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August events in London
Prepare yourself for a spectacular month with our selection of the best events, exhibitions and things to do in London during August 2021
August in London is here! Take advantage of the sunny weather (fingers crossed) by heading out into London’s great outdoors, exploring the city’s parks and embarking on a scenic walk around the capital. Book a table at one of London’s best restaurants or at a rooftop bar to sink a cocktail against a sun-soaked panorama.
August is also the month of Notting Hill Carnival, the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
Here’s your guide to the best events and things to do, online and off, in August in London 2021.
RECOMMENDED: The definitive London events calendar
Our August 2021 highlights
1. Major parks in London
Parks are the epicentre of our social lives at the moment. The grassy spaces are spread throughout the city, providing a flower-packed place to unwind and soak up some rays. Check out this round-up of the best major parks in London.
2. London’s prettiest walks
While public transport takes a backseat in our lives, why not walk the city’s streets, canal paths, and parks to appreciate the beauty London has to offer. Take in the city’s immense skyline, sights that you never had time to vist before, and secluded green spaces. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a nature lover or history buff, there’s something for everyone in our round-up of pretty city walks.
3. Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled for the first time ever this year. The bank holiday parade, which is usually Europe’s largest street festival was due to take place in the streets of west London on Sunday August 30 and Monday August 31. But, the organisers have something up their sleeves. Look out for plenty of virtual events from some of your carnival faves to fill the void. Shabba, Rampage Sound and Socaholic are already preparing virtual events. We’ll keep you updated as more are announced.
4. BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
The Proms are still be going ahead this year, albeit in a very different form to the concerts we’ve known before. The organisers of the longest-running classical music concert series in the world, which turns 125 this year, have revealed plans for a new, digitised version of the Proms involving eight weeks of broadcasts across television, radio and online.
5. Lavender fields in and around London
It may be known for its sleepy scent and soothing properties, but there’s nothing dozy about the explosion of colour – an astonishing crop of mauves and indigos – happening right now in London’s lavender fields. Lavender season peaks in August. For those wanting to lay their eyes and nose on this year’s epic bloom, here’s a list of the best spots.
6. The best restaurants
Dining out in London might look quite different, but if you’re anything like us lot at Time Out, you’re absolutely buzzing for your next meal out. Whether it’s returning to an old, local favourite to show your support in tough times or finally checking out one of central London’s hot new openings from before All This, the good news is you can now book a table at a select number of awesome restaurants.
7. Our favourite London pubs
We’re all allowed back down the pub again. From our list of the best pubs in London, a number have announced they are now taking bookings for drink-ins. Check with each individual establishment and your own cherished local before you head along to find out what the deal is.
8. London’s best rooftop bars
Londoners love a rooftop bar. They’re the best places to escape the claustrophobic heat of the city and they provide a brilliant skyline backdrop for drinking – especially at sundown. And now, we love them even more. Outdoor spaces have been deemed the safest for socialising as London unlocks this summer. Here are the sky-high bars taking bookings this summer.