Let’s not beat around the bush. Summer’s been great, even if the weather has been freakishly HOT, but jumper season and autumn chill is around the corner. September’s agenda comes packed full of museum exhibitions, design festivals and more. See for yourself in our run-down of the best things to do in London this September.
Totally Thames Festival, 01 September – 01 October
The Totally Thames Festival is back hosting a bunch of imaginative, river-themed activities at various locations along the riverbank.
The month-long programme runs the 42-mile stretch of the Thames by working collaboratively with artists, local communities, river interest organisations and businesses.
This year it’s bringing the very first night-time flotilla to the Thames.
Open House London, 06-17 September
Open House London 2022 throws open the doors of iconic buildings and spaces around the capital.
Enjoy free access to buildings not usually open to the public, from private houses to places of worship, museums, schools and offices, and join tours, guided walks and activities throughout the festival.
The complete programme will go live on the 24th of August.
London Design Festival, 16-24 September
The first London Design Festival took place in 2003 and has gathered momentum ever since. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, this year’s highlights include an outdoor installation from Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marcelis celebrating the Brutalist form of Centre Point, a baffling but exciting sounding ‘life-sized media platform’ from Sony Design and ‘Henge’, a project in Greenwich Peninsula inspired by Neolithic stone structures.
The festival gives a platform for so many design stories to be told and year on year it continues to intrigue, surprise and fascinate.
Chelsea History Festival, 26 September – 01 October
Founded in 2019, the Chelsea History Festival is a partnership between the National Army Museum, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Chelsea Physic Garden. It aims to entertain, educate and inspire through local, national and global history.
The immersive programme of events features a brilliant blend of storytellers and performers from different walks of life. Some are free, while others require a ticket – so please check prior.
Boating on the Serpentine, daily until 31 October
Row, row, row your boat gently across the Serpentine. As the balmy summer comes to a close, we want to make sure you soak up every last minute. Why not spend an evening boating in Hyde Park? There are rowing and pedal boats in idyllic surroundings. You could really push the boat out by taking a picnic and bottle of fizz with you.