10 things to do in London this July

Until 14th July

Whether you're a big football fan or not, you can't miss the UEFA Euro football tournament. It's the perfect opportunity to get together with friends and enjoy the competition over a pint of beer and some snacks. Even though the tournament is hosted by Germany, you will surely see it at every corner of the city such as most pubs will screen the England matches. What's more, if you'd like to get together with some rigorous fans of the competition, don't miss out on a trip to the Boxpark! This screening venue offers 3 locations in London to broadcast the match of the moment on the big screen. Book your ticket to experience an atmosphere unlike any other and that promises a good time whatever the result of the match!

From 1st to 14th July

This July, attend the oldest tennis tournament in the world at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London and be prepared to watch history as you’ll see your favourite tennismans in action. If you can't get tickets, you can also watch the games for free from projection areas set up all over the city, such as Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf and on the canal bank at King's Cross.

From 2nd to 7th July

If one of your favourite pastimes during the summer is marvelling at the parks, you should head to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. Immerse yourself in this annual flower show with experts in the field who will even be giving gardening masterclasses with tips and tricks to help you get a green thumb, assuming it isn’t already the case! Here, it's all about plants: you can admire them freshly cut and on display or as part of the palace gardens, you may buy plants from a houseplant market, and you can even see the world's oldest vine, all in the gardens of the royal palace. Book your ticket in advance, and don't forget that all members of the RHS gardening charity can get discounted tickets.

From 4th July to 21st September

Nestled in the heart of Cavendish Square, the Underbelly festival offers a wide range of activities to entertain young and old with circus, cabaret and even comedy shows. This family-friendly pop-up festival will amaze you with great performances and feed you a variety of street food! The event is free and open to the public, but you'll need to secure your place to enjoy the show of your choice!

From 5th July to 23rd February

Wherever you were last year, you certainly didn't miss Barbie Mania. With the release of the film in cinemas, the world has brought the doll phenomenon to light. Thus, even if you're already familiar with the world's most famous doll, whether she cradled your childhood or not, you'll find it worth taking a stroll, at the Design Museum, through Barbie: the Exhibition. Get ready to discover this universe with all sorts of objects and dolls from 1959 to the present day!

From 5th to 7th July

If you're interested in discovering new fields, this might be the festival for you, as it's the perfect opportunity to learn about new things, from beekeeping to ukulele and much more. With workshops, talks and philosophical debates held in the bucolic setting of Fenton House, you'll leave with plenty to remember! The festival, located in the London Borough of Hampstead, will host a range of interesting speakers, including writers, musicians and many more. Don't forget to make a reservation for this special garden party!

7th July

Let’s stay in Hampstead and discover the Hampstead Big Fair which is the ideal place to shop while enjoying the sunshine, as Heath Street is cleared of traffic for the occasion and hosts 100 stalls. From handicrafts to designer fashions, this free fair will encourage you to look closely at the stalls for bargains! What's more, you'll be able to appreciate food and drinks from all over the world, while listening to live music and entertainment. As for the little ones, they'll be delighted to discover the circus school on site.

7th July

Make sure you plan your next move rigorously by heading to Trafalgar Square to take part in a festival, not just any festival, but a chess festival! From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you'll be immersed in a special atmosphere, as the theme of the event will be Alice Through the Looking Glass. In addition, the event will be brought to life by actors during a chess set as they will become chess pieces for the day! During this free event, be ready to either prove your skills, or learn the rules if this is your first time playing the game.

From 19th July

Over the years, Shrek has won the hearts of its fans and remained a must-see film. If you're an avid fan of the saga, chances are you already know it by heart and are still waiting for the franchise to continue. Don’t worry, you can still immerse yourself in this fantastic universe by going to see Shrek: The Musical at the Eventim Apollo. Don't miss out on joining Shrek and Donkey on a quest far, far away by reserving your seat here!

From 19th July to 14th September

What better way to end July than with a classical music festival? The BBC Proms will be held at the Royal Albert Hall for 58 days, with a variety of 90 concerts. No matter your musical tastes, you'll find a show to suit you, from Beethoven symphonies to the legendary music of the Doctor Who TV series, or even a concert by renowned artist Sam Smith. If you're worried about feeling out of place, don't worry, the events are designed in a relaxed atmosphere in which everyone can feel at ease. Be sure to check out the complete program to find the right fit for you!