30 Cool Things To Do In London This Weekend: 18-20 September

September has finally arrived, and while it might not be pumpkin spice weather just yet, we're excited to see what autumn brings to London.

But what to do in London this weekend? There's a taco event in East London, as well as a brand new Strictly Come Dancing experience for fans of the show. If you're looking for the weekend's family-friendly things to do, then the Disney Pixar experience at Wembley Park is for you.

Check back each week to uncover the best things to do in London this weekend and book on DesignMyNight, from free things to do in London this weekend to the most luxurious and unusual.

What Are The Best Things Happening In London This Weekend?

2. Do Some Yoga And Brunch On A Boat

• When: 18th September 2026
• Location: Seagarden Boat, Prince Regent Boat, 17 Sheldon Square, W2 6EP
• Price: From £55.08 per person
• We recommend for: brunch, exercise, city views 

Have a go at some dynamic stretches on the water with a boat yoga and seafood brunch, an idyllic weekend-starter floating aboard the historic Prince Regent Boat.

Setting sail every Friday at 11am, the three-hour experience kicks off with a soothing one-hour Flow Yoga session as gentle canal waves roll beneath your mat, before transitioning into a feast featuring fresh, customisable seafood platters paired with 90 minutes of free-flowing Peach Rooibos Iced Tea (or an optional £15 upgrade to bottomless bubbles). 

Book Tickets To The Boat Yoga & Seafood Brunch Here. 

Combine yoga with a brilliant morning feast this Friday.

3. See The Best Of The Fringe At Fringe Fix

• When: throughout September 2026
• Location: Underbelly Boulevard Soho, 6 Walker's Court, Soho, W1F 0BT
  
• Price: varies by event
• We recommend for: seeing shows from the Edinburgh Fringe in London

We all know and love the Edinburgh Fringe, but if you can't quite make it up to Scotland? Fringe Fix are bringing you a selection of some of the best Fringe shows, performed at Underbelly Boulevard in Soho.

Expect to see everything from comedy to cabaret, theatre, improv and musicals, taking place throughout the month. There'll be plenty of laughs, as well as captivating acts aplenty.

There's so much to see at Fringe Fix.

4. Visit The Nature And Us Gallery At The Natural History Museum

• When: from 16th September 2026
• Location: Natural History Museum
• Price: free entry
• We recommend for: learning, nature

Reopening to the public for the first time in over 80 years, the Natural History Museum’s former working herbarium undergoes a stunning transformation into the free, temporary Nature and Us Gallery.

This reimagined second-floor space flips the conventional science narrative on its head, using an eclectic mix of ancient and modern marvels - think a monk seal skeleton dubbed the ‘talking fish,’ a handaxe that rewrote human history, and even a bryozoan-encrusted Star Wars toy - to explore how human values and assumptions have shaped our understanding of the natural world.

Serving as the very first milestone in the grand NHM150 redevelopment leading up to the museum's 2031 anniversary, it’s an intriguing, thought-provoking peek into our evolving relationship with the planet that demands a spot on your cultural radar this autumn.

Read More About Nature And Us Here.

The gallery is open to the public for the first time in 80 years.

5. Check Out This Brand New Thelma & Louise Musical

• When: 3rd September - 24th October 2026
• Location: Young Vic Theatre
• Price: from £28 per person
• We recommend for: seeing a new musical

One of the most iconic films of all time, Thelma & Louise has now been turned into a brand new musical. Directed by Trip Cullman, it features music and lyrics by Grammy-nominated artist Neko Case.

Follow the story of best friends Thelma and Louise as their life is forever altered on a spontaneous weekend getaway. It's wild, hilarious and full of drama.

Get Your Tickets To The Musical Here.

6. Drink And Dine At One Of These Amazing Bottomless Brunches

• When: usually held on Saturdays and Sundays
• Location: locations across London
• Price: prices vary depending on the brunch
• We recommend for: tasty cocktails and delicious dishes

Name something you'd rather do on the weekend than a bottomless brunch...we'll wait. Unlimited drinks are now a weekend staple, and mean you can keep track of your pennies without overspending. 

There's a whole host of bottomless brunches available across the city, with everything from ABBA-themed affairs in Covent Garden to multi-award-winning brunches entirely centred around Eastenders star, Pat Butcher. Whatever you're looking for, there's something for everyone.

Book A Bottomless Brunch Here.

London has everything from Taylor Swift bottomless brunches to ABBA.

7. Experience A Spellbinding Trip To Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

• When: all weekend
• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Unit 11, Hackney, E2 8GY
  
• Price: tickets from £49.50
  
• We recommend for: immersive experiences and quirky cocktails

The world's first wizarding prison bar is opening its doors this weekend. From the creators of Alcotraz, Moonshine Saloon and Avora, this brand-new immersive experience will see you conversing with dark arts wizards and prison guards from the wizarding world. 

Hexmoor is an immersive theatrical experience combining film-like set designs, three amazing cocktails and magical special effects that are set to blow you away. And you even get your own prison jumpsuit to fully get into character. 

Book Tickets To Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison Here.

Step inside the magical world of Hexmoor prison for the ultimate immersive cocktail experience.

8. Whisk Up A Storm At Big Bakes

• When: various dates
• Location: 38 Tooting High Street, SW17 0RG and Lee Street, E84ED
  
• Price: from £32.40 per person
• We recommend for: double dates, group activities, and baking fans 

Channel your inner pastry chef at The Big London Bake, South and East London's award-winning answer to the ultimate baking challenge. Perfect for those with a competitive streak and a love for sweets, this 90-minute extravaganza pairs you with a baking bench buddy to whip up, decorate, and present a masterpiece based on a monthly rotating theme.

With all pre-measured ingredients, professional instructions, and a Head Baker on hand to guide your station, the experience is designed to be entirely stress-free - right down to the fact that they even handle the washing up. 

Book Big Bakes In London Here.

Get your bake on in South and East London.

Dive into immersive art at this unique gallery.

10. Throw Shapes At A Bottomless Hoedown Brunch

• When: Saturdays
• Location: Tequila Mockingbird Covent Garden, 42 William IV Street, WC2N 4DD
• Price: from £52.92 per person
  
• We recommend for: a fun time dancing, brunch enthusiasts, a weekend with friends

Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for a Saturday like no other, as Tequila Mockingbird transforms your weekend into a high-octane Bottomless Hoedown Brunch. You can look forward to a two-hour celebration of boot-scootin’ burlesque and dazzling drag performances, complete with country classic sing-alongs and a competitive round of Hoedown Bingo.

Indulge in 90 minutes of bottomless service, featuring everything from margaritas and pornstar martinis to ice-cold beers and bubbly, while teetotalers are well-catered for with signature mocktails like the Spring Fling and Prom Queen. There'll be plenty of pizza, too. 

Grab Your Tickets To Tequila Mockingbird's Bottomless Hoedown Brunch Here. 

Saddle up for this brunch.

11. Enjoy Some Music At Sky Garden

• When: various dates
• Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, City of London, EC3M 8AF
  
• Price: from £15.95 (includes a drink)
• We recommend for: date nights and brilliant views 

Elevate your weekend plans with Sky Garden’s Music Nights, an exclusive rooftop residency that pairs 360-degree skyline views with a curated soundtrack of live DJs and ALR Music performances.

Whether you’re looking for a high-energy night out with friends or a sophisticated date spot, the experience offers everything from standing access tickets, which include a welcome drink and panoramic vistas, to the ultra-premium VIP viewing platform for those seeking private service and an upgraded menu.

Book Your Tickets To Music Nights At Sky Garden Here. 

Pair epic vistas with live music. 

12. Visit An Unusual Museum

• When: various dates and times, depending on the museum
• Location: museums across the capital
• Price: depends on the museum
• We recommend for: quirky art displays and history

It's no secret that London is home to some of the best museums in the world, but if you're bored of all the usual suspects (though we know you really can't go wrong with the Natural History)? We've got just the thing. 

These seven weird and wonderful museums are a great way to spend your Saturday or Sunday (especially if you're looking for free events in London this weekend). Whether you fancy checking out the Freud Museum in Hampstead or heading to Bethnal Green to discover a collection of curiosities throughout history, this list will sort you out. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Unusual Museums Here.

Experience the wacky and wild collections that London has to offer.

13. Do Aqua Aerobics or Yoga With Skyline Views

• When: various dates
• Where: 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, SW11 8BJ
• Price: from £27.50 per person
• Perfect for: unique exercise ideas and stunning vistas 

Designed by the visionary Jaime Hayon, art'otel London Battersea Power Station offers a cultural escape. This March, the hotel’s rooftop becomes a hub for wellness and leisure, kicking off with aqua aerobics sessions, followed by skyline yoga and breakfast for those looking to find zen above the city.

For a more melodic weekend treat, the hotel hosts afternoon tea with live music, providing the perfect blend of sophisticated dining and artistic atmosphere. Whether you're diving into the rooftop pool or enjoying the curated events, art'otel stands as one of the city’s hippest vantage points for food, fitness, and the arts.

Book art'otel London Battersea Power Station Here.

Head up to the roof for some yoga.

14. Check Out The Kewpie Mayo Pop-Up

• When: 19th & 20th September 2026
  
• Location: Covent Garden
  
• Price: free entry 
• We recommend for: fans of the iconic mayonnaise 

Iconic Japanese mayo brand Kewpie is taking over Covent Garden Piazza on the 19th and 20th September 2026, with an immersive KEWPIE IT. pop-up dedicated to the legendary Japanese egg sandwich.

Set inside a convenience-store-inspired ‘Kewpie Konbini,’ the two-day experience gives foodies a chance to sample elevated Tamago Sandos, snap ultra-shareable photo ops, spin for exclusive merch giveaways, and grab a limited-edition Mayozine. 

Head to KEWPIE It this weekend.

15. Discover Shontengai Market In King's Cross

• When: 17th - 20th Septembeer 2026
  
• Location: Lower Stable Street, King's Cross, N1C 4LW
  
• Price: free entry
• We recommend for: Japanese food

If you’re looking to satisfy your Pan-Asian street food cravings without booking a flight to Tokyo, make a beeline for Lower Stable Street at King’s Cross for the Shōtengai Pan-Asian Market.

Returning for its monthly residency, this free-to-attend open-air market recreates the bustling energy of Japan’s traditional neighbourhood shopping streets. Concocted by creative agency Beams & Co, the rotating lineup of top-tier traders continuously changes, serving up everything from steaming takoyaki and artisanal baked goods to authentic Japanese street eats, alongside curated homeware stalls.

Find Out More Here. 

This Pan-Asian street market takes place every month and is London's best-kept secret.

16. Embark On The Demon Barber Walking Tour Around London

• When: 18th September 2026
• Location: Meet outside Temple Tube Station, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PH
• Price: £6.60 per person
• We recommend for: history lovers, scares, horror 

Uncover London’s gruesome underbelly with the Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Walking Tour, a two-hour evening plunge into the shadowy back-alleys off Fleet Street.

Guided by a top local horror expert, this spine-chilling walk traces the sinister history of the legendary killer barber and Mrs. Lovett, snaking past historic landmarks like St. Dunstan's Church, the 12th-century Temple, and the site of the 17th-century head-displaying Temple Bar. Intertwining tales of Jack the Ripper, ghost sightings, and forgotten city lore with stops at atmospheric icons like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub, it's an enthralling, budget-friendly activity that promises to leave a deliciously dark impression.

Discover the dark history of London and Sweeney Todd.

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular.

18. Check Out Peaky Blinders Underworld

• When: until 3rd January 2027
• Location: Arches London Bridge, 8 Bermondsey Street, SE1 2ER
• Price: £19.95 per person
• We recommend for: fans of the TV show

Love Peaky Blinders? Then be sure to check out Peaky Blinders Underworld, the immersive experience that will transport you into the world of 1920s Birmingham. Begin in the Garrison Tavern, where you'll grab a drink before heading into the underworld below.

You'll meet the characters from the Shelby world, with puzzles and challenges to get stuck into. You can even place a bet at the family's secret betting den, and there's on-theme food to eat too.

Find Out More About The Event Here.

Immerse yourself in the world of Peaky Blinders.

19. Devour A Sunday Roast

• When: Sundays
  
• Location: across London
• Price: varies
  
• We recommend for: a wholesome Sunday outing
  

After a long, hot summer, there's finally starting to be an autumnal chill in the air. And what better way to enter the cosy season than by checking out some of the city's best Sunday roasts?

We've rounded up the very best spots to enjoy a roast dinner all over the city, tried and tested by the DesignMyNight team. From dry-aged beef rump at Hawksmoor to veggie filo rolls with all the trimmings at The Talbot, there's all sorts to check out here.

Discover Our Favourite Sunday Roasts Here.

Tuck into this quintessential British feast.

20. Check Out London's Best Parks

• When: anytime
• Location: London's most famous green spaces
• Price: from free
• We recommend for: free things to do and wholesome experiences

When the weather's looking good for the weekend ahead, there's nothing better than chilling in a beautiful green space, and it's one of the many free things to do. This city has plenty of parks (and is actually made up of 40% public spaces), which is why it's only natural that we've put together a guide to the very best parks across the capital.

We've got all areas covered, from Hampstead Heath to Clapham Common or Greenwich Park - perfect for picnics, alfresco drinks and soaking up the sun among Grade II-listed buildings or picturesque Japanese gardens. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Parks Here.

Free-roaming deer inhabit Richmond Park.

21. Explore The Newest Restaurant Openings

• When: various opening times
• Location: varying locations across the city
  
• Price: prices of food will vary
  
• We recommend for: incredible food and dining out
  

• When: until the 22nd Match 2027
• Location: Secret Central London location
• Price: from £30.25 per person
• We recommend for: Strictly Come Dancing fans

Channel your inner Glitterball trophy winner with the Strictly Come Dancing Experience, an exhilarating 90-minute private masterclass popping up across central London studios in Camden, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly (or right at your own venue).

Launching alongside the new series this September, it allows you and your mates to pair with a professional choreographer to learn a bespoke routine in your choice of style, from fiery Salsa and theatrical Charleston to cinematic Movie Week anthems. Complete with themed props, iconic score paddles, prosecco prizes, and an optional professional photoshoot upgrade, it’s a brilliant, sequin-drenched option for hen dos, birthdays, or team outings where presence and flair trump technical perfection.

Book Tickets To The Strictly Come Dancing Experience Here.

This event is made for fans of the hit TV show.

23. Check Out The Capital's Best Cocktail Bars

• When: open now
• Location: 30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K 6AN
• Price: prices of food and drinks vary
  
• We recommend for: American-Italian dining and date night

Looking for the perfect spot to sip something special this weekend? London’s cocktail scene is overflowing with stylish bars serving up expertly crafted drinks in unforgettable settings. Whether you're into smoky old fashioneds, tropical tiki creations, or something totally experimental, there’s a bar for every taste.

Head to Swift for sleek sophistication, SOMA for minimalist Japanese-inspired mixes, or Nightjar for vintage vibes and live jazz. If you’re after something quirky, try Callooh Callay for playful menus and bold flavours. It’s the ideal way to elevate your weekend plans - one cocktail at a time.

Explore More Of London's Best Cocktail Bars Here.

London is home to some of the best cocktail bars in the UK.

24. Check Out Some Of London's Top Sunday Markets

• When: varies (some take place every day) 
• Location: all around London
• Price: from free
• We recommend for: food, drink, trinkets, and wholesome things to do

Sunday in London is defined by its markets, offering the ultimate weekend excuse to browse with a coffee in hand. 

Foodies can choose between the historic, bustling arches of Borough Market or the quieter, insider-favourite Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey for world-class artisan produce. Further afield, the stunning, historic settings of Greenwich Market and Camden Market provide the perfect backdrop for crafts, curios, and scenic canal or riverside strolls, while Notting Hill's Portobello Road pivots on Sundays to a gentler, vintage-focused fashion hub.

Discover Sunday Markets Here. 

Pick up some flowers from a market on Sunday. 

25. Visit These Stunning Rooftops

• When: throughout spring, summer and autumn
• Location: across London
• Price: food and drink prices vary
• We recommend for: summer date ideas

As the days get longer and warmer, there's nothing better than slinking up to one of London's fabulous rooftop bars across Covent Garden, Soho, Shoreditch, and beyond, and enjoying a cocktail around golden hour, or as the sun sets. 

Some of our favourites include 1864 Rooftop Bar, located on the 6th floor of John Lewis, featuring gorgeous foliage, private booths, and a menu full of tempting light bites. It's a go-to after a day of shopping around Oxford Street. Looking for something a little more lively? How about London Bridge Rooftop - these guys know a thing or two about a fabulous bottomless brunch, and you'll find bargain Aperol spritzes to enjoy with views of the Shard. And for those keen to stay in the city, Sabine Rooftop Bar is a wonderful shout. With St Paul's Cathedral as your backdrop, you can delight in espresso martinis galore. Want more? Found on The Royal Opera House's fifth floor and one of London's true hidden gems, Cicoria promises unbeatable views over Covent Garden.

Check Out These Rooftops Here. 

Enjoy a cocktail at these rooftop bars.

26. Visit The Wallace & Gromit And Friends Exhibition

• When: until 15th November 2026
• Location: Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA
• Price: from £12.50 per person
  
• We recommend for: families

Young V&A in Bethnal Green are opening their Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit And Friends exhibition this weekend. This explores the world of animator Aardman, and how he created these iconic characters, with lots of behind-the-scenes insight.

From Wallace & Gromit to Shaun the Sheep and Morph, you'll get to see all your favourites come to life here. Plus, they've even got a family design challenge you can get involved in.

Book Tickets To The Exhibition Here.

See your favourite characters come to life.

Buckingham Palace opens its State Rooms for a few weeks every summer.

28. Mundo Pixar Experience

• When: until November 2026
• Location: Wembley Park, Fulton Road, Wembley, HA9 0TF
• Price: £29 per person (£20 for children)
• We recommend for: family-friendly fun

The world’s largest immersive Pixar exhibition, the Mundo Pixar Experience, can now be found in Wembley, following successful runs in Madrid, Barcelona and Brussels. Here, you can explore all your favourite films brought to life through interactive exhibits and amazing photo opportunities.

Lose yourself in life-sized scenes like Andy's bedroom in Toy Story and Carl's floating house from UP, across 3,500 square metres of space. What's more, they've even unveiled a brand-new room, created exclusively for London.

Immerse yourself in Pixar films.

Need more inspiration? Check out the best things to do in London for more ideas.