Things to do in London this Saturday

The capital boasts some truly spectacular parks, from the hidden pockets of green dotted around London to the famous Royal Parks.

No matter the season, they're a top way to wile away the day. 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.

In London, you’re never far from a museum and, thankfully, their doors are open to visitors once more. 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. Once a month, join the National Gallery’s Sketchbook Saturday 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.

One of the best ways to spend a Saturday (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 procured some new finds, pop by Broadway Market for their delectable array of street food, including Deeney's grilled sarnies, Hanoi Kitchen's warming pho and Casa Cannoli's, well, cannolis.

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.

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 a barre class 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.

A desire to drink, eat and frolick in an open space with friends? Festivals are finally back, the question is, which festivals will you be stopping by? 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 Victoria Park’s All Points East for eclectic non-stop beats and some of the best acts the music world 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.

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. Though not exactly a cheap spot, the sights from the rooftop will soothe you.

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.