Things to do in London in May 2026: Our picks for the month

Highlights in May include the newly opened V&A East Museum, the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta (11 May 2026) and the start of the new Regent's Park Open Air Theatre season (from 2 May 2026).

May is one of the best times to experience London. As well as two bank holiday weekends (2-4 May and 23-25 May), the city bursts into bloom and a vibrant calendar of seasonal events takes over the capital. From world-class flower shows and major music festivals to blockbuster exhibitions, there’s no shortage of things to do in London in May 2026.

Drawing on Visit London’s local expertise and insider knowledge of what’s happening across the city, we’ve curated this guide to showcase the very best of the month. Each recommendation has been selected for its cultural significance, visitor appeal and standout seasonal experiences, from the return of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to festival favourites such as Cross The Tracks and Mighty Hoopla.

Bookmark this page for updates, explore more ideas with the Visit London app, and start planning your perfect May in the capital.

1. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – Best for unique theatre experiences

The 2026 season of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre kicks off this month with a stellar programme of shows including a mix of new productions and eagerly anticipated returns. The world premiere of Sherlock Holmes (2 May to 6 June) gets things underway, with a thrilling new adventure directed by Sean Holmes (Pinocchio, The Merry Wives of Windsor). The chase through London begins as Holmes and Watson set out to uncover the mastermind behind a deadly conspiracy.

More highlights at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre this summer include a fresh take on Midsummer Night’s Dream (20 June to 18 July) and the eagerly anticipated return of CATS the Musical (25 July to 12 September).

2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour – Best for celebrating the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London invites Potterheads to celebrate 25 years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at the iconic studios. Explore original sets such as Diagon Alley, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, The Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest, along with authentic costumes including Harry’s invisibility cloak and Hagrid’s signature moleskin coat. To mark the anniversary, legendary moments from the first film will be brought to life throughout the tour, from house banners and floating hats suspended from the Great Hall ceiling to a brand-new space – Secrets of Sound – spotlighting how sound effects helped create the magic on screen. Be sure to pick up an activity passport to tick off key hotspots as you go.

3. London Craft Week – Best for creative types

London Craft Week is back with its biggest and boldest celebration to date, bringing together more than 1,000 makers, designers, brands and galleries to showcase British and international craft across the capital. The event – founded in 2015 by King Charles III and Queen Camilla – has grown into an inspiring platform featuring standout names and globally recognised brands. While the official 2026 programme is yet to be revealed (check back soon), highlights from the 2025 event saw eye-popping wooden furniture by Brodie Neill in striking forms across tables, shelves and mirrors, a leather workshop by British heritage brand Swaine at Beaverbrook Town House, and a showcase of 50 emerging artists at the Future Icons Selects exhibition in Shoreditch.

Keep your eyes peeled for cutting-edge installations at key locations across the capital including Battersea Power Station, Oxo Tower, Coal Drops Yard, and The V&A.

4. Grace Pervades at Theatre Royal Haymarket – Best for thought-provoking theatre

Celebrated British actor Ralph Fiennes, best known for his villainous Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter film series, returns to London’s West End in David Hare’s new play Grace Pervades, which explores the lives of Victorian theatre legends Henry Irving and Ellen Terry. The show charts their groundbreaking 20-year partnership at the Lyceum Theatre, revealing the tension between artistic ambition and life beyond the spotlight. This intimate drama offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of 19th-century theatre, delivering thought-provoking and quietly powerful moments.

5. GALA – Best for bank holiday vibes

GALA festival returns to London over the late May bank holiday for its tenth edition, taking over Peckham Rye Park for three days of innovative electronic music. This year’s stellar bill sees an eagerly anticipated homecoming for British grime artist Giggs, joined by CASISDEAD and Novelist. Other standouts performances include Saoirse, Sonja Moonear and Detroit in Effect, alongside a carefully curated mix of house, techno, disco and underground sounds across multiple stages. For 2026, the programme is shaped around the theme The Floor is Ours – a statement collective that places the dance floor in the hands of the communities that build and sustain it.

6. Nighttime bus tour – Best for landmark spotting

Tick off London’s biggest landmarks on a scenic open-top bus tour. Departing from the London Eye or Green Park, the 90-minute tour glides past Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the Shard, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, all illuminated against the glittering night sky. Enjoy sweeping views and live commentary from your onboard guide, who shares London’s storied history. It’s the perfect tour for first-time visitors or locals seeking a magical way to experience the capital after dark.

7. Affordable Art Fair Hampstead – Best for collectors on a budget

Head to the Affordable Art Fair Hampstead on Hampstead Heath to discover stunning artworks from a brilliant lineup of galleries from around the world. Highlights include pieces from Eye Contemporary Art Gallery in Hong Kong and Galerie Barrou Planquart in Paris, alongside contributions from UK favourites such as East London Printmakers. Expect a diverse mix of mediums – including collage, ceramics, sculpture and watercolour – created by both emerging and established artists. The fair’s mission is to make art accessible, with pieces starting at £100 and expert advice available to help you find the perfection addition for your home.

8. Day trip to Windsor, Oxford and Stonehenge – Best for city hopping

 

Adventure outside of London on a full-day luxury coach tour to three of the UK’s most historic destinations. Start at Windsor Castle, exploring the lavish State Apartments and St George’s Chapel – and don’t miss the Changing of the Guard on Thursdays and Saturdays. Marvel at Stonehenge and learn about its Neolithic stones before visiting the postcard-perfect streets of Bath. Explore the Roman Baths, Georgian architecture and Pulteney Bridge, then return to London in the evening having enjoyed a seamless mix of history, culture and iconic sights.

9. RHS Chelsea Flower Show – Best for green-fingered gardeners

Experience the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 at the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea this spring and brush shoulders with garden enthusiasts, celebrities and royals alike – think Dame Judi Dench, Mary Berry and Queen Camilla. Across five days, the show transforms the grounds into a hub of cutting-edge garden design, featuring 35 show gardens, innovative landscaping and expert-judged awards. Highlights include Tom Stuart-Smith’s East Asian-inspired Tate Garden, a sensory sanctuary for people with Parkinson’s, The Children’s Society Garden for teenagers, and a traditional Japanese courtyard celebrating harmony and community.

We recommend visiting The King’s Foundation Curious Garden, designed by Frances Tophill, which celebrates biodiversity and sustainable gardening while sparking curiosity among all ages.

You can also find some fabulous flower-themed events and experiences across the city, including a sumptuous Chelsea Flower Show-themed afternoon tea in the Palm Court at The Langham. Or, try the limited-edition champagne cocktail menu at Chateau Denmark in Soho.

10. May half-term activities – Best for famliy days out

Treat the kids to the ultimate day out in London this May half-term, with thrilling exhibitions, museums and activities across the city. Explore London’s past and present transport at the London Transport Museum (kids go free!), with groundbreaking designs including the first red bus and the world’s first underground steam train. Teens will love snapping a selfie with their favourite celebrity at Madame Tussauds, while little ones can uncover the marine world at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Don’t miss the spine-chilling London Dungeon and Shrek’s Adventure on the South Bank for even more family fun.

11. Wes Anderson: The Archives at the Design Museum – Best for film fans

Fans of Wes Anderson’s whimsical style should check out the Design Museum’s major exhibition charting the American filmmaker’s successful career. The first-ever retrospective brings together more than 600 items from Anderson’s films including the pink model of The Grand Budapest Hotel, the Fendi fur coat Gwyneth Paltrow wore as Margot Tenenbaum, and a screening of his 1993 short film Bottle Rocket. The exhibit is organised chronologically, showcasing rarely seen notebooks, sketches and scripts from his early career to his most recent short film, The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar (2023).

12. V&A East Museum – Best for fashionistas

After a decade of planning, the new branch of the Victoria & Albert Museum has opened on the East Bank in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. The museum features two free permanent Why We Make Galleries, showcasing more than 500 objects from the V&A’s global collection of art, architecture, design and fashion. Highlights include a 17th-century gown by Anna Maria Garthwaite, a 16th-century ornamental scent case, and Leigh Bowery and Mr Pearl’s fetish-inspired ballet costumes for Michael Clark Company’s 1987 production Because We Must. New commissions feature works by Yinka Ilori, eco-conscious fashion designer VIN + OMI, and zines from east London’s One of My Kind and Rabbits Road Press, with a rotating programme of contemporary artists including Turner Prize-nominated Rene Matić.

13. Rooftop Cinema Club – Best for couples

Rooftop Cinema Club has locations in Stratford and Peckham, offering three types of seating including deep-cushioned deck chairs and two-person love seats – ideal for those looking to snuggle on a double deckchair while watching their favourite film. While April screenings are yet to be announced, 2025 highlights included a mix of classics, new releases and screenings such as Crazy, Stupid, Love, Wicked, The Godfather and the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. Choose stone-baked pizzas, loaded fries and classic cinema snacks like popcorn and sweats, as well as craft cocktails and beer.

14. London’s parks and green spaces – Best for quiet contemplation

Take a break from sightseeing and head to St James’s Park – the capital’s oldest Royal park – where swathes of tulips and hyacinths signal spring in London. Richmond Park impresses with its herds of deer and open grassland, while Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill offer breathtaking skyline views. Regent’s Park and Greenwich Park are known for their stunning flower beds with tulips and cherry blossoms lining the paths. Elsewhere, Kensington Gardens delights with its ponds, terraces and the tranquil Sunken Garden – famously a favourite of Princess Diana’s and home to her memorial.

15. The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre – Best for fans of the hit films

As the hotly anticipated sequel of the cult 2006 film finally hits cinemas on 1 May, celebrate in style with tickets to the musical adaptation, currently playing at the Dominion Theatre. London's The Devil Wears Prada is a hilariously fun and fabulously stylish West End show packed with memorable one-liners, featuring original music by Sir Elton John. Rediscover all your favourite characters on stage, from Andy to Miranda, and relive their best moments, before finding out what happened next in cinemas.

16. Mighty Hoopla at Brockwell Park – Best for pop icons

Britain’s largest pop festival is back at Brockwell Park this year, with headliners including Lily Allen performing her new album West End Girl and feel-good vibes from the Scissor Sisters. There’s also a long-awaited reunion for the Appleton sisters Nicole and Natalie, as one half of All Saints return as Appleton, plus sets by Jessie J, JLS, Five, and Liberty X across this pop-tastic two-day celebration. Jane McDonald takes over Mighty Hoopla's Sunday Gay Icon Slot, which has become a much-loved part of this festival which embraces cabaret, drag and LGBTQ+ culture.

17. You Are Here at Southbank Centre – Best for youth culture

Be guided through 75 years of pop culture in Britain, as the centrepiece of Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary celebrations takes over Royal Festival Hall. Enjoy energetic acts spanning everything from 1950s tea dances to disco, grime to punk at the wide-ranging You Are Here event. This one-day-only event, shaped by creatives such as Danny Boyle, delves into the social movements that have shaped the country’s cultural scene across dance, film, music and theatre.

18. Sunset Yoga Climb at Up at The O2 – Best for relaxation with a view

Scale the rooftop of The O2 in Greenwich and enjoy unrivalled views of the city while unwinding with a unique sunset yoga class during. The experience begins with a climb over the iconic venue’s roof - part of the fun in itself - before you have time to soak up the skyline ahead of a 50-minute guided yoga session as the sun sets in the distance. You can even order a tipple to enjoy at the summit for the ultimate one-of-a-kind relaxation experience that truly elevates your wellness routine.

19. Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair at Saatchi Gallery – Best for bookworms

Step into a world of literary treasures at Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair, one of the most prestigious events of its kind. Held at the Saatchi Gallery, the fair brings together leading antiquarian booksellers from around the world, showcasing everything from rare first editions and manuscripts to maps, prints and collectable works. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious, expect expert insights, fascinating discoveries and the chance to browse exceptional pieces of literary history. A programme of talks, exhibitions and special displays adds further depth, with standouts including a hands-on calligraphy session (17 May) and a history on book collecting with Andrea Mazzocchi of Bernard Quaritich (18 May).

20. Ceramic Art London 2026 at Olympia – Best for unique gifts

Ceramic Art London at Olympia showcases 125 makers from Europe, Japan, Korea, Canada and the USA, with works ranging from £30 to £10,000. Highlights include Felicity Aylieff reflecting on porcelain and her Jingdezhen collaborations, Kate Malone and Dame Zandra Rhodes discussing clay, craft and colour, and William Cobbing presenting site-specific projects in Utah. Panels explore collecting contemporary ceramics, Wedgwood, sustainability and climate-conscious practice, while Mella Shaw considers clay as a tool for environmental activism. The fair offers collectors and enthusiasts alike the chance to discover extraordinary ceramics, meet internationally renowned makers, and explore the creative and ecological possibilities of the medium.

21. Grand Designs Live at ExCel London – Best for architecture aficionados

Channel 4’s Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud brings Grand Designs Live to ExCeL London. The UK’s premier home and design exhibition showcases hundreds of exhibitors, from architects and self-build specialists to interior brands and innovative suppliers. Visitors can explore the striking Grand House, a two-storey self-build villa highlighting luxury finishes, renewable energy solutions and cutting-edge home technology. Live talks, advice centres and the Sustainability Hub offer expert guidance, while Kevin’s Green Heroes share innovations in eco-friendly design. Whether planning a project or seeking inspiration, the show offers ideas and practical solutions for every home.

22. Cross The Tracks at Brockwell Park – Best for diverse sounds

Cross The Tracks returns to Brockwell Park on Sunday 24 May 2026 for its seventh year, celebrating jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, jungle and drum & bass. Headliners include Mercury Prize-winner Little Simz, Joy Crookes, Fabio & Grooverider with The Outlook Orchestra, and Afrobeat collective KOKOROKO. Rising stars Knucks, Mereba, corto.alto, Ama Louise, Paul Stephan and MOBO nominee namesbliss join a lineup of global legends and emerging talent. With orchestral takes on drum & bass classics, soulful performances, and infectious grooves across multiple stages, the festival offers a unique, all-day experience for music lovers seeking both innovation and iconic sounds.

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• Step into the Twist Museum and discover more than 80 interactive exhibits and themed rooms.
• Don't miss High Society at the Barbican Centre, starring Felicity Kendal and Helen George. 
• Step into the Wild West with Park Theatre’s Whodunnit [Unrehearsed] 4, an immersive show packed with murder, music and a surprise celebrity Sheriff.