Things to do in London for Pride Day

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Revelers at a Pride parade

The Pride in London festival is one of the biggest, brightest and best on the planet, with around 30,000 participants and 1.5 million spectators. A month-long celebration of love, diversity and all things LGBTQ+, it comes complete with theatrical cabaret and drag performances, world-class nightlife, LGBTQ+ film screenings and, of course, the all-important Pride Parade that brings the festival to a flamboyant close in late June or early July. Raise your rainbow flag and dive in for our guide to all the best things to do in London for Pride Day.

The Pride Parade

Revelers at a Pride parade

There are stacks of fun LGBTQ+ events taking place around London in the weeks leading up to the annual Pride Parade. We’re talking community socials, live theater, movie screenings, tours and more. But, by the end of the month it’s all about the Pride Parade, when the West End fills with festival atmosphere, and vibrant, eye-popping floats lead a procession of thousands of revelers through the streets. Here, all roads lead to Trafalgar Square for the biggest party of the year. Find a spot along the (relatively short) route from Hyde Park to watch the floats cruise colorfully by. Expect plenty of dancing, singing and wild, wild costumes at the Trafalgar Square party, accompanied by live shows from some of the planet’s biggest stars – previous performers include Idina Menzel, Rita Ora, and Queen’s Adam Lambert.

Pride rainbow flags and hands making a heart shape

If Trafalgar Square feels a little too hectic for you (and, believe us, it does get pretty hectic), there are several other satellite events dotted around the West End, including a family area at Victoria Embankment, and revelers tend to spill out into the surrounding neighborhoods (particularly Soho) to keep the party going through the day and indeed well into the wee small hours.

Pride in London is a free and unticketed event, but those with deep pockets can choose to book a seat in the grandstand on Haymarket for around £50. You’ll need to book early though – seats are very limited and tend to sell out in the blink of an eye.

Find about more about this year’s Pride in London events and timings here.

LGBTQ+ Art & Culture

Pedetrians on a rainbow-colored crosswalk

There are many ways to spend Pride Day in London without spending endless frustrated hours jockeying for position at overcrowded bars. For example, you could soak up some of that vibrant LGBTQ+ culture in a rather more low-key fashion at the Queer Britain Museum. This excellent Kings Cross museum was established to celebrate Pride’s 50th anniversary in 2022, and its exhibition contains photography from previous parades. There are also talks, workshops and a small shop.

Some of London’s more established museums – the mighty British Museum and the Tate among them – also run tours highlighting key pieces of LGBTQ+ art in their collections in and around Pride month.

And, if you do happen to find yourself at the British Museum, you’re also just a 10-minute stroll from London’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore. Gay’s The Word has been trading here since 1979, and acts as a thriving community hub as well as an outlet for some of the best in new (and old) LGBTQ+ writing. A fine place, in other words, to while away an hour or two, as well as supporting a small LGBTQ+ business during Pride.

See London’s Top Sights

Pride rainbow flag flying in front of Tower Bridge

Hey, just because the streets are thronging with crowds doesn’t mean you can’t also squeeze in a little light London sightseeing while you’re in town. There are some themed walking tours included with attraction passes from Go City, or you can go full Pride and take a Dragged Around London tour, in which a fabulous drag queen, drag king (or other gender-bending performer) will take you on a frankly unforgettable tour of some of the city's sights. Tour titles like ‘West Mincer’ and ‘Wild Wild West End’ should give you some idea of what to expect! Spoiler: high heels, lip-synching and karaoke are all par for the course.

There are plenty more attractions worth checking out when in London for Pride Day. Many, including the London Eye, even light up in the rainbow colors of the Pride flag in honor of the festival. You can also save up to 50% on entry to bucket-listers including the London Eye with a London pass from Go City. Other attractions on the pass include:

  • Madame Tussauds London
  • The View from the Shard
  • Kensington Palace, former home of Diana Princess of Wales
  • The fabulous Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
  • Tower Bridge
  • … and many many more!

Find out more and get your London attractions pass here.

Pride Day Nightlife in London

Live music in a club

London’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene is a riot at the best of times, so you can only imagine what it’s like with the fun turned all the way up to 11 for Pride Day. Iconic nightlife venues abound in and around the streets of Soho where, handily, many of the day’s scheduled events will also take place. The bars that line Old Compton Street are practically the stuff of legend, and they get even more lively during Pride. Try the Admiral Duncan for one of the most convivial hangouts in town – it’s been around since the 19th Century and a popular LGBTQ+ hangout since at least the 1980s. Mix it up with a hop just across the street to lively Comptons, another fine stalwart of the LGBTQ+ scene that's been trading here since 1986. Later, Soho clubs including G-A-Y, Heaven and the Freedom Bar are just some of the neighborhood’s most popular choices, though there are plenty more within stumbling distance of Old Compton Street should these be too busy.

Just south of the river, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern is a grade II-listed former Victorian music hall where high camp and high-kicking drag acts are the order of the day. Expect top live performers and high-energy floor fillers late into the night. The nearby Cock Tavern is another firm favorite with Pride revelers on the big day.

Or don your most extraordinary Pride outfit and strike out for East End hipster joints like Dalston Superstore – think vegan food, colorful craft cocktails and contemporary club classics that cater to a slightly younger crowd. And finally (if you have any energy left), there’s FOLD in Canning Town, for dance, electronic and techno beats that will keep your feet moving long after sun-up.

Festival-goers waving Pride flags in London

Save on London Attractions, Tours and Activities

Save up to 50% on admission to London attractions with a pass from Go City. Check out @gocity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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London’s Top Family Adventures: Unforgettable Experiences for All Ages

So, you’re planning a family trip to London? Lucky you! Whether your crew includes aspiring princesses, animal lovers, sports fans, or absolute history buffs, London is basically a playground where every street corner offers something new to discover. This city knows how to turn a classic day out into a memory-making adventure—from epic playgrounds and legendary towers to wild animal encounters and magical theater. The best news? You can pack it all in without hearing a single “I’m bored.” Ready? Here’s how to level up your London trip so everyone—big and small—leaves grinning.  Our must-try family experiences in London include:  Tower of London  London Zoo  The London Eye  LEGOLAND® Windsor  Science Museum  City Cruises - Thames River Pass  The Paddington Bear Experience  Natural History Museum  The Postal Museum (and Mail Rail ride)  Wicked The Musical  London Zoo: Wild Encounters in the Heart of the City  Animal fans in your family? The London Zoo is a hands-down crowd-pleaser—and it’s surprisingly peaceful, tucked into the green wilds of Regent’s Park. Over 650 different species wait for the kids to come say hello, from mischievous monkeys and slinky big cats to penguins who always seem to be throwing a pool party.  The zoo makes everything interactive: you can watch live feedings, try out the walk-through lemur enclosure, or pop beneath glass domes to spy on meerkats plotting desert escapes. The rainforest zone cranks up the humidity with tropical birds and playful tamarins, while Tiger Territory lets you get just a pane of glass away from stripy royalty.  London Zoo puts conservation and fun front and center, so your family will learn all sorts of secrets—like what’s for lunch in a Komodo dragon’s world, and how to spot the difference between a giraffe’s sneeze and a yawn. Little ones will love Animal Adventure (think splash zones and tunnels), while older kids can hang out in the reptile house made famous by a certain bespectacled wizard. You’ll leave with tired legs, big laughs, and a phone full of the cutest animal selfies ever.  The London Eye: See the City from New Heights  Want the “wow!” face from everyone in your group? Hop onto the London Eye and watch London shrink beneath your feet. As one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, it takes you gently up for unbeatable views across the city—palaces, bridges, gardens, and all those puzzle-piece neighborhoods come into view.  Kids can chart out which landmarks they want to tackle next (spy Big Ben and the river winding below), while those with a taste for adventure will love the gentle swoop as your glass pod climbs skyward. The ride feels smooth and steady—ideal for all ages, whether you’ve got wriggling young ones or curious teens.  Don’t forget to spot Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s sparkling dome, and maybe even the tiny black cabs scooting over Westminster Bridge. Sunset rides serve up extra magic—watch the city light up as day turns to night. Your family will get a sky-high perspective that’s part ride, part sightseeing—all in less than 30 minutes. And yes, you are allowed to take as many selfies as it takes to frame the Tower Bridge perfectly in the background.  LEGOLAND® Windsor: A Colorful Daytrip of Pure Joy  Who doesn’t love LEGO®? At LEGOLAND® Windsor, childhood dreams get super-sized, and even adults find themselves racing to build, play, and ride alongside the kids. Just a short train ride or drive outside London, this wonderland is made of more bricks than your last five family holiday photos combined.  It’s a blend of theme park thrills—think roller coasters, splash rides, and a dragon-themed castle—with loads of building challenges, interactive games, and live shows featuring well-known characters. The Miniland is a must: see your favorite cities and landmarks meticulously recreated in miniature with astonishing detail (spot the tiny guards outside Buckingham Palace).  Toddlers and smaller children have their own adventure zones, while older kids (and, let’s be honest, adults too) race cars, test ninja skills, or get spooked in haunted chambers. Picnic areas, bright cafes, and plenty of space to run mean families can pace themselves however they like. Every corner brings new surprises—and don’t leave without snapping a photo of your masterpiece build, whether it’s a spaceship or a blocky Queen’s Guard.  Science Museum: Where Curiosity Rules  London’s Science Museum is a wonderland for inquisitive minds of any age, and best of all, it’s free to enter. Every exhibit invites you to play, wonder, and learn—no boring lectures here! Want to launch a rocket? Stoke your own steam engine? Build with giant blocks or dive into the virtual reality space zone? It’s all waiting.  The hands-on Wonderlab dazzles with live experiments, chemistry demos, and a fiery look at how rockets blast off. There’s even a zone designed for pre-school explorers (The Garden), so little hands can splash and build while older siblings tackle flight simulators or dissect old-timey cars. Budding doctors and nurses will be glued to the Human Body gallery—giant beating heart included!  On rainy afternoons, it’s the ideal place to burn off energy and let imaginations soar. The interactive areas encourage grown-ups to get involved (“Can Dad beat the reaction time machine?” Let’s find out.) End your visit with a spin through the gift shop, where everyone can pick their own future scientist souvenir.  The Paddington Bear Experience: Step Into a Beloved Story  There’s something irresistible about Paddington—the little bear from “darkest Peru” with a suitcase full of adventure (and probably a marmalade sandwich). The all-new Paddington Bear Experience, set to delight families with immersive sets, games and live storytelling, lets your crew step straight into his world.  Explore recreated London streets, help find the lost property of Paddington’s pals, and peek into Mr. Gruber’s antiques shop. Kids can join themed puzzles and playful activities (bonus points for the costume wardrobe), and the highlight—meeting Paddington himself—never fails to make shy little ones light up.  Expect plenty of cheeky photo opportunities and charming souvenirs—yes, there are lots of hats and duffle coats! For parents, it’s a nostalgia trip; for kids, it’s proof that London can feel just like a storybook. Afterwards, treat the family to Paddington’s “afternoon tea” with sweet treats that nod to his favorite orange preserve.  Natural History Museum: Dino Bones and Vaults of Wonder  Equal parts cathedral and cabinet of curiosity, the Natural History Museum entrances adults and wows kids of every age. Step inside and you’re greeted by a giant blue whale skeleton—just the first of many showstoppers. Dino-obsessed? The towering T-Rex skeleton and animatronic dinos in the Earth Hall never disappoint. Butterfly hunters and gemstone magpies will find loads to explore in the endless galleries of fossils, gems, meteorites, and stuffed wildlife.  There’s a brilliant hands-on Investigate Centre where little scientists can run their own experiments, while older explorers hunt for hidden treasures (look for the cursed amethyst and the glowing rocks). Seasonal pop-ups keep things fresh, from ice rink skating at Christmas to robot bug displays in summer.  The epic building itself is a sight, with its fairytale towers and grand staircases—perfect for family photos. Afterward, pop out to nearby Kensington Gardens for a run in the playground or some duck-spotting at the Round Pond.  The Postal Museum: Secret Tunnels and Whizzing Mail Rails  If you want cool history that kids can touch (and ride!), the Postal Museum is the surprise hit of London museum-land. This quirky spot reveals the story of the city’s post—think Victorian catapult letters, secret spy codes, and costumed characters—then lets you whoosh through underground tunnels aboard the original Mail Rail trains.  The Mail Rail ride is tiny, speedy, and so much fun, whisking you beneath the city on miniature tracks once used to deliver millions of letters every day. There’s an interactive Sorted! play zone for under-8s, where kids can operate their own post office, sort letters with conveyor belts, or dress up in vintage uniforms.  Grown-ups will enjoy the nostalgic memorabilia (old postboxes, wacky stamp designs, and tales of daring posties in wartime). There’s even a spot where you can design your own stamp and send a real postcard. For a family escape from the ordinary, this one delivers.  Wicked The Musical: A Magical Night Out For All  No trip to London is complete without a bit of West End magic, and Wicked is the show that keeps families buzzing long after the curtain falls. The story—a fresh twist on the classic Oz tale—has all the ingredients: dazzling costumes, spellbinding effects, and songs that become instant family singalongs.  Kids get swept up in the story of misunderstood Elphaba and her friendship with the popular Glinda, while grown-ups spot clever jokes and references. The spectacle—from bubble machines to flying broomsticks—keeps the whole family wide-eyed, and the message about friendship and kindness makes this more than just a show; it’s a conversation starter over hot chocolates afterwards.  The theater buzz is contagious, the sets are spectacular, and there’s no need to dress up (unless, of course, your little ones want to channel their inner Wicked Witch). Book early if you want good seats, and don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the enormous green sign outside Apollo Victoria.  Family Adventures Await: London-Style  There you have it—a jam-packed, giggle-filled, memory-making family trip to London. Whether you’re racing through the mists of Tower Bridge, tasting your way through Borough Market, or wishing you could bring home a Zoo penguin, this city serves up adventure at every turn. Mix and match your family’s perfect day, and you’ll find London is more than happy to play along.    Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Sea Life, and browse our London Eye deep dive.    Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 
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Adventurous Things to do in London

Calling all daredevils among you! Are you tired of boring, normal activities? Are you sitting at home right now, staring at walls? Are you on your slog of a commute hoping a ninja will jump out and start doing ninja stuff? You sound like the sort that yearns for that sweet adrenaline. Well, never fear, because London has plenty of white knuckle adventures to sate your hunger. But where are they? Well, here. In this handy list, we made just for you. The stars have aligned, and adventure is nigh! These are the best adventurous things to do in London! Featuring: ArcelorMittal Orbit Sherlock Holmes: The Game The Crystal Maze Live Experience Helicopter Tours Thames Rockets and more! ArcelorMittal Orbit Instead of sliding into some unsuspecting person's DMs, put down the phone and try a real slide. Built during the 2012 Olympic Games, ArcelorMittal Orbit is a towering structure. Looming over the Olympic Park, it stands at a whopping 114.5m tall, it's quite the sight. If you have the stomach to climb the hundreds of stairs it takes to reach one of the viewing platforms, you'll be able to see the whole city. But why not take it one step further - step inside the world's tallest slide, and ride it all the way down to the bottom? Its twists and turns are sure to delight all the daredevils out there. Just, maybe leave lunch until after you're done. No one wants to clean up that. Sherlock: The Official Live Game Dare you tangle with the maniacal mastermind Moriarty himself? Well, you can now, at Sherlock: The Official Live Game! Part escape room, part immersive Sherlock experience, and part bar, this thrill ride will pit your team's wits against Sherlock's nemesis. Featuring real props and recreated environments from the BBC TV show, as well as exclusive clips from the cast, use key detective work and problem-solving to crack the case. Sherlock's busy, doing Sherlock things like being unnecessarily arrogant, so you're on your own this time! But don't dally; you only have 100 minutes to complete the tasks. If you don't, you die! Okay, probably not. But you will bring great shame to your house. Crystal Maze Experience Take a trip back to the bizarre but unique Nineties, replete with leopard print jackets, at the Crystal Maze Experience! Bring some friends and take on challenges in four unique zones. Use every ounce of mental and physical strength to complete challenges and get the crystals! Take too long, and you'll be locked inside forever! Or until your team gets you out. Whichever happens first. Then, you'll enter the crystal dome and flail about pathetically as you attempt to grab as many notes as possible. The winner, well, you'll have to find out what the victors win when you try it for yourself! Go Ape Do you ever wonder what life was like before, when our ancestors lived in the trees? Yes, evolution is real. Probably. And yes, you can relive your ancestral heritage at Go Ape! Suspended in safety, thanks to a key harness, you'll be free to tight-rope walk across a daring assault course in the sky. Then, when you've assaulted the course completely, ride down to terra firma in style on an exhilarating zip line! Feel the primal roar inside you grow. Know what it was like to live in trees. Maybe move into a treehouse with central heating. All this and more is waiting for you at the three Go Ape centres across London. Definitely one of the best things to do in London for the adventurous of you! Helicopter Tour Yes, there are even more adventurous things to do in London! If trees aren't high enough, how about you try a few hundred metres higher? Hop on a helicopter and take a tour of the city! See all the city's sights from a new angle. Get a bird's eye view of legendary London landmarks like Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, and many more! Just like a bird! It might just be the best way to see the city you love. Or, at least, the city you tolerate. Bungee Jump at the O2 Have you ever jumped off a building and lived? Probably not. But what if I told you you could jump off an entire arena and survive. Well, that's exactly what you can do at the O2 Arena! Climb to the top, suit up, and plunge nearly 50m down! Feel the wind rush past your face. See the city rush towards you. But don't worry, you'll be safe. And you will love it. London Bridge Experience Feeling spooky? Do you thrive on horror movies? Are you the sort to look for the monster under your bed instead of cowering beneath the quilt? Well, have we got an experience for you. A London Bridge Experience! Dwelling beneath the eponymous bridge, you'll find spooky spectacle and daring delights alike. Revisit the city's ghoulish past, all 2000 years of it. The experience itself is an interactive theatre of pain and misery. Hear tales from London's residents throughout time. No, they're not paid actors; they're real historical people! Listen as they transport you back to some of London's most haunted historical moments. Revisit the horrors of the Great Fire, relive Jack the Ripper's reign of terror, and also the Romans were bad! Or, if you dare, delve into the tombs beneath the bridge. Supposedly, real ghosts and demons prowl the lower levels. Not paid actors. Will you live to tell the tale? Or will you be scared to death! Alternatively, if you have little ones with you, there's the kid-friendly Guardian Angel Tour. Expect the same stories with less spook and makeup. Thames Rockets And finally, if you prefer your adrenaline sun and sea-soaked, where better to get your fix than on a speedboat? Head to the Thames, put on your best life jacket, and prepare for a wave-crashing thrill ride of thrillingness! All thrills, no spills. Take a day trip around the city's shoreline, or try an evening ride with a complimentary drink at the end. Kick your weekend of thrills off with a boat ride you won't soon forget. And that's our list of the most adventurous things to do in London!
Dom Bewley

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