BEST THINGS TO DO IN LONDON IN AUGUST 2025
What’s On in London This August 2025: From Sunset Kayaks to Carnivals and Caviar
August in London is pure indulgence: street parties, riverside escapades, late-night theatre, and alfresco soirées. Whether you're chasing live music in iconic halls, cocktails under the stars, or a seafood feast worthy of the Med, here’s your curated guide to the month’s most opulent happenings.
West End, Fringe & All the Drama
Camden Fringe Festival
North London’s indie darling returns, boasting over 400 performances spanning cabaret, comedy, new writing and more. Held across quirky venues in Camden, this is theatre for the curious and cultured.
Dates: All August | Location: Various Camden venues
Tickets from £5 | Learn more
Theatre Highlights in the West End
Catch long-standing classics like The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong and Phantom of the Opera. For a sharper edge, Mark Rosenblatt’s gripping drama plays at the Harold Pinter Theatre (until 2 August), while A Midsummer Night’s Dream casts its spell at the Bridge Theatre until 20 August.
Location: Various West End & South Bank theatres
Book tickets here
North London’s indie darling returns, boasting over 400 performances spanning cabaret, comedy, new writing and more. Held across quirky venues in Camden, this is theatre for the curious and cultured.
Dates: All August | Location: Various Camden venues
Tickets from £5 | Learn more
Theatre Highlights in the West End
Catch long-standing classics like The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong and Phantom of the Opera. For a sharper edge, Mark Rosenblatt’s gripping drama plays at the Harold Pinter Theatre (until 2 August), while A Midsummer Night’s Dream casts its spell at the Bridge Theatre until 20 August.
Location: Various West End & South Bank theatres
Book tickets here
Culture & Classical Moments
BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall
One of London’s most refined summer traditions, the BBC Proms delivers world-class classical music in a setting as elegant as the notes themselves. From bold orchestral feats to intimate recitals, it’s the sound of summer.
Dates: Until 13 September | Location: Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Book tickets
One of London’s most refined summer traditions, the BBC Proms delivers world-class classical music in a setting as elegant as the notes themselves. From bold orchestral feats to intimate recitals, it’s the sound of summer.
Dates: Until 13 September | Location: Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Book tickets
Outdoor Chic
Kayaking at Dusk on the Thames
Trade in the pub for paddles with an unforgettable kayak through central London. Launch from Battersea and glide past Big Ben and the London Eye under the setting sun.
Dates: Multiple dates in August | Launch point: Battersea
Learn more
Picnic in Hyde Park’s Rose Garden
August is prime time for a languid lounge in Hyde Park’s fragrant Rose Garden. Pack a spread (or let Harrods do the honours) and soak up golden hour among the blooms.
Location: Hyde Park, W2 2UH | Free entry
Al Fresco Dining at Bocconcino Soho
Just off Carnaby Street, Bocconcino Soho’s outdoor tables offer a stylish pause from the city’s summer buzz. Perfect for Aperol and antipasti after a sunny afternoon in the West End.
Location: 59 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7JY
Book a table
Trade in the pub for paddles with an unforgettable kayak through central London. Launch from Battersea and glide past Big Ben and the London Eye under the setting sun.
Dates: Multiple dates in August | Launch point: Battersea
Learn more
Picnic in Hyde Park’s Rose Garden
August is prime time for a languid lounge in Hyde Park’s fragrant Rose Garden. Pack a spread (or let Harrods do the honours) and soak up golden hour among the blooms.
Location: Hyde Park, W2 2UH | Free entry
Al Fresco Dining at Bocconcino Soho
Just off Carnaby Street, Bocconcino Soho’s outdoor tables offer a stylish pause from the city’s summer buzz. Perfect for Aperol and antipasti after a sunny afternoon in the West End.
Location: 59 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7JY
Book a table
Street Party Royalty
Notting Hill Carnival
An electric explosion of Caribbean culture takes over West London for the Bank Holiday. Think steelpan, feathered costumes, sound systems and rum punch on every corner.
Dates: 24–25 August | Location: Notting Hill, W11
Free entry | Learn more
An electric explosion of Caribbean culture takes over West London for the Bank Holiday. Think steelpan, feathered costumes, sound systems and rum punch on every corner.
Dates: 24–25 August | Location: Notting Hill, W11
Free entry | Learn more
Italian Tables & Summer Flavours
Sicilian Summer at Bocconcino Mayfair
This August, Bocconcino Mayfair channels the charm of coastal Italy with Sicilian-inspired décor, lemon-strewn tables and a curated selection of regional dishes. Expect chilled Donnafugata wines by Dolce & Gabbana, Friday night limoncello moments, and a summer atmosphere that’s pure Mediterranean escape.
Location: 19 Berkeley Street, London, W1J 8ED
Learn more
Saturday Brunch at Bocconcino Soho
Bottomless Prosecco, live DJs and summer truffle pizza — the Saturday brunch at Bocconcino’s Soho outpost is fast becoming a London staple. It’s where laid-back Roman luxury meets late-summer rhythm.
Location: 59 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7JY
From £64pp | Book here
Seafood Buffet at Osteria del Mare
Oysters, lobster and Sicilian seafood headline at Osteria del Mare's Italian Riviera Buffet in Covent Garden. Ideal for those who prefer their summer dining to channel the Riviera, no passport required.
Location: 366 Strand, London, WC2R 0JF
Buffet from £65pp | Book here
This August, Bocconcino Mayfair channels the charm of coastal Italy with Sicilian-inspired décor, lemon-strewn tables and a curated selection of regional dishes. Expect chilled Donnafugata wines by Dolce & Gabbana, Friday night limoncello moments, and a summer atmosphere that’s pure Mediterranean escape.
Location: 19 Berkeley Street, London, W1J 8ED
Learn more
Saturday Brunch at Bocconcino Soho
Bottomless Prosecco, live DJs and summer truffle pizza — the Saturday brunch at Bocconcino’s Soho outpost is fast becoming a London staple. It’s where laid-back Roman luxury meets late-summer rhythm.
Location: 59 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7JY
From £64pp | Book here
Seafood Buffet at Osteria del Mare
Oysters, lobster and Sicilian seafood headline at Osteria del Mare's Italian Riviera Buffet in Covent Garden. Ideal for those who prefer their summer dining to channel the Riviera, no passport required.
Location: 366 Strand, London, WC2R 0JF
Buffet from £65pp | Book here
Whether you’re dancing through the streets of Notting Hill, soaking up strings at the Proms, or drifting along the Thames at sunset, London in August is all about seizing the moment. And when the city calls for a little indulgence - be it Sicilian seafood in Mayfair, a DJ brunch in Soho, or oysters on the Strand - Bocconcino’s tables are set. Summer in the capital never looked so good.