Author Archives: Metro Girl

Guide to London’s open-air ice rinks this winter 2022/2023

Find out prices, opening times and transport details for the capital’s alfresco, pop-up ice rinks this Christmas and winter season.

One of the most festive activities you can do in London is glide – or stumble – across one of London’s many pop-up ice rinks. Some of the capital’s most stunning buildings and palaces provide the backdrop to temporary outdoor ice rinks during the winter season. Along with the ice, you can often expect hot toddies, Christmas food, and special events, such as ice discos. Some rinks offer lessons for those new to the sport or lacking confidence in their balance.

This year, the Natural History Museum is no longer hosting a rink, however there’s a new addition at the recently-opened Battersea Power Station complex.

Here’s a guide to London’s temporary outdoor ice rinks this 2022/2023 season:

  • 22 October 2022 – 25 February 2023 : Canary Wharf Ice Rink

London’s longest outdoor rink is in the capital’s financial centre and comes with a roof so offers rain-proof fun! There’s also an off-piste bar serving food and drink. Open daily. Sessions last 50 minutes. Tickets only available online. Tickets: Adults and over 13yrs £19.95, Children 3-12 yrs £14.95. Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14. Nearest station: Canary Wharf. For booking, visit the Ice Rink Canary Wharf website.

  • 28 October 2022 – January 2023 : Skylight London (Tobacco Dock)

Skate on London’s rooftops with views of the City of London’s skyscrapers. Features alfresco and covered bars, igloos, and street food. Open Thu-Sun only. Free entry to Skylight. Skating tickets: £15 (45 minutes inc. skate hire). Skylight (Pennington Street entrance), Tobacco Quay, Wapping, E1CW 2SF. Nearest station: Shadwell or Wapping. For booking and more information, visit the Skylight London website.

  • 11 November 2022 – 8 January 2023 : Glide @ Battersea Power Station

The newest addition to London’s pop-up ice rinks is set against the Art Deco backdrop of the renovated Battersea Power Station complex. Nearby you can enjoy live entertainment, vintage fun fair rides or food and drink. Open Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm. Tickets: Adults £12-£19.80, Children 12 yrs and under £8-£12.75. Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Battersea, SW8 5BN. Nearest stations: Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park or Queenstown Road Battersea. For more information, visit the Battersea Power Station ice rink website.

  • 16 November 2022 – 15 January 2023 : Skate @ Somerset House

One of London’s most popular outdoor rinks returns to the Neo-Classical courtyard of Somerset House. There will also be rinkside food and drink, skating lessons, club nights and more. Open daily 9.30am-9.30pm. Tickets: Adults £10-£22. Somerset House, Strand, Westminster, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For booking, visit the Somerset House website.

Somerset House ice rink © Memoirs Of A Metro Girl 2018

Skate in the historic Georgian courtyard of Somerset House

  • 17 November 2022 – 8 January 2023 : Queen’s House Ice Rink

An ice rink fit for a queen is situated outside the majestic Palladian Queen’s House in Greenwich, with views towards the Old Royal Naval College and the Thames beyond. Open 10am-9pm. Tickets: Adults from £16, Children from £10. Queen’s House, Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF. Nearest stations: Cutty Sark, Greenwich or Maze Hill. For tickets, visit the Royal Museums Greenwich website. Read the rest of this entry

Guide to what’s on in London in November 2022

Check out November’s best events and exhibitions, including London Mela, London Jazz Festival, Stylist Live and more.

© Memoirs Of A Metro Girl 2018The nights are darker and it’s all getting a bit cooler. Although many may be gearing up for Christmas, there’s still plenty of non-festive special events and festivals on across the capital in November, such as the London Jazz Festival, the Lord Mayor’s Show and Stylist Live.

Although Christmas isn’t until next month, the festive preparation really ramps up in November for those super-organised, with events like Ideal Home Show Christmas, Spirit of Christmas and the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival.

Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.

  • 1 – 6 November 2022 : Winter Art & Antiques Fair

Arts and antiques event, featuring over 70 dealers showcasing over 20,000 pieces, ranging in price from £100 to £500,000. Open Tues-Sun 10.30am–6pm. Tickets: Tues-Fri – Adults £23.50, Children 13-16yrs £16. Weekends – Adults £25.50, Children 13-16 yrs £18, 12 and under free. National Hall, Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Olympia Antiques website.

  • 3 – 5 November 2022 : Oktoberfest London 2022

Celebrate the German beer festival with plenty of Bavarian food, beer, and more. Open Thu-Fri 4pm-10.30pm, Sat 11am-10.30pm. Tickets: General admission £5-£10, Bavarian £26-£29 (inc 1 Mass of Bavarian FestBeer, Bahlsen snack and Bratwurst in bread). Lillie Road Recreation Ground, Fulham, SW6 7PD. Nearest station: Hammersmith or Barons Court. For more information, visit the Oktoberfest London website.

  • 3 November 2022 – 8 January 2023 : Winter Festival @ Southbank Centre

Winter market, The Curling Club, pop-up food and drink experiences, including Jimmy’s Lodge igloos and festive shows, such as Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol and Hey Duggee – The Live Theatre Show. Times and prices vary. Free entry to winter market. South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Waterloo East or Embankment. For more information, visit the Southbank Centre website.

  • Now until 3 November 2022 : Jurassic World – The Exhibition

Immerse yourself in scenes inspired by the classic film franchise as you get up close with dinosaurs. Open Mon-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm. Tickets: Adults from £26, Children from £18.50. ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Custom House or Prince Regent. For more information, visit the Jurassic World Exhibition website. 🐻

  • 5 – 29 November 2022 : Wimbledon International Music Festival

A host of world-class musicians gather in Wimbledon for a series of classical, opera and jazz concerts and recitals. Artists include The Academy Choir, Philharmonia, The Brodsky Quartet, Lortie-Mercier and Chineke!. Ticket prices vary. At various venues in Wimbledon, including St. John’s Church, St Mary’s Church, Sacred Heart Church, New Wimbledon Theatre, and Trinity Church. Nearest stations: Raynes Park or Wimbledon. For more information and tickets, visit the WIMF website.

  • 6 November 2022 : Veteran Car Run

Watch the beginning of 64 mile route from the capital to Brighton. Get up early to watch 500 classic cars setting off from Hyde Park Corner between 6.56am and 8.15am. Expect many drivers and passengers to be suitably dressed in costume and vintage clothing for the spectacle. Route starts at Serpentine Road in Hyde Park, past Buckingham Palace, over Westminster Bridge and south via Kennington, Brixton and Streatham. Free to spectate. Hyde Park Corner, Westminster, W2 2UH. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner. For more information, visit the Veteran Car Run website. 🐻

  • Now until 6 November 2022 : Spirit of Christmas

For the super organised, get ready for Christmas early with this fair, where you can stock up on gifts, design and food all ready for the festive season from over 700 independent boutiques and artisan makers. There will also be a winter restaurant and a champagne bar. Open Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Thur: 10am-9pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults start from £23.50 (from £27.50 on the door), Children 13-16 yrs from £18, 12 and under free. Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Spirit Of Christmas Fair website. 🐻

  • 9 November 2022 : Belgravia Christmas Lights Switch

Watch the Christmas lights being switched on, along with live music, festive floral displays, canine fancy dress competition, Santa Claus, food and drink, shopping promotions and in-store events. From 5.50pm. In and around Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, and Pimlico Road, Belgravia, SW1X. Nearest stations: Victoria or Sloane Square. For more information, visit the Belgravia London website.

  • 9 – 13 November 2022 : Country Living Christmas

Prepare for the festive season with a host of Christmas stalls and events, including expert talks, food hall, workshops, shopping emporium, meet-the-makers and champagne bar. Open Wed-Thur 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-3pm. Tickets: Adults from £20, Children 5-16yrs £9. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For more information and booking, visit the County Living Fair website🐻 Read the rest of this entry

Guide to what’s on in London this Halloween 2022

Find out what family activities, club nights, film screenings, and other Halloween activities are on this October, including half-term.

After the pandemic somewhat dampened Halloween celebrations for two years in a row, this year fans of the festivity will be really going all out.

This year, Halloween falls on a Monday so expect the celebrations to start the weekend beforehand. Two days later, the Mexican festival of Day of the Dead will also be taking place.

The run-up to Halloween is half-term holidays so expect plenty of museums and attractions to do spooky-themed fun for families. 

Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.

Daytime Halloween activities

  • 23 September – 6 November 2022 : Dark Arts @ Warner Bros. Studios

Dark Arts returns to the Harry Potter experience for the Halloween season. The Great Hall is full of 100 floating pumpkins hovering over a Halloween feast, while props from Professor Lupin’s Defence Against the Dark Arts class will be on display. Watch a procession of the Death Eaters. Tickets from £49.95. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7LR. Nearest station: Watford (then a shuttle bus to studios). For booking, visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour website🐻

  • 5 October – 11 November 2022 : Halloween @ Leadenhall Market

Celebrate Halloween at the City’s iconic Leadenhall Market, with giant tentacles installation, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies pop-up, and Burials, Bombs and Fantastic Beasts’ walking tours. Open Tues-Fri 11am-6pm. Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, City of London, EC3V 1LT. Nearest stations: Monument or Bank. For more information, visit the Leadenhall Market website. 🐻

  • 14 – 31 October 2022 : Halloween @ Backyard Cinema

Watch Halloween classics on a cosy bean bag in London’s most magical cinema. Full bar and street food stalls available. Matinees and evening screenings. Tickets: £11-£32. Capital Studios, 13 Wandsworth Plain, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET. Nearest station: Wandsworth Town. For booking, visit the Backyard Cinema website🐻

  • 15 – 31 October 2022 : 50 Berkeley Square @ London Dungeon

Step into the attic of 50 Berkeley Square and discover the stories of the building’s lost souls. Show included with standard Dungeon entry. Times vary, with later openings during half-term week. Tickets: Adults from £28, Children from £22.50. The London Dungeon, The Queen’s Walk, South Bank, SE1 7PB. Nearest station: Waterloo, Westminster or Embankment. For booking, visit the London Dungeon website🐻

  • 24 – 31 October 2022 : Halloween @ Belgravia

A host of events will be taking place around Belgravia, including free Halloween walking tours (29 and 30 Oct), pumpkin trail, decorating spooky biscuits, family Halloween activities @ The Lanesborough, and others. Times vary. At various sites around Belgravia, SW1. Nearest station: Victoria. For more information, visit the Belgravia London website. 🐻

  • 21 October – 6 November 2022 : Hallowed Peak

An immersive, Halloween open world experience, featuring trails and quests, horror experiences, carnival acts, ghost stories, and live music. Open Fri 5:30pm–10:30pm, Sat 11:30am–4:30pm (first session) 5:30pm–10:30pm (second session), Sun 1pm–6pm. Tickets: From £45. Unit 4, Canada Water Retail Park, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 2XU. Nearest station: Canada Water. For tickets, visit the Phantom Peak website. 🐻

  • 22 – 30 October 2022 : Halloween @ Hampton Court Palace

Discover the stories of King Henry VIII’s haunted palace, including the Gallery of the Damned, or check out a seance in the Council Chamber. Open 10am-5.30pm. Tickets: Adults from £26.10, Children from £13, Under 5s free. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court. For booking, visit the Hampton Court Palace website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry

Pop-up bars and creative tipples as The Little Cocktail Village launches in Belgravia for London Cocktail Week 2022

Enjoy £7 cocktails with a LCW wristband at pop-up bars and existing venues at Eccleston Yards.

Head to The Little Cocktail Village in Eccleston Yards this London Cocktail Week

It’s nearly that time again… London Cocktail Week is returning to the bars of the capital. For this year’s festival, a collection of pop-up bars will be appearing in Belgravia as part of The Little Cocktail Village. Eccleston Yards will be hosting four pop-up bars, alongside the area’s permanent venues joining in the fun with special drink offerings.

Throughout LCW, Londoners can enjoy cocktails and bubbles daily from one of the four pop-up bars:

  • Mirror Margarita Bar: Swill an award-winning Mirror Margarita under the palms and disco balls.
  • The Schweppes Bar: Step into an immersive pop-up experience from mixer kings Schweppes.
  • G’Vine Gin Bike: Enjoy a G’Vine gin cocktail from the bike bar in Eccleston Yards’ courtyard.
  • El Bandarra’s Granny Spritz Bar: Indulge in an afternoon of knitting and spritzing with the Spanish aperitivo.

This year, London Cocktail Week runs for 11 days, with hundreds of bars and restaurants across the city taking part. For those looking to go on a cocktail crawl without the travelling in between, The Little Cocktail Village is the perfect place to enjoy the event. Participants with a LCW wristband will be able to enjoy special cocktails for just £7 from nearby venues in and around the Yards, including Jones Family Kitchen, Morena, Wild By Tart, Pantechnicon, Mina’s, The Blue Bar @ The Berkeley and Biscuiteers.

  • London Cocktail Week takes place from 13 – 23 October 2022. The Little Cocktail Village is situated at Eccleston Yards, 21 Eccleston Place, Belgravia, SW1W 9NF. Nearest station: Victoria. Open daily during the festival from 12pm-10pm. Free entry. For more information, visit the Belgravia London website. or follow @belgravia_ldn on Instagram.

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Guide to what’s on in London in October 2022

Discover the capital’s best festivals and events this month. including the London Marathon, BFI London Film Festival, London Cocktail Week, Diwali, Frieze London, and much more.

Kew Gardens looks spectacular in autumn

October is one of London’s best months for events and festivals, including several art fairs, the return of London Cocktail Week, Frieze London, the BFI London Film Festival and various celebrations for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Usually in the spring, the postponed London Marathon will be taking place at the beginning of the month.

Of course, towards the end of the month is half-term so expect London’s attractions to be full of families, with many special events catering to little Londoners. Finally, October comes to a close with Halloween, so there will be plenty of spooky events and parties taking place all across town.

Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.

  • 30 September – 2 October 2022 : Whisky Show

Whisky Show returns to London for a physical event following last year’s online offering. Featuring masterclasses, tastings, whisky experts, food pairings, demonstrations and more. Tickets start from £80. Old Billingsgate, 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, City of London, EC3R 6DX. Nearest station: Monument. For more information, visit The Whisky Show website.

  • 30 September – 2 October 2022 : Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Homeowners looking to improve, extend, renovate or build their abodes can find inspiration. Featuring seminars, masterclasses, expert advice and exhibition hall. Open Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm. Tickets from £12. ExCel London (East entrance), Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent or Custom House (DLR). For more information, visit the show’s website.

  • 1 October 2022 : Diwali 2022 @ Wembley Park

Celebrate Diwali at Wembley with dance and musical performances, light parade, food stalls and Diwali disco. 1pm-11pm. Free. Wembley Park, HA9. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website🐻

  • 1 – 2 October 2022 : HowTheLightGetsIn London 2022

The world’s largest music and philosophy festival has been moved from 17-18 September following the Queen’s death. Featuring music, cabaret, discussions, comedy and more. Including appearances from Mercury prize nominee Gwenno, Django Django (DJ), Girls of the Internet, Rosie Frater-Taylor, Rosie Alena, Amber Burgoyne, i.am.afiya, Vanity Fairy, Mumble Tide, David Hare, Esther Freud, Donald Hoffman, Thangam Debbonaire, Ahir Shah, Tatty Macleod and Alexandra Haddow. Tickets: Adults £28-£78, Under 12s free. Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath, NW3 7JR. Nearest stations: Highgate or Hampstead. For more information, visit the festival website. 🐻

  • Now until 2 October 2022 : STRETCH @ Eccleston Yards

A month-long wellness and fitness festival comes to Eccleston Yards, featuring workshops, classes, experiences, talks and more, such as outdoor painting, floral therapy, nutrition advice, marathon tips, yoga and more. Times vary. Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, 21 Eccleston Place, Belgravia, SW1W 9NF. Nearest station: Victoria. For more information, visit the Belgravia London website.

  • 2 October 2022 : London Marathon 2022

Usually in the spring, the postponed London Marathon will see 100,000 runners challenging themselves while raising money for charity. The 26 mile marathon starts in Greenwich/Blackheath and ends on The Mall. Free for spectators. For more information and spectator maps, visit the London Marathon website🐻

  • 5 – 16 October 2022 : BFI London Film Festival 2022

International film festival returns to the capital, featuring premieres, screenings, Q&As, special presentations, shorts, talks and more. Ticket prices vary between £10-£40, festival passes £21-£60. At various cinemas in London. For more information, visit the BFI website.

  • 5 – 26 October 2022 : Wellness Wednesdays @ London

To mark World Mental Health Day, the London Wetlands Centre will be offering half-price entry every Wednesday in October so Londoners can take time out and get close to nature. Open daily 9.30am-5pm. WWT London, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT. Nearest station: Barnes Bridge. For more information, visit the WWT website. 🐻

  • 7 – 9 October 2022 : New Scientist Live 2022

Festival of ideas and discovery from New Scientist magazine returns with dozens of speakers and interactive experiences. Open Fri 9.30am-3pm (schools only), Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £42-£45, Children £17-£18. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House. For tickets, visit the New Scientist Live website. 🐻

  • 7 – 16 October 2022 : Streatham Festival

Explore the culture of this vibrant south London neighbourhood. Including talks, dance and music classes for kids, comedy shows, music and dance performances, art exhibitions, drag shows and much more. Various venues in SW16 and SW2. Nearest stations: Streatham Hill, Streatham Common and Streatham. For more information, visit the Streatham Festival website🐻

  • 7 – 16 October 2022 : Herne Hill Music Festival

Music festival in Herne Hill, south London at various venues across SE24 and neighbouring areas including The Half Moon, Off The Cuff, St Faith’s Church, Brockwell Hall, Herne Hill United Church, Community Greenhouses and The Prince Regent. Tickets range from free to £15. Nearest station: Herne Hill. For more information, visit the Herne Hill Music Festival website.

  • 7 October 2022 – 31 January 2023 : Frameless

Explore a new way to engage with art in an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Visitors can travel through four galleries, coming up close to masterpieces from the likes of Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Dalí, Van Gogh, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Klimt, among others. Opening hours vary. Tickets from £15, Kids under 5 yrs free. 6 Marble Arch Place, Marylebone, W1H 7AP. Nearest station: Marble Arch. For tickets, visit the Frameless website. 🐻

  • 8 – 9 October 2022 : Classic Car Boot Sale

Vintage lovers can shop pre-loved and upcycled goods, including fashion, homewares, fashion and more as this retro festival returns. 10am-6pm. Tickets: £5, free entry for under 12s. Granary Square, Lewis Cubitt Square and Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the Classic Car Boot Sale website.

  • 9 October 2022 : Diwali on Trafalgar Square

Celebrate the festival of lights with an evening event in the heart of the capital. Expect lots of light effects, food and drink. 4pm-10pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DX. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Diwali on Trafalgar Square website🐻

  • 12 – 16 October 2022 : Frieze London

London contemporary art fair returns to Regents’ Park, focusing on living artists. Expect over 160 galleries, performance-based work, talks and more. Tickets start from £49.95 (depending on day and entry time). Regents’ Park (south side), off Park Square West, NW1 4LL. Nearest station: Regent’s Park, Baker Street and Great Portland Street. For more information and tickets, visit the Frieze website. Read the rest of this entry

Sculpture in the City 2022/2023 | Art trail returns to the Square Mile

London hosts thought-provoking sculpture trails for The World Reimagined

A series of globes on four trails across the capital aim to educate about the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.

The Road to Freedom, Hidden in Plain Sight by Asiko Okelarin

This autumn, a new sculpture trail has popped up in several districts of London. Entitled ‘The World ReImagined’, a series of individually designed globes aim to educate and provoke conversation about the history and legacy of transatlantic trade of enslaved Africans.

As well as in other cities across the UK, four trails have been laid in the capital, in the City of London; Camden to Westminster; Southwark to Lambeth; and Hackney to Newham. In total nationwide, 103 globes have been each decorated by an artist, speaking to one of nine themes of the journey of discovery, including Mother Africa; the Reality of being Enslaved; Stolen Legacy – the Rebirth of a Nation; Abolition and Emancipation; a Complex Triangle; Echoes in the Present; Still We Rise; Expanding Soul; and Reimagine the Future. Each globe is perched on a stand with a QR code so visitors can scan to find out more.

  • The Camden-Westminster trail starts by Mornington Crescent station and ends at Cardinal Place.
  • The City of London trail starts by the Royal Exchange and ends at Aldgate Square.
  • The Southwark-Lambeth trail starts by Peckham Library and ends at Windrush Square in Brixton.
  • The Hackney-Newham trail starts at Dalston Curve Garden and ends at Stratford International.

Meanwhile, there will be a series of related events across the capital, including history tours, art and poetry exhibitions, evening courses, talks and more, for the duration of the exhibition.

Yet Still We Arise by Winston Branch in the City (left) and Speak Up Speak Out by Richard Mensah in Brixton (right)

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Gallery: Floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II in Green Park

Take a walk on the arty side as Sculpture in the City launches free tours to mark Sculpture Week London

City of London Guides will be taking art lovers on free guided tours of this year’s SITC artworks.

Summer Moon by Ugo Rondinone is among the artworks on the Sculpture in the City walk
© Nick Turpin

Sculpture in the City is launching a series of free guided walking tours of its latest edition to coincide with Sculpture Week London 2022.

The inaugural Sculpture Week takes place from 12-18 September 2022 and celebrates London’s wide collection of public sculpture. The week-long event is a collaboration between Frieze Sculpture, the Fourth Plinth programme in Trafalgar Square and Sculpture in the City. During the celebration, the latest Fourth Plinth commission will be unveiled, as well as the opening of this year’s Freize Sculpture in Regent’s Park.

Sculpture in the City is an annual public art exhibition, which sees contemporary sculptures erected at various sites across the City of London. Currently in its 11th edition, the 2022/23 collection launched in June, with pieces in situ until spring next year. The 11th edition of SITC features 20 artworks from internationally acclaimed and emerging artists, as well as six sculptures from the previous year.

During Sculpture Week London, Sculpture in the City has teamed up with City of London Guides to host free guided walking tours of the 11th edition artworks, displayed against a backdrop of some of the Square Mile’s most iconic architecture.

  • Sculpture in the City tours for Sculpture Week London 2022 take place from 13-18 September 2022. Tues-Fri 6pm-7.30pm, Sat-Sun 11.30am-1pm and 6pm-7.30pm. Meeting point: Undershaft, City of London, EC3A 8AH. Nearest station: Aldgate, Bank or Liverpool Street. For more information and to register for a free place, visit the Sculpture in the City website

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Guide to what’s on in London in September 2022

Find out what events, festivals and exhibitions are on this month, including Open House, Life Lessons, Totally Thames and more.

Superbloom sees the Tower of London’s moat filled with flowers

Autumn has arrived, the kids are back in school and London’s festival season is busier than ever. With September usually still a warm month, there’s plenty of alfresco fun to be had around town. Among the big events are the month-long Totally Thames Festival, the hugely popular Open House Festival and the return of Frieze Sculpture.

Read on to find out what festivals, exhibitions and special events are on in London this September, including ticket prices, transport details and more.

Some events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Keep up to date with organisers’ social media before you go.

Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.

  • 1 – 18 September 2022 : Portobello Film Festival

Two and half week festival returns to Notting Hill with screenings and events at the Gate Picturehouse and the Muse Gallery. Free. Nearest stations: Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Park. For more information, visit the Portobello Film Festival website.

  • 1 – 30 September 2022 : Totally Thames

Month-long festival celebration the river and its heritage. Featuring a host of online and in-person events focusing on the heritage, environment and culture of the Thames. At various locations. Some events are free. For more information and booking, visit the Thames Festival Trust website. 🐻

  • 1 September – 2 October 2022 : STRETCH @ Eccleston Yards

A month-long wellness and fitness festival comes to Eccleston Yards, featuring workshops, classes, experiences, talks and more, such as outdoor painting, floral therapy, nutrition advice, marathon tips, yoga and more. Times vary. Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, 21 Eccleston Place, Belgravia, SW1W 9NF. Nearest station: Victoria. For more information, visit the Belgravia London website.

  • Now until 2 September 2022 : Summer by the River

A host of free entertainment returns to the riverside location, including family theatre, live music, DJs, film screenings, Platinum Jubilee events, dance classes and more. Times vary. Free. London Bridge City, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge (south of the river), SE1. Nearest stations: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information and listings, visit the London Bridge City website. 🐻

  • 2 September 2022 : Food & Play Pop-up

An afternoon and evening of food and fun comes to Wimbledon, featuring international food, cocktail mixing demos, beer and cheese pairings, DJs, and games (table football, Connect 4, Giant Jenga, board games and more). From 12pm-9pm. Free entry. The Piazza, Wimbledon, SW19 1QB. Nearest station: Wimbledon. For more information, visit the Love Wimbledon website. 🐻

  • 2 – 4 September 2022 : Pub in the Park – Chiswick

Celebration of food and music sets up camp in west London for the weekend. Featuring performances from Craig David TS5, The Sugar Hill Gang, Beverley Knight, Faithless DJ, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Christians, along with top celebrity chefs and London restaurants. Open Fri 6pm-10.30pm, Sat 11.30am-4.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm, Sun 1om-7pm. Tickets: Adults £43.40-£55.51, Children £27.13-£40.69. Chiswick House & Gardens, Chiswick, W4 2QN. Nearest stations: Turnham Green and Gunnersbury. For more information, visit the Pub in the Park website. 🐻

  • 2 – 4 September 2022 : Meatopia

A festival for carnivores, for those who love cooking with fire. Featuring over 60 of the world’s top fire chefs, bars, live music, DJs, and more. Over 18s only on Friday. Open Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-6.30pm. Tickets from £26.50. Tobacco Dock (Pennington Street entrance), Wapping, E1W 2SF. Nearest stations: Shadwell or Wapping. For more information, visit the Meatopia website.

  • Now until 4 September 2022 : The Beach @ Brent Cross

London’s largest beach returns for the summer, along with street food, games and rides. Open: Term-time (Sat & Sun only – 12pm-9pm), School holidays (Daily 12pm-9pm). Entry: £5 pp (£4 advance). Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Drive, Brent Cross, NW4 3FP. Nearest station: Brent Cross. For more information, visit the Brent Cross website. 🐻

  • Now until 4 September 2022 : Doctor Who – Time Fracture

Fans of the Time Lord will love this immersive, theatrical experience as you ‘travel’ back to 1940s Mayfair during the Blitz. Times vary (experience lasts 2hr 15mins). Over 8 yrs+ only. Tickets from £29.95. UNIT HQ, 1-8 Davies Mews, Mayfair, W1K 5AB. Nearest station: Bond Street. For booking, visit the Doctor Who: Time Fracture website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry