London sees millions flock to its cobbled streets yearly, pursuing the hottest West End show across 39 theatres, an afternoon tea in iconic red buses and a cultural day out pondering portraits in the National Gallery. Our diverse city is far from short of activities so when it comes to planning your weekend, it can be hard to know where to start.
The sun is meant to be shining this bank holiday weekend, meaning you'll get to experience London in all its glory. There's so much to do from heading to a newly-opened terrace by Regent's Canal, to experiencing an enormous seafood afternoon tea at one of the capitals coolest rooftops. Check back here each week to uncover the best things to do in London this weekend and book on DesignMyNight, from free things to do this weekend to the most luxury and unusual.
Best Things Happening In London This Weekend
1. Visit This Brand-New Irish Pub In Waterloo
- When: Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to 12.30pm and Sundays from 4pm to 11pm
- Where: Molly Mc's, 96, Isabella Street, SE1 8DD
- Price: drinks prices vary
- Perfect for: Irish pubs and dancing
A brand-new Irish pub, Molly Mc’s, has opened its doors in Waterloo. Situated under the railway arches a stone’s throw away from Waterloo station, it’sa great place to go for a sip, sing song or even some incredible Thai food.
The traditional Irish singing pub will (of course) feature many singalongs and live music sessions to brighten up your weekend. They even have vintage-style singing rooms which are kitted out with their own individual themes and karaoke kits. And if you’re after a bask in the sun, you can enjoy a delicious pint on their outdoor terrace.
This traditional Irish singing pub serves Thai food and has themed karaoke rooms.
2. Check Out The Peckham Fringe 2025
- When: week one takes place from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th May
- Where: Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil St, SE5 7SB
- Price: tickets for shows vary in price
- Perfect for: performing arts and theatre
Peckham Fringe is back for its fourth year. This popular performing arts festival highlights a range of talents across London, and is a chance for aspiring writers of musicals, immersive theatre and spoken word to show off their latest work.
In week one of this year’s Peckham Fringe, you can expect to see plays such as Hoodminster, a story about a young Jamaican woman aspiring to be the first black female Prime Minister, and Reparations, a story about a woman trying to transform her life after spending three years behind bars. Be sure to get your tickets quickly, as these plays will sell out fast.
Peckham Fringe has been running for four years and showcases talent from across London.
3. Experience Futuristic Bingo
- When: Saturdays and Sundays
- Where: Hijingo, 90 Worship Street, EC2A 2BA
- Price: bingo packages starting from £29 per person
- Perfect for: immersive games and a party atmosphere
Looking for something new to try in London this weekend? Head to Hijingo, where you can enjoy an exciting reimagined bingo experience, complete with live entertainment, giant screens, and immersive lighting.
Whether you're enjoying a fun, friendly competition or celebrating with friends, Hijingo offers a unique way to spend your weekend with incredible prizes and tasty food.
This multi-sensory game of bingo allows you to play multiple rounds of the game and gives you the chance to win amazing prizes.
4. Visit An Unusual Museum
- When: various dates and times depending on the museum
- Where: museums across London
- Price: depends on the museum
- Perfect 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
Experience the whacky and wild collections that London has to offer.
5. Drink And Dine At One Of These Amazing Bottomless Brunches
- When: usually held on Saturdays and Sundays
- Where: locations across London
- Price: prices vary depending on the brunch
- Perfect for: tasty cocktails and delicious dishes
Name something you'd rather do on the weekend that 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 centered around Eastenders star, Pat Butcher. Whatever you're looking for, there's something for everyone.
London has everything from Taylor Swift bottomless brunches to ABBA.
6. Soak In The Sun On The Summer Terrace At Rotunda
- When: Fridays from 12pm to 12am, Saturdays from 11am to 12pm and Sundays from 12pm to 8pm
- Where: Rotunda, 90, York Way, N1 9AG
- Price: from £20 for bottomless drinks
- Perfect for: alfresco dining and canal views
Tucked away in King’s Cross by the side of Regent’s Canal is Rotunda, a gorgeous hidden restaurant that’s perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Head over for brunch (add bottomless bubbles or Aperol spritzes for an extra £20) or sip a cocktail or two in the sun.
Their summer terrace boasts a different theme every year, with this year's being the British countryside. Partnering with the award-winning sprits brand, Gettertop Drinks, the terrace will feature blooming orchards, wildflowers and open-air games.
Rotunda’s summer terrace has
opened for another year and boasts gorgeous canal side views.
7. Get A Free Cocktail At Be At One
- When: until Thursday 8th May
- Where: Be At One Regent Street, 10, Beak Street, W1F 9RA
- Price: free espresso martini
- Perfect for: free things to do and cool cocktail
bars
If you haven't ended up at a Be At One on a night out, what have you been doing? This iconic cocktail bar has one of the best happy hours in town, with 2-4-1 cocktails all day, every day. But for two weeks only, you can nab a FREE delicious espresso martini when booking through the DesignMyNight website.
All you have to do is pre-book a table with your pals, whether you fancy a post-work tipple or you're after a quiet sip. They've even got a basement dancefloor if you want to show off your moves later into the night.
Book a table to nab a free cocktail at Be At One Regent Street.
8. Book A Saturday Afternoon Winery Tour & Tasting
- When: Saturday 12th April 2025
- Where: Renegade Urban Winery, Unit 7, Lockwood Way, E17 5RB
- Price: from £25 per ticket
- Perfect for: wine tasting
With the growing urban winery scene thriving, Renegade Urban Winery in Walthamstow is a fantastic place to spend your Saturday afternoon. For only £25 per person, you'll be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about how their wine is made, followed by the chance to try four different wines.
They also have a wine bar with a similar name in Bethnal Green, so be sure to double check your route before heading over.
For just £25 you can get a tour of the winery and a chance to sample four different wines.
9. Immerse Yourself In Art - Quite Literally
- When: dates and times vary
- Where: across London
- Price: check the specific gallery or exhibition
- Perfect for: immersive art and fun activities
Take yourself out of reality this weekend and step into the world through the eyes of your favourite artist with one of London's many immersive art exhibitions. Walk among the famous works of Monet with tickets to Frameless in Marble Arch, or get lost in ethereal soundscapes as you ponder the works of one of the most famous (and tragic) artists of all time, Van Gogh.
It's also one of the last chances to visit The Moonwalkers: Journey With Tom Hanks, an immersive exploration of the Apollo missions, before it concludes at the end of April. - Kiera Chapman
Frameless is one of the most popular immersive art exhibitions in the city, showcasing the like of Van Gogh.
10. Eat Unlimited Tiramisu At This Brand-New Italian Restaurant
- When: every day from 12.30pm to 3.30pm then from 5pm to 10.30pm
- Where: 67 Charlotte Street, W1T 4PH
- Price: from £50 per person
- Perfect for: Italian cuisine and desserts
Experience a slice of Italy by visiting the newly opened restaurant, Agrodolce, which showcases a range of authentic Roman cuisine. They pride themselves in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and handmade pasta.
Book in on a Sunday for the ultimate Italian brunch. You can choose from a starter, any pasta or pinsa, two glasses of bubbly and unlimited tiramisu – how dreamy is that? You can get all this for just £50 per person.
Nab unlimited tiramisu at this newly opened Roman restaurant.
11. Catch An Iconic London Theatre Show
- When: matinees and evening performances from Friday to Sunday
- Where: theatres across London and the West End
- Price: prices vary depending on the show
- Perfect for: plays and musicals
London's West End is one of the most famous theatre destinations in the world, showcasing productions such as Wicked, Matilda The Musical and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Some of the most recent shows to hit the theatre scene are The Devil Wears Prada - a musical based on the devilishly popular film featuring Meryl Streep - as well as Mean Girls The Musical, which is so fetch.
Whether you're wanting to be transported through a historical masterpiece depicting the American Revolution, or fancy knowing more about Henry VIII wives, then definitely book in for a brilliant show. - Kiera Chapman
Now in its 26th year of running, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre should be on your bucket list.
12. Join An Illicit Smuggling Gang At Moonshine Saloon
- When: selected times from Friday to Sunday
- Where: Moonshine Saloon, 28-30, Houndsditch, EC3A 7DB
- Price: from £39.60 per person
- Perfect for: immersive game nights and quirky cocktails
Out of all the things on in London this weekend, we bet you didn't think you'd see an illicit moonshine smuggling operation taking place. Grab your mates and be a part of the story from £39.60 per person, as you step into an immersive experience that requires you to don your best cowboy hat and sneak your own bottles of liquor in.
Join wanted man Clyde Cassidy and rub shoulders with locals, play a few dice games and enjoy four bespoke tipples whipped up with your own illegal spirits. Just be careful not to go spilling the beans when the Sheriff comes knocking at Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience. - Kiera Chapman
Dress like a cowboy and drink bespoke cocktails at this immersive western-style bar.
13. Book A Ride On A Skuna Sauna Boat
- When: various time slots from 7.30am, Friday to Sunday
- Where: West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Rd, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL
- Price: from £20 per person
- Perfect for: wellness days and views of London
If you didn’t know it already, you can enjoy a delicious BBQ and even a hot tub experience on a boat while floating around Canary Wharf. Now Skuna has taken it one step further and has launched a brand-new experience, and it might be their most creative idea yet.
You can now get on board the UK’s first sauna boat. Yes, you read that right. Bring a bunch of your friends to enjoy a relaxing spa experience which includes a wood-fired sauna, a 6-degree cold plunge pool and incredible views of the city. If you need to rejuvenate this weekend, then this is the place to go.
The UK’s first sauna boat has launched in Canary Wharf.
14. Visit The Permit Room In Notting Hill
- When: opening on Saturday 3rd May 2025
- Where: Permit Room, 186 Portobello Road, W11 1LA
- Price: 50% off food until Thursday 8th May
- Perfect for: Indian cuisine and breakfast dishes
Dishoom’s sister brand, The Permit Room, is opening its doors this weekend in Notting Hill. Taking inspiration from the beer bars and drinking dens that were a big hit in Bombay’s post-prohibition era, the brand-new West London all-day bar and cafe will serve up delicious treats from the region.
Think hot permit room French toast, whole-chicken tandoori and Dishoom black daal. They’re offering 50% off food until Thursday 8th May, so you can test out their incredible menu for yourself.
Dishoom’s sister restaurant is opening its doors in Notting Hill on Saturday.
15. Mix Up Some Quirky Cocktails At Mr Foggs
- When: Saturday 3rd May 2025
- Where: Mr Fogg's City Tavern, 37 Broadgate, EC2M 2QS
- Price: from £56 per person
- Perfect for: quirky cocktails and bottomless brunches
If you're a fan of unique cocktails, Mr Fogg's Apothecary could be just the place for you. The enticing Mayfair venue hosts two-hour cocktail making classes, where expert guides will teach you to create three exciting blends. The daring doctors at his Victorian-inspired haunt are keen to test their new, delicious elixirs out and need you to volunteer as quality control.
Head there on Saturday to try out their Live Music Brunch, which includes 90 minutes of bubbly or punches as well as a course-course brunch. The electric live band will be playing the best tunes from 1pm to 4pm, and you can even make song requests.
Create incredible cocktails that fizz and bubble, there's even non-alcoholic options too.
16. Unleash Your Creativity At A Writing Workshop
- When: Friday 2nd May 2025
- Where: The Century Club, 61 - 63, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 6LQ
- Price: from £20 per person
- Perfect for: aspiring writers and creative workshops
Love putting pen to paper or suffering from writer's block? This could be the weekend event for you. The Century Club is hosting a Writers Gym this Friday where you can meet like-minded people to connect with, discuss your own personal projects and have a bit of literary fun.
The session is led by author and creative writing lecturer, Dr Rachel Knightly, who will take you through a range of exercises, as well as instilling her expert guidance to help turn your ideas into reality. Don’t worry, it’s a relaxed and welcoming environment designed to be a bit of fun, and cocktails are included too.
Take part in a writing workshop led by an esteemed author.
17. Sip Cocktails At Immersive Prison-Themed Bar Alcotraz
- When: selected times from Friday to Sunday
- Where: Alcotraz Penitentiary: London, 127, Hackney Road, E2 8GY
- Price: from £48.50 per person
- Perfect for: immersive theatre and bespoke cocktails
Cocktail bars don't get much quirkier than Alcotraz: Cell Block Two-One-Two, the Shoreditch venue brought to you by the brains behind Moonshine Saloon and Avora that encourages you to smuggle in a bottle of your favourite liquor past the eagle-eyed warden.
This immersive, prison-themed experience sees guards whipping up bespoke tipples for you to sip in your cells, all while you're wearing your bright orange jumpsuits (and taking mugshots during your time here, of course). Tickets start from £48.50 per person and include four personalised drinks, so snap yours up now to spend a night behind bars. - Kiera Chapman
Smuggle in your own alcohol to be made bespoke cocktails by prison guards (AKA prison mixologists) at Alcotraz.
18. Enjoy A Seafood Afternoon Tea At Seabird
- When: Fridays from 12pm to 1am, Saturdays from 11am to 1am and Sundays from 11am to 12am
- Where: Seabird, The Hoxton, Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8PB
- Price: from £220 per afternoon tea
- Perfect for: seafood and views of the city
If seafood is your jam, then this place will be paradise. Situated at The Hoxton hotel’s South London residence is Seabird, a gorgeous seafood rooftop restaurant.It's home to the longest oyster list in the city, incredible cocktails and boasts insane views from 14 floors up.
This weekend, why not try out their ‘afternoon sea’ offering which consists of a three-tiered platter made up of the Cousteau, calypso and Simone. Think a layer of oysters at the bottom, followed by a mix of dressed crabs, lobster, scallops and more bites in the middle, and the final, calypso layer being full of prawns, langoustines and sea trout ceviche.
Indulge in an afternoon tea entirely made up of seafood.
19. Check Out London's Best Parks
- When: anytime
- Where: London's most famous green spaces
- Price: from free
- Perfect 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 in London this weekend. 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
Free-roaming deer inhabit Richmond Park.
20. Visit Dalloway Terrace’s New Spring Makeover
- When: Fridays from 12pm to 11.30pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 11.30pm
- Where: Dalloway Terrace, 16-22, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
- Price: cocktail and food prices vary
- Perfect for: floral displays and amazing cocktails
Covent Garden is the perfect spot for a mooch around over the weekend, but did you know it’s home to one of the city’s most stunning terraces? Dalloway Terrace has undergone its yearly spring makeover and has pulled out all the stops this year.
To mark 100 years since Virginia Woolf published her novel, Mrs Dalloway, the restaurant has transformed itself into a floral paradise. Expect an array of beautiful hydrangeas, a flurry of buttercups and perfect peonies sprinkled around the place. Their botanical cocktail menu has also just launched in collaboration with Silent Pool Gin, making it the perfect excuse to visit over the weekend.
Dalloway Terrace has been transformed into a floral paradise for this year’s spring display.
21. Go Clubbing In A Warehouse
- When: all weekend
- Where: multiple venues across London
- Price: tickets vary depending on the venue
- Perfect for: partying and late night dancing
When looking for events in London this weekend, make sure to check out what's going on at some of the city's coolest clubs. You'll find that the Tottenham-based Drumsheds is one of the hottest around, hosting epic gigs in a warehouse space that used to be an IKEA.
If techno's your thing, check out fabric in Farringdon, or make your way over to Hackney Wick for Colour Factory, where you'll find a pretty outdoor terrace serving up delicious food (think burgers and Greek goodies) and all-day and night bashes 'til 4am. - Kiera Chapman
London's home to some of the best nightclubs in the world, including fabric, Drumsheds and Colour Factory.
22. Try Out Akira Back’s Brand-New Express Lunch Menu
- When: breakfast is served from Friday to Sunday between 8am and 11am, lunch is from 12pm to 3pm all week, and dinner is served from 5pm to 10pm all week
- Where: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, 22 Hanover Square, W1S 1JP
- Price: under £50 per person
- Perfect for: express lunches and Japanese Korean cuisine
Recently opening in the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Akira Back blends Japanese and Korean cuisine to create a range of creative dishes. Led by the award-winning chef of the same name, the new restaurant has also just announced the launch of their express lunch menu which can be enjoyed for under £50 per person.
There are three types of bento boxes to choose from for just £48, which include a range of sushi, maki rolls and tempura, as well as yuzu soy vegetables and mushrooms. You can even try out their donburi, starting at just £25. The restaurant also guarantees that guests will be served and have settled the bill within a 40-minute period - perfect if you’re looking for a snappy lunch.
This restaurant aims to serve lunch within
a 40-minute window.
23. Check Out Some Of London's Best Exhibitions
- When: every day on weekends, although each exhibition's opening times are different
- Where: all around London
- Price: price depends on the exhibition
- Perfect for: art buffs and wholesome things to do
If you're wondering what to do in London this weekend, allow us to point you to one of the thousands of exhibitions in the city - some of which are entirely free to enter.
It's a great idea for couples or even a little bit of alone time - just take your pick of everything from iconic, VOGUE: Reinventing The Runway to The World Of Tim Burton and an exhibition on stunning Flora In Contemporary Art & Culture at the Saatchi Gallery.
London's exhibition scene is full of historical delights, such as Spencer House, as well as installations dedicated to David Bowie.
24.Experience The New Cocktail Menu At Archive And Myth
- When: Fridays from 6pm to 2am and Saturdays from 5.30pm to 2am
- Where: Archive And Myth, Hippodrome Casino, Cranbourn St, WC2H 7JH
- Price: from £24 per cocktail flight
- Perfect for: quirky cocktails and speakeasy bars
Did you know that there’s a secret bar hidden underneath Leicester Square? If you head below The Hippodrome (maybe after catching a Magic Mike show), then you’ll find Archive and Myth.
The award-winning bar has just released a new flight of drinks, and they sound divine. You can get a mini cocktail flight lineup, with three for £24 or five for £38. Try everything from their Guava Daisy - a tequila, guava, black cardamom and toasted coconut concoction - to their Sazerac de Nata, a brandy-based sip with laminated pastry, egg custard and absinthe.
This secret bar sits underneath The Hippodrome.
25. Sip Cocktails At A Mexican Oasis In Brixton
- When: from 5pm to 11.30pm on Fridays, 12pm to 11.30pm on Saturdays and 12pm to 10pm on Sundays
- Where: Pergola Brixton, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8PS
- Price: free entry (price of cocktails vary)
- Perfect for: cool cocktail bars and late-night dancing
Pergola Brixton has opened its doors once more and has transformed into a sun-drenched oasis for party-goersalike. Expect the best tunes from their resident DJ, a late-night dancefloor and plenty of margaritas to keep you happy.
You can enjoy bottomless drinks, such as beer, clementine smash, plus rum punch, and nachos this Saturday for just £40 per person. Or head there this Friday to make the most of their Pergola sundowners offer, where they serve delicious cocktails for just £7 a pop.
Pergola Brixton opens with different themes throughout the year.
26. Try Out The New Cocktail Menu At Circe’s Rooftop
- When: Fridays from 12pm to 1am, Saturdays from 12pm to 2am and Sundays from 12pm to 12am
- Where: Circe’s Rooftop Waterloo, Mercury House, 117 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL
- Price: prices of the cocktails vary
- Perfect for: postcard views of London and delicious cocktails
Stunning rooftop bar, Circe’s, is the perfect place to visit while the weather’s warm this weekend. Inspired by Greek goddesses, this beautiful bar boasts views of the city skyline while you lounge, drink and dine on the terrace.
Their brand-new summer menus are a must try. Expect frozen pina coladas and kiwi margaritas to help cool you down in the spring sun, while nibbling on some of their delicious Mediterranean-inspired small plates like the lamb kofte flat breads and green goddess salads.
Circe’s Rooftop is the perfect place to see the sights of the city with a cocktail in hand.
27. Get Creative With Pottery Painting
- When: weekend days, with different opening times for each studio
- Where: all over the capital
- Price: dependent on your chosen venue
- Perfect for: wholesome activities and art
Sometimes, you've got to get a little bit creative (or remind yourself why you either loved or loathed having pottery painting parties when you were a kid). Across London, loads of cool haunts are inviting you to decorate ceramics, from cereal bowls and egg cups to classic mugs to drink your morning coffee out of.
Head to West London to the Pottery Café, pay a £7.95 studio fee, then hit the brushes, or make your way over to Kentish Town for Social Pottery's offering which comes with a BYOB option. - Kiera Chapman
Head to a pottery painting studio and pay as little as £6 as a studio fee.
28. Visit Lift 109 At Battersea Power Station
- When: Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April 2025
- Where: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, SW11 8DD
- Price: from £17 a ticket
- Perfect for: amazing views and quirky things to do
Take the Northern line to one of the most iconic buildings in the city, which is Grade II-listed and has been transformed into a vibrant shopping and leisure destination. Battersea Power Station has been around since 1929, with a steady construction history and plenty of cool pop culture moments (Pink Floyd album cover, anyone?).
Today, you can ascend 109 metres up to the top of Lift 109 and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from £17 per person. And if you're hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for lunch or dinner, including JOIA, run by Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. - Kiera Chapman
Boasting restaurants and bars such as Searcy's, JOIA and Arcade Food Hall and Bar, Battersea Power Station is a must visit.
29. Dine Along The Southbank At The BBQ Club
- When: from Friday 25th April 2025
- Where: The BBQ Club, Riverside Queens Walk, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
- Price: from £60 per person
- Perfect for: BBQ food and alfresco dining
If you’re planning to take a wander along the Southbank this weekend, then be sure to visit The BBQ Club for a bite to eat. This iconic spot will be serving up some sizzling hot delights, with everything from delicious chicken thighs to smoked ox cheek.
Enjoy a six-course tasting menu like no other in the most beautiful alfresco dining spot in the city. Expect incredible BBQ favourites made with sustainable ingredients, as well as an extensive wine list to wash it all down. Summer is finally here (well, almost).
Jimmy’s famous BBQ Club is back for another year.
30. Try London's Famous Ball Pit Bar
- When: Fridays and Saturdays
- Where: Ballie Ballerson, 97 - 113 Curtain Road, EC2A 3BS
- Price: from £5 a ticket
- Perfect for: big kid fun and quirky cocktails
Boasting over one million balls and an envious lineup of parties from bottomless brunches to dancing into the night, the capital's mightiest ball-pit bar, Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch, is here for when you're seeking the best things to do in London this weekend. Celebrated in neon, and perfect for cocktail lovers looking for great deals, it's something of an institution in the city these days, so prepare to dive on in with tickets starting from £5 per person.
And on the menu? Signature, Instagram-worthy sips like the Dabbie Dabberson (£11), made with Gordon's Pink and Sloe gin, and cranberry, topped with a Dip Dab. - Kiera Chapman
Ballie Ballerson is the perfect place to unleash your inner big kid.
Need more inspiration? Check out the best things to do in London for more ideas.
