Things to Do in London This Weekend (26–28 June)
Summer is finally in full swing, and London is making the most of it.
From world-class exhibitions and open-air concerts to flower markets and riverside strolls, there's plenty happening across the city this weekend. Whether you're looking for something free, family-friendly or simply an excuse to enjoy the long June evenings, here are some of the best things to do in London from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 June.
1. Visit the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
A London summer tradition returns once again.
Held at Burlington House in Piccadilly, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition is one of the world's oldest open-submission art shows. You'll find paintings, sculptures, photography and installations spread across beautiful galleries.
Even if you're not a huge art lover, it's worth visiting simply for the atmosphere and the chance to discover something unexpected.
2. See Frida Kahlo at Tate Modern
One of the most talked-about exhibitions of the summer opens this week.
Tate Modern's Frida: The Making of an Icon explores the life and legacy of one of the world's most celebrated artists. Expect colourful works, photographs and stories that reveal how Frida Kahlo became a cultural icon.
If the weather turns warm, combine it with a walk along the South Bank afterwards.
3. Experience BST Hyde Park Weekend
Summer in London officially feels like summer when BST Hyde Park arrives.
Whether you have concert tickets or not, Hyde Park comes alive with festival energy. Grab an ice cream, enjoy a picnic and soak up the atmosphere around one of London's biggest summer events.
And if you're attending one of the concerts, even better.
4. Wander Through Borough Market
Sometimes the best weekends don't need tickets.
Friday and Saturday are perfect for exploring Borough Market. Start with coffee, grab pastries, sample cheeses and maybe leave with far more food than you planned.
The market has been feeding Londoners for centuries, and on sunny days the atmosphere is hard to beat.
5. Spend Sunday Morning at Columbia Road Flower Market
Sunday mornings in East London don't get much prettier.
Flowers spill onto the pavements, musicians perform on street corners and cafés buzz with life. Even if you don't buy anything, the atmosphere alone is worth the trip.
Arrive early if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
6. Enjoy an Open-Air Cinema Evening
Summer evenings and outdoor films are one of London's great combinations.
Venues across the city host open-air screenings throughout the weekend, from rooftops to gardens and parks. Bring a blanket, grab some snacks and enjoy a film beneath the stars.
Just remember to check schedules and book ahead, as screenings vary by venue.
7. Escape to Kew Gardens
Late June is one of the most beautiful times to visit Kew Gardens.
The roses are blooming, the treetop walkway offers fantastic views and the vast green spaces make it easy to spend an entire afternoon there.
Families will love the Children's Garden, while anyone looking for a slower pace will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.
8. Spend an Evening Along the South Bank
Not everything needs an itinerary.
Walk from Westminster Bridge towards Tower Bridge and you'll find street performers, food stalls, riverside bars and some of the best views in London.
As the sun begins to set and the city lights appear, London feels particularly magical.
Sometimes the simplest evenings are the best ones.
9. Have a Picnic in Richmond Park
If the sunshine sticks around, head to Richmond Park.
Bring sandwiches, a picnic blanket and enjoy one of London's wildest green spaces. Keep an eye out for the famous deer, admire the views and forget for a moment that you're still in the capital.
It feels more countryside than city.
10. End the Weekend With a West End Show
There's no better way to finish a Sunday.
Whether it's Wicked, Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera or something entirely new, London's theatre scene remains one of the greatest in the world.
After a weekend spent exploring the city, a night in the West End feels like the perfect finale.
Make the Most of the Weekend
One of the best things about London is that you don't have to plan every minute.
Sometimes the highlights come from wandering through a market, sitting by the Thames or discovering a café you've never noticed before.
So whether you're heading to an exhibition, enjoying Hyde Park in festival season or simply making the most of the sunshine, this weekend is a good reminder that summer in London is hard to beat.