As sunnier days arrived in London, welcoming in the spring, we set off to uncover the best the city has to offer. Discover the team’s highlights from March and plan your own adventures this month with our guide to what’s on in April.
Carole: Catching the new cast of the smash hit Hadestown
When I was invited to the gala presentation of Hadestown’s brand-new cast, there was only one answer – yes! Excitement levels were at an all-time high. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical has been wowing audiences since opening in the West End a year ago, and it’s easy to see why.
The story follows two young lovers – Orpheus, a musician with a song that could bring back the seasons, and Eurydice, struggling to survive in poverty and forced to make an impossible choice: sign her fate away to King Hades and descend into the underworld. The production is packed with powerful performances, mesmerising choreography (the underworld workers are particularly striking) and an intoxicating jazz and blues-infused score that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
From Cedric Neal’s magnetic Hermes to Victoria Hamilton-Barritt’s hilarious yet heartbreaking Persephone, this new cast brings Hadestown to life in spectacular fashion. And the cherry on top? I made it to the after-party, where the cast made a late appearance! Safe to say, I’m officially starstruck… and have had Hadestown’s stunning soundtrack on repeat ever since.
Book tickets to Hadestown now.
Charlotte: Indulging at a Six by Nico’s Italian feast
The six-course tasting menu I had at Six by Nico in Canary Wharf must be this month’s highlight for the unique flavours alone. Having heard that the six-weekly changing menu was an alternative twist on Italian classics, I knew I had to treat my tastebuds to one of my favourite cuisines and pay a visit to the ever-popular concept-based restaurant.
Kicking things off with an Aperol Spritz, we were introduced to the inspirations behind the menu – an Italian road trip where founder and chef Nico explored his culinary heritage, bringing home a taste of Italy. Before we knew it, we were tucking into a whole range of Mediterranean flavours, from zesty sea bass and hearty ox ballotine to a punchy octopus sausage. My favourite had to be course two, the carbonara ravioli, drenched in all sorts of cheesy goodness!
Discover more incredible places to eat and drink in London.
Georgie: Springtime strolls through scenic London
With lighter, warmer days, I spent as much time as possible exploring scenic walks near London. A highlight was the Reigate Hill trail in Surrey – a two-hour loop cutting through lush grasslands and woodlands, crowned by a breathtaking viewpoint. Later in the month, I strolled along the Thames from Ham to Richmond. It’s such a peaceful walk with rowers and sailors gliding by, but it’s worth checking tide times as the towpath often floods.
In Richmond, I visited the ethical Duck Pond Market, which offers a brilliant lineup of handcrafted homeware and baked goods. I also stopped by Hagen, a chic Danish coffee shop next to Ottolenghi, before picking up a handful of delicious empanadas from Chango to devour on Richmond Green.
Explore more incredible green spaces in the capital.
Hannah: Good grub and glorious views in Greenwich
I’ve had a really fun month in London, including a visit to a newly launched activity bar in Canary Wharf and a Mamma Mia-themed afternoon tea, but a highlight for me was a wholesome, sunny day out in Greenwich.
I got the Tube to North Greenwich to meet my friend and then we walked along the Thames Path from the O2 to the Cutty Sark. We stopped at the Trafalgar Tavern for a delicious roast dinner with all the trimmings (including a bubbling pot of cauliflower cheese) and then walked through the Old Royal Naval College and up to the Royal Observatory for picturesque views of London’s iconic skyline.
Check out all the wonderful things to do in Greenwich.
Jonny: Heritage and happy hours at a historic London pub
I’d not been to The George Inn for a while, but an unusually balmy early March evening was the perfect chance to catch up with some old friends in the bustling courtyard of this characterful inn off Borough High Street.
This pub dates all the way back to 1676, when its Coach House was regularly filled with travellers staying near London Bridge (which was locked overnight). Its importance as an historical site continues to this day given it’s owned by the National Trust, so it’s definitely one to add to your list if you’re a history buff!
Find more historic pubs in London.
Kirstine: Turbocharged adventure on the river Thames
Whizzing down the river on a Thames Rockets speedboat tour was the ultimate highlight of my month.
Our fantastic guide set the scene with fascinating facts about the city and its iconic riverside landmarks. One of my favourites? Waterloo Bridge, nicknamed "The Ladies Bridge", is the only bridge ever built on the Thames that was completed on time and under budget and was entirely constructed by women (of course!).
Seeing the views from beneath Tower Bridge felt very special – it’s a perspective of London you don’t get every day. If you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique way to experience the city, a speedboat ride down the Thames is an absolute must!
Find more more fun boat tours in London.
Sigrun: Spellbound at the Sleeping Beauty Dance and Light Show
In March, my friends and I went to a different kind of ballet – the We call it Ballet: Sleeping Beauty Dance and Light Show at the Shaw Theatre (110 Euston Road). Once everyone was settled in their seats, the lights went down and the room filled with the sound of classical music. As parts of the stage were revealed, ballerinas began to appear in costumes that were glowing in the dark.
I was mesmerised by the movements, combined with the shimmering lights of the costumes. The six dancers were lit up in different colours: three female dancers in bluish white, pink was the colour for the princess, Maleficent was dressed in a twinkling black and green dress and black tights, and the costume of the dancer portraying the prince had bluish white shimmering lights. The end of the show was my favourite part, with the dancers moving freely across the stage, demonstrating their impressive talent.
At 60 minutes, the length of this reinterpreted version of Sleeping Beauty felt just right, able to showcase the talent and get the story across. I’d happily recommend the show to everyone who likes modern ballet or shows that put a spin on the classics.
Explore more theatre shows in London.