Whether you're an American expat, a US aficionado, or just fancy tucking into some fried chicken and a milkshake (to apply a cliche), there's plenty going down for Independence Day 2024 in London. Read on to plan your 4 July celebrations — though of course, we may all have our eyes on a little event closer to home instead this year.
Independence Day at Benjamin Franklin House
Benjamin Franklin House — the former London home of the American Founding Father — hosts Independence Day celebrations across several days, in addition to the usual Historical Experience which gives an insight into the 16 years Franklin spent living here.
The house is decorated for Independence Day from 28 June onwards, but the bulk of celebrations happen the following week. On 4 July, enjoy a walking tour around Franklin's London, and a museum late when you can sample American-style refreshments and drinks. This is followed by architectural tours of the house on Friday 5 July.
Benjamin Franklin House. 4-5 July.
An American in London guided walk
Love London Tours guides Phil and Caroline offer an Independence Day walk around Mayfair, paying special attention to links between London and the USA. Topics covered include the short-lived Republic of Texas, Wallis Simpson, and Churchill and Roosevelt's joint efforts to defeat Nazi Germany.
An American in London guided walk. £15 per person. 4 July.
Bring Your Baby 'Americans in the City' walk
It's never too early to start them on culture and history, so the Bring Your Baby guided walks team are offering a special Independence Day tour, focusing on American links to the City of London, aimed at parents and carers with babies. See spots linked to Benjamin Franklin, Pocahontas and King Kong, find out what links a Lord Mayor of London to a president’s assassin, and what a City church has to do with the naming of three states.
As with all Bring Your Baby walks, things are taken at a slow pace, with time for feeding and changing your baby built into the schedule.
Americans in the City walk. £22.38, 4 July.
Independents Day whiskey tasting
No, that's not a typo; this whiskey tasting event at HopScotch Taprooms in Crystal Palace marks Independence Day with a tasting of independent and small-batch whiskies. Sample four drams (TBC) in the venue's basement bar.
Independents Day whiskey tasting. From £27.50, 4 July.
American whiskey tasting
Elsewhere, join the North London Whisky Club for an evening spent tasting five diverse examples of American whiskey, and learning the history of each variety. They hail from the traditional whiskey heartlands of Kentucky and Tennessee, and are produced by innovative artisanal craft distillers. No previous whiskey knowledge is required.
American whiskey tasting. £27.80, 4 July.
America in London
Keen to know more about the links between the USA and London? Have a delve into our star-spangled archive:
- The 50 States Of The USA... In London
- Bits Of London That Are Now In The USA
- Tips For Americans In London - From An American In London
- Did You Know The USA Has A Thames Too?
- Places In London That Sound Like They're In The States
- A Special Relationship: The Early History Of London And The US
- American Sitcoms In London