What to do on bank holiday weekend
Need help with ideas of what to do in London for the summer bank holiday weekend? Here are a few ideas to get you started on planning your visit to London.
Notting Hill Carnival
Experience one of Europe's largest, most vibrant festivals - The Notting Hill Carnival, every late August bank holiday. Music is played on live stages and floats as revellers in fabulously unique and creative costumes dance along the streets of Notting Hill. Foodies can delight in over 600 food stalls serving delicious Caribbean and Caribbean-British fusion options catering for all dietary requirements, including fully vegan stalls. The Notting Hill carnival has its roots in the carnival traditions of the Caribbean and started from a small children's fayre in the 1960s. Today, it is one of London's biggest celebrations of cultural diversity. You don't want to miss this London must at the end of August. More details
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival
The annual free outdoor theatre and performing arts festival occurs across iconic public spaces in London, including Royal Greenwich, Docklands and Tower Hamlets.
See this year's festival's lit-up animatronic swans on the Thames from 25 August to 10 September 2023. Theatrical elements are around the festival, including on a London tour bus. Watch out for the incredible festival opener 'Open Lines', a fantastic tightrope walking performance.
Free to attend, this festival is an excellent choice for your August bank holiday weekend. More details
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
Travel back in time to the Victorian Era in the 19th Century as Vauxhall transforms the Pleasure Gardens to its former Victorian glory, featuring all kinds of fun and games that would typically be found at the park in the 19th Century! Look out for strong men, tightrope walkers, stilt walkers, a vintage carousel and even a hot air balloon. More details
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival
Calling all foodies! The annual food festival at the Hampton Court Palace is one of the best yearly foodie events in London! With over 150 tasty food stalls, you'll feast like King Henry VIII with the stunning palace backdrop. Make a whole day of it with great activities from cocktail making to children's face painting and games. More details
The Big Woof Festival
And, of course, we can't forget our furry friends! Pamper your dog at the free dog wellness festival held in King's Cross. It's a pawesome weekend of fun from 26 – 27 August 2023. From training sessions to eccentric dog art exhibitions. Stay in the city for the entire weekend. Our Pet package at St Giles London Hotel is ideal for you and your dog, so you can explore more of the city's dog-friendly activities. More details
Now you have an idea of what to do, it's just where to stay, and St Giles London Hotel is perfectly located in the heart of London's West End, just a few steps from Tottenham Court Road station with the Elizabeth Line and The Central and Northern lines, making London very accessible. There's a special offer for you to book now!