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Welcome to my list of things to do in London for August 2018.
What a summer it's been. Endless sunshine beating down on the streets of the Metropolis, almost to the point where it became unbearable!
And, with the autumn months fast closing in, I wanted to emphasize some of the great outdoor things you can do in London during what remains of the coming months.
However, I want to begin the list with a suggestion to visit the wonderful Temple of Mithras, a truly fascinating location in the heart of the City of London.
Keeping on the Roman theme, I have also included details of one of the most impressive remnants of the Roman wall that can be enjoyed close to Tower Hill.
Have you ever visited St Paul's Cathedral on Vauxhall Bridge? Well, that's another rare opportunity to enjoy on this month's list.
So, all in all, this month's list should keep you active as we head into the autumn of 2018.
I'll be doing a special Bank Holiday weekend ghost walk on Saturday 25th August, 2018 at 7.30pm Click here for full details.
Then, on the morning of Sunday 26th August, 2018, the "Charles Dickens in Southwark" tour will set out at 11am. Click here for full details.
The Secret London walk will take place at 2pm that afternoon Click here for full details..
On Tuesday, 28th August, 2018, The Inns of Court Walk will set out to explore one of London's loveliest and historic enclaves. Click here for full details..
Finally, on Saturday 1st September, the Great Fire of London Walk will blaze through the streets of the City following the trail of destruction left by the conflagration. Click here for full details.
I look forward to saying "hello" to old and new friends alike.
So, all in all, there are some great locations to get out and about to in London and, as per usual, they're all free, so enjoy.
Just to remind you that I also post updates and additional venues on our Facebook page, so you might like to join us and like us (as in Facebook likes!) to ensure you're kept fully up to date on what's happening in London during the weeks ahead.
As ever, if something changes in the weeks ahead I will put the update on the Facebook Page, in order not to bombard you with emails.
So, without further ado, here is my August 2018 list of ten things to do in London.
It seems like ages ago probably because it was ages ago - that the temple of Mithras disappeared from the spot it had occupied, in front of a nondescript, post-war, office building, ever since its re-discovery in the aftermath of World War Two, and went into storage whilst Bloomberg's European headquarters was being built on its site.
But now, it's back and has been incorporated into the new development of Bloomberg's new European headquarters.
Visitors can look forward experiencing a "new cultural hub," that "showcases the ancient temple, a selection of the remarkable Roman artefacts found during the recent excavations, and a series of contemporary art commissions responding to one of the UK's most significant archaeological sites."
The bad news is that the tickets have been snapped up, and 12,000 visits have been booked since it went live.
The good news is that they keep a few tickets back for people who just turn up.
Of all this month's offerings, this one is a definite must!
So many people walk along the Strand, and don't notice a series of headless and armless statues on a ledge located at the Strand's junction with Agar Street.
It is a great pity, because these statues were the first major work of the sculptor Jacob Epstein, and, when they were first placed here, in 1908, they caused an absolute scandal!
Full Details On This WebsiteHere's what the website says about what promises to be a truly enjoyable few days:-
"This August Bank Holiday weekend Culture Mile will take over the markets in Smithfield as well as the surrounding streets, lanes and hidden spaces around Farringdon for a FREE, fun-filled festival spectacular.
Smithfield 150 celebrates the 150th anniversary of Smithfield Markets and will showcase the best of London's vibrant culture and creativity all for FREE.
Have a cocktail at the Roller Disco, dance at the main stage, be disgusted by London's gory past with Horrible Histories, watch Stealing Sheep's all-female percussion procession, invent party drinks with Company Drinks or let little ones chill-out at their own mini-festival hangout as part of London's biggest birthday party.
Smithfield 150's extensive programme extends across six festival zones and two stages, a selection of the most exciting talent, music, food and entertainments from across the capital set against a stunning Victorian backdrop."
Before you know, it'll be Christmas, and we'll be wondering what stocking-fillers we can get for the kids or the grandchildren's delectation.
Well, here's an idea.
For five days, at the end of August, 2018, the Mr. Men "bookmobile" will be travelling across the country giving away 10,000 books to encourage children and parents alike to read more.
On Tuesday, 28th August the mobile arrives on London's South Bank, and here is what their website says about the events:-
"With help from celebrity Rochelle Humes at the event in London, we will be inviting families and children to come along and pick up their free Mr. Men book and vitamin samples throughout the five-day tour.
There will also be the chance to meet a 3D life-size Mr. Strong, who can be brought to life using AR technology."
Full DetailsRoll up, roll up! Prepare to be bowled over at Science Museum Lates in August, celebrating 250 years of the circus.
Learn to juggle, hone your hula hoop skills and discover the science involved in orchestrating physical feats of acrobatic daring.
Find out more about the history of the big top—from the flea circus to the freak show and the maths behind the magic—with Queen Mary University of London and science presenter Neil Monteiro.
Meet unicyclists, magicians, clowns, stilt walkers and mime artists as you go behind the scenes to uncover the technical skill and scientific know-how that creates the thrill of a day at the circus.
Plus, all the regular Lates highlights are waiting for you to enjoy, including live music and the best silent disco in town.
At Leytonstone Station you can enjoy a series of mosaics that remember legendary film director Alfred Hitchcock.
He was born in 1899, on nearby Leyton High Road, and these murals show scenes from his life and his films.
Did you know that you can actually see St Paul's Cathedral on Vauxhall Bridge?
Yes, on, as opposed to from.
When the bridge was built in the early 20th century, it was decided to adorn it with a group of statues depicting various things that the Edwardians valued.
Amongst them was a statue that represented architecture; and, let's be honest, what better item for architecture to hold in the palm of her hand than a perfectly scaled down model of St Paul's Cathedral?
More InformationSomerset House is, without doubt, one of the gems of London.
It is a glorious building to explore, and, each Tuesday, you can do so in the company of guides who are both knowledgeable and passionate.
A special highlight of the tour includes access to Strand Lane "Roman?" Baths.
Step out of Tower Hill Underground station, and you will find yourself confronted by one of the most impressive remnants of London's old City wall.
Begun by the Romans, and added to and heightened by successive waves of invaders and residents, this relic of bygone London has a fascinating history and is well worth discovering for yourself.
Full Details On This WebsiteFor 87 years England's most unique railway line transported coffins and mourners from Waterloo to Brookwood Cemetery and, in the case of the mourners, back again.
Closed, following bomb damage during the Second World War, the facade of the London Necropolis railway office can still be seen on Westminster Bridge Road.
People pass it, day in and day out, without realising the fascainting, and slightly spooky, history that lies behind it.
Full Details On This Website