July is a great time to visit London, as the city comes alive with a range of festivals and events. In this guide, readers will find the best things to see and do in the capital during the month of July. From cool pop-ups to quirky activities, this guide has got them covered.
London is known for its vibrant summer scene and this year is no exception. The guide promises plenty of exciting festivals and events to check out, making it an ideal resource for anyone looking to explore the city this summer. Whether readers are locals or tourists, they are sure to find something new and exciting to do in London this July.
Contents
- 1 Things to do in London in July
- 1.1 Check Out the New Young V&A Museum of Childhood
- 1.2 Join the London Pride Parade
- 1.3 See Shakespeare in a Pub Garden
- 1.4 Learn a Thing or Two About Science
- 1.5 Feel the Tennis Fever at Wimbledon
- 1.6 Drink Cocktails in the City
- 1.7 Hit a Summertime Festival
- 1.8 Attend The Proms
- 1.9 Listen Up at Woolwich Words and Sounds
- 1.10 Gorge at the National Geographic Food Festival
- 1.11 Eat, Shop and Party at Hyper Japan Festival
- 1.12 Celebrate at the Body Movements Festival
- 1.13 Catch a Free Film at The Screen on the Canal
- 2 Practical Tips for Exploring London in July
Key Takeaways
- London is an exciting destination to visit in July.
- The guide provides readers with a variety of festivals and events to check out.
- Whether readers are locals or tourists, they are sure to find something new and exciting to do in London this July.
Things to do in London in July
Check Out the New Young V&A Museum of Childhood
Located in Bethnal Green, the Museum of Childhood has undergone an extensive refurbishment and rebranding by the V&A Museum. Reopening as the Young V&A on July 1st, the museum’s new style makes exhibitions more intuitive for children. The museum’s collection includes vintage superhero costumes, toys from decades ago, and more.
Join the London Pride Parade
The London Pride Parade is a spectacular event that marks the start of Pride Month. Thousands of people dress up in costumes and celebrate in the streets. The parade takes place in Soho on July 1st, and the bars and clubs in the area are sure to be full of party-goers.
See Shakespeare in a Pub Garden
Starting from July 3rd, Shakespeare in the Garden is a great way to enjoy al fresco theatre during the balmy summer evenings. The performances take place in spacious pub gardens around London, and you can enjoy a pint or two while watching the show. This summer, Twelfth Night will be performed from July 3rd to August 24th, and Romeo and Juliet will be performed from July 24th to September 15th.
Learn a Thing or Two About Science
The Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition takes place from July 4th to 9th in St. James’. With hundreds of scientists on hand to explain, this event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about scientific breakthroughs and discoveries.
Feel the Tennis Fever at Wimbledon
Wimbledon is arguably the most important tennis tournament in the world, and it takes place in July. The event runs until July 16th, and there are plenty of ways to catch the games on big screens outside if you haven’t got any tickets. Screenings will be held at various locations, including King’s Cross Canal Screen, public spaces in Canary Wharf, and the market building in the centre of Covent Garden.
Drink Cocktails in the City
Cocktails in the City is a paradise for cocktail-lovers. From July 6th to 8th, Bedford Square Gardens will be taken over for three days of expertly mixed drinks, live music, and street-food pop-ups. The event features some of the city’s best barmen, including those from Florattica, Hutong, Nightjar, and Oriole.
Hit a Summertime Festival
July is one of the best months for festivals in London. Catch the tail end of Hyde Park BST Festival until July 9th, with concerts from Lana del Ray and Bruce Springsteen. Wireless Festival takes place from July 7th to 9th in Finsbury Park, and Kew the Music runs from July 11th to 16th. Don’t miss Ally Pally’s Kaleidoscope Festival, which features musical superstars, literary greats, and comedy geniuses.
Attend The Proms
The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall is an iconic 8-week classical music event that runs from July 14th. This year’s line-up includes top picks such as Benjamin Grosvenor’s piano recital, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and the Last Night at The Proms.
Listen Up at Woolwich Words and Sounds
Woolwich Works is hosting the Woolwich Words & Sounds Festival from July 15th to 31st. The festival celebrates live music, stand-up, and spoken word poetry, with big names and up-and-coming artists, poets, and comics. The Sugarhill Gang and Sofar Sounds are among the performers.
Gorge at the National Geographic Food Festival
The National Geographic Food Festival takes place from July 15th to 16th at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The festival showcases the best of the culinary scene, with leading chefs hosting workshops and live demos. Don’t miss out on the chance to sample an abundance of dishes from British chef Nathan Outlaw and MasterChef maestro John Torode.
Eat, Shop and Party at Hyper Japan Festival
Hyper Japan Festival brings all the best bits of Japanese culture to Kensington’s Olympia London venue from July 22nd to 24th. The festival features food, music, anime, and fashion, with plenty of stalls for gamers and anime lovers. Don’t forget to try delicious Japanese food from Matchado, Rice Guys, and Oishi Don.
Celebrate at the Body Movements Festival
Body Movements is a multi-venue London festival celebrating queer dance music this summer. The festival takes place on July 30th and features acts such as Boudica, Bitch, Please! Chapter 10, and GGI. The parties are set to last until the early hours of the morning.
Catch a Free Film at The Screen on the Canal
Throughout July, head to King’s Cross for outdoor cinema at The Screen
Practical Tips for Exploring London in July
Visitors to London in July can expect warm and sunny weather, although occasional showers are not uncommon. It is recommended to pack a light jacket for the evenings and comfortable walking shoes to make the most of the city’s sights and attractions.
For those looking for more to do, a guide to summer in London is available, offering a plethora of incredible activities and events to enjoy throughout July.