Get ready for football, film and food in London in 2026.
Hello, 2026. The year ahead looks set to be a showstopper, with hot hotels, spectacular sports and cultural events. Look out for big birthdays, from the BFI London Film Festival and Southbank Centre turning 70 years old, to David Attenborough hitting a centenary. The art world welcomes Aardman Animation Studios and V&A East. While the football world shoots and scores with FIFA World Cup 2026. So, whether you’re visiting or living in London, there is something exciting on the horizon. Here are the top things to do in London in 2026.
Aardman Animation Studio Celebrations
Beloved British animation studio Aardman will be firmly in the spotlight, celebrating its history of storytelling. Best known for Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run, the Bristol-based studio continues to charm audiences of all ages with its distinctive claymation style. The exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes insight into the studio’s meticulous artistry.
Ally Pally Roof Walk
London’s Alexandra Palace will offer thrill-seekers a fresh perspective with the Ally Pally Roof Walk. As the country's highest rooftop adventure, the experience allows visitors to climb above the historic landmark and take in sweeping views across the capital. Combining adrenaline with heritage, the walk opens on 14 February – expect proposals - and a whole lot of adventure in London in 2026.
Art exhibitions in London
Get ready for exciting exhibitions in London in 2026. In February, Lucian Freud: Drawing Into The Painting opens at the National Portrait Gallery, and Beds and Bodies: Tracey Emin celebrates the British artist at the Tate Modern. Highlights also include further exhibitions throughout the year across major London galleries, promising a rich programme of art for all tastes.
Beatrix Potter anniversary
In 2026, Beatrix Potter marks an important anniversary of 160 years. The beloved author and illustrator, whose timeless tales are forever intertwined with England’s Lake District, will be celebrated with exhibitions, literary trails, and family-friendly events that celebrate her legacy.
BFI London Film Festival
In 2026, the BFI London Film Festival will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Running from 7 to 18 October, the event takes place in London and around the United Kingdom. Expect gala screenings of documentaries, short films and feature films. Look out for exciting events that bring together actors, directors, screenwriters, and more.
Cowes Week Bicentenary
The world-famous Cowes Week sailing regatta will celebrate its 200th anniversary on the Isle of Wight in August. One of the longest-running sporting events in the world, Cowes Week showcases top sailing with shoreside festivities. The anniversary will include historic tributes and celebratory events across the island.
David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday
Sir David Attenborough will turn 100 in 2026, marking a century of one of Britain’s icons. He has shone a light on conservation, nature and climate change. Tributes are expected nationwide, including a television special, Wild London. The 60-minute programme will be aired on 1 January 2026.
FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup returns. While matches will be hosted across North America, the tournament’s impact will be felt worldwide, and in London in 2026. Expect fan zones, screenings and celebrations taking place across the country. From pubs to public spaces, fans can watch the sporting drama unfold.
Film releases
Cinema lovers can look forward to a blockbuster year at the movies. From Hollywood epics to British indie gems, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include Dune: Part Three, a film portraying the life of Michael Jackson, and Wuthering Heights with Margot Robbie. Fashionistas will also be excited by The Devil Wears Prada 2.
Hotel openings
The hospitality scene looks set to be exciting in London in 2026, with a wave of new hotel openings across the capital. From luxury flagships and boutique venues, here’s what to expect. Highlights include Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria, ERGON House Covent Garden, House of Gods, and Newman Hotel. Plus, Six Senses will make its debut in London, opening in the former Whiteleys department store.
King Charles III England Coast Path
Put on your walking shoes. Set to be completed in spring 2026, the King Charles III England Coast Path will become the world’s longest continuous managed coastal walking route. Stretching an impressive 2,700 miles around England’s entire coastline, the trail connects cliffs, beaches, cities, national parks and hidden coastal gems. The route opens up previously inaccessible stretches of shoreline and showcases England’s natural beauty.
London Museum
The London Museum aims to capture the spirit of the capital. Opening before the end of 2026, it will open early and close late, and aims to showcase the 24-hour nature of the city. Located in Smithfield, the permanent galleries will open first. Temporary exhibitions will open in 2028.
Mundo Pixar Experience
London is set to welcome the world’s largest immersive exhibition celebrating Pixar Animation Studios, Mundo Pixar Experience. Located in Wembley Park, it opens on 13 February, offering fans the chance to step into the worlds of Pixar’s most iconic films, including Cars, Toy Story and Up. After wowing audiences in Belgium, Brazil, Mexico and Spain, it is now making its debut in the United Kingdom.
New Year’s Day Parade
The London New Year’s Day Parade will take place at 1pm on 1 January. Beginning at Piccadilly and ending at Westminster, the parade promises to be jam-packed with festivities, music and good vibes to ring in the New Year. The procession will run from 1pm to 4.30pm, starting outside The Ritz London, heading into Piccadilly Circus, down Regent Street, into Pall Mall, past Trafalgar Square, along Whitehall, and ending at Westminster.
Oxford Street pedestrianisation
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street. Set to take place in the second half of 2026, the area between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street will be closed to motorised vehicles, buses, taxis and private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs. Buses will be rerouted along Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place.
Queen Elizabeth II Centenary
It’s time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II. Born on 21 April 1926, there will be commemorations and cultural events throughout the year. Buckingham Palace will host Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, the largest-ever exhibition of the late Queen’s wardrobe, featuring around 200 items of her iconic fashion. Life Through a Royal Lens, showcasing over 100 iconic royal photographs, will tour venues including Blenheim Palace and The Amelia Scott.
Quentin Blake Centre
On your marks, get set, sketch. The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is set to open in May 2026. Located in Clerkenwell, London, it will include three galleries within a former waterworks. The venue will showcase the art of illustration and host regular exhibitions. The collection will include original works from both established and emerging artists, as well as pieces from Quentin Blake’s own archive.
Restaurant openings
The UK dining scene will continue to flourish in 2026, with new restaurant openings, chef-led concepts and boundary-pushing menus. Highlights include Burro from Conor Gadd, MA/NA from the Thesleff Group, and Trèsind making its way from Dubai to London. Plus, Simpson’s in the Strand will be getting a magical makeover, courtesy of celebrated restaurateur Jeremy King.
Sharjah Flights
FACT can be found in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. So, we were excited to hear about Sharjah making travel easier between the UK and the UAE. Air Arabia has announced the launch of its new service between Sharjah and London. The addition of the route marks a milestone for the airline and its growing network out of Sharjah International Airport.
Shopping in London
London is home to dazzling department stores. In 2026, we are looking forward to a range of new shops opening. Highlights include Skims and Topshop. Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims will be opening on Regent Street, and Topshop will be opening inside John Lewis.
Sport in London
London is home to top sporting events, from football to cricket. Throughout the year, you can look forward to the FA Cup final in May. Over the summer, there is a season of sport with the Ashes, Royal Ascot and Wimbledon.
Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary
Get ready to celebrate a London institution. In 2026, the Southbank Centre will mark a magnificent milestone – 75 years. The venue first opened as part of the legendary Festival of Britain in 1951. To celebrate the anniversary, it will host the You Are Here festival. Running from 3 to 4 May, it will be directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle. The weekend promises a celebration of British youth culture. Expect performances, immersive art exhibitions, and thousands of participants who will bring the space to life in spectacular style.
Theatre in London
London’s theatre scene will shine in 2026, with major productions, star-studded casts and new work. Highlights include Cynthia Erivo in Dracula, Paul Mescal at the National Theatre, and the Royal Court’s 70th anniversary shows, which include Gary Oldman and Tilda Swinton. Plus, stars ranging from Susan Sarandon to Sadie Sink will make appearances throughout the year.
Women’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will take place across England in June and July 2026, and shines a spotlight on women. Showcasing the very best of women’s cricket, the tournament will bring world-class sport to iconic venues nationwide. Matches will be held in cities including Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Southampton, and, of course, London.
V&A East Museum opening
The long-awaited V&A East Museum will open its doors on 18 April. Located in East London, the new museum will showcase fashion, design, performance and popular culture through innovative exhibitions and programming. The space aims to engage with new audiences and includes exciting new cafés and restaurants.
Winnie-the-Pooh turns 100
Winnie-the-Pooh turns 100, with special celebrations centred around Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood. The milestone anniversary promises a nostalgic year of storytelling, countryside escapes and cultural celebrations.
