Summer is a fantastic time to be in London! The city comes alive with outdoor events, festivals, markets, parks, and cultural experiences that everyone can enjoy. For many of our international students, the summer break is the perfect opportunity to explore the city, discover new places, and make the most of your time in the UK.

To help you plan your summer, we’ve put together a week-by-week guide packed with exciting activities! Whether you’re looking to relax in the sunshine, spend time with friends, or discover something new, there’s plenty to help you make the most of your summer break.

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Things To Do in July 

• Here East Summer by the Canal Big Screens: The World Cup has arrived at Here East! Watch the biggest matches for free on the Canalside big screens, just minutes away from the university.  

• Pride in London – Saturday 4^th July: Celebrate London’s biggest LGBTQ+ event with a parade through the city’s most iconic streets, plus free live music, performances and entertainment throughout the day.  

• Hampstead Summer Festival – Sunday 5^th July: Spend the day exploring the Heath Street Summer Fair in Hampstead, with more than 110 stalls offering everything from artisan crafts and fashion to international street food.

• Summer Science Exhibition – Until Sunday 5^th July: The Royal Society’s free Summer Science Exhibition returns, bringing together the latest research from across the UK through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, talks and film screenings. If you’re a fan of Sir David Attenborough, there are also special screenings and panel discussions celebrating some of his most iconic documentaries.

• BST Hyde Park Open House  – Until 9^th July: Enjoy a range of free summer activities at the BST Open House in Hyde Park which features an outdoor cinema, live music, sport activities and plenty of food stalls!   

• Summer Opening at Buckingham Palace: From the 9th July, step inside Buckingham Palace and explore 19 of the State Rooms, along with a special exhibition curated exclusively for the summer opening.

• The Giant London Flea Market – Sunday 12^th July: Discover hidden vintage gems, at the giant London Flea Market, directly next to Here East, on Sunday 12^th July.

• Zoo nights London: Experience London Zoo after hours for an evening of animal talks, street food, live entertainment and the chance to explore the zoo at sunset.

• Canary Wharf Summer Screens: Watch Wimbledon, major sporting events, and blockbuster films for free on the giant outdoor screen throughout the summer at Canary Wharf.

• Sea Lanes Canary Wharf: Cool off with a swim in Canary Wharf’s 50m outdoor natural swimming pool. You can also relax in the sauna, try open-water activities, and enjoy a range of summer events by the water.

• Luminescence at Westminster Cathedral: Enjoy a captivating sound and light show inside Westminster Cathedral, where you’ll experience live performances and epic storytelling.

• Alfresco Arts Theatre Canary Wharf: Head to Canary Wharf for free outdoor theatre performances throughout the summer. With everything from Shakespeare and comedy to contemporary plays and family favourites, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening outdoors.

• Rooftop Cinema Club Stratford:Watch crowd favourite films from Stratford’s rooftop cinema with comfortable deckchairs, wireless headphones and fantastic views across East London.

• Everyman on the Canal: Enjoy free outdoor film screenings beside the canal at King’s Cross. Make a day of it by exploring Coal Drops Yard, home to independent shops, restaurants and cafes before the film begins.

• Sketch and Sip Social at Roof East – Sunday 26^th July: Get creative at this free rooftop Sketch and Sip Social, hosted by The Big Draw Team. Open to all abilities, it’s a relaxed and welcoming session where you can sketch, unwind, and enjoy a summer afternoon with friends and fellow creatives.  

Things To Do in August

• Summer Sounds Music Festival Coal Drops Yard – King’s Cross: Free music and performance festival, with a mix of folk, jazz, soul classical and indie rock music. Runs every evening from 13^th– 23^rd August. 

• Greenwich+Docklands International Festival 2026