🎉 Carnival Countdown: Warm-Up Activities for the Bank Holiday Weekend

The August Bank Holiday is almost here and you know what that means — long weekend, sunshine (hopefully, you never know with this country! ☀️), and summer Carnival vibes in full swing. But before you hit Notting Hill and throw shapes to steel drums, why not kick things off with some epic warm-up activities around London?

Whether you're planning a staycation or coming into the city for some summer fun, we’ve rounded up the best bank holiday activities in London to get you in the mood. First on the list (and trust us, you don’t want to miss this)…

🧠 Quiz Room London – The Ultimate Pre-Carnival Brain Buster 💙💛

If you're looking for unique group activities in London, Quiz Room London needs to be your first stop. Forget boring pub quizzes – this is like walking into your very own TV game show. Flashing lights, podiums, dramatic music – all that’s missing is Ant and Dec (but you won't even notice they're not there).

Quiz Room London is the UK’s first immersive quiz experience, and it’s perfect for friends, families, colleagues – even that one mate who always says they’d win The Chase. Choose your battle mode with their wide range of different quizzes, and go head-to-head in fast-paced trivia rounds on everything from music and movies to general knowledge and scandalous celebrity facts. But wait – there's a twist...

Get your team ready – and test your trust issues with The Mole. Yup, in this sabotage mode, someone in your group is secretly lying to you. Ever wanted to be on The Traitors? Think you could easily fool your mates? The Mole is the quiz for you! Suspicion, laughter, and the kind of betrayal that only a game can inspire? That’s the perfect warm-up for any wild Bank Holiday weekend if you ask us! 😂

Whether you're a local or just visiting, Quiz Room London is one of the top things to do on a Bank Holiday in London. Plus, it's located in the heart of the city, so you’re only a hop away from your next adventure.

🔗 Book your quiz experience here and start the Bank Holiday weekend with a bang!

🎶 Rooftop Bars & Bottomless Brunches – Sip in Style!

After you've proven your quiz-worthy credentials, it's time to reward yourself with some Bank Holiday brunch action. London’s packed with rooftop spots where you can sip mimosas and soak up the skyline.

From Pergola Paddington to Bar Elba in Waterloo, there’s no shortage of rooftop bars in London just waiting to be your next sky-high day drinking destination. Book a bottomless brunch, grab your sunnies, and enjoy the good vibes before Carnival kicks off good and proper. 🍹

🛍️ Explore the Markets – Culture, Crafts, and Carnival Fits

Nothing says “Bank Holiday in London” like wandering through the city’s many buzzing markets. Camden, Portobello, and Brick Lane are perfect for picking up Carnival-ready outfits, delicious street food, or just people-watching with a coffee in hand. You might even find some glitter or feathers to give your look that final festive touch. 💃🏽✨

Perfect if you're after cheap things to do in London this bank holiday (unless you cave and buy that vintage jacket you definitely don’t need! Don’t worry, we’ve all been there…).

🎭 Outdoor Cinema Nights – Chill Before the Thrill

Need a bit of downtime before dancing in the streets? No problem at all!

London’s range of outdoor cinemas have got you covered. Catch a film under the stars at Luna Cinema, Backyard Cinema, or Rooftop Film Club. Bring a blanket, grab some popcorn, and let the summer vibes wash over you. 🌃

Tip: Go for a musical (Grease or Mamma Mia, anyone?) to stay in that Carnival spirit. Because who ever needed vocal chords, right?!🎶

🏞️ Hyde Park Chill-Out – Picnic & People-Watch

When in doubt, grab some mates, pack a picnic, and head to Hyde Park (or Greenwich Park, if you fancy riverside views). Parks are perfect for laid-back Bank Holiday vibes – think card games, a bottle of prosecco, and a whole day of lazy sunbathing. It’s also a great breather if you're building up energy for Notting Hill Carnival the next day.

London’s Royal Parks make for some of the best chill days out in London, perfect for any Bank Holiday plans! Scope out some of the best picnic spots in the city, and keep an eye out for free outdoor activities that may be going on. Treat yourself to an ice cream if the sun’s out (or an umbrella if not! 🌧️).

🥁 Get in the Carnival Mood – Live Music & Pre-Parties

Carnival isn’t just a two-day affair. Loads of bars and clubs across the city host pre-Carnival parties with live DJs, soca, reggae, and afrobeat. Head to venues like Pop Brixton, Colours Hoxton, or Night Tales to dance into the night before the main event even begins. 💃🏾🕺

Whether you're a first-timer or a Carnival veteran, this is your chance to stretch those dancing muscles and really feel the rhythm. Bust out your best moves - even dad dancing looks cool if you have enough confidence 😎

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