Things to do this week is sponsored by London Transport Museum.
All week
JULY IN LONDON: A new month gets underway, with plenty to do in London including new exhibitions, festivals, sporting events and other summery ways to spend your time. Read our guide to the best things to do in London in July to plan your next few weeks.
WIMBLEDON: World-famous tennis tournament Wimbledon begins in south-west London on Monday. Heading down there to watch? Get clued up on how and when to queue for Wimbledon tickets — and be warned that Wimbledon Station isn't actually the closest stop to get there. Can't make it in person? Plenty of places around London show the action live on big screens — many of them free. You can even tuck into a tennis-themed afternoon tea while you watch at the Ham Yard Hotel. Until 14 July
FASHION CITY: This is the final week of Museum of London Docklands' Fashion City exhibition, showcasing the contributions of Jewish designers to making London into a fashion powerhouse. Items on display include a famous red coat worn by Princess Diana, and costumes belonging to Dot Cotton from Eastenders. Until 7 July
FUSE INTERNATIONAL: FUSE International, a festival offering an eclectic programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts, spoken word, circus and more, continues in Kingston until Sunday. In all, over 40 events are taking place. Until 7 July
HAMPTON COURT GARDENS: The gardens at Hampton Court Palace have regular open days throughout the year, when the public can visit without paying the usual admission charges. This time round, the garden open days last all week, giving you seven days to explore the Privy Garden, Kitchen Garden, Pond Garden and other areas. Note that there's still a charge to visit the palace itself, the Maze, or the Magic Garden Playground. Free, 1-7 July
SPITALFIELDS MUSIC FESTIVAL: Local history meets live music at Spitalfields Music Festival, which continues at venues around east London this week. Hear a talk from the author of Spitalfields Life about the history of London’s market criers, followed by a concert featuring Luciano Berio’s Cries of London, or catch the London premiere of new show Me Without You, which weaves together music, dance and recorded interviews from conversations across the UK. Check the website for the full, eclectic programme. Until 10 July (sponsor)
BST OPEN HOUSE: On the weekdays between the huge BST Hyde Park weekend gigs, the festival site hosts free-entry events open to everyone. This year's Open House programme (confusingly, it's nothing to do with the annual Open House architectural festival in September) spans live music performances, Wimbledon screenings, children's entertainment, and an open-air cinema. FREE, selected dates until 11 July. On the main BST programme this week: Morgan Wallen, Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams and Shania Twain.
EUROS: The UEFA Euro football tournament continues for another fortnight, with the last of the Round of 16 matches, along with the quarter finals taking place this week. At time of writing, we don't know which teams will make it that far, but these London venues should be screening the matches. Until 14 July
LONDON ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Peta Bridle began to sketch London's urban environment during lockdown, using pencil, ink and a brush. She tends to draw quiet spots — historic or derelict buildings, elevated viewpoints (or low to the floor), alleyways and streetscapes, shops and churches, the East End, the River Thames and waterways. Her drawing hero is Geoffrey Fletcher, the author of many books including The London That Nobody Knows, who himself was an urban sketcher of London. You can follow Peta's work over on her Instagram channel.
DAY TRIP OF THE WEEK: Now that we're in the depths of summer, why not head to the seaside for a day (or longer)? Read up on our 9 favourite seaside towns to visit in Kent and start planning your trip. Our Beyond London section has further inspiration for getting out of the capital for a little while.
SUMMER BOATING: Did you know you can hire and pilot your own electric boat? GoBoat lets you captain your own vessel from pontoons at Paddington, Canary Wharf, Kingston and Thames Ditton. Boats seat up to eight people and have a central table for a floating, tranquil picnic you'll never forget! Book ahead. (Sponsor)
Monday 1 July
TOSCA: The Royal Opera House presents Jonathan Kent’s production of Puccini’s Tosca, with this staging receiving its 15th revival since its premiere in 2006. Romance, revolution and a devastating twist combine in the thriller, set in 1800s Rome. 1 July-13 December
HEIGHTS OF LONDON: Footprints of London guide Rob Smith continues his series of walks visiting the highest point in each London borough, this time visiting Shooters Hill in Greenwich. Meet at Falconwood station, and walk through ancient deciduous woodland to Severndroog Castle, taking in views over London before continuing to Plumstead Common, to hear about its links to Arsenal Football Club. 2pm-4.30pm
FOOL'S MOON: An "anarchic, genre-bending cabaret night", Fool's Moon comes to Soho Theatre for one night only, hosted by virtuosic clown Paulina Lenoir and starring performers across clowning, music, dance, drag and live art. Composer Martin Creed, classically-trained drag pianist Porscha Present and comedian Lachlan Werner are among tonight's acts. 8pm
HAPPY MONDAYS COMEDY: Comedians Larry Dean and Kate Cheka both offer previews of their Edinburgh shows at tonight's Happy Mondays Comedy at the Amersham Arms in New Cross, hosted by Sion James. 8pm-10.30pm
MONDAYS IN LONDON: Looking for something else to do, today or any other week? Take a look at our guide to things to do in London on a Monday — we've gathered together live music venues, comedy and cabaret clubs which keep going on what is usually the quietest day of the week, along with guided walks and tours scheduled on a Monday, and a few special offers too.
Tuesday 2 July
ONETRACKMINDS: The life-changing power of music is celebrated at OneTrackMinds, an evening that is part TED Talk, part Desert Island Discs. A selection of guests share their stories about the one song that has changed their life, before the song is then played. No word yet on this time's guests, but past participants have included Peter Tatchell, Deborah Frances White, Harry Hill and Jay Rayner. Takes place at Wilton's Music Hall. 2-3 July
SPANISH SHIP: Spanish Armada naval training ship the Juan Sebastián de Elcano docks in the Isle of Dogs for a few days, offering two open days while it's there. 2-4 July
SUMMER SCIENCE EXHIBITION: The Royal Society's annual Summer Science Exhibition is a free interactive experience for anyone curious about the latest advances in science and technology. Take part in drop-in workshops, meet scientists and researchers, and find out about topics such as child language acquisition, processed foods, AI and creativity, and the future of medicine. It begins with a sports science-themed Lates evening. FREE, 2-7 July
GARDEN FESTIVAL: Didn't make it to the Chelsea Flower Show? Head to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival instead. Wander the palace grounds to see specially designed gardens, and enjoy demos on gardening and floristry, from experts including horticulturalist Martin Fish, actor and passionate gardener Caroline Quentin, and 'Drag Queen Gardener' Tom Leonard. 2-7 July
SENSATIONAL SENSES: The Royal Institution takes a deep dive into the world of human senses, with a talk followed by an evening of events and activities. Find out why scientists believe there could be as many as 20 different senses, hear about pleasure and pain from neuroscientist Siri Leknes, learn about how genetics affect our taste, and more. Age 18+. 7pm-9.30pm
SUMMER CONCERT: The Waldegrave Drawing Room at Strawberry Hill House hosts a summer concert, featuring a performance of The Armed Man to mark the 80th birthday of composer Sir Karl Jenkins, followed by tunes from musicals Oliver! and South Pacific. Get there early to enjoy a drink in the garden before the show. 7.15pm
Sponsor message
Travel through time at London Transport Museum’s Depot this week
Here’s a rare chance to explore one of our favourite hoards of transport history! London Transport Museum opens the doors of its Depot in Acton to the public from Friday 5 July to Sunday 7 July, inviting you to discover over 320,000 historical objects and get stuck into a lively programme of events.
With the theme ‘From Past To Present’, this series of open days is inspired by stories of London transport-related ingenuity throughout the ages. Through talks from Museum curators, workshops, and family activities, you learn about engineering milestones — such as the creation of the first electric railway — and how these can pave the way for a greener future for the capital.
There are plenty of opportunities to get hands-on here, from child-friendly crafting to testing out TfL simulators in the STEM zone. Visit over the weekend, and you can also book a ride on the London Transport Miniature Railway! Speaking of trains, the Depot has all sorts of historic vehicles to explore — not to mention vintage Tube posters, signs, maps, station plans and more. Get your tickets here.
Depot Open Days: From Past to Present run 5-7 July. Adult tickets costs £17.50 and £8.50 for children (London Transport Miniature Railway tickets must be booked separately). Children aged 3 and under go free. Concessions are available including local resident tickets for residents of Ealing and Hounslow.
Wednesday 3 July
COAST PATH EXHIBITION: A new, free exhibition is opened at Paddington railway station (platforms 8 and 9), showcasing the best photos from the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year competition. See shots taken by members of the public at various points along the walking trail. FREE, 3-30 July
STRAWBERRY HILL GARDEN: Strawberry Hill’s honorary librarian and tour guide Carole Tucker leads a guided tour around the garden, as well as a chance to view two of the best preserved paintings by Dutch artist, Jan van Huysum. After the tour, your ticket includes access to re-enter the house to explore in your own time. 10am-11.15am
CHELSEA'S GOT TALENT: Local skills are on show at Kensington and Chelsea's Got Talent, taking place in South Bolton Gardens. The show is open to performers of all ages and levels of experience, and money raised from the event goes to the Earl's Court Community Trust. 5pm-8pm
ONE-MAN MUSICAL: Musical comedy duo Flo & Jo offer a preview of their Edinburgh show One-Man Musical at Pleasance Theatre in Islington. If you're thinking the maths isn't maths-ing right, rest assured that the show features a cast of one (man) supported by a full band (two musical comedians hiding in the wings). 7.30pm
Thursday 4 July
GENERAL ELECTION: Today's the day of the general election, with polling stations up and down the country open 7am-10pm (remember to take photo ID with you). Undecided who to vote for? We scanned the manifestos of the five main parties to summarise their pledges which specifically affect London. Keen to watch the results roll in with a drink in hand this evening? Here's a guide to election night viewing parties in London.
REJECTS EXHIBITION: With the Royal Academy's legendary Summer Exhibition now underway, see the artworks which didn't make the cut. REJECTS exhibition at Stokey Pop Up on Stoke Newington High Street showcases work by some of the 14,000 applicants who weren't chosen by the judges this year, including a painting of a woman punching Cupid, and a prize-winning loaf of bread. FREE, 4-14 July
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: 4 July is Independence Day for the USA. Whether you're an American here in London, or a Londoner wanting to get in on the fun, try one of the best American restaurants in London, or London's best diners... or head further afield to these retro American diners worth leaving London for. There are also some special Independence Day events taking place all over the capital. 4 July
UNDERBELLY FESTIVAL: Pop-up culture venue Underbelly Festival is back in Cavendish Square from today, offering a slice of Edinburgh Fringe for anyone who can't make it to Scotland. Cabaret, circus and comedy shows are on the programme, as well as family entertainment, and there are bars and street food traders to keep you fed and watered. The opening night event is Dizney in Drag, a parody show that's strictly 18+. 4 July-21 September
LOVERBOY IN CONVERSATION: Tying in with the current exhibition Lore of Loverboy, Somerset House hosts an evening with the brand's designer Charles Jeffrey, who talks to fashion journalist Sarah Mower about his work. 7pm-8pm
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE BALLET: The Florence Nightingale Museum stays open late for a special performance, where the nurse's story is told through ballet. The New Creations Collective perform a 30-minute excerpt performance of the company’s original ballet, Nightingale, followed by a workshop where you can learn the basics of ballet. Your ticket also gives you access to view the museum. 7pm-9pm
Friday 5 July
IDLER FESTIVAL: Comedians, writers, musicians and philosophers take to the stage at Idler Festival, happening at Fenton House in Hampstead. Across three days hear from former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams on the Seven Deadly Sins, zoologist and author Lucy Cooke about why sloths are misunderstood, and novelist Zadie Smith about her life and work, among others. 5-7 July
RIVER STAGE: Every weekend in July, the River Stage pops up outside the National Theatre on South Bank, offering free performances spanning music, theatre, dance, family workshops and club nights. The team behind now-closed Hackney LGBTQ+ bar The Glory curate this first weekend, hosted by Jonny Woo and John Sizzle. FREE, 5-28 July
BARBIE: One of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year opens at the Design Museum, focusing on one of the world's most famous toys. Museum curators worked in partnership with Mattel Inc, and were given special access to the Barbie archives in California to put together Barbie: The Exhibition. 180 dolls feature, including a rare first edition Barbie from 1959, and the first Black, Hispanic and Asian dolls to bear the Barbie name, as well as the first Barbie with Down syndrome, and the first to use a wheelchair. 5 July-21 February
VICTORIAN LONDON: Tom Furber of the London Metropolitan Archives gives a history talk about the Victorian port of London, using documents from the collection to give an insight into what was once the busiest port in the world. The event ties in to the current Lost Victorian City exhibition. 12.30pm-2pm
ZOO NIGHTS: Once again, London Zoo stays open late for an adults-only evening. Zoo Nights is a chance to see the animals at a time when visitors aren't usually allowed into the zoo, take part in interactive games, hear talks about the animals, and tuck into food and drinks from pop-up bars and street food vendors. 6pm-10pm
DRAG AEROBICS: Dolly Trolley Drag leads a drag aerobics class at Strong and Bendy fitness studio in Hackney Wick. Expect lashes, lunges, and plenty of grapevines set to dance classics, such as the Pointer Sisters, Britney Spears, Bonnie Tyler, Lizzo, Dolly Parton, Aqua, and Vengaboys. Loud outfits encouraged. 7pm-8pm
ARABIC MUSIC NIGHT: Grand Junction in Paddington hosts an Arabic music open mic night. Live performers offer covers of songs by the likes of Umm Kulthum, Fairuz and Mashrou’ Leila, as well as original songs — after which the stage opens up for anyone from the audience who would like to perform. 7pm
Saturday 6 July
EEL PIE ISLAND: The second of this summer's open weekends at Eel Pie Island offers a chance to set foot on the mysterious and private island in the Thames and visit the artists who live and work there in their studios — and of course, buy artworks straight from the source. FREE, 6-7 July
HELLO, DOLLY: Imelda Staunton is back in the role of socialite turned matchmaker Dolly Levi, as Broadway musical Hello, Dolly! opens at the London Palladium tonight. 6 July-14 September
THE BAKER'S WIFE: Based on the film La Femme du Boulanger, musical The Baker's Wife opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory in Southwark, telling the story of the impact a new baker and his wife make when they arrive in a sleepy French village. 6 July-14 September
TURNER AND THE ENVIRONMENT: There's a new exhibition at Turner's House in Twickenham, the former home of artist J.M.W. Turner. A World of Care: Turner and the Environment looks at how his work portrayed environmental and social developments — including burning furnaces and deforested landscapes — that would go on to change Britain and the world‘s climates forever. From 6 July
URBAN BIRD WALK: Leica Ambassador, nature guide, wildlife photographer and cameraman Luke Massey leads an urban nature walk through central London, beginning at the Leica shop in Mayfair. The latest Leica binoculars are available to borrow for the walk, helping you to get a closer look at some of the area's wildlife. 10.30am-1.30pm
SUMMER PARTY: Regular disco night Club de Fromage throws a summer party at its regular venue, the O2 Academy in Islington. Dance the night away to tunes by the likes of Lizzo, Queen, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, The Killers, ABBA and Avril Lavigne. Summer outfits are very much encouraged, and there's queue jump for anyone in fancy dress. 10.30pm-3.30am
Sunday 7 July
HOT AIR BALLOONS: Today is the first of three Sundays in July have been put aside for Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta to take place this year. If weather conditions are rights, dozens of balloons in various designs will float across the capital from Battersea Park first thing in the morning — from about 5am in fact, so set your alarm early. Keep an eye on the website a couple of days before the event for confirmation as to whether it's happening today or not. FREE, from 5am
JOE WICKS FESTIVAL: 'The Body Coach' Joe Wicks — who became famous for leading online workouts during lockdown — hosts a new wellness event at Kew Gardens. Joe Wicks Festival is a family-friendly day of activities including talks, yoga sessions, soundbaths, talks, a picnic and more. 9.30am-6pm
YACHT CLUB OPEN DAY: Twickenham Yacht Club invites members of the public inside for an open day. Have a go at sailing or paddleboarding on the river, and find out more about the club and becoming a member. FREE, 11am-3pm
CHESS FEST: Trafalgar Square hosts a free chess festival, open to all, whether you're a seasoned player or want to learn the game. This year's Chess Fest has a theme of Alice Through The Looking Glass, and once again includes a living chess set with 32 actors taking on the role of the pieces. FREE, 11am-6pm
HAMPSTEAD BIG FAIR: Heath Street in Hampstead goes traffic-free for the Hampstead Big Fair, with 100 stalls selling crafts, food and drink, alongside a funfair, circus school, live music and other entertainment. FREE, 12pm-5pm
THE CALLY FESTIVAL: Islington's Caledonian Road — affectionately known as 'The Cally' — closes to traffic and puts on its party gear for The Cally Festival. The free-entry celebration of local culture has previously included live music, storytelling, workshops, kids' activities and more — full 2024 details TBC at time of writing. FREE ENTRY, 12pm-6pm
