#FLOFavourite: things to do in London in August 2020
August is here and there are plenty of things to do in the city this month. Although several London events will be going virtual, there is still plenty to do with many restaurants and cultural venues now welcoming guests back. Whether you’re ready to explore the city again or would rather have some virtual fun, here’s our guide to things to do this August to savour the great London summer.
Virtual Activities
BBC Proms
Image: Michael D Beckwith
#FLODown: The BBC Proms kicked off in July for 8 weeks of superb classical music, fulfilling founder Sir Henry Wood’s vision to ‘bring the greatest classical music to the widest possible audience’. Usually taking place at the Royal Albert Hall, this year, the proms have been broadcast on television, radio and online.
At present BBC3 is showcasing Prom concerts every evening as well as weekly. A Late Night Prom and a Monday lunchtime performance is also available. All highlights are available on BBC iPlayer. Digital offers are also available on BBC Sounds, including a new mash-up of Beethoven’s 9 Symphonies to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.
From the 28th August, the Proms plan to have artists performing live at the Royal Albert Hall for the final two weeks of the season, culminating with the Last Night of the Proms celebration that will take place on 12 September. There will be a range of performances from solo artists to ensemble work featuring some of the greatest musicians in the world to emerging artists alike. The Proms have informed that further details on this line-up will be made clear closer to the time whilst taking into consideration any current government advice.
Click here for more on the Proms and to catch up on previous weeks.
Notting Hill Carnival
Image: Pinar Mavi
#FLODown: Notting Hill Carnival is going virtual for the first time in its 54-year history with organisers stepping into the digital age to bring you a brand-new kind of carnival experience. This August bank holiday you can expect to find a full line up of digital content that has been filmed over the past few months. Expect to find all the usual fun including performances from steel bands, mas bands, calypso and soca!
You’ll also be able to access some great interviews with the people behind the event. Plus, Spotify will be featuring playlists on their platform, which will be curated by the official sound systems and DJs from the Carnival.
Click here to register for the channels to view the full Carnival line up. Viewers can tune in from 6pm on Saturday 29 August.
BFI: Black Eyes, Black Lives
Image: BFI
#FLODown: A project curated by S.O.U.L founder Iyare Igiehon features a selection of exceptional shorts films with touching stories of black lives by emerging black British filmmakers. The films are available on the BFI player for free and includes We Do What We Can by Kwaku Awuku-Asabre. We Do What We Can tells the real-life story of his parents and their journey through life as newlywed immigrants with a new-born child but without a place to live. It is a touching tribute to everyday humanity.
Other films available on the player include Something in the Closet which explores a queer teenagers struggle with her sexuality as well as Almost an Adult, which explores musical artist Jord’s battles to triumph through grief.
Click here to start watching some great shorts.
World Cinema Film Festival
When: 29th – 30th August
Price: £0-16.76
Image: Noom Peerapong
#FLODown: The third year of the World Cinema Film Festival is going online this year with short films, documentaries and Q&A sessions all accessible when you register for free. They are offering ‘At Home’ tickets which will include goodie bags sent straight to your door. These include a limited-edition tote bag, a festival shirt, treats including Raw Halo bars and other discounts and offers.
Explore the city
Ham House and Garden
Price: Starting from £5
Image: Frederick Tubiermont
#FLODown: Built in 1610 Ham House was the creation of courtier William Murray and his daughter Elizabeth. Together they transformed the house into what was considered one of the grandest Stuart houses in England. Ham House is known for its impressive interiors, including its collection of textiles, furniture and art which has remained untouched in the house for centuries. It is a spectacular location and has been the location for several films including The Young Victoria and the 2012 version of Anna Karenina. Ham House is particularly lovely in the summertime, with the gardens brimming with lavender, cycling and walking trails and the Orangery Café filled with wonderful treats. Ham House was once home to a powerful family that was at the centre of Britain’s role in the slave trade. Click here to read more.
The National Trust is taking steps to address the contentious history many of their venues have. Click here to read how they are addressing their history of slavery and colonialism.
Location:
Ham Street, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RS
Nearest station:
Richmond station
Opening hours:
Click here to check as occasionally they are closed for filming
Hampton Court Place
Price: Starting from £24.50 adults (£12.20 children)
Image: @hamptoncourtpalace
#FLODown: Cardinal Thomas Wolsey originally took to transforming Hampton Court Palace from a country home to a palace fit for a King. Impressed by the transformation, King Henry eventually took the palace for himself.
The Palace is surrounded by lavish gardens and famed features such as the Maze and the Great Vine. It was opened to the public in 1838, with the Maze becoming one of its most popular attractions. Today the palace has two annual festivals - the Hampton Court Music Festival and the RHS Flower Show. With a permanent art collection and the Magic Garden that was opened by the Duchess of Cambridge in 2016, there are plenty of things to do at the Palace!
Location:
East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Nearest station:
Hampton Court station
Opening hours:
Click here for summer and winter opening times
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
When: 3 August – 31 August 2020
Image: MTotoe
#FLODown: The government’s new Eat Out to Help Out Scheme came into effect on the 3rd August and will last through to the end of the month, giving people 50% off their bill at thousands of restaurants across the country. Click here for our top 5 restaurants this week offering the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
Summer Cycle Kew Gardens
When: 13 August 2020
Price: £20 (£10 for children)
Image: Charlie Seaman
#FLODown: Kew Gardens are offering an opportunity to celebrate summer with an evening bike ride through their beautiful grounds. Bicycles are not usually allowed on the grounds, so now is the perfect time to explore the woodlands and the stunning Rose Garden all whilst on a casual bike ride. There will also be the opportunity to stop for a picnic or enjoy a summers drink and listen to live music as the sun starts to set. Click here for general guidance.
Location:
Entry via Elizabeth Gate, Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
Nearest station:
Richmond station
Time:
5.30pm-8.30pm (last entry 7.30pm)
My Prudential Ride London
When: 15– 16 August
Image: MTotoe
#FLODown: My Prudential Ride London are encouraging people to get on their bikes to help save UK charities that have taken a hit due to covid-19. After the cancellation of Prudential Ride London, organisers were determined to come up with something special for riders and to help raise funds for hundreds of charities that rely on the event for vital income. This year My Prudential Ride London will have four challenges for all ages and abilities, participants can select a route of their choice. This can be done anywhere in the world!
Participants need to register and select the challenge of their choice, after which they can start fundraising for the charity of their choosing!
Art Exhibitions
Image: MTotoe
#FLODown: Almost all London galleries are reopening this month and exhibitions have been extended. This August, you can expect to find exhibitions including Toyin Ojih Odutola: ‘A Countervailing Theory’ opening at the Barbican, the Mushroom exhibition at Somerset House, and Cao Fei: ‘Blueprints’ at the Serpentine Gallery. Click here to discover our guide to exhibitions to see in London this August.
Lavender fields
Image: Léonard Cotte
#FLODown: We’ve been seeing glorious lavender fields all over our Instagram feeds. With lavender season peaking in August here are some of the best places to visit lavender fields a short distance from London.
Mayfield Lavender Fields
When: Until 31st August
Opening hours: Daily 9am – 6pm
Price: £4 adults, free for children under 16
Location:
1 Carshalton Road, Banstead, SM7 3JA
Nearest station: Belmont rail
Click here to plan your visit.
Kentish Lavender
Opening times: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
Price: £ 4.25 adults, £2.25 under 16s
Location:
The Hop Shop at Castle Farm. Redmans Lane,
Shoreham, Sevenoaks, TN14 7UB.
Nearest Station: Eynsford rail
Click here to plan your visit
If you’re looking for something closer to London, we recommend a trip to Kew Gardens, where you can visit their sweeping purple fields of Lavender.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-8pm
Price: £16.50 adult, £14.50 concession
Location:
Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AE.
Nearest station:
Richmond station
Barbican Conservatory
Image: MTotoe
#FLODown: The Barbican Conservatory is the second biggest conservatory in London and one of the most underrated locations in the city. The conservatory is home to over 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees. It’s a wonderful oasis and a great place to relax and recuperate. At present, you need to book before you visit the conservatory.
Location:
Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
Nearest station:
Barbican or Moorgate station
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 11am – 7pm, Weekends 10am – 7pm
Entry: Free
Sky Gardens
Image: MTotoe
#FLODown: The glass structure of 20 Fenchurch Street, more fondly known as ‘the Walkie-Talkie’ building, features a sky garden with 360-degree panoramic views of London from the 35th floor. The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden with three floors of landscaped public garden featuring an observation deck, a bar and restaurant. To visit the Sky Garden you need to book a free ticket online. Note that facemasks are mandatory on your visit.
Location:
1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Nearest station:
Monument Tube Station
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 10am- 6pm, weekends 11am- 9pm
Entry: Free.
The view from The Shard
Image: @shardview
#FLODown: The top of The Shard is London’s highest viewing platform. At 309.9m high and 306 flights of stairs, a trip to the viewing platform at The Shard offers 360 degrees views of London from the tallest structure in the city!
Location:
32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG
Nearest station:
London Bridge station
Opening hours: Opening times vary. Click here to check before you visit
Price: From £22.31
Outdoor cinemas
Image: Jona
#FLODown: If you’re missing the big screen but a feeling bit apprehensive about going to the cinema, then fear not as several outdoor cinemas will be popping up in London parks this summer. This means you can enjoy a movie with the real cinema experience all whilst maintaining social distancing. Click here for some of our favourite alternative cinema experiences to enjoy this summer.
