The best things to do in London, from festivals to exhibitions
London: it's unbeatable, isn't it?
London has sprawling parks, the historical significance of the city's most stunning architecture and a whole lot of entertainment and festivals to keep you partying and socialising until the early hours. Bliss.
As the city that never fails to captivate, offering a kaleidoscope of exciting activities and events that cater to every taste, in London you will find something to suit anyone, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to cultural escapades. Clearly London has gained the rep of an unrivalling destination.
And as Londoners, we're lucky to have pretty much everything at our door stop. Whether your interests are music, shopping, food, the royals, and much more, you will not have a chance to be bored this season. And if you don't live here, our edit of the best hotels in London will go a long way in helping you out.
And if you feel overwhelmed with all the choices of what you can be doing in the city RN, GLAMOUR has you covered below.
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Fred Again.. at Alexandra Palace
Thought getting Glastonbury tickets was tough? I'll raise you Fred Again.. at Ally Pally. When the Balham-born producer, DJ and probably nicest man in music announced a four-night mini residency at the 10,000-capacity venue, all 35,246 tickets sold out in seconds (trust us, we had 10 devices on the case).
Fred, who has produced for Ed Sheeran and Rita Ora, is the most talked-about man in music RN - and for good reason. His incredible fusion of ambient house and techno has captured Gen-Z like nothing before. We turned to him in the pandemic and he's offered solace to his young fan base ever since (one friend told me his Tiny Desk Concert is the only thing that comforts her as she battles severe anxiety and insomnia after the death of a family member).
Mixing his mate's voice notes with emotive electronic music, his music feels more raw and real than anything we've heard before and his sets in London this week proved he's forged a real community with his fans.
The atmosphere at Ally Pally was absolutely electric as Fred and his DJ, Tony Friend, arrived to play music from his solo studio albums, Actual Life to Actual Life 3. A highlight was when the 30-year-old seemingly disappeared into the crowd, only to reappear performing from a podium in the middle of the venue - once again highlighting his deeply personal relationship with his audience.
Fred has a special art for transforming his music into immersive, communal experiences and this was no different. Brace yourselves for his next sell-out show.
(Photo: Sam Neill)
Summer of BBQ at The Stafford hotel
WHAT: After a sumptuous meal of smoky, summery specialties? Well, this summer at The Stafford hotel in London, you can do just that with The American Bar's limited-time BBQ menu in collaboration with Great British Menu's Lisa Goodwin Allen and Jozef Rogulsk. Highlights include fish kebabs, steak and a ceviche that we're still dreaming about, plus a selection of delectable cocktails to complement every dish. You can enjoy these delights in the hotel's sun-filled courtyard, watching alongside as your culinary excellence is whipped up before your eyes. Yes, yes, yes.
WHERE: The Stafford hotel, Green Park.
HOW MUCH: Menu prices start at £12.50.
Dinner Decimo at The Standard
WHAT: Spanish and Mexican cuisine comes together at Decimo to make a flavour combination that'll rival no other. Think: prawns lined up like soldiers, a next-to-none tomato and red pepper dip, and hispi cabbage with all the smokiness of the grill burrowed into it…to name but a few morsels. You'll dine with views across King's Cross on one of the hotel's top floors, while you sip on margaritas, palomas or - our favourite - a horchata punch. Our tip? Order the octopus. We're still thinking about it one month on.
WHERE: The Standard hotel.
HOW MUCH: Small plate prices start at £5.
iFLY London at The O2 Indoor Sky Diving
WHAT: Looking for some adrenaline but in a control way, without having to step too far from the city. Then you can head over to the O2 Arena where IFLY house their indoor sky diving wind tunnel. This exhilarating experience is one of the best activities London has to offer. It pushes the boundaries of gravity, adrenaline and thrill, but all in a safe and controlled environment. The staff members are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable, ensuring that you feel comfortable and well-prepared for your flight. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or a first-timer, they provide comprehensive training that covers the basics of body positioning and hand signals, ensuring you make the most of your flight experience. The powerful vertical wind tunnel creates an updraft that supports your body, allowing you to experience the incredible feeling of freefalling without the fear of actually jumping from a plane. It's a unique blend of adrenaline and freedom that will literally leave you grinning from ear to ear. Fear not, highly skilled instructors are by your side throughout the entire flight, providing guidance and support, ensuring that you maintain proper body position and help you make the most of your flight time. It's an unbelievable and out of this world inclusive and family-friendly activity. As a gentle bonus, after your flight, you have the opportunity to relive your experience with personalised videos and photos.
WHERE: O2 Arena iFLY London
HOW MUCH: Packages start a £24.99 at the moment. Don't walk, run.
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Chestertons Polo in the Park's Family Day
WHAT: This is an event that proves parents can still have fun – even with their kids in tow! Chestertons Polo in the Park's Family Day on Sunday 11th June is the perfect family day out for all ages. Ahead of the polo finals in the afternoon, families are invited to take over Hurlingham Park, Fulham for a morning of extreme fun. Festivities get underway with a pitch invasion led by our favourite kids entertainment brand, Sharky & George, who know how to keep kids (and parents!) happy. Running alongside the pitch invasion, The Little Hooves Club provides soft play, inflatables, face painting and arts and crafts. For the football mad, Chelsea FC will be hosting skills sessions throughout the morning while children can also get a taste of polo from Oxford Polo Club. Don't worry, there's plenty of food and booze for parents via the Fulham Food Festival.
WHERE: Hurlingham Park, London
Enter ‘glamourpolo’ at checkout for 10% off all adult and family general admission tickets. Children 5 and under go free.
BBC Earth Experience
WHAT: For a fantastic day out for all the family, visit the epic BBC Earth Experience at The Daikin Centre in Earl’s Court, London. The ground-breaking immersive event features bespoke narration from the absolute icon that is Sir David Attenborough and showcases footage, including extended scenes, and music from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit television series Seven Worlds, One Planet, projected on multiple multi-angle screens using the very latest digital screen technology. It's ideal for kids of all ages who will be in awe of the huge animals.
WHERE: The Daikin Centre in Earl’s Court, London
HOW MUCH: Ticket prices are available from £15* plus fees
Yinka Ilori Afternoon Tea at Bulgari Hotel London
WHAT: Bulgari Hotel London in Knightsbridge has launched a super chic collaboration with acclaimed multidisciplinary artist and designer, Yinka Ilori. The contemporary Italian hotel commissioned the London-based British-Nigerian artist and designer to reimagine the afternoon tea stand as a sculptural work of art in celebration of the hotel’s 10th year in London. Specially designed afternoon tea stands - based on stacked and interlocking spheres - will take centre stage. An artwork created for the occasion will recur as a motif across the hotel, from a vibrant takeover of the building’s facade, to the linen napkins on the tables which will also be available to purchase as a limited edition giftset. Your Insta grid needs it.
WHERE: Bulgari Hotel London in Knightsbridge
WHEN: Everyday from 2-5pm
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A Father-daughter trip to Outlet Shopping at The O2
WHAT: Fancy treating your pa for Father's Day 2023? Why not drop into The O2's Icon Outlet Shopping centre and let him take his pick from the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Hackett and more. You'll be able to wine and dine, too with a choice of 33 food and drink venues - perfect for that obligatory Father's Day pint. What's more, the Icon Outlet is open till late most nights - 7pm Monday through Thursday, 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays. Dreamy.
Our pick of the lot? We'll be taking dad to Reiss for a nice evening shirt and then onto Haute Dolci for some sweet Father's Day treats. To top it all off, we're going to activate dad's inner adrenaline junkie with a bit 'o indoor skydiving. Way to keep him young, eh?
WHERE: The O2, Greenwich
WHEN: Open Monday through Sunday
Mark Field PhotographyHäagen-Dazs at BOXPARK
WHAT: If one thing is obvious, it's that Summer is not complete without ice cream! So for one weekend only, why not join Häagen-Dazs for the launch of their "ice cream van of ice cream vans" (pimped out with an oversized ice cream disco ball) at BOXPARK, Shoreditch, where you can treat yourself to a delicious ice cream. If that isn't enough to convince you, we have some more exciting scoop for you! Celebrity DJs Pixie Lott and Woody Cook will be performing a free live gig from the van's rooftop. Ice cream, music, and sunshine... what could be sweeter?
WHERE: BOXPARK, Shoreditch
WHERE: Only one weekend from Friday 15th July to Saturday 16th July. We can't think of a better way to stay cool this Summer! Find out more here.
Everyman Secret Garden at The Grove
WHAT: We love a cinema trip, but when the sun is shining the last thing we want to do is head into a darkened room. Which is why we're so excited by the Everyman Secret Garden at The Grove. This outdoor cinema experience will be featuring a range of new releases (hello, Downton Abbey movie) and old favourites (Notting Hill, we see you), watched from beans bags in the middle of the up-lit walled garden. Rock up for an al-fresco drink, a delicious buffet and, of course, all the Everyman's favourite snacks and cocktails, and then settle in - blankets included - for a night under the stars.
WHERE: The Grove Hotel, Chandler's Cross
WHERE: Both matinee and evening screenings are running until 3rd September 2023. More info here.
DEA / W. BUSS/Getty ImagesBuckingham Palace tour
WHAT: A fan of the Royals? Well, why not head off on a self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace? From the immaculately nineteen (yes, nineteen) decorated State Rooms to the Throne Room (where they take all those family portraits!) to a special display celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, you'll find yourself completely lost within the Queen's royal residence.
WHERE: Buckingham Palace, duh!
WHEN: Running from 22nd July to 2nd October.
HOW MUCH: Tickets range from £30 to £44. Purchase them here before they sell out!
Tom, Dick & Harry, Alexandra Palace
WHAT: Brit-favourite real-life war story, Tom, Dick & Harry at Alexandra Palace theatre is a must-see this Summer. It follows a group of British soldiers and their allies as they plan an escape of a prisoner of war camp occupied by Nazi Germany in WW2. There's so many elements to this show that makes it a fantastic watch, the circular stage, the dynamic lighting and sound effects, the witty but informative dialogue and the super-talented cast. Tickets are priced from £15, get them here quick!
WHERE: Alexandra Palace Theatre, North London
WHEN: 26th July – 28th August
ROBERTO CONTEGreenwich and Docklands International Festival
WHAT: Haven't had your fair share of festivals yet? Well, we have you covered! Head out to the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival this summer. As one of the UK's leading outdoor arts-producing organisations, you can immerse yourself in the world of free theatre, art, dance and circus. Catering to a diverse audience, the festival collaborates with artists and arts organisations worldwide to bring extraordinary and dazzling productions to life.
WHERE: Locations across London.
WHEN: 26th August to 11th September. See you down there!
Malibu’s Courtside Confessions at Brixton Jamm
WHAT: Malibu’s Courtside Confessions at Brixton Jamm is set to be an immersive experience that turns the traditional courtroom into a tropical celebration of authenticity. Be rewarded by sharing your guilty pleasure with complimentary cocktails and pizzas. The courtroom itself will feature an all-singing-all-dancing judge who will preside over a jury to plead their questionable choices. No judgement here as those who will confess their sins will win a range of prizes such as drink tokens, Malibu merchandise or bar tabs at local venues. Time to be unapologetically yourself!
WHERE: Brixton, South, London
WHEN: The event takes place between 22nd July – 23rd July. Time slots can be booked here
HOW MUCH: Entry is free of charge.
Summer By The River
WHAT: What could be more fun and entertaining than the Summer By The River event, which runs for three months until September 2. This year's theme is 1930s Miami vibes, promising to bring the Floridian city's eclectic nightlife to London! Activities to suit absolutely everyone, the programme includes the likes of Gospeloke (karaoke backed by a live Gospel Choir), Hip Hop Weekender, which will see dance battles between world-renowned artists and BBC Introducing, which showcases unsigned talent.
WHERE: The event takes place over three locations in London Bridge City – The Scoop, Hay's Galleria and The Pier.
WHEN: Already running, the last day is set to be 2nd September. You can buy tickets here.
Sculpture in the City
WHAT: Held yearly, Sculpture in the City uses urban areas as a rotating gallery space for one night only. Sculpture in the City is also an associate programme partner for Whitechapel Gallery’s free annual contemporary arts festival, Nocturnal Creatures. For one night only, visitors can also expect a jam-packed programme of live art performances, workshops, participatory activities and sound installations.
WHERE: The Whitechapel Gallery
WHEN: Sculpture in the City will run until spring 2023. Whitechapel Gallery’s Nocturnal Creatures festival will take place on 23rd July. Find out more here.
Summer Lights
WHAT: Festive lights are cool and all, but there's definitely something magical about Summer Lights - which celebrate the beauty of natural light amid those long summer days. Canary Wharf has been beautifully designed with 11 outdoor installations and six permanent pieces, while the lobby of One Canada Square features a stunning exhibition of hand-blown glass.
WHERE: Across Canary Wharf
WHEN: Step away from the darkness and check out the Summer Lights, which will run until Saturday, 20nd August.
Notting Hill Carnival / InstagramNotting Hill Carnival
WHAT: It cannot be summer in London without the iconic and long-running Notting Hill Carnival. And after two years of a "virtual festival", Notting Carnival will be back with a bang on the streets of West London. Come on down and join in one of the world's most colourful and biggest Caribbean celebrations. The parade is not to be missed!
WHERE: Notting Hill
WHEN: Saturday 27 August to Monday 29 August.
HOW MUCH: Tickets go on sale 20th July
Vision & Virtuosity Exhibition by Tiffany & Co.
WHAT: Ready for some glitz and glamour? Yes? We hear you! Why not check out the Vision & Virtuosity exhibition at London's Saatchi Gallery, which pays tribute to the jewellery brand's identity and heritage over the last 185 years. Get ready to be dazzled as visitors are taken on a journey from archival high jewellery designs to the original script from Breakfast at Tiffany's - and much more! We're in if that means attending an event by Tiffany's, home to the finest diamonds in the world.
WHERE: London's Saatchi Gallery, Sloane Square.
WHEN: Diamonds are forever... Okay, maybe not, as the exhibition only runs until 19th August, so check it out when you can!
BoxparkUEFA Women's Euro tournament
WHAT: Sports fans, we have you covered! And this time around, it's all about girl power because this summer, we're focused on the UEFA Women's Euro tournament. With the stress of the England men's football team playing against Italy in the Euros 2020 final now a distant memory, here's hoping that England's Lionesses can "bring it home" while already being on home turf.
WHERE: UEFA Women's EURO is being hosted by England.
WHEN: The tournament is taking part throughout the month of July – with the final set to take place on Sunday, 31st July.
Monopoly Lifesized / InstagramMonopoly Lifesized
WHAT: How about mixing a bit of board-game nostalgia with some summer fun? Basically, the ever-so-popular Monopoly (Yes, Monopoly!) has been brought to life in London, and you start collecting the (fake) cash yourself - just avoid ending up in jail! So grab your closest group of friends, and get ready to roll the dice.
WHERE: Tottenham Court Rd, London
WHEN: Dates are available throughout July, August and September
HOW MUCH: £59*, book here.
Up at The O2
WHAT: We don't know about you, but we love seeing the London skyline, not just from any ol' viewpoint but up at The O2. Get your heart pumping and adrenaline coursing through your veins as you enjoy an exhilarating 90-minute climb over the roof of the world's most popular entertainment venues. Don't worry, it's all safe! So just enjoy the climb to the top, and then reward yourself with 360 views of the Capital.
WHERE: The O2, Greenwich
WHEN: Open all year round (weather permitting, of course).
HOW MUCH: Tickets begin from £32, book here.
Elrow Town Music festival
WHAT: The epitome of clubbing insanity, the hugely popular Elrow's bonkers party will be returning to (and taking over) London this summer for a one-off special. Cue DJs spanning across the house spectrum with Eats Everything, Joseph Capriati, Danny Howard, Claptone, Skream, and Andres Campo heading up the belated celebrations. Time to dance the night away!
WHERE: Parsloes Park, Dagenham.
WHEN: Held on Saturday 20th August.
HOW MUCH: General admission tickets are available to purchase on final release, while VIP final release tickets are also available. Book here.
Pub in the Park, Chiswick House
WHAT: Pub in the Park promises to be an unforgettable weekend of mouthwatering food, top-notch chef chats and cracking music, featuring Tom Kerridge, Matt Tebbutt and Atul Kochhar to name just a few over the weekend. Party with celebrity faces and the best chefs in the business as well as experiencing some epic food and drink. You can also expect music sets from the incredible Craig David (Friday evening), Sophie Ellis-Bextor (Saturday evening), Faithless (DJ set) (Saturday evening), Beverley Knight (Sunday), Huey Morgan (Sunday) and more!
WHERE: Chiswick House and Gardens
WHEN: 2nd - 4th September
