30 Fun Things To Do In London This Weekend

It’s finally the weekend! How will you be spending it? Whether you’re in the mood for secret bars or exclusive pizzas, immersive exhibitions or pop-up experiences, there’s plenty going on in London to accommodate your desires. From new exhibitions to new activities (pasta making anyone?), here’s what to do in London this weekend.

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What To Do In London This Weekend: 21–22 December 2024

See The Christmas Lights

We have a special festive facade at Fortnum’s, a Wicked Christmas tree at St Pancras and London’s tallest tree in the heart of the city, as well as lights glistening down our busiest shopping streets – so Christmas is officially here. Get ahead of the crowds this festive season: here’s where and when the Christmas lights will shine in the skies, already brightening the gloomy skies this weekend.

Visit A Festive Market

London is the Christmas capital of the world, and if you’re looking for unique Christmas shopping, the plethora of festive markets are the place to be. Check out our guide to the best and the brightest here. If you’re in the Wembley Park region this weekend, pop down to experience its special festive markets, running for three weekends only in 2024. More than 100 international traders will sell unique gifts, seasonal treats and delicious street food.

Details: Running 21–22 December 2024 in Wembley Park.

Sample A New Cinema

Whether it’s Gladiator II or Wicked (or, dare we say it, Glicked), the run-up to Christmas is the perfect excuse to head to the cinema. Why not try out a brand new spot this weekend? Find Everyman’s latest venue in Stratford, bedecked in the brand’s signature luxurious style with iconic plush sofas and armchairs, state of the screens, and a beautiful outdoor terrace for spritzes come summer.

Details: Everyman Stratford (4 Redman Place, London E20 1JQ) is officially open from 17 December. Pick your film and book your tickets at everymancinema.com

Embark On A Mulled Wine Trail

The arrival of the festive season means its socially acceptable to drink mulled wine once more – and we’re very pleased about it. For the ultimate winter warmer, Fables & Company has launched a Mulled Wine Trail in London across three of its most charming venues: Quill (Borough Yards, Arch 232 Bank End, London SE1 9FJ), The Mulled Wine Tavern at the Southbank Centre Food Market (London SE1 8XX), and Plume in Covent Garden (26 Wellington St, London WC2E 7DD). For £30, collect a Mulled Wine Tavern tankard, and walk between Quill and Plume (or vice versa), stopping at The Mulled Wine Tavern en route and refilling your tankard at each stop. Don’t forget to collect a stamp at each location, too, for 10 percent off your bill at Plume or Quill.

Details: Available from midday to 8pm on Friday and Saturdays and midday to 6pm on Sundays until 22 December.

Attend A Royal Gemmology Workshop

Fan of the Royals? This is the workshop for you. Hosted by the opulent Peninsula London, which opened just last year, the Crown Jewels Tour and Gemmology experience commences with a private guided tour of the magnificent crown jewels at their home, the Tower of London, where they have been guarded since 1661. Then return to the hotel and immerse yourself in the wonders of Garrard, the Royal family’s first Crown Jeweller. The Peninsula is home to a glimmering Garrard boutique brimming with beautiful gems, and guests can learn all about them in a masterclass led by the in-house gemmologist. After a chance to don replica Royal tiaras for yourself, end the experience with a delicious signature Peninsula Afternoon Tea to feel like royalty yourself.

Details: The Crown Jewels Tour and Gemmology experience is available for a maximum of three guests at a time, priced at £605 for groups of one to three. Book at peninsula.com

A Pop-Up For Londoners

As part of a pioneering programme from the Mayor of London, London Made Me is a new pop-up at Battersea Power Station championing the city’s most exciting creatives. With 12 artists teaming up to present one exciting pop-up, it’s the perfect spot to find a unique gift this Christmas.

Details: Open everyday at Battersea Power Station (Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD) until 29 December 2024. batterseapowerstation.co.uk

New Rooftop Bar

Renowned chef Akira Back’s latest concept at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is a 50-seat bar with an outdoor terrace offering breathtaking panoramic views across the capital: ABar Rooftop. Enjoy sunset accompanied with a seasons inspired cocktail menu, divided into Haru (spring), Natsu (summer), Aki (autumn) and Fuyu (winter). To eat, Chef Back has curated a menu featuring the likes of a grilled salmon poke bowl, Wagyu burger and an array of sushi tacos along with sashimi and caviar.

Details: Now open at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair (22 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JP). Tables can be booked at mandarinoriental.com

Club Curling

Club Curling has returned to King’s Cross, re-opening for winter with a new kitsch makeover for 2024/25. King’s Cross has partnered with the legendary God’s Own Junkyard to bring an electrifying technicolour makeover to Coal Drops Yard, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a neon wonderland, all while sampling the winter sport.

Details: Club Curling is open until 2 March 2025. Tickets start from £9pp and can be booked at kingscross.co.uk

Visit The Official James Bond Bar

This is not one to miss for Bond fans: Mayfair’s historic shopping destination, Burlington Arcade, has launched the official James Bond Bar & Boutique, The 007, with a curated collection of 007-inspired products including legacy pieces and designer collaborations.

Details: Open until 31 December at Burlington Arcade (51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ). burlingtonarcade.com

Arty Pop Up Shop

Connaught Village’s Art Month may have drawn to a close, but it’s Something For Everyone pop up shop is here right up until Christmas. Browse the artsy wares for stocking fillers, Christmas decs and unique gifts, with a broad array of illustrated affordable prints from 15 talented artists available, too. Best of all, 50 percent of all sales will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital, with the other 50 percent going directly to the artists.

Details: Something For Everyone (8 Porchester Pl, Connaught St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BS) is open 10am–6pm Tuesdays to Saturdays until Christmas.

Waterside Champagne Brunch

Another weekend, another brunch – and this one is brand spanking new. Head over to Marceline in Canary Wharf this weekend to enjoy its delicious Champagne Cellar Brunch. Tuck into tasty treats (think croque monsieur, steak tartare, French toast and more) served alongside cellar price sparkling wines. Many bottles are reduced to less than half their usual list price, spanning a £35 Channing Daughters Bianco Pet Nat to £148 Dom Perignon and everything in between.

Details: Every Saturday and Sunday at Marceline (10 Water St, London, E14 5GX). Book at marceline.london

See A Bowie-Inspired Sculpture

A new sculpture has popped up on Heddon Street outside Ziggy Green, a restaurant inspired by David Bowie. The giant reflective sphere is courtesy of filmmaker and visual artist Charlotte Colbert, which she has painted with a giant blue eye, just like Bowie’s.

Details: On display until 6 January 2025 outside Ziggy Green (4 Heddon St, London W1B 4BS).

Off Peak Brunch

Always forgetting to book until the last minute and then struggling to snag a table? Why not enjoy your poached eggs in the afternoon, instead? London’s premiere brunch spot has launched a brand new off-peak menu – and it’s mouthwateringly delicious. Priced at only £18pp, the menu begins with a juicy mimosa, then choose two dishes from the 13 small plates on offer, spanning everything from spicy Shakshuka to Scrambled Eggs & Smoked Salmon (with a moreish potato bhaji), classic Eggs Benedict to three choices of slider (perfect for an afternoon treat), to the light, refreshing and seriously beautiful Breakfast Bruschetta. End with a small dessert – a berry pancake, caramelised banana waffle or vegan pumpkin pancake – for an extra £4.50 and you’ll be satisfied all day long.

Details: The Table’s Off Peak Brunch is available from Friday to Sunday, 2pm to 4pm, and you need to book ahead to try it. Available at both venues: Battersea Rise (35-37 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG) and Southwark (83 Southwark St, London SE1 0HX). Book at thetablecafe.com

Opera Brunch

Looking for an excuse to visit Bacchanalia? This Greco-Roman restaurant is practically dripping with grandeur. Created by Bacchanalia’s culinary director, chef Athinagoras Kostakos, there’s an all-new brunch to enjoy, including delicious Roman dishes – think zucchini linguine, signature seabream, and the restaurant’s famed tiramisu – soundtracked by live opera.

Details: From £58pp for the set menu, with free-flowing wine for an additional £29pp. Available every Sunday at Bacchanalia (1-3 Mount St, London W1K 3NB). Book at bacchanalia.co.uk

Arty Afternoon Tea

Laze away a weekend afternoon with an arty afternoon tea at Rosewood London’s stunning Mirror Room. Carefully designed by chef Mark Perkins, the skill of talented artist John Booth is emulated across unique dishes inspired by his artwork.

Details: Available every afternoon from midday–5.45pm at Mirror Room (Rosewood, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN). rosewoodhotels.com

Visit The Lush Perfume Library

A trip to Lush is always a sensory experience. Even before stepping across the threshold, the heady scent of bath bombs, jellies and creams trickles out onto the pavement – drawing in shoppers by the nose. But the British label is expanding its fragrance empire with the arrival of the Lush Perfume Library, which has now officially opened its doors in Soho. Read more about the new concept store here.

Details: Lush is open 11am–6pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12pm–6pm on Sundays (67-71 Beak St, Soho, London W1F 9SW). lush.com

Play D&D

Whether you’re a total newbie, a Stranger Things fan, or a veteran player, RPG Taverns is the place to be for Dungeons and Dragons fans. Book ahead or just turn up with all materials provided, from Gamemasters to dice, minis, electronic maps, and an immersive living world, with sessions lasting anywhere from two and a half to three hours.

Details: RPG Taverns is open Tuesday–Sunday at COLAB Tavern, 16 Harper Rd, London SE1 6A. Tickets are £15. rpgtaverns.com

Dine At Bar Kroketa

End your weekend shopping in central London with a delicious bite (or two…or three…) at Bar Kroketa’s brand new site in vibrant St Christopher’s Place. Bag an in-demand spot on the outdoor terrace and watch the world go by, sipping on Spanish inspired cocktails (the Basque & Stormy is a real sweet treat) and tucking into a menu of Iberian bar snacks; think crisps and olives, tortilla, pan con tomate, sardines, salted cod and more. Naturally, you can’t leave without tucking into an array of the titular kroketas: changing with the seasons, expect crispy goodness spanning chicken, black squid ink, wild mushrooms and more.

Details: Find Bar Kroketa in St Christopher’s Place (23 Barrett St, London W1U 1BF) and Carnaby (21 Beak St, Carnaby, London W1F 9RR). kroketa.co.uk

Doggy Brunch

How better to celebrate the weekend with your bestie than heading to doggy brunch? Head down to Marylebone with your four legged bestie to try The Cavendish’s brand new weekend brunch, pawfect for pooches. Furry friends can tuck into the likes of white fish, chicken and peanut butter, while their owners enjoy classics like a full English and eggs royale.

Details: 1–3pm every Saturday at The Cavendish (35 New Cavendish St, Marylebone, London W1G 9TR). Book your table here.

Nobu Sushi Masterclass

Learn the art of sushi making from the masters this weekend in an intimate class (10 guests max) at Nobu Old Park Lane. Begin with a chilled glass of Champagne and watch the experts at work, before you roll out your own mat and craft one cut roll, one hand roll and three pieces of nigiri. Afterwards, settle down and tuck into your creations, plus some bonus iconic Nobu dishes, before heading home with a goodybag to remember the experience and continue honing your skills at home.

Details: Last Saturday of every month at Nobu Old Park Lane (19 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1LB). Slots are £250 pp plus service charge. Book at noburestaurants.com

Visit Paradox Museum

There’s a new mind-bending immersive experience in London, and it’s open to the public this weekend. Paradox Museum features more than 50 interactive exhibits across 25 immersive rooms, designed to astound visitors of all ages. Think mental and visual illusions, perfect for impressing little ones as the summer holidays get underway – or just impressing yourself as you somehow defy the laws of gravity in the reverse rooms.

Details: Paradox Museum London (90 Brompton Road, London SW3 1ER) is open to the public from Wednesday 17 July 2024. Tickets are £14 for children and £18.50 for adults and can be booked at feverup.com

Dine At Mildreds’ New Victoria Spot

Veggies, listen in: a new branch of the beloved plant based restaurant Mildreds has opened just a stone’s throw from Victoria station. Expect all the classic fresh, colourful and internationally-inspired dishes, all housed in an arty, equally as colourful space. Highlights include moreish kim chi gyoza, divine harissa patatas bravas, delightfully crunchy arancini rosso with an indulgent smoked paprika mushroom filling, plus wholesome mains and finger-licking buns (the hot mango glazed chick+n burger is not to be missed). Complete with a (fingers crossed) sun-soaked terrace surrounded by greenery, it’s the perfect spot for a long lunch or divine dinner this weekend.

Details: Mildreds Victoria (128 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London SW1V 1JZ) is open everyday: 8am–11pm on weekdays, 9am–11pm on Saturdays and 9am–10pm on Sundays. Book your table at mildreds.com

Natural Face Lift, Anyone?

This is how HarSPA Richmond’s brand new HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is best described. A truly rejuvenating experience, enter the spa at Harbour Hotel Richmond’s den of tranquillity, and emerge renewed. Created with UK-based sustainable skin and body care brand, Proverb, this facial is less about layers of serums and more about energising the skin and facial muscles for natural brightness and lift – all elevated with Proverb’s  gender-neutral, clean and natural skincare. Launched by former pro rugby player Luke Sheriff and his partner Kirstie, Proverb draws on athletic performance, and this facial really is a workout. Thanks to proven facial techniques to lift, contour and tone the skin, your circulation will be boosted bringing nutrients to the surface, and you will also benefit from lymphatic drainage, removing any toxic and waste. (Gua sha fans, this is your dream come true.) Afterwards, wind down from your workout (yes) in HarSPA’s idyllic facilities: luscious relaxation rooms, bubbly Scandi hot tubs in the garden, and a wellbeing juice bar to fuel your skin with lots of nutrients. For more fuel, Harbour Hotel’s laid back restaurant, The Gate, is the perfect pitstop – and the carrot salad is perfect (and very delicious) for any health-conscious visitors.

Details: The Proverb HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is available at HarSPA (Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). The treatment is £68, with an exclusive gift when you book your first treatment. The Gate is located in Harbour Hotel (152–158 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). harbourhotels.co.uk

INKO NITO DJ Nights

Fancy starting the weekend with a bang? Every Friday, tucked away on Soho’s Broadwick Street, INKO NITO hosts vibrant and bustling DJ nights offering a mix of funk, soul, hip hop and deep house music alongside the unconventional Japanese robatayaki and sushi dishes that the restaurant is known for. Special dishes bespoke for DJ Nights will also be available, including Portobello mushrooms with smoked butter, sea bream with salsa rosa, Salmon teriyaki, and Kimchi rice.

Details: Every Friday at INKO NITO (55 Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QS). inkonitorestaurant.com

Build A Terrarium

Bring some brightness to your living space with your very own beautiful (and low maintenance) terrarium. If you fancy making your own, join Katie and Lucas in Tottenham for guidance and all the materials you need to craft your very own oasis.

Details: Sessions take place on Saturdays in Tottenham, priced at £70 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

Tuck Into West London’s Best Roast

Big words, but the Sunday roast at Chelsea’s No. 50 Cheyne is (rightly) the stuff of legend. Tucked away on Cheyne Walk – a stone’s throw from the River Thames and Albert Bridge with the King’s Road to the north – this light-filled brasserie is brimming with pretty flowers, bright interiors, and a buzzy atmosphere. Begin with a glass of fizz or treat yourself to a cocktail, before tucking into the legendary roast, choosing between 40 Day Aged Beef Sirloin, Roasted Cauliflower Heritage, Cumbrian Chicken or the restaurant’s prized 100 Day-Aged Belted Galloway Beef Rib Roast, with a limited quantity available. With Executive Chef Iain Smith inspired by a desire to first find and then cook London’s best roast, you’ll find all accompanied with perfectly roasted classic sides: roast potatoes (super crispy yet buttery soft in the middle, just as they should be), Yorkshire pudding (with a surprise stuffing ball nestled inside), huge glazed carrots and hispi cabbage, with a generous serving of gravy to boot. Divine. Best of all, this well-priced, in-demand roast is available on Saturdays as well as Sundays – but you’ll still need to be quick to cinch your table.

Details: Roasts are available every Saturday and Sunday at No. Fifty Cheyne (50 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5LR), with prices starting at £25 on Saturdays and £28.30 on Sundays. Book your table at fiftycheyne.com

London’s Very Best Roasts

Eat Viral Pancakes

Apple Butter is a buzzy all-day dining spot and home to some viral pancakes that are worth going out of your way for. There’s the original branch in Seven Dials, or head to the newly opened venue on Langham Place – a stone’s throw away from Oxford Circus – for all the goodness in a slightly more tranquil spot. There’s a full menu of delicious, middle eastern inspired plates, plus an extensive menu of hot and cold coffees and speciality lattes; the cinnamon roll latte is a real treat. But the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the pancakes. There’s a daily special flavour of uber fluffy pancakes, spanning the likes of strawberry cheesecake, lotus and white chocolate, hazelnut praline and, if you’re lucky, sticky toffee pudding – a rich, gooey marvel with dates and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Divine.

Details: Find Apple Butter in Seven Dials (32-34 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HA) and Langham Place (4-5 Langham Pl, London W1B 3DG). Tables are walk-in only. Good luck! applebuttercafe.com

Islington Square Saturday Market

Every Saturday, Islington Square is overtaken by a carefully curated weekly market in partnership with Urban Food Fest. Visit for mouth watering street food, unforgettable desserts and artisanal products alongside creative crafts for all the family.

Details: Every Saturday from 11am–5pm at Islington Square (116 Upper St, London N1 1AB).

Learn To Make Gelato

Say hello to warmer days with a gelato making session. Join Elisa and Fabiano in Wandsworth to learn all about the art of gelato and sorbet making, before tucking into your creation – 500g of it, no less.

Details: Sessions take place on Wednesdays and Sundays in Wandsworth, priced at £65 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

Skin Refresh For The Weekend

Skincare lover wondering what to do in London this weekend? Cult skin clinic Skin Laundry is pioneering the non-invasive laser facial, and we’d highly recommend it. With a limited number of services available, expect high quality, clinically proven treatments delivered by warm clinicians, many with no down time at all and some with instant glowy results. Unsure what to go for? Book a consultation and step into the calming studio ready for a candid conversation with one of the friendly clinicians regarding your skincare goals. They’ll guide you through the whole process, explaining why the lasers work, and what results you can expect. And even though ‘laser’ might sound daunting, don’t worry: it doesn’t hurt in the slightest. Already sold? Join the Skin Laundry club for multiple monthly facials and exclusive discounts on all services and products.

Details: Skin Laundry is open everyday in Chelsea (69A King’s Rd, London SW3 4NX), Soho (9 Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RL) and Hampstead (68 Heath St, London NW3 1DN), 10am–8pm with reduced hours on Sundays. Book your appointment at skinlaundry.uk

The Leo Green Experience

Live music and jazz fans should flock to QT this weekend, where The Leo Green Experience celebrates the best sax solos centre stage, putting a high-energy sax twist on the biggest hits of the last 30 years. Featuring table service delivering an array of small plates and cocktails, there’s an old school vibe with an easy breezy air: think drinking, dancing and eating while Leo and his band raise the roof.

Details: Every Friday and Saturday evening from 7.30–9.15pm and 9.45pm–1am at QT (Middle Eight Hotel, 66 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BX). Tickets are £25 for general admission, or £35 for seated table service. Book at middleeight.com

Visit The Immersive David Attenborough Experience

Nature fan looking for a new immersive experience in London? We’ve found the perfect thing for you to try this weekend in London: OTHERWORLD’s David Attenborough Immersive Anthology. A three-part immersive journey narrated by David Attenborough, this stunning 8K virtual reality casts nature’s beasts and beauties into sharp relief, featuring carnivorous flytraps, majestic butterflies and towering pterosaurs, all brought to life by state-of-the-art 3D cinematography and computer graphics, spatial audio and tactile bass technology.

Details: OTHERWORLD has two London venues: Victoria (85 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0QJ) and Hackney (336 Acton Mews, Haggerston, London E8 4EA). Tickets are £35 per person for the 70 minute experience, including a 15 minute interval, and can be purchased at other.world

Sip Cocktails In A Secret Bar

Sotto is London’s latest speakeasy bar opening, hidden beneath Soho’s buzzy Bocconcino. It’s all about classic Italian elegance, expressed through chic interiors, soft lighting, and a cool menu of unique savoury cocktails. Everything has an Italian twist: think an Old Fashioned infused with wild mushrooms, or the Avocado Amore blending the favourite fruit with Italian lemons, Calabrian chilli and basil foam, or the Velvet Corvina mixing corvina wine with peach purée, wine cordial, crème de cassis and blood orange. Enjoy alongside a selection of small plates for the perfect intimate date night spot. Cheers!

Details: Sotto is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm–2am at Bocconcino Soho (59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JY). Book at bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

Sound Healing At The Mandrake

Seeking some serenity? Experience the transformative combination of Reiki and Sound Healing every Saturday at The Mandrake Hotel, guided by skilled sound healer Maria Lodetoft. Expect Reiki healing amid the soothing soundscape of alchemy crystal singing bowls, producing tones and frequencies thought to align the chakras, calm the mind, and open the heart.

Details: Every Saturday at 11am at The Mandrake Hotel (20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG). Places cost £40 per person and can be booked at themandrake.com

Live Music Bars

There’s only one thing better than live music: live music with a glass of something in your hand. London’s live music bar scene is thriving – it always has been – and from jazz clubs to hi-fi DJ venues, there are plenty to choose from. Our favourite this winter is Brilliant Corners, a vibrant yet moody spot tucked away in Dalston, serving natural wine, zingy cocktails and a delicious seasonal five-course set menu inspired by the izakaya of Japan.

Details: Brilliant Corners is open 5pm–1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and 4pm–midnight on Sundays at 470 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE. Book your table at brilliantcornerslondon.co.uk

London’s Best Bars For Live Music

Columbia Road Flower Market

Brighten the gloomy winter days with a trip to London’s premiere flower market this weekend: Columbia Road. Taking place every Sunday between Bethnal Green and Hoxton, it attracts people from far and wide in droves and for good reason, offering a glorious slice of unchanging London life, with reasonable prices across flowers and bulbs, succulents and houseplants. With a rainbow of vibrant colours, it’s hard to resist succumbing to the classic Instagram shots. Afterwards, head into Shoreditch, or grab a bagel on the ever-popular Brick Lane.

Details: Sundays, 8am–2pm at Columbia Road, Bethnal Green E2 7RG. columbiaroad.info

More Of London’s Gorgeous Flower Markets To Visit

Go Bowling

OK, OK, a generic weekend suggestion – but London’s bowling alleys are some of the nation’s best. Whether you’re looking to host a big birthday blowout, make plans with friends or you’re in need of new date ideas, you’ll bowl everyone over with these spots.

Learn To Make Pasta

Wondering what to do in London next weekend? Try your hand at the Italian art of pasta making at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy in Farringdon. Expect to learn all about the best ingredients and techniques, and eat your creation at the end, too. Read our review of the Beginners’ Class here.

Details: Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy (62-63 Long Lane, Barbican, London EC1A 9EJ). These classes are extremely high-demand, so your weekend activity will inevitably be booking ahead for a future weekend. pastaevangelists.com

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