Roaming Required

Weekend and Short Break Travel Experts
London

Exciting Activities Await in London this August Bank Holiday Weekend

Russell

Londoners, get ready for a jam-packed August bank holiday weekend filled with vibrant festivities and memorable experiences. As the city gears up for this annual extravaganza, here’s our curated list of the top 5 things to do that will surely make your long weekend a memorable one.

Roaming Required’s Top 5 for the August Bank Holiday in London

1. Notting Hill Carnival: Dance Through the Streets

Embrace the true spirit of summer with the iconic Notting Hill Carnival. Since 1966, this lively event has grown into Europe’s largest street festival, attracting millions of visitors annually. From captivating parades to mesmerising steel bands and dance performances, the carnival promises an explosion of Caribbean culture and flavours.

Just some of the costumes you can see at the Notting Hill Carnival in London

Don’t miss out on the heart-pounding beats of soca, calypso, and hip-hop – and remember, Sunday is perfect for a family-friendly experience.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to the Notting Hill Carnival

The Essentials

  • Date: 26-28 August 2023
  • Time: Varied across the weekend
  • Price: FREE to attend
  • Postcode: W11 2AY

2. The Big Woof in Kings Cross: Pamper Your Pooch

Dog-lovers unite at this dedicated canine wellness festival, The Big Woof, in Kings Cross. 

Expect everything from training sessions, dog shows with categories including ‘waggiest tail’ and ‘best party trick’, to doggy art exhibitions, dog tarot card reading, and a snuggle fest pop-up. 

Dog with sunglasses sitting on chair with tray of bone biscuits nearby

To say that we’re dog people would be an understatement and whilst we don’t own a dog in London, we will absolutely live vicariously through others! Yes, we’re those people who want pet and play with your dogs! Capture the moment, and tag us on Instagram because this is one, we definitely don’t want to miss! 

The Essentials

  • Date: 26-27 August 2023
  • Time: 11am – 6pm
  • Price: FREE
  • Postcode: N1C 4BZ

3. Hampton Court Palace Food Festival: A Feast Fit for Royalty

Do you like food? What about history? If you answered yes to both, then the Hampton Court Palace annual food festival is for you. And you can see why this foodie festival appealed to both of us! 

Row of food tents at the Hampton Court Palace food festival on the August bank holiday weekend

Here you can combine history and gastronomy, strolling over 150 specialty food stalls.

Wear your stretchiest pants so you can dine like Henry VIII amidst the palace’s picturesque green spaces. This is a family affair so there will be live music, kids’ activities, and even a cocktail-making class for a well-rounded culinary adventure.

The Essentials

  • Date: 26-28 August 2023
  • Time: 10am – 6pm
  • Price: Included in Hampton Court Palace tickets from £26.30/£13.10 (adult/child)
  • Postcode: KT8 9AU

4. Poetry and Music at Somerset House: A Unique Fusion

Somerset House is one of my favourite places in London. Head to the resplendent Georgian courtyard for a delightful blend of poetry and music with Inua Ellams’ Brighter Vibes Rhythm and Poetry Party promises a nostalgic afternoon of hip-hop-inspired poems and classic tracks.

One of our favourite places in London, Somerset House

The format of the day is straightforward. Nine poets share a poem that engages any aspect of hip hop culture, then the DJ plays two hip hop tracks – or songs featuring rappers – that link to the poem.

The Essentials

  • Date: 26 Aug to 10 Sept 2023
  • Time: 2pm – 5pm
  • Price: FREE
  • Postcode: WC2R 1LA

5. Outdoor Summer Celebrations: A Feast for the Senses

London’s free outdoor festival is back and better than ever. Prepare to be dazzled by spectacular installations, from tight-rope acts to dance parties. 

Kicking off on 25 August, the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival 2023 will run across three weekends including the August bank holiday, so there’s ample opportunity to discover any or all of the family-friendly offerings, including the Greenwich Fair where street arts and circus performances take over the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark Gardens and Greenwich Park.

Given the cost of living crisis, I’m thrilled to see that all shows are FREE and unticketed.

READ MORE: Discover the Cutty Sark in Greenwich London

The Essentials

  • Date: 25 Aug – 10 Sept 2023
  • Time: Varied
  • Price: FREE
  • Postcode: WC2R 1LA

Final Thoughts

This August bank holiday weekend, London has something for everyone. From captivating cultural celebrations to musical journeys and culinary delights, these are our top five activities that promise an unforgettable experience.

So, gather your friends and family, and make the most of this vibrant and dynamic city during the long weekend.

Looking for other fun things to do in London? Try the below bestsellers

Avatar for Russell

    Born and raised in Sydney Australia and currently based in London, I absolutely love exploring the UK and Europe at every opportunity. It still thrills me that all it takes is an hour flight to be in a new country with a completely different history, language, food, and culture that is just waiting to be experienced. We started our blog, Roaming Required, as a way to keep in contact with family and friends, and over the last 10 years, the blog has grown and evolved and it remains a real passion project. We've travelled a lot in the 10 years living in London and there's still plenty more to experience. So, why not join us for the adventure and come roam with us!

    Some of the links used on Roaming Required are affiliate links, which means that if you click on them and make a purchase then may earn a small commission, at absolutely no additional cost to you. This helps keep the lights on at Roaming Required HQ and the content being created. We sincerely thank you for your support.

    Comments (2)

    1. Wish I could be there to enjoy it all.
      Fabulous blog about all the events.

      1. Thanks so much for checking it our and leaving us a comment, Lorraine. It’s much appreciated. We hope you’re keeping well 🙂

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