The Best of London in July 2023: Your Ultimate Guide to Events and Things to Do.
July is a great time to be in London. The weather is warm and sunny, the city’s parks are lush and green, and there are plenty of exciting events happening.
1. The BBC Proms is back with a whole load of classical treats
Another year, another spectacular line-up of classical music, kicking off with a series of Nordic music and a world premiere from Ukrainian composer, Bohdana Frolyak on July 14, and waving us off in the traditional flurry of Union Jacks and bow ties on September 9. In 2023 the BBC Proms will be treating us to a huge range of programming featuring composers and orchestras from Berlioz to Bollywood, large scale symphonic and choral work, as well as intimate chamber concerts and exciting debuts. Look out for big classical hitters like Sir Stephen Hough, Sir Simon Rattle and Chineke! orchestra as well as more off-the-wall editions like orchestral collaborations with non-classical artists, including Rufus Wainwright, Self Esteem and Jon Hopkins, the first Bollywood Prom, Northern Soul Prom and the first concert featuring fado with Portuguese singer Mariza. For little ones, the Horrible Histories present ‘Orrible Opera, while unusual experiences for young and old include a late night Moon and Stars Prom and the Fantasy, Myths and Legends Prom featuring music from film, TV and gaming. Booking ahead is recommended.
2. Head to London Zoo after dark” with “Embark on a unique adults-only adventure
☆ Zoo Nights are back for 2023!
A reincarnation of Zoo Lates (which ended in 2015), Zoo Nights brings ‘after hours’ fun to ZSL London Zoo. Explore the zoo without crowds or kids in the way (this is an adults only experience), hear the Birds and The Bees guided tour where expert guides reveal what animals get up to after dark, play animal-themed games, graze on delicious international street food (there’s plenty for herbivores and carnivores alike) or grab a drink at one of the bars. Time to unpack that elephant onsie?
Highlights
- See the zoo without the kids or the crowds!
- Animal-themed games
- Street food and bars also available
- Get tickets now for just £19.50
When and where?
Fridays, June 9 until July 28 from 6 pm at London Zoo
Need to know
- This is valid for a ticket to Zoo Nights at London Zoo.
- This event is restricted to those aged 18 and over.
- This booking is only valid for your selected date/time option.
- Arrival from 6 pm, last entry at 9 pm, event ends at 10 pm.
- Please note the majority of the animal exhibits will close at 9 pm, with some exceptions closing at 9.30 pm.
- *Additional charges apply for the Birds and The Bees guided tour.
- Please present your booking confirmation upon arrival.
- Location: Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY.
- This ticket cannot be cancelled, amended, exchanged, refunded or used in conjunction with any other offer.
3. Immerse yourself in the excitement of Wimbledon on a giant screen
☆ Things to do
Missed out on tickets in the Wimbledon Tennis Championships ballot? Can’t face camping out on the street for day tickets? No problem. London is a city that gives back and this summer it will be peppered with big screens showing all the Murray Mound (okay, Henman Hill) action in so much blown-up high-res glory that you might as well be court-side.
This year the tournament (which started in 1877!) runs from Monday 3rd July 2023 to Sunday 16th July 2023 and you’ll catch screens across the capital showing most matches on each day of the event, so there are plenty of opportunities to spend an afternoon or evening in a sweet viewing spot.
There will be more big screens announced nearer the time, many of which will also have extras such as special edition cocktails, food offers and even pop-up tennis coaching. Take that Centre Court.
4. Ballie Ballerson: The ultimate adult playground for kidults
Highlights
- Ticket includes all-night entry, two-hour ball pit session and a cocktail
- Ball pits, dance floor & more
- Just £6!
Need to know
- This voucher is valid for a two-hour ball pit session, all-night bar entry and 1 signature cocktail at Ballie Ballerson.
- Availability: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 pm until close.
- Please present your Time Out booking confirmation to the door team upon arrival to claim your cocktail.
- To book your ball pit session, select your preferred time slot and enter the unique voucher code from your Time Out booking confirmation, here.
- Voucher must be purchased and ball pit session booked before entry to the venue.
- Voucher valid until 30 September 2023.
- This offer is restricted to those aged 18 and over. Valid ID is required for entry.
- Offer not valid on student nights.
- Ballie Ballerson reserves the right to offer another cocktail choice of the same value if necessary.
- Location: 97-113 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3BS.
- This voucher cannot be cancelled, amended, exchanged, refunded or used in conjunction with any other offer. For full terms and conditions, please see here.
5. Sit down and tuck into a grand Italian feast at the Museum of the Home
☆ Things to do, ☆ Food and drink events ☆ Hoxton, ☆
Think of your dream dinner party… then dial that vision up to 11 because mightly quaffable Italian beer Birrificio Angelo Poretti is offering Londoners a seat at it’s very own summer banquet and you can expect something straight out of your tablescaped dreams. Poretti has teamed up with Insta famous Mob Kitchen for the feast with recipe developer Jordon Ezra King creating an authentic three-course Italian menu that pairs perfectly with, you guessed it, ice-cold carafes of Poretti beer.
The beautiful Museum of the Home in Hackney will be hosting a huge banqueting table where 100 guests will sit down and tuck in over three sittings (12.30pm-2.30pm; 4pm-6pm; 7.30pm-9.30pm). Expect dishes you’ll want to photograph for posterity, the chance to chat to new people and decorations that’ll transport you straight to northern Italy. Bellissimo.
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