An August picnic in London’s Green Park
Lately we’ve been asked quite a few times about visiting London in August. What is the weather like? What is there to do? There seems to be a myth that London shuts down during the month of August like many big cities in France and Italy. But precisely the opposite is true about London! August is one of the best times of the year to visit London because of the fun outdoor events, absolutely lovely weather and the rare chance to visit sights like Buckingham Palace that are only open during the late summer.
And the weather … well, it’s just about right in August! While Paris sizzles and Italians are burnt by the Tuscan sun, August temperatures in London peak around the 70s with temps over 80 a rarity. Now that’s perfect weather for sightseeing or picnicking in the park. Here’s a look at a few of our favourite summer events and reasons to visit London in August!
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
See the beautiful State Rooms at Buckingham Palace during the Summer Opening
You’ve seen the Changing of the Guard. You’ve admired the stunning carriages at the Royal Mews. But have you toured the exquisite State Rooms at Buckingham Palace? Every summer the palace’s nineteen State Rooms are opened to the public for two months. Visitors have the chance to discover the lavish rooms and experience the royal lifestyle while touring these important rooms that are still very much used by The Queen and the Royal Family for entertaining guests during state and ceremonial occasions. These rooms are full of history as well as incredible works of art that can only be enjoyed during the Summer Opening. This year the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will be open from:
27 July -31 August 2013
Open daily 09:30-19:00
1-29 September 2013
Open daily 09:30-18:30
Find out more and book your tickets online here.
Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House
Popular outdoor film screenings at the Somerset House in London
One of London’s most popular open-air film events of the summer happens in the stunning 18th-century courtyard at the Somerset House. With a giant screen, full surround sound and a fun summer atmosphere, the Film4 Summer Screen presents 14 nights of cinema in London with an eclectic mix of romance, comedy, thrillers and classics. Stay tuned to the Somerset House website for the release of the 2013 summer calendar … grab a blanket and head to Somerset House Summer Screen this August!
Peter Pan: The Never Ending Story World at London’s Wembley Arena
If you’ve seen the statue of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens and know that the author JM Barrie used to stroll through the park then you know the strong connection between London and this classic children’s book. Peter Pan: The Never Ending Story is a spectacular £10 million remake that brings movie quality backdrop images, Cirque du Soleil acrobatics and imaginative choreography to the Wembley Arena in London from August 21st to 26th, 2013. Fun for the whole family … or perfect for the kid in you that has never grown up!
West Side Story
West Side Story at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. Photo by West Side Story, London – Image by Nilz Böhme
Theatre and dance lovers will want to book their tickets now to see West Side Story at Sadler’s Wells this summer. One of the greatest musicals of all time, the original Broadway classic with Leonard Bernstein’s famous score will surely be one of the hits of the season! West Side Story comes to London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Islington this summer from August 7th to September 22nd 2013.
The Sound of Music in Regent’s Park
The Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park presents The Sound of Music this summer!
Stroll through the beautiful Regent’s Park before settling into your seat at the Open Air Theatre to be transported to another time and place with their summer production of The Sound of Music. With timeless classics and a gorgeous setting, this is one summer show we don’t want to miss. The Sound of Music will run from July 25th to September 7th, 2013. Visit the Open Air Theatre website for more information and to book your tickets online.
Open Air Cinema at Kensington Gardens
Visit Kensington Palace and stay for the Open Air Cinema from August 1-3, 2013
August is a wonderful time to visit all of the parks and gardens in London and Kensington Gardens is one of our favourites! Enjoy visiting Kensington Palace, a real working Palace, explore the gardens and in the evening pack a hamper picnic and enjoy a good flick with the Open Air Cinema at Kensington Gardens. On August 1st you can catch the always popular Top Gun, on August 2nd the latest James Bond blockbuster Skyfall and on August 3rd the classic Casablanca. Set up in the gardens by the Orangery at Kensington Palace, this is one lovely spot to enjoy cinema under the stars in London!
PS: If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing during your stay, the London Pass is a great option. Enjoy free entry to over 60 top London attractions, skip long lines at many sights, and get the most out of your time in London with unlimited travel on London transport, a guide book and discounts at restaurants and shops
Image Credits: Picnic in Green Park by Kate Gardiner, Buckingham Palace State Rooms from Beacon Radio, Summer Screen by Ian Nichol, Orangery at Kensington Palace by leeno
