Just when you thought London couldn’t get any more interesting, the city throws us a cultural curveball of epic proportions, bringing about many exciting new openings across the capital in 2025.
With so much to look out for, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily for you, we’ve scoured the city and have come up with our hit list of new experiences in London 2025, featuring attractions, restaurants, exhibitions and more.
London's latest showstoppers
London's West End has a well-earned reputation for showcasing some of the best theatre in the world, and 2025 will be no exception.
See the arrival of pop-culture film classics turned musicals such as Clueless (opens 15 Feb), the highly anticipated Disney hit Hercules (opens 6 Jun), and be sure to get a front row seat at The Great Gatsby (opens 4 Apr): a glamourous Tony Award-winning spectacle that promises to be the party of the century.
Along with an exciting lineup of new shows, there will also be many brand-new venues for theatre-lovers to enjoy. In Shepherd’s Bush, the latest addition to the Westfield shopping centre will be the Capital Theatre, opening in the autumn with the ever-popular Dirty Dancing (opens 23 Oct). Walthamstow will become the Soho Theatre’s second home dedicated to comedy, theatre and cabaret performances. While, in Stratford, Sadler’s Wells East theatre boasts an eclectic mix of shows along with its new public performance space, The Dance Floor.
Discover even more London theatre opening in 2025.
Unmissable London attractions
V&A East Storehouse
This is your opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes look at one of London’s most impressive collections, which spans every creative discipline. V&A East Storehouse offers a unique experience, providing the public with access to more than half a million artefacts, including vintage football shirts, dazzling costumes worn by Elton John, and an extensive David Bowie archive containing over 80,000 items that represent 60 years of the singer's life. This archive will later be transferred to the new David Bowie Centre, set to open in September 2025. The space will also feature a study area and, like its sister institutions The V&A and Young V&A, will host special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Lindt Megastore
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Yet another opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth is arriving in London in spring 2025. The beloved Swiss brand, known for its delectable Lindor truffles and wholesome bell-adorned bears, will open a flagship Lindt Megastore under the iconic Piccadilly Circus lights. Promising an interactive experience, it's not yet revealed exactly what visitors can expect but you can be sure of the chance to savour many a sweet treat.
Guinness Storehouse
Hoping to give The Devonshire a run for its money (if you know, you know), the Guinness Storehouse (61 Carter Lane), located at the aptly named Old Brewers Yard in Covent Garden, is set to open in 2025. Plans for the new “culture hub” include a world-leading microbrewery, event spaces, seven bars, private tasting rooms, dining spaces, a Guinness retail space, 360-degree cinema and a covered courtyard. Sláinte!
Museum of Shakespeare
To be or not to be...? Well, in this case, to be! The Museum of Shakespeare (10-14 Hewett Street) is being described as London’s “most dramatic cultural attraction”. Located on a site believed to be the ruins of the writer’s original playhouse, The Curtain, it's right in the heart of a new urban quarter in Shoreditch dubbed The Stage. With its innovative theatrical technology, the immersive experience – we're talking sights, smells and sounds – will transport guests to the 16th century as you follow in the footsteps of the famous playwright in this retelling of a "day in the life" of William Shakespeare.
Perrotin London, Brook’s Mews, Mayfair
The famous (and seriously fancy) Claridge’s in Mayfair is getting a creative new addition with the outposting of the famous French art dealer’s first-ever London-based Perrotin gallery. The programme of Perrotin London will be similar as the one found in existing spaces in other major cities such as Paris, Hong Kong, New York, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Los Angeles, including artists such as Takashi Murakami, Maurizio Cattelan and Claire Tabouret, among others.
Museum of Youth Culture – 100 Years of Growing Up
Most of us remember what it was like to be a teenager – awkward crushes, questionable fashion trends, and, of course, being oh so misunderstood. But what about all the ways young people have and continue to influence modern society? The Museum of Youth Culture (95 Berwick Street) is an emerging museum in Soho, whose collection celebrates Britain’s shared youth culture, from 1940s bombsite bicycle racers to the Acid House ravers of the 1980s.
Big events in London 2025
Somerset House at 25
A cultural landmark, Somerset House is celebrating a big birthday in 2025, and we’re all invited to mark the occasion by soaking up an epic programme of events. Just some of the highlights include the free Salt Cosmologies installation across three diverse spaces, a new commission from BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr, and the powerful Virtual Beauty exhibit that explores the impact of technology on the traditional concepts of beauty. Not forgetting, the unmissable Somerset House Summer Series with American Express, with its trailblazing lineup of musicians.
South by Southwest Festival (SXSW)
A collision of tech, music and film, London will host the first-ever SXSW Festival this summer. A launchpad for game-changing innovation, SXSW has been making history ever since it began in Austin, Texas in 1987. It’s where global-superstar Billie Eilish first performed, how Airbnb became a hit, and where chart-topping films such as Bridesmaids debuted. The inaugural event will take place on the first weekend of June in Shoreditch and will surely have some big names on the bill.
Women’s Rugby World Cup
The tenth edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup lands in London at the end of the summer, with the iconic Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, hosting the final on 27 September. Sixteen teams will battle it out for the title of this prestigious sporting event that will play out across eight venues across England. The lineup of which includes Sunderland, Bristol, Brighton, Exeter, Manchester, Northampton, York and of course, London. Many anticipate a record-breaking attendance for women’s rugby, and with its rich heritage and state-of-the-art facilities, the Allianz Stadium is the perfect stage for such an epic sporting occasion.
Get the chance to see the impressive stadium up close on a guided tour.
Wandsworth Borough of Culture
In April, Wandsworth will officially kick off a spectacular year of cultural celebrations under the crowning title of London Borough of Culture 2025 as awarded by the Mayor of London. Areas such as Roehampton, Battersea, Tooting and Putney will be hosting a fantastic programme of cultural events – many of which are free to attend. Get involved in this mass showcase of art and heritage that sets out to inspire young Londoners.
London art to get excited about
Over the past few years, London’s art scene has seen the arrival of new galleries such as Moco Museum and innovative exhibits at immersive art venues such as FRAMELESS.
This year, the unofficial theme seems to be "icons" of past and present, with many of London’s top exhibitions shining a spotlight on the masters of their craft. From Marie Antoinette Style at The V&A (opens 20 Sep) to Wes Anderson: The Exhibition at the Design Museum (opens 21 Nov).
At Immerse LDN, situated on the London Excel Waterfront, the Elvis Evolution exhibit (opens May 2025) combines cutting-edge digital technology, live actors, musicians and mind-blowing multimedia to bring visitors a first-of-its-kind walkthrough experience. Be sure to grab a bite at the 1960s diner before ending your time at the "All Shook Up" afterparty, where celebrations of the King of Rock'n'Roll continue.
For families, travel back in time at Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs at Lightroom (summer TBC) in King’s Cross. The latest immersive instalment celebrates the natural world and the Jurassic giants that once roamed the Earth. Encounter a vast array of dinosaurs through the 360-degree projections, surrounded by the fascinating creatures by land, sea and skies.
Other notable exhibitions opening in 2025 include:
- Noah Davis at the Barbican Art Gallery (Opens 6 Feb)
- Dress Codes at Kensington Palace (Opens 13 Mar)
- The Edwardians: Age of Elegance at the King’s Gallery (Opens 11 Apr)
- Kiefer/Van Gogh at Royal Academy of Arts (Opens 28 Jun)
- Millet: Life on the Land at National Gallery (Opens 7 Aug)
- Turner and Constable at Tate Britain (Opens 27 Nov)
Discover more of London’s top exhibitions and galleries.
New spots to eat, drink and stay
Gordon Ramsay at 22 Bishopsgate
This wouldn’t be a roundup if it didn’t include some decent grub, and Gordan Ramsay is gracing us with not one but FIVE new restaurants in 2025. You should be quite familiar with them as they sit under the chef’s Lucky Cat and Bread Street Kitchen brands, but it's the location that is something to rave about. Reaching new heights, the home for Ramsay’s latest establishments is situated at 22 Bishopsgate, meaning those who don't mind a little vertigo can be dining at the highest restaurant in the UK.
La Môme at The Berkeley
In January 2025, brothers Ugo and Antoine Lecorché will bring the glamour of the French Riviera to London with La Môme at The Berkeley. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, the London venue will feature a chic 10-seat bar, a stylish 170-seat restaurant and a 30-seat terrace. Guests can enjoy live music every evening, from DJs to pianists, all set against stunning interiors designed by award-winning architect Samy Chams.
John Lewis x Jamie Oliver Cooking School
2025 marks the opening of the Jamie Oliver Cookery School, in partnership with John Lewis, on London's bustling Oxford Street. This exciting new space offers hands-on cooking classes for all skill levels, from simple meals to more advanced dishes. With state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, it’s the perfect place to unleash your culinary creativity and learn new skills in a fun and inspiring environment. Yes, Chef!
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer is bringing its exciting New York energy to Soho, London. Known for its iconic burgers, CrazyShake milkshakes and award-winning wings, the new venue will feature striking striped floors, street art and a lively hip-hop soundtrack. With a 166-cover dining area, al fresco terrace, and dedicated CrazyShake bar, it's set to offer an unforgettable dining experience.
Parasol, Dalston
Parasol (36 Stoke Newington Road), opening in Dalston in the spring, draws inspiration from eighties New York mutant disco, offering cutting-edge cocktails in an atmospheric space. The bar, located in the depths of the former basement of The Nest, is a debut project from seasoned barmen Andy Kerr and Tom Gibson. Parasol will feature a rotating selection of DJs, a lively wine list and bar snacks from Provisions Wine and Cheese. Open Wednesday to Saturday until 2am, it's set to become a dynamic addition to Dalston's nightlife scene.
Cambridge House
Visitors seeking a quintessentially British stay in the capital can head to Cambridge House (94 Piccadilly), the latest luxury property opening closer to the end of the year by the Auberge Resorts Collection. The Grade-I listed former townhouse is said to have once welcomed royalty and political dignitaries, hosting Queen Victoria and serving as the home of the Duke of Cambridge, to name a few. Bougie inside and out, guests will be able to unwind in the open-air jasmine courtyard, or tuck into delightful dishes at the brasserie-style restaurant set in a Georgian-esque ballroom.
The Zetter Bloomsbury
The Zetter Bloomsbury (28-30 Seymour Street) is a city retreat where those who love to indulge can eat, drink and relax in opulent settings. This hidden oasis in the bustling heart of Bloomsbury is just a stone's throw from the British Museum, making it the ideal location visitors that prefer a home away from home while being able to immerse themselves in local history.
2025 promises to be another landmark year for London with a diverse range of new attractions, unforgettable experiences, and world-class events. Whether you’re into history, theatre, art or food, there’s no better time to explore the city. Make 2025 a great one by planning ahead and finding out what's on each month in London.