Things to do in London this August Bank Holiday weekend
Can't think what to do on August bank holiday 2015 London? Here are our most exciting picks, from family fun at open air theatre to carnivals, proms and al-fresco exhibits
Notting Hill Carnival, wikipedia
Looking for ways to spend your August bank holiday in London? Here's our definitive list of the biggest and best events on all over London this 29th-31st August. From open air theatre and cinema, to kids workshops to the infamous Notting Hill carnival, you won't be short of ideas, so make sure you see out the summer in style
AL FRESCO THEATRE AND CINEMA
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Catch the end of the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's run of the raucous and flamboyant musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, on Saturday 29th. Either book one of the venue's delicious picnics, or bring bring your own – Champagne and all – and enjoy this stunning revival or a golden age Hollywood musical in style.
find out more
British Film Institute's Summer Love Weekend
Fancy a bit of summer lovin'? Then head to the British Museum for the BFI's comfy, cosy love-themed weekend of outdoor film screenings. Starting with A Room with a View on Thursday 27th, and other such delights on Friday and Saturday, this is the perfect romantic evening out for the August bank holiday in London. Tickets have sold out in a flash before so book now to avoid missing out!
find out more
Captain Showoff!, The Scoop at More London
Looking for a way to entertain the kids this August bank holiday 2015? Captain Showoff! at The Scoop at More London, a sunken amphitheatre with a prime spot next to City Hall, is just summer treat for families this August. This adaptation of Roman comedies by Plautus promises to be hilarious for the whole family, so grab your picnic and just show up to enjoy the free show!
find out more
SUMMER CLASSICS
Notting Hill Carnival
This legendary street festival in the heart of Notting Hill is full of music, food, flamboyant costumes and floats, and of course is an annual triumph. The whole family can enjoy this extravagant party, particularly on Sunday (children’s day).
find out more
Proms 60 & 61: San Francisco Symphony, Royal Albert Hall
If you haven't had a chance to get to the proms yet this year, then August bank holiday weekend is the perfect time to soak in the culture in the breathtaking Royal Albert Hall. With a programme including Mahler Symphony No.1 and Beethoven's 'Eroica' Symphony performed by the San Francisco Symphony, you'll be spoilt for choice. And don't forget that you can always go promming if the tickets run out! Read our essential guide to the Proms 2015 here.
find out more
BRUNCH IN STYLE & DRINK WITH A VIEW
St John Bakery Room, Maltby Street
If you fancy a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city streets, then a beautiful brunch at the St John Bakery Room on Maltby Street might be just what you need. Although a new arrival to South London, the group does have several other bakeries, restaurants and bars dotted about London, so you should be able to find something to do near you this August bank holiday in London.
find out more
Roofnic Rooftop Bar, Marble Arc
Hide away above the city this August bank holiday at Roofnic – a quirky, secret rooftop bar among our list of the best in London. After discovering the secret entrance between 533 and 535 Oxford Street, and climbing the small mountain of stairs, you'll be rewarded with a cosy, communal vibe and twinkling lights. What better way to finish off your summer?
find out more
STUNNING SCULPTURE AND DESIGN
2015 Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano
Every year Serpentine Galleries in Hyde Park create a brand new space by commissioning an architect to design the Serpentine Pavilion. This year it's the turn of dynamic Spanish husband and wife duo, SelgasCano, who have designed a blissful, airy space made of colourful, translucent fabric membranes, complete with a cafe and various events inside!
find out more
Barbara Hepworth, Tate Britain
Feel like taking in an exhibition this August bank holiday in London? Soak in some of Britain's best sculpture at our top pick – the Tate Britain's Barbara Hepworth retrospective. Hepworth was an inspiration to countless artists worldwide, and a pioneer of abstraction in Britain. This one's a must see!
find out more
MORE FOR KIDS
Sensational Sounds Family Festival Day, National Gallery
The National Gallery's day of fun family workshops and interactive performances is a great way to spend time with younger children this bank holiday weekend. From 'Musical Magic Carpet' to 'Noisy Painting', the kids certainly won't be bored during these entertaining and educational treat. Admission is free but places are limited and allocated on arrival, so we advise you get there early.
find out more
Kids go free to London shows
Over the whole of August, children over the age of 16 have been able to go free to tonnes of London shows with an accompanying adult paying full price. If you've not had the chance to take advantage of this magnificent deal yet, get booking for bank holiday weekend for the last few days it's available!
find out more
AL FRESCO THEATRE AND CINEMA
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Catch the end of the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's run of the raucous and flamboyant musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, on Saturday 29th. Either book one of the venue's delicious picnics, or bring bring your own – Champagne and all – and enjoy this stunning revival or a golden age Hollywood musical in style.
find out more
British Film Institute's Summer Love Weekend
Fancy a bit of summer lovin'? Then head to the British Museum for the BFI's comfy, cosy love-themed weekend of outdoor film screenings. Starting with A Room with a View on Thursday 27th, and other such delights on Friday and Saturday, this is the perfect romantic evening out for the August bank holiday in London. Tickets have sold out in a flash before so book now to avoid missing out!
find out more
Captain Showoff!, The Scoop at More London
Looking for a way to entertain the kids this August bank holiday 2015? Captain Showoff! at The Scoop at More London, a sunken amphitheatre with a prime spot next to City Hall, is just summer treat for families this August. This adaptation of Roman comedies by Plautus promises to be hilarious for the whole family, so grab your picnic and just show up to enjoy the free show!
find out more
SUMMER CLASSICS
Notting Hill Carnival
This legendary street festival in the heart of Notting Hill is full of music, food, flamboyant costumes and floats, and of course is an annual triumph. The whole family can enjoy this extravagant party, particularly on Sunday (children’s day).
find out more
Proms 60 & 61: San Francisco Symphony, Royal Albert Hall
If you haven't had a chance to get to the proms yet this year, then August bank holiday weekend is the perfect time to soak in the culture in the breathtaking Royal Albert Hall. With a programme including Mahler Symphony No.1 and Beethoven's 'Eroica' Symphony performed by the San Francisco Symphony, you'll be spoilt for choice. And don't forget that you can always go promming if the tickets run out! Read our essential guide to the Proms 2015 here.
find out more
BRUNCH IN STYLE & DRINK WITH A VIEW
St John Bakery Room, Maltby Street
If you fancy a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city streets, then a beautiful brunch at the St John Bakery Room on Maltby Street might be just what you need. Although a new arrival to South London, the group does have several other bakeries, restaurants and bars dotted about London, so you should be able to find something to do near you this August bank holiday in London.
find out more
Roofnic Rooftop Bar, Marble Arc
Hide away above the city this August bank holiday at Roofnic – a quirky, secret rooftop bar among our list of the best in London. After discovering the secret entrance between 533 and 535 Oxford Street, and climbing the small mountain of stairs, you'll be rewarded with a cosy, communal vibe and twinkling lights. What better way to finish off your summer?
find out more
STUNNING SCULPTURE AND DESIGN
2015 Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano
Every year Serpentine Galleries in Hyde Park create a brand new space by commissioning an architect to design the Serpentine Pavilion. This year it's the turn of dynamic Spanish husband and wife duo, SelgasCano, who have designed a blissful, airy space made of colourful, translucent fabric membranes, complete with a cafe and various events inside!
find out more
Barbara Hepworth, Tate Britain
Feel like taking in an exhibition this August bank holiday in London? Soak in some of Britain's best sculpture at our top pick – the Tate Britain's Barbara Hepworth retrospective. Hepworth was an inspiration to countless artists worldwide, and a pioneer of abstraction in Britain. This one's a must see!
find out more
MORE FOR KIDS
Sensational Sounds Family Festival Day, National Gallery
The National Gallery's day of fun family workshops and interactive performances is a great way to spend time with younger children this bank holiday weekend. From 'Musical Magic Carpet' to 'Noisy Painting', the kids certainly won't be bored during these entertaining and educational treat. Admission is free but places are limited and allocated on arrival, so we advise you get there early.
find out more
Kids go free to London shows
Over the whole of August, children over the age of 16 have been able to go free to tonnes of London shows with an accompanying adult paying full price. If you've not had the chance to take advantage of this magnificent deal yet, get booking for bank holiday weekend for the last few days it's available!
find out more
TRY CULTURE WHISPER
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