From February 2027, the Shaftesbury Theatre will be the Judi Dench Theatre. Image: Shaftesbury Theatre/Robert Wilson

The Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End is to be renamed after one of stage and screen's greatest living actors, Dame Judi Dench.

From February 2027, the theatre — the largest independent theatre in the West End — will become the Judi Dench Theatre, named for the actor renowned for her versatility, starring in everything from Shakespeare plays to Bond films to sitcoms.

Why the rebrand? Dench was a founding member of the Theatre of Comedy, a collective of actors and authors headed by playwright Ray Cooney, who regularly performed at the Shaftesbury Theatre in shows including Run for your Wife, Two into One, and Kiss of the Spiderwoman. The Theatre of Comedy helped ensure the continuance of the theatre throughout the 1980s and 1990s (in the 1970s it had even faced potential demolition). TV executive Don Taffner then joined the Theatre of Comedy in 1986, taking the helm from the early 1990s.  

Dench's role as Jean in the long-running BBC sitcom As Time Goes By cemented her links to the Taffner family, whose company produced the show, and now owns the theatre as DLT Entertainment.

The hilarious Avenue Q is currently playing at the theatre, although sadly Judi Dench is not starring. Image: Matt Crockett

Says Dame Judi: "The Shaftesbury Theatre has always held a special place in my heart. My relationship to the Theatre of Comedy and to the Taffner family goes back many years and to have this beautiful theatre renamed after me is truly overwhelming.

"Live theatre continues to be so important as a way of telling stories and entertaining audiences, something I have aimed to do all my working life."

The name isn't the only change coming to the Grade II listed theatre; various renovations are being made to the auditorium and backstage facilities, though it remains open for business. The brilliant Avenue Q is currently playing, but sadly Judi Dench is not starring.

The Porte de Paris and the Belfroi de Lille, close to the city centre

"Extreme day trips" — travelling to, visiting, and returning from a foreign destination in a single day — are something of a social media trend right now (though day trips are nothing new). While it's a convenient way to see a new place without the expense of overnight accommodation or eating into your annual leave, the environmental impacts of flying for such a short trip have been criticised. But you don't need to set foot on a plane to do a day trip abroad, nor do you need to have a gigantic budget.

How to visit Lille from London in a day

Make an early start on the Eurostar

I visited Lille in a single day on the Eurostar direct from St Pancras, leaving London early in the morning, and arriving back here in the evening. Accounting for the time difference, I had a total of nine hours in Lille (eight hours of time to roam, once you factor in arriving back at the station in enough time to catch the train home).

Here's a time-stamped account of the day, to show you just how much you can see and do in a short time from London:

5.18am: Arrive at an eerily quiet St Pancras station. Pick up a pain au chocolat for breakfast, in an attempt to get into the French spirit. Wonder if wearing a beret would have been overkill.

5.30am: Enter the Eurostar terminal. The recommended arrival time on my ticket is 5.49am, but my naturally cautious nature has got me here early and the Eurostar staff let me through. After scanning my ticket at automatic gates, I join the queue for passport control, but it moves fairly quickly.

5.43am: Reach the lounge which is absurdly busy for such an ungodly hour. I guess lots of other people had the same idea of catching a very early train. It's standing room only in the lounge until one train is announced, at which point the crowd thins out slightly, before more people pile in. It might be home to the busiest branch of Pret in all of London.

Train snacks, sorted.

6.34am: My train to Lille begins boarding. Bit of a scramble in the lounge as a train to Amsterdam is called two minutes earlier, leading to a giant pile-up of passengers and suitcases as people try to zigzag past each other to reach the escalator to their own platform. Grateful I'm travelling light with just a rucksack for the day, and don't have a wheelie suitcase tangled up in that mess.

6.43am: Reach my aisle seat on the train. I'm travelling in Standard class, but the seats are notably roomier than on most standard domestic trains in the UK. This'll do nicely. Unpack the essentials from my bag and settle in for the journey with that previously mentioned pain au chocolat.

7.04am: The train glides out of St Pancras right on schedule. Nobody has taken the window seat next to me — one of the few empty seats on the whole carriage — so I shuffle on over to make the most of the views of London waking up outside. I manage to see east London, the QEII bridge, and the mothballed Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International stations whizz past the window... and the next thing I know it's dark. The early hour has got the better of me and I nod off in deepest Kent, waking up somewhere in the tunnel.

9.28am (French time): Arrive in Lille, walk straight off the train, and out of the station (all passport control/immigration business is handled before you board, so when you arrive you simply walk straight out). Take a few moments to work out where I am before navigating my way on foot — via some rather confusing roadworks — to my first stop of the day, around a 20-minute walk from Lille Europe station.

The Beffroi de Lille rises 104m above the city.

9.50am: Arrive at the Belfry of Lille Town Hall (Beffroi de Lille), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a viewing platform 104 metres above the city. It seems as good a place as any to get my bearings and start the day, and I've booked the 10am slot. At the moment, the large wooden church door is firmly locked, so I sit on a brick wall opposite and wait. Gradually, a small crowd gathers, and a member of staff arrives, along with much gesturing to explain to visitors in several languages that the door is locked and we may or may not be waiting for someone to unlock it from the inside. It all feels very Hunchback of Notre Dame, and a short delay ensues.

10.10am: Enter the Belfry. All large bags (including day rucksacks) have to be left in lockers in the entrance hall. From here, it's a few flights of stairs up to the main reception area and small gift shop, and either a lift or stairs to continue the adventure. In the spirit of conserving energy for a long day ahead, I opt for the lift, a creaking, open cage of a contraption which leaves me regretting my decision instantly (the fact that the website describes the lift as "authentic" was probably the clue...). Mental note made: Take the stairs back down.

With a few exceptions, Lille doesn't appear to be a particularly pretty city.

The lift door opens onto an indoor viewing gallery, offering 360-degree views of Lille and its surrounds, interspersed with information boards pointing out the main sights. From this perspective, Lille appears a rather industrial and — sorry, Lille — unpretty city, with a few picturesque pockets dotted here and there.

It's only on my second turn around this floor that I notice another small, spiral staircase leading upwards to an open-air viewing gallery, and follow it up to a breezy deck. Same views, from just a few metres higher.

The Porte de Paris, see from the Belfroi de Lille

10.55am: Having got an eyeful of the view, I make my way back downstairs (stopping at the gift shop for a couple of postcards — in the spirit of efficiency, to skip souvenir shops later), collect my bag and leave the Belfry, heading to the Porte de Paris just next door. The Arc de Triomphe-style construction looks magnificent against the blue skies of early spring, the colour of the precision-planted tulips just beginning to emerge.

From here, it's a short walk to Grand Place, the large open square which is the centre of Old Lille. My only set plan for the rest of the day is my lunch reservation, so I wander and see where life, and Lille, takes me. Get distracted by what appears to be a small cathedral — but turns out to be the Palais Rihour — down a side street, and head towards it, discovering a Tourist Information Centre inside.

11.25am: Emerging from the Palais Rihour, I take a moment to sit down, gather my bearings, and plan my next move. A quick glance at a map tells me it's around a 25-minute walk to the Citadel, a large park home to a military fortress, and one of the city's sights which was on my "if I have time" list for the day. My lunch booking is at 1pm. I can do this.

No entry to the the Citadel fortress

11.50am: After a power walk through Lille's streets, arrive to find the Citadel fortress entrance closed and encircled by scaffolding. Decide it's time to move on when a woman in police or military uniform with a dog emerges. Find a bench and sit in the sun for a few minutes before making the 25-minute walk back to the centre of town and the main square, allowing me to see some of the city beyond the tourist centre along the way. Pass a few minutes browsing in some stores, including the large Furet du Nord book shop.

1pm: Arrive at the restaurant I've booked for lunch: Magmatic. From the outside, it's nothing but a window covered in a floor-to-ceiling black-out curtain, but inside, it's exactly the sort of gimmick most Londoners — myself included — would turn their nose up at if it were in their own city. This, however, is not London, and I am on holiday (of sorts), so I'm dining in a volcano.

Dine "inside" an erupting volcano at Magmatic

I'm led through a thick velvet curtain to the main restaurant, a single room with tables scattered around a central cone, which is designed to resemble the peak of a volcano. The walls and ceilings are alive with projections of burning rocks and magma eruptions, creating an immersive experience akin to London's own Lightroom — with dinner added. At £21.28 for a goat's cheese salad and a glass of juice, it's remarkably good value for a journey to the centre of a volcano, and a memorable meal to boot.

2.15pm: Leave the restaurant fed, refreshed and ready to do some serious exploring in the hours before I need to return to the station. I wander back towards the Grand Place, intending to explore the back streets to the north which I bypassed earlier, and stumble across the art market at Vieille Bourse de Lille. Stallholders sell books, artworks and prints in an ornate 17th-century courtyard.

Vieille Bourse de Lille is home to a charming art market

Across Grand Place, those back streets contain a delightful number of chocolate shops — proper, old-style French chocolatiers that wouldn't look out of place in Joanne Harris's Chocolat — the highlight of which is the incredibly ornate Maison Meert, a time capsule of a store and tea room whose decorated interior wears its four centuries of history with pride.

Maison Meert, inside a beautifully historic building

A few streets further north, I swing by Aux Merveillieux de Fred, the original branch of the patisserie which now has branches in London (including, ironically, mere steps from the Eurostar platforms at St Pancras, if you don't fancy carrying your snackable souvenirs all the way home with you). Pastry chef Frédéric Vaucamps first invented his "Merveilleux" meringue treats in Lille in the 1980s, naming his first store after them in 1997. So really, it's an excellent way to have a little sugary pick-me-up under the guise of cultural history. Rude not to, when you put it like that.

Just around the corner from "Fred's" is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille, something of an aesthetic surprise. It's cathedral by shape, and it has the requisite stained glass window, but its western facade appears almost Brutalist or unfinished, a grey, colourless hulk of a structure that's quite unlike any cathedral I've ever seen before. Entry is free, so I make my way up the stairs for a peek. Can confirm: very much a normal cathedral on the inside.

A splash of colour around the back of Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille

4pm: By this time, I'm flagging somewhat, so I make my way back to the station, via the large Westfield Euralille shopping centre next door. If I'm honest, I'm hoping for a bit of air con, and somewhere to get a drink and sit for a while. But the shopping centre is heaving with school children and teenagers who've just left college for the day, so I admit defeat and head back to Lille Europe station. Find a coffee shop in the sun, and sit and watch the world go by.

5.27pm: The gates open for passengers to go through passport control and enter the Eurostar lounge. My scheduled departure time is 6.37pm, but due to an issue further up the line in Brussels, it's delayed by about 20 minutes. Boarding begins, and my day in Lille is over.

7.24pm (UK time): Arrive back in London, 24 minutes later than scheduled, and wander straight off the train, along the platform, and out into St Pancras station, ready to head home — a mere 12 hours and odd minutes after I departed from that exact platform. In that time, I've climbed a bell tower, swung by a military fortress, dined in a volcano, all in a city I'd never been to before.

Total cost of a day trip to Lille

• Eurostar: £74 return
• Breakfast (at St Pancras): £3.30
• Lunch (Magmatic): £21.38
• Belfry entry (booked a few days in advance): £6.49
• Treats at Aux Merveilleux de Fred: £12.52
• Souvenirs: £3.48

Total: £121.17

For comparison, a few days before this trip, I'd taken an unrelated day trip from King's Cross — right next door to the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras — to York. Not only was the scheduled journey time on LNER to York longer than that on Eurostar to Lille, it was more expensive (around £88 return compared to Lille's £74 — though exact pricing depends on time of trip, how far you book ahead and various other factors). So next time you're planning a day or weekend trip in the UK, heading abroad might be an equally affordable option.

Tip for extreme day trips from London

Book ahead, and pick your time carefully

As with all travel, booking as far ahead as possible, and being flexible with days helps with keeping the cost down. I booked this trip on 6 January 2026 and travelled on 18 March 2026, a Wednesday. Naturally, weekend travel is generally more expensive. Eurostar does tend to run big sales a couple of times a year, so keep an eye out for those.

Build in time for passport control

Although boarding the Eurostar is less faff than navigating the airport for a flight, you'll still need to arrive at the station at least an hour early for your train to allow time to clear passport control (exact arrival time is on your ticket once you've booked).  Something to bear in mind if you're planning to board an early morning service which might involve getting to St Pancras before the first Tubes of the day start running, and to take into account when calculating how much time you'll have to explore your destination.

The author booked and paid for this trip independently, and this article is in no way affiliated with Eurostar.

All photos by the author.

Climbing the rig of the Cutty Sark is not for anyone with a fear of heights. Image: Cutty Sark Rig Climb

Feeling bold? Want to push your boundaries? Brace yourself for our pick of high-adrenaline experiences and daredevil activities in the capital.

Skydiving in London

Skydiving in London? Sort of. Image: iFly London

iFly Indoor Skydiving at The O2 offers you a chance to experience the adrenaline of skydiving, without the need for a plane. It takes the form of a vertical wind tunnel, which lifts you clean off the ground.

After a few seconds of acclimatising, it's not all that scary — an instructor helps you to assume the correct position on your first go, and you're only about 5ft off the ground, so if the worst were to happen, you'd land very softly on some netting. We found ourselves more concerned with trying not to dribble as the intense wind pummelled our lips out of shape.

Various packages are available with flights of different lengths. Once you've mastered the basics, your instructor offers you the opportunity to fly up to the top of the wind tunnel, which is where things get more exciting, though for us, it was more a feat of endurance to maintain the correct flying posture.

Indoor skydiving is often accessible to people with physical disabilities, for whom regular skydiving wouldn't be possible. If this is you, get in touch with iFly to discuss your needs.

As far as we know, there are no 'real' skydiving venues in London. Don't be fooled by 'North London Skydiving', which is located north of Cambridge, or 'Skydiving London', which is actually near Swindon.

Walk across the roof of Alexandra Palace

A new experience for 2026. Image: Summit: Ally Pally Rooftop Adventure

As of February 2026, the apex central roof of Alexandra Palace is open for anyone who fancies taking a stroll over it, thanks to Summit: Ally Pally Rooftop Adventure. Led by a member of the Wire & Sky team, you climb an internal staircase up to the balcony in front of Ally Pally's Rose Window, where you're kitted out with a harness while you get a preview of the view you'll be enjoying from up top. You then head further up inside the building before climbing out onto a flat part of the roof.

Here, you're securely clipped onto the structure of the building before beginning your ascent up a metal staircase placed over the glass roof. As long as you're generally fine with heights and able to climb stairs, the experience is neither too strenuous nor too scary. You're never too close to an edge, nor looking directly down. Focus on the views, initially looking south towards central London, with a sea of skyscrapers (and St Paul's) on the horizon.

As you reach the eponymous summit, in the shadow of the Angel of Plenty statue, take in 360° views of London and beyond. On a clear day you can see for over 25 miles, covering four counties and 28 London boroughs. This is the most nerve-wracking part of the adventure: we climbed on a windy day and could feel a slight wobble in the platform beneath our feet (though remember, you're safely clipped onto the structure at all times). Once you've had your fill of views, you descend the other side of the roof, getting a good look at the former BBC transmission mast atop the Alexandra Palace building as you go.

Climb the rig of the Cutty Sark

Will you brave venturing out onto the Lower Topsail Yard? Image: Cutty Sark Rig Climb

Wire & Sky, the aerial adventure company behind the Ally Pally roof climb, also has a base in Greenwich — specifically, helping people scale the rig of the Cutty Sark. This one is both more physically demanding and a bit more knee-trembling than Alexandra Palace (though it's open to anyone aged eight and up). Definitely not ideal for anyone who's less than comfortable with heights.

Begin on the Main Deck, and climb the ratlines (rope ladders) up onto the rigging, from where you can make your way onto a small platform, and enjoy the views. The climb is challenging on both the arms and legs, and of course, you can see right through the ropes to the deck below you, and beyond that to the street surrounding the Cutty Sark.

Once you reach the platform, take some time to enjoy the views. We were staggered by how impressive the panorama is. Historic Greenwich surrounds you. Canary Wharf's skyscrapers loom across the river. Further afield, all the main components of the central London skyline are visible. Southward, the Crystal Palace mast peeps over the hills.

For one final challenge, make your way out onto the Lower Topsail Yard (or, to us landlubbers, one of the wooden 'arms' jutting out from each side of the central mast). Once you're done, it's a simple controlled descent (abseil) back down to the Main Deck.

The experience tends to run April-October each year, taking a break through the winter months.

The Dare Skywalk, Tottenham

Don't worry, they're clipped on! Image: The Dare Skywalk

Spurs really upped the ante when they opened their new stadium in 2019. Aside from the usual behind the scenes tours, it also offers a chance to view the pitch from a glass walkway 46.8m in the air — once again, led by the ballsy Wire & Sky team.

The Dare Skywalk takes you up onto the roof of the largest club stadium in London, then out onto the glass walkway in front of the famous golden cockerel statue. The experiences last 90 minutes, from briefing at basecamp, to climbing 100 steps and ascending the open-sided walkway along the side of the stadium (you're clipped on, don't fret!). Wheelchair accessible versions of the experience are available, and the platform offers 360° views over London and beyond, with landmarks including the Shard easy to pick out.

As for returning back down to the ground, you can take the route you came. Or...

Abseiling in London

Abseiling at the Orbit: Don't. Look. Down. Photo: Londonist

For a city with so many high buildings, London is surprisingly limited when it comes to regular abseiling options, other than climbing walls and centres.

What you can do, is sign up for a 'controlled descent' back down to the ground after you finish The Dare Skywalk (above). The Edge, as the experience is known, has you clipped onto guide ropes to descend the 42 metres back to solid ground — and you can choose whether you go forwards or backwards.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has previously offered abseiling experiences (which we tried before it launched), all the way back in 2014. Zip World London now runs the Orbit, focusing on the Helix tunnel slide experience, so at time of writing the abseil is on pause, but we're hopeful it'll return in the future.

Otherwise, look out for one-off charity abseils in London. London's Air Ambulance Charity tends to host at least one abseil each year, usually around September, when gutsy fundraisers abseil 17 floors from the helipad on top of the Royal London Hospital, back down to the ground. Similarly the Guy's & St Thomas' Charity offers occasional 160ft abseils down the St Thomas' building by Westminster Bridge. It's a case of checking on the individual websites to see when the next event is.

Thames Rockets speedboats

Probably one to save for the summer. Image: Thames Rockets

Thames Rockets gives you the chance to whizz up and down the Thames on a speedboat at speeds of up to 30 knots (35mph) — which doesn't sound all that nippy, but with the wind in your hair, spray coming at you from the side of the boat, and guides throwing commentary at you left, right and centre, it's an exhilarating/blurry to see the capital.

Everyone's provided with a life jacket, and you shouldn't get too wet, though if the wind's blowing the wrong way, you might get covered in spray. Different experiences are available, including the 50-minute Ultimate London Adventure, which takes you from the London Eye to Canary Wharf and back, or the 80-minute Thames Barrier Voyage which takes you all the way out to... yep, the Thames Barrier, then back to central London.

Walk on the glass floor of Tower Bridge

London's scariest floor can be found in Tower Bridge. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

For anyone scared of heights, few things are likely to get your pulse racing/palms sweating like walking over the glass floors in the high-level walkways of Tower Bridge. They're right in the centre of the bridge, putting you over both the road (33.5 metres down) and the river (42 metres down), and giving you a clear view straight down to both... if you dare open your eyes.

There are two lifts up to the walkways, one in each tower of the bridge, offering step-free access to the glass floors.

Go snorkelling with sharks at Sealife London Aquarium

Find out what happened when we went snorkelling with sharks.

For a generation raised on Jaws, sharks are the ultimate in giving you the heebie-jeebies, and the Sealife London Aquarium lets you get up close to them, with a snorkelling cage in its shark tank.

For 15 minutes, don a snorkelling mask and bob about in a transparent (but very solid) cage, in a tank which is home to five species of shark including sand tiger sharks, blacktip reef sharks and bowmouth guitarfish. There are no great whites... we triple-checked before we got in.

We dived in when the experience relaunched in 2019, having previously dipped visitors into the tank in a net-like vessel. These days it's a solid cage, which removes a certain frisson from the experience. The cage is kept at the top of the water too, so you're never completely submerged. It's a fascinating and very special encounter to get a close look at these creatures while they're swimming — and ever so cool to be able to drop "that time I swam with sharks" into everyday conversations — but not the heart-stoppingly frightening experience you might expect.

Up at The O2

Image: Up at The O2

Up at The O2 involves walking over the top of the O2's famous dome. The ascent begins fairly steep, but soon flattens out, and you're clipped onto a central railing throughout. In the centre is a viewing platform, where you can pause to take in the 360° views.

The solid nature of the walkway means you can't see directly below you — and even if you could, there's only the roof of the O2 to see down there. You'll be too busy looking at the views all around you, anyway. If anything, the descent is scarier than the ascent, as the ground is in front of you (if you're not keen on heights, try to make sure you're not at the front of your group for this bit). For us, the springy nature of the stretched canvas walkway was the most unnerving part.

Climbs are available on selected days for wheelchair users and their family/friends. They involve transferring into a specially designed wheelchair, operated on a pulley system by a team of guides.

White Water Rafting at Lee Valley

Of all the experiences we've tried in London, the one that got our heart pumping the fastest was white water rafting at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. Admittedly, it's a smidge beyond the London border, but it was a London 2012 Olympics venue, so we're claiming it.

Board a raft with up to eight other people and tackle the world-class rapids course. You're given a spot of training into how to paddle and steer, and then made to take a running jump into the (chilly!) water, to allow you to acclimatise to the temperatures before you go overboard later. Then it's out onto the course, and being thrown up, down, left, right, don't drop your paddle, lean left, NOW NOW NOW. Or something like that. Exhilarating, exciting, terrifying... everything a daredevil experience should be. And damn cold to boot.

Try the flying trapeze

Woohoo! Gorilla Circus in Regent's Park. Image: Laura Reynolds/Londonist

Fancy hurling yourself off of something high and seeing what happens? The trapeze is for you.

Gorilla Circus is a flying trapeze school which pops up in a couple of London locations during the summer — it's been swinging by Regent's Park for years, and recently added Kensington Gardens to its repertoire, though keep an eye on the website for this summer's plans. Courses and classes range from one-off sessions for beginners to regular courses for more experienced trapezists. During our two-hour introductory lesson, we started on a lower bar to get the feel of things, but did progress to having a go at the highest bar, which involved throwing ourselves off a platform several metres off the ground, and hoping to feel our fingers clasp around the bar as we plummeted. Yes, we had safety ropes and all that gubbins, but your brain doesn't tend to cling to logic like that when you're working up the courage to jump.

Alternatively, the National Centre for Circus Arts in Hoxton offers Try Fly taster sessions throughout the year, where adults can have a go.

All weekend

Mini golf meets art at Battersea Arts Centre. Image: Battersea Arts Centre

TOCA Social: Live match screenings meet interactive football games at the ultimate London destination for the FIFA World Cup 2026. TOCA Social is showing every kick of the tournament at its Westfield White City, The O2 and Birmingham Bullring venues. Choose from £5 standing tickets (with a free drink included — bargain!) or opt for premium packages including TOCA gameplay, food and drink bundles, plus dedicated group viewing areas. What's more, there's a new FA-partnered game to try out, with a £500 prize up for grabs. (sponsor)

WEST END LIVE: For one weekend, stars from London's current West End musicals perform FOR FREE on a pop-up stage in Trafalgar Square. West End Live is an incredibly popular event, so arrive very early to be in with a chance of getting in. FREE, 20-21 June 2026

SEA LANES CANARY WHARF: New lido Sea Lanes Canary Wharf opens from Friday, offering open water swimming in a 50m-long natural water pool, floating in Eden Dock alongside saunas and changing rooms. From 19 June 2026

WORLD CUP SCREENINGS: With the FIFA World Cup underway, these pubs, bars and other venues are screening the matches throughout this week (and the entire competition). No England match this weekend, but Netherlands, Germany, Japan and Spain are among the teams in action on Saturday and Sunday.

RA SUMMER EXHIBITION: A highlight of the London art calendar, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition brings together established and rising artists to display their work. Prints, painting, film, photography, architectural works and sculpture all jostle for attention. 16 June-23 August 2026

See top performers for free at West End Live. Image: West End Live

ANISH KAPOOR: Mirror sculptures, Vantablack-coated objects, seemingly depthless voids and recent visceral paintings and sculptures are all part of Anish Kapoor's new Hayward Gallery exhibition. 16 June-18 October 2026. Also at Hayward Gallery is an exhibition by Indian artist Kulpreet Singh, drawing on his life as a farmer to highlight the link between climate change and agricultural crises. FREE, 16 June-2 August 2026

TASTE OF LONDON: Foodies: head to Regent's Park for Taste of London, the huge culinary festival which brings together dozens of London's best-known restaurants. It's also a chance to discover up-and-coming London chefs and food businesses, take part in tastings and watch masterclasses. 17-21 June 2026

MINI GOLF: A playable exhibition of nine mini golf holes opens across Battersea Arts Centre, each designed by a leading woman artist, exploring the game's subversive history — it was invented in the 19th century by Scottish women who were banned from 'real' courses. 17 June-26 July 2026

LES MISERABLES CONCERT: A concert version of Cameron Mackintosh's Les Misérables comes to the Royal Albert Hall for just six performances. The impressive cast includes features Alfie Boe, Samantha Barks, Shan Ako and Matt Lucas, and the Royal Albert Hall is offering a Parisian-inspired afternoon tea throughout the month too. 18-21 June 2026

See Les Misérables in Concert. Photo: Danny Kaan

WOMEN IN PRINT: It's the final weekend of William Morris Gallery's exhibition Women in Print: 150 Years of Liberty Textiles, a survey of more than 100 works tracing the role of female designers at Liberty. Until 21 June 2026

SKATE 50: Celebrate 50 years of the Southbank Undercroft at exhibition Skate 50, showing documentary photographs and films of the space throughout its history, and its place in British skateboarding culture. You've only got until Sunday to see it. Until 21 June 2026

Sponsor message

A vintage market takes over Television Centre

Looking for a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe? Find unique pieces and enjoy live music at Television Centre's Rework & Vintage Market.

This is Television Centre Live: Sounds Like Summer's flagship event. Hosted in partnership with local arts hub HQI, it's your chance to discover a curated mix of independent clothing brands and vintage fashion. You can even bring along your old clothes to be upcycled into something new.

Shepherd’s Bush record shop Next Door Records will provide the soundtrack, and there are some excellent food and drink options in the area. Why not round off your day out with Caribbean-meets-British plates at The Black Farmer, or a rooftop cocktail at The Broadcaster?

Rework & Vintage Market takes place 11am-4pm on Saturday 20 June. It's free entry, and you can reserve your spot here.

Saturday 20 June

Visit Crossness Pumping Station on a sewers walk. Image: k7hpn via CC BY 4.0

CAPITAL CRIME: Love a good crime thriller read? Head to the Leonardo Royal St Paul's for Capital Crime, a lit festival celebrating the genre. Authors Claire Mackintosh, Sophie Hannah and Lee Child are some of the names scheduled to take part this weekend. 9.30am-7.30pm

STONEMASONRY WORKSHOP: Learn the ancient craft of stone carving at Highgate Cemetery under the guidance of expert mason Neil Luxton, responsible for some of the cemetery's most remarkable modern monuments. This stonemasonry workshop teaches you the techniques required to carve your own unique design into a stone slab to take home. 10am-4pm

AUCTION ROAD SHOW: Discover the history of your family heirlooms, as the Roseberys Auction Road Show returns to the gardens of Dulwich Picture Gallery. A team of specialists from the south London auction house provide free valuations and expert insight into your antiques, artworks and curiosities. While walk-ins are welcome, you can guarantee a consultation by booking a specific timeslot in advance. 10am

LONDON'S SEWERS: Explore the evolution of the capital's sanitation infrastructure on a four-mile guided walk from the Erith Marshes to the banks of the Thames. The London’s sewers walking tour visits the Victorian masterpiece of Crossness Pumping Station and examines the transition from Bazalgette's 1865 system to the modern Tideway "Super Sewer." Get a look at the Precipitation Engine House and discover how waste is processed today. 11am-2pm

WINDRUSH DAY: Celebrate the legacy of the Windrush generation at the National Maritime Museum's annual Windrush Day. Free events and activities include crafting workshops, photography displays, games, film screenings and panel discussions. FREE, 11am-4pm

WATERLOO DAY: The Battle of Waterloo and its aftermath are the subject of Waterloo Day at Apsley House, the former home of the Duke of Wellington. Historians Dr Graeme Callister and Michael Rayner guide visitors through the dramatic events of the battle, with other talks and reenactments going on throughout the day. 11am-5pm

It's Waterloo Day at Apsley House. Image: Marathon via CC BY-SA 2.0

IDEAS FESTIVAL: The final day of the British Academy's three‑day Ideas Festival brings researchers, fellows and guest speakers together for panels, debates and interactive exhibits. Topics covered today include neurodiversity, the summer solstice and the impact of AI. FREE, 11am-5pm

OKINAWA DAY: London's annual Okinawa Day celebrates the music, dances and food from the islands of the Ryukyu archipelago in southern Japan. Head to the Blue Market in Bermondsey for classical music Ryukyu-style, folk-song performances on the sanshin, and karate demos. FREE, 11am-5pm

KEW FETE: The annual Kew Fete returns to Pond Side on Kew Green with more than 120 stalls, plus Reuben Bond's vintage fairground, a food court and continuous stage entertainment from local schools and bands. Plus you can watch a dog show and a tug of war. 11am-6pm

TREASURES OF THE ORCHESTRA: Set sail on a nautical-themed musical adventure as Sinfonia Smith Square presents Treasures of the Orchestra at Smith Square Hall. This family-friendly concert invites young explorers to hunt for "hidden gems" of chamber music, featuring works by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Gene Koshinski and Silvestre Revueltas. The hour-long performance offers a close-up look at various instruments. 11.30am

CONSTELLATIONS RESIDENCY: Greenwich Park hosts the Constellations Residency Summer Celebration to mark the conclusion of Leah Clements' time as the Royal Parks' first-ever artist-in-residence. The event premieres a new artwork developed through workshops with disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill participants, focusing on sensory engagement with the landscape. Explore the park through described tastes, smells and sounds, with BSL interpretation and audio descriptions. FREE, 12pm-4pm

The Soapbox Race flies into Ally Pally. Image: Red Bull Content Pool

SOLSTICE STREET PARTY: Little Portland Street is closed off for the return of the Social Solstice Street Party. Now in its third year, the event features DJs, live bands in the Social's basement and a mini market, with three bars serving cocktails, and beers from Lost & Grounded Brewery. While the outdoor festivities wrap up in the evening, the venue continues the party inside with a ticketed afterparty until the early hours. FREE entry, 12pm-8pm

BRAND NEW FESTIVAL: Bop along to big name artists, discover local talent and get stuck into family activities at Start of the Line Festival. This brand new all-dayer in Morden Park features headline performances from Soul II Soul, The Hoosiers and Billy Nomates. Plus, there's family theatre from award-winning venue Polka, a Flex FM dance tent and a funfair. Tickets cost just £20 and under 12s go free! 12.30pm-10pm (sponsor)

SOAPBOX RACE: Teams from around Britain bring homemade, non-motorised soapbox cars to race down the famous Alexandra Palace hill — judged on speed, creativity and performance. You're too late to register to take part, but tickets to watch the mayhem are still available. 2pm

CARIBBEAN AT WAR: Discover the vital role of the Caribbean in the Allied victory during this online seminar hosted by Black History Walks. The session honours the legacy of St Lucian historian Ben Bousquet, whose pioneering research into the "colour bar" and the experiences of West Indian women at war paved the way for modern Black British history studies. Author Colin Douglas joins the discussion to explore how raw materials and personnel from the islands were essential to avoiding a German invasion. FREE, 5.30pm-7pm

FAMILY CONCERT: As part of the ongoing Summer Music in City Churches festival, Hackney Choral join the City of London Choir and members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a family-friendly concert. Head to St Mary-at-Hill near the Monument for a programme including Iain Farrington's arrangements and a full performance of John Rutter's London Town. 6pm-7pm

Temples DJ at Scared To Dance. Image: Scared To Dance

MIDSUMMER SOLSTICE LATE: The British Library transforms into a magical realm for A Midsummer Night's Fairy Tale, a solstice celebration of folklore, music and performance. Watch a live show by electronica duo Mermaid Chunky, a talk and DJ set from broadcaster Zakia Sewell and a 'Hatwalk' competition for those in fairy tale-themed headwear. Get after-hours access to the Fairy Tales exhibition, alongside installations including a sound-system maypole and an Andean panpipe orchestra. 6.30pm

PRIDESTRAVAGANZA: Queer comedy, drag and dance hosted by Jamezy are part of Pridestravaganza at Oberon in Tooting. Performers include Matron, Karla Bear, Thomas Clarke, Bollyqueer, Ciara O'Connor and Dom McGovern. 6.30pm

UDAAN: Harrow Arts Centre hosts Udaan: From Shadows to Sky, a deeply moving narrative musical exploring the hidden realities of domestic abuse and the journey toward liberation. The production features a backdrop of Hindi film music, with dance performances illustrating stories of resilience and self-discovery. All proceeds from the event support the Asian Women's Resource Centre. 6.30pm

ELVIS PRESLEY: Australian vocalist Daniel Aranda, accompanied by cellist Josh Gray, performs reimagined versions of Elvis Presley songs in an intimate one-night concert at the 1901 Arts Club. 7.30pm-9.30pm

LONDON TANGO: The seven-piece Romano Viazzani Ensemble brings together players from classical, jazz and Latin-American backgrounds to perform Astor Piazzolla works, classic Argentine tangos and original tango-inspired pieces with a London twist at St James's Church in Sussex Gardens. 7.30pm

VINTAGE AND VINYL: Browse a curated selection of vintage clothes, handicrafts and unique makers' stalls at New River Studios in Manor House. The Pop-Up Market and Tropical Wreck DJs event pairs independent shopping with a live soundtrack of tropical beats. Support local creators in an industrial warehouse setting while enjoying DJ sets that run late into the evening. 7.30pm-11pm

TEMPLES: Band Temples join resident Scared To Dance DJ Paul Richards at The Shacklewell Arms for an evening of post-punk, indie pop, new wave and art-rock. The band DJs ahead of the release of their new album BLISS. 11pm-3am

Sunday 21 June

Get to know the geology of Waterlow Park. Image: Marathon via CC BY-SA 2.0

FATHER'S DAY: Consider this your reminder to pick up a card, and maybe a box of chocolates or a new book, for your dad on Father's Day.

SUMMER FAMILY FESTIVAL: Dulwich Picture Gallery holds a Summer Family Festival, a day of hands-on creativity and nature-themed exploration across the gallery and its sculpture garden. Drop into free workshops to craft nature crowns, make wildflower seed bombs to help local bees or join a printmaking adventure inspired by the natural world. The programme also features a farmers' market, and a garden trail by artist Lucy Grainge. 10am-4pm

DOG SHOW: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gunnersbury Park with a day of canine competition at the Gunnersbury Family Dog Show. The "un-serious" event features categories ranging from Best Trick and Rescue Story to a dog-friendly version of musical bumps called Sit Happens (nicely done). Dog-friendly stallholders and local food vendors will be on-site throughout the afternoon, with special rosettes awarded to the top three pups in each class. FREE to watch, 11am-4pm

HOURGLASS DISCO: As Harry Styles' Meltdown comes to a close today, the free Hourglass Disco takes over Southbank Centre's Riverside Terrace for eight hours of disco, funk, house and soul from some of the best DJs and musicians in the business. FREE, 2pm-10pm

UNPLUGGED JAZZ: Guitarist Luke Purbrick brings his trio to Next Door Records Two in Stoke Newington for an afternoon of modern grooves and classic standards. A former student of Binker Golding at Tomorrow’s Warriors, Purbrick blends his own thoughtful compositions with the works of icons like Thelonious Monk. FREE, 3pm

WATERLOW PARK GEOTRAIL: Part of the final day of Highgate Festival, Diana Clements of the London Geodiversity Partnership offers a geotrail walk around Waterlow Park, offering an insight into how the geology of the park relates to its layout and local development. FREE, 3pm-3.45pm

STONE SAFARI: One of many London Festival of Architecture events this weekend, artist Becky Lyon leads a guided walk across the Barnet Plateau, inviting you to explore the hidden geology beneath your feet. The session involves sharing stories and exchanging small stones while moving through Stanmore Country Park. 3pm-5.30pm

Last chance to see Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Ar*e for England Image: © Rah Petherbridge

SUMMER SOLSTICE SONGS: Gather at The Ivy House in Nunhead for a celebration of the season featuring dance and live music. Songs of the Summer Solstice blends folk and experimental sounds with storytelling and mindfulness exercises, and includes a solar ritual at 5pm. 4pm

CHAMBER CONCERT: Emerging conductors Peggy Wu, Richard Fu and Giovanni Fanizza lead members of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in a free performance at the Paul Hamlyn Hall. The Jette Parker Artists teatime chamber concert features a dynamic repertoire including Mozart's Symphony No. 40, Holst's Lyric Movement for viola and Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks concerto. FREE, 4pm

KARELIA QUARTET: The Karelia Quartet, formed at the Royal Academy of Music and recent CAVATINA prizewinners, perform Haydn's Dream Quartet, Ravel's Quartet in F and Grieg's G minor Quartet at today's Sunday Concert at Conway Hall. The evening opens with a pre-concert recital by Royal Academy students Daniel Schultz (cello) and Sejin Yoon (piano), who play Chopin's Cello Sonata. 5.30pm-8.30pm

FOOTBALL PLAY: The 'Flarewell' tour of football play Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Ar*e for England comes to the Garrick Theatre for one night only — your last chance to see it in London. The show looks at the darker side of football culture, and was inspired by the infamous photo of the England fan who wedged a lit flare in his buttocks before the Euro 2020 final. 7pm

WINDRUSH CONCERT: Step into a 1950s-style Windrush Front Room at Catford's Broadway Theatre for The Windrush Concert, a musical celebration of the generation's enduring cultural legacy. Hosted by Felicity Ethnic and Daddy Ernie, the evening features the Freedom Band UK performing hits from reggae and soul icons like Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker and John Holt. The line-up also includes a rare appearance by Melanie of the group Me and You, alongside the singing trio the Divettes and soulful poet Floetic Lara. 7pm-10pm

A spectacular visualisation of what our city's public transport is up to at any given moment. Image: James Potter

ZONE ONE offers a "Live map of central London. Every Tube, bus, train, riverboat and aircraft moving in real time".

We've seen this sort of thing before, like this real-time Tube map, or this one, or this one.

ZONE ONE, by James Potter, is way more ambitious. It brings together not just the Tube but many other forms of transport, too.

Besides the five listed above, you can also watch parts of the Overground, Thameslink, Elizabeth line, mainline trains and part of the DLR. Zoom in, and there are the vehicles, sliding around in real-time. Click on them and you'll be given their destination (and in the case of buses, even their licence plate). Traffic cameras have also been placed on the map.

Traffic cams also feature. Image: James Potter

It's not perfect, of course. The data feeds that power the site only have so much resolution. So, for example, it's easy to find cases of boats navigating suspiciously far inland. Trains and buses do not provide GPS data, so their locations are inferred by countdown times. Plus, the site, as per its name, only shows what's going on in Zone One.

Boats tend to stray inland a bit (left) Image: James Potter

Caveats aside, this is a spectacular visualisation of what our city's public transport is up to at any given moment. In its current form, it's too unwieldy to use as a navigation aid, but it could personalise it to show, for example, 'every bit of public transport coming near me in the next five minutes, and where it's heading', then it could have way-finding potential.

Have a play with ZONE ONE here.

Edward Shawcross, author of The People's Emperor: The Unlikely Rise and Spectacular Fall of Napoleon III, writes how London fell head over heels for a deluded Frenchman who turned out not to be so deluded after all.

Napoleon III lived in London twice, befriending the likes of Charles Dickens and Benjamin Disraeli. Image: Public Domain

"Really", recorded an overwhelmed Queen Victoria, "to think of a Gd Daughter of George IIIrd, dancing with the nephew of our great enemy, the Empr Napoleon now my most firm Ally, in the Waterloo Gallery, — is incredible!"

In her bewilderment, Victoria was speaking for Britain. The ball she described was the culmination of a state visit — arranged to celebrate the Anglo-French alliance formed to fight Russia in the Crimean War in April 1855 — by the emperor of the French, Napoleon III, and his wife, the empress Eugénie. On 16 April, the imperial couple arrived at the Bricklayers Arms station in Southwark where they were met with the inscription "England and France for ever! Long live the Emperor and Empress!". One correspondent was so thrilled by the visit that he wrote to The Morning Post to suggest that Marble Arch be renamed the Arch of Napoléon.

That idea was not taken up, but tens of thousands lined the route as the imperial couple were driven in triumphant procession from Southwark through central London. Union Jacks vied with Tricolour flags in the streets; suspended from the roof of a house in the churchyard of St Paul's cathedral a banner fluttered with the imperial eagle embroidered on it; tickets for stands or on balconies in private houses sold out. As the cortège passed King Street off St James's Street, the emperor pointed out a nondescript townhouse to the empress. The crowd cheered ecstatically, for they knew this was where Napoléon III, then merely Louis-Napoléon, had once lived.

Twice a Londoner

Napoleon III was a remarkable anglophile. Image: Public Domain

For a French emperor, Napoleon III was a remarkable anglophile. Twice he had lived in London. First from 1838 to 1840 and then from 1846 to 1848 before he returned to Paris to become France's first ever directly elected president. This was an unlikely rise. In London, this nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte had been known as a dilletante — he spent much time at the British Museum writing books few people read — and a dandy. Gorgeously arrayed in the finest clothes money could buy, Louis-Napoléon hung out with disreputable literary types like Charles Dickens and Benjamin Disraeli at a salon in then-unfashionable Kensington in between seducing as many actresses and ballerinas as he could.

But what drove Louis-Napoléon in London was unwavering belief that it was his destiny to rule France and reestablish his uncle's empire. An incorrigible conspirator, he did not hide his ambitions — frequently dropping into conversation plans for what he would do when emperor, much to the amusement of those who listened with the kindly patience afforded to the deluded. After he suddenly left London in August 1840, it came as no surprise to acquaintances in England to discover that he had been arrested and condemned to life imprisonment for failing in farcical fashion to overthrow the French government. In 1846, he escaped prison, walking out the front gate disguised as a workman. Soon, he resumed his old life in London.

"'Vive le Hempereur!"

On one excursion, the emperor and empress with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert went to see the monumental iron and glass hall, the Crystal Palace. Image: Jacques-Émile Blanche, Creative Commons

Extraordinarily, his belief in his star was undimmed. As one London-based satirical newspaper commented, "it was a pity that" Louis-Napoléon indulges "so ridiculous a delusion; for strange to say, however eager this would-be Emperor may be to govern the French, they have never shown the least anxiety to become his subjects."
That changed. Revolution broke out, again, in France in February 1848 and by December of the same year Louis-Napoléon, after winning a presidential election by a landslide, had swapped King Street for the Elysée Palace. Three years later, he launched a coup d'état against the government he had sworn to protect, proclaiming himself emperor soon after. His first foray into foreign policy saw him ally with Britain and declare war on Russia.

The nation's traditional nemesis had become, as Victoria said, its firmest ally. Much to the delight of the British people, Napoléon III came back to London as emperor for the state visit in 1855. Wherever he went, crowds, bunting and flags were in abundance; ovations deafening. On one excursion, the emperor and empress with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert went to see the monumental iron and glass hall, the Crystal Palace. As they made their way cries of "Vive l'Empereur" and "Vive l'Impératrice" rang out, and, much to Victoria’s delight, she noted, "sometimes even 'Vive le Hempereur', in cockney English!".

The 1855 visit proved to be the high-water mark of Anglo-French relations; however, there was to be an elegiac final flourish. After being taken prisoner at the battle of Sedan in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian war, the emperor lost his throne. The last years of his life were spent in exile in the decidedly unimperial village of Chislehurst, then in Kent. He died here on 9 January 1873.

"The English can reach phenomenal heights of political immorality"

Image: English Heritage

Blamed for catastrophic defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, French newspapers celebrated his passing. "It is in vain that this great criminal, to escape punishment, tries to take refuge in a coffin. The future will know all his crimes", ran one obituary. In Britain, however, he was mourned. He "schemed much that was grander, nobler, more daring than any English statesmen", was The Evening Standard’s judgement.

Much to the annoyance of French journalists who came to cover the funeral, British Bonapartemania went into overdrive once more before the funeral. In London, Dickensian street urchins hawked cheap images of the late emperor. "The fervour, the adulation, the baseness of cockneys and the English bourgeoisie have not slowed for five days", complained one French correspondent. All this sympathy, he wrote, was proof that "the English can reach phenomenal heights of political immorality".

Worse was to come for the journalist, for some 20,000 turned out for the funeral on 15 January. At most, only 1,000 were French. Perhaps this was a fitting tribute. After all, speaking to a visitor about politics at Chislehurst months before he died, the former emperor of the French sighed, "How I wish the French would follow this country's example!" And, while there are few public memorials to Napoleon III in France today, the oldest surviving blue plaque in London, put up in 1867 in King Street, reads, 'Napoleon III. Lived here. 1848'.

The People's Emperor: The Unlikely Rise and Spectacular Fall of Napoleon III by Edward Shawcross, published by Faber & Faber

We featured this book because we know it's the kind of thing our readers will enjoy. By buying it via links in this article, Londonist may earn a commission from Bookshop.org — which also helps support independent bookshops.

Bitches in Stitches bring New Grrrl Order to Camden. Image: Bitches in Stitches

Edinburgh who? The Camden Fringe is back this summer — with over 400 shows staged in the pint-sized theatres and pubs of north London.

Returning for its 20th year, the performing arts festival runs from 3-30 August 2026, bringing with it a riot of theatre, sketch, comedy, dance and spoken-word performances spread across 20+ of Camden's small venues. (These days, shows also spill over the border into Islington and Westminster.)

With such a glut of stuff, we've compiled an amuse-bouche of highlights that sound particularly good fun/intriguing, but do browse the full programme.

And get booking — shows sell out!

Londongrad sounds like The Thick of It, but sillier. Image: Londongrad

LONDONGRAD: Sounding like The Thick of It but sillier, Londongrad yanks us into a Westminster of loathed prime ministers, hapless foreign secs, unhinged tech billionaires and power-crazed Russians who want to buy London. Wherever do they get their ideas... The Courtyard Theatre, 3-10 August

SECRETS OF THE SIMPSONS: Mike Reiss has penned countless episodes of The Simpsons, and for two nights in Highgate, he opens up, spilling some secrets behind the show, and answering audience questions like "How do you always manage to predict the future?!" Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 2-3 August

BITCHES IN STITCHES: "The funniest people I know bring different perspectives to the table and that's what keeps comedy surprising, sharp, and full of life." That's what Bitches in Stitches founder Fran Ayala-Rock told us about this female and non-binary-only comedy club — and in August their New Grrrl Order show gives you another chance to plug into comedy that’s loud, bold... and strangely therapeutic. Camden Comedy Club, 6 August

BEATS + STRINGS: Kansas City's Beats + Strings bring Soul Renaissance to north London, with a smorgasbord of soulful tunes performed on acoustic strings, electronic vibes and percussive beats. Nice. Hen & Chickens Theatre, 9-14 August

Kimberley Nixon plays a new mother with mental health issues, in Babybrain. Image: Kimberley Nixon

DOING REALLY WELL: A phrase we've all blurted out to some high-achieving pal, Doing Really Well, Actually! bills itself as a cross between Fleabag and Bridesmaids, in which three prosecco-soaked friends await their mate at the Bridal and Prom Dress Emporium. Except the bride to be is nowhere to be seen... Lion & Unicorn Theatre, 10, 16 and 17 August

BABYBRAIN: You may know her best as Josie from Fresh Meat, but at the Camden Fringe, Kimberley Nixon spins a 'slightly true story' as Cass, a new mother with mental health issues, who dreams of being a stand-up comedian. Bridewell Theatre, 10-12 August

SYNCING: You remember NSYNC, right? Well now they're back — kind of. Syncing is set in the troubled days of 2002 when Justin Timberlake has abandoned his boyz for a solo career. With their frosted tips fading and egos bruised, Lance, Joey, JC and Chris must figure out how to keep the band together. (It's a comedy. We hope.) Lion & Unicorn Theatre, 10-12 August

DANCE PLAGUE: Runaway princesses, medieval music festivals and maniacal high priests riddle the 'contagious' Dance Plague of 1518, a comedy unabashedly cashing in on the trend for historical musicals, with the caveat that the cast and writers know zilch about their subject matter. (To be fair, that never stopped Oh, Mary!). Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 11-13 August

How will they cope without Justin? Image: Syncing

FABLE OF FRITZ: The wider fringe is largely for adults, but The Untold Fable of Fritz is squarely aimed at kids — a spin on Philip Pullman's short story, Clockwork, about an everlasting stone-cold ice age king and his dying son. Three actors play fives times as many characters, in this play described as 'Horrible Histories meets Narnia'. Rosemary Branch Theatre, 16 August

GREAT DIVINATOR: As the only show currently listed under the festival's 'mentalism' category, we had to include The Great Divinator, in which Katie Trantor plays the eponymous 19th century spirit medium, who'll cajole you into some spooky audience participation. "Fake Moustache! Real Mindreading!" is the guarantee. The Water Rats, 23 August

3 PHONE CALLS: Mother & Son Productions are just that: the theatrical twosome of Alby and Elric Stockley, who deliver a play based on real calls made between them. With themes of queer abuse and assault, 3 Phone Calls promises to be hard-hitting stuff. It's followed by a Q&A. Lion & Unicorn Theatre, 23 and 30 August

CHRONOS: Among the smattering of dance shows across the festival is Chronos, an ethereal piece inspired by the Buddhist Dunhuang frescoes discovered in caves in China. But as dances of flowing ribbons, layered tulle and ritualistic movement unfold, the timeless scene is interrupted by fingers on keyboards and a phone ringing. Just make sure it's not yours. The Courtyard Theatre, 30 August

Camden Fringe runs 3-30 August 2026.

Free things to do in London this week.

West End Live brings free musical theatre to Trafalgar Square. Image: West End Live

Architecture fest

Continuing until the end of June, London Festival of Architecture has a packed programme, including many free events. Budget-friendly options this week include a guided walk through Walworth focusing on the spaces which hold communities together; Your London, an interactive experience inviting you to share your perspective on the capital; and the Cody Dock Summer Festival, where new exhibition space The Boat House is unveiled.

Check out the full programme (but note: not everything on there is free).

Until 30 June.

American independence

This summer marks 250 years since the United States Declaration of Independence, an anniversary which'll be widely celebrated on and around 4 July.

Ahead of that, the National Maritime Museum opens a new, free display in its Caird Library this Monday, showcasing what's thought to be the first report of American independence to reach Britain. It centres around a letter dated 10 July 1776 and a handwritten copy of the Declaration made between 5 and 10 July 1776.

Both were sent to John Montagu, First Lord of the Admiralty, mere days after the Declaration was first printed in Philadelphia.

From 15 June.

Agriculture's climate crises

Though the big opening at Hayward Gallery this week is the (paid) Anish Kapoor exhibition, head to its HENI Project Space for the first UK exhibition of Indian artist Kulpreet Singh.

The free display, Indelible Black Marks, uses films and paintings to highlight the urgent link between climate change and agricultural crises, with particular focus on the ritual of stubble-burning — setting fire to straw remnants to prepare the fields for a new crop cycle.

16 June-2 August.

Dickens talk

Author Livi Michael is at the Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury on Wednesday to discuss the research behind her latest novel, Elizabeth and Ruth.

It explores the real-life correspondence between Gaskell and Dickens, focusing on a young girl Gaskell attempted to help amidst the censorship and social prejudices of the Victorian era.

Watch in-person at the Doughty Street townhouse or online via Zoom. Entry to the museum is not included with the free talk.

17 June.

Lunchtime music

Image: National Maritime Museum.

If you find yourself in Greenwich on Wednesday lunchtime, chamber music students from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance are giving a free performance in the Great Hall inside Queen's House.

17 June.

Dutch Pride

With Pride in London happening next month, the Dutch Centre gets the party started early, to mark 35 years of same sex marriage in the Netherlands, 30 years of Amsterdam Pride — and 10 years of same sex weddings at the Dutch Church in London.

The LGBTQ+ Festival on Thursday evening begins with a screening of three short films curated by Roze Filmdagen, followed by a celebration in the church hall led by Rev. Bertjan van de Lagemaat and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Paul Huijts. A surprise live act appears later in the evening.

It's free to attend, but book a ticket so the organisers can plan around numbers.

18 June.

Museum after hours

'Alchemy after dark' is the theme of this month's late-night opening at the Bank of England Museum. Visit once the daytime crowds have left, for entertainment centred around a limited-time art installation by Melek Zeynep, depicting the timeless struggle to turn base metal into gold. You can also take part in craft activities with an alchemy theme, as well as browsing the museum's usual exhibits and displays.

18 June.

Ideas Festival

The British Academy invites the public inside its Carlton House Terrace home for its annual Festival of Ideas, bringing experts together for talks and activities on all manner of topics.

It kicks off with a Friday Late, with discussions about the ethics of dating apps, and sarcasm in multilingual speakers — as well as craft activities, short film screenings and pop-up research stations where British Academy members introduce their current work.

Saturday has a packed schedule including a headline talk by Sunil Amrith, winner of the British Academy Book Prize, and author of The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years. Elsewhere, take tours of the British Academy building, hear talks about neurodiversity, apartheid history and sustainability in ancient civilisations. That's just a taster of the packed programme.

19-20 June.

Windrush celebrations

Head to the National Maritime Museum on Saturday for its free, family-friendly Windrush Day event.

Celebrate the lives and legacies of those who arrived in Britain on the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. Try your hand at Caribbean cloth printing, view a photography display, watch short films, trace your ancestors in a Caribbean family history workshop, and watch panel discussions about the Windrush legacy. Discover more Windrush events (some of them free) in our roundup.

20 June.

Okinawa Day

Image: The Blue

London's annual Okinawa Day celebrates the music, dances and food from the islands of the Ryukyu archipelago in southern Japan. Head to the Blue Market in Bermondsey on Saturday for classical music Ryukyu-style, folk-song performances on the sanshin, and karate demonstrations.

20 June.

World-class haircuts

You too could look like this bloke. Image: viagogo

Ever fancied recreating the peroxide curls of Carlos Valderrama, or Glenn Hoddle's infamous mullet on top of your bonce? This weekend, viagogo is taking over Ruffians Shoreditch to give footie fans the world-class hairstyle of their dreams. (Whether anyone else thinks it looks world-class remains to be seen.) Book your one-hour appointment.

20-21 June.

West End in Trafalgar Square

This weekend is the most wonderful time of the year for musical theatre fans. Stars from London's current West End musicals perform FOR FREE on a pop-up stage in Trafalgar Square.

West End Live is a huge, free festival, with casts from Beetlejuice The Musical, Cabaret, Hamilton, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Matilda The Musical, Paddington The Musical, Six, Wicked and many more confirmed as performing this year (exact schedule should be available some time this week).

It's an incredibly popular event, and unticketed, so you'll need to arrive very early to be in with a chance of getting in. Large numbers of people are turned away each year when the square reaches capacity. Consider yourself warned!

20-21 June.

A fully functioning teahouse operated at the Japanese Village. Image: British Library Newspapers via CC BY-SA 4.0

In Victorian London, you could walk down a Japanese street of bamboo shops and dwellings fitted with thatched roofs and oiled paper windows, call in at a Buddhist temple then retire to a teahouse to sip a steaming cup of sencha.

Japan sits high in the conscience of modern day London, everywhere from Kensington's Japan House, to the mountains of katsu curry and takoyaki inhaled with gusto in London's glut of Japanese restaurants. Late Victorian Londoners harboured a similar fascination. With trade and diplomatic relations between Britain and Japan galvanised in the mid-19th century, the drawing rooms of middle class Londoners began to clutter up with "paintings, pottery, china, kimonos, fans, screens, silks, and swords". The 1862 International Exhibition in South Kensington even housed a Japanese Court. But 1885 was the year Japanomania really made its mark on the British capital.

Real shops, temples and teahouses

The Mikado debuted at the Savoy Theatre a couple of months after the Japanese Village opened, and W.S. Gilbert visited the latter to inform his writing on the opera. Image: public domain

While writing duo Gilbert and Sullivan put the finishing touches to their Japan-set comic opera The Mikado, over in Humphrey's Hall, Knightsbridge, a full 'Japanese Native Village' opened. The concept of impresario Tannaker Buchirosan, a man who'd already hosted Japanese events around Britain, the unprecedented village layout prided itself on on its 'authenticity', an advert declaring it to be:

...erected and peopled exclusively by natives of Japan (males and females). Amongst whom are skilled artificers and workers who will illustrate the manners, customs, and art industries of their country, clad in their national and picturesque costumes.

For the price of a shilling, curious Londoners could step into a distant land; wander around Japanese gardens; watch marital arts demos; visit temples officiated by real priests; peruse shops and buy fans, toys and musical instruments; then retreat to the teahouse, to be served cups off lacquer trays by kimono-wearing attendants.

Importantly, Londoners could rub shoulders with real Japanese people. It was the closest most would ever get to exploring Tokyo or Kyoto, and the Japanese Village was wildly popular, clocking in quarter of a million people in its first five months. W. S. Gilbert popped his head in for some inspiration, while provincial towns up and down the country hastily constructed "many wretched imitations", as Buchirosan would call them.

A true picture of Japan?

The Village Here painted a picture of a 'quaint' and 'simple' Japan that didn't reflect the rapidly changing country. Image: public domain

On the one hand, this really was an authentic experience. Not only did some 100 Japanese craftspeople and performers populate the village, some had spent months building it, and most even slept here at night.

But the Japanese Village had an agenda. Here was a picture of a 'quaint' and 'simple' Japan; one which glossed over the country's rapid modernisation and industrialisation during the Meiji era — not to mention that in the real Japan, folk were increasingly wearing Western attire. As Anna Jackson, Keeper of the Asia Department at V&A, says: "The lives of these supposedly simple, innocent, primitive Japanese people could be viewed with escapist longing by those coming to terms with the complexities of life in the industrialised West.

"This admiration for the simplicity and purity of Japanese life was, however, entirely dependent on the unshakeable belief in the ultimate superiority of Western civilisation."

To put it another way, if this had been a British Village in Tokyo, everyone would've been whirling around a maypole while singing Scarborough Fair, glugging flagons of mead and rolling cheese wheels all over the place. All very pleasant, but all rather disingenuous.

"One of the prettiest sights in London"

Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. Image: Ivelin Donchev

On 2 May 1885, disaster struck, when a fire — probably caused by the gas lamps that lit the place at night — burned the entire village down, killing a Japanese wood carver. The West London Standard blithely suggested (using a slur we won't replicate here): "While the carts of the contractors are at work, it might have been well had carte blanche been given to Carte of the Savoy, to add to the realism of the 'Mikado,' by introducing the unemployed [Japanese people] in some of his scenes."

London's Japanese Village was reconstructed before the end of the year, and even expanded with "various free-standing idols, and a pool spanned by a rustic bridge" — running until June 1887. The Graphic declared it "one of the prettiest sights in London".

Though such a setup would be deemed stereotypical now, the Japanese Village was an influential moment — a precursor to the sights, sounds and tastes of Japan we enjoy in London today — from Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, to the Royal Albert Hall 's recent sell-out Grand Sumo Tournament, to the Hyper Japan festival, now so popular it visits London twice a year. What might baffle anyone who visited that whimsical Japanese Village 140 years ago, is how so many of the cutting edge gadgets used by Londoners in 2026 were made in Japan, not here.

Your weekly roundup of Londonist news and features.

Skyscraper Hospital: St Mary's In Paddington To Be Rebuilt At 30 Storeys

Tallest hospital in London.

Try OXO Flavoured Ice Cream At This Eccentric Pop-Up Boutique

Loopy scoops.

Updated: Which Tube And Elizabeth Line Stations Have Mobile 4G And 5G Access?

A map of the places you can get a phone signal.

DLR Extension: New Station Designs Revealed As Public Consultation Launched

Construction could begin in 2029.

Windrush Day 2026: Things To Do In London

Immerse yourself in Caribbean heritage and Black British history.

Image: Love Camden

Radiohead + Shakespeare = Hamlet Hail To The Thief

Unlikely crossover comes to London.

Image: Manuel Harlan.

Wimbledon 2026 Match Screenings: Where To Watch The Tennis Action On The Big Screen In London

Bring on the strawberries!

Where Is Itchycoo Park?

Five contenders in east London.

Meet Barney, London's Oldest And Largest Plane Tree

What a champ!

Did You Know Walthamstow Has A 'Greek' Amphitheatre?

It's been putting on shows for almost 100 years 🤯

Image: Greek Theatre Players

Ian McKellen Unveils Blue Plaque For Laurence Olivier

One great actor pays homage to another.

Coopers' Cask Race: One Of The City's Newest Tradition Returns In July

Who will be this year's Caskmasters?

The Old Things Of Old Street

How old is Old Street and what old things does it have upon it?

How To Go Backstage At The National Theatre For Free

See props and sets being made every week.

A Miscellany Of 'Firsts' On The London Underground

What was the first poem on the underground? Or first graffiti?

Looking Ahead: Things To Do In London This Week: 15-21 June 2026

The best things to do in London over the coming seven days.

Image: Manuel Harlan

Tube photographer Luke Agbaimoni — aka Tube Mapper — tells us about his Favourite Stations project.

"What has fascinated me most is the connection people have with stations." Image: Luke Agbaimoni/Tube Mapper Project

The London Underground is something quite special — one of the city's defining features and one of its biggest attractions. As the oldest underground railway in the world, it functions as the heartbeat of London.

For many people, it's also the easiest and most familiar way to travel around the city. As a result, most of us have experiences, memories and opinions connected to the Tube.

Tour guide ands author Katie Wignall at Piccadilly Circus. Image: Luke Agbaimoni/Tube Mapper Project

I've always been drawn to discovering what makes London Underground stations special to people since I began the Tube Mapper project. What has fascinated me most, as I've shared my images online, in my books and through my calendars, is the connection people have with stations. I regularly hear from people who tell me stories about them, some personal, some historical, some deeply emotional, and others light hearted — but all expressing why they love the Underground and, in many cases, particular stations.

Over time, that gradually led me to start the Favourite Stations project — in which I get people to show me their favourite Tube stations, and explain what they are special to them.

Playwright Tom Woffenden at Cockfosters. Image: Luke Agbaimoni/Tube Mapper Project

Central stations are generally the most popular, as they tend to be the busiest and most used. The two stations that get mentioned most often are probably Piccadilly Circus and Baker Street.

That said, people are often drawn to stations they grew up near or places where they have particularly fond or memorable experiences. Personal connections frequently matter more than the station itself.

Illustrator Shio at King's Cross St Pancras. Image: Luke Agbaimoni/Tube Mapper Project

When I ask people about their favourite station, I'm always amazed by the memories, stories and life events that emerge. Fiona, a singer and songwriter I interviewed, chose Peckham Rye station because, during a difficult period when she was homeless and working, she would practise singing in the waiting room before teaching lessons. The acoustics made it a perfect place to rehearse.

Comedian Shalaka Kurup at Finsbury Park. Image: Luke Agbaimoni/Tube Mapper Project

TV presenter and interior designer Anna Campbell-Jones chose Barons Court because, in the 1990s, there was a barber shop outside that was one of the few places willing to cut women's hair short. It also became a popular meeting point for her and her friends.

I also enjoyed stand-up comedian Shalaka Kurup's simple reason for choosing Finsbury Park: the ease of transferring between the Piccadilly and Victoria lines in the same direction via a straightforward platform passageway.

Videographer and historian Jago Hazzard at Maida Vale. Image: Luke Agbaimoni/Tube Mapper Project

One of my favourite photographs is of Nay, a London Underground train driver, at Bow Road station.

She grew up in a flat above the District line and remembers feeling and hearing the rumble of trains beneath her home as a child. It was wonderful walking through Bow Road station with her and hearing her describe the experience of driving a District line train for the first time and passing underneath the very flat where she grew up.

Train driver Mel at Newbury Park. Image: Luke Agbaimoni/Tube Mapper Project

I get asked about my favourite station all the time, and my answer usually surprises people: Bank/Monument.

For those unfamiliar with it, Bank is a giant labyrinth that fills many Londoners and commuters with dread as they navigate its seemingly endless corridors and lengthy interchanges. It's a station many people avoid if they can.

Anthony Dramanu  of Hidden Gems London at Gloucester Road. Image: Luke Agbaimoni/Tube Mapper Project

For me, though, it's absolutely fascinating.

Monument station first opened on 6 October 1884 under the name Eastcheap, and the wider Bank/Monument complex contains sections from many different periods. Walking through it feels a bit like exploring a museum of London Underground design, showcasing well over a century of architectural and engineering history.

I also find it amusing that the station has 16 marked entrances.

Am I covering all 272 stations in this project? Not necessarily, but you never know. The aim is simply to collect as many interesting stories as possible.

Check out more photos and videos from the Favourite Stations project, on Tube Mapper's Instagram.

The bells won't interrupt the performance... there are none. Image: Mathias Reding via Pexels

Even if you're one of the lucky few to have explored the gothic revival clock tower that rises above St Pancras station, chances are there wasn't a performance of opera going on at the time.

On Sunday 19 July 2026, you can experience just that, as the charity Opera Prelude hosts soprano Nancy Holt and pianist Weng Soon Tee, performing an hour-long programme of music spanning Dido's Lament from Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, through to If I Loved You from Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel.

Designed by George Gilbert Scott as the icing on the cake of the Midland Grand Hotel, the clock tower has long housed a private apartment, featuring a 10-metre-tall living room; this is in fact a false bell-chamber, designed to give the tower height. The clock tower has no actual bells in it though, as it turns out, the false chamber provides a stunning space for belting out a few arias.

Tickets for the performance cost £35, with proceeds going towards Opera Prelude's work nurturing talented artists.

Londonist went inside the clock tower back in 2015; see the video above for a snoop around.

Opera Prelude at St Pancras clock tower, 19 July 2026

The theatre at its 1925 opening, which starred the famous Sybil Thorndike. Image: Greek Theatre Players

In the grounds of Walthamstow Girls' School lies a unique surprise — a hidden 'Greek' amphitheatre that's been putting on plays for a century.

Built in 1924, and opening with its first production the following summer, the theatre came about at the request of Mary Norris, the then-headmistress, who chose to embellish her school with a Greek-style amphitheatre, rather than the proposed lido.

The 2018 production of As You Like It. Image: Greek Theatre Players

The performance space, today known simply as the Greek Theatre. was constructed primarily by unemployed local men, who worked partly in exchange for food, owing to the Poor Laws of the time.

Explains Mark Greenall, an expert on the theatre: "In the 1920s, there was terrible poverty and unemployment in this part of London due to a massive recession after World War One, which hit the docks and ancillary industries."

The Greek Theatre, circa 2008. Image: Greek Theatre Players

At the time, it was in vogue for prestigious public schools to have theatres like these, but Greenall reckons that Walthamstow's is the only one built at that time in the grounds of a council-run school. Norris was clearly of the mind that her girls could hold their own with the best of them, when it came to highbrow culture.

A 1966 production of Julius Caesar. Image: Greek Theatre Players

As if to hammer this point home, once the theatre was ready to be used, Norris contacted the great actor Sybil Thorndike through a cousin who happened to know her — and Thorndike agreed to play in the theatre's opening production of Medea.

A jovial rehearsal for The Merchant of Venice in 1982. Image: Greek Theatre Players

Chorus parts starred girls from the school, Greenall tells us, many of whom would dash from rehearsals to their exams still dressed in ancient Greek attire. For the inaugural performance, a staggering 800 people turned out to witness the play... although that did include everyone in the school, so a somewhat captive audience.

As You Like It, 1979. Image: Greek Theatre Players.

Through the decades, the theatre has been used for numerous school plays and speeches, and in the 1940s, even staged a dog show to raise money for the war effort and to celebrate Walthamstow's incorporation as a borough.

From 1958, a group called the Greek Theatre Players began staging a Shakespeare play here each summer, and they've done so ever since. A loose collective, the Players hire most of their costumes, and always welcome new members. "We see ourselves as very much a local tradition appealing to people who wouldn't normally think of going to see a Shakespeare," says Greenall.

Henry VI, Part 1, 2003. Image: Greek Theatre Players

The beauty of the theatre — which is ensconced in mature shrubs and trees — reckons Greenall, comes from its uniqueness as an outdoor performance arena, although this also makes for challenges for actors.

Henry V, 2007. Image: Greek Theatre Players

Says Greenall: "Acting and singing outdoors bring extra demands on technique and projection compared with indoor working. The compensation is the feeling that you're working in a magical space when the sun goes down and the lights turn the stone a slight golden colour.

"Those who act here — many of whom have worked in professional theatres up and down the land — will testify that it is a magical and intimate venue."

King Lear, 1997. Image: Greek Theatre Players

Audiences are often surprised to learn of the theatre's existence, even if they're local to the area:  "They're stunned to find such a venue hidden in the heart of the borough,"Greenall says, "The most common refrain is always that they had no idea it was there."

The cast for 1976's Love's Labours Lost. Image: Greek Theatre Players

This year, the theatre stages a production of Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor (22-25 July 2026). While you can't purchase tickets online, due to 'the unpredictability of British weather', they are available to buy on-site, and the Greek Theatre Players have always managed to fit everyone into their shows.

The Taming of the Shrew, 2021. Image: Greek Theatre Players

Visit The Greek Theatre between 22-25 July 2026 to see The Merry Wives of Windsor. Read more about the theatre on its official website.

What do you get if you combine the greatest English writer with the greatest living English band?

Hamlet Hail to the Thief is undoubtedly a clunky title, but it does at least give a fair representation of what you'll witness: Shakespeare's Hamlet accompanied by reworked songs from Radiohead's Hail to the Thief.

The unlikely crossover gets its London premiere at the Barbican in October, following sold-out shows at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford (the not-London one), and Aviva Studios in Manchester.

Original cast members, most of whom are returning. Image: Manuel Harlan.

According to organisers:

In this fast-paced distillation of the play, Shakespeare's words and Radiohead's songs illuminate one another in thrilling new ways that fuse theatre, music and movement. Personally reworked by [Thom] Yorke, the deconstructed album is performed live onstage by a cast of musicians and actors.

The creative fusion sounds mouthwatering, and begs the question: what other combos might be possible? 'The Taming of Kid A'? 'Much Ado About The Bends'? Or perhaps other artists could get in on the act, like Julius Caesar's Lonely Hearts Club Band, or the interminable 'Twelfth Night at the Opera'.

"Alas, poor Yorke!" Radiohead's Thom Yorke reworked songs from Hail to the Thief for the production. Image: Greg Williams

Tickets for Hamlet Hail to the Thief go on sale to the public at 10am on Friday 26 June via this link, and will be in high demand. Cue puns about climbing up the walls for tickets.

Hamlet Hail to the Thief runs at Barbican Theatre, 31 October 2026 to 23 January 2027.

Click or tap for larger version

Transport for London is part way through a roll-out of 4G and 5G connectivity across the tube network and Elizabeth line.

It was supposed to be complete by now, but issues with testing have prolonged the roll-out into late 2026. The new tech is a big step-up from the, frankly, temperamental wi-fi signals that only work (sometimes) within tube stations. Indeed, the underground's 5G is often faster and more reliable than that on the surface in central London.

You'll get a phone signal so long as you're on one of the four UK networks: EE, Vodafone, Three and VMO2. Your phone should automatically connect, and there is no extra charge.

Around 60% of Tube stations that are underground now have coverage. Our updates are archived below.

Jun 2026: The Bakerloo coverage has increased, with track and platforms from Queens Park to Edgware Road now boasting signal. Non-contiguous sections of Circle line have also been added.

Jan 2026: The first sections of Circle line track are now 5G enabled, between Blackfriars and Mansion House as well as Notting Hill Gate and Bayswater. Euston Square and Battersea Power Station stations have been added, though not yet the track out from them.

Jul 2025: Half a year on from our last update, and some fairly big chunks have been added. The Northern line now has coverage from Stockwell down to the southern end of the line, with Bank to Euston also added. The Victoria line has gained signal between Vauxhall and Pimlico.

Jan 2025: The Bakerloo line is now furnished with 5G between Piccadilly Circus and Embankment. Also, the section of Northern line tunnel between Stockwell and Balham is live, with coverage also possible on the platforms at Oval.

Dec 2024: The entire Elizabeth line now has signal. Most deep-level tubes in the central section are also hooked up.

July 2024: In a major update, all of the Elizabeth line from the western portal beyond Paddington through to Liverpool Street now has coverage. Further progress has also been made on sections of the Northern and Piccadilly lines,

May 2024: Central line now complete from Holland Park to Bank. Signal available in all Elizabeth line stations, if not yet the tunnels. Covent Garden station added.

December 2023: Goodge Street station is added, along with Northern tunnels from Belsize Park to Camden Town, and Central line tunnels between Tottenham Court Road and Holborn. Four Elizabeth line stations have been added: Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon and Liverpool Street.

September 2023: Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road are added, along with the Central line track between them. TfL also announces lots of imminent expansions, including the whole of the Elizabeth line, much more of the Northern line and parts of the Piccadilly. Euston's Charing Cross platforms were later added.

June 2023: Mornington Crescent has been added to the network. The tunnels between Camden Town and MC should be kitted out soon.

May 2023: Camden Town has been added to the network. With the eastern stretches of the Jubilee line, and short sections of the Central and Northern lines, approximately 10% of subsurface stations now have access. Mornington Crescent, Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road are promised next.

This feature first appeared in June 2025 on Londonist: Time Machine, our much-praised history newsletter. To be the first to read new history features like this, sign up for free here.

Baker Street: the best preserved platforms from the original 1863 opening. Image: Matt Brown

It all began on 10 January 1863. The world’s first underground passenger railway opened to the public. The origins of the Metropolitan Railway, from Paddington to Farringdon, are well documented. So instead of rehashing that, we’d instead like to dig into some notable and unusual ‘firsts’ on the railway. We’ll start with the more serious stuff, then get gradually more lighthearted.

The first accident on the underground railway

Farringdon station was the scene of the very first crash on the running railway. The collision happened on Friday 27 February 1863, just seven weeks after the line opened. A departing train struck another coming in from Paddington, after an error by a pointsman had sent it down the wrong track. We learn from news reports that around 25 people were injured, often with cuts to the head and face. Mr James Best and Mrs Charlotte Shortland received the most serious injuries, and we may consider them to be the first passengers to be harmed while riding the London Underground.

The line was cleared and reopened within half an hour. Today, it would (rightly) have been declared a major incident with serious ramifications, but the Victorians just got on with things.

First fatal accident on the railway

It would be almost four years before the first fatal accident on the Metropolitan Railway. The location was again just outside Farringdon, but this time in the opposite direction at Barbican station, then called Aldersgate Street.

The tragedy occurred on 19 December 1866. The fatal blow came from above rather than from another train. A four-ton girder fell from the construction site of Smithfield Market, just over the tracks. It smashed through the roof of a second-class carriage with devastating results. One lady, 68-year-old Sarah Johnson, was killed immediately, "her skull having been frightfully fractured and her neck broken". Two other passengers in the car (Henry Lukey and Charles Passmore) and the guardsman (Charles Dant) were thrown onto the tracks. They were found still alive beneath the girder, but "crushed by its superincumbent weight... fearfully mutilated". St Bartholomew's Hospital was mercifully close to the site but the three could not be saved.

Once again, the line was up and running within half an hour.

The first subterranean pickpocket

Crowds of people huddled together on dimly lit platforms made for a pickpocket’s paradise. Petty theft was rife. As far as we can tell, the earliest trial for pickpocketing occurred on 28 January, just 18 days after the line opened. The alleged malefactor was John Rice, a “stylishly dressed” 17-year-old. He was accused of lifting a purse from a Mrs Clementson, who was awaiting a train at Gower Street (now Euston Square) station. He seems to have been acquitted, for he appeared again in court later that year on similar charges (which he again overcame).

The first fatal umbrella attack

Gower Street was also the scene of the network’s first known death by umbrella. While riding the Metropolitan Railway, Mr Frederick Klein got into a heated argument with James Vaughan, who had squeezed into the already overcrowded carriage. “I’m a first-class passenger,” claimed Vaughan, as if that should merit him a place. “If you are, then you have not a first-class tongue,” countered Klein.

After much exchange of insults, Klein alighted at Gower Street. He was followed onto the platform by Vaughan who proceeded to ram the point of his umbrella into his opponent’s eye. The injury proved fatal, but only after a few days of agony. The delay meant that Vaughan could only be charged with manslaughter rather than murder. Bizarrely, he received only a 12-month sentence for the appalling attack.

The first person to ride on the London Underground

Now this would be quite a claim to fame, wouldn’t it? Sadly, the names of the first passengers are lost to history (or hidden in an archive somewhere). We do know, however, that the first trial with passengers who weren’t railway men occurred on 28 November 1861, more than a year before the line opened to the public.

A group of journalists boarded a train at Great Western (Paddington) and took a short run to Chapel Street (Edgware Road). They then strolled through the tunnels to Euston Square, where another train took them to King's Cross. Said one adjective-spewing reporter: "The tunnels, instead of being close, dark, damp, and ill-smelling passages, are wide, spacious, clean, and excellently well lit, resembling more a well-kept street by night than a subterranean passage through the very heart of the metropolis".

The names of the journalists are not recorded, but we do know that the journey included railway bigwigs John Fowler (chief engineer) and WH Wilkinson (Chair), and a secretary by the curious name of Mr Henchman. These, then, are the first named individuals ever to ride on London Underground. We’ve told the story in more depth in a previous article.

In case you’re wondering, the famous image of William Gladstone riding in an open-topped wagon (see below) occurred almost half a year later. This was the first train to run the full length of the line with passengers:

We thought we'd colourise this famous image for you. Gladstone’s the one in the tall hat.

First poetry on the Underground

According to a contemporary Punch magazine, this clunky stanza was pinned to the insides of carriages in January 1864.

PASSENGERS ARE EARNESTLY REQUESTED
NOT TO OPEN THE CARRIAGE DOORS
UNTIL THE TRAIN STOPS AT THE PLATFORM;
OR THEY'LL COME CROPPERS ON THE FLOORS.

Of course, this might just be an invented merriment from the satirical magazine, but I think it’s genuine because the newspaper then go on to critique its clumsy style and verbiage. “The ‘Carriage doors’? Why carriage? What other doors are there to open?”

Punch then goes on to suggest its own, more succinct, messaging:

“DON’T TOUCH THE DOOR TILL THE TRAIN STOPS, YOU ASS.”

First Underground jokes

Punch is also the source for the first witticisms (‘joke’ would be pushing it) that we can find about the Underground. The following appeared in July 1862, about half a year before the line opened:

The sideswipe relates to a series of incidents that saw sewer water pour onto the tracks. The most serious occurred in June 1862, when the Fleet Sewer burst out of its culvert after heavy rain. The damage to the under-construction railway was severe and took two months to make good, delaying the opening.

It’s not that hard to find other ‘jokes’ about the new railway. It is hard to find good jokes about the new railway.

(From Punch, Feb 1863).

And finally, here’s yet another we chanced across from the Western Morning News, 7 February 1867:

Even in the 1860s, that would have raised more groans than guffaws.

The first graffiti on the Underground

In 1864, just 14 months after the opening of the Metropolitan Railway, Mr Aquila John Williams was up before the magistrate accused of writing "obscene words... calculated to pollute the minds of the passengers on that railway" [Cork Examiner, 10 March 1864]. History does not record his selection of phrase. For the sake of argument, let’s assume it was some lewd wordplay involving Lord Palmerston.

He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay 40 shillings plus costs. In summing up, the judge said he was confident that the case's publicity "would be effectual in preventing such conduct in future." And no one ever wrote a naughty word on the tube ever again.

Sir Ian McKellen unveiled the plaque at Olivier's childhood home in Pimlico. Image: English Heritage

Laurence Olivier already has a statue, a spot in Poets' Corner, and a theatre auditorium named in his honour. Now add to that an official Blue Plaque.

On 10 June 2026, said plaque was unveiled at Olivier's childhood home at 22 Lupus Street, Pimlico. It was here that Olivier lived between the ages of 6 and 11, his father serving as curate at the nearby St Saviour's Church.

The young Olivier was already flaunting his thespian chops. After the actor Sybil Thorndike saw him in a school production, she gushed to Laurence's dad: "But this is an actor. Absolutely an actor. Born to it."

Olivier's statue on the South Bank. Image: Londonist

At 22 Lupus Street itself, the budding actor is said to have transformed a wooden box and a set of blue curtains into a stage, performing songs, dances and dramatic scenes for hours at a time. He would go on to sell out stages across London and the globe. Shakespeare was a speciality, although he also appeared in Hollywood films throughout his career, including Rebecca, Sleuth and Marathon Man.

Said English Heritage Senior Historian Howard Spencer: "What makes Lupus Street so special is that it is where it all began for Olivier, as an imaginative London child first discovering a love of performance. The plaque celebrates the formative home where one of Britain's greatest cultural figures first found his voice as an actor."

"In his lifetime Laurence Olivier's achievements, on stage and on screen, were unique and legendary," said McKellen. Image: English Heritage

Another great actor, Sir Ian McKellen, was there to unveil the plaque. In his lifetime Laurence Olivier's achievements, on stage and on screen, were unique and legendary," said McKellen. "He was a Hollywood star, the first Director of the National Theatre of Great Britain, producer, director, as well as actor."

Last year, a Blue Plaque was erected at the former Mayfair home of Audrey Hepburn.

You never know what you'll see dangling backstage at the NT. Image: Londonist

No animals are hurt in the making of the National Theatre's productions, though it doesn't always look that way judging from a visit to the prop department.

Dangling from the assembly area when we're there is the decapitated head of beautiful white horse. Before it hovered ominously here — the base of its broad neck smothered in stage blood — it briefly appeared above the Olivier stage in the NT's production of Bacchae. Now retired, the lower part of the horse will be recycled, although its head is too magnificent to destroy, and will wind up as a serious talking point some place or other.

A portrait of Sir Larry keeps a watch over Drum Road. Image: Londonist

Stashed away elsewhere in the props department is Pat the 'stunt tortoise' used in a 2003 production of the Tom Stoppard play Jumpers. Pat — who, it should be pointed out, is not a real tortoise — was stamped on and 'crushed to death' night after night, a blood pack secreted beneath its part-detachable shell. So realistic was this death-by-foot, the NT received a flood of complaints from people aghast that a live tortoise was being sacrificed every night. Chuffed with themselves, the props department pinned up every letter they received on the wall.

You can visit this bustling part of the theatre on guided tours of the National Theatre — where you get ushered from concrete auditorium to concrete auditorium, while being fed stories about on-stage mishaps, and Laurence Olivier, the NT's first Artistic Director, bombing around London in his black cab which he spray-painted the same purple as the seats in the auditorium here that was named in his honour.

Almost all of the NT's sets and props are made in-house. Image: Londonist

That's a paid-for experience, but if you're looking for a thriftier alternative, you can visit the NT's scenery and prop-making department without paying a penny. The Sherling Backstage Walkway is open to the public for free Wednesdays and Saturdays, 12pm-6pm every week, affording you an overhead view of the various workshops and assembly areas in which props and scenery — almost all of which is made in-house — are put together, painted, shifted about, disassembled and recycled.

Whether you're an acolyte of the theatre, or just looking for somewhere interesting to duck out of the rain, this a fascinating place to come. You'll see 'Drum Road' a corridor filled with oversized stage bibelots, and overlooked by a giant portrait of Laurence Olivier. Titbits of info are displayed up on the wall (did you know that wigs and fake beards are made from the belly hair of albino yaks?), and every time you visit, there'll be something new to see.

Plus, if you're looking to stage — you can hire everything from suits of armour to hospital beds. Don't suppose you're interested in a massive bloody horse head?

You can access the Sherling Backstage Walkway is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 12pm-6pm only, for free. Entry is via the foyer of the Dorfman Theatre.

Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin'... Image: Laura Miller

You've heard of Taskmaster — now here's Caskmaster.

On Saturday 4 July, teams will get rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin' as they compete in the annual Coopers' Cask Race in Guildhall Square.

Hosted by the Worshipful Company of Coopers, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was some ancient tradition stretching back centuries. In fact, the Coopers' Cask Race has only been going since 2021 — and it takes its inspiration from the States.

All 32 team spots have been snapped up for 2026. Image: Laura Miller

"As a Company, we were keen to enter the post-Covid world more outward-looking, more active and more engaging," explains Liam Randall, Upper Warden of the Worshipful Company of Coopers. "Cask rolling came to us from the United States: wonderfully quirky, and a perfect fit."

The initial challenge was finding a suitable course. "We approached the Honourable Artillery Company's grounds, but the groundsman wasn't best pleased. We eyed the Tower of London, only to find the wildflower meadows had just been planted. So we took our cue from the City's great inter-livery traditions, the pancake race and Cart Marking among them, and settled on Guildhall Yard.

Dressing up is optional, but boy did this lot go for it. Image: Laura Miller

"It suits the Company's history rather well: faulty casks were historically brought to Guildhall to be destroyed if they failed to meet standard."

The tradition might be American, but all the casks are made here in the UK, specifically by Jonathan Manby, a cooper working in Yorkshire and one of the very few left in England. They come in different sizes: the hogshead is a size up from a barrel, while pins are the smallest variation — designed for children to roll on the day (this is very much a family event).

And nope, there's no wine, ale or any other kind of refreshment inside the casks. They're empty.

How cask racing works

The calm before the storm. Image: Laura Miller

Livery companies and corporates* form relay teams of four. One at a time, they race up and down the yard as fast as they can, handing the cask over to the next team-mate. Fastest team wins. "We've expanded the track to four lanes, up from three, with teams racing in pools," says Randall.

Reigning champions are the Merchant Taylors' Company, although, as you'd expect, the Coopers' rolling credentials are right up there too. "One year we take it, the next they do," says Randall, "A thoroughly friendly rivalry has formed."

Teams race relay style, in groups of four. Image: Laura Miller

Before a single cask is rolled, however, they're blessed in a ceremony performed by Martin Poll, former personal chaplain to the King. This ritual was introduced following an incident in 2021. "In our first year of racing," says Randall, "the weather was exceptionally hot and the staves shrank. The hoops, the metal rings holding the wood in place, are hammered on by our Coopers through sheer brute force, but to our dismay they began rolling off mid-race, with hoops going everywhere. It was something out of a Carry On film, Carry On Coopering.

"A few well-chosen words, we find, go a long way towards preventing both splintered staves and bruised egos."

Everyone is welcome to come and watch. Image: Laura Miller

Anyone can come and spectate at the Coopers' Cask Race, which is free and family-friendly. And if watching on as other people do exercise proves thirsty work, you're invited to post-race drinks at the Wren Tavern.

Coopers' Cask Race, Guildhall Yard, starts 9.30am, 4 July 2026, free

*All 32 places are now sold out for 2026.

Play board games with the Caribbean Social Forum at the National Maritime Museum. Image: NMM

Windrush Day — 22 June — marks the anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush docking in Tilbury in 1948, bringing Afro-Caribbean immigrants to the United Kingdom.

Many of those passengers stayed in the UK, settling in London or further afield, finding jobs, raising families and becoming part of their local communities.

More recently, the Windrush Scandal has hit the headlines, with people who arrived on the Windrush and via other means being wrongly detained or deported, despite having the right to live in the UK. It was the Windrush Scandal which intensified the campaign for Windrush Day to be recognised, and the first official Windrush Day was held in 2018, to recognise the contributions made by migrants to UK society, as well as celebrating their heritage.

Here's where to celebrate Windrush Day 2026 in London.

Windrush 26 @ Brixton House (13-20 June)

Brixton House gets the party started early, kicking off a week of Windrush events on 13 June with Come Mek We Larf, a night of African-Caribbean comedy. That's followed by events including a reading of Derek Walcott's Pantomime, in which the staging of a panto between an English hotel owner and his Black Trinidadian handyman turns out to be very revealing about colonial history; and Bringing the Vibez, a free afternoon of DJs, exercise workshops, clothing vendors and more.

Windrush 26 @ Brixton House, 13-20 June

Hackney Windrush events 2026 (14 June-19 July)

Image: Hackney Council

A plethora of Windrush events takes place across Hackney borough, starting a week ahead of the big day itself — and ploughing on well into July. Watch Jah Makin It Happen: A Reggae Musical at Hackney Empire, dig into Caribbean dishes at A Taste of Windrush and attend Windrush Herstory workshops at Dalston CLR James Library. That's just a flavour of what's happening.

Hackney Windrush events, 14 June-19 July

Lewisham Windrush Day events (15-21 June)

Home to many residents from, and descendants of, the Windrush generation, Lewisham borough has a generous helping of events taking place in 2026, including Caribbean dance workshops, community storytelling, carnival headpiece crafting and board games.

Lewisham Windrush Day events, 15-21 June

Lambeth Windrush Day events (18-28 June)

The smattering of Windrush events in Lambeth include a discussion with author Beulah 'Guess' Smith-Coombs, about her memoir They Call Me Guess (charting her early childhood in 1950s rural Jamaica, before her move to swinging 60s Britain), and a reminiscence workshop on the dresses and personal photos of Windrush pioneer Girleyvine.

Celebrations conclude long after the day itself, with the fourth annual Big Caribbean Lunch — a street party-vibe affair in Brixton's Windrush Square.

Lambeth Windrush Day events, 18-28 June

Haringay Windrush Day events (20-26 June)

A couple of great looking Black history walking tours (one in Tottenham, the other along Green Lanes), form part of Haringay's week of Windrush events. The free entry Blockorama steel pan festival — taking place at Lordship Recreational Ground — should get you up on your feet, too.

Haringay Windrush Day events, 20-26 June

Windrush Day 2026 @ National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (20 June)

Image: NMM

As ever, Greenwich's National Maritime Museum goes all out for Windrush Day (or in this case a couple of days before, on 20 June) — with an action-packed day of events at the museum, and in the grounds outside the Queen's House and National Maritime Museum. Events include board games with the Caribbean Social Forum, an actor playing Windrush voyager Pearl Morris and a Caribbean cloth printing workshop inspired by Althea McNish.

National Maritime Museum Windrush Day, 20 June, 11am-4pm, free

Windrush Homecoming Celebration, Kentish Town (20 June)

Image: Love Camden

Ska and reggae, African and Caribbean crafts, sports activities for kids, and food and drink galore are on the docket for the Windrush Homecoming Celebration, taking place on Talacre Town Green in Kentish Town West.

Windrush Homecoming Celebration, 20 June, 12pm-6pm, free

Windrush Heritage Community Family Day @ Lloyd Park, Croydon (20 June) and the Windrush Generation Legacy Association @ Whitgift Centre Croydon (ongoing)

The 'Gaan a Farin' permanent exhibition. Image: Londonist

The sounds of classic reggae, soca, Afrobeat, soul and calypso ring out over Croydon's Lloyd Park on 20 June, for the Windrush Heritage Community Family Day, which also features Caribbean cuisine, children's activities and community stalls.

In Croydon's Whitgift Centre, meanwhile, you're welcome to call in on Tuesday-Saturday to see 'Gaan a Farin', a recreation of a Windrush era front room, dining room and bedroom. Also check out whatever temporary exhibition is on show, and chat to the friendly volunteers here.

Windrush Heritage Community Family Day, 20 June

The Windrush Generation Legacy Association, Tuesday-Saturday, free

Radiate Windrush Festival @ Mudchute Park (21 June)

A day of live music, DJs, retro and classic cars, and community activities awaits at Mudchute Park for the Radiate Windrush Festival — all helped along with servings of tropical punch. The website also promises "great weather", for which you've got to admire the optimism.

Radiate Windrush Festival, 21 June

Windrush Day 2026 @ QUEERCIRCLE, North Greenwich (21 June)

'Queer cousins of all backgrounds' are invited to an afternoon of dominoes, games, food and conversation at QUEERCIRCLE. It's hosted by Queer(ibbean) Domino Project, a setup centring queer Caribbean histories, legacies and culture. Book your space, and arrive hungry.

Windrush Day 2026, 21 June, free

Carrying the Flame @ World Heart Beat, Nine Elms (22 June)

On Windrush Day itself, World Heart Beat in Nine Elms stages an evening of reggae, ska, calypso and jazz, courtesy of pianist Ayo Vincent and genre-blending vocalist, Ava Joseph.

Carrying the the Flame, 22 June  

Windrush: A Journey of Discovery @ Shoe Lane Library, City (22 June)

Patricia Smith arrived in the UK in 1972 and was impacted by the Windrush scandal in 1984. In this free talk (happening in-person and online) she discusses the highs and lows of her experiences as a Windrusher. If you attend in person, you can also enjoy a display of Smith's paintings.

Windrush: A Journey of Discovery, 22 June, free

London, Sugar & Slavery @ London Museum Docklands (ongoing)

Image: Londonist

The permanent London, Sugar & Slavery exhibition always makes for a sobering visit: through haunting diagrams of slaves ships, the letters of Ignatious Sancho and antique sugar loaves, you'll learn how the capital played a damning role in the torture and deaths of some 15 million men, women and children — many who perished in the Caribbean.

London, Sugar & Slavery, London Museum Docklands, ongoing, free

Brixton's Black Cultural Archives (ongoing)

Aptly located on Windrush Square, the Black Cultural Archives (BCA) is home to a reading room, library and exhibition space, dedicated to collecting and recording the stories of African and Caribbean people in Britain. There are several books about the Windrush generation, and the archives also has copies of the 1948 Nationality Act, which gave all colonial subjects British citizenship, and subsequent Immigration Acts which attempted to remove this right. In 2021, the BCA teamed up with TfL to release a Black history Tube map, with each stop named after an important figure in Black British history.

BCA is open to the public, or you can explore many of its records online, as well as viewing digital exhibitions.

In 2023 we visited ahead of the launch of BCA's special Windrush exhibition, Over A Barrel: Windrush Children Tragedy and Triumph (see video above).

Have a Caribbean party in London

Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest Caribbean party of the year in London. Image: Shutterstock

Busspepper events specialise in Caribbean parties in London, including regular Bacchanal Fridays inspired by the pre-carnival parties in Trinidad, with soca music — an offshoot of the Calypso genre — a speciality. Brixton Jamm, Hoxton's Troy Bar and Hootananny Brixton are all ones to watch for regular reggae nights.

And then of course, there's carnival. Over the August bank holiday weekend, the streets of west London will once more shake and jiggle with the sounds of mas, soca and calypso for Notting Hill Carnival.  

Everyman on the Canal screens Wimbledon matches for free in King's Cross. Image: King's Cross

So you want to watch Wimbledon 2026 but you missed/failed at the ballot — and you're not spending the whole tournament glued to a TV screen indoors, while the sun's a-shinin' (hopefully!) and there's Pimm's for a-drinkin'.

Luckily, plenty of London establishments are erecting a giant screen — and possibly a deckchair or two — so you can catch the Wimbledon 2026 action al fresco.

FYI, the Wimbledon 2026 dates are 29 June-12 July. Stick it in your diary. It overlaps with the FIFA Men's World Cup, so better get scheduling your screenings...

Watch Wimbledon 2026 at Summer Screens in Canary Wharf

Bring a blanket and make an afternoon of it. Image: Canary Wharf

As part of the Summer Screens series of events, Wimbledon matches are broadcast for free on a screen in Canary Wharf's Canada Square Park. Grab refreshments at nearby bars, restaurants and supermarkets.

The same screen also hosts free open-air film screenings throughout the summer, as well as Formula 1, cricket and other major sporting events.

Wimbledon 2026 screenings in Canary Wharf, free, check the schedule closer to the time  for Wimbledon 2026 details.

Watch Wimbledon 2026 for free in Covent Garden

Covent Garden brings Wimbledon to central London. Image: Covent Garden

The Covent Garden Piazza, in a collaboration with Lanson (the official champagne of Wimbledon, don'tcha know), sets up a huge screen broadcasting the tennis, plus deckchairs to sink in, if you're quick enough. Screenings are free and strawberries are usually available to buy from pop-ups nearby (we imagine plenty of champers will be too). This one will be very popular due to its location.

Wimbledon screenings in Covent Garden, free, 29 June-12 July 2026.

Free Wimbledon screenings 2026 on South Bank

Another one that's likely to be popular due to footfall: the National Theatre is putting up a large outdoor screen outside its Understudy pub, for anyone to watch the Wimbledon action for free. Mind you, the price of a pint here will have you screaming "You cannot be serious!"

Wimbledon 2026 screenings at the National Theatre, free, 29 June-12 July 2026.

Wimbledon 2026 free screenings at Camden Market

Image: Camden Market

Wimbledon matches are shown live on an outdoor big screen in the Summer Garden at Camden Market, with deckchair seating (100 chairs available) and outdoor table tennis if you're inspired by all that thwacking on the screen. Strawberries are available from stalls in Hawley Wharf.

Wimbledon 2026 screenings at Camden Market, free, 29 June-12 July 2026.

Free Wimbledon 2026 screenings at Hammersmith Summer Festival

Image: Hammersmith Summer Festival

Now in its 19th year, the Hammersmith Summer Festival offers an ideal spot for kicking back and soaking up the tennis action. The big screen pops up in Lyric Square, with deckchairs provided, and stewards on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Wimbledon 2026 screenings at Hammersmith Summer Festival, free, 29 June-12 July 2026.

Watch Wimbledon 2026 for free at Everyman on the Canal, King's Cross

The canalside screen is always popular with Wimbledon fans. Image: King's Cross

Take a seat on the steps at Granary Square (King's Cross) during the Championships to watch the Centre Court action on a big screen that's set up on the other side of the canal. The lawn-effect steps are usually scattered with oversized pillows for extra comfort.

Once again, the screen doubles up as an outdoor cinema, with cult classics and family faves shown for free throughout the summer.

Wimbledon at Everyman on the Canal, King's Cross, free, check website for details of exact screenings closer to the time.

Free Wimbledon screenings at Cardinal Place, Victoria

Image: Cardinal Place

The Garden at Cardinal Place once again screens live action from SW19 with various food and drink offers including a cocktail pop-up from Rail House Victoria and a gelato cart from Emilia's.

Wimbledon screenings at Cardinal Place, free, 29 June-12 July 2026 (except 5 July).

Free Wimbledon screenings at One New Change

Image: One New Change

Head to the ground floor of One New Change shopping centre (right by St Paul's Cathedral) for free Wimbledon screenings. Deckchairs are angled to offer the cathedral as a backdrop as you watch the action on a large screen. A Nespresso pop-up serves white chocolate strawberry coffee, and bar service is available from the nearby F1 Arcade.

Wimbledon screenings at One New Change, free, 29 June-12 July 2026 (expect 5 July).

Wimbledon matches at KERB Sports Bar, Spitalfields

Football is the venue's main sport, but Wimbledon gets a look-in too. Image: KERB Sports Bar

For Summer 2026, KERB Sports Bar pops up at Old Spitalfields Market, and while the focus is predominantly on the football, other sports including Formula One and Wimbledon have been mentioned too. The space is split across an open-air terrace, a Clubhouse indoor bar with eight large screens, and private rooms, with food available from on-site traders Happy Face Pizza and Only Jerkin' Caribbean chicken.

KERB Sports Bar, Wimbledon screening details TBC.

Free Wimbledon 2026 screenings at Spitalfields Market

Image: Spitalfields Market

In addition to the above KERB pop-up, Spitalfields Market hosts its own summer sports screenings. Wimbledon is among the sports being shown on a giant 188-inch outdoor screen in Bishop's Square, Spitalfields Market. It's free to sit down and watch whatever's showing, full schedule TBC.

Spitalfields Summer Screen, free, from 22 May 2026.

Watch Wimbledon matches at 'Centre Court-Yard' at Ham Yard Hotel

Soho's Centre Court-Yard is back for Wimbledon 2026. Image: Ham Yard Hotel

As always during Wimbledon, Soho's Ham Yard Hotel transforms its courtyard into 'Centre-Court Yard' for the two weeks of the Championships, showing matches on a large outdoor screen. Broadcasting starts 11am daily, and booking will be available for the finals.

Centre-Court Yard at the Ham Yard Hotel, 30 June-13 July 2025, from 11am daily.

Free Wimbledon 2026 screenings at Eccleston Yards, Belgravia

Watch Wimbledon with a drink from a nearby bar. Image: Eccleston Yards

Wimbledon in the Yards is at Belgravia courtyard Eccleston Yards, with every day of Wimbledon shown on the large open-air screen, and deckchairs and benches available nearby on a first-come-first-served basis. Refreshments are available from nearby cafes, restaurants and bars.

Wimbledon in the Yards, free, 29 June-12 July 2026.

Watch Wimbledon for free in Farringdon

Work near Farringdon? Head to New Street Square for free Wimbledon screenings. Image: New Street Square

On weekdays during this year's tournament, there's space for 500 people at a time to watch on a large screen at New Street Square in Farringdon. Takeaway Indian food is available from Kaana, and Drake & Morgan's The Refinery will serve drinks.

Wimbledon screenings in New Street Square, Farringdon, free, 29 June-12 July 2026 (weekdays only).

Free Wimbledon screenings at the Piazza, Wimbledon

Want to soak up the SW19 atmosphere, but don't have tickets to get inside the All England Club? Head to The Piazza in Wimbledon town centre, which has a large screen and deckchair seating for anyone looking to tune into the latest game/set/match.

Big Screen Tennis in Wimbledon, free, 29 June-12 July 2026.

Wimbledon screenings at Summer by the River

Image: Summer by the River

Summer by the River is back along the south bank of the Thames, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, offering free outdoor screenings of Wimbledon and other sports throughout the summer. A strawberries and cream pop-up nearby serves the tennis-inspired treat.

Wimbledon screenings at Summer by the River, free, 29 June-12 July 2026, from 11am daily.

Wimbledon 2026 screenings in Islington Square

Kick back and watch the Wimbledon action. Image: Islington Square

Bag a deckchair or take your own picnic blanket to watch Wimbledon on a large screen in Islington Square. Food and drink is available to buy from local businesses including neighbourhood restaurant Megan's, coffee spot Selv Roastery, and the Bottle Cocktail Shop.

Wimbledon in Islington Square, free, 29 June-12 July 2026.

Wimbledon 2026 screenings at The Refinery(s)

Image: The Refinery

Both the Southwark and City branches of Drake & Morgan restaurant/bar The Refinery install large screens on their terraces, so you can kick back and watch the action with a beer or cocktail in hand.

Wimbledon 2026 screenings at the Refinery Bankside (Southwark) and the Refinery New Street Square (Chancery Lane), 29 June-12 July 2026.

Wimbledon 2026 at Bluebird Chelsea

Once again, the terrace at upmarket restaurant Bluebird Chelsea gets a tennis-inspired makeover — think oversized tennis balls scattered about the place — providing somewhere to tuck into a selection of themed drinks and desserts as the tournament is screened live.

Bluebird has teamed up with official Wimbledon coffee sponsor Lavazza for the seasonal menu, which includes set vanilla cream with marinated strawberries, Pimm's jelly and mint, and strawberry cheesecake and glazed chocolate orange doughnuts.

Wimbledon 2026 at Bluebird Chelsea.

Wimbledon 2026 finals at Venn Street Records

For Wimbledon finals weekend, Clapham live music venue Venn Street Records turns its attention to the tennis, hosting a weekend street party screening both the men's and women's finals on a big outdoor screen. Once the Centre Court drama's over, live music and DJs keep the party going till late.

Wimbledon finals at Venn Street Records, 11-12 July 2026.

Wimbledon 2026 finals at Strawberries & Screen, Duke of York Square

Image: Strawberries & Screen

Picking up the tail end of the tournament, Strawberries & Screen returns to Duke of York Square opposite Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery, with the men's semi-finals (10 July), women's final (11 July) and men's final (12 July) shown on a big screen. It's free, although 'VIP' deckchair seating at the front will be available — details on nabbing that TBA. There's also a pop-up bar from Chelsea Grocer, and an Aesop stall, because Chelsea.

Strawberries & Screen at Duke of York Square, 10-12 July 2026.

Free Wimbledon screenings at BST Hyde Park (2026 TBC)

BST Hyde Park OpenHouse is free, and always popular. Image: Becan Rickard-Elliott

BST Hyde Park is a huge music festival taking place over three weekends in June and July. On the weekdays in between, the festival set-up is used for Open House, a free festival of entertainment open to everyone, offering live music, film screenings... and Wimbledon screenings on certain days of the tournament (though sadly not finals weekend).

Food stalls and pop-up bars are scattered throughout the site, and with the entertainment running concurrently, you could always wander off and find a spot of samba or a live DJ set if it's a bit of a slow match.

Wimbledon screenings at BST Hyde Park. 2026 details TBC.

Pubs in Wimbledon showing tennis

Reckon this place is showing the tennis? Image: Rose & Crown

The following local boozers in the Wimbledon area will be screening the tennis:

• The Rose and Crown — screenings accompanied by a giant tennis ball installation, and live music performances throughout Wimbledon fortnight.
• The Dog & Fox — claims to have the largest screen in Wimbledon Village, situated in the pub garden. Tournament-themed food and drink includes a tennis ball scotch egg.

The alarmingly realistic tennis ball scotch egg is a Wimbledon fortnight staple at the Dog & Fox. Image: Dog & Fox

• The Alexandra — offering live screenings on its 'Alexfresco' summer terrace rooftop, where we're promised "a festival-style celebration featuring outside bars, live music and late-night DJs across both weekends, alongside exciting merchandise giveaways and complimentary samplings". Plus pizza. They've got pizza.
• The Crooked Billet — Known for cocktails and spritzes, and erects large screens for the duration of the tournament

Beyond that, check out London's best sports bars to see which Wimbledon 2026 matches they're showing (though bearing in mind that this year's tournament clashes with the World Cup, the footie might take precedence in some venues).

How many of these would you put in your mouth? Image: Anya Hindmarch

When does summer begin in London? For some it's the first sunbathing session of the year; for others, the opening fanfare of the Wimbledon theme tune. And then there's the Ice cream Project.

Now in its fifth year, this eccentric showcase of (largely) British brands — spearheaded by fashionista Anya Hindmarch — sees the sleek silver fridges of a Pont Street boutique stocked with tubs of uncannily flavoured ice creams and sorbets: McVitie's Ginger Nut biscuits, Walker's shortbread fingers, orange Capri-Sun.

Being served a scoop at the store when we visited in 2025. Image: Londonist

So far, all in good taste. And then you hit the 'really?' list, with flavours including OXO, Lurpak, Green Giant sweetcorn, Paxo stuffing and Aunt Bessie's Yorkshire puddings (presumably you're supposed to smoosh scoops of the last two in your gob simultaneously). Perhaps the curviest curveball of the 2026 season is ice cream infused with the bright pink, antiseptic eucalyptus toothpaste Euthymol. Are you supposed to spit or swallow? More importantly, can it be used as a substitute to cleaning your teeth?

Of course, half the point of all this — aside from tricking publications into writing 'Anya Hindmarch' half a dozen times — is to throw caution to the wind, and try something adventurous on your taste buds. Last year, we licked our way through the menu, finding the Twiglets ice cream "not entirely revolting" — proof that if you don't try new things, you might never discover that they're, well, perfectly OK in a roundabout way.

OXO ice cream. Get over it. Image: Anya Hindmarch

Of course, we didn't pay for any of our ice cream tasters, whereas Joe public has to shell out £4.50 for a single scoop, or £16(!) for a whole tub. Participating in the 'Blind Tasting Tea' gives you the opportunity to try all 15 flavours, although that'll cost you a cool freezing £50. Better dig deep into that Anya Hindmarch purse of yours.

The Ice Cream Project, 11 Pont Street, Kensington, until Sunday 16 August

All weekend

Sup your way around The Wine Circuit. Image: Charlie Round-Turner

HARRY STYLES' MELTDOWN: Harry Styles is the curator of this year's Meltdown at Southbank Centre, (and he's also playing Wembley this weekend — busy guy). Highlights from this weekend's Meltdown schedule include a free Riverside Boogie for all ages, and performances by Erika de Casier, Kamasi Washington and plenty of others. The action then continues into next week. 11-21 June 2026

2026 WORLD CUP: The USA, Canada and Mexico are the hosts for the 2026 World Cup. If you're watching from this side of the Atlantic, book yourself a spot at these London pubs and bars which are showing World Cup games. England's first match isn't until next week, but Scotland take on Haiti on Sunday, with several other matches this weekend too. 11 June-19 July 2026

BURGER FEST: It's all about the patties down at Richmond Athletics Ground this weekend, where Burger Fest brings together 20 top traders from all over the UK to battle it out to be crowned the winner. Expect full-size burgers, mini sliders and eating competitions. 12-14 June 2026

WINE CIRCUIT: Over 20 wine stalls, an artisan market, street food trucks and a packed programme of ticketed tastings, pairings and evening events return to Battersea Power Station for vino festival The Wine Circuit. Take part in the Strictly Bangers quiz, or Drag Wine Tasting with Beth Brickenden and Vanity Von Glow. 12-14 June 2026

HEPWORTH IN COLOUR: Barbara Hepworth's experiments with colour across sculpture and drawing are brought together in a research-led exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery. Some 20 sculptures and 30 drawings from the 1940s-60s are on show. 12 June-6 September 2026

It's Ferreira Weekend on board Cutty Sark. © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.

FERREIRA WEEKEND: Explore a lesser-known chapter of maritime history at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. The ship hosts Ferreira Weekend, a series of activities themed around the decades the famous tea clipper spent under Portuguese ownership, after being sold in 1895. Discover how the vessel was renamed and repurposed during its years away from the British merchant fleet. 13-14 June 2026

GATHERED HANDS MARKET: Creative market curator Gathered Hands hosts a weekend market of small and thoughtful makers in Clapton. Expect independent clothing, ceramics, homewares and food stalls alongside pop-up bars, BBQ and family-friendly activities. 13-14 June 2026

FOOD SEASON WEEKENDER: The British Library opens its Food Season with two days of talks and panels featuring foodies including Ruthie Rogers and Simon Russell Beale, sessions on the Silk Roads, seaweed, the legacy of Edna Lewis, food photography with Vittles — and a Firepower panel on women and BBQ (including former Londonist food editor Helen Graves). 13-14 June 2026

WANDSWORTH PRISON MUSEUM: A rare chance to visit the small but fascinating Wandsworth Prison Museum. View more than 470 objects charting the prison's history, with displays relating to Oscar Wilde, Jack the Ripper, John Haigh, the Kray twins, William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw) and Ronnie Biggs. FREE, 13-14 June 2026

Browse the Gathered Hands Market

HIGHGATE FESTIVAL: The Fair in the Square gets this year's Highgate Festival under way on Saturday, with more events over the weekend and into next week including an historic Jewish Highgate walk, and live music in Pond Square on Sunday. Full listings here. 13-21 June 2026

OUTDOOR THEATRE: Shakespeare in the Square offers open-air performances of Love's Labour's Lost in different gardens around the capital. This weekend, see it at St Peter's Square, Chiswick (Saturday) and Coronation Gardens in Southfields (Sunday). Until 12 July 2026

ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL: The London Festival of Architecture continues throughout June, with walks, talks and other events across the capital. Highlights this weekend include a summer street party at a new neighbourhood in east London, a creative family workshop at Temple Bar and tours of the medieval church of St Olave Hart Street. Until 30 June 2026

Sponsor message

An unmissable event for hot sauce fans - with the chance to win a trip to Thailand!

Calling all sriracha connoisseurs, spice fiends, and those who think pretty much any dish can be elevated with a drizzle of hot sauce… Flying Goose has a real treat for you this week.

The premium Thai sauce brand – whose green-lidded bottles all lovers of Asian cuisine will recognise a mile off – unveils its SuperGoose Collection at a ten-day pop up. For the first time ever, you’ll be able to try 30 specially-curated Flying Goose flavours under one roof. Head to Soho to discover them all, watch live cooking demos, and get your hands on exclusive merch.

And the best bit? Attendees who create and share content from the event on socials will have the chance to win one of three pairs of tickets to Thailand. Simply post any time during the pop-up’s run, tagging @‌sriracha_fg with #SuperGooseCollection + #TheGooseLandsInLondon + #SuperGoose to be entered into this incredible competition.

You’ll find the Flying Goose pop up at 59 Greek Street, 11-20 June. It’s free entry, runs 10am-7pm daily, and early birds will be rewarded, as the first 50 people through the door each day will bag themselves a free bottle of a featured Flying Goose flavour. Yum.

Saturday 13 June

Take Flight at Grand Junction. Image: Pamela Raith Photography

TAKE FLIGHT: Multi-sensory aerial performance Take Flight is designed specifically for babies aged two and under, and comes to Grand Junction in Paddington. Watch as a baby bird hatches and explores the world, culminating in a stunning aerial sequence. The 35-minute show is followed by a 15-minute stay-and-play session to let little ones investigate the interactive set. 9.30am/11.30am/1.30pm

VINTAGE BUS RIDES: London Bus Museum runs a heritage day, putting vintage buses from the 1930s-90s into service on TfL routes 213 (Kingston-Sutton) and 293 (North Cheam-Epsom). Board at a participating stop on the timetable between 10am and 5pm for a free ride. Some services even have a conductor handing out facsimile tickets. FREE, 10am-5pm

CHELSEA ARCHITECTURE: Join architect and townscape consultant Sarah Jackson for a Chelsea architecture walking tour from Sloane Square to Chelsea Creek. Explore the evolution of the King's Road, revealing lesser-known landmarks and social housing at Chelsea Common alongside the brutalist World's End Estate, and get a closer look at the former Lots Road Power Station and the Peter Jones building. 10am-12.30pm

WANNA PLAY? FESTIVAL: Alexandra Palace Park hosts a family-friendly day of creativity and conversation. Wanna Play? Festival invites you to help re-imagine the park's playground and skatepark through hands-on workshops with architectural collective Unit 38 and RIBA. Highlights include a skate jam with Reggae Roast DJs, and breakdancing lessons, alongside street food and live acoustic music at the Boathouse Cafe. FREE, 10am

SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL: Discover over 900 years of history at London's oldest Gothic church with a tour of Southwark Cathedral. Expert guides lead you through the building's rich past, including its strong associations with Winchester, the founding of a famous London hospital, and the theatrical characters of Shakespeare's era who once walked its aisles. 11am

The London Bus Museum offers free rides on heritage buses. Image: Michael Gaylard via CC BY 2.0

BETHLEM HISTORY WALK: The Bethlem Gallery and the Museum of the Mind offer a guided walk around the grounds of Bethlem Royal Hospital, exploring the site's history since the hospital moved there in 1930. 11am-12pm

AMERICANS OF MAYFAIR: Explore one of London's most exclusive neighbourhoods and discover the presidents, rock stars and Hollywood icons who once called it home. This guided walk visits the house where America's second President lived, the church where Eisenhower worshipped and a hotel with unique ties to one of the country's most celebrated families. 11am-12.30pm

KINGSTON BEER FESTIVAL: Over 100 cask and craft beers, ciders and perries are promised at the Kingston Beer Festival. Today's the final day, so drinks offered today depend on remaining stock levels. Probably don't show up at 6.30pm, then! 11am-7pm

QUEER LITERARY CYCLE TOUR: Celebrate Pride month with a three-hour cycling journey exploring the history of LGBTQ+ literary activism across London. The Queer shelves cycle tour visits the libraries, archives and bookshops that have preserved queer stories for decades, including the Bishopsgate Institute and Holborn Library. The 11km route starts at the Tower Hamlets Local History & Archives and concludes at Gay's the Word bookshop in Bloomsbury. 12pm-3pm

TEXTILE ARTWORK: Artists Hâf Weighton and Sophie Levi-Kallin lead a hands-on workshop for adults at the London Transport Museum focused on the design heritage of the Piccadilly line. Make a textile artwork using techniques like hand-stitching and embellishment, drawing inspiration from art deco posters, moquette patterns and iconic vehicles. 2pm-5pm

Return of the Godz is strictly adults-only

COWGIRLS & COCKTAILS: Dust off your chaps and head to the Star in Shoreditch for a cowgirls & cocktails bottomless brunch. Enjoy 90 minutes of unlimited drinks and Neapolitan pizza from 081 Pizzeria, accompanied by a rootin' tootin' programme of country-themed musical bingo, line dancing and "country-oke". 2pm-4pm

RETURN OF THE GODZ: Return of The GODZ brings the troupe's mix of comedy, circus and acrobatics to the Peacock Theatre, following mythic figures such as Cupid and Hercules as the show stages a hedonistic Mount Olympus party. Prepare to witness gravity-defying stunts, feats of strength and comic twists in this adults-only show. 2.30pm/7.30pm (until 20 June 2026)

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: Photographer David Kearley leads a workshop at Forty Hall in Enfield focused on capturing the beauty and atmosphere of the natural world. Explore the historic grounds while learning practical techniques with a focus on light, composition and creative observation. For beginners and amateurs using DSLRs or smartphones. 3pm-4.30pm

FOLK FESTIVAL: Magpie's Nest Festival is a one-day folk and roots festival at Cody Dock with main-stage and intimate acoustic performances from Kate Griffin & Matchume Zango, Ruth Lyon, Sarah Jane Scouten and several other artists. Sounds like a chilled afternoon/evening. 3pm-11pm

PAULINE EYRE: Comedian and former Wimbledon line judge Pauline Eyre brings her solo show Anyone for Tennis? to Artsdepot in Finchley. Drawing on two decades of experience at the All England Club, Eyre shares insider gossip from the Royal Box to the locker rooms. 3.30pm/7.30pm

Celebrate 25 years of the Cinnamon Collection

OPEN-AIR CONCERT: Sir Antonio Pappano leads the London Symphony Orchestra in an open-air concert in Trafalgar Square. The programme features the world premiere of Louise Drewett's Four Dances, performed by an orchestra of LSO musicians and young performers, alongside highlights from Holst's The Planets and Elgar's Enigma Variations. Entry is entirely free with no tickets required, and gates open from 2.45pm. FREE, 4pm-5.30pm

THE BILL REUNION: Misty Moon returns to the Cinema Museum in Kennington with a gathering of Sun Hill's finest for The Bill Reunion. The event features a Q&A session with cast members including Graham Cole (PC Tony Stamp) and Nick Stringer (PC Ron Smollett), followed by a meet-and-greet. 5pm

FLEMISH FILM CLASSICS: The Garden Cinema in Holborn screens Harry Kümel’s 1971 phantasmagoria Malpertuis, starring Orson Welles as the patriarch of a gothic mansion where heirs are forbidden to leave. Includes an introduction by film historian Wouter Hessels and a post-screening Zoom Q&A with director Harry Kümel. 5.15pm

CINNAMON CITY: Cinnamon Kitchen City marks Indian restaurant chain the Cinnamon Collection's 25th year with an anniversary supper club. Begin with drinks and canapés, followed by a lavish multi-course feast cooked by people who have helped shape the group's story. 5.30pm

HITOSHI SAKIMOTO: Celebrate the 40-year career of legendary video game composer Hitoshi Sakimoto with a world-premiere symphonic concert at Croydon's Fairfield Halls. The Colors of Harmony features the London Mozart Players performing themes from Final Fantasy XII, Final Fantasy Tactics, and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim — along with a talk with Sakimoto himself and a special Final Fantasy pub quiz hosted by Ben Starr, the voice of Clive Rosfield. 6pm

The London Mozart Players perform in Croydon. Image: Nick Rutter

A LAST BIG STORY: Veteran news anchor Jon Snow returns to the screen for a final investigation into a mining disaster in Zambia. Screening at Bertha DocHouse in Bloomsbury, A Last Big Story follows Snow and his wife Precious over the course of a year as they work to expose how a Chinese-owned mine has devastated local land and water. 6pm

GIN TASTING: The HMS Belfast is the rather unusual setting for a 45-minute talk on the history of gin in the Armed Forces, led by Veteran Gin. It's followed by a tasting of its award-winning London dry in the Wardroom of HMS Belfast — a former officers' mess with period fittings. 6.30pm-7.45pm

FUNK AND SOUL: Sound Lounge regulars Out On The Floor take a detour from their usual Northern Soul sets to spin rare grooves and dance floor favourites from the 1960s and 70s. Expect a heavy rotation of tracks by the likes of Cymande, Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott-Heron and the Fatback Band at this Sutton venue. 7pm-11.30pm

HARP SPOTLIGHT: The Royal Orchestral Society performs a programme of French and German masterworks at Smith Square Hall, featuring a rare outing for Germaine Tailleferre's Harp Concertino. Conducted by Rebecca Miller, the evening also includes Debussy's ethereal Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune and Mahler's Symphony No. 4, complete with its famous soprano solo in the final movement. Spotlight on the Harp showcases soloist Llywelyn Ifan Jones in a concert that highlights the only female member of the celebrated group of composers known as Les Six. 7pm

DISCO LIZARDS: East London five-piece rock 'n' roll outfit Disco Lizards take over the Sebright Arms in Bethnal Green to celebrate the release of their new record, Life Lessons. The band performs the gritty, garage-rock album in its entirety, with vinyl copies available to purchase. Support comes from Micky Niner and The Lazy Susans. 7.30pm

POWER BALLADS PLUS: Walthamstow Trades Hall hosts a singalong party dedicated to the greatest arms-aloft anthems. Power Ballads Plus features a playlist that pairs longstanding legends like Cher, Whitney and Freddie Mercury with contemporary stars including Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. 7.30pm

ADRIAN LESTER: Adrian Lester stars as the title character in a West End transfer of Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac at the Noël Coward Theatre, following a sold-out run with the Royal Shakespeare Company. It's about a soldier who believes himself too ugly to be loved, but helps a handsome soldier win the heart of Roxane, who he himself also loves. 7.30pm (until 5 September 2026)

Adrian Lester stars in Cyrano de Bergerac

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: The curtain's up on a new production of Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare's Globe. The romantic comedy follows Beatrice, Benedick and a web of gossip and mistaken reputations, set in a modern world of style, status and late-night parties. 7.30pm (and until October)

COMEDY CABARET: Head to the intimate basement of Downstairs at the King's Head for a weekly showcase of established talent from the UK and international circuits. The line-up for this Comedy Cabaret includes Addy Van Der Borgh, Pierre Hollins and Jacob Nussey, with MC Michael Legge presiding over the evening. 8.30pm

'60S BRITISH INVASION: Stellar six-piece band Carnaby Army returns to The Exchange in Twickenham with a tribute to the era-defining sounds of the 1960s. The electrifying live show features a refreshed setlist of hits from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Kinks. 8pm

Sunday 14 June

The World Naked Bike Ride comes to town

NAKED BIKE RIDE: If you're prudish, you may wish to avert your eyes as the World Naked Bike Ride pedals into town. Cyclists let it all hang out as they ride in a group on one of several pre-agreed routes, all converging near Wellington Arch. Don't forget your suncream. Note: this year it takes place on a Sunday instead of a Saturday for the first time. FREE, from 10.45am (start time varies by route)

PHOTOGRAPHY WALK: Professional photographer David G leads a three-hour journey through the capital’s most photogenic landmarks. Get expert advice on manual settings, creative framing and street photography techniques while visiting the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge. 10.45am-1.15pm

MARYLEBONE SUMMER FESTIVAL: A one-day street festival along the local high street, Marylebone Summer Festival offers live music on the main stage, dog show Bark in the Park, a wellness zone and a children’s area with rides and activities. The event raises funds for Young Westminster Foundation. 11am-5pm

THE BIG SCOOP: Help raise money for Lewisham Food Bank at the Fox and Firkin with a day-long music festival offering soulful outdoor sets and a high-energy dance floor. The eclectic line-up features Australian singer-songwriter Allysha Joy, the experimental ambient project ATMOSS and a club-driven live set from Plumm x Benjamin. This community-led event also doubles as an unconventional wedding celebration for two local residents, with everyone welcome to attend. 1pm-12am

NEUROSPICY: Dalston's Rio Cinema presents a showcase of brand-new short films created by emerging neurodivergent talent. The Neurospicy 3 programme features the award-winning short Meat Puppet, starring BAFTA-winner David Jonsson, and concludes with a Q&A session with industry guests Brick and Parvinder Shergill. 2pm

Local businesses tale part in the Marylebone Summer Festival.

FAMILY CEILIDH: Gather friends and family of all generations for a high-energy afternoon of traditional dance at Stanley Arts in South Norwood. Part of the Commons Festival, the Folky Family Ceilidh features a live folk band and a friendly caller to guide dancers of all abilities through the steps, from complete beginners to seasoned pros. 2pm-4pm

SCHOOL'S OUT! COMEDY CLUB: Comedian Philip Simon brings his award-winning joke show to JW3, where the children are the headline acts. The session invites kids aged four+ to take over the microphone and share their favourite gags, while parents watch from the safety of their seats. 2pm-3pm

WILD ANIMAL POETRY: Keats House in Hampstead invites nature lovers to a free one-hour reading of famous verses dedicated to the animal kingdom. It takes place in the beautiful Regency villa where John Keats once lived, featuring works inspired by everything from lions to owls. FREE, 2.15pm-3.15pm

SIP AND PAINT: Unleash your inner artist at the London Art Bar in Holborn with a creative session dedicated to Van Gogh's Sunflowers. This guided experience provides all necessary supplies alongside a themed playlist to help your artistic flow. A professional artist offers step-by-step instructions as you work, and your ticket includes a glass of prosecco. 3.30pm-6pm

LONDON GAY MEN'S CHORUS: Over 100 singers take to the stage at the Rose Theatre in Kingston to celebrate 35 years of "keeping it gay." The birthday concert by the London Gay Men's Chorus features a vast repertoire ranging from opera and musical theatre to disco and K-pop, including hits by Lady Gaga, Pet Shop Boys and Stephen Sondheim. 5pm

FESTIVAL ALL DAYER: Shoreditch's legendary pub the Old Blue Last welcomes the London Music Ultimate Showcase for a session of live music. This long-running meetup event is designed to bring people together over a curated line-up of the city's best unsigned bands. 5pm

OPERA ON THE TERRACE: Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett and the team at Cicoria take over the terrace of the Royal Opera House for an evening of Italian-inspired dining and performance. Enjoy a three-course menu paired with wine while artists including Hannah Edmunds and Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono perform arias and duets overlooking Covent Garden Piazza. 5.30pm-8.30pm

TRY NOT TO LAUGH: The London Vaporetto Shorts Film Festival brings a curated selection of comedic shorts to the Genesis Cinema in Whitechapel. Try Not To Laugh explores the genre in all its forms, from dry and awkward vignettes to completely unhinged sketches. 6.15pm

CLASSICAL PRIDE: The London Symphony Orchestra returns to the Barbican for Classical Pride 2026, a major celebration of LGBTQ+ composers and performers. Conducted by festival founder Oliver Zeffman, the programme features the UK premiere of Henriëtte Bosmans' Cello Concerto No 2 with soloist Laura van der Heijden, alongside Ravel’s infectious Boléro and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. The evening also pays tribute to the late Michael Tilson Thomas with a performance of his jubilant work, Agnegram. Proceeds go to the charity Rainbow Railroad. 7pm

NO FRILLS FOLK CLUB: Musicians of all abilities and styles are invited to pull up a chair at the Windmill Brixton for an evening of informal, round-the-table music. The No Frills Folk Club welcomes everything from Irish and Scottish tunes to bluegrass, Yiddish and Balkan melodies, led by a house band featuring mandolin, hurdy-gurdy and melodeon. FREE, 7pm

POOL TOURNAMENT: Kingston's rock 'n' roll stalwart the Fighting Cocks invites local sharks and casual players to its latest pool tournament. The entry fee is £2, with the winner taking double the total entry pot as a bar tab to spend at the venue. Arrive early to take advantage of free pool practise, a free jukebox and all-day happy hour cocktail deals. 7pm

St Mary's in Paddington, famous for royal births and the discovery of penicillin, is to be rebuilt to towering new heights.

Founded in 1845, St Mary's has since built up piecemeal, to no masterplan, beside Paddington Basin. This ageing congeries is increasingly falling apart; a section of the hospital had to be closed recently upon the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), which is prone to collapse; just one of its problems.

"Despite spending millions of pounds every year on maintenance, we can't keep up with the rate of deterioration," says Imperial College Healthcare, the Trust responsible for the site.

Solution: rebuild from scratch.

Plans have now been shared of how the Trust plans to erect an entirely new hospital on part of the site, which would consolidate departments into one mighty 30-storey tower. This would reach around 185 metres above ground level, easily taller than Guy's Hospital at London Bridge, and potentially the tallest hospital in the world.

Says the Trust:

The busiest and most urgent services will be on the lower floors, so they are the easiest to reach, while wards will be in quieter areas with more privacy and natural light. And outdoor and communal areas, such as roof gardens, are being integrated into the design to support patients, visitors and staff. There will also be a helipad, bringing St Mary's major trauma service into line with other services across the capital.

According to the Trust, construction of the tower would begin on a part of the site that can be freed up relatively easily. This would allow the existing facilities to continue until the tower was ready. After that, the rest of the site would be cleared to make way for new life-science facilities and public spaces. Already approved is the Fleming Centre, tasked with finding solutions to antimicrobial resistance.

You may be wondering "What about the Alexander Fleming Museum?", which contains the preserved laboratory of the discoverer of penicillin. This is housed in the Clarence Building, a listed structure, which will be retained and upgraded as part of the scheme.

The plans would constitute a major change for the area, both at ground level and on the skyline. More importantly, the 800-bed hospital would bring modernised patient facilities with better integration between departments.

Image: Matt Brown

The scheme is funded by the Government's New Hospital Programme, and could be complete by 2035.

If you'd like to have your say on the plans, then an online consultation is running until 17 July, with various drop-in sessions also available.

TfL now says that construction could begin on the extension in 2029. Image: TfL

More details of plans for the proposed DLR extension have been revealed — including layouts for new stations at Beckton Riverside and and Thamesmead — as part of a public consultation.

The DLR extension, first officially proposed by TfL in 2020, would see a long-awaited station at Thamesmead, a town built in the 1960s, which has infamously lacked a rail connection ever since (even though it could've had up to three railway stations). A second DLR station would be built opposite Gallions Reach Shopping Park at Beckton Riverside, a sweeping area of regeneration in Newham.

Plans for the station at Beckton Riverside. Image: TfL

TfL's consultation — which is live from now until Thursday 16 July 2026 — includes plans for Beckton Riverside station, featuring a pedestrian footbridge with lifts for crossing the tracks; and for Thamesmead, which will be a raised station. The two will be joined by a new tunnel under the Thames.

As well as asking for views on the two station designs, TfL is after feedback on construction methods, and potential impacts of the extension build on local communities and the environment.

Plans for the station at Thamesmead. Image: TfL

In all, says TfL, the extension could support up to 30,000 homes and 10,000 jobs.

Says the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan: "This is something I've long called for — alongside London's businesses and communities — because it will not only transform travel in a historically underserved part of our city, but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy across the capital and indeed the country."

Various construction commencement dates have been mooted; we've heard 2027 and 2028 — and now TfL says "construction could begin in 2029, subject to funding and approvals". Whether the line will be ready for passengers by the 'early 2030s', as previously estimated, remains to be seen. But for residents of Thamesmead who've already been waiting some 60 years, what's a a few more years?

You can get involved with the consultation, until 16 July 2026.

Free things to do in London this week.

Learn about the Hondurans protecting the ocean. Image: © Nahún Rodríguez / Fauna & Flora / Fairpicture

See what's free at Making It Festival

The Guildhall School of Music and Drama's Making It Festival spans music, opera, theatre, performance, installations and talks — all created by the school's students and community. Many events on the programme are free, while others start at just £5.

Free events this week include Birdmother: A Nest-In-Progress, "an ecofeminist performance which considers what we can learn about mothering and being in the world, from a great tit", and a concert celebrating the work of British composer John Barry.    

8-26 June.

Dig down into the architecture of the Tube

London Blue Badge tour guide Louise Halfpenny leads an illustrated talk at Guildhall Library on Tuesday afternoon, exploring how the London Underground network has inspired creatives since 1863. Learn about diverse works, from the world-famous Tube map to Henry Moore's poignant wartime sketches and Jock McFadyen's 1990s paintings.

9 June.

Get tied up in knot theory

There's more to knots than just sailing and camping: Tuesday's free Gresham College lecture sees Gresham Professor of Geometry Alain Goriely giving an introduction to knot theory, including their mathematical properties, and how they're used in tangled cords, shoelaces and the complex structures of DNA.

Watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn), or online via livestream.

9 June.

Celebrate the start of the World Cup with free live music

With the FIFA World Cup getting under way on Thursday, sports bar Box Piccadilly kicks things off on Wednesday night with a free music performance. A live eight-piece orchestra gives renditions of football-and sport-related tunes, including classic World Cup and England anthems.

10 June.

Image: Box Piccadilly

Learn about ocean protection in Honduras

Between Wednesday and Sunday, swing by Oxo Gallery on South Bank for free exhibition Ocean Guardians: Voices From The Shore.

International nature conservation charity Fauna & Flora spotlights those on the front line of ocean protection in Honduras, through a series of photos. Learn how how fishers, elders and young conservationists are defending their homes, cultures and coastlines against growing threats to the sea.

10-14 June.

Make music at this free outdoor playground

Better known for suspended sculptures of various planets and moons, artist Luke Jerram turns his attention to the floor instead, for free installation Stepping Out at Southbank Centre.

The concrete steps outside the Royal Festival Hall are adorned with 'islands' of colour, and stepping on them triggers bespoke music, created by BAFTA- and Ivor Novello Award-winning composer and sound designer Dan Jones, with orchestral musicians from the National Theatre.

The music changes each week throughout the installation's run, so worth popping back again and again — and definitely worth bookmarking for free ways to entertain kids during the upcoming summer hols!

10 June-30 September.

Catch free live opera on your lunch break

Image: Opera Holland Park

Once again, performers from Opera Holland Park take part in Songs on the Steps, a free lunchtime recital which anyone is welcome to enjoy. Simply head to the steps close to the OHP venue (perhaps pack a blanket and/or your lunch) to catch the 40-minute performance.

12 June. The same day, the Royal Opera House offers one of its free Live at Lunch concerts, where you can see Royal Ballet and Opera and guest artists performing for free.

Start your weekend with free live music

Image: Leadenhall Market

Every Friday throughout June, Leadenhall Market offers free live music and roaming performers, inside the ornate City of London building.

This week's Summer Sessions sees Walter the Waiter do conjuring tricks, followed by tunes from the Wonderful Uke Strollers.

12 June.

See London's parks and open spaces through new eyes

As part of Harry Styles' Meltdown, Southbank Centre opens a free exhibition showcasing London's parks and open spaces through new eyes. Photographs by young refugees and asylum seekers go on display for London Parks: An Exhibition. Some of view the capital's parks as places to explore, pause and reflect; others depict them bristling with life and energy.

12 June-1 July.

Get your bike blessed

A brand new tradition begins outside St Paul's Cathedral on Saturday — the Blessing of the Bicycles! Inspired by a similar annual event in NYC, anyone on a road bike, trike, cargo bike — even a 56-inch Penny-farthing — is invited to Paternoster Square at 10am, for a special ceremony to bless the road ahead. Who knows, maybe you'll never get a puncture again...

13 June.

Ride a vintage bus for free

Perhaps you'll score a ride on something like this? Image © David Bowker

From two wheels to four... On Saturday, buses dating from the 1930s-90s (though mostly from the 1950s-60s) ply the 213 route between Kingston and Sutton, with anyone welcome to hop on board for free.

Heritage buses also run on the 293 route between North Cheam and Epsom, all organised by the London Bus Museum. Simply turn up at a stop along the routes between 10am-5pm and wait for the vintage vehicles to pick you up. Rides are free (though not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs). Just make sure you don't hop on a regular, 21st-century TfL service instead — you'll be charged the usual TfL fare if you do.

13 June.

Enjoy a free concert in Trafalgar Square

Fingers crossed for wonderful weather on Saturday afternoon, as the London Symphony Orchestra gives a free outdoor summer concert in Trafalgar Square.

Entry is free on a first come first served basis, so arrive in plenty of time to bag yourself a spot, and hear works including Holst's Movements from The Planets, Elgar's Movements from Enigma Variations and the world premiere of Louise Drewett's Four Dances.

13 June.

Have a roaring good time at Bearpit Karaoke

Returning to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens for a few sessions this summer, Bearpit Karaoke is a free open-air singalong (hopefully in the sunshine), hosted by Joe Hatchiban. Some deckchairs are available, but bringing a picnic blanket is a savvy idea. And no, you don't have to sing! Register ahead of attending.

13 June.

Visit Wandsworth Prison Museum

Not everyone who enters the gates of Wandsworth Prison gets to leave so soon, but you can be in and out as quickly as you like during the open days at the Wandsworth Prison Museum (though we recommend giving yourself enough time to view everything in the pint-sized museum).

The displays consist of 470 objects telling stories of famous prisoners including Oscar Wilde, Jack the Ripper, the Kray twins, and great train robber Ronnie Biggs.

13-14 June.

Take part in the World Naked Bike Ride 2026

Image: World Naked Bike Ride

If you're prudish, avoid central London on Sunday. Otherwise, look out for — or perhaps even join — the World Naked Bike Ride.

Hundreds of nude cyclists take to two wheels in a protest against car culture, and to celebrate body freedom. Several routes, including an accessible one, begin at different spots around the capital, converging around Westminster Bridge for a grand finale near Wellington Arch. It's free to take part (don't forget your suncream!), and anyone's welcome, as long as you're physically able to follow the route, and you behave respectfully.

Note that contrary to previous years, the WNBR takes place on a Sunday rather than a Saturday.

14 June.

I'm sometimes asked: "Which famous Londoner would you most like to meet?".

I'll mumble some answer about Newton or Anne Boleyn. But really (and more feasibly), my answer would be 'Barney'. Now, finally, I've met him.

Barney (sometimes Barnie) is one of London's oldest and tallest residents. He is, in fact, a London plane tree (Platanus × hispanica). His younger cousins line the great Victorian thoroughfares like Embankment, Kingsway and The Mall. You must have seen them; those towering trees with mottled bark. Central London has many fine examples. Barney, though, is almost on a different scale:

You won't stumble across Barney by accident. He's hidden away in a corner of Barn Elms — the undeveloped land near Barnes most famous for the London Wetland Centre. It's not a part of town most people pass through every day.

Even locals, I expect, are largely oblivious. The prodigious plant somehow manages to hide his lofty boughs within a secluded woodland, well away from the population. These woods have only one entrance, which is neither signposted nor obvious.

Having studied the maps, I found my way in with some difficulty. Past the car park for Barn Elms Playing Fields, round the back of a running track, across a small stream... my quarry was almost in sight. Then I heard a cry.

"Excuse me! You can't get through."

I turned to see a lady on the other side of a pond, shouting at me through cupped hands.

"I'm sorry...?" I replied, not quite sure what she was saying.
"You can't get through. The woods don't go anywhere. It's a dead end."
"But I don't want to get through. I'm off to see the plane tree."
"Ohh... OK... that's great. He's just through that gate. You can't miss him. He's called Barney!"
"Thanks!"

Not only is Barney located in a remote corner of a recondite part of town, but he also has bouncers.

I soon discover why. Barney's woodland pocket is used regularly by a local nursery, keen to show kids the wonders of nature. I'd arrived during one such session. Happily, the kids were busying about near the entrance to the woods, leaving me free to approach Barney on my own.

Neither words nor pictures can quite capture the majesty of this plant. He stretches up to the heavens, like the Magic Faraway Tree made real. I quelled the urge to climb.

Barney has stood here for centuries. He was almost certainly planted in the late 17th century — a date of 1680 is sometimes given. The land was, at the time, part of a private estate, and the plane tree would have been planted as an exotic novelty among the elms for which the area (Barn Elms) was named.

London plane trees did not exist in Shakespeare's time. Not anywhere. They are a hybrid of the American sycamore and Oriental plane, neither of which are indigenous to Britain. Nobody knows where or when the cross first occurred, or whether it was a natural hybridisation or done through human intervention. Either way, the tree first began to appear in the late 17th century, and the one at Barn Elms is the earliest surviving example (so far as we know... it's hard to date trees without cutting them down for a ring count).

The mottled, flakey bark of a typical London plane. Barney's lower trunk is rougher, a sign of his great age. Image: Matt Brown

Whatever his age, Barney is of spectacular size, estimated at over eight metres in circumference and 30 metres tall. His mighty bole bifurcates into twin trunks that would be wider than most mature planes. What a champ.

He's also been linked to celebrity. Recently, it emerged that Barney may have inspired George Frideric Handel. The London-based composer stayed for a time at Barn Elms. He would later write the aria 'Ombra mai fu', which literally sings the praises of a plane tree. Was he recalling Barney? The tree would already have been 40 or so when Handel was in the area. Its patchwork bark would have stood out among the elms. The tantalising link was first suggested by David Shreeve, Director of the Conservation Foundation, though it remains unproven.

How to find Barney. If coming from Barnes, follow the minor road/track called Queen ElizabethWalk. Turn right into the car park, then follow the perimeter past a private fishing site. When you reach the running track, you'll see a trail leading into the woods (left fork). Go through the gate and straight ahead, and there is the Big B.

Aside from his nursery-school friends, I doubt Barney gets many visitors. He's so hidden away and difficult to find. Even I'd never been to see him, and I've chaired a conference on plane trees!

I'm very glad to have finally met my arboreal hero, and would urge more people to go and make friends with this remarkable tree. Barney of Barn Elms graced the London skies 300 years before most of us were born, and he will hopefully be here long after our time here is done.

Your weekly roundup of Londonist news and features.

New Museum Alert! Visit The Quentin Blake Centre For Illustration

London gets a well-timed champion of illustration.

Murugiah's art. Image: Matt Brown

London's Queer Brewing Announces It's Closing

East London brewery calls time in July.

Queer Brewing Taproom, Leyton, E10. Image: Ewan-M via CC BY-SA 4.0

One London: City's Future-Tallest Building Gets New Name

Farewell to 1 Undershaft.

Image: © Dbox

Explore This Historic Ship When It Docks In London This Summer

Nao Victoria sails into St Katharine Docks.

Image: Nao Foundation

It's A Sin Is Returning — And This Time It's A Stage Show

Lands in London October 2027.

Image: Rambert.

FREE: The Huge Soil Sculpture 'origo' Arrives At Barbican

The greatest show of Earth.

The Tube Map, (Jokingly) Simplified For Tourists

Showing only the stereotypical destinations.

Image: Londonist

Elfin Oak: Magical London Tree Restored To Former Glory

Spike Milligan would be pleased.

Image: Royal Parks

Idler Festival 2026: See Very Famous People Talk In A Big Old Posh House

Prue Leith, Charlie Higson, Irvine Walsh, Jojo Moyes...

Image: Idler Festival

Ice Cream-Themed Apartments For Hackney?

Cool!

Image: Pensaer

10 Roman Miles Up Watling Street

An historical walk along Edgware Road.

Image: Matt Brown

The Secretive Eel Pie Island Is Open To Visitors This July

Explore the usually off-limits oddball artistic enclave.

On Eel Pie Island. Image: Marathon via CC BY-SA 2.0

Buffy Revamped: One-Man Vampire Slayer Show Has A Bite Of The West End

"Seventy minutes. Seven seasons. One Spike."

Image: Buffy Revamped.

Soho Has The Best Village Fete Anywhere - And It Returns In July

Feat. the (in)famous waiters' race.

Image: Peter Clarke

The Places That Closed Down In London In 2026 (So Far)

A fond farewell to these London establishments.

Image: Londonist

A Day Out At The Bizarre And Brilliant Covent Garden Rent Ceremony

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Image: Londonist

The Micro-History Of A Traffic Island

Everything has a history, and everything is connected.

Image: Matt Brown

Canary Wharf's Annual Dragon Boat Race Returns

Spectate, or even take part.

Image: WaterAid Dragon Boat Race

Looking Ahead: Things To Do In London This Week: 8-14 June 2026

Outdoor concerts, guided walks and World Cup screenings.

Image: Steve Gregson

Image: Matt Brown

It's one of the most enduring songs of the 1960s. But where exactly is Itchycoo Park?

Over bridge of sighs
To rest my eyes in shades of green
Under dreaming spires
To Itchycoo Park, that's where I've been

The opening verse of the Small Faces' 1967 hit suggests an Oxford setting. Both the Bridge of Sighs and the dreaming spires are phrases well-associated with the university town.

Ronnie Wood, who wrote those lyrics, had indeed been inspired by the city, but only after reading about it on a leaflet. He and other Small Faces founder Steve Marriott were from working-class East End stock (almost stereotypically so; Marriott's dad owned a jellied-eel stall and played pub piano). The Cockney tones and down-to-earth lyrics don't exactly smack of punting on the Isis.

The Itchycoo Park of the title, then, has long been associated with the East End, and particularly the areas around Ilford, Manor Park and East Ham, where the song-writing duo grew up.

Its exact location is open to debate. The band offered various, contradictory solutions over the years. A leading contender is Valentine's Park in Ilford. "We used to go there and get stung by wasps," revealed Marriott in an interview that's quoted all over the internet without ever including a citation. "It's what we used to call it." The story was seemingly confirmed by Tony 'Baldrick and Time Team' Robinson, who was a childhood friend of Marriott.

Valentine's Park offers plenty of opportunity to "feed the ducks with a bun". Image: Matt Brown

The story does seem a little suspect, however. Most of us would think of different adjectives to 'itchy' were we to be stung repeatedly by wasps. The song should have been called Effing-Hell Park, or something.

Another contender is Little Ilford Park about a mile to the south. This was closer to Marriott's childhood home, and supposedly full of nettles, hence the itchiness. Wanstead Flats also get occasional mention as another park-like space in the neighbourhood.

The band clearly enjoyed hanging out in parks, as evinced by this image used on the US album cover of There Are But Four Small Faces. It features a sign for Itchycoo Park, but was apparently shot on Hampstead Heath. Image: Public domain

All of the above is undermined by an interview with the band's manager Tony Calder, quoted in Marriott's 2004 biography. Itchycoo Park was initially banned by the BBC for its blatant drug references ("We'll get hi-igh!"). To counter the ban, the band came up with a sweet story of childhood innocence:

We scammed the story together, we told the BBC that Itchycoo Park was a piece of waste ground in the East End that the band had played on as kids – we put the story out at ten and by lunchtime we were told the ban was off.

Nevertheless, various band members have maintained the "it was an Ilford park" association, leading to endless speculation, of which this present article is another example. Sorry.

One curve-ball contender is the churchyard of Christ Church Spitalfields. This was widely known, from the late 19th century — and right through the 20th century — as 'Itchy Park', on account of the large numbers of homeless people who would congregate in its grounds.

Press cutting from the Weekly Dispatch, 7 August 1904. Via the British Newspaper Archive

The churchyard has no known connection to Lane, Marriott or the wider band. However, it's possible they were aware of the nickname and subconsciously (or consciously) transformed it into 'Itchycoo' for the song.

In all probability, there never was one 'Itchycoo Park' that directly inspired the lyrics. Rather, Lane and Marriott likely wove in various words and memories. Creativity is rarely a linear, simple process.

A modern-day Itchycoo Park

Itchycoo Park did not exist in 1967, other than, perhaps, as a childhood nickname among a small group of friends. Fast forward to the 2020s, and east London does indeed have an Itchycoo Park, with semi-official sanction.

A good place for ducks to groove about. Image: Matt Brown

This small community-driven space was created a few years ago on land that was previously overgrown and poorly used (with a fair few itchy nettles, we dare say). You'll find it just north of Beckton Park in Newham if you follow the old railway track turned footpath known as Beckton Corridor. The Capital Ring leads straight to it.

This Itchycoo Park is formed around a small pond, where one might "feed the ducks with a bun" (mallards, Egyptian geese and rubber ducks on our visit).

Spot the rubber ducks. Image: Matt Brown

Whether you decide to "miss out school", "get high" and "blow your mind" is your own business, but you might care to "reach the sky" by taking the cable car from North Greenwich to Royal Victoria, followed by a short ride on the DLR to Beckton Park station.

It's all moderately beautiful.

And finally... we've since been informed of yet another namesake. Ichi-Coo Park on the Surrey-Sussex borders is a landscaped space "available for whatever reasonable purpose you care to imagine", including weddings, corporate events, retreats and musical events.

Image: Matt Brown

A new artwork has arrived in Barbican's Sculpture Court made entirely of soil. It's described as 'immersive', but don't let that put you off.

'origo' (strictly lower-case for some reason) is a torus of mud, into which all are invited. But this structure is so much more than a cloddy doughnut.

Colombian artist Delcy Morelos says that origo celebrates ‘the delicate and powerful web of existence’. Its earthy rim is hollow, allowing us to walk through the structure, and breath in the earthy scents.

One of the interior cavities, which smell of earthy chai latte. Image: Matt Brown

Oddly, yet wonderfully, the artist has mixed those earthy scents with cinnamon and other spices. It's chai latte with a hint of topsoil — like stepping into a Costa run by a family of moles.

The ring of soil has stood up well to recent weather. The week-long heatwave followed by the week of drench has not compromised its structure in any way. The attendant tells me that it's subtly coated in a thin protective layer to fend off the worst that the British weather can throw. Very wise; and completely unnoticeable.

Image: Matt Brown

If I'm being brutally honest, I can't say a ring of mud devoid of any apparent living organisms made me feel part of 'a powerful web of existence'. It was, though, most definitely a curious and memorable experience. The setting is also well chosen. origo sits like a prize hoopla throw within the similarly curved courtyard, its brown walls mirroring the concrete walls and wooden shutters of the nearby apartments.

Wonderful stuff; the Greatest Show of Earth.

Image: Matt Brown

origo by Delcy Morelos is free to visit, open 11am-7pm until 31 July 2026. Find it in the Sculpture Court, which is the horseshoe-shaped space above the Curve Gallery.

Teams of paddlers take to Canary Wharf's South Dock on 8 and 9 July 2026. Image: WaterAid Dragon Boat Race

Canary Wharf will be teeming with dragon boats again this July — as teams compete in a series of races on the water.

On Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July 2026, the WaterAid Dragon Boat Race takes over South Dock (located to the immediate south of Canary Wharf Tube station), with teams of paddlers racing between 12pm-5pm both days.

Dragon boating — characterised by dragon-headed/tailed boats, and a drummer keeping the paddlers in rhythm — is not an unusual sight on London's waterways, thanks to groups like the Windy Pandas. But the WaterAid Dragon Boat Race, which raises money for the charity, sees a particularly impressive coming together of vessels.

Anyone is welcome to cheer the rowers, but you can also compete as part of a group. Image: WaterAid Dragon Boat Race

Anyone is welcome to come along and cheer the rowers, but if watching isn't enough, and you'd rather compete (and you're able to assemble a crew of 11-17 rowers), visit the WaterAid website to sign up. You needn't be pro paddlers (in fact experts will be there on the day to give full training and tips to your team), and if you aren't the fastest, you can still be in with a chance to win the 'best fancy dress' prize.

WaterAid Dragon Boat Race, Canary Wharf, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July 2026, 12pm-5pm, free to watch.

The police take on the fire brigade in a tug of war every year. Image: Peter Clarke

Sorry, but London just does things better. World class theatre? Check. Best restaurants anywhere? Yup. Quaint village fetes? Er actually, yes.

The Soho Village Fete — which is on Sunday 19 July 2026 — has been going for half a century now. Organised by the Soho Society, it's the kind of do you'd expect to find going on in the vicar's back garden (in fact, this takes place in the grounds of St Anne's Church, so not far off).

The fete is accompanied by six hours of live music. Image: Charlie Milligan

There's tea and cake, morris dancing, splat the rat, a raffle... all that parochial jazz, and very pleasant it is too.

The poster for 2026's fete. Image: David Shenton

But this is Soho, people, and so you can also expect a tug of war between the police and fire brigade (surely the firefighters win this every year?), a spaghetti-scoffing contest, a human fruit machine, a best in show where pooches must dress like royalty — plus snail racing.

There's also six hours of live music at the French House's stall bar.

If you're doing the spaghetti eating contest, arrive hungry. Image: Peter Clarke

As for the pièce de résistance: that would be the well-documented Soho Waiters' Race, the finest possible display of Soho eccentricity, in which local bars and restaurants put up a sucker runner to leg it up Dean Street, whip around Soho Square, come back along Greek and Romilly Streets, then back to the starting point outside the French House.

The Waiters' Race gets messy. Image: Peter Clarke

The catch, of course, is that they must carry a tray with various things perched on it. Lining the street with a beaker of Cidre Breton and cheering on this whimsical feat of athleticism is surely one of the great joys of London in summer.

Soho Village Fete, St Anne's (accessible via Wardour Street), Sunday 19 July 2026, 12pm-6pm, free. There's a capacity of 500 at any given time, so arrive early and prepare to queue for a bit. Soho Society members get priority entry.

This feature first appeared in June 2025 on Londonist: Time Machine, our much-praised history newsletter. To be the first to read new history features like this, sign up for free here.

Today, I’d like to talk about the history of traffic islands.

We have a lot of them in London. They help pedestrians get across busy roads by offering a refuge between lanes of traffic. Here’s one near Trafalgar Square, tested to its limits:

Image: Matt Brown

We have so many traffic islands in London that, contrary to all expectations, a few of them might be described as “quite interesting”.

I’d nominate the one opposite the Hilton on Park Lane, for example, where Mungo Jerry made their promotional video to In The Summertime (by some estimates, regarded as the biggest-selling single by a British band thanks to its international success).

Certainly, I’d put forward the one from the opening credits of Bottom, the second-best British comedy of the 1990s:

If you go to that spot today, you will find that the bench carries a plaque to “The man, the myth, the legend; Pan Global Phenomenon, Dr The Rik Mayall”, who died in 2014.

Meanwhile, you might have used this triangular traffic island at the foot of Edgware Road:

One of London’s most historic spots… not that you’d know it. Image: Google Street View

This is where the Tyburn gallows stood for centuries. Thousands of lives were snuffed out on the site of this crossing. Its triangular plan mirrors the ghastly geometry of the Tyburn Tree. Today, it is a convenient way to get across to Wagamama.

The Tyburn crossing stands within sight of Marble Arch, itself marooned on a glorified pedestrian island. At the other pole of Park Lane we find Hyde Park Corner, yet another pedestrian sanctuary, which boasts the Wellington Arch and numerous war memorials.

I shall ignore these inflated examples of the traffic island, however, in favour of something more humble. The rest of today’s newsletter will concern itself with this elementary refuge:

Image: Matt Brown

It is a traffic island so humble that I bet you didn’t even notice it at first. The eye bounces off it; heads towards the truck or the buildings. It scarcely enters the cognisance of the people who pass by. But, in London, even the most insignificant places can have a rich history. In this case, we’re looking at London’s very first traffic island (allegedly). You can probably guess where it is. The prominent window display of CAVIAR would rule out Whitechapel or Willesden Green. We’re somewhere much more fancy: at the rarified junction of Piccadilly and St James’s Street.

The Origin Story

St James’s Street, as you’re no doubt aware, is a place of gentlemen’s clubs and high-end shops of such class that they could (and indeed did) feature in the Kingsman films. Thanks to the nearby presence of St James’s Palace, the street has been a place of quality since the 17th century.

Back in 1864, a gent by the name of Colonel Pierpoint was on his way to White’s club, on the north-east corner of the street. An elderly man, the Colonel had some trouble getting across the opposing lanes of traffic. This resourceful veteran of the Napoleonic wars resolved to do something about it. He petitioned the local vestry (council) to install a refuge mid-way across the road, so that pedestrians had only to contend with one direction of traffic at a time.

The traffic island was duly installed. It was widely hailed as the first of its kind in London. Pedestrians could now cross safely, even after a few too many recommendations from the White’s sommelier.

Colonel Pierpoint was delighted with his initiative. He led an inspection party down the steps of White’s and onto the carriageway, there to admire his handiwork. Pierpoint was promptly run over by a passing carriage and killed, and on the very same day that his safety measure had opened.

We Brits don’t just live with a deep sense of irony; we die by it too.

The man, the myth, the legend…

This, at least, is the story recounted across several reputable websites, as well as MyLondon. Yet it sounds a little fishy to my ear. Can it be true?

There is, it turns out, more than a kernel of truth in the tale, if not a colonel. The gentleman concerned was the Hon. Philip Sydney Pierrepont, part of the aristocratic Pierrepont family of Northamptonshire (but sadly no relation to Albert Pierrepoint, the noted hangman). As far as I can tell, I’m the first person to identify him as a real individual. Every other source can point only to a misspelled, mis-ranked “Colonel Pierpoint”.

Here’s our man, tub-thumping for a traffic island as early as 1860:

Morning Post, 25 May 1860. Image via British Newspaper Archive

Pierrepont, though self-identifying as “aged and inactive”, was tenacious and persuasive. His letter-writing campaign was next directed at the local authority, who eventually moved forward with his proposals. The following is taken from the Minutes of the Committee of Works of St George’s Hanover Square, as reported in April 1863.

Sir, -In reply to your favour of yesterday, I beg to say that your sketch and plan of the proposed pillar of refuge at the top of St. James's-street, meet my entire approval, and I am quite ready to bear the expense, provided that it does not exceed £50, and also that it is completed and in operation by the 1st of May next. It would gratify me to have the words "Pierrepont's Refuge, 1863," cut on the stone plinth, on which I conclude it is to stand. But I by no means wish to make this a stipulation, or a sine qua non.

I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,

(Signed)

P. S. PIERREPONT.

We can, then, confirm the first half of the story. The crossing was initiated by a man almost-called Pierpoint, and was brought into being some time shortly after April 1863. He even paid for it himself.

Now, the big question. Was the Hon. Mr P. mowed down while inspecting his own road safety measures? Was he busted by his own refuge, to coin a new variant of the hoisted-petard?

The good thing about posh people is that they’re easy to trace. I found Pierrepont’s dates with little difficulty. Born 13 June 1786, died 15 February 1864. He did indeed meet his end in 1864, just as the legend says. But this may just be coincidence. He was approaching his 78th birthday after all. “Being old, he would have died soon anyway,” to paraphrase The Day Today, the runaway best British comedy of the 1990s. Can we find a cause of death, to clinch the matter either way?

I discovered in the archives that he’d expired at his home at 4 Seamore Place, Mayfair. This now-vanished street was at the western end of Curzon Street in Mayfair.

Having already written my introduction to this article, I was rather amused by the coincidence. Pierrepont’s sick room may well have looked out onto Park Lane and — had he and his property somehow survived another 106 years — straight onto the traffic island where Mungo Jerry recorded their record-breaking hit. Honestly, if this article has one more unlikely call-back, then it’ll self destruct*.

The road layout changed a bit in the interim, but this is roughly how traffic-island pioneers Mungo Jerry and the Hon Philip Sydney Pierrepont were spatially if not temporally neighbours.

But what did he die of? Most newspaper accounts of the Pierrepontian demise deal only with the contents of the Will. One report, however, mentions that he passed “after an illness of some weeks”. A longer obituary says that he slipped away “after a period, we fear, of much suffering”. Nowhere reports the actual cause of death.

Now, it could have been a road-traffic accident that left him critically injured. Then again, I can find no accounts of any elderly gentleman being struck by a carriage in the right time frame, and certainly not on St James’s Street. Sadly, Pierrepont had no children, and therefore no descendants, so he’s been largely overlooked by the genealogists on sites like Ancestry. Short of ordering a death certificate (which I’m tempted to do), I am unable to establish what fatally ailed him.

My hunch is that the Hon. Mr Pierrepont died of an illness unrelated to any road accident, but we can’t rule it out. That’s as it should be. A good urban legend should always retain an air of mystery, even in the light of contradictory evidence**.

Speaking of the urban legend, it began to circulate three decades after Pierrepont’s death. In 1895, several newspapers published a ‘Notes and Queries’ item about the curious and barely legible inscription on St James’s Street commemorating “Pierpoint’s Refuge” (it seems he got his wish). All of them give the punchline about the gentleman being killed at his own crossing, but with an air of scepticism. At some point in the 20th century the tale had been spun enough times to Chinese-whisper his name into “Colonel Pierpoint”.

The real Pierpoint, the Hon. Philip Sydney Pierrepont, has been all-but-forgotten by history. I think we should revive the memory of this putative inventor of the traffic island. This obituary in the Bicester Herald (26 Feb 1864) paints the picture of a man who lived up to his honourable honorific.

Pierrepont’s Refuge remains in place today, albeit much altered and no-doubt repaved a dozen times. The “Pierrepont’s Refuge” plaque was noted as missing as early as 1897, and calls for its return can be found in the press a decade after that. It never was replaced. Perhaps my friend Martin Wilkie of World Origin Sites, which marks ‘world first’ locations, might care to look into it.

Finally, let’s go out with the greatest song ever recorded on a London traffic island. Take it away, lads:

*FOOTNOTE: I mean, there are other connections I could interweave. I’m too young to remember In The Summertime’s original release (and video) of 1970. My generation associates the song more with an anti-drink-driving commercial from 1992 which, like the Pierpoint myth, also ends in a fatal car crash. Rik Mayall of Bottom was also strongly associated with motor accidents. He was seriously injured and almost killed in a 1998 quad-bike crash. His character was clipped by a van in Four Men in a Car. And the unforgettable finale to the The Young Ones saw Rik’s character Rick and the rest of the cast plummet of a cliff in a double-decker bus.

**FOOTNOTE: After publication of this article, an intrigued reader ordered the death certificate and it turns out Pierrepont died of kidney disease — not usually contracted from a road collision.

Enjoyed this article? We publish two or three a week of similar quality (if not always quite so wacky). Sign up for Londonist: Time Machine below.

This article was originally published in 2019.

This year's Covent Garden Rent Ceremony takes place on 2 July 2026, from 4.30pm. It's a public event so anyone on the piazza by St Paul's Church at that time can join in or just watch.

"Hear ye! Hear ye!"

The cry rings out around Covent Garden on a balmy Thursday afternoon, alerting people it's time for one of London's strangest annual traditions: the Covent Garden Rent Ceremony.

The historical ceremony is held each summer, as a merry band of misfits — that is, the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the Deputy Mayor of Camden, Covent Garden Area trustees, musicians, street entertainers and a town crier — march around Covent Garden Piazza.

Their every step is followed by a determined group of photographers, and bemused yet gleeful tourists.

Because every parade needs a man on a unicorn unicycle.

But what exactly is the Rent Ceremony? It's an event where the trustees pay the "peppercorn rent" of five rosy red apples and five posies of flowers — a callback to the fruit and flower market on which Covent Garden was founded — to the landlords of the five properties of the 'Protected Lands'.

The trust has a 150 year lease on the properties and this is the 31st edition of the ceremony, meaning there's another 119 years left to go.

The Lord Mayor of Westminster with The Deputy Mayor of Camden and some of Covent Garden's trustees behind.

The parade winds its way around Covent Garden, pausing for the town crier to make a booming speech explaining what on Earth is going on, followed by a musical interlude from the string quartet. The parade then sets off again.

Most impressively the quartet includes a man marching with a massive double bass, often for brilliant comic effect. (As someone who played the instrument abysmally at school, I cannot stress enough how physically impressive a feat this is.)

One of the rosy red apples being handed over.

At two different points, the peppercorn rent is exchanged. The first time comes reasonably early in the parade for the lease on the St James's buildings. The second is at the end of the parade, for the lease on the main Covent Garden Piazza building.

After that, a few speeches thank all involved in the merry day out, before the parade marches out of the piazza and dissipates.

Take a look at some photos we captured at 2019's ceremony, followed by the video we shot in 2017.

Wahey!

Not the traditional way to play a double bass.

Festivities come to an end and the trade is made.

Chair of the Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens Sue Price with Kensington Gardens Park Manager Andy Williams, admiring the restored Elfin Oak. Image: Royal Parks

London's most magical tree — certainly its most magical dead tree — has just been restored.

It was in 1928 when the hollow stump of a 900-year-old oak tree was moved from Richmond Park to Kensington Gardens, where the children's illustrator Ivor Innes slowly yet skilfully carved a village of magical folk into the wood: elves, fairies, goblins, witches and forest animals.

Amazing how a tree stump has brought joy to so many over almost 100 years. Image: Royal Parks

Two years later, the Elfin Oak was unveiled on 25 July in 1930, and has delighted scores of children ever since — not to mention many adults, including Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, who was photographed in front of it for the inside cover of the Ummagumma album.

Spike Milligan would be pleased to see the latest restoration. Image: Royal Parks

The tree has taken its fair share of weathering, both by the natural elements, and vandals. The latter prompted park keepers to enshroud the tree in an old raven's cage from London Zoo.

Needless to say then, the Elfin Oak has been through a few restorations. In the mid 1960s — and again some 30 years later — the comedian Spike Milligan lobbied to save and renovate it, as documented in the BBC's 2021 radio drama, Spike and the Elfin Oak. The tree stump gained Grade II listed status in 1997.

The fantastical tree stump was Grade II listed in 1997. Image: Royal Parks

Now, the Royal Parks charity has unveiled the result of conservation repairs, carried out by DBR Conservation, in which the tree's 97 figurines — including Wookey (the little old witch), Huckleberry (gnome) and Harebell (fairy) — have been expertly and sensitively restored, once more vibrant, glossy and rendered in intricate detail.

Visibility of the Elfin Oak has also been improved, including the removing of a mesh lining, and a reduction in the number of bars encasing it.

Just look at the detail on this. Image: Royal Parks

Says Andy Williams, Park Manager for Kensington Gardens: "Kensington Gardens is one of the most magical parks for children and part of its appeal is the Elfin Oak, where elves, witches and owls inhabit a secret world. We are delighted to help restore this much-loved treasure back to its former glory."

Magical, really, how a tree stump has brought so much joy to so many people.

The Elfin Oak is free for all to enjoy. You'll find it by the entrance to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens.

Apartments that look good enough to eat... or lick, at least. Image: Pensaer

London's current crop of architects is often accused of being uninspired, but one new design for a set of apartments in Homerton will have you licking your lips.

Architects' Journal reports that south London based architectural firm Pensaer has submitted designs for 28 new homes in Chelmer Road, Homerton, which take direct inspiration from ice cream. Mock-up designs show waffle-textured precast panels, as well as supporting columns distinctly resembling ice cream cones. What's more, the building's colour scheme includes lickable shades of pistachio and strawberry.

So was Pensaer inspired by the recent heatwave? In fact, the flats are to be built on the site of the Valente Bros ice cream factory/the depot where it parks its fleet of ice cream vans. A small family business, Valente Bros has operated from here since the 1970s, but recently experienced a downturn in business caused by factors including increased business rates, the expansion of Congestion Charge zone and increasing energy prices. With the Chelmer Road site no longer viable, Valente Bros is hoping to relocate elsewhere, though a new location has yet to be secured.

Meanwhile, the development's marketeers have already rebranded the area the Ice Cream Quarter. Cool.

No news yet on when the apartments might get the go-ahead/construction will begin. Let's just hope, for the sake of whoever might end up moving in, that the walls themselves are not wafer thin.

A genuine Archbishop and various National Treasures are among the speakers at this year's Idler Festival.

Fenton House — a gorgeous 17th century mansion hidden away from the busier areas of Hampstead — is once again the fancy venue for 2026's event, a relaxed-jolly of ideas, activities... and inactivities.

The annual event — which this year takes place on 10-12 July — features some serious big-name speakers, but in a studiously laid-back environment. Festival goers are invited to do "as much or as little as they please" at London's most relaxed festival.

You'll probably end up doing quite a lot, actually, because the speakers include hugely popular authors Irvine Welsh, Jojo Moyes and Charlie Higson, as well as Bake Off legend Prue Leith and the returning Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury. Some other confirmed highlights include:

🐌 Jah Wobble will delve into his ‘Memoirs of a Geezer’.

🐌 Cathi Unsworth talks Goth women.

🐌 Nigel Planer holds court as the paperback of his autobiography, Young Once, arrives.

🐌 Chris Difford reveals the stories behind the songs of Squeeze as their 'lost' concept album, Trixies, finally lands.

🐌 Lissa Evans reminisces about Craggy Island in her tales of producing Father Ted.

🐌 Ben Moor presents his one-man show, Not Everything is Significant.

🐌 DJ Zakia Sewell recounts her travels from Somerset to Scotland, looking for the alternative spirit of Britain, found in otherworldly folk songs, ancient legends, Celtic seasonal rites and mystic stone circles.

🐌 Esther Freud discusses using Lucian, Bella and the rest of the Freud family as characters in her fiction.

🐌  Georgia Mann treats people to a classical DJ set.

🐌  All this in beautiful surroundings with an orchard bar and Spanish-Moroccan mezze made by Moro chefs.

Side activities include dancing lessons, walks, singing, beekeeping and plenty of time to lie under an apple tree with a book and a drink. Not completely idle, then.

The Idler Festival, Fenton House, Hampstead, 10-12 July 2026. Day and Weekend tickets available.

Tools of the trade. Quentin Blake's illustration tools. Image: Matt Brown

The 'world’s largest space dedicated to illustration' opens in Clerkenwell.

An old industrial complex at the back end of Clerkenwell has been transformed into the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. It reckons to be the largest site dedicated to illustration in the world. Draped across 18th century industrial buildings and a remnant windmill, it's a visual feast before you even set foot inside.

Image: Matt Brown

The heart of the museum is a peculiarly shaped brick engine house, whose three floors are repurposed for art. The debut offering gives a glimpse of the breadth and diversity on offer. We first meet the work of Sophy Hollington, which brightens the entrance to the library. Her art uses "mythological references to create striking modern pieces with elaborate patterns and bold colours". Her cut-outs are particularly joyful.

Murugiah's art. Mostly illustration, but he's not averse to other artforms. Image: Matt Brown

Joyful, in fact, is the key word for this building. The next floor is devoted to the artist MURUGIAH, whose swirling bright imagery cannot help but put a smile on the face, even while exploring themes of mental health and identity.

The top floor is reserved for the work of the centre's namesake and patron Sir Quentin Blake (born 1932). The much-loved illustrator is perhaps most famous for his work on Roald Dahl's books, and original drafts of panels from The Enormous Crocodile can be viewed here. But Blake's output is much, much wider. His distinctive illustrations have appeared in over 500 books, including many of his own. The gallery includes some of Blake's earliest professional drawings, from the 1950s. Quite incredible to consider that he's still working.

Image: Matt Brown

The largest exhibition space sits to one side of the main stack. Its debut show looks at the history of queer comics, a medium that had to operate in the shadows for many years, when homosexuality and its portrayal were illegal. Finally, and most atmospherically, an old windmill base (London's oldest, apparently) in the gardens serves as a circular gallery.

The centre comes with further bonuses. A free-to-use library with over 1,000 books on illustration is something of a centrepiece and will appeal particularly to families. We also get a new walking route. For the first time in history, it's possible to walk from Myddleton Passage to Amwell Street, through the centre's gardens (free to enter). This is of no particular convenience or time-saving, but an extra route is always a good thing.

The library. Image: Matt Brown

The centre's location is itself historically interesting. This was formerly a key part of London's water infrastructure. From 1613, an artificial conduit known as the New River would bring fresh water into the capital from Hertfordshire. It terminated here, at the New River Head. The surviving buildings of the centre recall this aqueous past — and Thames Water still maintains a site adjacent to the centre.

Indeed, Blake himself has added a nod to the New River. He's contributed a new mural to the cafe, called A Bridge to the Past, which shows figures from different eras enjoying the river.

Image (c) Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

The launch of the centre comes at an interesting time. With AI, anyone can now 'create' an 'illustration' in seconds through a simple prompt. Does AI sound the death knell for traditional illustrators, or might it herald a golden age in which we appreciate their talents all the more, in the face of robotic competition? The centre will no doubt explore such questions in future displays, and hopefully tip the balance towards the latter scenario.

Cafe space. Image: Matt Brown

The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration opens 5 June 2026. Much of the centre is free, but the feature galleries charge at £15 (adults), and £6 (children). Concessions available.

Image: public domain

See re-creations of the War of the Roses battle.

Barnet. Famous as a terminus of the Northern line; and widely deployed as a slang term for haircuts. But it's got some proper serious history going on, too.

A throne was won on Barnet's lofty slopes. It was here, on Easter Sunday 1471, that Edward of York saw off the Lancastrian forces, all but securing his future as Edward IV. The Battle of Barnet is seen as one of the most important battles of medieval England, and it happened right here, within what is now Greater London's borders.

Every year, the good citizens of Barnet put on a big shindig to celebrate their manor's momentous past. The 2026 Barnet Medieval Festival takes place on 6-7 June and promises to be a spectacle for all the family. As well as battle recreation, you can also see archery and cannon demonstrations, medieval artwork, mounted knights in combat and... well, we might as well just drop the flyer in:

Sadly (though perhaps wisely) the battle won't rage throughout the town, nor on the prime battle site in Hadley Green. Instead the action takes place at the wonderful Lewis of London farm — famous for its ice cream cafe — on Galley Lane. It's a bit of a schlep if you're coming from afar, perhaps a 45-minute walk from the Tube station. But there is a shuttle bus from the Spires shopping centre, and parking is available on site for those who drive.

The Battle of Barnet memorial, a little north-east of the festival site, in Hadley Green. Image Matt Brown

Although the main action is at the ice cream farm, a walk through central Barnet will also turn up plenty of nods to the battle. Look out for the 90-or-so medieval banners, fitted to lamp posts and hanging in the Spires shopping centre (photo above from 2023). The pennants were created by volunteers at the Museum of Barnet, and are based on the heraldic devices used by combatants in the battle. The town even has a commemorative bench or two:

Image: Matt Brown

The main event is organised by the Barnet Medieval Festival Committee. Tickets are available on the gate or in advance at £10 for adults, £5 for teens (children free). Parking is available. While you're in the area, check out the whalebone arch, or go hunting for fairy doors.

A start date for construction of the City of London's tallest building has been announced. Image: © Dbox

Farewell to 1 Undershaft, hello One London.

A start date for construction of the City of London's tallest building has been announced, along with a new name.

The office tower formerly known as 1 Undershaft will begin construction in 2028 for a completion in 2033. It will stand 309.5 metres tall, the same as The Shard. It will also boast a viewing gallery operated by London Museum.

But what of the name? 1 Undershaft always prompted a bit of a snigger. The peculiar moniker references the local road and church (St Andrew Undershaft), which in turn recall a giant maypole that once thrusted into the skies hereabouts.

Historical flavour has now given way to blandness. The tower will hereafter be known as One London, a reflection of its prominence on the skyline.

One London (centre) as it may appear. Image: © Dbox /Eric Parry Architects

The name is not exactly original. Apsley House, former home of the Duke of Wellington at Hyde Park Corner, was historically known as Number One London, as it once constituted the first building of note when approaching London from Kensington. We wonder, also, how journalist Dave Hill will feel about its similarity to his independent local news website OnLondon.

Meanwhile, Simon Usborne has previously pointed out the rash of new-builds that use the 'One' device to attract foreign investment. Examples include One Blackfriars, One Nine Elms, One Kensington Gardens and One Tower Bridge. The addition of One London brings the trend to its natural climax, even if it doesn't finger the Undershaft.

The Aviva Tower (centre) under the 'white sheet of death' awaiting demolition. This will be the site of One London. Image: Matt Brown

One London will be built on a plot of land between the Cheesegrater and Gherkin, currently occupied by the Aviva Tower, also known as the St Helen's Tower. This 1960s skyscraper will be the largest skyscraper ever demolished in London, at 118 metres.

The scheme is being developed by Aroland Holdings and designed by Eric Parry Architects.