This is a sponsored article in partnership with Santander Cycles.
There are few things that put a smile on people’s faces quite like a bank holiday weekend, with the summer bank holiday falling on 30 August. So, if you’re lucky enough to have the day off work, get ready to experience the very best London has to offer.
No matter what your interests, there’s plenty to do in London over the bank holiday weekend - and a great way to get around the city is with Santander Cycles.
For just £2 for unlimited 30-minute journeys over a 24-hour period, Santander Cycles offer great value for money when it comes to travelling around the city. What’s more, with over 12,000 Santander Cycles at circa 800 docking stations across London, getting where you want to go has never been easier.
We’ve compiled a list of interesting places to visit over the bank holiday weekend, along with the closest docking stations to pick up and dock your Santander Cycles.
All Points East Music Festival
Location: Victoria Park
Nearest docking stations: Cadogan Gate or Gascoyne Road (all 0.0km away)
Running from 27 – 30 August, All Points East Music Festival is a must-visit for music fans.
Making its highly anticipated return, this year’s amazing line-up includes Foals, Jamie XX, Bombay Bicycle Club, and London Grammar.
The nearest Santander Cycles docking stations are located near the east-side Cadogan Gate, or on the north side at Queen’s Gate, and there are several more dotted around every side of the park.
A festival ‘passionate about making a positive impact on the local community,’ All Points East is high on the list for music lovers. Here’s where you can find tickets and more information.
Yam Carnival
Location: Clapham Common
Nearest docking stations: Clapham Common Station, Victoria Rise, Clapham Common North Side (all 0.0km away)
A celebration of Black culture, Yam Carnival will hold its first event on Saturday 28 August in Clapham Common.
Created by the team behind Afronation, the day-long carnival will feature performances from names such as Nigerian-American singer Davido and American DJ Honey Dijon. As well as musical acts, the festival will also shine a light on The Masquerade, one of Africa’s strongest bonds of cultural commonality.
Foodies will also rejoice in the selection of African-influenced food trucks and chefs from all over London.
Three Santander Cycles docking stations can also be found across the north-side of Clapham Common so getting to the event is a breeze.
Check out the Yam Carnival website for tickets and more information.
London Accessory Week
Location: Black Swan Studios, Bermondsey
Nearest docking station: Tyers Gate (0.14km away)
London Accessory Week will run between 27 - 29 August and it’s the perfect event for fashion lovers. If you’d like a sneak peek of the latest pieces from a range of independent designers - London Accessory Week is the place to be.
What’s more, the nearest docking station is just around the corner, less than a minute away from the venue.
This wonderful world of fashion accessories includes exhibitions showcasing upcoming designs and workshops where you’ll be taught the craft of accessories and designer studios.
You’ll also get the chance to look around the accessory market where you can get your hands on some fashion essentials.
That's So Pink Afternoon Tea
Location: Duo Camden - Bar - Restaurant - Club, Camden Town
Nearest docking station: Arlington Road (0.12km away)
If you happen to love the colour pink as much as you adore a quintessentially English afternoon tea, then you’re in for a real treat on 28 and 29 August when That's So Pink afternoon tea sets up shop at DUO in Camden Town!
There are several docking stations in and around Camden Town. The closest is on Arlington Road just a short stroll away.
All the guests will be presented with a gorgeous birdcage with a selection of mouth-watering desserts and sandwiches. With creamy pistachio eclairs, vanilla panna cotta and a range of macarons on the menu. Prepare to be stuffed by the end of it.
Patrons will also be served an Earl Grey tea in a fancy (and Instagramable) tea pot or a mocktail of your choice.
Here’s where you can find tickets and more information.
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
Location: Various events taking place across Greenwich, the City of London, Canary Wharf, Thamesmead, and the Royal Docks.
Nearest docking station: Here’s where you can find the nearest docking station that serve the City of London and Canary Wharf.
From 27 August, the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF) will be showcasing a range of outdoor and largely free performing arts productions across London.
With many shows suitable for the whole family, the GDIF 2021 will be celebrating humanity’s reconnection with the natural world with an array of audacious and compelling exhibitions.
GDIF 2021 performances are running until 11 September and there really is something for everyone.
Sketch on the Square
Location: The National Gallery/Trafalgar Square
Nearest docking stations: Craven Street, Strand or St. Martin’s Street, West End
The National Gallery's Sketch on the Square is a free activity running every day throughout August, delivered in partnership with the Mayor of London’s Let’s Do London campaign. 30 easels will be set up in the iconic Trafalgar Square, just waiting for you to bring your creativity to life.
These sessions are led by live artists, who will be on hand to help guide you through your masterpiece.
It doesn’t matter about your age or skill level, this is an amazing opportunity to learn from the best and broaden your knowledge about the history of art.
For tickets and more information about drop-in events, check out their online programme.
South Ken Green Trial
Location: Various hubs and installations across South Kensington.
Nearest docking stations: Here’s where you can find the nearest docking station for stops along the trail.
Until mid-October, South Kensington is coming alive with exciting new installations and a green trail for visitors, delivered in partnership with the Mayor of London’s Let’s Do London campaign. Discover pop-up nature hubs and installations created by architects, artists and garden designers and be inspired by new ideas for a greener future.
To find out more about all the different installations and download the trail map, check out their website here.
From music and culture to food and fashion, there’s something for everyone this bank holiday weekend in London - and Santander Cycles are there to make sure you get around London and enjoy the summer sunshine at the same time.
You can find out more about Santander Cycles and how to benefit from a membership here.