– This post was written by Lauren Voges –
Museums and attractions in the UK are reopening their doors and inviting visitors back in! If you’re tired of Netflix, homebaking and yoga classes in your living room, then the news that countries around the world are reopening their cultural attractions with new measures in place to keep you safe is probably pretty welcome. Looking for ways to celebrate this epic return to arts, culture and adventure? We’ve rounded up the best things to do in London in August 2020. From virtual experiences and special events with The UK Awakens Week to outdoor theatre events, and more. Time to dive in!
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1. Get back to culture with The UK Awakens Week: 24-31 August
Six weeks, six countries, 100+ museums and attractions – and you! Tiqets Awakening Weeks is on a mission to celebrate the reopening of museums and attractions worldwide, and one of the cities we’re celebrating in is London.
From virtual experiences like exploring London’s Old Royal Naval College and making cocktails with View From The Shard to experiencing The UK Awakens Week in person, there are a host of ways to get in on the action. Join in The UK Awakens Week festivities by signing up for one of six virtual experiences in the week of 24-31 August, or by booking safe and exciting experiences at participating museums and attractions.
2. Have your fill with the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme
If one of the things you missed most during lockdown was visiting restaurants, you’ll be pleased to know that the UK government is doing its very best to reactivate restaurant culture. From 3-31 August, you’ll get a 50% discount when you eat at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. The deal is valid on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and you can take advantage of it as many times as you like.
Foodies, now is the time to unapologetically visit as many restaurants on your bucket lists as possible. Get ready, don’t set your table, go find the nearest restaurant!
3. Take in a show at an open air theatre
While many indoor theatres still aren’t able to open their doors, there are other ways to get your theatre fix. From Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar: The Concert to an open-air Shakespeare festival at the Roman Theatre at St Albans just outside of London, there are options aplenty. You can also look out for open-air cinema options at London’s many parks – Dirty Dancing at Chiswick Gardens on 21 August is definitely a top pick. And did we mention you can also catch some free opera screenings during the month of August at outdoor venues throughout London thanks to BP and the Royal Opera House?
4. Eat your heart out with brunch options aplenty
Yes, the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme is already on this list, but the iconic weekend activity of brunching deserves a spot of its own on here. London’s brunch is back in full force and there are some delicious ways to enjoy your mimosas and eggs benedict in August 2020. Terraces, rooftops, and tropical themes are the way to go. From Night Tales’ Summer Terrace Bottomless Brunch to Fulham Beach’s bottomless brunch, lovers of the laidback art of late breakfast-early lunch will be spoilt for choice!
5. Give your eyes a feast with London’s lavender fields
If getting back to nature is what you’re looking forward to most, get out of the city and explore London’s surrounding lavender fields. This is one of the best things to do in London in August, no matter what the year. So, break up your busy schedule of visiting reopened museums and attractions and open-air theatres with a little bit of lavender. You can find fields of purple in London itself in places like Kew Gardens and Kennington Park, or you can head to a lavender farm outside of London like the Kentish Lavender fields.
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