June is a fantastic time in London. The weather is mostly warm, and although London is a vibrant city year-round, the capital has an extra buzz in June. It is the start of summer fun with festivals and pop-up events. The longer days mean more time to explore the plethora of attractions.
With an abundance to see and do, how do you plan your visit or diary around London’s busy schedule? I’m here to guide you to 15 of the best things to do in London in June. I’ve also got you covered if you do have a rainy day. Rain doesn’t stop play in the UK capital.
Things To Do in London in June
- 🍻 Attend the “Pub in the Park” event from 9th to 11th June at Dulwich Park
- 🎊 Experience the “La Piñata Tequila & Mezcal Festival” from 9th to 10th June at Tobacco Dock, Pennington Street West
- 🎪 Participate in the “Marylebone Village Summer Festival” on 10th to 11th June
- 🌳 Explore different gardens in “London Open Gardens” on 10th to 11th June at various London locations
- 🚴♂️ Join the “World Naked Bike Ride” in London on Saturday 10th June
- 🎖️ Witness “Trooping the Colour” on 17th June at Horse Guards Parade
- 🎵 Visit “BST Hyde Park” music festival from 23rd June to 8th July
- 🏰 Enjoy music at “Hampton Court Palace Festival” from 6th to 17th June
- 🎉 Attend “Mighty Hoopla” on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June at Brockwell Park
- 🎭 Experience “West End Live 2023” on 17th to 18th June at Trafalgar Square
- 🎟️ Look out for new shows in June in London’s Theatreland
- 🌳 Enjoy outdoor performances at “River Stage, National Theatre’s Outdoor Festival” from 9th June to 2nd July
- 🏛️ Visit museums in London
- 🕸️ View Tomás Saraceno’s installation “Web(s) of Life” from 1st June to 10th September at Royal Parks
- 🌺 Explore the Mayfield London Lavender Farm from 10th June to 31st August
Unmissable One-off Events in June
1. Pub in the Park – 9th – 11th June, Dulwich Park
Join Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge and television chef Simon Rimmer for a weekend at the Pub in the Park, crammed with food and music.
There will be numerous pop-up restaurants, with menus crafted by award-winning chefs and some of the UK’s best restaurants. Feast in style on dishes at £7.00 each.
Watch top chefs display their culinary skills in the live cooking zone.
The music entertainment includes EMF, The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, Tinie Tempah, and the Dolly Parton Experience.
Ticket prices vary for afternoon and evening sessions.
2. La Piñata – Tequila & Mezcal Festival, 9th – 10th June, Tobacco Dock, Pennington Street West
The festival celebrates Mexican culture, Agave spirits, Tequila and Mezcal. La Piñata invites more than 20 producers to the Tobacco Dock in Wapping and welcomes you to taste some of the best Tequila and Mezcal.
There is a Masterclass room for tutored tastings and talks by experts.
Tickets are £25.00 with £1.80 booking fee and tax.
3. Marylebone Village Summer Festival, Saturday 10th – 11th June
June sees the return of the annual weekend festival of full-packed fun. Paddington Street Gardens hosts an open-air cinema featuring a daytime film and one under the nighttime stars. Pre-film events include table tennis, live music, and a pop-up bar.
On Sunday, Marylebone Village will be pedestrians-only for events, including a dog show, food & gift stalls, shopping, funfair rides, family activities, and roaming performers, such as magicians, jugglers, and stilt walkers.
4. London Open Gardens – 10th – 11th June, Various London Locations
The weekend gives you access to over 100 gardens not normally open to the public. There is a ‘Garden Selector’ feature on the London Gardens Trust website to help you locate various themed gardens. Choices include gardens with exhibitions or music, family activities, dogs on leads, beehives, craft stalls, picnics, and guided tours.
Weekend tickets are available, and prices are,
- Adults: £20.00 + £1.80 fee
- Students: £15.00 + £1.20
- 12 – 18-year-olds: £10.00 + £1.00
5. World Naked Bike Ride, London, Saturday 10th June
If you feel prudish, you should look away or skip to the next event. The WNBR started in 2004 as a protest against oil dependence, saving the planet, and raising awareness for cyclists’ safety.
Anyone is welcome, including rollerbladers and skateboarders. The dress code is ‘Bare as you Dare.’ Body painting and fancy dress are welcome.
There are various departure points and starting times across London.
6. Trooping the Colour, 17th June, Horse Guards Parade
The King’s Birthday Parade is when The Sovereign officially celebrates their birthday. The impressive parade has taken place annually since 1760 when George III became King.
Over 1,400 soldiers, two hundred horses and over 400 musicians will stand on parade.
The event begins around 10.00 am and concludes at 1.00 pm with an RAF flypast.
You can watch the event from The Mall or the edge of St Jame’s Park overlooking the Horse Guards.
Music Festivals: A Symphony of Experiences
7. BST Hyde Park, 23rd June – 8th July
BST Hyde Park takes place over three weekends, starting on 23rd June 2023. The event kicks off with All Things Orchestral with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Featuring Alfie Boe and is hosted by Myleene Klass.
Saturday 24th, and Sunday 25th is P!NK’s summer carnival, with other acts, such as Gwen Stefani, Sam Ryder, and Sam Tompkins.
On Friday 30th June, Guns n’ Roses take to the stage with special guests The Pretenders, The Darkness, and Larkin Poe.
8. Hampton Court Palace Festival, 6th – 17th June
Over two weeks, eight celebrated artists will perform at the remarkable Hampton Court Palace. The acts include Kaiser Chiefs, Grace Jones, Tom Jones, Soft Cell, and Rick Astley.
The gates open at 5.30 pm, giving you ample time to absorb the atmosphere of the palace’s stunning gardens before the concerts begin. You are welcome to bring a picnic, be enticed by the street food stalls, or tuck into the Best of British hamper.
For a truly memorable experience, step back in time and revel in a royal VIP dining experience. Or, after the concert, enjoy exclusive access to the spectacular palace and explore the state apartments.
9. Mighty Hoopla, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June, Brockwell Park
The Mighty Hoopla brings a weekend of vibrant fun. Over 200 artists will perform over ten stages, providing a party with music and dance.
Mighty Hoopla’s ethos is to be inclusive of anything or anyone alternative. A key goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all, and have a particular focus on LGBTQ acts and emerging artists.
2023’s lineup includes Kelly Rowland, Years and Years, 911, and Aqua.
Plenty of food options on offer, from pizza to Buddha Bowls, to Dippy Dogs.
Mighty Hoopla is a venue with many good vibes and fantastic performances by excellent artists.
What’s on in London’s Theatreland
10. West End Live 2023, 17th – 18th June, Trafalgar Square
West End Live is a weekend of magical performances from the West End’s most famous musicals and some new ones.
It’s live, and it’s free. You don’t need to book. Simply turn up to Trafalgar Square, Theatreland’s centre and sing along.
11. New Shows in June
The West End summer musicals hit the stage in June. Getting the show on the road is
- We Will Rock You, by Queen and Ben Elton. London’s longest-running rock musical starts on the 2nd of June for 12 weeks at the London Coliseum.
Other shows include Grease, An Organ Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, and Penn & Teller. The Emmy-award-winning stars and Las Vegas headliners bring magic and humour to the London stage.
12. River Stage, National Theatre’s Outdoor Festival, 9th June – 2nd July
While not in London’s Theatreland, we keep to the stage with River Stage, a free outdoor festival run by the National Theatre, set in South Bank. The festival features a fantastic lineup of live music, comedy, family workshops, dance, drag, and club nights.
The events take place over the weekends, at the following times,
- Friday: 6:30 pm – 11 pm
- Saturday: midday – 11 pm
- Sunday: midday – 6 pm
13. Museums in London
If you feel you’ve overspent and want to tighten your belt, or it’s a rainy day. London has numerous museums. You might not know it, but London has more free museums than paid ones. Free museums in London include,
- Tate Britain
- Tate Modern
- Imperial War Museum
- National History Museum
- British Museum
- Bank of England Museum
More London’s Hidden Gems
14. Tomás Saraceno in Collaboration: Web(s) of Life, 1st June – 10th September, Royal Parks
Multimedia artist Tomás Saraceno holds his first UK solo exhibition. He uses his research into spiders as inspiration for the event. Visitors are encouraged to break away from their dependence on technology and reconnect with the environment at Royal Parks.
At Kensington Gardens, there will be opportunities to interact with sculptures of different species. Serpentine South will establish an infrastructure to stimulate the flow of living organisms and the air.
The exhibition is free.
15. Mayfield London Lavender Farm, 10th June to 31st August
Fifteen miles from London’s centre, step into a different world at Mayfield Lavender. Set on 25 acres, the lavender farm begins to flower into a radiance of colour and aroma mid to end of June, peaking in July and August.
Numerous opportunities exist for instagrammable photos as you explore the farm on foot or a £2.50 per person vintage tractor ride. Mayfield even holds a competition for the best shot with a cash prize of £200.00.
Before leaving, stop by the cafe and gift shop with a beautiful array of plants, and lavender-infused toiletries, ice cream, food, and cider.
Entry is £5.00 pp for over 14 years.
There is plentiful parking and a bus stop opposite the farm entrance.
2 Essential Tips for Maximizing Your London Experience
- Is London busy in June? June is the start of London’s peak season, so booking tickets and accommodation ahead is an excellent idea. Also, it would be best to allow plenty of time for catching public transport or parking.
- What should I pack for London in June? London is usually warm in June. However, I recommend taking an umbrella or lightweight jacket for the odd shower and a jumper if the evenings get chilly.
