I'm almost done planning a trip to London for Aug. 23-26, and I just realized that it's a bank holiday for the country. Is this going to affect what I can do and see in and around London? What is closed and what stays open? Thanks for any input!

Well we Brits are all out and about as well so all sites and shops will be open as normal.

Thanks so much. That puts my mind at ease. What exactly is the Bank Holiday?

Bank Holiday is basically just a public holiday. Some people work and some don't.

Don't miss Notting Hill Carnival that weekend - it's a BIG event in London!

Sounds neat. What's the carnival all about, and is it easy to get by subway from the Gloucester station? What other events are going on during the weekend?

It's our last chance to enjoy the summer weather, so of course it always rains on the August Bank Holiday.

The Notting Hill Carnival is a massive Caribbean Street parade/Party - dancing, music, amazing costumes. I guess it's our version of Rio! Crowds are huge, but if you don't mind that then it's a lot of fun. Don't carry valuables swinging from a handbag as, as with all public gatherings, it's a mecca for petty thieves.

http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/NottingHill03/general/

You're very close by Tube to the Carnival, just a couple of stops away. The website above should give you details of how to get there.

It's the biggest event happening in London that weekend.