20 Things to Do In July

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Photographs taken at the HCP Henry VIII's Joust 2024. Action shot of two knights jousting.

As we head into the summer break, let us help you plan your staycation days and get the most out of the holidays with the little ones. Here are our top 20 family things to do this month in and around London. 

1

House Of Dreamers

Head on an emotional journey through dreams as Europe’s immersive exhibition House of Dreamers lands in London.

Where: Immerse LDN 

When: From 1 

More information: houseofdreamers.com

2

Whatever The Weather

Immerse yourself in brand new play experience Whatever the Weather, from the designers of the Southbank’s adventure playground REPLAY.

Where: Unicorn Theatre

When: From 3

More information: unicorntheatre.com

3

London Transport Museum Depot Open Day

Step behind the scenes at the museum’s Depot Open Day, explore historic trains and buses and enjoy interactive displays and hands on activities. 

Where: London Transport Museum 

When: 3 to 5  

More information: ltmuseum.co.uk

Life Through A Royal Lens

Explore a major new photography exhibition which offers a rare and fascinating insight into the British Royal Family.

Where: Blenheim Palace 

When: From 10

More information: blenheimpalace.com

5

Henry VIII’s Joust

Step back in time and watch fearless knights clash in Henry VIII’s Joust.

Where: Hampton Court Palace 

When: 11, 12, 18, 19

More information: hrp.org.uk

Image: (c) Historic Royal Palaces

6

Playdate At Henley Festival

A vibrant family Playdate at Henley Festival with performances, circus acts, science shows, art workshops, and a vintage funfair along the river.

Where: Henley-on-Thames

When: 12

More information: henley-festival.co.uk

7

The Gruffalo

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in the Gruffalo. 

Where: Lyric Theatre

When: From 17

More information: londontheatredirect.com

8

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Experience Shakespeare’s spellbinding comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream as it blossoms in a magical outdoor setting.

Where: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

When: To 18

More information: openairtheatre.com

9

Family Day

Mini history lovers can enjoy a monthly take-over of the Painted Hall, with activity stations for all the family to play, learn and create together.

Where: Old Royal Naval College 

When: 19 

More information: ornc.org

10

Octonauts at The Horniman

Join the Octonauts on an interactive museum trail and outdoor mission.

Where: Horniman Museum and Gardens

When: From 19 

More information: horniman.ac.uk

11

A World Elsewhere

Join the Octonauts on an interactive museum trail and outdoor mission.

Where: Horniman Museum and Gardens

When: From 19 

More information: horniman.ac.uk

12

UNIQLO Tate Play

Turbine Hall hosts a large-scale participatory performance by Lithuanian born artist Lina Lapelytė. Move through a maze of barriers, stomping, jumping and singing, in time with music at the Uniqlo Tate Play event. 

Where: Tate Modern

When: From 25 

More information: tate.org.uk

13

Dog Man

Catch fun, action-packed musical Dog Man, based on Dav Pilkey’s bestselling books.

Where: Southbank Centre 

When: From 29 

More information: southbankcentre.co.uk

14

Portrait Of A City

Spanning over 100 years of photography, Portrait of a City explores American urban life through the people who shaped and inhabited it.

Where: Dulwich Picture Gallery

When: From 28

More information: dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

15

Family Station

Head to the Family Station for creative ideas to explore, make and play, before going off for an adventure around the Library. 

Where: British Library

When: 26 July

More information: bl.uk

16

Circus Afternoon Tea A whimsical Circus Afternoon Tea with playful desserts and savouries.

Where: Vintry & Mercer 

When: All month – weekends

More information: vintryandmercer.com

17

Tom Gates EPIC Adventure

A brand-new interactive experience packed with creativity, music, performances, puzzles and outdoor discovery.

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

When: 18 July to 31 August

More information: kew.org

18

Jesus Christ Superstar

See the award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar, set against the backdrop of a series of events during the final weeks of his life, as seen through the eyes of Judas.

Where: London Palladium

When: All month 

More information: jesuschristsuperstar.com

19

Kensington Gardens

Visit the new sculpture by Jesús Rafael Soto at the Serpentine and then spend the day wandering Kensington Gardens – a perfect excuse to get out and about with the family.

Where: Serpentine South, Kensington Gardens 

When: All Month

More information: serpentinegalleries.org

20

War Horse

Following a sell-out national tour, the Tony Award–winning War Horse is back where it all began, nearly two decades after its debut at the National Theatre.

Where: Olivier Theatre, National Theatre 

When: To 30

More information: nationaltheatre.org.uk

All events verified as of 30 June 2026. Always check dates, times and prices directly with venues before visiting.

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