Things to do - July 2023
Updated: Jul 19
London in the summer is a magical time of year. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor events, and plenty of things to do. July is a particularly busy month, with a plethora of activities to keep you entertained.
Let us know what types of activities you're interested in for future blogs as well by commenting at the bottom of the post. ⬇️
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Dates to Remember
US Independence Day 4th July
Commemorating the passage of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776, you may be wondering what this has to do with London. There are roughly 30,000 American citizens residing in our capital with frequent visitors from across the Atlantic. With plenty of events on throughout the city to celebrate Independence Day, including country themed bottomless brunches and whiskey tastings, there is no doubt that there are plenty of activities on offer to keep all nationalities involved.
International Nelson Mandela Day 18 July
Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela's birthday. The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009 with the hopes of renewing the values that inspired Mandela such as determination, commitment to justice and human rights and a profound belief in equality for both men and women. You are invited to spend 67 minutes of your day (the years that Mandela spent as a public servant) making a small difference in your community.
International Friendship Day 30 July
What better way to celebrate the closest people in your life than International Friendship Day. Originally intended for you to send cards to your nearest and dearest, the tradition has evolved into spending time with friends, whether that be spending the day shopping on busy Oxford Street, visiting all important London landmarks or taking advantage of London's pub and bar scene, there's plenty to keep a close knit group of friends throughly entertained.
This month's events
Pride London Saturday 1st July
This years’ Pride in London takes place on Saturday 1st July and the route runs from Hyde Park Corner, through Piccadilly Circus, down Haymarket and along Pall Mall to Trafalgar Square, culminating at Whitehall Place. Along with stages which are located throughout central London and along the procession route, there is a diverse array of celebrations for everyone. Activities start at 12pm and are free to attend on a first come first served basis. More event information and what else is happening for Pride during July can be found here.
Open Air Cinema Various dates throughout the Summer
What better way to spend a warm summer evening than in the company of your family or friends, watching a classic film under the stars and there are a huge amount to choose from. Some venues will provide a bean bag or deck chair and there are usually drinks and food to buy, but some venues ask you to bring your own drinks, nibbles and chair or rug. Luna Cinema have lots of amazing locations all across London and the South East including Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court, Kenwood and Kensington Palace so please have a look here for details of other venues, dates and films. Prices from £17.50 per person.
The Everyman Screen at the canal at Kings Cross show films for free during the day and into the evening. Films such as Matilda, Mama Mia and Casablanca will be shown and comfy bean bag seating is provided. More information can be found here.
Information on alternative outdoor cinemas can be found here.
Hampton Court Palace Various dates throughout the Summer
The home of Henry VIII and his wives, Hampton Court Palace is a Tudor Palace like no other. Over the centuries the original country house was added to by Cardinal Wolsey and Henry VIII as a show of magnificent power and wealth. Superbly preserved rooms and gardens are all open for visitors to look around or you can go on a guided tour. Trips and down the River Thames can also be taken from here. The Palace is a fantastic place for both adults and children to visit with lots of activities and events on during the summer months including Henry VIII’s joust, Shire House Carriage Rides at the weekends and a food festival in August. Before you visit, please check here as some areas may be restricted due to events that are taking place. Prices for adults are £26.30 and children are £13.10. (Image courtesy of Drone Photography)
London Bus Tour Various dates throughout the summer
An easy way to get around all the sights of London is with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Choose from various routes featuring all the sights such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Palace of Westminster, and you can get off and get back on again wherever you fancy. Prices start at £35 per person bookable either via here on their website on in person at one of their booths dotted across the Captial.
BST Hyde Park 23rd June - 9th July
BST Hyde Park is an 8-day festival with some free activities in Hyde Park during the day and Concerts in the evening by world famous bands and singers including Pink, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. Featuring All Things Orchestral and Outdoor Cinema, Chefs Table with children’s workshops, street food and pop-up bars. For more information on what’s on and concert ticket availability, download the BST app.
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 4th - 9th July
Hosted by the RHS, this year’s flower show runs from 4th – 9th July and is where you can get planting and design ideas for your own gardens. It features Show Gardens designed by leading horticulturalists and Get Start Gardens created by new designers with innovative ideas, beautiful plants and detailed landscaping. There is a huge plant marquee, vegetables, water gardens and dry garden planting to look out for. Mid-week tickets are priced at £38.85 and weekend tickets are £48.85. (Image from RHS Hampton Court Flower show)
Top Tip: Take a trolley with you as it is impossible to leave without making such purchases!
Sporting Events
Wimbledon 26th June - 16th July
This prestigious event attracts thousands of visitors every year, and tickets are highly coveted. Although most tickets have been snapped up you may still be able to pick up a last-minute ticket here. A great alternative is to watch Wimbledon for free on big screens located in a variety of locations across London including Canary Wharf, the Piazza in Wimbledon, and Covent Garden.
