Things To Do In London This Weekend

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.

Fortunately, we've got first-hand experience with the capital's fruitful offerings which is why, from BYOB pottering painting classes in Camden to day festivals boasting the hottest artists in the world (there's even a chance to hit up Stormzy's Soho house party), we're here to inspire you with what to get up to this weekend in London. 

Check this page each week for up-to-date listings and nab yourself a ticket (or booking) here too.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 3rd September 2024




Join An Illicit Smuggling Gang At Moonshine Saloon

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Wednesday 11th September 2024

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 £36.50 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. 

Tuck Into An Elegant Afternoon Tea At Lucy Wong

@ Lucy Wong on Every Saturday

Every Saturday from 3pm until 5pm, you can treat yourself to a sophisticated afternoon tea at Lucy Wong in Fitzrovia. This elegant bar is inspired by 1950s Hong Kong, with pretty pink decor and an intimate atmosphere. Indulge in a selection of Cantonese bites and delicious sweet treats, from mini bao to duck puff pastries and coconut pandan mousse, all for just £35 per person. What's more, there's a vegan menu available too.

Tuck Into Baos And Beer At Mondo Brewing Company

@ Mondo Brewing Company on Saturday 28th September 2024 and 2 other Saturdays

If you're a fan of these fluffy buns and are partial to a cool, crisp pint then you're going want to attend Mondo Brewing Company's Kat x Mondo Bottomless Brunch on Saturday, with tickets starting from £39.99 each. You'll be able to get your chops around unlimited baos filled with short rib beef, spicy fried chicken, pork belly or tofu, and wash them down with free-flowing craft beer, prosecco or mimosas.

Tuck Into S'mores At This Hidden Roof Garden

Fancy gathering around a campfire atop a secret garden, enjoying bespoke cocktails and toasting your own s'mores? You can with tickets to Midnight Apothecary. It welcomes visitors to its roof garden bar, with an underground tour of the tunnel shaft at the Brunel Museum included. Delight in botanical sips made with ingredients grown in the garden or close by, and prepare to get cosy as the sun sets. It's no surprise that this is a perfect date spot too, with entry coming in at £8 per person.  

Get A Hole In One At This Neon Playground

@ Junkyard Golf Club Shoreditch on Various dates from Wednesday 11th September 2024

If you're up for a wild and wacky golfing adventure, Junkyard Golf Club in Shoreditch is the place to be. This spot is home to the most outlandish mini golf setups you can dream of, featuring four quirky 9-hole courses brimming with all sorts of funky junk. They also serve a creative array of cocktails (like Disco Is Dead, served in a glitter ball, or the bubblegum-flavoured Fizz Pop), and delicious fare like pepperoni pizza twists, and nachos. And for a bargain? Head down to catch an epic happy hour from 8pm 'til close between Sunday and Thursday where you can bag 2-4-1 on selected tipples, and £4.50 lagers. 

Explore A Whole New World With Avora

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Wednesday 11th September 2024

Immerse yourself in a whole new world full of glowing plants and mystical woodlands at Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience found at Roscorp Laboratories in Hoxton. Don a purpose-built jumpsuit, receive your mission instructions from Dr C. Shelly and embark on a journey - where you'll befriend the local inhabitants and complete scientific tasks. Tickets cost £42.50 per person, including three bespoke cocktails - some of which even change colour.

Visit This BBQ Pop-Up On The Southbank

@ BBQ Club on Various dates from Wednesday 11th September 2024

For weekend plans this summer, it has to be a trip to the Southbank to check out The BBQ Club's six-course tasting menu. Sit overlooking the river at this cool pop-up, while enjoying delicious eats such as lamb shish kebabs, honey-glazed chicken Caesar salad and passion fruit s'mores for dessert, coming in at £60 per person. Both daytime and evening slots are available, and they've even got a stylish roof terrace too.

Check Out London's Urban Beach

Located in Fulham, Neverland is a brilliant pop-up that changes all year round so you'll be far from short of activities when checking out what's on in London this weekend. Head down on a summer weekend to experience their urban beach vibes, with cosy beach huts, deck chairs lining the sand and plenty of refreshing cocktails up for grabs. They host a number of bottomless pizza or prosecco events for as little as £18 per person, as well as themed parties like Mamma Mia brunches or Ibiza blowouts that are a lot cheaper than snapping up a plane ticket. 

Try London's Famous Ball Pit Bar

Boasting over one million balls and an envious lineup of parties from Taylor Swift-themed brunches to karaoke, 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 £6.50 per person. And on the menu? Signature, Instagram-worthy sips like the Dabbie Dabberson (£11), made with Gordon's Pink and sloe gin, cranberry, and topped with a Dip Dab. 

Sip Cocktails At Immersive Prison-Themed Bar Alcotraz

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Wednesday 11th September 2024

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 wardens. This immersive, prison-themed experience sees guards whipping up bespoke tipples for you to sip in your cells, donning orange jumpsuits (and taking mugshots during your time here, of course). Tickets start from £35.99 per person and include four personalised drinks, so snap yours up now to spend a night behind bars. 

Get Competitive With Plonk's Crazy Golf

Who doesn't like a bit of crazy golf? Whether you're after things to do in London this weekend with family, a group occasion or a quirky date night this weekend, plonk has got you covered. They've got locations in Hackney, Camden, Shoreditch and Borough Market, promising tonnes of fun across their whacky nine-hole courses. They've also got a cocktail bar to toast to the winner with a tequila-based Pool Party or fruity Berry Tartini afterwards; some of their venues even offer pool tables, arcade games (which you can just show up and buy tokens for) and bingo.

Embark On A Brewery Tour And Tasting

@ 40ft Brewery and Taproom on Every Saturday

Wondering how to spend your Saturday? Head to 40ft Brewery and Taproom in the centre of Dalston, for a Brewery Tour Tasting like no other. You'll be taken on a journey through the history and process of making craft beer during the hour-long session, with expert guides teaching you and other beer enthusiasts plenty of insider knowledge. Finish up in their cosy taproom, where you'll get to try six 1/3 pints of their best brews.

Enjoy Bottomless Brunch On London Bridge Rooftop

@ London Bridge Rooftop on Saturday 14th September 2024 and 6 other Saturdays

Looking to elevate your bottomless brunch plans - literally? Then look no further than London Bridge Rooftop, the iconic Central London spot where you can sip unlimited Aperol, mimosas, beer and their signature spring punch for 90 minutes. A delicious brunch burger (meat or vegan) will also be included in your £45 ticket, while DJs play the very best house, disco, garage and party tunes to get you on your feet.

Mix Up Some Quirky Cocktails

@ Mr Fogg's Apothecary on Saturday 14th September 2024 and 9 other Saturdays

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 guide and 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 (after you've whipped them up at the pharmaceutical counter to shake and stir) to volunteer as quality control. All of this is included in your £58 ticket and slots are available at 1pm and 3.30pm on Saturdays, so bag yours now. 

Get Creative With Pottery Painting

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 your own 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. 

Have A House Party With Stormzy

Cool things to do in London this weekend? We can't think of anything that'll top hitting up Stormzy and Cream Groups's new concept venue in the heart of Soho. House Party does exactly what it says on the tin - spread over seven intricately decorated floors, it offers an immersive party experience in a replica of what looks like your nan's gaff. To attend, all you have to do is RSVP and before you know it you'll be drinking from red cups, checking out Pioneer DJ decks in the kitchen, playing games on lazy boys in the secret Joey and Chandler coop, and even having a photoshoot in front of the star's car down in the garage. 

Check Out Some Of London's Best Exhibitions

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 from iconic, pop culture displays showcasing the history of Barbie at The Design Museum, or all things Taylor Swift at the V&A. From Yoko Ono's Music Of The Mind at Tate Modern to seeing a Van Gogh in the National Gallery, we've got it all in our guide.

Visit An Unusual Museum

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 destinations are a great way to spend your weekend, whether you fancy checking out the Freud Museum in Hampstead or heading to Bethnal Green to discover a collection of curiosities throughout history.

Check Out The City's Best Parks

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 stretches of land (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. 

Catch A Show On The West End

London is synonymous with great theatre, and the West End is constantly impressing us with amazing shows. We've rounded up the best of the best that you can catch this weekend, from an adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro to the hilarious Book of Mormon and the much-loved Wicked. There are even singalongs that are great for kids who want to know a little bit more about history (specifically the untold story of the six wives of Henry VIII in pop star form), musical brunches and cabaret performances on the cards, so there's plenty to keep you entertained for weeks to come.

Visit Battersea Power Station

Take the Northern line to one of the most iconic buildings in the city that's 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 the North West Chimney and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from £15.30 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.

Immersive Yourself In Art - Quite Literally

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. There's even the chance to get all nostalgic with tickets to The Art Of The Brick London: A LEGO® Art Exhibit.

Book A Bottomless Brunch At The Cocktail Club

There are plenty of things happening in London this weekend, so you'll never be short of finding a bottomless brunch. Whether you like yours with a DJ set, drag-fuelled and absolutely raucous, or ABBA-themed, you'll find plenty to choose from on DesignMyNight. Head to Blame Gloria for all things disco, Hijingo in Shoreditch for a multi-sensory, futuristic experience, or The Cocktail Club all over the capital for its lively bashes with guaranteed great drinks. There's even one for the meat lovers among you at temper, Soho. 

Put Your Pinky Up With An Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea dates back to the 19th century, and there's nothing more traditional than heading to the capital for a good cup of Earl Gray paired with a miniature Victoria Sponge. And, while the authentic spreads remain, you'll also find unique packages fronting free-flowing bubbles, fluffy dim sum and even bites centred around wizards. To help you pick your weekend feast, we've got a jam-packed guide featuring chocolate-themed desserts and cocktails, iconic views at The Gherkin while nibbling fresh scones presented in a birdcage, and so much more. 

Wine And Dine At A Michelin Star Restaurant

London has around 80 Michelin star restaurants, more than any other area in the UK, spanning a variety of cuisines from French to Japanese. If you're feeling fancy this weekend, or have a special occasion coming up that requires an award-winning spread, then book a table at one of these gorgeous spots. From the two-star Gymkhana serving a £115 Indian-inspired tasting menu (think wild muntjac biryani and saffron pistachio kulfi falooda), to the affordable, Parisian bistro Leroy in Shoreditch, offering a smoked eel Caesar salad topped with chicken skin, you'll be spoilt for choice. 

See The City From New Heights

The best way to take all of London in is from up high, right? And what better way to do that than hitting up one of the incredible rooftop bars this gorgeous capital has to offer? Whether you're keen on evening cocktails or a daytime hang with friends, you'll find plenty of more than suitable haunts in our guide. Hit up Sky Garden for views of The Gherkin and live music, or take a break from shopping around Oxford Circus and hit up Aqua Kyoto for Japanese-inspired sips. There's even a cool, Scandi-decorated joint in Dalston that's turned its former jail cells into a drinking den with a rooftop serving wood-fired sharing plates. 

Racers, Start Your Engines (With Go-Karting)

In the need for speed? Looking to Lando first place round an 800-metre track? Then check out these bad boy courses located either in London or only a short train journey away. TeamSport Go Karting in Docklands features Biz Evo3 Karts that can reach speeds of up to 40mph, whereas Gravity in Wandsworth's offering comes with fuel from 800 Degrees Pizza. And if you fancy venturing a little bit outside of the city? The Lewis Hamilton-endorsed raceway, Rye House, is only 36 minutes via train.

Skate At London's Biggest Roller Rink

With a capacity of nearly 1200, Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace is setting the standard for roller rinks in the city. If you're bored of two feet and want to try eight wheels instead this weekend, head over to White City where this mega space is offering not only sessions for you to get out and practice your spins (or holding on to the rails), but also hosts themed nights dedicated to Afrojam or Taylor Swift. You won't go hungry here either, as the menu is the epitome of an American diner through and through; aptly named Hot Dogs & Caviar, you'll find the best in buns here (think wagyu beef patties or buttermilk chicken topped with zingy slaw), followed by indulgent desserts like ice cream sundaes.

Have Some Tequila And Tacos In Kew Gardens

If you're a fan of Mexican fare and plants then feast your bons-eyes on this fabulous pop-up in the heart of Kew Gardens. Head to The Agave Bar, located behind Tempest House to devour chipotle chicken tacos and wash them down with VIVIR tequila-based frozen margaritas and Palomas. Food is served until 4pm and after you're finished munching, you can wander around the grounds marvelling at over 50,000 species of plants and seeing spectacular views from the top of the Japanese Pagoda. 

Go Clubbing In A Warehouse

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 our way over to Hackney Wick for Colour Facotry 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.