AboutLondon Laura – July 2026
I’ll tell you more about my recent London trip below, but first, here’s some news that should appeal.
Book Now!
The British Museum Bayeux Tapestry exhibition tickets go on sale today (1 July) for September to December 2026 tickets. The exhibition is on from 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027.
My alternative suggestion is a trip to Reading Museum to see Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry. Yes, we have our own full-size copy of the famous embroidery, and it’s free to visit! I went there a few weeks ago and enjoyed being able to see it all without any crowds.
Reading is on the Elizabeth Line, making it easy to reach from London, and just a 5-minute walk from the station to the museum.
Opening Date Announced
London Museum (formerly The Museum of London) has announced its Smithfield location opening will be on 28 November 2026. It’ll cover 450,000 years of history through seven million objects drawn from across all of London’s 33 boroughs.
Oh, and I reckon a lot will go just for the six-metre viewing window, where you can see live Thameslink trains rumbling through the galleries!
You can sign up for priority access here. It’s just a shame the brand marketing has chosen a pigeon with glitter poo as a symbol of this world city.
David Hockney Died
I was really sad to hear that British artist David Hockney died on 11 June. An incredibly influential artist for seven decades, he died at 88 years old.
I enjoyed his iPad paintings at A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about Painting – the current exhibition at Serpentine Gallery North. It’s on until 23 August.
Afternoon Tea Award Winners
I had the pleasure of assisting with the judging again this year for the Afternoon Tea Awards. I experienced one of the big winners and other venues that received Awards of Excellence, too.
Museum of Youth Culture
This new museum has, at last, opened. The Museum of Youth Culture is the world's first museum dedicated to the lives of teenagers and young people. It’s in Camden and looks well worth a visit.
I lived in Camden for many years and had a lot of great nights out and a lot of fun there. I’m looking forward to reminiscing and celebrating the exuberance of youth.
London Transport Museum Transformation
London Transport Museum has announced a major transformation ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2030. There will be a new entrance opening directly onto Covent Garden Piazza, and an extra 500 square metres of space inside. The museum will remain open during the works.
My Recent London Trip
I included my trip planning in last month’s newsletter. I did get to most of the places on the list, but the one I want to highlight is Jack White: These Thoughts May Disappear at Newport Street Gallery.
I’ve read some terrible reviews of this exhibition. Really scathing stuff. But I loved it. And isn’t that great? That we can all have different opinions and the world still turns.
There’s a lot of found junk covered in poured paint and resin, which makes it a bright a colourful display. I’ve never seen a chromed wooden pallet before. And I didn’t know that Jack White used to run an upholstery business. I left feeling happy and inspired.
So, whether this contemporary art is for you or not, it’s a good reminder that a negative review doesn’t always mean it’s not worth your time.
What’s Happening This Month?
Some of the recommendations from last month are still good for July.
St Martin-in-the-Fields has 300 Years at the Heart and on the Edge – a free exhibiton in the foyer about the Trafalgar Square venue’s 300 year history.
Waldmüller: Landscapes is at the National Gallery from 2 July. It’s the first ever UK exhibition of paintings by the Austrian 19th-century artist, and it’s free to see.
Richard Dadd: Beyond Bedlam opens at the Royal Academy on 25 July. This Victorian artist constructed fairytale worlds and compelling compositions inspired by Shakespeare.
The most easy-going festival of the summer – The Idler Festival – is at Fenton House in Hampstead on 10-12 July. Performers this year will include Prue Leith, Irvine Welsh, Jojo Moyes and Nigel Planer.
Trent Park ‘‘House of Secrets’ opens as London’s newest museum on 20 July. The historic country house in Enfield played a key role in Britain’s intelligence in the Second World War, comparable in importance to Bletchley Park.
Alfies Antiques Market opened in a rambling old department store on Church Street, Marylebone, in 1976. It’s 50th birthday is on 9 July but you can visit London’s biggest indoor antique and vintage market Tuesday to Saturday every week.
Take the kids to Hampton Court Palace this summer as Dennis the Menace and friends have a trail to enjoy. It’s on from 25 July to 23 August.
Hampton Court Palace also has Henry VIII’s 1526 Joust on 11-12 and 18-19 July.
And finally, do you know about the Guildhall Library online events? Usually free, there are in-person and online talks, collection-focused presentations, and more.