The best things to do this weekend in London

Tommy's Sandwiches has just opened in King's Cross, bringing big, unapologetically American subs to London. Founded by Washington native Tommy, the focus is on generously filled sandwiches served on crunchy Dutch Crunch bread. Menu standouts include the Tommy's Club with turkey, ham and bacon, the Mafia, an Italian-style sub loaded with mortadella and spicy salami, and the Rainier, stacked with roast beef, Swiss and jalapeño mayo. There are classic sides too – think potato salad, macaroni salad and a proper dill pickle – making this one to visit hungry.

Over at the British Museum, from 15 January to 25 May, you can dive into “Hawai'i: a kingdom crossing oceans” – the first major exhibition of 2026, with feathered cloaks, carved figures and contemporary Native Hawaiian works. Art lovers might also head to the Southbank to browse the immersive installations at the Festival of Lights, while shoppers can explore pop-ups and markets around Covent Garden. Wrap it up with a stroll in Hyde Park.

For a family-friendly plan this Saturday, head to William Morris Gallery for its free Bauhaus Lanterns workshop. Kids can make colourful glowing lanterns using recycled materials, inspired by bold Bauhaus textile designs on display at the gallery. It's a relaxed, drop-in session that doesn't require booking or serious crafting skills, just a willingness to get a bit sticky with tissue paper. Ideal for filling a winter afternoon and leaving with something handmade to brighten up home.

If you're up for an early start, Museum Yoga at the Natural History Museum offers a calm but memorable way to kick off the weekend. Held before the museum opens, the class takes place beneath the iconic blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall, followed by a live gong bath and quiet access to one of the galleries. It's suitable for all experience levels.

If you're after something wholesome this weekend, Wassail Day at Dulwich Village Orchard is an easy choice. Hosted by London Wildlife Trust, the free event invites Londoners to sing to apple trees, make simple crafts and soak up live folk music in a proper community orchard setting. It's relaxed, family-friendly and refreshingly outdoorsy, though muddy ground is part of the deal if it's been raining. Come for the tradition, stay for the music, and leave feeling like you've done something slightly unusual with your Saturday.

Hackney Flea Market is behind some of London's largest and liveliest pop-up flea markets, regularly drawing crowds of dedicated bargain hunters. Despite the name, it hosts events across the capital all year long, including this Sunday's Giant London Flea at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Expect everything from furniture and clothing to records, homeware, curios, and one-off statement pieces.

If Dry January has you bored of the soft drinks menu, The Cocktail Bar at The Marylebone has something better. Its new Functional Feels™ menu features non-alcoholic cocktails made with functional mushroom extracts, designed for clarity, calm and steady energy. Expect proper, grown-up flavours, like matcha, smoked tea, tart cherry and golden milk, all served in a sultry hotel bar setting.

On every second Sunday of the month, the Vagina Museum in Bethnal Green hosts the Writer's Gym, a meetup for budding storytellers. Taking place in the museum café, the workshop offers a chilled, supportive environment with fresh prompts each session to encourage playful experimentation and creativity. Open to all genres and abilities, it welcomes anyone from complete beginners to more seasoned writers.

Wes Anderson fans have a solid reason to swing by the Design Museum this weekend, as the director's archive of around 600 props, costumes and sketches goes on show. The big draw is the three-metre-wide model of the Grand Budapest Hotel, which looks just as sweet in person as it does on screen. You can also check out the “Asteroid City” vending machines, Margot Tenenbaum's fur coat from “The Royal Tenenbaums” and plenty of tiny stop motion pieces from “Fantastic Mr Fox” and “Isle of Dogs”. It is expected to get busy, so booking ahead is advised.

“Dark Secrets: The Esoteric Exhibition” is an immersive exploration of the occult, folklore, and the supernatural, featuring over 1,000 rare artefacts across 27 themed rooms. From cursed dolls and voodoo fetishes to the “Malleus Maleficarum” and Jimi Hendrix's jacket, the display weaves together history, myth, and pop culture. Set in the atmospheric tunnels of The Vaults beneath Waterloo Station, it offers a theatrical deep dive into humanity's enduring fascination with the unknown.

Paddington Bear is coming to the stage this November in a brand-new musical at London's Savoy Theatre. Featuring original songs by Tom Fletcher of McFly and directed by Luke Sheppard of “& Juliet” fame, the show brings the beloved story of the marmalade-loving bear from Peru to life. Suitable for audiences aged four and up, “Paddington the Musical” promises a heart-warming adventure for everyone.

The Photographers' Gallery marks the centenary of the photobooth with “Strike a Pose! 100 Years of the Photobooth,” an exhibition celebrating the device's cultural legacy and playful charm. Featuring archival portraits, posters, and memorabilia, it traces the booth's journey from 1920s innovation to modern revival. Visitors can also step inside a restored 1960s photobooth to create their own photo strips and see its inner workings in action.

Maps aren't always what they seem. “Secret Maps”, the British Library's new exhibition, dives into the power, secrecy, and manipulation behind mapmaking from the 14th century to today. Expect erased histories, hidden landscapes, and maps designed to mislead or control. It's a fascinating look at how geography has long been a tool of influence.

Tate Modern's “Nigerian Modernism” brings together over 50 artists who transformed Nigerian art during the years around independence, breaking with colonial traditions and forging new identities. The show traces the networks connecting Nigerian cities like Zaria, Lagos, and Enugu with European art centres, highlighting collectives such as the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists' and Writers' Club. With works spanning painting, sculpture, and more, the exhibition underlines Nigeria's bold artistic innovation and its enduring influence on global modernism.

Kerry James Marshall's “The Histories” is a huge deal — 70 works from one of America's most important living artists, rewriting the Western canon with Black stories front and centre. Expect monumental paintings that mix art history with comics, civil rights, and science fiction, all with Marshall's unmistakable style. Running until 18 January 2026, this is the largest show of his work ever staged in Europe, and a rare chance to stand in front of Knowledge and Wonder IRL.

The Design Museum's “Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s” exhibition explores the short-lived but iconic Covent Garden nightclub that helped define a decade. Featuring over 250 rarely seen objects, the show includes Spandau Ballet's original synthesiser, handwritten lyrics, and striking outfits worn by the “Blitz Kids.” The exhibition highlights how figures like Boy George, Visage, and designers Stephen Jones and Michele Clapton transformed music, fashion, and media forever.

The David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse is the permanent home of the music icon's vast archive, featuring over 90,000 items covering his lengthy career, including costumes, instruments, diaries, lyrics, and photographs. Visitors can access a working archive through the V&A's Order an Object service and enjoy curated displays, film screenings, and installations celebrating Bowie's cultural legacy.

On the third Sunday of each month, Chiswick transforms into Cheesewick for London's only dedicated cheese market. Held at Old Market Place, it features over 200 cheeses and gourmet treats from UK cheesemongers, with seasonal specials and new traders keeping the selection fresh. Run by local women, the market champions community spirit and supports charities through regular donations.

Launched in summer 2025, “Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs”, the new immersive experience at Lightroom in King's Cross, takes visitors back 66 million years through stunning 360-degree floor-to-ceiling projections, featuring dinosaurs from deserts, oceans, and skies. With original music by Hans Zimmer and narration by actor Damian Lewis, it's a must-see for families, dinosaur fans, and documentary lovers alike.

The Grant Museum of Zoology's new free exhibition, "World of Wasps," delves into the surprisingly complex lives of one of nature's most misunderstood creatures. You'll get an up-close look at wasps through modern imaging, VR experiences, projections, and contemporary art, revealing everything from their intricate nests to their surprisingly social behaviour.

“Squid Game: The Experience” at Immerse LDN invites visitors to take part in five thrilling games inspired by the hit Netflix series, minus the deadly consequences. Following successful runs in cities like New York and Seoul, the immersive event lets participants compete for points in iconic challenges like Red Light, Green Light. After the adrenaline rush, you can unwind with soju cocktails in a themed Korean Night Market.

An immersive exhibition dedicated to the beloved US sitcom "Friends" came to London in August as part of the new Immerse LDN entertainment district. Fans can explore recreated sets, including the iconic Central Perk couch and Joey and Chandler's foosball table, reliving memorable moments from the show. Photo opportunities abound throughout.

Open on Sundays only, the Crystal Palace Museum explores the history of the architectural masterpiece that gave its name to the entire area. Three times the size of St Paul's Cathedral, the Crystal Palace was originally built to house the Great Exhibition, later relocated, and finally destroyed in a fire in 1936. You can see original bits and pieces at the museum, as well as photographs, scaled models, and other exhibits exploring the building's fascinating past.

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a prequel to the popular Netflix series, is making waves in London's West End as a major theatrical hit. The play, unfolding the backstory of the series' villain Henry Creel, is co-directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, and has been praised for capturing the essence of “Stranger Things” as well as putting on an astounding visual feast.

Head on a Greek journey to the island of Skopelos for an unforgettable evening of dining and dancing at this “Mamma Mia”-inspired event. As the sun sets, discover yourself at Nikos' family-run taverna, feasting on a tasty four-course Greek meal, including dishes like Greek mezze, salad, confit lamb shoulder, and slow-cooked beef with garlic-roasted potatoes. A live band will play iconic ABBA tracks throughout the night, ensuring the dance floor stays lively with their best hits. 

Our event calendar highlights the top things to do in London.