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.

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Lion at the base of Nelson's column Trafalgar Square
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Best time to visit London

Britain’s capital is a captivating mix of history and culture year-round, and as such, there’s no best time to visit London. Caressed by the warming gulf stream, it experiences mild temperatures for its latitude – further north than Vancouver in Canada. Dodging a shower or two is a rite of passage for visitors to London, and even in the depths of winter daytime temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Each season shows another side to this constantly evolving metropolis of over nine million people. The crisp spring air brings out vast banks of flowering plants in the gardens of Kew and Hampton Court Palace, whilst summer is packed full of outdoor events. Fall’s changing weather makes a great excuse to explore London’s food scene, whilst winter encompasses Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations. What’s the weather like in London in spring? Roughly coinciding with the period from late March through to late May, spring in London sees a new found sense of momentum hit the capital’s streets. Temperatures may not have reached their peak, averaging 13 – 17°C, but the move to British Summer Time lengthens days and the city’s famed rainfall is no greater than at any other time of year. Things to do in London in spring London’s green spaces come back to life with a flourish in spring. Woodland bluebells and parkland daffodils erupt from the very beginning of March, with the cherry blossom of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Greenwich Park following closely behind in April. May then sees the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea – a nursing home for military veterans – taken over by the show gardens of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The world’s most prestigious horticultural event, it’s visited by everyone who’s anyone, including the royals. Don’t despair if umbrellas are the order of the day, there’s always the covered Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, better known as the Walkie-Talkie building. When it comes to new life of the animal variety, look no further than ZSL London Zoo, the world’s oldest scientific zoo and a vital cog in active breeding programs for animals as diverse as gorillas to Galapagos tortoises. Typical weather in London in summer Historically, the summer months have been considered the best time to visit London as they give the greatest guarantee of good weather. This is the time of year when riverside restaurant terraces and rooftop bars come into their own. July is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures averaging a pleasant 22°C and headline writers going into overdrive should the mercury creep anywhere near 30°C. July is also a month of long, warm evenings doused in natural light until 10PM. The drawback is that humidity can become a factor, and you might want to swap the Tube for an open-top hop-on hop-off bus. Things to do in London in summer London in June, July and August is the time of outdoor festivals, from Trooping the Colour to the Notting Hill Carnival. The Queen’s official birthday celebrations, Trooping the Colour takes place on Horse Guards Parade in St James’ Park. Attended by the nation’s movers and shakers, it’s a Changing of the Guard on steroids, and sees the capital at its most majestic. Bridging the last days of June and first days of July, the leafy suburb of Wimbledon in southwest London takes center stage by playing host to possibly the world’s most coveted tennis competition. The Wimbledon Championships sees London go tennis crazy, with public screens popping up across the capital. But there’s nothing quite like being at the All England Club, whether with a grounds pass or on one of the show courts. Neatly wrapping up the London summer is the Notting Hill Carnival, spread across two days during the late summer public holiday. One of the world’s largest street carnivals, it traces its history back to the West Indian population that settled the area in the 1950s and 60s, and has become a much-loved part of the capital’s calendar. London weather in fall The steady fall in temperatures – to a daily average of 15°C in October and 10°C in November – means a warm coat is the order of the day. On the plus side, London’s thoroughfares adopt a mellower vibe with the steady fall of conkers from the capital’s horse chestnut trees. Stroll through Hyde Park, and as well as Wellington Arch and Kensington Palace you’ll find children and adults alike picking up particularly fine specimens of this inedible nut, since it holds a special place in the hearts of anyone who grew up in London. Things to do in London in fall The start of fall coincides with the Open House Festival, where usually private addresses are opened to the public. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the black door of the Prime Minister’s official residence at 10 Downing Street, or want to see where Phileas Fogg set off to go around the world in 80 Days in the Jules Verne classic, then this is the London fall event you won’t want to miss. Whilst Halloween is making headway in the capital, it’s still Guy Fawkes’ Night (Bonfire Night) five days later that takes the fall crown. Marked by backyard bonfires and public firework displays equal to anything on Independence Day in the US, it commemorates the foiling of a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament over 400 years ago. But Guy Fawkes’ Night isn’t even the oldest event to take place in London in fall. This honor goes to the Lord Mayor’s Show in the City of London, the historic ‘square mile’ bounded by the Tower of London, Temple Church (from Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code), the Barbican arts center, and the north bank of the River Thames. Riding in a glittering state coach the new Lord Mayor is welcomed to the city with a procession of cheerleaders, drummers, brass bands and costumed performers from around the world celebrating the capital’s diversity in an event dating to the 13th Century. London in winter Rarely does the London winter weather put too great a damper on the festive season. Temperatures generally hover around 3°C, so snow and any resulting disruption is rare. Outside of the Christmas period, winter is the cheapest time to visit London, although there’s still plenty to keep visitors enthralled and even now crowds aren’t unheard of. Things to do in winter in London Leading up to Christmas, major shopping areas like Oxford Street and Stratford’s Westfield shopping mall are filled with cheer. The city’s main roads are draped with Christmas lights, whilst stores do all they can to tempt shoppers through their doors with attractive window displays. A few short days later, London comes alive once more for its New Year’s Eve fireworks. Centered on the London Eye, the UK’s largest fireworks display contains some 12,000 individual fireworks in a display triggered by the ‘bongs’ of Big Ben. Needless to say, the revelry continues until the early hours. For those with romance in mind, the best month to visit London has to be February. The capital’s hotels and restaurants pull out all the stops to make any Valentine’s Day stay extra special, with a traditional British afternoon tea a great way to get things started. You then might consider taking in a show at the Southbank Centre, float along the Thames on a river cruise, or capture the sunset from The View from The Shard panoramic observation deck. Save on London attraction admission Admission to many of London’s top attractions can be enjoyed with Go City, combining flexibility with savings. Check out Go City on Instagram and Facebook for the latest.
Ian Packham
best markets in london
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Best Markets in London

When you tire of shopping in shops, buying your produce in the same stale supermarket, or want to find things you won't get on the high street, your first port of call should be a market. They offer lots of variety, and usually have delicious food and drinks on offer to help you refuel. That way, you can focus on the most important thing of all; shopping. London has so many markets on offer, which one is best for you? Read on, and discover the best markets in London, so you can decide for yourself! Featuring: Borough Market Old Spitalfields Market Brick Lane Market Camden Market Covent Garden Market and more! Borough Market Borough is arguably London's best-known market. Head there, and you'll find countless street-food offerings, refreshing beverages, and a winding maze of both indoor and outdoor market stalls. Whether you're picking up some fresh ingredients for your kitchen, or grabbing some food on your lunch break, Borough Market is a foodie's paradise! Southbank Centre Market A stone's throw from Waterloo Station, the Southbank has become one of the best places to visit in the city. Full of unique culture and experiences, it's a must-visit for those venturing into London from out of town. And their market is no different, offering a wealth of pop-up street food offerings and delicious drinks all year round. And, if you're looking to dig into a good book while you chow down, head over to the nearby book market and discover new and exciting worlds to dive into! And when you've seen and bought everything you want, there's the BFI around the corner for your cinematic needs, and even music festivals in the summer. Definitely one of the best markets in London. Spitalfields Market On the colder, wetter days we inevitably get in the capital, perhaps an indoor market would be preferable? Look no further than Spitalfields Market. Along with a wide variety of gourmet food trucks and pop-ups, providing everything from burgers to Asian cuisine, there are also cutting-edge clothes shops and jewellery boutiques. You'll also find vinyl and antique markets down there at certain times of the week. Brick Lane Market Just a few minutes from Spitalfields is its scruffy uncle. Brick Lane is an uncurated utopia of odds-and-ends, second-hand homeware, vintage apparel, and everything in between. Every trip is an exciting adventure, and you'll never know what the next stall could be selling. Oh, and as usual, expect a wide variety of food stalls offering tasty and varied cuisines. Given the slap-dash nature of the market, they don't have a website. So, you'll just have to head to Brick Lane yourself and see what all the fuss is about! Brixton Village and Market Row Home of the famous Electric Avenue from the famous '80s song, Brixton is one of the most diverse districts in London. Ergo, you can expect an equally diverse collection of world foods to be on offer. You're bound to find some delectable Caribbean jerk chicken, Italian bites, and fish dishes all over the place. And, on top of all that, you'll discover arcades full of craft jewellery, amateur art, and so much more. If you like your food spiced and your shopping unpredictable, it's easily one of the best markets in London! Portobello Road Market Nestled in the famous Notting Hill, you'll find the largest antique market on the planet! That's right; we're talking about Portobello Road. Now well over 200 years old, it's one of the city's longest-running markets. Here, you don't just get one or two markets; you get five whole markets for the price of one! Whether you're looking for fresh food, vintage garments, second-hand nick-nacks, or the aforementioned antiques, Portobello Road Market's got you covered. It's a shopper's paradise. And, once you've perused and purchased to your heart's content, there are a tonne of bars and restaurants in the surrounding area that are worthy of exploring. After all that shopping, you deserve a rest. Easily one of the best markets in London. Camden Market Next is one that needs no introduction. Camden Market is well known nationwide as one of the biggest and busiest markets in the country. Every weekend, thousands of people travel there to buy odds and ends, mixtapes, vintage offerings, and everything in-between. But like Portobello Road, Camden Market is actually a collection of smaller markets that intersect with one another. Head down to the market in Camden Lock, for instance, and you're likely to find higher-end boutique offerings from designers and artists, whereas other avenues will offer their own unique shopping possibilities. While it's definitely worth exploring from time to time, always prepare to deal with surging crowds of marketeers. Given recent events, that might not sound as appealing as it once did! Victoria Park Market Victoria Park may be best known for its music festivals, as it's the site of Field Day and All Points East Festival. However, it's also home to a lovely market that comes out every Sunday. Here, backed by trees and other flora, you'll find plenty of stalls with fresh fruit and veg, and maybe even some tasty exotic treats you won't find at your local supermarket! On top of all that, you'll find craft drinks from local creators, and cakes and other sweet treats to nibble on. And, since the park's right there, it would be rude not to go and eat them on the grass. Maltby Street Market Arguably the baby on this list, Maltby Street Market has only been around for just over a decade. But don't let that deter you, because it's fast becoming one of the best markets in London! Featuring a curated list of vendors, you'll find plenty of ingredients to buy and food to try. With the likes of Duck Frites, who fuse duck with other interesting cuisines, as well as Bangers Catering, who make the best sausage sandwich you've ever tasted, it's no wonder Maltby Street Market has become so popular, so quickly! Covent Garden Market And finally, we arrive at Covent Garden Market. This indoor market in Central is one of the city's most famous, with its distinct Victorian architecture, glass dome, and curved teal supports. An Apple Market in times past, it has now become a haven for craft accessories, art, sculptures, and much more. One to visit if you're in the area and the weather is looking unfavourable! And that's our list of the best markets in London!
Dom Bewley
Kew
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3 Days in London – The Perfect Itinerary

Spending three days in London is an exciting prospect for anyone lucky enough to visit. But choosing what to see and do is a challenge when you consider just how many amazing attractions London town has to offer. On the one hand, there’s a dizzying range of essential sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. On the other, there’s endless fun to be had in the city streets, stuffed with delicious restaurants, must-see museums and world-class theatres. There’s also many a hidden wonder to dig out and explore, from peaceful parks and stately homes. It could easily take you a lifetime to take it all in. But for those of you with only three days at your disposal, don’t fear. We’ve got you covered with our super-sweet capsule guide to the perfect three-day itinerary. 3 days in London - our must-see sights: Houses of Parliament & Big Ben Buckingham Palace River Thames Cruise The Greenwich Observatory & Cutty Sark Curzon Soho Kew Gardens Hampton Court Palace Day 1 – historic London landmarks Houses of Parliament Your first-stop sight should be the imposing Palace of Westminster, an instantly recognisable building that will take your breath away. Big Ben, its grand Gothic clocktower is perhaps its most famous feature, best viewed in the subtle morning light from the scenic viewpoint of Westminster Bridge. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see it on a cloudless sunny day where you can take postcard-perfect pictures of the building as the sun turns it a mellow shade of yellow-gold. Perfect for that Insta-worthy snap! Buckingham Palace and Banqueting House From Westminster Bridge, head along Birdcage Walk with St James’s Park on your right and you’ll be rewarded with views of Buckingham Palace - a magnificent façade complete with grand neoclassical columns. The opulent State Rooms are also open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer, so check these out if you can. Nearby, in London’s Whitehall, don’t miss Banqueting House, another extravagant architectural gem featuring a spectacular oil-painted ceiling of Royal figures being carried to heaven. Day 2 – on the river Thames River Cruise After this action-packed day, you’ll need a well-deserved break and the River Thames offers the perfect sanctuary. A hop-on, hop-off Thames River Cruise is a great way to take in the river’s landmark sights while travelling at a more leisurely pace. If you hop on at the Westminster pier, you can drift down the river past world-renowned landmarks like Tower Bridge, a Victorian masterpiece and the famous Tower of London fortress. Exit at Tower Pier to explore these attractions or continue to Greenwich Pier for a welcome breather from the hustle and bustle of inner-city London. Greenwich Observatory When you land at Greenwich, you’ll be instantly seduced by a comparatively tranquil vibe. Explore the manicured green spaces at the peaceful Greenwich park, or grab a coffee in one of the cute independent cafes at the quaint but bustling Greenwich market. Next, head over to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the home of Greenwich Mean Time, where astronomy and science come to life through permanent exhibitions at this historic venue. Learn how time was standardized, how the first telescope was created and how science and astronomy have changed across the ages. While in the area, you should also stop by the Cutty Sark, a stunningly well-preserved 19th-century tea clipper that was built to carry tea all the way from China to England. Board the boat and tour the sailor’s quarters while enjoying beautiful views up and down the Thames – the perfect way to round-off a laid-back day by the river. Day 3 – offbeat attractions Use your final day as a chance to take in some of London’s less explored attractions that aren’t always on the standard tourist trail. Broaden your horizons by looking to locations on the outskirts of the city, like Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens, both free to enter with the Go London pass. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew This unusual UNESCO World Heritage Site in South West London is an absolute joy to explore. Discover an exotic wonderland of plants from around the world across 121 hectares of landscaped gardens. The Palm House greenhouse, built in 1884, is a real highlight. Containing a diverse abundance of tropical plant species including orchids, cocoa palms and rubber trees, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the depths of the Amazon. You might need a cool-down after, so head to the Pavilion Bar and Grill for some much-needed refreshments with a fine view – located in the heart of Kew’s Arboretum, you can sit outside among the trees while enjoying a glimpse of the garden’s fantastic Great Pagoda in the background. Hampton Court Palace If grandiose stately homes are more your thing, then the Hampton Court Palace should suffice. Also located in South West London, this magnificent Tudor mansion will transport you to the medieval times of King Henry VIII. This palace was his favorite royal hangout and you can see why when you tour the breathtaking interiors replete with priceless paintings, fine tapestries and gold just about everywhere. You can also see the exquisitely designed gardens while getting lost in the palace’s world-famous hedge maze. Curzon Soho All this adventure could leave you a little exhausted. But the Curzon Soho cinema in London’s West End is a perfect place to wind down your day in style. This edgy avant-garde cinema has a quirky and informal vibe that’s just perfect for a peaceful end to a long day of sightseeing. Catch an independent film at one of its three cinema screens, or lounge at its breezy underground bar, or cool café, where you can gorge on artisan pastries or yummy small plates. It really is the ideal haven to complete your busy three-day London tour. Save on London attractions year-round Whenever you’re making your trip to London, be sure to bring a Go London pass with you. Save on admission to the city’s best attractions. With something that’s perfect for any time of year, we’re sure you’ll make the most of this money-saving pass. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your holiday photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, events and inspiration.
Lee Dales

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