August has arrived in the British capital and it’s a very popular month - temperatures are often warm, which means you can walk by the Thames, stroll in the Royal Parks and enjoy many of the outdoor activities that London offers in the summer.

And whilst many Londoners are out of town (on holiday themselves), the city will be filled with people visiting.  Let’s take a look at what’s on in our great city this August and how you can make the most of your time if you’re visiting…

1. London Craft Beer Festival - 11th to 12th August

Back by popular demand at the Tobacco Dock, down on the Thames by Wapping, the London Craft Beer Festival gives you the chance to try over 800 beers from 100 different countries. 

From local kinds, brewed in the capital, to boutique drinks from Europe, North America and other parts of the globe, it’s a great way to learn more about this famous drink.

There will also be food stalls - where you can grab a bite - live music and if you’re interested in more than just beer, there will be cocktails, wines and ciders to sample (and even a few artisan snacks to go with them).  

Finally, the ticket price means that once you’ve paid up, you’re free to try as many beers as you like!  And what’s not to like about that?

 

2. The Proms - Ongoing  August

throughThe Proms are back and, without a doubt, this classical music extravaganza - held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, for much of the summer, is the greatest of its kind in the world.

Whether you want to sit down, or stand in the arena, like a true ‘Prommer’, you’ll see people from all walks of life at these concerts - including lots of young kids, who enjoy special themed evenings (‘Dr Who’ always sells out fast) and the range of orchestras and conductors is incredible.

And, if you’re really hard-core, queue up for a ticket for the ‘Last Night’.  It’s nothing short of epic.

 

3. Hampton Court Palace Food Festival - 26th to 28th August

For some unmissable fun in the wonderful grounds that used to belong to King Henry VIII, head west to Hampton Court, a historic palace, where you can enjoy wonderful street food and relax at some fab pop-up bars serving craft beers, fine wines and creative cocktails.

The Hampton Court Palace Food Festival also offers plenty of activities for the kids - face painting, arts and crafts, fete games and - of course - the gardens and maze for the entire family to explore.  Oh - and whilst you’re having fun, enjoy music from the bandstand courtesy of local groups.  

The perfect Bank Holiday activity!

 

4. Notting Hill Carnival - 27th and 28th August

Considered one of the greatest festivals in the world, the Notting Hill Carnival is - as usual - one of London’s top events in August, taking place on the Bank Holiday weekend at the month’s end.  Celebrating the music, food and unique culture of the British West Caribbean community, no-one ever forgets an attendance.

As usual, there will be elaborately decorated floats, dazzling costumes, and numerous ear-deafening steel bands and calypso music.  Grab yourself some of the amazing street food (peas and rice is the great must-try dish!), soak up the chaos, marvel at the colour and enjoy yourself at this enormous street party.  And it’s free!


5. Greenwich and Docklands International Festival - 25th August to 10th September

This is one of London’s biggest outdoor arts festivals - offering visitors the chance to enjoy dance, art installations and open-air theatre in Greenwich and East London.  

Arguably, one of its hallmarks are spectacular installations - you will have the chance to see illuminations.   There will also be tightrope acts, a dance piece on a rooftop and two days of dance shows. Even better, it’s free!

 

6. Covent Garden Cool Down

If the temperatures rise (as they can often do in the summer in London) then cool off down in the West End at Covent Garden’s lovely piazza.  And with what?  A food that everyone adores - ice cream!

Now in its third year, visitors to the Covent Garden Cool Down can enjoy sampling over 40 kinds of icecreams, frozen cocktails, sundaes, sorbets, and gelato.

There will be treats on offer from all kinds of pop ups and retailers, all giving their cool treats unusual twists.   What better way to spend the Bank Holiday?

7. Dinosaur World Live - 11th August to 3rd September

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids, for a major day of fun, look no further than Dinosaur World Live, an amazing interactive show which adults will be bound to like as much as the young ones.

Being held at the Open Air Theatre in lovely Regent’s Park, you’ll explore an astonishing world of prehistoric creatures including Triceratops, Segnosaurus, Giraffatitan and the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

An amazing Jurassic adventure, and an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

Finally, if you’re looking for a place to stay whilst in London, then why not head north to leafy Hampstead, to our comfortable, family-run and family-owned guest accommodation.  La Gaffe Hotel Hampstead is just three minutes walk from the tube, a quick stroll both to the lush, green Heath and charming Hampstead Village, and we offer you a warm welcome and a great breakfast cappuccino…


To find out more or to book a room directly, contact us by email or phone.   We’ll be glad to hear from you!