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Things to do in London this Saturday
Enjoy the best day (and night) of the week with our guide to Saturday fun in London
Saturday: a day of the week so uniquely brilliant that Elton John, Nick Drake and, uh, Whigfield all wrote songs about it. There are loads of incredible things to do in London, and whether you plan to spend your Saturday dancing, drinking, shopping or broadening your cultural horizons, we’ve got you covered. Honestly, you’ll never waste a Saturday in London again.
RECOMMENDED: Events on today and more things to do this weekend in London
Things to do on Saturday in London
1. Hang out in the park
London has some truly sublime parks, from the famous Royal Parks to the more secret and hidden pockets of green. They’re a winning way to spend a day, whatever the season. Warm up with a frosty stroll, admire London’s leaves as they turn a hundred shades of orange, spot spring flowers or, if it’s summer, bring a picnic, and you’ve got yourself an entire afternoon of parkside pleasure. After a peaceful stroll around Regent’s Park, complete the experience by watching an exciting performance at the Open Air Theatre in the heart of the park. If you find yourself in the mood for a splash, head to the huge lido in Herne Hill’s Brockwell Park and try out the Windrush lanes that are only available on Saturday mornings.
Sun on your side? Here are the London parks where you’re actually allowed to BBQ in.
2. Wander around a world-class museum
In London you’re never far from a museum. We’ve got national museums, free museums, weird museums, museums specialising in cartoons, advertising, medicine, toys and Freud. There are more than 170 of them, including some of the world’s finest. On the last Saturday of every month, join the free V&A LGBTQ Tour exploring gender and sexual identities through a selection of related objects in the museum’s collections. On the first and last Saturday of each month, join the National Gallery’s sketchbook tour and take inspiration for your own sketches.
Here’s our top ten, the museums and galleries with ace exhibitions, brilliant events and vast permanent collections that you absolutely shouldn’t miss in London.
3. Hunt for street food and second-hand treasures at a market
If you’re one of those lucky Londoners who enjoys Saturdays off, one of the best ways to spend it (aside from having a lie-in) is snooping around London’s marvellous markets. If you’re looking for second-hand gems, East London’s Kingsland Market is a treasure trove that runs weekly on Saturdays only. Vintage hunting can work up a real appetite, so once you’ve got your new finds in tow, pop by Broadway Market for their delectable array of street food, including Butchies’ fried chicken, BBQ Dreamz tasty skewers and Floris Bakery’s chocolate eclairs.
Whether you’re looking to stock up your pantry ready for the week ahead, find that one-of-a-kind vintage piece to add to your wardrobe, or just soothe your hangover with some of the best street food in the city, London’s markets have got you covered.
4. Sweat it out in an exercise class
It’s hard enough to find the time to cook dinner during the week, let alone trying to squeeze in a spinning class. Come Saturday, though, you’re granted a blissful window to fill with the gruelling workout of your choice. Yay. Get your blood flowing over the weekend with Barre Bootcamp at Kensington's Equinox – we’re talking pumping music, weights and lots and lots of cardio. If cycling is more your bag, get on your bike at an immersive Psycle spinning class in Oxford Circus which promises the ultimate challenge.
New to sweating? Check out our pick of the best gyms in London.
5. Go to a festival
We can almost guarantee that whatever the time of year, there will be a festival to attend in London. It might be craft ale, fitness, literature, coffee or one of the best music festivals in the UK, popping up in a London park. Get down at Finsbury Park’s Hospitality in the Park for non-stop beats and the best DJs that the world of drum and bass has to offer. Jerk it out at the London Jerk Festival taking place across Hackney and will be packed with flavour, jerk food and live music.
Want to know what’s on today? Our editors have picked the best events taking place this weekend.
6. Make yourself at home at a rooftop bar
When you’ve got something to celebrate (like the fact that it’s Saturday), head to one of London’s excellent rooftop bars. You'll find swish cocktails, plush lounges and gourmet bar snacks galore, not to mention a front row seat to the sexiest skyline on the planet.
It’s still summer, so that only means one thing: make a beeline for Peckham's Frank’s Cafe which is open until 11pm from Tuesday to Sunday, plenty of time to get your photo on Bussey Building’s famous pink staircase. If you’re looking for a slick bar with stunning views, The Rooftop St James exceeds expectations, providing a delightful drinking spot overlooking Trafalgar Square.
7. Splash some of your hard-earned cash
Got money burning a hole in your pocket? Well, you’re in the right place. From Chelsea to Shoreditch and Notting Hill to Soho, you won’t be short of places to splurge.
We’re all getting into plants in a big way so if you need to add another succulent to your desk collection, pop by Prick, London’s first boutique dedicated to cacti, to fulfil all your spiky plant wants. And for everything else? Head to Selfridges. The literal one-stop shop is an experience like no other, accommodating to all the needs you could possibly have from high-street fashion to designer couture – there’s something for everyone in this Oxford Street department store.
Need Sunday plans?
Things to do in London this Sunday
Wind up the weekend in style with our guide to the most glorious ways to spend this all-important day of rest