Ten unmissable ways to spend this August Bank Holiday weekend in Knightsbridge
1. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits at the Paradox Museum
Right opposite Harrods on Brompton Road, the Paradox Museum is a brilliant place to have some mind-boggling fun. Optical illusions, interactive installations, rooms that make no visual sense whatsoever. Highly recommended if you have children with you. Also recommended if you don’t.
2. Book afternoon tea
The bank holiday is the perfect timing for a relaxed afternoon, with a touch of luxury. The Rosebery at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London is a local favourite: ‘a refined tribute to the heritage and ceremony of the British monarchy, elevated with a touch of contemporary flair’. The Lanesborough is a classic alternative and is currently Bridgerton-themed. The limited-edition menu pays homage to the Regency era and the much-loved characters of Bridgerton Season 4.
3. Discover that Harrods is already set for Christmas
No need to wait, Harrods has officially opened its Christmas shop. Get your hands on those 2026 baubles early. If Christmas in August isn’t quite your thing, then the Food Halls are as magnificent as ever. Have a wander through the Ground Floor, taste the flavours and bring home something exceptional for Bank Holiday Monday.
4. Walk down to Exhibition Road
Live science shows, interactive experiences, and free galleries – the Science Museum offers a packed programme of family-friendly activities. It’s the last chance to visit the free Future of Food exhibition, which explores how science is helping to create more sustainable ways of growing, making, cooking and eating food. Well worth a look.
5. Book a table on CLAP’s terrace for a sunset cocktail
CLAP’s seventh-floor rooftop bar looks straight out over Harrods and the London skyline, and it’s one of those spots that earns its reputation. Japanese-inspired cocktails, bar bites, DJ sets later in the evening. The Golden Hours menu offers expertly crafted cocktails, bubbles and rosé from £9.50.
6. Make the most of the last weekend of Plated
London’s newest dining festival wraps up at the end of this month, with more than 30 Knightsbridge and Chelsea venues still running exclusive menus and one-off dishes. This is the final weekend. If you haven’t booked something yet, now is the moment: plated.london
7. Take a boat out on the Serpentine
Fancy a leisurely row? Boating on the Serpentine is a different way to explore Hyde Park. They now offer electric pedalo boats (as well as rowing boats and manual pedalos) for hire. Booking isn’t essential, just turn up at the boathouse.
8. Book a spa day or wellness treatment
It’s the weekend for a summer staycation. The Bvlgari Hotel Spa spans two levels and has a 25-metre pool, 11 treatment rooms, and a full fitness studio. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London is the other local option, with expert therapists to pamper you with a range of indulgent treatments, from soothing massages to revitalising facials.
9. Pop into EL&N
La Plage D’EL&N is a Mediterranean summer-inspired menu, and you can get 10% off if you mention “Plated festival” on arrival. Think Sicilian lemon pasta, burrata and heritage tomatoes, golden croquettes, crisp Greek salads, olives, gelato and affogatos – all designed for grazing, sharing and lingering a little longer under the summer sun.
10. Explore our rooftop guide for some fine dining
We updated The Knightsbridge Edit’s guide to the best terraces and garden restaurants earlier in the summer. The list still stands, and you’ll find a whole host of alfresco dining options to explore, including The Emory, The Grill on Fifth and The Berkeley.
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