From Pride to Eel Pie Island: Five things to do in London this weekend July 1-3

With the summer season well underway, it’s the perfect time to pack days out in the capital into your busy weekend schedule.

From free coffee in exchange for good deeds to London’s world-famous Pride Parade, there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s our top five recommendations for things to do this weekend.

1. Pride Parade

Hyde Park Corner - Whitehall Place Saturday July 2 12noon - 6pm Free

London’s Pride Parade is back after two years and will be bigger and better than before.

Celebrating 50 years since the first Pride took place in the United Kingdom, the march will include hundreds of performances from artists across four stages.

This years slogan is #AllOurPride and plans to recognise and embrace the different ways that the world celebrates Pride.

Stage areas will be set up at Golden Square, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square, as well as a family area in St Giles Church Yard.

2. NeighbourGood Cafe

12 Sidworth St, London E8 3SD June 30 - July 2 - 8am - 4pm Good deeds

The NeighbourGood Cafe is bringing neighbours together to reignite the community spirit that blossomed over lockdown.

Based in Hackney, customers can pay for food and drinks with the simple pledge of a good neighbourly deed.

The cafe will encourage people to reconnect with their local community, try locally-sourced goods and learn more about the people living in the area.

NeighbourGood Cafe is dog friendly and visitors are invited to hang out, play some board games and feel inspired by local heroes.

3. Secret Thames island

Eel Pie Island, Twickenham July 2&3 11am -6pm No tickets required

If you’re fancying something a little more adventurous this weekend then visit Eel Pie Island.

The 8.935 acre island in the River Thames at Twickenham is only open to the public twice a year for a art studio tours.

Hidden away from the public, Eel Pie Island is accessible by boat or from the left bank by a footbridge.

The island is rich in musical history and was once the centre of the UK’s rock and roll music scene, hosting gigs from the Rolling Stones to Pink Floyd and Eric Clapton.

If you are cycling please leave your bikes on the mainland.

4. Sunday Papers Live

Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, London NW1 7AY Sunday July 3 - 12.30pm - 10pm Tickets cost £39.50 (Children under 12 are free)

The cosiest event in London has announced it will be bringing the broadsheets back to life once more for its 19th edition.

Sunday Papers Live is an all day homage to the shared joy of Sundays and brings to life every section of the Sunday Papers.

Speakers include Ed Milliband and the programme is packed full of performances, guided walks, roasts and talks from a host of incredible speakers.

The 700 capacity event is throwing open its doors and inviting its audience inside for a diverse lineup that has everything from the serious to the silly.

5. Wimbledon

Now - July 10 Free big screen viewings across London

The most iconic British summer time sporting event is back and it’s time to grab your tennis whites and your strawberries and cream.

Wimbledon’s famous queue is back as people are desperate to get their hands on centre court tickets.

However, if you’re a tennis enthusiast and without a ticket there are many big screens showing the sport across the capital.

From Granary Square to Flat Iron Square there are plenty of spaces to watch all the highlights for the next few days.