31 best things to do in London this weekend: 18 - 20 October 2024
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When searching for the best things to do in London each weekend, it’s hard not to end up more confused and indecisive than when you started. While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the best restaurants in the capital, spend an evening in one of the latest innovative bars on the scene, or even explore an iconic London attraction, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events. Each week, we get the inside track on exciting things to do in London for the upcoming weekend to help us discover a new area of the city or explore a new address in a neighbourhood we (thought) we’d already uncovered.
31 best things to do in London this weekend
1. Get crafty at a pottery class
Challenge yourself to learn a new skill with a three-hour crash course in pottery. There's no need for prior experience; just come along and get stuck in. You’ll learn a selection of hand-building and throwing techniques, with the opportunity to glaze and fire your handiwork to take home your finished piece in all its glory.
Address: The Slightly Curious Studio, Unit 1 Venice House, Artist Studio Company, HA0 1QL
Website: airbnb.co.uk
Price: From £60 per person
Dates: Ongoing; various dates available
2. Grab a bite at Bao’s latest site
Bao has a new sibling in town, a central spot in Bloomberg Arcade, City. Expect trendy retro interiors, two karaoke rooms where bao and fried chicken are ordered through a touchscreen and a sleek open-plan dining room with booths and cosy tables. Of course, the infamous fluffy baos remain on the menu, and there are a few in-house favourites, such as the Taiwanese fried chicken drizzled in hot sauce and the chilli-coated lamb dumplings. City has a few new surprises in store for the regular – a specials board scribbled with monthly offerings, including a delicious soft cut of sweet soy glazed pork and huge yu siang grilled prawns. As well as a few new dishes on the menu, we loved the slices of Taiwanese sausage served with fermented greens and chilli. Sophie Knight
Address: BAO City, 2-8 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR
Website: baolondon.com
Dates: Open now
3. See a circus spectacular
Enjoy a joyous evening at Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular as it starts its run at The Empress Museum in Earls Court. Enter a 700-seater Big Top arena, where all the circus spectacle meets musical theatre fun. Expect all the hugest songs from the smash-hit movie, from This Is Me to Rewrite the Stars, alongside a brand-new story.
Address: Empress Place, London SW6 1TT
Website: comealiveshow.com
Price: From £35 per person
Dates: Booking until 30 March 2025
4. Feast on new treats
Embrace the changing seasons at beloved doughnut shop Longboys as the team launches new finger-licking flavours. All doughnuts are handmade with a brioche base for a lighter treat, and it’s become a hotspot for foodies eager to experiment with curious flavour combinations. New additions include a pear and ginger doughnut with pear compote, ginger crème, poached pears, candied stem ginger, pain d’epices croutons and a ginger sugar dusting, and a bread and butter pudding doughnut stuffed with vanilla crème and raisin jam.
Address: Longboys, Arches Coal Drops Yard, Unit 16 Bagley Walk, London N1C 4DH
Website: longboys.co.uk
Dates: Available now
5. Experience a unique new bar
Cahoots Postal Office is the forerunner for London’s hottest new bar opening this autumn. Set in an old railway arch, the immersive bar is modelled on a vintage post office where the Cahoots Scoundrels have taken control of a mail depot and transformed it into a raucous hub for distributing rations, home-brewed hooch, and exotic cocktails. Greet the postie on entry, keep watch for suspicious coppers, and pass through a postbox into the year 1946 to sample punchy concoctions which arrive on tables via a unique ‘air mail’ system.
Address: Cahoots Postal Office, Unit 205, 18 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD
Website: cahoots.co.uk
Dates: Open now
6. Tuck in at a unique supper
Ultra-premium rum brand Brugal has partnered with Michelin-starred chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho to celebrate its Dominican homeland with a unique dining experience at Sabor. The five-course sharing menu complements the flavour profiles of Brugal 1888 – dishes include figs in tempura with ajo blanco, turbot with salsa verde and a mascarpone mousse with wild berries. Dine among tropical foliage and feast and sip among friends old and new.
Address: Sabor, 35-37 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BR
Website: eventbrite.co.uk
Price: £125 per person
Dates: Tuesday 15 October; Tuesday 29 October
7. Raise a toast to a new gallery space
Get your culture fix at the brand-new BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery Café as it opens its doors this week in Fitzrovia. The new cultural hub promotes queer and gay fine art photography, in an exciting venture from a programme overseen by co-founder Ghislain Pascal encompassing books, magazines, courses and more. The programme now represents 78 photographers from 33 countries, including many where LGBTQ+ rights are repressed. Keep an eye out for events led by speakers, including Joseph Galliano-Doig MBE – co-founder and CEO of Queer Britain.
Address: BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery Café, 30C Warren Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 5NF
Website: boysboysboys.org
Dates: Opens Saturday 19 October
8. Visit a glitzy exhibition
There’s still time to catch Tiffany & Co.’s latest public activation at Selfridges before it ends on Sunday. The open-to-all gallery spans the entire length of Selfridges and features specially commissioned works by British contemporary artists Damien Hirst, Rana Begum, Jason Bruges and James Righton. The exhibition sits alongside window displays inspired by The Tiffany Archives, refining the ‘window shopping’ experience.
Address: Selfridges, Duke Street Entrance
Website: tiffany.co.uk
Dates: Until Sunday 20 October
9. Rediscover the joy of writing
Montblanc’s travelling kiosk pop-up has landed in London’s Duke of York Square, inviting visitors to celebrate 100 years of Meisterstück and the Art of writing. Until Sunday 20 October, re-discover the joy of handwriting by sending postcards to loved ones and get involved in a series of activities. Between Tuesday and Thursday, sketch artist Lily Kong creates unique personal portraits and illustrations, each personalised with the visitor’s initials. Graphologist Emma Bache takes residence over the weekend, analysing visitors' writing styles or signatures to provide fascinating insights into their traits.
Address: Duke Of York Square, 80 King's Road, London SW3 4LY, UK
Website: dukeofyorksquare.com; montblanc.com
Dates: Until Sunday 20 October
10. Pick up goods at a new community market
The Market at Elephant Park is London’s hottest new neighbourhood market, taking over a park in Elephant and Castle every Saturday and Sunday. Browse stalls from street food and drink traders, artisanal foodies and designers outside The Tree House Pavilion. The line-up rotates each week, meaning it’s a different experience every time.
Address: The Tree House, Elephant Park, Sayer Street London, SE11 1HL
Website: elephantparkmarket.co.uk
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays; 12pm - 5pm
Batman Unmasked London11. Check out an immersive exhibition
There's no shortage of captivating exhibitions in London right now. Whether you're into fine art, contemporary design or history, the capital's galleries have something for everyone. Some of the most exciting and immersive out there include Batman Unmasked, a must-visit for superhero fans celebrating the 85th anniversary of the iconic DC figure. Alternatively, boggle your mind at the recently opened Paradox Museum London. Interact with more than 50 brain-jumbling exhibits, from a sofa set-up that'll have you scratching your head to a zero-gravity tunnel where you can take your picture as an astronaut floating through a rocket.
12. Tuck in at a supper club
There's certainly no shortage of new restaurant openings in the capital right now. However, London's most discerning of foodies often crave something with a little more community feel from time to time. Look no further than the city's supper club scene. Food markets and event spaces fill up every week with hungry Londoners as chefs take residence in kitchens to cook up a storm. Sign up for all the relevant newsletters to stay in the loop – these events sell out at breakneck speed.
Getty Images13. Savour street food favourites
For every Michelin-starred hotspot in London, there are a dozen delicious street food stalls selling their wares. After days of exploring London’s attractions or visiting the latest exciting pop-up, head to Seven Dials Market for slices of pepperoni drizzled in honey from Bad Boy Pizza Society or indulgent burgers from Truffle. Alternatively, explore all Camden Market offers, or pick up picnic treats from Borough Market and lounge by the river. Our team's honourable street food menus include Juma Kitchen, Duck Frites, and Gyoza Guys. The arrival of Boxpark Camden has cemented Camden's place as London's street food hotspot – swing by for a Yorkshire burrito, generously loaded fries from Popata or crispy treats from Love Churros.
Milo Brown14. Rate London's roast dinners
The French have haute cuisine; the Japanese embrace Omakase – in London, it’s all about the battle of the Sunday roast. Securing a coveted spot in one of the city’s best restaurants for a hearty plateful is one of our favourite pastimes. Among the classics are some pretty fancy options, including the new roast offered at Dinner By Heston Blumenthal. Alongside roast chicken and stuffing, beef or cauliflower, add some extra indulgence with truffle mash, caviar-topped potatoes or truffle shavings. Are you mainly in it for those crisp spuds? Sunday roasts at 108 Brasserie at The Marylebone, Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury and Town House at The Kensington all include bottomless roast potatoes. Alternatively, head to Duvale's for unlimited Yorkshire puddings.
15. Reach for the rooftops
Rooftop bar season isn't quite over – if you're prepared to layer up. As we wave goodbye to balmy evenings for another year, the teams on some of the capital's finest rooftops agree that wasting covers sought-after for their cosy positions and views would be criminal. Broadwick Soho's Flute is one of the fanciest new spots on the scene, while (early) sundowners are still a delight on AMANO Covent Garden's rooftop as the evening light beams down on the city. One of the newest rooftops on the scene is Kitty Hawk at Page8 – a haven above the city offering fabulous views and reasonable prices.
16. Sample London's lastest cocktails
Competition on London's cocktail bar scene is fierce, as beloved speakeasies compete with a constant flurry of new openings. Unique concoctions are a surefire way to keep clientele engaged. Soma, the sleek subterranean bar below Soho's Indian restaurant Kricket, is one spot for a special tipple or two. New takes include ‘Peas’, a sweet and tangy muddle of Santa Teresa 1796 Rum, Disaronno Velvet, garden peas yoghurt and mint, and ‘Shallot’, made with Hapusa Gin and pickled shallot. Other hotspots include Swift Borough, where the latest autumn cocktail menu features 14 tipples that pay tribute to the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of the city south of the Thames, with nods to landmarks like Crystal Palace and the Greenwich Meridian.
Will Pryce17. Have a nose around London’s new hotels
In true Traveller style, one of our favourite hobbies is exploring the hot new hotels opening their doors in the capital. Best of all, there’s no need to stump up the eye-watering fee for a dazzling suite. The Peninsula is home to myriad bars and restaurants, from Cantonese restaurant Canton Blue to Brooklands, the Modern British hideout with fabulous views. The BoTree is now open on Marylebone Lane: step inside for supper at the brasserie or enjoy a mixologist-led evening at the teal-marble bar, which curves across the space, while trying out the bar menu curated by chef Stefano. All eyes are on Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, which is set to launch a rooftop bar in the near future, while we're excited to see what's in store at Six Senses London – stay tuned.
18. Go ABBA-crazy
It may be party season up and down the land, but there’s one that is never short on RSVPs – and it’s a kaleidoscopic extravaganza featuring all the ABBA classics. Mamma Mia! The Party sees the sell-out West End tale given a new lease of life, performed in a Greek courtyard complete with a pyrotechnic water fountain and restaurant tables that performers must navigate. While the four-course dinner is truly delicious, the focus is the immersive show, which works its way around the taverna between courses. It’s an unforgettable evening of napkin-waving, feet-stomping and, of course, lots of singing. Elsewhere, ABBA Voyage continues its run thanks to unprecedented popularity; see life-like avatars perform all the greatest hits at what could be one of the best parties in the city.
19. Cook up a storm
Cooking classes are ideal for groups of friends or a date night idea, and there’s always something special sizzling away in London. Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy is best for hungry Italophiles, where passionate chefs instruct clueless cooks on the dos and don’ts of homemade pasta making. Many events have a theme, so check the website and decide whether you want to learn the Roman methods, try a taste of Tuscany, or see how Puglia does it. For something a little more in-depth, head to Sauce by The Langham, where leading chefs such as Michel Roux Jr. lead the way – cocktail masterclasses and kid-friendly courses are also regularly held.
20. Get zen at a sound bath
First, there was yoga, then came acupuncture, reiki, breathwork, cryotherapy and the Headspace app. But now, busy Londoners are seeking respite from city life over sound baths. The different frequencies emitted by gongs, chimes and Tibetan bowls work to soothe the mind and heal the body, stimulating the brainwave frequencies associated with total relaxation and switching on the nervous system's repair mode. Clementina Jackson
Getty Images21. Pick a park for an adventure
The best way to escape the city's hustle and bustle is to stroll through one of the many parks, commons, and other green spaces London has to offer. Wrap up warm (wellies recommended) and amble through Wimbledon Common, picking up iced coffees and sweet treats at the Windmill Cafe; extend the walk into Richmond Park and the leafy suburbs of Richmond-upon-Thames if time permits. Head for Hampstead Heath and the swimming ponds (wet suits definitely recommended) north of the river, or scout out pretty views, planetariums, and tumbling leaves in Greenwich Park before an al fresco lunch in one of the historic pubs nearby.
22. Let loose in a live music venue
London’s live music scene is one of the most eclectic in Europe, and there’s always a superstar act or up-and-coming performer to be found. Soho’s notorious music venues, such as Ronnie Scott's and 100 Wardour Street, host musicians and singers that span endless genres, while Camden’s pubs hosted artists, including Adele and Amy Winehouse, before their names became known worldwide. Check out the recently renovated Koko Camden for evenings of live music and late nights of dancing, or discover something new at a Sofar Sounds gig – where rising stars take to the stage in unique venues announced just before the event. One of the newest openings is Soul Mama, the bar and live music venue by musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown, where Mica Paris and Gareth Malone are among the acts entertaining crowds this season.
23. Treat yourself to something sweet
We Londoners like sweet treats, so it’s a good thing there are so many bakeries in the capital to choose from. There’s nothing better than picking up freshly baked almond croissants from Pophams on a Sunday or popping into Fabrique for brunch-ready sourdough. Bakery-mania is evolving, though, and the most exquisite bites can be found in patisseries such as The Connaught Patisserie by Nicolas Rouzaud and Maison Bertaux. Lastly, a moment for doughnuts. Cast your eyes on the designer desserts at Donutelier and consider yourself a convert, or check out the UK's most inclusive treats from Borough 22, which are gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, halal and kosher – not that you can tell the difference.
Richard Davenport24. Try and escape
If being locked in a room with a ticking clock and dozens of clues is your idea of fun, you’re in luck in London. The escape room craze continues, and there are many places to chase an adrenaline fix. See gory scenarios from the SAW movies played out by live actors under flickering lights and the gaze of Jigsaw at Saw: Escape Experience – make it out alive and sip themed cocktails in the cosy cocktail bar. Control Room B in Battersea Power Station is another fun adventure: solve mind-bending puzzles, decipher cryptic clues and unveil the mysteries that lie in wait. Can you reconnect the power in time?
Getty Images25. Get theatrical
Think of London, and any culture vulture’s mind instantly wanders to the theatrical opportunities across the West End. Bop to ABBA classics at Mamma Mia!, or get all the family involved at Matilda: The Musical. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in one of the historic theatres – and sometimes for less than you’d expect. Fully-grown thespians, check out TodayTix for discounted last-minute tickets to the classics and fringe shows. Some of the hottest tickets for autumn 2024 include the West End versions of The Devil Wears Prada and Mean Girls.
Getty Images26. Buff up on your London history
London’s history dates back more than 2,000 years, and there are London attractions detailing everything the capital’s ancient riverbanks have witnessed. Uncover gruesome details of how prisoners were treated in the Clink Prison close to London Bridge, or take a tour of the Tower of London, guided by a beefeater, as they surprise and delight with fascinating nuggets of the royal residence’s history. Go even further back in time at the London Mithraeum – the ancient Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras, found under the Bloomberg headquarters.
MARCEL27. Sweat it out
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there’s always a unique way to get sweaty in the capital. Start the day by stretching towards the sunrise at Sky Garden, where yoga and pilates sessions occur throughout the summer. Joining the likes of Boom Cycle and SoulCycle recently is the Psycle site in Victoria, complete with a 50-bike ride studio and state-of-the-art barre and yoga space. Among the coolest new fitness crazes is getting fit in the boxing ring. Do as the Hollywood stars have done and check out one of boxing champion George Veness' JAB Boxing Club sites.
Sarah K Marr28. Build up the book collection
No, we’re not talking about the bookstores everyone knows and has on their high streets – but no judgment for picking up those holiday reads on the go. London is full of charming independent bookstores worth exploring on those drizzly summer afternoons. Gay's The Word on Marchmont Street is the UK's oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop, set up in January 1979 by gay socialists as a community space that funnelled all profits back into the business. Alternatively, hodophiles feel most at home in Stanfords, the world’s largest map and travel book retailer in Covent Garden.
29. Unwind at a spa
While we're a fan of spa weekends, nothing beats a visit to one of the capital's most sumptuous spas. Restore your glow with a facial at Claridge's Spa, do some lengths in one of the city's best pools (Bulgari Hotel London to Dorchester Collection's 45 Park Lane among them) or ease aching muscles at one of the more affordable spots across the city.
Anadolu Agency/Getty Images30. Embrace the Christmas spirit
As autumn arrives, there's a noticeable change in the London air. Christmas lights from Covent Garden to Regent Street and Greenwich Village get dusted off to illuminate the night skies again, each neighbourhood announcing their extravagant switch-on for the first few weeks in November. Roam the Christmas market along Southbank, window-shop your way through the capital's glitziest shopping destinations, and keep an eye out for a host of exciting events and pop-up shows.
Alamy31. Escape (for a few hours)
One of the best things about living in London is how easy it is to explore nearby cities and coastal towns. Hop on a train from one of London's largest rail hubs such as Paddington or King's Cross St Pancras and you'll be picnicking on a sandy stretch or licking ice creams in a nature reserve in no time. Our favourite spring and summer hideouts include the historic city of Canterbury, the lush plains of the New Forest, and the seaside revelry along Brighton and Hove's coast. For more inspiration, see our guide to the best day trips from London.