Best Things To Do On August Bank Holiday 2026 In London

Inspired by America's most infamous prison, Alcotraz is London's first fully immersive theatrical cocktail bar. Don an orange jumpsuit, smuggle in your liquor of choice and prepare for some delicious bespoke cocktail creations.

Merchant House has a boatload of events to keep revellers occupied this August bank holiday. Whether it's whisky, gin or rum masterclasses in its gorgeous bar or a trip to The Brig, London's smallest haunt located in its awesome space, this venue won't disappoint.

If you're after a fabulous drag show to celebrate August bank holiday weekend in London for 2025, then KIKI: A Drag Cabaret offers serious lip-sync, live vocals, slaying dance breaks, and hilarious comedy. Head to Queen of Hoxton to get involved.

This bank holiday, get a dose of countryside charm with Meet, feed & stroke the London Alpacas herd & their babies, conveniently located just a short trip from Epping Tube Station. Tickets start at £27.48 for participants aged eight and up (though tours skew mostly adult), offering a fun, social atmosphere designed for friendly groups of around 14 people, unforgettable date days, or family outings.

Guided by expert handlers, you'll get up close to hand-feed, stroke, and snap photos with the gentle herd while learning all about their unique hums and super-soft fleece. 

Backyard Comedy Club is packed with big TV names and circuit pros, thanks to its purpose-built space and cool lineups. Head over on Saturday night of the bank holiday for plenty of laughs.

Looking for fun things to do this August bank holiday? Nothing beats a party from Supa Dupa Fly. They'll be taking over some of the city's best venues for a series of unmissable parties this summer, with a long weekend special to celebrate Carnival.

If you're looking for a lively spot to spend your bank holiday in, you can't got wrong with a trip to The Bootlegger in Richmond or Covent Garden. This cool bar is inspired by the Prohibition era, promising killer cocktails and a regular lineup of live music and DJ sets.

Whether you fancy boogieing to jazz tunes, enjoying a bottomless brunch or even taking part in a cocktail masterclass, there's something for everyone here. Plus, they even offer £7 margaritas on bank holidays.

Looking for unique things to do on August bank holiday weekend in London 2025? The check out Moonshine Saloon: an immersive experience where you'll be transported to the Wild West through interaction with live actors and a cowboy-inspired outfit. Smuggle in a bottle of your favourite liquor - being sure to avoid the Sheriff - to be made into four bespoke cocktails by their talented team of bartenders. Try your hand at a few card games with the locals while you're at it, with tickets starting from just £36.50.

The famous street festival Notting Hill Carnival is back for 2025, and heaps of activities are accompanying. The Reggae Brunch will be hosting a warm-up at Night Tales, as well as a delicious brunch affair with plenty of Caribbean jerk food, followed by an after-party. And if you're looking to continue the partying, What's The Motive's on hand to help with that. 

If you're looking for a unique way to spend the bank holiday, then head to Hexmoor in Hoxton. This quirky immersive experience is set in a wizarding prison, where you'll encounter dark arts and inmates played by live actors, leading you through an interactive story.

Created by the team behind Alcotraz, Avora and Moonshine Saloon, these guys know what they're doing when it comes to stunning set design and special effects. Don your official jumpsuit on arrival, and enjoy three bespoke cocktails made by convicts along the way.

The Magic Hour is keeping the bank holiday enchanting, bringing you a show in the style of the Victorian Masters. Head to the performance at the Sheraton Grand Park Lane or Andaz London for mind-reading and sleight-of-hand.

The Brixton Courtyard is offering revellers a fantastic August bank holiday event at its best-loved venue. Not only will the Carnival Brunch include 60 minutes of bottomless rum punch or tasty eats, but it will also be home to DJ sets and live performers. Need we say more?

Release your inner kitchen connoisseur as The Big London Bake welcomes you to show off your whisk skills at London's first pop-up of its kind. With multiple cooking stations and 90 minutes to hone your creativity, this is one for every aspiring baker.

Whether you're a die-hard Wicked fan, love all things Les Mis or go wild for The Lion King, this brunch is for you. Not only is this musical-themed bash bringing you 5 hours of non-stop hits and live performances, but also an hour of bottomless drinks and 2 tasty courses.

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do this bank holiday at Ayllu - a sophisticated Peruvian and Japanese restaurant in Paddington. You can enjoy their carnival-themed bottomless brunch on any of these weekend dates, promising all-you-can-eat fusion fare and 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks, all for just £55 per person. There'll also be live DJs and samba dancers to keep you entertained while you eat. And if you fancy something a little later in the day, then check out their energetic samba shows on Saturday and Sunday evening, continuing the carnival vibes while you dine on their Nikkei cuisine.

The Sounds Familiar Music Quiz is nothing like any other game. Why, you ask? Along with answering a range of song-themed questions, revellers will also be dancing along to their favourite tunes in multiple pubs and venues across the city. You won't want to miss out on this.

Spice up your long weekend with a trip to one of Bougie Drag & Boy Toy Events' unmissable parties. From butlers in the buff to bottomless dinners and hilarious shows with some of the UK's top queens, these guys know how to make the most of the August bank holiday. 

Fronting exposed brickwork and quirky decor, Little Nan's in Deptford is a great place for fun events with your pals. Get stuck into an endless brunch, complete with fish finger sarnies and bottomless booze or book an afternoon tea with homemade cakes.

If you're after a boozy event that's a little out of the box this August bank holiday, then nab a ticket for Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiments. Make your way inside this Mayfair venue, where you'll get to unleash your inner scientist and work with master mixologists to create potions.

Come bank holiday Saturday, there's nowhere we'd rather be than BAM Karaoke Box in Victoria. Their Voulez-Vous BAM Brunch promises live entertainment and DJs while you eat, followed by two whole hours of private karaoke for you and your friends.

Tickets start from only £39 per person, including unlimited potato tots and main courses like confit duck hash or breakfast flatbreads. Plus, you can add on 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco, pink prosecco or Champagne, with non-alcoholic options available too.

Enjoy the sunset up high with a tipple in hand on the August bank holiday, or spend the afternoon basking on London Bridge Rooftop - whatever your desires, you'll find plenty of scorching options here in our guide to the ultimate rooftop haunts in the city. Covering foliage-adorned pergolas and buzzy lofts with live music, there's plenty to choose from. 

Located in Shoreditch, Hijingo is a unique bingo experience that promises dazzling live entertainment, bright lights and a cutting-edge sound system. They host exciting bingo sessions all week long, which offer a quirky twist on the game and the chance to win cash prizes or even a holiday.

On weekends, be sure to check out their brilliant bottomless brunches. You'll play for 90 minutes, while enjoying a tasty brunch dish and bottomless prosecco or beer.

London's West End is one of the most historic places in the city, and there's always great things going on there. There's no better way to spend a long weekend than by checking out what's on at some of the theatres, and we've rounded up the very best shows for you this August, from the breathtaking to the bizarre. We've got titles like Mamma Mia, Book of Mormon and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, so you're spoilt for choice this bank holiday.

If you're looking for activities to fill your summer with plenty of fun, particularly on the bank holiday, then we've got you covered with our handy guide. How about going to see some comedy on a boat? Or maybe getting lost in an alternate reality is more up your street. There's also city-based beaches to enjoy, biscuit decorating and so much more. 

With venues in King's Cross, London Bridge and Canary Wharf, there's bound to be an Electric Shuffle near you. These guys are known for their digital twist on shuffleboard, with interactive screens on every table that add up your scores for you as you play all kinds of fun minigames.

On the bank holiday weekend, they're hosting a 70s and 80s-themed Disco Brunch, complete with DJs playing all the best tunes from the era. Tickets include a wecome cocktail, an hour of gaming, a bottle of prosecco each and two hours of unlimited pizza. Fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes for the best outfit.

Boasting two giant ball pits and a crackin' bar, it's no wonder why Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch is our perfect August bank holiday destination. Whether you fancy popping in for its bottomless brunch with top-notch tunes or just to have a play about, this venue is bound to impress.

Switch things up this bank holiday weekend by doing something daring. There are all kinds of high-adrenaline activities in London on the August bank holiday to launch yourself into, from speedboats down the river Thames to high-energy VR simulations and tense escape rooms. Whether you're looking to try out Dare Sky Walk at the new Tottenham stadium or barrel down the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Stratford, there's plenty to keep you on your toes.

Elevate your morning routine with the return of Rooftop Aqua Board Yogalates at art'otel London Battersea. This experience takes fitness to new heights in the hotel's heated 28°C rooftop pool. From £59.40 per person, the 50-minute session blends core-strengthening yoga and Pilates on stand-up paddleboards, set against sweeping city views.

Led by local instructor Jinis, the class is tailored for all skill levels, offering a fun balance challenge where splashes are all part of the experience. You'll get full access to prep facilities on Level -1, plus a complimentary hot drink or fresh juice and a pastry at TOZI Counter post-workout. 

Looking for things to do this bank holiday weekend? For a limited time only, treat yourself to Kapara's epic bottomless brunch experience. Find a seat inside the uber-glamorous restaurant or soak up the sun on their secret Soho terrace while grooving to disco beats and sipping free-flowing prosecco, wine, beer, and jugs of delicious cocktails. On the menu? Dishes like braised lamb shoulder and salt-baked celeriac shakshuka, along with the star of the show, pita French toast topped with sultanas, cherry compote, banana tempura, rose, and honey labneh.

Celebrate the August bank holiday in true London style with Megan's famous bottomless brunch. With 90 minutes of unlimited drinks for just £25, you'll be sipping prosecco, mimosas, or a zesty breakfast martini while diving into crowd-pleasing dishes like shakshouka baked eggs or Megan's signature pancake stacks.

Whether you're soaking up summer vibes on their terrace or relaxing indoors under fairy lights, Megan's blends laid-back luxury with generous pours and Mediterranean flavours to create the perfect long weekend brunch experience. 

For fabulous events this bank holiday weekend, check out Old School R&B Brunch. Their events come complete with free-flowing punch, island vibes, and some seriously delish scran - think buttermilk fried chicken and Creole fries.

With locations in Soho, Notting Hill and Clapham Junction, Archer Street is a cool cocktail bar specialising in hand-crafted concoctions and a party atmosphere. there's plenty of fun events going on at their venues across the bank holiday weekend, ranging from their staple West End bottomless brunches to one-off bank holiday parties. Expect Ibiza-themed fun from 2pm all the way to 4am, with tribute singers and live DJs playing the best of Balearic tunes throughout. Tickets to these events cost just £10 per person, with tropical decor and refreshing drinks promised.

Summer may be coming to an end soon, but there's still time to make the most of it by heading to an outdoor cinema. There are all kinds of alfresco events where you can catch some brilliant films, from rooftop bars in Stratford to gorgeous spaces in Peckham. Nab drinks and popcorn while you're at it, with titles like La La Land, When Harry Met Sally and much more to choose from.

Make the most of the sun this bank holiday at The Brush East London Grand Café, especially with their charming outdoor terrace. They've got a creative weekend menu inspired by the grand cafés of Europe, featuring everything from loaded 'Cake in Pan' pancake stacks to French toast specials.

The cocktails are not to be missed, and you can even nab a main course and bottomless drinks for £35. Options include pitchers of strawberry margarita, Pimm's, Aperol spritz and Coalition beer.

If your idea of heaven is spending the bank holiday in your favourite beer garden with an ice-cold pint, then boy do we have a guide for you. London is full of secret hideaways and expansive stretches of grass just waiting for you to pull up a chair on and relax. Take a peak and find a new hotspot, from Brixton beauties tooting European small plates to Herne Hill delights adorned with fairy lights and packing a tasty charcuterie spread. 

Sashay your way over to Looking Glass Cocktail Club on the Saturday or Sunday of the bank holiday weekend, where Ginger's Big Drag Bingo will have you dancing on your feet. Think a raucous night of fun, bingo, drag performances, DJs and outrageous campery with this event.

Head along to Pedley Street Station for The Murdér Express, an award-winning immersive dining experience. Not only will you have to solve the riddles to locate the valuable diamond, but there will also be a three-course menu to enjoy.

Not only does this Paddington venue host premium bottomless brunches for just £50 every single weekend, but this bank holiday you can also enjoy a bottomless dinner featuring live samba dancers and unlimited food and drink on the Sunday evening. Smith's Bar & Grill is a bright, airy destination that's filled with greenery, and you can munch your way through everything from salmon tartare to eggs Benedict and flat iron steaks here. And if you're after something a little more traditional, enjoy a Sunday roast between 12 and 4pm, perfect for fuelling up before the carnival festivities.

What's The Motive is hosting a boatload of fun-packed events for the August bank holiday weekend of 2025. Head along to a range of events, from soca shindigs to Caribbean bashment parties with live DJs and tasty eats, across a range of best-loved London venues.

The Exhibit are taking your August bank holiday plans up a notch with their bottomless rosé brunch event. What can you expect? Delicious dishes, live entertainment throughout the afternoon and a whopping three hours of free-flowing wine.

Dining outside is the ultimate summer holiday activity - make the most of the weather and take your wine and cheeseboard outside to a top-tier terrace in the city, that's what we say. Check out our guide to the best alfresco spots in the capital, and pick your next dining destination. From floral terraces boasting Mediterranean eats to rooftop beauties with fruity cocktails to accompany European dishes, we've got it all.

Head to Tequila Mockingbird on William IV Street this August Bank Holiday for a hoedown like no other, right in the heart of Covent Garden. Your £35 ticket gets you 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and pizza, plus a packed line-up of drag, burlesque, bingo, line dancing and country hits.

With limited spaces and a buzzing atmosphere, it's the ultimate way to spend your Sunday this August bank holiday weekend. There's also their regular brunch on Saturdays, or check out their Putney venue instead.

Camden Town Brewery are throwing open their doors come the August bank holiday weekend, taking you on a behind-the-scenes tour. Better yet, you'll be enjoying a full tasting of their year-round beers as well.

Trapeze Bar in Shoreditch is throwing a boatload of fun-packed antics for August bank holiday. So, what to expect? Think bottomless brunches touting mouthwatering brekky plates and 90s vibes to full-blown parties with top-notch live DJs, you won't run out of activities here.

Ms Ginger Phlappage, and her squad of sassy, hilarious queens or kings, this drag brunch isn't to be missed. Sashay your way over come Saturday 27th August to be treated to two courses, bottomless prosecco and plenty of performances or games to get stuck into.

This August bank holiday, The Reggae Brunch is hosting plenty of fun shindigs. From a Carnival Warm-Up to a Sunday event boasting Caribbean jerk food, rum punch and non-stop tunes, there's certainly no shortage of fun things to do.

Visit the Shepherd's Bush bar over the bank holiday to delight in elevated British classics washed down with contemporary cocktails. There's plenty going on here this bank holiday, with something to choose from every day.

Think rooftop DJ sessions on Saturday, local talent performing at Friday Night Live and spectacular Sunday roasts, as well as their BBQ summer series.

Check out our guide to London's hidden gardens and venture over to one this August bank holiday. Barber Surgeon's Garden is a great shout if you're looking to check out over 40 different species of herb plants and for something a little more historical and whimsical? St Dunstan In The East Church Garden has got to be for you. It's a real gem that opened in 1970 as a public garden, after seeing damage by the Great Fire of London, and again during the Blitz of 1941.

For the first time ever, Rambutan is opening its doors early for a limited, week-long breakfast pop-up running from Tuesday 25th August through bank holiday Monday. The morning menu pairs Sri Lankan breakfast classics with inventive twists, featuring plain and egg hoppers, egg curry, spicy fish red curry, coconut and lemongrass dal, buttery roti, and coconut sambol.

You can also tuck into a breakfast toastie filled with neal's yard cheese and seeni sambol, or traditional milk rice (kiribath) served with chilli lunu miris. To wash it all down, drinks include cardamom and cinnamon chai, fresh watermelon juice, and a refreshing tamarind cooler.

Inspired by the Roman, Greek and Ottoman eras, the Aire Ancient Baths are one of the most relaxing places to visit this bank holiday. Located by the Strand, this hidden gem is a maze of hydrotherapy pools, ice-cold plunge baths, salt water swimming pools and steam rooms. You can secure 90 minutes in this space from £100 per person, with the chance to experience spa treatments like argan oil massages, thermal baths and Himalayan salt rituals too.

Though London may be best known for its towering skyscrapers and concrete-heavy streets, there are plenty of green spaces to relax in this August. We've rounded up the very best parks all over the city and what to do there - from Hampstead Heath to Clapham Common and Crystal Palace Park. Whether it's an afternoon stroll or somewhere to stop for a picnic, we've got you covered in this guide.

Back for another year, Battersea Park In Concert promises a series of open-air concerts taking place across the bank holiday weekend. From The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra to Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, there are some fantastic musicians playing.

This is designed to be a relaxed summer party, with gourmet food and drinks available and plenty of picnic space. There'll be family entertainment until sunset, and Kids Tipiland will keep your little ones happy all day long.

Want somewhere to unwind this bank holiday? Where better than in one of the city's gorgeous green spaces, while tucking into a delicious picnic. Gather your friends and family for a few drinks, great food and a spot of sunbathing, from Holland Park all the way to Greenwich or Kew Gardens. Whether you're after a hidden gem in the city centre or a sprawling park on the outskirts, be sure to check out our guide.

Looking for free things to do this bank holiday weekend? Then make the most of the sunny weather, and head on these pretty walks that are ideal for summer. We've got strolls to suit all occasions, varying in length and scenery. From Hampstead Heath to the Jubilee Greenway and Richmond Park, we've recommended the very best routes and some great places to stop for food and drink nearby.

If you're looking to escape London on the bank holiday then we're here to provide a helping hand with our list of the best day trips from the city. Whether you've got a car, renting one or love a good trip on a train, these destinations are all travel-friendly and totally doable in 24 hours. Head to a desert on the Kent coastline, visit some spooky caves or check out a gorgeous castle with 770 acres of land.