30 brilliant ways to celebrate the August bank holiday in London

Summer in London wouldn't be summer in London without Notting Hill Carnival. Taking place on August bank holiday weekend each year since 1966, it’s grown into Europe’s largest street festival, attracting more than two and half million people annually. With parades, masquerade, floats, dancing, steel bands and soundsystems, as well as the outstanding Caribbean food stalls, Carnival is a feast for the senses. 

On Bank Holiday Monday, immerse yourself in a cinematic cocoon of fog, black coffee and red dreams watching every episode of the first series of David Lynch’s cult show Twin Peaks at the ever eclectic Prince Charles Cinema. Starting at 2.15pm, episodes will run back-to-back until 10.30pm, so you can follow the first instalment of FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper visit to Twin Peaks, Washington as he investigates the murder of high school student Laura Palmer, and uncovers a web of secrets and supernatural mysteries. Worried about staying awake that long? Don’t worry, there’ll be some damn fine coffee to hand to see you through! 

How do you rebuild your sense of self after a traumatic event? There lies the question at the heart of Eva Victor's charmingly sincere and very funny feature debut – a nuanced, character-driven story that Victor wrote, directed, and takes the star-making lead in. Agnes is an English literature lecturer at a liberal arts college in New England, and she’s stuck in a rut. Still living in the same house as she did while a grad student. It opens in the present day, with her best friend Lydie (Naomi Ackie) arriving for a visit after a long separation. But there’s underlying tension in the fact that Lydie’s life so far has more propulsion. It’s a captivating comedy-drama that avoids the reductive binary of hero or villain. Instead, it articulates the flaws of humanity, of people, but also the hope we can find in each other and ourselves.

During the big men’s sports tournaments, you can count on practically every pub in the city to broadcast matches and fill up with fans. When it comes to the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, though, public places fans can gather at to watch matches remain relatively few and far between. But this year, there is at least one place where you’re guaranteed to catch every single game: the brand new Asahi Open Arms. The fan-focused pub, backed by Women’s World Rugby Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne, is taking residency at The Queen’s Head in Shoreditch for the duration of the tournament. Besides the live screenings, it promises to host grassroots events, like Q&As and exclusive launches. A full programme is on its way soon.

The UK's naval history is inextricably entwined with the slave trade, so it's fitting that Greenwich Maritime Museum is hosting a day of events for Slavery Remembrance Day (Aug 23). A line-up of free film screenings, creative workshops, talks and panel discussions will culminate in an emancipation ceremony on the banks of the Thames, in a powerful moment of shared remembrance. 

You don't really need an excuse to go to Kew Gardens, which is always a gorgeous spot for a day out when temperatures soar. But Marshmallow Laser Feast's new installation is still a bit of an added lure: this six metre tall artwork is inspired by the inner workings of the famous Lucombe oak at Kew, letting you peer under the bark of this historic tree and see how it changes with the seasons. There are even guided meditations you can play through your headphones, so you can take do a bit of forest bathing with a deeply relaxing soundtrack. 

Summer is almost over, but there's still a chance to make the most of London’s thriving and fun outdoor cinema scene. Across the city, you'll find pop-up screenings in scenic spots, showing the latest blockbusters, indie flicks and some beloved classics for good measure. This year, it’s all about enshrining ‘Barbie’ into the outdoor cinema canon alongside the likes of ‘La La Land’, ‘Notting Hill’ and other surefire favourites on London-wide screens. 

There might be a lot to be said for London’s outdoor swimming spots, but sometimes you can’t beat a paddle in the waves, some refreshing sea air, and a hearty portion of fish ‘n’ chips. You’ve probably already been on a jaunt down to Brighton, but the British seaside has plenty of more secluded, photogenic destinations absolutely steeped in charm, too – and many of the UK's best beaches can be found within two hours of the capital. Hop on a train and soak up some sun, stat. 

Lavender season is here and as August draws to a close, the richly-scented purple blooms – tough enough to survive the hotter days – are in full form. Enjoy them at London’s glorious lavender fields, where the mauve flowers on mass create epic backdrops, perfect for a scenic picnic or your Instagram feed. Kennington Park, Kew Gardens and Vauxhall Park are top destinations for lavender-fanciers. Or make a day of it and head to whole farms dedicated to the mauve blooms just outside the capital, in Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire.