31 best things to do in London this weekend: 6 - 8 September 2024
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When searching for the best things to do in London each weekend, it’s hard not to end up more confused and indecisive than when you started. While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the best restaurants in the capital, spend an evening in one of the latest innovative bars on the scene, or even explore an iconic London attraction, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events. Each week, we get the inside track on exciting things to do in London for the upcoming weekend to help us discover a new area of the city or explore a new address in a neighbourhood we (thought) we’d already uncovered.
31 best things to do in London this weekend
1. Catch a dazzling photography exhibition
Light and Land on the Mall celebrates 30 years of landscape and travel photography tour company Light and Land at Mall Galleries this week. Admire and purchase stunning landscape photographs from leading photographers in various styles, each offering a unique glimpse into different corners of the globe. Exhibitors include Light and Land founder Charlie Waite, multi-award-winning photographer Bill Ward, and a host of other intrepid creatives.
Address: Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1Y 5AS
Website: lightandland.co.uk; mallgalleries.org.uk
Dates: Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 September 2024
2. Workout like an escapologist
Take on an epic workout with a difference as Gymbox challenges brave Brits to get fit like Houdini. The unique escapologist-inspired classes, developed by world record-breaking escapologist Rob Roy Collins and Gymbox master trainer Hattie Grover, have gymgoers training like the notorious master of escape. Warm up with specialised breathing techniques and work on your dexterity before tackling a series of seemingly impossible escapes, from slipping out of handcuffs to breaking free from ropes and chains while suspended in the air.
Address: Select Gymbox locations
Website: gymbox.com
Price: Monthly memberships start from just £90, and day passes range from £20-£25
Dates: From Monday 2 September
3. Explore the London Mural Festival
The capital’s biggest celebration of street art, the London Mural Festival, returns this September for a month-long events program. Check out the London Mural Festival Opening Pop Up in Kachette on Old Street as it opens on Saturday, packed full of work by the most talented street artists in the game. Other highlights include a giant interactive illustrated map of London from Angry Dan that’s taken over 1,000 hours to create and a night with Seb Lester where he’ll teach the art of hand-drawn calligraphy.
Address: Across London
Website: londonmuralfestival.com
Dates: Thursday 5 - Sunday 29 September
4. Get involved in the pilates craze
Take part in a unique pilates session at New Acres in Wandsworth as instructor Catherine Lousie Manna leads the first of her classes. Classes are open to all ages and abilities and see guests increasing their strength and flexibility in an exclusive setting. Best of all, sessions include the added fun and complexity of floating on a premium Air Mat on the 25-metre heated swimming pool.
Address: New Acres, Management Office, Pioneer House, 3 New Acres Road, London SW18 1UZ
Website: newacreswandsworth.com
Price: £35 per person
Dates: Saturday, 7, 14 and 21 September
5. Admire Albert Irvin’s collection
45 Park Lane’s latest exhibition, Albert Irvin OBE RA: Autographic Marks, explores the life and works of the influential Abstract Expressionist until the end of October. Highlights include large-scale canvas works with the artist’s signature high-colour and energetic mark-making, alongside gentle watercolour pieces created in the 1970s.
Address: 45 Park Lane, London W1K 1PN
Website: dorchestercollection.com
Dates: Friday 6 September - Sunday 27 October
6. Check out a unique immersive experience
Enjoy a spectacular magic show and bottomless cocktails at Rhythm&Ruse, London’s hottest new night out at the Vaults. Longtime Punchdrunk collaborator Fania Grigoriou and immersive experience specialists Mallory Gracenin and Sam Booth have created a new world where you can expect live jazz, cabaret performances and world-class magic tricks delivered tableside by roaming tricksters. As the night goes on and the tarot cards are laid out, watch as more details of the mysterious Art Deco environment are revealed.
Address: Rhythm&Ruse, The Vaults Theatre,
Launcelot Street, London SE1 7AD
Website: rhythmandruse.com
Price: Offers from £37 this week
Dates: Open now
7. Tuck into a BBQ takeover
California-inspired restaurant Feels Like June hosts the second in its chef takeover series this week as Matt Burgess (aka MATBLAK) takes to the kitchen. Settle into the Canary Wharf restaurant for a delectable sharing feast-style BBQ, as dishes including chargrilled lobster, wagyu beef Soboro and dire-roasted golden beetroot fly out of the kitchen.
Address: Feels like June, 15 Water Street, London E14 5GX
Website: feelslikejune.com
Price: From £95 per two
Dates: Friday 6 September; 6pm-10pm
8. Learn all about natural medicine
The UK’s most extensive natural medicine weekend arrives at Drumsheds this weekend, as wellness lovers from across the country head to the capital. Among the 100-plus exhibitors are Wellford, the company on a mission to revolutionise the medical cannabis industry, adaptogenic supplements brand London Nootropics, and other stalls with teams ready to share their product knowledge.
Address: Drumsheds, 6 Glover Drive, London N18 3HF
Website: productearth.life
Dates: Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 September
9. Witness an audiovisual spectacle
Eclipse is the latest audiovisual spectacle to open in the capital. Renowned creative duo Nonotak, who’ve worked with brands including Hermès and Adidas, are behind the work. It takes visitors on a transformative journey that blurs the lines between art, technology, and human consciousness. Three mind-bending installations span the sprawling 10,000-square-foot converted Bermondsey warehouse.
Address: 47 Tanner Street, London
Website: eclipse.show; feverup.com
Price: £26 per person
Dates: Booking until Sunday 8 December
10. Treat yourself at the ride-through bakery
Stock up on bakery treats a little differently this weekend as Lime opens London’s first-ever ‘ride-thru’ bakery between Friday and Sunday. On offer is a limited-edition lime-flavoured pastry designed, baked and supplied by Pophams, crafted especially for the experience, plus artisan brews from Notion Coffee. Cycle through, pick up the goods, or park up and sit at the custom-built Lime Bike coffee bar.
Address: Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EY
Website: li.me
Price: To claim a complimentary pastry, coffee and 15-minute LimePass, customers need to download and register on the Lime app
Dates: Friday 6 - Sunday 8 September; 9am-1pm