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Things to do in London this August bank holiday weekend – nine activities in the city

MOST Brits will be using this long bank holiday weekend as an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunny weather as a second heatwave sweeps through August.

So if you want to make the most out this bank holiday, we've got you covered. Here are London's top nine spots to visit - either with family or solo.

The Monster Obstacle Course, Alexandra Palace

 The fun-filled monster obstacle course for adults runs from August 23-28
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The fun-filled monster obstacle course for adults runs from August 23-28Credit: www.alexandrapalace.com

The world’s largest  pitches up for at Ally Pally, with 300m of bouncy fun.

Book your time slot and take part in a Nerf battle as you tackle the course.

Finish up with less active things to do such as drag queen karaoke, mega beer pong and a glitter wheel.

Tickets cost £20-£25 and you can .

The fun-filled event runs from August 23-28.

Notting Hill Carnival

 Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's largest street event
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Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's largest street eventCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Tens of thousands of colourful revellers are descending on posh West London to party at Notting Hill Carnival this weekend.

The annual event, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday, is Europe's largest street event.

The "Family Day" of the Carnival kicks off at 6am on Sunday and there are many events throughout the day.

All the sound systems and main stages will host acts and play music until 7pm when the Carnival will begin to wind down for the day.

Monday is the adults' party day with an all-day parade, music and sound systems from 12pm-7pm.

You can take a look at the to find out performance times and more information.

The event runs from August 25-26 and its free for all.

Borough Market

 Borough Market has been serving the people of Southwark for 1,000 years
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Borough Market has been serving the people of Southwark for 1,000 years

Borough Market is rich with history, but it remains as relevant now as it has ever been.

As London’s oldest food market, it has been serving the people of Southwark for 1,000 years, and that extraordinary heritage is an important part of its appeal.

You have to pay for the food, but there are plenty of free nibbles offered by stall owners to entice customers into buying some of their items.

The market is open on Saturday, August 24, but closed on Sunday and bank holiday Monday.

Peppa Pig: My First Concert

 The event is aimed at ages 2+, and is a relaxed performance, meaning it's alright if little ones fidget or make noise
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The event is aimed at ages 2+, and is a relaxed performance, meaning it's alright if little ones fidget or make noise

This event is perfect to bring the kids to - or you can go for your own bit of fun - we aren't judging you!

See Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig learn how to conduct an orchestra, and sing along to some songs.

The event is aimed at ages 2+, and is a relaxed performance, meaning it's alright if little ones fidget or make noise.

It takes place at the Southbank Centre and tickets range from £12-£20.

You can book these right .

National Portrait Gallery

 The National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900
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The National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900

This world-famous museum houses portraits of noted Britons from the Tudors to present day favourites like Ed Sheeran.

Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.

Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery is family favourite for a perfect day out in London - and it's free!

Crystal Palace Dinosaur Park

 The dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park were built in the 1850s by the sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
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The dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park were built in the 1850s by the sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

Crystal Palace Park, in South London, is home to an extraordinary collection of statues depicting dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.

These were built in the 1850s by the sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins.

They were the world’s first attempts to create life-size, scientifically accurate models of beasts known only from fossils.

The statues were based on brand-new, fragmentary evidence, plus the best scientific thinking of the day.

Manga Exhibition, British Museum

 The Manga exhibition takes place at the British Museum and tickets cost £19.50
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The Manga exhibition takes place at the British Museum and tickets cost £19.50Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Here you can learn all about Manga - the Japanese art form - from its early beginnings to modern subgenres.

No worries if you aren't quite familiar with what it is, as this is aimed for newbies as well as Manga-lovers.

It takes place at the British Museum and tickets cost £19.50.

You can buy tickets - but be quick, the exhibition ends August 26.

Spot a deer in Richmond Park

 Experience it for yourself by heading to the massive Richmond Park and see how many animals you can spot
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Experience it for yourself by heading to the massive Richmond Park and see how many animals you can spotCredit: Alamy Live News

London's parks offer great opportunities to come face-to-face with wildlife.

Experience it for yourself by heading to the massive Richmond Park and see how many animals you can spot.

And maybe have a picnic while you're at it!

Buckingham Palace

 Take a trip to see the stunning Buckingham Palace this weekend
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Take a trip to see the stunning Buckingham Palace this weekendCredit: Alamy

Take a trip to see the stunning Buckingham Palace and immerse yourself with the rich history and British culture the Royal Family get to wake up to every day.

Who knows, the Queen might even peep out of her window and wave back at you!

Notting Hill Carnival queens get the party started on day two of the festivities


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