10 ways to spend your summer bank holiday in 2026

The August bank holiday on Monday, 31st August 2026, is a much-anticipated date in the UK calendar. You’re almost guaranteed good weather; everyone is in a great mood because we get a summer’s day off work, and you can bet there will be plenty of activities to join in on.

It’s your perfect chance to explore everything London has to offer - from street carnivals and international music acts to quirky attractions and scenic walks.

You also won’t have to worry about getting there, as Grand Central trains make getting to London smooth, relaxing, and affordable.

Round-up of the best ways to spend your summer bank holiday 2026 in London 

• Get futuristic at Camden Babylon Park
• Notting Hill Carnival – London’s Caribbean street party
• All Points East Festival at Victoria Park
• Greenwich Docklands International Festival
• Rooftop and open-air cinemas in London
• Secret walking tours of historic London
• Battersea Park in Concert
• Wander through Little Venice to Camden Lock
• Relax at Kenwood House and Hampstead Heath
• Classic London city sightseeing tour

1. Get futuristic at Camden Babylon Park

Right under the hustle of Camden Market, this neon-lit amusement park brings the fun of outer space to central London. 

What is Babylon Park in London?

Babylon Park is a two-storey indoor sci-fi wonderland featuring everything from:

• Mini roller coasters
• VR simulators
• Classic arcade games
• Rides for younger children

Where is Babylon Park?

53-87 Camden High Street, NW1 7JY

To reach Babylon Park from either Euston or King's Cross, the fastest option is to take the Underground (Tube). 

From Euston, take the Victoria or Northern line to Oxford Circus, then change to the Central line and exit at Tottenham Court Road. 

From King's Cross St. Pancras, take the Victoria line to Oxford Circus and then change to the Central line to Tottenham Court Road. Babylon Park is a short walk from Tottenham Court Road station. 

Get some more travel inspiration on our London page.

2. Notting Hill Carnival – London’s Caribbean street party

You can’t talk about the August bank holiday without mentioning Notting Hill Carnival. Celebrating London’s rich Caribbean heritage, the streets of West London come alive with colourful costumes, Calypso music, steel bands, and jerk chicken stalls around every corner.

What is the Notting Hill Carnival in London?

The carnival takes place on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August 2026, with Children’s Day on Sunday and the full adult parade on Monday.

Where is the Notting Hill Carnival in London?

The carnival takes place on the streets of London W10 and W11, around:

• Notting Hill 

• Ladbrooke Grove 

• Wesbourne Grove 

• Westbourne Park 

• Kansal Road 

To reach Notting Hill Carnival from either Euston or King's Cross, the best option is to use the London Underground (the Tube). 

From Euston: Take the Victoria line to Oxford Circus, then change to the Central line to Notting Hill Gate. 

From King's Cross: Take the Piccadilly line to Green Park, then change to the Jubilee line to Bond Street, and finally transfer to Central

Alternatively: Take the Circle or Hammersmith & City lines directly to Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Park stations

3. All Points East Festival

This huge East London festival runs across the summer bank holiday weekend in Victoria Park, featuring big headliners and impressive support acts: 

• Friday 28 August 2026: Tyler, The Creator and Rex Orange Country 

• Saturday 29 August 2026: Tyler, The Creator, Daniel Caesar and Baby Keem 

• Sunday 30 August: Twenty One Pilots, Wunderhorse and Ren 

How to plan for this concert in London

Pair your concert night with a Grand Central train ride, and you’ve got the ultimate bank holiday weekend planned.

 

Top tip:  Booking ahead is essential.

Where is All Points East Festival?

 Victoria Park, Grove Road, London, E3 5TB

To get from either Euston or King's Cross to Victoria Park, the fastest option is typically the direct tube from St. Pancras. Take the Victoria Line for 5 stops to Victoria Park, arriving in around 9-12 minutes. 

4. Greenwich Docklands International Festival

This annual celebration of outdoor theatre, dance, circus, and performance art transforms public spaces across Greenwich and the Royal Docks. Many events are free, family-friendly, and visually engaging, making them suitable for all ages.

What is the Greenwich Docklands International Festival in London?

Here you can watch aerial acrobatics on building facades, open-air storytelling, and immersive street theatre - all in historic settings.

Where is the Greenwich Docklands International Festival?

Multiple venues across SE10 and E16.

To reach the GreenwichnDocklands International Festival (GDIF) from either Euston or King's Cross, the most efficient route is via the Tube. 

From Euston: Take the Northern line southbound to London Bridge, then transfer to the Jubilee line eastbound to North Greenwich station.

From King's Cross St. Pancras: Take the Victoria line southbound to Green Park, then transfer to the Jubilee line eastbound to North Greenwich. 

5. Rooftop and open-air cinemas in London

Catch a classic or recent film under the stars. London’s outdoor cinema scene hits its peak in August.

Where are the rooftop and open-air cinemas in London?

• Rooftop Film Club (Peckham & Stratford)
• Luna Cinema (Regent’s Park)
• Everyman on the Canal (King’s Cross)
• Barbican Outdoor Cinema at the Barbican Centre
• Kew The Movies at Kew Gardens 

What is an open-air cinema?

An open-air cinema is a cinema experience held outdoors, typically in a park, garden, or other open space. It involves projecting a movie onto a large screen and providing audio, allowing people to watch films under the stars or during the day for a unique viewing experience. 

6. Secret walking tours of historic London

Discover the hidden corners of the capital with a Secret London Walking Tour. Whether you're into ghost stories, street art, or the city’s oldest pubs, there’s a themed tour for you.

What different walking tours are there in London?

• Hidden Alleys of the City of London
• Secret Soho and Hidden Gems
• Jack the Ripper Tour
• Secrets of the City Historical Walk
• Secret London Tour (Covent Garden & Trafalgar Square)
• Secrets of London Templars Walk

Where do London walking tours start?

These walks depart from various locations, and advance booking is recommended.

7. Battersea Park in Concert

This summer bank holiday weekend, the famous Battersea Park is hosting Battersea Park in Concert from 28-31 August 2026, featuring: 

• Live orchestral and contemporary performances 

• Picnic-style seating areas 

• Stunning setting in the famous Battersea Park 

It’s the perfect option for those who enjoy live music experiences without the crazy festival crowds. 

Where is Battersea Park in Concert??

Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ

To get to Battersea Park from either Euston or King’s Cross, you’ll want to take the Northern Line (southbound) from St. Pancras. Get off at Battersea Power Station and walk 10-15 minutes to reach the park. 

8. Wander through Little Venice to Camden Lock in London

Escape the crowded streets by taking a canal walk between Little Venice and Camden Lock. It’s a scenic, peaceful 40-minute stroll along the Regent’s Canal, with waterside cafes, floating bookshops, and plenty of photo ops.

Where does this walk in London start and end?

Start at Warwick Avenue (W9), end in Camden Town (NW1)

Have a peaceful trip by visiting these beautiful places in London to relax.

9. Relax at Kenwood House and Hampstead Heath in London

For something a bit quieter, head to the northern edge of Hampstead Heath, where Kenwood House sits in picturesque serenity. 

Enjoy views over London, explore the art gallery (featuring works by Rembrandt and Vermeer), and have a picnic in the gardens. 

Discover the best places to picnic in London for further inspiration.

Where is Kenwood House and Hampstead Heath in London?

Hampstead Ln, Highgate, NW3 7JR

To reach Kenwood House from either Euston or King's Cross, the quickest route involves taking the Northern line to Golders Green station, then a bus (210) to Kenwood House. 

Alternatively, you can take the Northern line to Archway station, then bus 210, which also serves Kenwood House. 

10. Classic London city sightseeing tour

If it’s your first time in London or you just want to see it all, hop aboard a London City Bus Tour. These open-top double-decker tours take you past icons like Big Ben, the Tower of London, and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Why you should go on a London city bus tour

It's ideal for ticking off London landmarks with minimal walking. Great for families and first-timers.

Where does the London city bus depart from?

Departing from Victoria, Embankment & other key hubs.

Make the journey part of the experience with Grand Central trains

Whether you're travelling from York, Bradford, Sunderland, or Doncaster, Grand Central Trains offers a direct and stress-free route to London King’s Cross - putting you in the heart of the action.

Check out our trains to London on our popular routes page. 

Why you should travel with Grand Central

• Direct, stress-free routes to London
• Great-value tickets
• Comfortable, spacious seating
• No booking fees when you book directly with us
• Convenient E-tickets
• A wide range of Railcards and Group Savings to choose from to save you money
• Advance tickets available for budget-friendly travel

Spend your summer bank holiday the right way

From carnival crowds to quiet green spaces, from rock concerts to hidden alleyways, London truly shines over the August bank holiday weekend. 

And with Grand Central Trains, your adventure starts the moment you step on board.

Book your train tickets early to secure the best prices.