Chiswick House Dog Show

Now in its 22nd year, this is one of London's great daft-and-lovely institutions: 17 classes ranging from Waggiest Tail and Best Groomed to My Dog's Got Talent, plus a Fancy Dress round this year taking its cue from The Traitors. You don't need to enter to enjoy it — turning up to watch other people's dogs attempt "Golden Oldie" is a perfectly good afternoon on its own.

It's free to spectate, set on the cricket pitch within Chiswick House's grand grounds, and about as easy-going a family outing as London gets. Entering a class costs £6 and popular ones sell out, so book ahead on the show's own site if your dog has main-character energy.