A summer of festivals!
The joy of summer is washing over the capital, and with it comes plenty of things to see and do!
Summer Festivals
Somerset House Summer Series
Returning in July 2026, the Somerset House Summer Series offers eleven nights of unmissable gigs in the stunning courtyard. This staple summer experience features a trailblazing line-up of breakthrough music artists and established acts from around the world.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Summer Daze Festival
Summer Daze Festival hits Wood Wharf from 23–26 July, with a jam-packed weekend of Musical Bingo, outdoor theatre, and stand-up from Lou Sanders, Sarah Keyworth and Milton Jones, plus family raves, a kids' comedy club and an Alice in Wonderland ballet. Resident retailers join in too, with DJ sets at CRATE, offers at TRIBE and a Summer Spritz Bar at Lockdown.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
Riverside Sessions
Running until 21 Sep 2026 from exhibitions to music sessions, poetry and more — Southbank Centre's free summer events have something for everyone. Curated by youth collectives, it's all about embracing that youthful energy, whatever your age.
Nearest pier: London Eye Waterloo
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Summer Screens
Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens are back now until 1 September, showing a packed line-up of live sport, free films and gaming fun. From F1, cricket and Wimbledon to Ascot and more, the biggest sporting events will be screened in the heart of Canary Wharf. The Film Club also returns with free weekend family favourites and midweek evening classics, from Hollywood blockbusters to musicals. Gamers can look forward to the return of the Mario Kart Championship and family-friendly gaming sessions on the big screen.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
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Sound Bath at Clipper Lounge
Unwind with a FREE immersive sound bath at Clipper Lounge EMB on Monday, 6 July, 4:00–6:00 PM. Certified practitioner Liz Titherley takes you on a journey with Himalayan singing bowls and a Jupiter gong. Pair it with a 2 for £18 cocktail promo — Serenity Spritz and Peaceful Pour. Clipper Lounge, Embankment Pier. No need to book, just show up.
Nearest pier: Embankment
London Indian Film Festival
Now in its 17th year at BFI Southbank, running from 9-16 July London Indian Film Festival brings a fresh wave of premieres from India and South Asia alongside beautifully restored classics of Indian cinema. Expect a spotlight on rising British Asian filmmaking talent, a look at where cinema meets new technology, and a special celebration of Goodness Gracious Me with cast members joining in person.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
The Hundred
From 21 July to 16 August, cricket's biggest names bring the pace and drama of The Hundred to Kia Oval and Lord's Cricket Ground. With just 100 balls per side and most runs winning, it's quick, thrilling, and easy to follow — a great day out whether you're a die-hard fan or just along for the atmosphere.
Nearest pier: St George Wharf
Pride Month
We've put together a list of ways to celebrate Pride this month!
Pride in London Parade
Pride in London returns on Saturday 4 July 2026, bringing a spectacular parade and city-wide celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, unity and visibility. Rooted in community and driven by a spirit of inclusion, the event welcomes everyone - whether you're marching, cheering from the sidelines, or celebrating with friends. From powerful moments of pride to joyful displays of solidarity, it’s one of the capital’s most vibrant and meaningful days of the year.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Pride on the Wharf
Canary Wharf celebrates Pride this summer with a free programme of events running throughout June and July. Highlights include the installation Look Back at Love by Rebecca Strickson at Eden Dock, Mini Pride for younger audiences, and free LGBTQ+ film screenings as part of Summer Screens: Film Club - something for all ages across the Wharf.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
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Pride at Woolwich Works
Running until 11 July, Woolwich Works is celebrating Pride with a packed programme of cabaret, circus, comedy and drag. From a 30th anniversary screening of Beautiful Thing to Divas Karaoke and circus showcase Queer Euphoria, there's something for everyone this Pride season
Nearest pier: Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
Find out moreExhibitions along the river
Frida: The Making of an Icon
Now on at Tate Modern, running until October — this exhibition traces the extraordinary life and legacy of Frida Kahlo, revolutionary artist, cultural phenomenon and global icon. Featuring over 30 of her most celebrated works alongside garments, jewellery and memorabilia, it's a rich celebration of one of the most influential artists of all time.
Nearest pier: Bankside
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House of Dreamers London
Immerse LDN, Excel Waterfront, House of Dreamers invites you into a magical world of 16 interactive installations blending design, colour and technology. Built around the power of dreams, this immersive experience is designed to reconnect you with your imagination and inner child — with AI-powered experiences making it more personal than ever.
Nearest pier: North Greenwich (and then Cable Car across)
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Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition
Running until 6 September, this stunning exhibition brings Michelangelo's iconic masterpieces to London through high-definition printed reproductions. Get closer than ever before to the details of the Sistine Chapel ceiling — an unmissable experience for art lovers of all ages.
Nearest pier: Tower
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Summer Exhibition 2026
Running until 23 August 2026, the UK’s longest-running art show returns to Burlington House, showcasing contemporary works across painting, sculpture, photography, film, and architecture. Discover art from established names and emerging talent, with many pieces available to purchase in support of the artists and the Royal Academy Schools.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Anish Kapoor
In July at Hayward Gallery, this major exhibition sees one of the most influential artists of our time return to the space where he staged his first UK survey nearly 30 years ago. Filling the entire gallery with immersive sculptures and paintings, Kapoor's works press against walls, floors and ceilings to create a truly awe-inspiring experience for the senses.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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Julio Le Parc: Light. Colour. Action.
Don't miss out in July at Tate Modern, this immersive exhibition spans seven decades of joyful, playful work by Argentinian artist Julio Le Parc. Featuring kinetic sculptures, shimmering light installations and large-scale geometric paintings, the show turns visitors into active participants - where the act of looking brings each artwork to life.
Nearest pier: Bankside
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Mirror Moon at the Royal Observatory
From 12 June, the Royal Observatory Greenwich marks 350 years of lunar observation with Mirror Moon - a new installation by artist Luke Jerram.
The 2m mirrored steel scale model is built from accurate NASA topographical data, allowing visitors to touch craters, valleys, mountains and the far side of the Moon up close. A rare, multi-sensory encounter with our closest celestial neighbour.
Wimbledon screens across London
If you’re like 99.9% of the population and didn’t buy tickets a year in advance for Wimbledon, but still want to sit outside and enjoy the games in the sun, we’ve put together a list of locations to watch the tennis along the Thames! Make the most of it, get there by boat.
Canary Wharf
Watch the Wimbledon Championships in the bustling Canada Square Park! Not a huge tennis fan? There will be other sports to see including cricket, F1, Ascot and the World Cup.
Nearest pier: Canary Wharf
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London Bridge City
As part of its Summer by the River celebrations, London Bridge City’s famous big screen will be showing all of the Wimbledon matches.
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
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St. Katharine Docks
Ever considered enjoying Wimbledon on a floating pontoon? Well, now’s your chance, enjoy the games with a cocktail in hand!
Nearest pier: Tower
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Battersea Power Station
Until 12 July, catch all the Wimbledon action on the big screen in Turbine Hall A, Level 1. With every serve, rally and match point shown live, soak up the Centre Court atmosphere right here at London’s iconic riverside destination.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Spend the day making unlimited journeys aboard our services with your family and sail pier-to-pier across London making unforgettable memories. A Family Hop-on Hop-off ticket gives unlimited all-day travel to 2 adults and up to 3 children (5 to 15). Kids 4 and under travel free.
Make a splash
Help the kids cool off during the summer holidays by taking them to the many kid-friendly fountains along our route:
Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms
This interactive sculpture at Southbank Centre is the brainchild of Danish artist Jeppe Hein, whose combination of architecture and technology produces sculptures which are joyful, engaging and playful.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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More London Riverside Fountains
On a sunny day, people adore jumping through the fountains near The Scoop amphitheatre in London Bridge City. With 200 spouting jets and views of City Hall and Tower Bridge in the background, it's the perfect setting for splashing with a view!
Nearest pier: London Bridge City
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Splashy Land Barking
One fountain not quite cutting it? Splashy Land in Barking Park is East London's top family day out, with London's biggest splash park, the UK's only Unicorn Boating Lake and Bounsea, a giant inflatable obstacle course. Safe, soft ground underfoot and fountains galore — relax and have fun!
Nearest pier: Barking Riverside
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Leicester Square Fountain
Located at the heart of Leicester Square, a lovely play fountain surrounds the statue of Shakespeare in the centre. Cool off while watching the many street performers around the square!
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Set off from Gravesend or Tilbury and cruise straight into central London!
Join our special sailings on 12 July, 18 July and 26 July for a one-hour journey past the Thames Barrier, The O2, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and under the iconic Tower Bridge.
A scenic and stress-free way to reach the capital - don’t miss the boat!
Battersea Park
200-acres of open green space, floral gardens and a boating lake, Battersea Park lies on the south bank of the River Thames. The park has stunning river views, a children's zoo and an adventure playground that kids love!
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Greenwich Park
A short walk from Greenwich Pier, gorgeous Greenwich Park offers outstanding views of Canary Wharf and the City on a clear day. As one of London's largest Royal Parks, Greenwich Park offers a wide range of facilities and is home to the Royal Observatory and the Meridian line, as well as the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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Thames Barrier Park
One of London’s newest parks, Thames Barrier Park offers the best view from the land of London's impressive flood defence, the Thames Barrier. Discover the delights of this urban oasis and its most creative feature 'The Green Dock' that provides a wind-protected microclimate for a variety of plants and butterflies.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
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Mudchute Park and Farm
Llamas, in London?! Mudchute Park and Farm is located on the Isle of Dogs, a short walk from Masthouse Terrace Pier.
Set in 32 acres, the farm brings a touch of the countryside to Tower Hamlets and is home to pigs, sheep, cows, donkeys and chickens as well as llamas.
Nearest pier: Masthouse Terrace
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St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
A 6-minute walk from Tower Pier lies the former church of Saint Dunstan in the East. A truly unique place in London, this peaceful green oasis is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is set within the ruins of a Wren church which was bombed during the Blitz.
Nearest pier: Tower
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St James’s Park
The oldest of London's Royal Parks, St James's Park is at the heart of Westminster. The park's artificial lake, flowers, trees and birds will make you forget that you are actually in the heart of London. It has breathtaking views of Buckingham Palace but don't forget to say hello to the pelicans!
Nearest pier: Westminster
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Chelsea Physic Garden
Celebrating it's 350th anniversary, Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanical garden. An oasis in the city, the tranquil garden was established to supply medicinal plants for scientific study and was only opened to the public in the 1980s.
Nowadays visitors are welcomed to learn more about fauna from around the world. Please note the site is compact so booking in advance is essential.
Nearest pier: Cadogan
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Bishop's Park
Across Putney Bridge from Putney Pier lies Bishop’s Park which has been awarded Grade II status by English Heritage.
The park houses Fulham Palace, the historic home of the Bishops of London, a beautiful walled garden and an ornamental lake. Bordering the north bank of the River Thames, Bishop's Park provides one of the best views of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
Nearest pier: Putney
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