Things to Do in London in August

By Lindsay Eagan

Get outside during your trip to London this August - there's always plenty to do, see and explore. Take advantage of the summer weather by taking tours, cruises and sightseeing. If you’re looking for things to do in London in August 2016, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • Hop-On Hop-Off London Sightseeing Tour
  • Coco-Cola London Eye
  • Wembley Stadium Tour
  • London Bridge City Summer Festival
  • and more...

Hop-On Hop-Off London Sightseeing Tour by Big Bus

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This hop on hop off double-decker bus tour is one of the best ways to sightsee in London and a great way to see many of the famous London landmarks, which are perfect photo opportunities to remember your trip by. This route will allow you to see or stop at London's most popular attractions: Hyde Park Corner, Piccadilly Market, Haymarket, Trafalgar Square, The Coca-Cola London Eye, St. Paul’s, etc.

The London Eye

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Take a 30 min spin on one of the most famous attractions in the world, the London Eye observation wheel. Located in the heart of the city opposite the River Thames, you can take in 360-degree views from 135 meters above the ground, that's more than 425 feet!

Wembley Stadium Tour

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Take this 75-minute all-access tour of the iconic Wembley Stadium, home of the England national football team. You see parts of the stadium that is not typically accessible by the public such as the Players' tunnel, press rooms, etc.

City Sightseeing River Cruise

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Your vacation simply isn’t complete without a relaxing Thames River cruise. This Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour will let you see all of London’s best bits as you float down the city’s iconic river.

Enjoy amazing views along the river and see the city's top sights like the London Eye and Tower of London with our River Thames Hop-On-Hop-Off Cruise pass that lasts 24 hours.

Take a Cruise Around Town on a Bike Tour

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Get to know the city of London on this 4-hour bike tour, which is fully narrated and guided. Halfway through your tour the group will take a 30-minute break for free time and lunch at an English pub. This is a great way to begin your time in London by getting acquainted with the city while having fun.

London Bridge City Summer Festival

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London Bridge City is hosting a free festival all summer long with entertainment, food and drink. There is free music 5 nights a week, live theater, and other events. Check out the schedule here for the different events happening all summer long.

Admission to the London Bridge City Summer Festival is free.

Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in London in August.

Regular admission to a number of these popular London attractions are available with Go City®. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate.

Please note, the seasonal events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with Go City®. If you want a bigger list of seasonal events, then check out our suggested things to do in London in the summer.

Lindsay Eagan

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The Tower of London will a foreground of fallen leaves
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What to do in London in November

Fall is kind to the British capital, and London in November isn’t short of local color. In addition to its year-round historic attractions, the Royal Parks are a swirl of oranges and reds as the London planes lose their leaves. The start of the month sees Diwali and Guy Fawkes’s Night ignite the sky with fireworks, followed quickly by Christmas light switch-ons and shopfronts dolled up for the festive season. Wondering what to do in London in November? You’ve come to the right place! Cruise along the Thames The River Thames has been at London’s heart since the Romans converted a humble Saxon village into a city worthy of becoming the future British capital. Its banks are the location of an array of major landmarks, from the Whispering Gallery of St Paul’s Cathedral to the contemporary form of Tate Modern’s $360m Switch House, expanding the gallery’s floor space by 60%. Bringing together the rival north and south of the Thames, its bridges are some of the most recognizable structures in the world, with Tower Bridge a symbol for both London and the UK. Slipping beneath them on a Thames river cruise adds a new dimension to hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours. Hop on and see the sights in comfort. Hop off to explore attractions such as the Cutty Sark and historic dockyards of Greenwich. Time it right, and you’ll capture the capital at its most romantic, as dusk settles over its parks and monuments and lights flicker on along its banks. Celebrate Guy Fawkes’ Night The grisly origins of Guy Fawkes’ Night (or Bonfire Night) are intricately linked to several London attractions, not least the Houses of Parliament and Tower of London. One of the biggest nights of the cultural calendar, the festivities now extend from Halloween until the big day itself on November 5. Neighborhoods large and small mark the event with organized fireworks displays and the lighting of bonfires. Some of the biggest and most spectacular take place at Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace. Topping many bonfires will be a representation of Guy Fawkes himself, whose band of Catholic rebels attempted to blow up Protestant King James I in the Houses of Parliament in 1605. If you’re wondering where the Tower of London fits in to all this – the plot was discovered, and Fawkes arrested. Imprisoned in the tower, he was tortured on the rack before being hung, drawn and quartered. His head ended up on a spike on London Bridge. Take in a show London’s West End is probably only second to New York’s Broadway when it comes to its shows. Whilst you’ll find theaters dotted right throughout the capital, Shaftesbury Avenue continues to be the place to head. It stretches from Piccadilly Circus and the Statue of Eros to New Oxford Street and the Georgian townhouses that lead towards the British Museum. Shaftesbury Avenue, together with the cobblestone streets around Covent Garden, are home to all sorts of characters – on and off the stage – who seem to come to life beneath the twinkling Christmas lights of late November. New shows are opening all the time, although some have serious staying power. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is one, holding the record for the longest theater run in the world. It’s first night was back in 1952. For festive fun and a huge dose of British custom look no further than the annual pantomimes (or pantos) at theaters like the Palladium. A mix of fairy tales and folk legends – from Cinderella to Peter Pan – they see British audiences at their most boisterous and gleeful. Explore Westminster Abbey In a city of historic structures, few beside the Tower of London can compete with the heritage of Westminster Abbey. Hidden from the riverside by the Houses of Parliament, this royal church has witnessed the coronation of every British monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066, and was the setting for the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. Site of the grave of the Unknown Warrior and center of the capital’s November memorial services, the cathedral contains over 3000 burials, with kings accompanying prime ministers and notables such as physicist Stephen Hawking. The abbey’s soaring gothic edifice is home to many treasures including the Coronation Throne, a simple chair of English oak, dating to 1296. But when it comes to hidden gems, this title has to go to the Jewel Tower, built as a treasure house for King Edward III in around 1365. Few Londoners have even heard of it, although it’s one of only two buildings to have survived the fire which engulfed the original Houses of Parliament in the early 1800s. Tour the capital’s markets When the weather holds, the capital’s markets are attractive propositions for any list of things to do in London in November. Often situated in some of the capital’s most interesting neighborhoods, a smooch around their stalls acts as the perfect gateway to experiencing life in Britain’s biggest city. They’re also sure to never be far from a historic pub with a cozy fireplace serving the nation’s famously warm beers. Borough Market, for instance, has been reborn from a sorry spot between London Bridge and the Globe theater to a destination well worth seeking out for its own merits. On its edges you’ll find several noteworthy pubs, including The George Inn, which dates back to the 17th century. Delve a little further, and you’ll encounter flavorful foods from every corner of the globe, as well as traditional British favorites from fish and chips to pie and mash. Alternatively, make your way to the pastel shades of West London’s Portobello Road, whose weekly antiques market is a great place to pick up quirky mementos. But wherever you find yourself in London in November, it’s likely there’s a market somewhere close. Save on London November attraction admission November in London can be glorious. Although the year might be coming to a close, there are arguably more places to visit in London in November than at other times of year. What’s more, you can explore many of the British capital’s top attractions with Go City, giving you flexibility whilst saving in one of the world’s most evocative yet expensive cities.
Ian Packham
Clown fish at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Image credit: Merlin.
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Ultimate Guide to SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Set on the ground floor of County Hall on London’s bustling South Bank, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium has been wowing wide-eyed visitors with its kaleidoscope of aquatic critters since it opened back in 1997. Penguin-waddle into our underwater world for the ultimate guide to this top-tier London attraction, including information on what to expect, when to visit, and the best ticket options in town… SEA LIFE London Aquarium: The Lowdown Attracting over a million visitors every year, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is one of the South Bank’s most popular attractions. That’s largely thanks to its state-of-the-art aquaria, spine-tingling underwater Shark Walk tunnel, cool gentoo penguin colony, and 5,000-or-so marine creatures that range from tiny clownfish to majestic sharks, turtles, crocs, rays, and octopuses. Immersive exhibits at the aquarium mean you can get really up close and personal with these spectacular beasts of the deep. And we mean really really close – over, under, and with your inquisitive face pressed right up against the glass. Heck, there’s even a touch pool where kids young and old get the rare chance to handle sea stars, crabs and other rock pool regulars. It takes most people between one and two hours to explore the various zones of the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, but there’s no time limit on your visit, meaning kids mesmerized by staring through bubble windows at the magical underwater worlds within can do so for literally hours on end.  There are also several ranger talks on the many species here, from rays to rainforest dwellers, as well as scheduled feeding times, when you can see the penguins diving for their supper or catch an unmissable piranha feeding frenzy. You can even feed the turtles and go snorkeling with the sharks! SEA LIFE London Aquarium Zones Open Oceans. The replica ribcage of a great gray whale makes for a fine habitat in the Open Oceans exhibit, where colorful purple tangs, snappers, triggerfish and other tropical critters flash brilliantly across the bleached bones. The essential highlight of this zone is the glass tunnel that passes beneath the huge tank, promising tantalizing glimpses of green sea turtles and huge southern stingrays soaring overhead. This is also where you can spot sharks – or head up a level to get an aerial view of these majestic creatures of the deep. Coral Kingdom. Experience a kaleidoscope of color at the UK’s largest living coral reef, an awesome underwater oasis that extends some 40 feet and teems with clownfish, seahorses, angelfish, butterflyfish, pufferfish, regal blue and yellow tangs, and other reef dwellers. Take the clownfish challenge as you yourself get the opportunity to bob, weave and shuffle your way through a simulated reef environment. Polar Adventure. Slip and slide your way to one of SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s most popular zones to meet the resident colony of playful gentoo penguins. These cute little blighters, with their distinctive white ‘headbands’ and bright orange bills are a joy to observe as they swim, splash, socialize and snooze their way around their icy environment. State-of-the-art 3D and augmented reality technology also brings giant polar bears and orca whales to life in this thrilling Antarctic adventure. Rainforest Adventure. Adventure of an altogether different kind awaits in the aquarium’s Amazonian rainforest, where tropical temperatures support life for a fantastical array of exotic animals. This one’s for the creepy crawly connoisseur, the reptile rhapsodizer, the frog fanatic. For here’s where you can meet some of the planet’s most fearsome beasts, among them the poison dart frog, the West African dwarf crocodile, the Chilean rose tarantula, he UK’s largest collection of piranhas, and a snapping turtle named Bowza! Ocean Invaders. Mesmerizing and dreamlike in their slow, languid movements, jellyfish are among the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. Brainless and composed of more than 95% water, these amazing animals have been present in our seas for some 500 million years – even longer than our most ancient reptiles! Step into the Ocean Invaders zone to observe several species in all their graceful glory, including the translucent, bell-shaped moon jellyfish, the fearsome looking (and sounding!) Japanese sea nettle, and the more self-explanatory upside-down jellyfish. SEA LIFE London Aquarium: When to Visit Opening hours vary throughout the year but are generally around 10AM–5PM in the cooler months, increasing to 9.30AM–7PM in summer and during school holidays., and last entry is an hour before closing time. Check the official SEA LIFE London Aquarium website for opening hours on the specific dates you want to visit. You’ll need to book a time slot for entry during peak times (weekends, school holidays and public holidays). If you fancy a less crowded experience, pop by on weekdays towards the beginning or end of the day, when advance booking is rarely required and the tourist crowds are relatively minimal.  SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Tickets One of the best money-saving ways to experience the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is with an Explorer attraction pass from Go City. You can save up to 50% with the pass, which gives you 60 days to experience up to seven London tours, activities and attractions. Entry to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is included with the pass, as are bucket-list big-hitters including the London Eye, Up at the O2, the London Bridge Experience, Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London Zoo, The View from The Shard, and many more. You can also book direct via the SEA LIFE London Aquarium website, where options include multi-attraction tickets and VIP experiences with the penguins, sharks and turtles. Closest Transport Links to SEA LIFE London Aquarium SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a short stroll from Waterloo station, as well as Charing Cross and Westminster Underground station just across the river. After emerging from any of these, simply head towards the London Eye and you won’t go too far wrong! Save on London Tours, Activities and Attractions Save on admission to 100+ London attractions with an Explorer or All-Inclusive pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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London VS New York: Which City Should I Visit?

Planning your next city vacation, but can’t decide whether to visit London or New York City? We’ve rounded up the best New York attractions and the best London attractions so you can decide which city is right for you. Which will it be? The Big Smoke or The Big Apple? Check out our list below of the top things to do in New York, including... The Empire State Building The Top of the Rock Madison Square Garden The Statue of Liberty Radio City Stage Door Tour Plus, the top things to do in London, including... Coca-Cola London Eye Churchill War Rooms Shakespeare’s Globe Wembley Stadium Emirates Arsenal Stadium And many more... The attractions with the best views The London Eye vs Top of the Rock and The Empire State Building London For some of the best views in London, head to the Coca-Cola London Eye. Take a 30-minute ride around one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and enjoy 360 views of the city. You will spot famous buildings and sights such as the Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral -- cameras at the ready! Be sure to check out our top tips for visiting the Coca-Cola London Eye. If you can’t get enough of the city, visit London’s tallest building, The Shard, for more 360 views. At 1,020 feet tall, The Shard is almost as tall as New York’s Empire State Building. Take the elevator up to the 72nd floor for amazing views of the city below. New York City In New York City, some would say the best view is from the Empire State Building. Did you know that the Empire State Building is 1,454 feet tall? With your New York Explorer Pass, head up to the 86th floor, 1,050 feet above the ground for breathtaking views of Manhattan. The only thing you won’t be able to see is the Empire State Building itself... So, if you want to take photos of New York’s cityscape including the Empire State Building, head over a few blocks to The Top of the Rock. Though not as tall as the Empire State Building, the observation deck of the Rockefeller center sits at 800 feet above street level -- so it has great views of the city (especially Central Park!). Check out our guide to the Empire State Building to learn more. Getting In: Entry to The Empire State Building and The Top of The Rock are included with your New York Explorer Pass. Entry to the Coca-Cola London Eye is included in your London Explorer Pass. Entry to The Shard is not included and tickets must be bought separately. The best attractions for sports fans Emirates Arsenal Stadium, Wembley Stadium and Chelsea FC Stadium vs Madison Square Garden London Sports fans won’t be short of things to do in London. Soccer fans can tour the home of Arsenal FC at the Emirates Arsenal Stadium, get up close with exclusive memorabilia, walk up the Players’ Tunnel and even sneak a peek inside the team’s changing rooms. Not an Arsenal fan? Visit the Chelsea FC Stadium for a guided tour and backstage access to the club’s Stamford Bridge stadium. Enjoy access to the changing rooms, tunnels and the Chelsea museum. If these aren’t enough to satisfy the soccer fan in your group, you have to visit Wembley Stadium. The original Wembley Stadium opened way back in 1923 but the current stadium opened in 2007. Did you know the current stadium was built on the grounds of the 1948 Olympics? It was also home to the 1966 World Cup Final which saw England take home the cup! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BO3EGAJFlDb/[/embed] New York City Sports fans visiting New York City have to visit Madison Square Garden for an All Access Tour. Home to New York Teams, NBA’s New York Knicks and NHL’s New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden is a must-see. An expert guide will take you behind the scenes of the World’s Most Famous Arena, telling you all about its history and giving you a glimpse of exclusive memorabilia. While you’re in NYC, why not get tickets to see a famous New York team like the New York Yankees play? [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BpZrXmfFKD_/[/embed] Getting In: Emirates Stadium, Chelsea FC Stadium and Wembley Stadium are included in your London Explorer Pass. Madison Square Garden All Access Tour is included in your New York Explorer Pass. The best tours for theater fans Shakespeare’s Globe vs Inside Broadway walking tour and Radio City Tour New York City You can’t visit New York City without visiting the world famous theater district: Broadway. But what better way to explore the heart of New York’s theater-world than with a guided walking tour? On the Inside Broadway Walking Tour you will be guided around Broadway and Times Square by an experienced actor or director on a tour lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s one of the best ways to discover all the Broadway secrets you’re itching to know... Another must-see for theater lovers is the Radio City Music Hall. On the Radio City Stage Door Tour you will be taken behind the scenes of the famous music venue on a guided tour lasting 75 minutes. You’ll get to explore the venue from the auditorium to the stage, and you’ll even get to meet a Radio City Rockette. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ByVKqRwoFG1/[/embed] London Not to be out-done by New York, London is known for its Broadway equivalent, the West End. But London’s theater history dates back much further, to the days of William Shakespeare. On the Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour, explore the Globe theater and its exclusive costumes and sets exhibition before being shown around the theatre by an expert guide. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ByN7Y6kgtHL/[/embed] Getting In: The Inside Broadway Walking Tour and Radio City Stage Door Tour are included in the New York Explorer Pass. Entry to The Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour is included on the London Explorer Pass. The best attractions for history fans Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island vs Churchill War Rooms New York City A trip to New York City would be incomplete without a visit to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take the Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Walking Tour and be guided around two of America’s most important landmarks, while learning about their history and context. Hear stories about the immigrants who arrived in America via Ellis Island and learn all about the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. London There are plenty of historic landmarks in London to satisfy history fans, such as the Churchill War Rooms. You will explore Churchill’s underground wartime headquarters and discover the important part it played in the Second World War. You have to see the Transatlantic Telephone Room -- it was disguised as a toilet but it was secretly used to speak to the US President. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/ByIpSB5JjBz/[/embed] Getting In: The Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour is included in the New York Explorer Pass. The Churchill War Rooms is included in the London Explorer Pass. Remember to save on attraction admission If you’re in New York or London, (whichever one you choose!) you can’t miss the chance to check out the city’s top tourist attractions and world-famous landmarks. Grab a New York City Explorer Pass® or a London Explorer Pass before your trip and make huge savings on combined admission prices compared to paying at the gate. The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and the Statue of Liberty Tour are all included on the pass, along with the Coca-Cola London Eye, Wembley Stadium and Churchill War Rooms. Share your adventure with us We love to see your vacation snaps. Tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram using @GoCity or #GoCityPass so we can feature your post on our page. Follow our Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers and plenty of travel inspiration.
Seren Morris

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