024)
Can’t decide what to do? The following are our top picks for things to do in London in July.
- The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta brings colour – and a lot of hot air balloons – to the London’s skies.
- The new Paradox Museum promises to be a lot of fun
- We’re exciting for the return of the Terrible Thames, the best boat tour in London for families
- Barbie: The Exhibition opens at the Design Museum this month and we can’t wait!
- The wild and wacky Brainiac Live! is a great day out with kids
- One for all the Swifties is the Songbook Trail at the V&A Museum, a free trail celebrating the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift with a range of her looks on display.
- Celebrate the lives of five trailblazing women at the Tower of London.
The best things to do in London in July
If you are visiting for the first time then be aware that July can be busy in London and some of the city’s main attractions including Tower Bridge, the British Museum and the Tate Modern can see a lot of visitors. If you run into bad weather on your family holiday don’t forget that London is still a good place to visit on rainy days and that there are lots of free things to do in London too.
In the meantime, enjoy the warmer months with our list of the best things to do in London in July.
The Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta
Taking place for the first time since 2019 is the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta when up to fifty hot air balloons will take flight across Central London. The standby dates for the event are Sunday 7, Sunday 21 and Sunday 28 July.
The Paradox Museum
Opening on 17 July is the Paradox Museum, London’s newest experience promising over 50 interactive exhibits and 25 immersive rooms. Step inside a giant kaleidoscope, see if you can navigate the mirror maze and defy gravity in the reverse rooms.
The Paradox Museum is located in Knightsbridge, near Harrods.
The Paddington Bear Experience
The Paddington Bear Experience opened at County Hall last month, welcoming fans of the polite young bear from deepest darkest Peru into a ‘multi-room, immersive experience’ based on the life and adventures of Paddington Bear.
Barbie: The Exhibition at the Design Museum
We are very excited about the new exhibition opening this month at the Design Museum. Held to coincide with the 65th anniversary of one of the world’s most famous dolls, Barbie: The Exhibition explores the design evolution of Barbie through over 250 objects including a rare first edition of the very first doll released by Mattel in 1959 (‘Number 1 Barbie’) and the first ever Barbie Dreamhouse from 1962.
Barbie: The Exhibition opens on 5 July
The Songbook Trail at the V&A Museum
Swifties young and old will love the new free trail opening at the V&A Museum on 27 July. Celebrating the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift, the Songbook Trail will include a range of her “iconic looks”.
The trail opens on 27 July and will run until 8 September.
Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre at the Natural History Museum
The recently opened Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre at the Natural History Museum is a great place to visit in London in June. The exhibit explores the weird and wonderful world of birds including the wonderchicken, the oldest modern bird in the world.
Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre runs until 5 January 2025
Trailblazers: Women at the Tower of London
Starting this month and running until 1 September, the Tower of London is celebrating five female trailblazers who have made their mark on the Tower’s past.
These include Tudor servant Catalina of Motril who worked for Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife, as well as suffragette Leonora Cohen who staged a protest for women’s voting rights at the Tower.
Look out for these fabulous women from the Tower’s past during your visit.
Brainiac Live! at Marylebone Theatre
Taking place at Marylebone Theatre this summer in London is the weird and wild Brainiac Live! show. Based on the popular ITV show, the performance is packed with wacky experiments and daredevil stunts from exploding dustbins to supercharged spinning chairs.
Brainiac Live! opens on 30 July and runs until 24 August.
Henry VIII’s joust at Hampton Court Palace
Head to Hampton Court Palace this July for a competition and celebration like no other. Henry VIII might be best known for his six wives but the monarch was also a keen jouster and to celebrate, his former home is hosting a joust in his honour.
Taking place on July 13 – 14 and 20 – 21, you can pick your favourite knight and cheer him on to victory as he does battle in the jousting arena – you may even spot Henry taking part himself! The jousts last around 45 minutes and take place daily at 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm.
Taking place alongside the jousting competition will be a series of falconry displays at 12.30pm and 3pm. Book your tickets now!
Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors
Watch out, the Terrible Tudors are back! The horrible Henries and evil Elizabeth are back this summer in London promising legends, lies, headless wives and a punch up with the Pope! Brought to stage by the folk behind the brilliant Horrible Histories books, this is “history with the nasty bits left in!”
The Terrible Tudors will be performing at the Apollo Theatre from 25 July – 1 September.
Horrible Histories: Terrible Thames
Ready to keep kids entertained during the school holidays is the side-splitting Terrible Thames, a 45 minute-long boat ride along London’s most famous river.
Learn all about the River Thames as you sail past some of the city’s most famous landmarks including the Tower of London (home to Yeoman Warders and the Crown Jewels), Big Ben and the London Eye. There are tales of treason and pirates, revolutions and beheadings, and fun facts that not even Londoners might know about (did you know that there’s a time capsule buried beneath Cleopatra’s Needle?!).
The Terrible Thames sets sail from 13 July.
Family Day: Beyond the Baseline at the British Library
Head to the British Library on Sunday 13 July for a fun family day inspired by the library’s latest exhibition. Aimed at children aged 2 – 11, the workshop invites kids to sing along to a Reggae Choir, go time-travelling with Helen McDonald’s Jazz Queens and get moving with HomeFam’s hip-hop workshops and more.
The Beyond the Baseline Family Day takes place on 13 July from 12pm – 4pm.
Family Under 5s workshop at the British Library
Also taking place at the British Library during the month of July in London is a family workshop aimed at under 5s. Inspired by the library’s current exhibition celebrating Black British Music, the family workshop invites young children to listen to Caribbean tales led by storyteller Wendy Shearer.
The event takes place on 19 July, 10.45am – 12pm.
Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts at the Polka Theatre
There is a lot of fun family theatre taking place in London this summer including Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts at the Polka Theatre.
Based on the best-selling book by Katie and Kevin Tsang, the production follows Sam Wu who is most definitely not a scaredy-cat (except he is) but when a trip to the Space Museum goes wrong he will have to do everything possible to prove that he is a fearless space adventurer.
Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts opens at the Polka Theatre on 22 June and runs until 18 August. The show is aimed at 6 – 12 year olds.
The Lion Inside at the Unicorn Theatre
Watch the heart-warming story of how a brave little mouse and a seemingly ferocious lion become firm friends is being brought to life at the Unicorn Theatre this summer. Aimed at children aged 3+, it’s a wonderful tale of confidence and self-esteem.
The Lion Inside will run at the Unicorn Theatre from 23 July – 4 August.
The Rubber Duck Race and Dragon Boat Regatta
Watch thousands of rubber ducks take to the water during the Rubber Duck race on 25 July and see who crosses the finish line first! Taking place on Regent’s Canal in Paddington, this wacky race is held in support of COSMIC Charity, an organisation that supports the children and neonatal intensive care units at St Mary’s & Queen Charlotte’s Hospital. You can sponsor a duck for just £3.00.
Also taking place on 25 July in Merchant Square is the annual Dragon Boat Regatta which seems teams of 16 rowers and one drummer race down the length of Merchant Square canal, often in fancy dress. The regatta is also held to raise much needed funds for COSMIC charity.
Camden Fringe
The Edinburgh Fringe might be bigger and better known but the Camden Fringe Performing Arts Festival programme is filled with hundreds of events including stand-up sets, experimental theatre, kids’ shows, dance and magic. Pop into Camden Market while you’re here.
The Camden Fringe takes place 29 July – 25 August.
Outdoor Cinemas
London is a great place to be during the summer months for so many reasons, not least the numerous open-cinemas that appear. Not all outdoor cinemas in London have family-friendly films on show, however, so we’ve picked our favourites here. Book a ticket and keep your fingers crossed for good weather.
Screen on the Canal
Everyman Cinema is showing a free film festival on the banks of Regent’s Canal in Granary Square, Kings Cross. Films run throughout the day and every evening. Seats are on the grassy steps and are staggered to ensure everyone can see the screen. This is a non-ticketed event so make sure you arrive early!
Screen on the Canal runs from 1 July – 18 August
The Luna Cinema
The Luna open-air cinema will be popping up again this summer in locations around London. Last summer they appeared in Chiswick House, Kenwood, Dulwich Park, Clapham Common, and Westminster Abbey among other locations. We’re hoping that their dedicated family showings, Luna Kids, makes a repeat appearance this summer too.
Hyper Japan Festival
If you’ve ever dreamed up travelling to Tokyo or exploring the northern island of Hokkaido, then head to London’s Olympia this month for the Hyper Japan Festival.
Taking place from 19 – 21 July, the festival celebrates everything to do with Japan from delicious Japanese food and the world of J-Pop to traditional Japanese crafts with workshops, seminars, tastings and more.
London lidos and splash parks
The warm weather is the perfect excuse for some splashing about and London’s many lidos and splash parks are the ideal place to do it. Some of our favourites include the Appearing Rooms outside the Southbank Centre, the Granary Square Fountains in Kings Cross and the recently opened Clapham Common Splash Park.
Return to Azkaban at the Warner Bros Studio Tour
It’s 20 years since Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was first released and to celebrate the Harry Potter studios have a brand new feature.
Discover the filmmaking secrets and explore fan-favourite sets. Discover the interior of the Knight Bus up-close, visit the Divination classroom, and see the Boggart wardrobe in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.
If you’re looking for more wizarding fun, try this Harry Potter tour.
Return to Azkaban runs until 4 September
The Kaleidoscope Festival at Ally Pally
There are lots of music festivals taking place this summer and the always-popular Kaleidoscope Festival is one of them.
Taking place on Saturday 13 July in Alexandra Palace, North London, the all-day festival promises live music from bands including Soul II Soul, Huey Morgan from Fun Lovin’ Criminals and the Artful Dodger. ), DJs, Comedy and more. There’s also a dedicated Family Area.
Underbelly Festival
Taking place in Earls Court and Cavendish Square this year is the always-popular Underbelly Festival. Not everything is family-friendly but there are some great shows for kids including Tweedy’s Magic Circus. Anyone who has been to one of the excellent Giffords Circus performances will be familiar with Tweedy the Clown and now he has his own show!
Underbelly Festival takes place from 4 July – 21 September with hundreds of different acts taking place on different dates.
Visit the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
Hear ye! Hear ye! On 11 July Buckingham Palace open its gates for 10 weeks, welcoming visitors to tour the magnificent State Rooms including the Throne Room, the Ballroom and the White Drawing Room.
Buckingham Palace will be open until 29 September.
Tennis Covent Garden
Enjoy the warmer weather while watching the oldest tennis tournament in the world on the Piazza in Covent Garden; striped deckchairs and benches will be on hand for you to watch two weeks worth of serves, volleys, aces and ultimate trophies on the grass courts, all played out on a big screen.
The Lion King in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall are celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Lion King with a live performance of the film’s Oscar-winning score with Chineke! Orchestra and London Community Gospel Choir.
This is an evening show so better suited to older kids and teens (or leave all the kids at home and enjoy the performance yourself!)
Starlight Express
Possibly my favourite musical from when I was a child returns this summer to London. Starlight Express, the story of competitive trains – played by actors on roller-skates zooming around specially constructed tracks – opened at the Troubadour Theatre in Wembley Park in June. Get your tickets now.
Turn It Up: The Power of Music at the Science Museum
You have until the end of August to enjoy the Science Museum’s exhibition, Turn It Up: The Power of Music. The exhibition explores how and why music drives us to create, perform, feel and connect with others.
Enjoy plenty of interactive exhibits including a musical playground and Haile the musical robot, discover weird and wonderful instruments and take a musical Turing test – and more!
Myths to Manga at the Young V&A
You only have a couple more months to enjoy Myths to Manga at the Young V&A. this exhibition that explores how landscape and folklore have influenced Japan’s culture, technology and design. A must for anyone – young or old – with an interest in anime, J-Pop, Japanese culture and history.
The Young V&A First Birthday Festival
Celebrate the first birthday of the Young V&A on Saturday 13 July when the wonderful family-focused museum will throw open its doors for a day of celebration.
Enjoy performances from local creatives, take part in hands-on activities and workshops and more.
The First Birthday Festival takes place on 13 July from 11am – 3.30pm.
Naomi In Fashion at the V&A
Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition, Naomi In Fashion, charting the career of fashion model Naomi Campbell. The show brings together some of her most fabulous outfits including the Dolce & Gabba evening gown that she wore to complete five days of community service.
There’s a recreation of her dressing room, the 12-inch platform heels that she wore (and fell over in) on Vivienne Westwood’s catwalk in 1993 and a series of photographs that show just why Naomi was – and continues to be – such a force in fashion. A brilliant exhibition to take teens to.
Frankie Goes to Bollywood
Opening on 31 July is Frankie Goes to Bollywood, a fun-filled musical based on the real life stories of British women who find themselves wrapped up in the glitzy world of Bollywood. Expect plenty of dance, song and romance!
Frankie Goes to Bollywood will be staged at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in the Southbank Centre and runs from 31 July – 18 August.
The Dance Exchange at the Southbank Centre
Also taking place at the Southbank Centre during the month of July is Dance Exchange, a joyous day of workshops and performances celebrating intergenerational and international street dance.
Dance Exchange takes place on 21 July at 1pm and is free for all.
Hetty Feather Day: Art Workshop at the Foundling Museum
The Foundling Museum are running a free family workshop on 6 July inspired by the adventures of Hetty Feather and her friends. Led by artist Isobel Manning, kids are invited to create their own pieces of Hetty-inspired jewellery.
The drop-in workshop will run from 11am – 4pm on 6 July.
Westminster Abbey Choir School Summer Fete
Enjoy children’s games, face painting, arts and crafts, and an enormous 60ft-long inflatable obstacle course at the Westminster Abbey Choir School Summer Fete!
The fete takes place on 13 July from 11am – 3.30pm and is free to enjoy.
Family Events at the Horniman Museum
There are lots of fun family events taking place at the Horniman Museum this July including the Horniman Plant Fair. Taking place in the museum’s beautiful garden, this fair might be lost on kids but it’s a great chance to stock up on plants from small and independent nurseries run by specialise growers.
More interesting for kids is the ongoing Dinosaur rEvolution exhibition (on until 3 November), the Crossing Borders workshop on 13 July and the Mini Golf by UrbanCrazy that takes place daily during school holidays.
Summer Family Fun at the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum are hosting a green-themed summer of fun this year promising young visitors a journey of discover exploring topics such as climate change and sustainability through workshops, crafts and storytelling sessions.
The Summer Family Fun sessions start on 20 July and run until 1 September.
