The best things to do in London this August bank holiday weekend

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. As Notting Hill Carnival makes its annual dance and Banksy artwork is still sprayed on the city’s walls, here are our top picks of things to do in London this August bank holiday. Free Dance at Notting Hill Carnival open image in gallery Weave through west London in the Notting Hill Carnival parades London’s biggest street party makes its annual appearance in west London during the August bank holiday – and Notting Hill Carnival’s iconic celebration of Caribbean culture is not to be missed. Sunday and Monday parades are free to attend Read our Notting Hill Carnival guide here Cruise the canals of Little Venice open image in gallery Take a London Waterbus to cruise through London To beat the bank holiday crowds, take to London’s waterways and float from Little Venice to the creative culinary stalls of Camden Market on a canal boat. Free Read our guide on where to find Banksy artwork in London Picnic with Great Scotland Yard Hotel open image in gallery Great Scotland Yard Hotel and Veuve Clicquot are raising the bar for picnics For the ultimate summer picnic, Great Scotland Yard Hotel has partnered with Veuve Clicquot to put on an alfresco spread of chicken coronation sandwiches, cheesecake mousse and macerated strawberries in St James’s Park.