The ianVisits guide to July's unusual events, tours, lectures and exhibitions happening around London.
Saturday 1st July
A note that there will be an emergency exercise for training taking place around the Woolwich ferry terminals.
8:30am to 4pm
Woolwich
Occasional open day at a museum of domestic "clutter" housed in an old farm barn.
10:30am to 4pm
Upminster
A Japanese-themed market and cultural event in East London.
11am to 6pm
Hackney
Free
Parsons Green Fair is an annual family event for the whole community and takes place every year on the first Saturday in July.
11:30am to 5:30pm
Fulham
This summer London's fire stations be opening their red doors to the public for a number of open day events across London.
12pm to 5pm
Kilburn
This summer London's fire stations be opening their red doors to the public for a number of open day events across London.
1pm to 5pm
Soho
There will be live performances from a variety of theatre, circus, comedy, and beat-box acts.
3:30pm to 6:30pm
Camden
More London events on Saturday 1st July
Sunday 2nd July
Monthly open day at the museum to London's first international airport - in Croydon.
10am to 4pm
Croydon
A Japanese-themed market and cultural event in East London.
11am to 6pm
Hackney
This summer London's fire stations be opening their red doors to the public for a number of open day events across London.
11am to 3pm
Hillingdon
£1.00
This event will host over 60 hand-picked traders in a fleamarket.
11am to 5pm
Peckham
Visitors to the mill are given a full guided tour covering the history, operation and principal features of Shirley Windmill.
12pm to 5pm
Croydon
Members of the Kite Society of Great Britain will give a display of kit flying with tricks and intricate routines accompanied by music.
12pm to 4pm
Kentish Town
£3.00
The London Gaming Market is the place to buy retro video-games, board games and merchandise all in one place
12pm to 4pm
Euston
More London events on Sunday 2nd July
Monday 3rd July
No events are listed for today. Sorry.
More London events on Monday 3rd July
Tuesday 4th July
Gordon Douglas' canonical 'big bug' sci-fi movie where a plague of giant human-eating ants threaten to destroy us all.
Starts at 6:15pm
Barbican
A conversation between three legendary authors, Gary Lachman, Nina Antonia and Travis Elborough, as they delve into the gritty, glittering world of New York City in the 1970s.
Starts at 7pm
Soho
The Labour MP Wes Streeting talks to his Shadow Cabinet colleague Jess Phillips about Streeting’s new memoir of East End boyhood.
Starts at 7:30pm
Soho
More London events on Tuesday 4th July
Wednesday 5th July
Hear what it was like to serve in Korea from veterans of the conflict as they gather to mark the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice.
Starts at 6:30pm
Chelsea
More London events on Wednesday 5th July
Thursday 6th July
The Thames Flood Barrier is closed once a month for test purposes, where all the gates are closed at the same time.
9:45am to 12:15pm
Woolwich
£16.20
Run by the City of London, this year’s Beerfest will feature more than 35 of the UK’s best beers from 11 top brewers.
12:30pm to 9pm
City of London
A monthly late opening of the restored Roman temple found near Bank in the City of London in the 1950s, and recently restored to its original subterranean location.
5pm to 8pm
City of London
Explore Royal College of Physicians Museum exhibition 'Unfamiliar' with special guests, co-curators photographer Theo Deproost and physician associate Debbie Jegede, after hours.
5:30pm to 8pm
Camden
Discover one of the most extraordinary mother and daughter stories of all time at this talk with acclaimed historian Tracy Borman
6:30pm to 8pm
Southwark
£17.03
Making predictions is an essential part of our lives. How can we overcome biology to make sure we get them right?
7pm to 8:30pm
Hanover Square
More London events on Thursday 6th July
Friday 7th July
For the first time in a decade, the English National Opera is having a clearance sale to sell off some of their unwanted costumes and props.
10am to 4pm
Charlton
Dr Wendy Ugolini examines the experience of British Italians in the British Army during the Second World War.
12pm to 1pm
Chelsea
Once a month from June to September, the normally private gardens at Lambeth Palace are opened to the public.
12pm to 3pm
Southwark
More London events on Friday 7th July
Saturday 8th July
Free
Annual large scale fair in Barnes Common with around 300 stalls, along with food and fair.
9:30am to 5:30pm
Barnes
A few days each year, the Hampton Court Palace gardens are free to visit.
10am to 5:30pm
East Molesey
For the first time in a decade, the English National Opera is having a clearance sale to sell off some of their unwanted costumes and props.
10am to 4pm
Charlton
Westminster Abbey's annual Choir School summer fete will take place in Dean's Yard.
11am to 3:30pm
Pimlico
Celebrate the British Library's 50th birthday in style with a day of tours and talks exploring the library.
11am to 5pm
Camden
This summer London's fire stations be opening their red doors to the public for a number of open day events across London.
Starts at 12pm
New Cross
Following several years of restoration work, Boston Manor House reopens to the public.
12pm to 5pm
Brentford
A triple bill screening of episodes from the First Doctor (William Hartnell) era as he battles his most famous enemy- The Daleks!
2pm to 3:30pm
Hammersmith
More London events on Saturday 8th July
Sunday 9th July
A few days each year, the Hampton Court Palace gardens are free to visit.
10am to 5:30pm
East Molesey
Enjoy Turkish food, culture, arts, live music, fun activities and sports at the 6th West London Turkish Festival.
10am to 8pm
Feltham
More London events on Sunday 9th July
Monday 10th July
No events are listed for today. Sorry.
More London events on Monday 10th July
Tuesday 11th July
No events are listed for today. Sorry.
More London events on Tuesday 11th July
Wednesday 12th July
A short procession in full ceremonial garb by the Worshipful Company of Vintners from their Livery Hall to the local church.
11:45am to 12:15pm
City of London
A talk about Leonard Shuffrey, the late Victorian architect and designer whose work was similar to that of William Morris.
7:30pm to 8:30pm
Ealing
Online events / webinars
Join us as we read this classic wartime novel by historical novelist Bryher (1894-1983)
Join us as we read this classic wartime novel by historical novelist Bryher (1894-1983), which depic
6pm to 7pm
The hidden fabric of a Victorian woman's life told through her unique textile scrapbook.
7:30pm to 8:30pm
More London events on Wednesday 12th July
Thursday 13th July
£10.00
Join B7 Comics in association with the Cartoon Museum for 45-minute panel discussion about Hancock: The Lad Himself, an epic graphic novel following comedian Tony Hancock from cradle to grave.
6:30pm to 8pm
New Oxford Street
The acclaimed author of Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts introduces us to the extraordinary keepers and companions of medieval manuscripts over a thousand years of history
6:30pm to 8pm
Southwark
The big bang is known as the origin of our universe. But what came before?
7pm to 8:30pm
Hanover Square
More London events on Thursday 13th July
Friday 14th July
A talk and walk about the funeral procession of Henry 1st Lord Marney
Starts at 12am
City of London
£10.00
An occasional guided tour around one of the City of London's older grand Livery Halls.
11am to 12:30pm
City of London
Dr Iain Farquharson discusses how the Army's institutional culture affected the training and education of those who served in it.
12pm to 1pm
Chelsea
London Transport Museum has teamed up with The Making of Black Britain (MOBB) for an evening of talks, workshops, and screenings of oral histories of London’s past and present.
6:45pm to 10pm
Covent Garden
Celebrate the first anniversary of the ground-breaking release of the 'Deepest Infrared Image of the Universe Yet' from the James Webb Space Telescope
7pm to 8:30pm
Hanover Square
Online events / webinars
Join Dr Daniel Gosling, Principal Legal Records Specialist, as he examines some of the stories contained in the Bag of Secrets, focusing on so-called pretenders to the throne and their supporters.
2pm to 3pm
More London events on Friday 14th July
Saturday 15th July
Tour an historic Grade II listed water tower with views of the Kings Cross area and St Pancras station.
10am to 3pm
Kings Cross
A day of talks on London history.
10am to 4:30pm
Southwark
Twice a year, the private island opens up to the public and the artists studios open their doors to visitors.
11am to 6pm
Twickenham
Think gourmet food, community ping pong tables, a selection of children’s fairground rides - plus - a kids music and dance stage and a visiting Fair
11am to 6pm
Battersea
This summer London's fire stations be opening their red doors to the public for a number of open day events across London.
Starts at 12pm
Finchley
This summer London's fire stations be opening their red doors to the public for a number of open day events across London.
12pm to 4pm
Wallington
A talk on the hugely accomplished life of Dr Phyllis Margaret Tookey Kerridge, a pioneering female scientist.
3pm to 4pm
Bromley
Online events / webinars
Join our panel who will present and discuss artistic traditions during the Ramesside Period of ancient Egypt.
1pm to 7:30pm
More London events on Saturday 15th July
Sunday 16th July
Vintage market at a Georgian mansion in south-east London's largest park. 50 traders, food market, live music, cafe, and bar
10am to 5pm
Beckenham
Celebrate summer in full bloom at Capel Manor Gardens. Enjoy exploring Capel Manor’s 40 inspiration gardens, as well as the Walled Garden, maze and mini zoo.
10am to 5pm
Enfield
Twice a year, the private island opens up to the public and the artists studios open their doors to visitors.
11am to 6pm
Twickenham
Think gourmet food, community ping pong tables, a selection of children’s fairground rides - plus - a kids music and dance stage and a visiting Fair
11am to 6pm
Battersea
The UK’s largest one-day chess event is aimed at anyone who loves or wants to learn chess, and is completely free of charge.
11am to 6pm
Trafalgar Square
Cartoonists, self-publishers, small press, zine makers and book artists come together to show, share and sell their creations.
12pm to 6pm
South Norwood
Join Neil Bartlett, Liv Wynter, and the Bent Bars Project as they discuss the legacy of Oscar Wilde, stigma and LGBTQIA+ imprisonment.
2pm to 3:30pm
Kings Cross
Every year, thousands of people flock to the streets around the Church to watch the procession and to participate to the feast of the Church where you can buy the typical Italian products from different stands.
3:30pm to 5pm
Clerkenwell
More London events on Sunday 16th July
Monday 17th July
The talk will be delivered by Architect and Creative Director, Harbinder Singh Birdi, who shares his experience in the design and construction of the Elizabeth Line.
6pm to 7:30pm
Pimlico
Join Peter Murray OBE, Chair of Temple Bar London, and Patricia Brown in conversation with Ben Derbyshire and Ellie Jolliffe.
6:25pm to 8:15pm
Fleet Street
Barry Smith takes us from grape to glass to discover the science of champagne.
7pm to 8:30pm
Hanover Square
More London events on Monday 17th July
Tuesday 18th July
Join the Bard and two of his biggest advocates to revel in the joy of language and the wondrous complexities of life.
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
More London events on Tuesday 18th July
Wednesday 19th July
The annual boat race through central London - this year also preceded by a Coronation pageant.
11:15am to 12:30pm
Free
A free festival featuring an eclectic mix of theatre, circus, dance, music, and digital art.
12pm to 4pm
Victoria Dock
More London events on Wednesday 19th July
Thursday 20th July
Free
A free festival featuring an eclectic mix of theatre, circus, dance, music, and digital art.
1pm to 4pm
Victoria Dock
More London events on Thursday 20th July
Friday 21st July
Brigadier James Cook OBE illustrates how the evolution of British Army doctrine helped secure Allied victory in the First World War.
12pm to 1pm
Chelsea
Clare Freestone, curator of the exhibition Yevonde: Life and Colour introduces the trailblazing twentieth-century photographer Yevonde.
7pm to 8pm
Soho
Online events / webinars
75 years after its arrival, follow the story of the Empire Windrush through The National Archives records.
2pm to 3pm
More London events on Friday 21st July
Saturday 22nd July
A note that a steam train will leave Paddington station in the morning and return in the evening.
All Day
Upwards of 40 vehicles will parade through Guildhall in the City of London to be branded with a hot iron in the ancient cart marking ceremony.
10am to 12pm
City of London
Annual chance to climb down the ladders into the ice well underneath the Canal Musuem.
10am to 4:30pm
Islington
Twice a year, the private island opens up to the public and the artists studios open their doors to visitors.
11am to 6pm
Twickenham
This weekend festival celebrates everything that Potters Fields Park and the London Bridge neighbourhood have to offer.
11am to 7pm
Southwark
This summer London's fire stations be opening their red doors to the public for a number of open day events across London.
Starts at 12pm
Barkingside
Free
A free festival featuring an eclectic mix of theatre, circus, dance, music, and digital art.
12pm to 9:30pm
Victoria Dock
More London events on Saturday 22nd July
Sunday 23rd July
Annual chance to climb down the ladders into the ice well underneath the Canal Musuem.
10am to 4:30pm
Islington
Twice a year, the private island opens up to the public and the artists studios open their doors to visitors.
11am to 6pm
Twickenham
Free
Party on the Pier is an annual open day at the Chiswick Pier with free boat rides.
Starts at 11am
Chiswick
This weekend festival celebrates everything that Potters Fields Park and the London Bridge neighbourhood have to offer.
11am to 7pm
Southwark
Free
A free festival featuring an eclectic mix of theatre, circus, dance, music, and digital art.
12pm to 9:30pm
Victoria Dock
More London events on Sunday 23rd July
Monday 24th July
No events are listed for today. Sorry.
More London events on Monday 24th July
Tuesday 25th July
In this talk Dr Matthew Partridge will take you through the history of cartoons in geology, how cartoons can be used to break barriers and open communication.
5pm to 6:30pm
Picadilly
Historian Matthew Green will tell us the forgotten history of Britain's lost cities, ghost towns and vanished villages: our shadowlands.
Starts at 7pm
Soho
Online events / webinars
1851 is famous for being the years of the Great Exhibition
1pm to 2pm
More London events on Tuesday 25th July
Wednesday 26th July
No events are listed for today. Sorry.
More London events on Wednesday 26th July
Thursday 27th July
This talk is about the Court of Arches, the ancient appeal court of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and its rich archive in Lambeth Palace Library.
5:30pm to 7pm
Southwark
This illustrated talk looks into the role of herbs in commercial remedies, and the way advertisers used elaborate stories of little-known plants to convince the public to part with their cash.
5:30pm to 8:30pm
Southwark
Free
At Gaming Lates, the Science Museum's adults-only, after-hours event, visitors can discover the importance of play and games for brain health.
6:30pm to 10pm
South Kensington
A major new history of England's turbulent seventeenth century and how it marked the birth of a new world
6:30pm to 8pm
Southwark
£10.00
Stepping aside from the music hall, Bow bells, heart of gold cliches, what does ‘Cockney’ mean?
Starts at 7pm
Clerkenwell
Online events / webinars
Join Caroline de Guitaut for an exciting exploration of the history of Coronation dress in conversation with Dr Susan Kay-Williams, Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework.
7pm to 8pm
More London events on Thursday 27th July
Friday 28th July
£27.80
Tour some a few of south-west London's quirky heritage sites, including the Kilmorey Mausoleum and a Second World War bomb shelter aboard Lord Hendy's classic Routemaster bus.
10:30am to 4pm
Twickenham
Dr Grace Huxford reflects on the events and legacy of the Korean War 70 years since the conflict ended.
12pm to 1pm
Chelsea
£12.00
Get behind the railing for an exclusive up-close tour of the Albert Memorial.
Starts at 2pm
Paddington
Vanley Burke, the ‘Godfather of Black British Photography’, is in conversation with Diane Louise Jordan, broadcaster and founder of the project The Making of Black Britain.
7pm to 8pm
Soho
Online events / webinars
Join Rachael Lennon discussing her book, Wedded Wife, the remarkable story of how the institution of marriage has developed.
2pm to 3pm
More London events on Friday 28th July
Saturday 29th July
Meet soldiers from the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as they showcase the work they do in today's Army.
10am to 4pm
Chelsea
The Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers are back at the Museum with their model steam trains.
10am to 4pm
Brentford
This popular community harvest, and London’s only Pick Your Own Lavender event, will be held at the three acre Carshalton Lavender field at Stanley Road Allotments.
10am to 5pm
Carshalton
A restoration project has bought the mill back to working order for the first time since 1935, and it's now open to the public.
10am to 4pm
Upminster
Once a month open day at a nature reserve that sits alongside the railway in Forest Hill.
1pm to 4pm
Forest Hill
An occasional open day where you can climb up the church spire to the bell-ringing room, and then walk along the top of the roof.
1pm to 4pm
Harrow on the Hill
More London events on Saturday 29th July
Sunday 30th July
The Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers are back at the Museum with their model steam trains.
10am to 4pm
Brentford
This popular community harvest, and London’s only Pick Your Own Lavender event, will be held at the three acre Carshalton Lavender field at Stanley Road Allotments.
10am to 5pm
Carshalton
A restoration project has bought the mill back to working order for the first time since 1935, and it's now open to the public.
10am to 4pm
Upminster
A WW2-era history attraction that's open to the public once a month.
10:30am to 4pm
Watford
Once a month, the oldest building in Hackney, St Augustine's Tower is open, so you can climb up to the top.
2pm to 4:30pm
Hackney
More London events on Sunday 30th July
Monday 31st July
A panel unfolding the ongoing enigmatic power of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, with contributors to Craig Oldham’s recent book of essays on the film.
Starts at 7pm
Soho
