visiting london in september 2026

September in London: A Guide to Events, Activities, and Sightseeing

Thinking about visiting London in September? Come and experience the city’s lively and colourful atmosphere for yourself.

September kicks off a season full of exciting events, festivals, and cultural celebrations, bringing a special energy to the city that you won’t want to miss.

London isn’t just lively and colourful in September—it also hosts some of the year’s biggest events. You can catch London Fashion Week, the Totally Thames festival, the Last Night of the Proms, and the Open House London weekend.

No matter if it is your first visit or you know the city well, there’s always something new and exciting to find in London. Get ready to enjoy the lively atmosphere and create memories you’ll never forget.

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Buckingham Palace in London.Buckingham Palace London

10 best things to do in september

  1. Explore Hampstead Heath, a beautiful park with ponds, woods, and stunning city views. Explore more incredible parks in London.
  2. Discover works of art by famous artists, such as Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci, at the National Gallery. Visit other free museums in London.
  3. During your visit to London, make sure you stop by the O2 Arena and take in a concert or event.
  4. Among London's most famous landmarks are Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Check out more free things to see and do in London.
  5. Take part in London Fashion Week, one of the biggest events in the fashion industry.
  6. Get a taste of the local Chinese food on a visit to the famous Chinatown neighbourhood.
  7. The best way to see the city's famous landmarks from the water is to take a river cruise on the Thames River.
  8. Visit the historic Roman bathhouse at Billingsgate, which stands on the site of the ancient Roman baths.
  9. You can also take a walk through the famous Trafalgar Square, where you will be able to see the famous lion statues.
  10. Visit the famous 221B Baker Street, home of Sherlock Holmes, one of the world's most famous detectives.

Weather in london in september

London’s weather in September is usually mild and pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to thin out. You might get some rain, so it is a good idea to bring light layers and a waterproof jacket. The days are still fairly long, so you will have plenty of daylight to explore the city’s sights and attractions.

Towards the end of September, London’s weather can be unpredictable, with sunny spells and occasional rain showers.

Don't miss our exhaustive guide to the weather conditions in September.

top tours in london

London is famous for its wide range of tours that let you experience the city in exciting new ways. Here are some of our top recommendations.

Harry Potter Studios in London.

Harry potter warner Brothers studio tour & transfers

If you take the bus from central London, you can spend a full day at the Warner Brothers studio. See the costumes and props used by the Harry Potter characters and get a real feel for the movie sets.

Book Your Harry Potter Studios Tickets From Here

River Speedboat Tour on the Thames.

London: River Thames Speedboat Ride

Get set for an exciting adventure on the River Thames in London. Enjoy a mix of sightseeing and speed as you take in the city skyline and famous landmarks from the water.

Book Your Speedboat Ride

events in london september

Below is a list of a few events that happen during the month of September. Check out the ultimate guide to visiting London in September.

London Design Festival

The London Design Festival is a highlight for those who appreciate art and design, celebrating and promoting London as the global design capital. It brings together the most talented intellectuals, professionals, retailers, and educators to deliver innovation and dynamic projects, transforming the city into an enormous work of art.

Event Date: Saturday 12th to Sunday 20th September 2026

BBC Proms

The BBC Proms is a yearly two-month summer festival for classical music, presenting the best classical music to as many people as possible. The event is one of the most popular in London, with affordable prices and in an informal setting. Main events are held at the Royal Albert Hall, although performances take place at several venues around the city.

Event Date: FRiday 17th July to Saturday 12th September 2026

Totally Thames

Each year, Totally Thames is a month-long celebration along the 42-mile River Thames, by collaborating with artists, local communities, organisations, and a variety of businesses. It provides a truly memorable and spectacular celebration, giving Londoners a chance to experience the wonderful Thames and bringing them together through a range of activities.

Event Date: Tuesday 1st September to Wednesday 30th September 2026

London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week is a hybrid event that features both womenswear and menswear brands. The LFW digital platform, which provides free access to industry experts and worldwide fashion consumers, combines fashion, culture, and technology.

Event Date: Thursday 17th September to Tuesday 21st September 2026

holidays for september

  • Summer Holidays: In early September, the summer holidays usually end, with many children returning to school in the first week of the month. Exact dates vary by borough and school.

Best theatre shows in london

The West End of London, also known as the theatre district, has a long history of theatre and entertainment. Make sure to take a look at some of the shows that are most anticipated.

Theatres in London.Wyndham's Theatre in London

Mary poppins

One of the most memorable songs in Mary Poppins is A Spoonful of Sugar, which is one of the most popular songs in the movie. Other songs include Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Let's Go Fly a Kite, among others.

Secure your Mary Poppins tickets today

Pretty woman

If you enjoyed Julia Roberts's and Richard Gere's movie Pretty Woman, there is a great chance that you will enjoy the stage show. A classic tale of an unusual romance between two people from utterly unrelated backgrounds.

Secure your Pretty Woman seats today

It is a great idea to book your tickets and seats as early as possible to find the perfect ones.

Experience the magic of London’s theatre scene by exploring the top shows now.

best tourist tours when visiting london in september

Consider leaving London for a day trip. Two of the top tourism trips have been selected by us. London is well-known for the wide range of tours it provides; this is your chance to embark on an enjoyable, fascinating journey.

Bourton On The Water Cotswolds.

The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace & Downtown Abbey

Spend a full day exploring the beautiful English countryside with a guide. Walk through the lovely village from the Downton Abbey TV series and visit the impressive Blenheim Palace, where Sir Winston Churchill was born.

Reserve Your Spot On This Tour Now

The Eiffel Tower Paris.

From London: Luxury Paris full-day trip

Hop on the Eurostar from London to Paris and enjoy a full day exploring the "City of Lights." Visit famous landmarks, tour the Eiffel Tower, have lunch there, and relax with a cruise along the Seine River.

Click here to book your spot

fun Adventure experiences in London

Make your visit to this vibrant city memorable by choosing an adventure tour. It is a great way to add excitement to your trip.

The Shard London.

The Shard Entry Ticket with Fast Track Option

When you reach 800 feet above the ground, you get a full view of London in every direction. Watching the city fade away as you ride up to the 72nd floor is truly unforgettable. This is an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Book Your Fast Entry Ticket Now!

City of Westminster London.

Westminster Walking Tour & London Dungeon Entry

Join a guided tour to see 20 of London’s most famous landmarks in Westminster. Afterwards, enjoy an exciting visit to the London Dungeon, where you will meet live actors, see special effects, and experience themed rides and scenes.

Click To Book Now!

tourist attractions in london

Welcome to London! Make the most of your trip by visiting some of the city’s most famous spots. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Buckingham Palace London.

Buckingham Palace

Come to Buckingham Palace to see the stunning home of the British monarch. Watch the Changing of the Guard and get a real sense of royal tradition.

Camden Town in London.

Camden Town

Make sure to visit Camden Town and experience its lively, diverse culture. This neighbourhood is famous for its unique fashion, music scene, bustling street markets, and great food.

where to stay in london in september

Considering the location is the first and foremost thing to keep in mind. There is no doubt that London is a sprawling metropolis, and the area you stay in will have a great deal of impact on your experience.

The city's top attractions are within walking distance of areas like Covent Garden or South Bank, which are ideal for first-time visitors. Areas like Notting Hill and Hampstead may suit your taste if you like a quieter, more residential atmosphere.

Explore London's best and top neighbourhoods to stay in and also check out Booking.com for great rates.

Explore more London hotel guides

Popular London areas: South Bank | Mayfair | Covent Garden | Soho | Paddington | Marylebone | Westminster

Hotels near major stations: Paddington Station | Kings Cross & St. Pancras | Victoria Station | London Bridge Station | Liverpool Street Station

Hotels near famous sights: London Eye | Tower Bridge | Buckingham Palace | Hyde Park | British Museum | Natural History Museum

Hotels for events and special trips: Wimbledon Stadium | ExCeL London | Wembley Stadium | O2 Arena | Winter Wonderland

More ways to stay in London: Luxury Hotels | Marriott Hotels | Christmas Hotels

Hopefully, this guide to visiting London in September has provided you with a sense of excitement and eagerness to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Our month-by-month page has plenty of ideas for things to do in London. And don't miss out on our London in October and London in August guides for more fantastic inspiration.

frequently asked questions about september in london

Is it worth visiting London in September?

Visiting London, UK in September is a great time of year, as the crowds have thinned out, the weather is still mild, and you can enjoy a variety of cultural events, including the London Design Festival and Open House Weekend, as well as autumnal foods and colourful foliage.

Is September an expensive time to visit London?

It is generally cheaper to travel in September than during the peak summer months. It is usually cheaper to stay in a hotel, take a bus, dine, or visit an attraction during July and August. Prices may be affected, however, by city events or festivals. Before booking, make sure you research and compare prices.

What is the level of activity like in London during September?

There are many events and festivals taking place in London during September, making the month a busy one for cultural activities and events. The weather is generally mild and pleasant during this period, making it a popular time for tourists.

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Visiting London in September.

Photo sources

  • Emirates Stadium London - Photo by Nelson Ndongala on Unsplash

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Benjamin and Albert Magro, frequent London travellers from Malta

We're Benjamin and Albert, frequent London travellers from Malta, sharing first-hand tips from 7 visits across the city. We help you use London transport, find shows, food, shopping, classic sights, and lesser-known areas through simple, practical guidance on the London Info Guide. You can also follow our wider Travel Info Guide community on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, plus London Info Guide on Pinterest. Our goal is to make London easier to understand before you arrive.