Best Things To Do On August Bank Holiday 2025 In London

A much-needed three-day weekend is on the horizon, so have you sorted your plans yet? Let us help you out a lil'. We've been out searching the city for the very best events, parties and suggestions; from unique cocktail pop-ups to waterside experiences that make the most of the weather (here's hoping), we've got everything covered. So sit back, relax and have a browse of the best things to do this August bank holiday weekend in London 2025. 

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 16th October 2024




Rooftop Bars In London 2024

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. 

SUPA DUPA FLY

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.

Hip Hop Brunch LDN

Known for combining amazing food with a party atmosphere, the Hip Hop Brunch team are taking over this August Bank Holiday in London. Guests will first be treated to 3 courses of 'Dirty South' food, before enjoying fun rounds of Hip Hip karaoke and all your favourite urban acts. Certain to leave you full of booze, with a stomach that feels like it's about to burst and a great beat in your head, there are few better ways to spend a bank holiday weekend in London.

Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Saturday 14th December 2024

Looking for things to do during the August 2025 bank holiday in London? Brought to you by the creators of iconic immersive experiences Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon, Avora is an interactive adventure where you'll get to explore a magical new world. You'll begin at Roscorp Laboratory where you'll get your very own jumpsuit to complete your missions in, before journeying through the mystical woodlands and meeting a cast of talented actors throughout your experience. They'll also give you three enticing, colour-changing cocktails as part of your £42.50 entry price, and a tree is planted for every ticket sold.

Mrs Riot's Bottomless Drag Brunch!

@ Mrs Riot on Saturday 14th December 2024 and 32 other Saturdays

In partnership with Malibu, Mrs Riot in Covent Garden are hosting a brilliant bottomless drag brunch on Saturdays. Hosted by Mango Marshall and a troupe of special guest queens, this event promises 90 minutes of unlimited cocktails like pornstar martinis and malibu coconut rum punch, alongside high-energy entertainment throughout. Expect great tunes and plenty of raucous fun, with delicious vegan cupcakes up for grabs too.

Best Notting Hill Carnival Events

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. 

Ayllu Restaurant

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.

Best Theatre Shows in London

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.

German Kraft

Enjoy a range of tasters and a branded glass to takeaway when you head to Kraft Dalston's private brewery tour or tastings this August bank holiday. Get some insider knowledge while enjoying guided sipping of top German pints.

Trapeze Bar

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.

Little Nan's

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.

Best Outdoor Restaurants In London

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.

Hijingo

Situated in Shoreditch, Hijingo is an excellent shout for those looking for new experiences. Along with fronting 11 special cocktails, your bingo games come complete with dance breaks, the chance to win a holiday and yummy nibbles to tuck into.

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Saturday 14th December 2024

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.

Ballie Ballerson London

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.

High Adrenaline Things To Do in London

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.

Bounce

Across their three locations in Battersea, Farringdon and Old Street, quirky activity bar Bounce are hosting a special bank holiday edition of their bottomless brunch. You can boogie to live DJ sets throughout, while sipping on unlimited beer or prosecco. You'll also get to tuck into as much pizza as you like, while getting competitive with your friends on the ping pong tables. Tickets cost just £35 per person, or you can upgrade to cocktails for £10 extra.

The Magic Hour

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.

Archer Street Bars

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.

The 90's Brunch

Celebrate the long weekend with an epic party courtesy of The 90s Brunch. Armed with a soundtrack of nostalgic hits, unlimited drinks and delicious brunch eats, these guys are on-hand to give you the the ultimate throwback. 

Brixton Jamm

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?

Fabulous Brunch Events London

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. 

Kapara

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.

Smith's Bar & Grill

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.

The Big Bakes

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.

Best Outdoor Cinemas In London 2024

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.

plonk

Need August bank holiday plans? Then check out Plonk in Camden, Shoreditch, Borough Market and Hackney. These top-notch crazy golf courses are not only brightly coloured but are also designed by some of the city's hottest muralists and street artists. If you're thirsty, head to the bar for a bevvy.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

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.

Best Beer Gardens In London

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. 

The Piano Works Events

If you're looking for fun things to do in Central London over the August bank holiday, check out what's going on at The Piano Works. At their venues in Farringdon and the West End, they're hosting live music (with every song requested by you) until the early hours of the morning.

Old School R&B Brunch

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.

The Broadcaster

Visit the Shepherd's Bush bar over the bank holiday to delight in elevated British classics washed down with contemporary cocktails. On bank holiday Sunday at The Broadcaster you'll find exclusive DJ sets, delicious roast dinners and 90 minutes of free-flowing bubbles with every main course purchased. Head to the ground floor with its spacious outdoor terrace to enjoy everything from herb-fed chicken to mushroom and beetroot Wellington, washed down with plenty of fizz. Plus, on the 24th of August, there'll be pilates with Verity, where you can enjoy a 40-minute session followed by indulging in the famous Cinta Cafes protein shakes.

Merchant House

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.

Things To Do During The Summer Holiday In London

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. 

The Exhibit

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.

Barrio Bars

Barrie are here to dispel any bank holiday Monday woes with their fun-filled brunch sesh. Expect plenty of dance-worthy music, colourful surroundings and a menu of hearty hangover-curing grub alongside two whole hours of bottomless drinks.

Aire Ancient Baths

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.

Check Out A Secret Garden

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.

Best Summer Walks

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.

Best Picnic Spots In The City

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.

18 Of The Best Day Trips From London To Try In 2024

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. 

Best Parks In The City

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.

18 Top London Attractions In 2024

We can't think of anything more classic than checking out one of the city's top tourist attractions this August. The good thing is that we're spoilt for choice, with the likes of Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace all within reach. If you're into your dinosaurs, the Natural History Museum is a great shout - you'll even be able to venture into the centre of the Earth here too. And for something a little bit outside of the capital? How could we forget the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.