I'll let you into a secret - I don't like Notting Hill Carnival. I lived on the Carnival route for a few years and can assure that means I've heard enough whistles blown for a lifetime. But if you're not a fan of Carnival (as Notting Hill Carnival is known in London) then what is there to do over the August bank holiday weekend? There's so much going on in London in August, you can't imagine, but here's some ideas to get you out and about this weekend.
Ideas for the Kids
- Take the kids to the West End Theater for free as it's Kid's Week. Kids go free with a paying adult.
- Bob the Builder at The Science Museum
This fun and engaging 45 minute science-based show – aimed at 3-5 year olds - features Bob the Builder and friends interacting directly with children who are encouraged to join in with songs to help them learn about science.
- Enjoy free open air theater at The Scoop near Tower Bridge from Wednesday to Sunday till 9 September 2007.
6pm: Disney's Jungle Book
8pm: Helen of Troy
More info...
- You'll find more ideas here: Top 10 Stuff for Kids to Do in London and in the London with Kids section.
Ideas for Everyone
- Metro Weekender music festival: Get Loaded In The Park
Sunday 26 August 2007
Clapham Common
Featuring: The Streets and Dirty Pretty Things, among others.
- Shoot Shoreditch: Teams of two to four people spend a day solving clues and taking photos around Shoreditch, east London.
Saturday 25 August 2007, 11am - 7.30pm
More info...
- Film 4 FrightFest: Fantasy and horror film festival.
Leicester Square Odeon
23 - 27 August 2007
Four days of premieres, personal appearances, signings and surprises.
Top Tip: Join in the Zombie Walk on Monday 27 August. To celebrate the screening of The Zombie Diaries a ZOMBIE WALK WORLD RECORD attempt is taking place before the screening of the film at 10.45am. Meet at 8am outside the Odeon West End in Leicester Square (nearest tube: Leicester Square).
- Street Performer of the Year
Sat-Mon, from 12pm each day
Victoria Park, 360 Victoria Park Road, Hackney E9 7BT
(Nearest tube stations: Bethnal Green & Mile End)
Musicians, jugglers, fire breathers, dancers, magicians, comedians, clowns, acrobats, poets, mime and many other styles of street performance from all over the UK compete each afternoon for this coveted award.
Free, and hopefully, highly entertaining!
- Try a London walking tour: I recently tried the Soundmap Soho audio walk.
- Summer Opening of Houses of Parliament
- Summer Opening of Buckingham Palace
Or Have a Day Out From London...
- Isle of Wight Scooter Rally
This is where I'll be heading!
Crikey, there's so much to do the list really is endless, but I hope this gives you some ideas. Now let's hope for good weather!

