The best things to do in London this July

Discover exciting activities for an unforgettable July in London.

Last updated: May 1, 2026
 Best Things to Do in London This July

July in London is a time of sunshine, festivals, and lively events that transform the city into a playground of exploration. Whether you're soaking up outdoor concerts, enjoying vibrant parades, or relaxing in lush parks, there’s something for everyone.

We’ve curated a list of must-see attractions and activities to make your July trip to London unforgettable. Let’s uncover the best things to do in this exciting city during the vibrant month of July. 

What we'll cover:
 

  • What's on this July in London
  • The top July events, attractions and festivals
  • More things to do in the summer in London

What's on in London this July

London Pride Month 

(London Pride Parade: 5 July) 

London Pride takes over the city with celebrations, performances and community events throughout the month. The main parade on 5 July is the highlight – a colourful, high-energy procession through central London that draws huge crowds every year. 

The Hundred, cricket tournament 

(21 July – 16 August 2026) 

Fast-paced, slightly more accessible than traditional cricket, The Hundred is ideal if you’re curious about the sport but not ready to commit to a full five-day match. Expect lively crowds, big hits and a more modern take on the game. 

The Championships, Wimbledon 

(29 June – 12 July 2026) 

Arguably the most quintessentially British summer event, The Championships, Wimbledon brings strawberries, sunshine (occasionally), and world-class tennis to SW19. Even if you don’t have tickets, the atmosphere around London – and the screenings across the city – make it worth soaking up the buzz. 

london in july, wimbledon

BBC Proms & Proms in the Park 

(17 July – 12 September) 

The world-famous BBC Proms return with a packed programme of classical music performances, primarily at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside “Proms in the Park” events that bring the experience outdoors. Whether you’re a classical fan or just curious, it’s surprisingly accessible. 

BST Hyde Park 

(Throughout July 2026) 

BST Hyde Park is one of the capital’s biggest summer concert series. Big-name artists take to the stage across multiple dates, including: 

3 July: Maroon 5 
4 July: Mumford and Sons 
5 July: Duran Duran 
10 July: Pitbull 
11 and 12 July: Lewis Capaldi 

Even without tickets, you can often enjoy the atmosphere (and faintly hear the music) from outside the park. 

Buckingham Palace summer opening 

(9 July – 27 September) 

For a limited time each year, Buckingham Palace opens its doors to visitors. It’s a rare chance to step inside one of the most famous residences in the world and see the State Rooms up close – a very “only in London” experience. 

buckingham palace in london

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 

(Throughout July 2026) 

There’s something special about theatre under the open sky, and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre delivers exactly that. 

20 June – 18 July 2026: A Midsummer Night’s Dream 
25 July – 19 September 2026: CATS 

Bring a jacket, embrace the British summer, and enjoy a unique night out. 

Leadenhall Market Pop-ups 

11 July 2026: SoLo Craft Fair 
22 July 2026: The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market 

Leadenhall Market is always worth a visit, but its seasonal pop-ups add even more reason to stop by. Expect independent makers, vintage finds, and plenty of excuses to linger a little longer than planned. 

London Craft Beer Festival 

(17 – 18 July 2026) 

A must for beer lovers, London Craft Beer Festival brings together top breweries, street food and live music. It’s lively, sociable, and very easy to spend a full afternoon (or evening) sampling your way through. 

Country on the Common 

(July 4 and 5 2026) 

A little slice of Nashville in London, Country on the Common brings country music, street food and summer vibes to Clapham Common. It’s a fun, slightly different addition to the city’s packed festival calendar. 

country music festival

More great things to do in London in July

Kew Gardens 

kew gardens

Discover the summer beauty of Kew Gardens, where blooming flowers and lush landscapes create a stunning tapestry. Explore the beautifully designed gardens, uncovering rare plants and vibrant displays. The iconic Palm House and tranquil waterlily ponds provide serene surroundings for relaxation. Kew Gardens’ commitment to horticulture and conservation ensures a refreshing and inspiring visit that appeals to nature lovers and curious minds. 

Hampton Court Palace 

Travel back in time at Hampton Court Palace, a majestic residence rich with Tudor history. Wander through the opulent State Apartments, explore the expansive gardens, and enjoy interactive exhibits that bring history to life. The palace’s stunning architecture and immersive storytelling offer a captivating journey through the past. Hampton Court Palace delivers elegance and intrigue, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and curious explorers. 

Tower of London 

Tower of London

Uncover the intriguing history of the Tower of London, where tales of royalty and intrigue come to life. Explore the White Tower’s impressive collections and view the dazzling Crown Jewels. Yeoman Warders guide you through the site with engaging stories, capturing the imagination of history enthusiasts. The Tower’s monumental architecture and rich stories offer a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s regal past. 

Natural History Museum 

Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Natural History Museum, home to a treasure trove of exhibits. From dinosaurs to dazzling minerals, each display invites curiosity and discovery. The museum’s grand architecture and engaging collections create a fascinating environment for learning and inspiration. Whether young or old, the Natural History Museum promises to captivate minds and spark imagination. 

South Bank Riverside Walk 

Stroll along the vibrant South Bank, enjoying stunning views of the Thames and the city’s landmarks. The bustling promenade offers street performers, art installations, and cultural venues, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Whether browsing open-air markets or savouring riverside dining, South Bank provides a dynamic outing perfect for a July day. The blend of creativity and leisure ensures a spirited exploration along the water. 

The Shard 

The shard

Ascend to new heights with a visit to The Shard, offering panoramic views of London’s skyline. Enjoy breathtaking vistas from the viewing platform or relax with a cocktail in the sky-high lounges. The architectural elegance and stunning sights provide an inspiring backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments. Whether by day or night, The Shard offers a unique perspective of London’s bustling landscape. 

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard 

Experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Watch as the precision and pomp of this iconic tradition unfold before your eyes. The impressive uniforms and ceremonial music add to the regal atmosphere. Following the ceremony, enjoy a leisurely stroll through nearby St. James’s Park. 

Borough Market 

Indulge in culinary delights at Borough Market, a haven for food lovers offering fresh, artisanal products. Wander through stalls offering gourmet cheeses, artisan bread, and international street food. The lively atmosphere is filled with enticing aromas and cheerful chatter, making it a feast for the senses. Whether you’re sampling freshly shucked oysters or enjoying a warm pastry, Borough Market delivers a rich and flavourful experience. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral 

Admire the majestic architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral, a symbol of London’s heritage. Climb to the Whispering Gallery for unique acoustics or ascend to the top for breathtaking views. The serene interior and grand dome offer a place of reflection and admiration. With its rich history and architectural beauty, St. Paul’s Cathedral delivers a profound and awe-inspiring experience. 

Tate Modern 

Tate Modern 

Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art at Tate Modern, housed in a striking former power station. The museum presents innovative exhibitions featuring works by renowned artists, offering a fresh perspective on modern creativity. The expansive galleries and bold displays encourage exploration and thought. Whether intrigued by abstract art or interactive works, Tate Modern delivers a stimulating journey through the art world. 

Westminster Abbey 

Step into the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, a historic masterpiece with awe-inspiring architecture. Explore the majestic nave adorned with intricate stained glass and statuary. The Abbey’s rich history and spiritual significance create a moving and profound experience. Whether reflecting on the past or appreciating the beauty, Westminster Abbey offers an unforgettable visit. 

For more, check out our guide to soaking up the summer sun, and catch London’s best views while the sky is clear

Step up your sightseeing with The London Pass®.   

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 The London Pass® - just choose a pass to get started! 

 

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London tours

The best London tours - check out all the best ways to tour the city! Let expert guides show you iconic and lesser-known attractions while providing insight that even the locals don’t know. Whether you’ve got a whole day spare or just a few hours, The London Pass® has curated the best city tours for you.  Hop-on, hop-off bus tour Sit back. Relax. And let the city come to you. This London Pass 1-day bus tour showcases the very best of London’s iconic sights, taking you past the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square. An expert tour guide will commentate the history of the area and the attractions as you cover nine bus routes around the city. If you want to explore, simply hop off and re-join the tour at any point during the day. It’s effortless sightseeing at its best. Discover more Bicycle tour – Up to 3 hours A bicycle tour is a good way to sightsee London while getting fit. Choose a Classic Tour, which takes you past the iconic London landmarks, from the Southbank Centre to the London Eye and Big Ben, up to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Or, the 3-hour Love London Tour, which takes you through London’s bustling West End and through the cultural heart of the city, from Covent Garden to Chinatown and Carnaby Street. Discover more Wembley Stadium Tour – 1 hour 15 minutes The London Pass® has a number of sports tours that any enthusiast won’t want to miss. The Wembley Stadium tour takes football enthusiasts around London’s largest and most prestigious sporting stadium. Home of the England football team, it has hosted the world-famous FA Cup and both the 2011 and 2013 UEFA Champions League Finals, and this immersive tour a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of life as a premier league footballer. Opened in 2007 this impressive structure took over 4 years to build at a cost of over £790m and has over 90,000 seats. Be a part of the audience, experience the tension of the tunnel and climb the 107 steps to the Royal Box as if you’re collecting the winning trophy. Show your London Pass in the Stadium Store to receive a 15% discount. Discover more Kia Oval Tour – 1.5 hours If you know your Martin Crowe from your Sunil Gavaskar, the Kia Oval Tour is an unmissable tour for you. The Kia Oval is one of the world’s most famous sports grounds and the birthplace of cricket’s Ashes. Immerse yourself by exploring the famous ground with a behind-the-scenes tour, step onto the outfield, see the commentary box and celebrate the club’s achievements. Discover more Brit Movie Tour – Up to 2.5 hours Learn about London’s rich muggle history or explore locations from Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic Sherlock Holmes books. Choose from Brit Movie Tours to discover the reality and the legend behind England’s much-loved fictional characters: Doctor Who Walking Tour of London Harry Potter Walking Tour of London James Bond Walking Tour of London Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour of London Paddington Bear Walking Tour The Crown Walking Tour Bridget Jones Walking Tour Downton Abbey Walking Tour Discover more Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour - 40 minutes Situated on London’s Bankside, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre reconstructs the open-air playhouse where the playwright penned his greatest work. Explore this faithful recreation of William Shakespeare's iconic Globe Theatre: once the centre of London's famous Bankside entertainment district.  Discover more
Kirsten McCroskrie
Kirsten McCroskrie
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Historic Buildings and Monuments in London

Learn about London’s heritage at the best historic buildings in London The City of London dates back to Roman times so there’s no shortage of historic attractions to visit. One of the most impressive and iconic attractions, and one of the most important London landmarks, is the Tower of London. Dating back to 1066 and the Norman Conquest, this historic fortress is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city as it documents over eight centuries' worth of London history from the royal family, to notorious prisoners and politicians. Visit the oldest exhibition in the world, the Line of Kings, to see the armor of the old rulers, as well as the priceless Crown Jewels and Traitor’s Gate. See the legendary ravens hopping around the courtyard, pop into the Jewel Tower and follow a Beefeater Tour to learn of the tales of those who used to live in this historic building. Just in front of the Tower of London is the Tower Bridge (often mistaken for London Bridge). Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and has sat astride the River Thames since 1894. This Victorian bascule steam-powered bridge was a feat of industrial engineering in its time. Now, it’s been opened up to the public to take a look into the bowels of the bridge, and also to walk across the top walkways featuring the new Glass Walkways to look down at the river and see the pedestrians walking below. Offering great views up and downstream, it’s a great historic building in London to learn about the city both past and present. Another famous historic site in London is Westminster Abbey, the stunning Gothic UNESCO World Heritage Site and coronation church since the 11th century. Westminster Abbey is one of the most beautiful and impressive historic buildings in London and is the burial ground of some of England’s legendary authors, scientists and great thinkers, from Charles Darwin to Geoffrey Chaucer. It’s been in the spotlight more recently as it was the site of Kate & Wills’ wedding in 2011 and it’s also open daily for sermons and worship. If you are a fan of the Royal Family and the history of the monarchy, make sure you visit one of the many royal residences in London. The picturesque Kensington Palace in West London was the childhood home of Queen Victoria; then it was the home of the late Princess Diana and now her eldest son, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, who lives there with Kate and his two children. Kensington Palace also has a series of fascinating exhibits on show, opening up its State Rooms to the public, and has an Orangery on the grounds serving traditional Afternoon Tea! Windsor Castle on the outskirts of London is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world – and is the Queen’s preferred weekend residence. Set in the small borough of Windsor, this rural town is a great place for a day trip. With the Changing of the Guard, 39 State Rooms and a famous Dolls House, it’s one of England’s most popular royal palaces for both locals and visitors alike. Hampton Court Palace is another historic building outside London where you can learn about King Henry VIII and his life as a Tudor King. Visit the historic hedgerow maze, tennis courts, manicured gardens and Tudor Kitchens. Join in on a tour and learn about the secrets and scandals of life at court and just what went on under King Henry VIIIs rule! 
Kirsten McCroskrie
Kirsten McCroskrie

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