Ideas for early May bank holiday weekend in London

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• Honour wartime heroes at VE Day events in London marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe: street parties, church bell ringing and services of commemoration are set to take place across the capital.
• The Covent Garden May Fayre usually takes place on or around the early May bank holiday weekend  – check back nearer the time for the confirmed date.
• Head to Brent, which has special events throughout the year as The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2020 – a full list of events is released in November.
• Book a spot for London’s top exhibitions. From blockbuster art shows in the capital’s top galleries, to intriguing exhibitions at museums across the city, you can surely get your culture fix.
• Make sure to also see our weekly weekend guide for more inspiration on what’s on in London this bank holiday weekend.
• If you’re searching for “bank holiday events near me”, download the Visit London app for on-the-go inspiration.

Top things to do on bank holiday weekend in London

• Spend the three days visiting London’s top attractions – you can save time and money by buying a sightseeing pass. Choose from The London Pass, London Explorer Pass and Merlin London attractions pass, depending on what you want to visit.
• Take a seat at a top London musical: The Lion King, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera are among the popular picks.
• Put your feet up as you see the sights on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, or venture along the Thames on a river cruise. If you’re feeling brave why not take a speedboat tour?
• Watch a Shakespearean play during Shakespeare’s Globe Summer Season, which usually starts in late April.

Treat the kids to memorable experiences

• Let the teens loose with Instagrammable spots, adrenaline-fuelled fun and immersive experiences – follow our tips on things to do in London with teenagers.
• Check out London’s top family attractions, including an underwater world at SEA LIFE London, London engineering icons at the London Transport Museum and a kids’ city in the form of Kidzania.
• Treat the little one to one of London’s top shows for kids – or visit one of London’s dedicated children’s theatres.
• Fuel up for more family fun at one of the capital’s family restaurants. 

Enjoy bank holiday days out

• Venture out of zone 1 to find diverse London neighbourhoods. Try Tooting for south Asian food and quirky markets, Peckham for hipster hangouts or Highgate for green spaces and cosy pubs.
• Discover lesser-known areas of London’s West End between shopping sprees: soak up the relaxed vibe at St Christopher’s Place, try worldwide cuisines in Shepherd Market, or have some “me time” with yoga and spa treatments in St Martin’s Courtyard.
• The City of London is quieter at the weekend while the workers are away, so it’s the perfect time to discover ancient churches, traditional British pubs and modern skyscrapers topped with pretty roof gardens. Climb the 311 steps for views from The Monument, explore the Guildhall Art Gallery for artworks, or venture into Roman temple, the London Mithraeum.
• Don your best sailor’s outfit and take the boat to Greenwich. Continue the nautical theme by visiting maritime attractions Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum.
• Rub your eyes in disbelief as you check out peaceful places you’d never think were in London – from ornate Neasden Temple to quirky Crystal Palace Park.
• With three days in hand, why not fill one of them with a day trip from London? These include the chance to go behind the scenes of the Queen’s residence, Windsor Castle.
• Head to Richmond Park’s Isabella Plantation for the perfect photo opportunity among hundreds of hot pink azaleas, which are in full bloom at this time of year.

Refresh your wardrobe for summer

• Out with your heavy wintry coat, in with snazzy summer dress… Revamp your look in time for summer at one of London’s best shops.
• Hunt down items of all kinds at the capital’s department stores, including Selfridges, John Lewis, Liberty, Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
• Spend a day exploring top shopping areas – many also have plenty of places for pit stops between flashing the plastic.
• Peruse unique, second-hand and vintage items on May bank holiday markets in London.

Enjoy leisurely meals

• Macarons, dainty sandwiches, scones with jam and cream… Yeah, bank holiday definitely calls for some afternoon tea action. Stick with traditional options or try something quirkier.
• Bank holidays are for lazing around, so a long May bank holiday brunch in London is a match made in heaven. Go bottomless for added value – after all, you’re not in a rush…

Find more London food and drink ideas.

Venture outdoors in London

• See some of London’s most famous bridges lit up at night as part of the Illuminated River art installation – wander the riverbanks for the perfect shot or find a unique viewpoint from City Cruises’ evening river cruise.
• Get a bird’s eye view of Kew Gardens from its treetop walkway – the gardens look stunning at this time of year carpeted with spring flowers in full bloom. Don’t forget to hashtag #londoninbloom!
• Be surrounded by cute critters and wild landscapes at the city’s nature reserves and woodlands, including the London Wetland Centre, Walthamstow Wetlands and Epping Forest.
• Check out the latest spring arrivals at city farms – and no, you can’t take any home with you!

What is open on bank holiday in London?

Most attractions, shops and restaurants are open as usual during the bank holiday weekend, or open with amended times. Check with the individual venue before you go. 

Some transport services may be affected, so check the latest information for Transport for London services and rail networks before you travel.

More spring inspiration

For more weekend inspiration, find our top tips on things to do on a Saturday and Sunday in the capital. If you’re staying for longer, make sure to see what else is on during spring, including key events in May.

If you’re already in London, follow our guide to activities for today, or download the Visit London app for on-the-go inspiration.

Stay for the whole weekend to make the most of the bank holiday vibes – discover where to stay in London.