The 28 best things to do in London in September (2025)

Summer is over. The August bank holiday weekend has been and gone, the evenings are getting darker and schools are back in session. But the end of summer doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop, there are lots of things to do in London in September. 

Although London is always busy, once the summer visitors have disappeared from central London, the city is noticeably calmer leaving you free to enjoy the capital’s most popular attractions with fewer crowds. 

A September trip to London is the perfect time to visit famous London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and even Madame Tussauds.

You can even visit typically crowded spots like the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels without the tourist crowds. Join a guided tour with a Yeoman Warder or book a Blue Badge Guide instead.

Museums also tend to be less busy, head to the British Museum to catch up on exhibitions you might have missed or spend an afternoon wandering around the V&A Museum instead. 

And, don’t forget, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open until 28 September in 2025. Combine a visit to see His Majesty with watching the Changing of the Guard (check out their timetable here). For more Royal Family fun consider a day trip to Windsor Castle.

In short, there are lots of fun things to do in London in September, enjoy our top picks with this handpicked list.  

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September 2025 dates for your diary

Get your diaries out, here are just some events taking place in London this month.

• Daily performance of classical music continue as part of the eight-week BBC Proms season at the Royal Albert Hall until 13 September. 
• London’s reputation as the design capital of the world gets a lift when the London Design Festival returns this month. It takes place from 13 – 21 September.
• Get a sneak peak inside private homes and buildings including 10 Downing Street with Open House London. The Open House Festival takes place from 13 – 21 September. 
• Put your best foot forwards for London Fashion Week, which takes place from 18 – 22 September 
• The London Podcast Festival takes place from 4 – 14 September (one for mums and dads to enjoy!) 
• The four week performing arts festival The Lambeth Fringe (formerly The Clapham Fringe) starts on 25 September. Most performances are for adults but there are a couple of kid-friendly shows too. 

Our pick of the best things to do in London in September 2025

Can’t decide what to do? The following are our top picks for things to do in London in September

• The Terrible Thames sets sail for the very last time (boo!) on 3 September; don’t miss one last trip on this wild ride through the history of London’s most famous river
• Dino Disco at the Natural History Museum.  
• The new immersive Titanic exhibition is now open in Camden taking you virtually on board this ill-fated ship. 
• The new David Bowie centre opens at the V&A East this month.
• The Women’s Rugby World Cup takes place this month. England games are sold out but you can watch the matches on TV to show your support for the Red Roses! 
• CelebrASIA at Battersea Power Station promises to be a fun-filled colourful weekend celebrating the best of South East Asian cuisines, cultures and creativity. 
• Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A opens on 20 September promising fabulous fashion and style from the ill-fated French queen.
• The Importance of Being Ernest opens at the Noel Coward Theatre . 

The best things to do in London in September

The following are some of the special events, new exhibitions and fun things to do for the month of September. As always, the weather is unpredictable in the British capital so if you are visiting London in September so while will all keep our fingers crossed for mild weather, it’s best to pack layers for cooler temperatures and a waterproof jacket in case of rainy days.

Museum Exhibitions & Experiences in London

Dino Disco at the Natural History Museum

Boogie in the Hintze Hall this month when the Natural History Museum opens its doors after hours for its family friendly Dino Disco. Grab a set of headphones, choose from three different DJs and dance the night away.

Dino Disco takes place on Friday 26 September, 7pm to 9pm. Tickets are £15. Best studied to kids aged 6 – 12.

Mudlarking Weekend at the London Museum Dockland

The River Thames is full of history – not just literally but physically too with the muddy river foreshore hiding hundreds of items from London’s past, everything from pieces of Victorian clay pipes and animal bones to small handmade pins.

The London Museum Docklands is hosting a discovery-filled weekend dedicated to the world of mudlarking with expert talks, a free-to-visit object showcase with mudlarks, mudlarking family crafts and more.

The Mudlarking Weekend takes place 27 to 28 September and is a mix of free drop-in and paid events. Advanced booking is recommended.

Together We Grow: Discovery Garden at the Museum of Home

Three years in the making, this month sees the launch of the new permaculture and play garden at the Museum of Home. Developed with local communities, primary schools, creatives and experts as a response to the lack of child-friendly outdoor space in Hoxton and to educate visitors about growing food, nature and sustainability.

The garden opens to the public on September 21. 

Titanic: Echoes From The Past

​September 2025 marks 40 years since the wreckage of the Titanic was discovered on the ocean floor and a new exhibition has opened in Camden to mark the anniversary of the world’s most famous ship. 

The exhibition takes you virtually on board the famous ocean liner and blends history, technology and storytelling to share the stories of the 2,200 passengers and crew who were on board.

Two years of research have gone into the making of this immersive experience to ensure that the ship, its passengers and the events are as authentic as possible. So, get ready to don your VR headset and dive 3,800 metres underwater to the seabed of the Atlantic Ocean. 

The Titanic experience is at 213-219 Camden High Street and is open daily from 11am-8pm. Tickets from £20, available here. Suitable for ages eight and up.

Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A Museum

We can’t wait to see this new exhibition at the V&A Museum.

Opening on September 20, the exhibition explores the lasting influence of Marie Antoinette, the most fashionable and ill-fated queen in history.  This promises to be a popular exhibition to so make sure to book your tickets early – or consider joining the V&A as a member. 

Blitz: The Club that Shaped the 80s at the Design Museum

Also opening in late September is Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s at the Design Museum. Although this exhibition might be lost on younger kids, teens might enjoy this deep dive into the legendary Blitz night club and how it transformed 1980s London style. 

Expect plenty of music, flamboyant fashions, pioneering art, film and graphic design, all curated in close collaboration with some of the leading ‘Blitz Kids’ who were there. 

Blitz runs from 20 September 2025 to 29 March 2026 

David Bowie Centre at the V&A East

This new creative workspace built around the world’s largest collection dedicated to the life and works of the legend that is David Bowie opens on 13  September with costumes, sounds, lyrics, sketches and more. The V&A East is an incredible new addition to the London museum scene and well worth a visit whether you are a Bowie fan or not!

Costume Couture​ 

Take a look at costumes from TV shows and films including Little Women, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peaky Blinders, Out of Africa and The Danish Girl as part of the Costume Couture exhibition taking place at the Fashion & Textile Museum.

The exhibition opens 26 September and will run until 8 March 2026. 

Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?  

Ongoing at the Natural History Museum is this exhibition that transports visitors out-of-this-world to discover in life exists beyond planet earth. Go back in time on mars, dive under the surface of icy moons, take a photo with the Allende meteorite (which is a mind-boggling 4.567 billion years old) and more.

Space runs until 22 February 2026.

The Terrible Thames 

It’s your last chance to step on board the Terrible Thames, the rollicking boat ride through the history of London’s most famous river. After five fabulous years, this fantastic family tour is setting sail into the sunset so make sure you don’t miss one final trip. 

The Terrible Thames will sail for the final time on Wednesday 3rd September. 

You still have a few weeks to visit that State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Every year, royal palace open its gates for 10 weeks, welcoming visitors to tour the magnificent State Rooms including the Throne Room, the Ballroom and the White Drawing Room. 

Visit the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace 

You still have a few weeks to visit that State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Every year, royal palace open its gilded gates for 10 weeks, welcoming visitors to tour the magnificent State Rooms including the Throne Room, the Ballroom and the White Drawing Room. 

Buckingham Palace will be open until 28 September. 

Festivals & Days Out

The Classic Boat Festival 

The annual St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival returns this year giving landlubbers and their nautical pals the chance to admire over 60 beautiful vintage vessels. 

These include the Dunkirk Little Ships, motorboats from the Bates Starcraft range, a Navy P2000 vessel and more. Live music, talks and kids activities round up the day’s events. 

The Classic Boat Festival takes place on the 6th and 7th September 

Colourscape Music Festival

Enjoy live music performances at the slightly bonkers but highly entertaining Colourscape Music Festival.

Taking place on Clapham Common, near the Windmill Pub, between 13 – 21 September, the Colourscape Music Festival promises a typically eclectic and fun line up of fabulous alternative performances. 

Heritage Open Days 

Heritage Open Days returns this year with the chance to peek behind the scenes of some of London’s most famous attractions, and some lesser known ones too.

There are over 30 London-based happenings this year including the chance to take a Second World War themed walk around Tower Hamlets Cemetery, visit Dulwich’s British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum and, especially for kids, the chance to hear untold tales of Black Tudors on a guided walk around the streets of Southwark. 

Events take place from 12 to 21 September and are free to visit but you will need to book in advance for some. Take a look at the calendar here: 

Dark Arts at the Warner Bros Studio Tour 

You still have one week to discover the filming secrets behind the Triwizard Tournament at the Warner Bros Studio Tour. Learn how filmmakers shot underwater and crated the Hungarian Horntail Dragon, listen as Interactors share special effect secrets in the new Backlot Stage and admire new magical costumes.

The Triwizard Tournament runs until 8 September 2025. 

Opening on 12 September is the studio’s much-loved Dark Arts feature. Step into the iconic sets from the Harry Potter film series in a spookier setting as the studio gets ready for Halloween with Death Eaters, floating pumpkins and Dementors. 

If you’re looking for more wizarding fun, try this Harry Potter walking tour in central London of filming locations that includes Diagon Alley and Platform 9 3/4. 

Strawberry Hill House & Garden

As Britain’s most sustainable flower festival takes place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September at Strawberry Hill House & Garden in Twickenham.

Now in its 7th year, the festival (everything used is reusable, compostable, or homegrown) transforms Horace Walpole’s famous “faery-tale castle” into an enchanted world of folklore and flowers. Over 50 of the UK’s leading florists will create spectacular installations using only British-grown, foam-free, sustainable blooms.

Expect spinning wheels, goblin markets, flying carpets, and even a giant spider lurking in the garden!

The festival takes place 12 – 14 September from 9am to 5pm daily.

Chelsea History Festival 

Celebrate the history, heritage and culture of Chelsea this September with a programme of events, including family-friendly activities. Led by the Chelsea Heritage Quarter, the Chelsea History Festival includes a series of interesting talks and tours. 

We’re looking forward to the Family Story Walk at The Royal Hospital Chelsea and the walking tour Rock ‘n’ Roll Chelsea. Take a look at the full programme here. 

Wanstead Fringe 

Wanstead in East London is the setting for three weeks of theatre, music, outdoor cinema screenings, kids’ shows and a street festival, all part of the Wanstead Fringe 2025. 

Wanstead Fringe runs from 6 – 27 September. 

Brick Lane Curry Festival 

Brick Lane in east London has long been the place to go for a curry in London and this year, for the first time in almost a decade, the Brick Lane Curry Festival is taking place, bringing lot off regional and speciality dishes alongside henna painting workshops, Bangla-dancing lessons, a procession with themed floats and dancers and more. 

The festival takes place from 9-21 September. 

Mayor’s Community Weekend 2025

Taking place over the weekend September 12th to 14th is this annual event held to bring Londoners together. Over 200 organisations will host events across the city funded by the National Lottery. Events include picnics, workshops, rock climbing and much more.

Take a look at the interactive map to see what is taking place. 

​The Mayor’s Community Weekend takes place from 12 – 14 September. 

CelebrASIA at Battersea Power Station

The summer holidays might be over but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel. Battersea Power Station is hosting CelebrASIA this month, a three-day festival that celebrates the cuisines, culture and creativity of South East Asia. 

Lanterns, sculptures and immersive installations will transform the iconic riverside building, both inside and out. Shop for sauces, spices and homewares at the artisan market, taste delicious local delicacies made by renowned chefs from across South East Asia, try the Malaysian art of Batik and more. New for this year is the riverside Feasting Table, which you must book in advance. 

Kids can follow the Grand Tour trail to learn more about this corner of the world, completing their own celebrASIA passport and claiming an explorer sticker and stamp at the end.

CelebrASIA takes place from 5 – 7 September. 

Black on the Square 2025

​Another free event takes place this month, this time to celebrate Black culture, its people and communities in helping shape London’s creativity. Taken place on Trafalgar Square on Saturday 6 September, the event includes live music, activities and workshops. 

​Black on the Square will take place on 6 September from 12pm to 6pm. 

Sheep Drive​ 

One of those “only in the UK” events takes place this month courtesy of the London Bridge Sheep Drive and Livery Fair.

Each year, a celebrity is handed the honour of herding sheep over Southwark Bridge with a crowd watching and cheering them on – actor Damian Lewis led the way in 2024 and this year it will be Countryfile presenter, Adam Henson. A livery fair takes place at the north end of the bridge.

Totally Thames Festival

The annual month-long Totally Thames Festival celebrating the Thames river is back a mind-boggling 66 events taking place “on, beneath and along” the River Thames, including music, film, art installations, theatre shows, guided walks, tours, river cruises and more. 

Don’t miss the Great River Race on Saturday 20 September when up to 300 boats and 1,500 people will row from Millwall in East London to Richmond in traditional wooden row boats to raise money for charities, many decked out in fancy dress. 

Other events include a mudlarking exhibition, urban sketching and more.

Camden Inspire

Celebrate everything that’s great about Camden at the annual community powered street party, Camden Inspire.

This year the festival is being held in collaboration with the Camden Green Loop – a strategy for building a sustainable neighbourhood through community-led design. At the heart of the festival is UnBroken, an ambitious upcycling project where designers will transform items destined for landfill into one-of-a-kind works of art. These will be exhibited and auctioned during the festival. 

Enjoy live music, street food, creative workshops (including mosaic making and clay hand pottery), spoken word performances and more. For kids there’s a fun dance class held with The Place and face painting. 

Camden Inspire will take place on Saturday 20 September, from 11pm – 8pm. 

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF)

You still have time to enjoy one of best free festivals returns this month.

The GDIF started on 22 August and runs until 6 September with a colourful line up of theatre, dance, circus and installations on the shore of the Thames including an all-female high-wire walk framed by London’s best view and an extraordinary on-water physical theatre delivering an urgent climate message.  

While most family events were scheduled to coincide with the summer break, taking place on 4 September is Go Grandad, Go!, an inter-generational story told through Hip-Hop, street arts and audience participation. The performance takes place in General Gordon Square, Woolwich at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. 

London Mural Festival 

Taking place from September 5 – 29 is the London Mural Festival bringing 120 murals across London creating a free open-air art gallery for everyone to enjoy. 

You can see the artists taking part – as well as other events taking place – on this digital map.

Shows & Plays

The Importance of Being Earnest 

After a sold-out run at the National Theatre, The Importance of Being Ernest transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre starring Olly Alexander.  Oscar Wilde’s story about two young men who lead double lives, getting caught in a web of lies, has been performed countless times since it premiered in 1895. 

Opens 18 September