There aren’t that many bits of London that are actually secret anymore, but the residents of Eel Pie Island have done a very good job at keeping their island as clandestine as possible. Only accessible by boat or via a little footbridge reaching over the river, a ‘private property’ sign at the entrance usually keeps people out, except for twice a year when the public is allowed to snoop around the place at the island’s Open Studios event. The island’s summer open days take place this weekend, and they’re a laidback affair and a chance to see inside the workspaces of 26 artists, from painters and potters to sculptors. View, commission or purchase yourself some art or craft and leave having experienced a still-hidden part of the city.
Friday July 4: Central London is looking especially colourful today, with final preparations for this weekend’s chaotic, rainbow-festooned Pride parade underway. Fancy getting the festivities started a little early? Swing by the Soho branch of Aesop today to pick up your next summer read free of charge, courtesy of the Aesop Queer Library. Read on for more details.
Got a few hours to kill today? You’re in luck. London is one of the very best places on the planet to be when you find yourself with a bit of spare time.
In this city, you’re never too far away from a picturesque park, a lovely pub or a cracking cinema, and on any given day, you’ve got a wealth of world-class art shows, blockbuster theatre and top museum exhibitions to choose from if you’re twiddling your thumbs.
Use your spare time wisely with our roundup of the best things happening in London today, which gets updated every single day and includes a specially selected top pick from our Things to Do Editor seven days a week.
Bookmark this page, and you’ll have absolutely no excuse to be bored in London ever again!
Find even more inspiration with our curated round-ups of the best things to do in London this week and weekend