11 brilliant things to do in London in April

The month of April signals the arrival of spring in London, with longer, warmer days and a stellar calendar of seasonal events across the capital. From blockbuster exhibitions to cultural festivals and exciting West End launches, there are plenty of fun things to do in London in April 2027. 

Drawing on Visit London’s expert writers and local insiders, this guide is curated using insider tips and practical advice. Each entry is carefully selected for its cultural significance, visitor appeal, accessibility and relevance. 

For more ideas, check out our weekend guide and download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration. We regularly update this page with new announcements, so check back soon for the latest happenings. 

What’s on in London in April 2027 

1. Hear soothing sounds at Brick Lane Jazz Festival  

Brick Lane Jazz Festival is back for its sixth year in April with a stellar bill of the finest local and international jazz artists. The event takes over east London’s Brick Lane with events at key venues including Truman Brewery, 93 Feet East, Rough Trade East, and Rich Mix. Standout performances from 2026 included Ria Moran, Ferdi, Manada Whiting and Resolution 88, alongside emerging talent across jazz, hip-hop and R&B.

Where: Brick Lane, London E1 6QL 
When: 22 to 25 April 2027
Price: Weekend pass from £135
Good to know: Head to Brick Lane Tap Room and Ninety One Living Room to discover emerging artists in an intimate setting. 

2. Secure tickets for Amadeus at the Noël Coward Theatre

Peter Shaffer’s celebrated play Amadeus returns to London in a major revival starring Michael Sheen as Antonio Salieri and Callum Scott Howells as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Set in Vienna in 1820, this gripping drama follows Salieri as admiration for Mozart’s extraordinary musical talent turns to jealousy and obsession. Expect a compelling story of ambition, faith and rivalry, set against some of the greatest music ever written.

Where: Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4AU
When: 17 April to 7 August 2027
Duration: TBC
Price: From £25 – buy your tickets
Good to know: The best seats are in the middle of the Stalls and the front rows of the Royal Circle.

3. Catch the brand new Hogwarts House Spirit takeover at the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour

Celebrate Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London’s Hogwarts House Spirit, a special feature running in spring 2027. Step into the Great Hall to see all four Hogwarts House banners displayed together for the first time, meet the animatronic Sorting Hat and discover behind-the-scenes secrets, including Quidditch costume demonstrations and soundscape showcases. Explore house-themed talks in iconic sets, take on trails and challenges to earn house points, and see the Hogwarts castle model transformed in celebration of the four Houses.

Where: Studio Tour Drive, Watford WD25 7LR
When: 23 January to 19 April 2027. First tour: 9am, final tour: 6.30pm. Studio closes at 10pm.
Price: From £87.50 – buy your tickets  
Good to know: Upgrade your visit with the Mastering the Magic – Costume Creation workshop to see original costumes, prosthetics and how they were made. 

4. See London’s skyline sparkle on a nighttime bus tour 

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. 

Where: Departures from London Eye (Belvedere Road, SE1 7NA) and Green Park Station (Piccadilly, W1J 9DZ) 
When: Daily departures at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm 
Price: From £29 – buy your tickets  
Duration: One hour and 30 minutes 
Good to know: Book the top-deck for open-air seating and undisturbed vistas of London’s top landmarks. 

5. Cheer on runners at the TCS London Marathon 

Whether you’re running the 26.2 miles or cheering on friends and family, the TCS London Marathon is a highlight of the capital’s sporting calendar. In 2027, the world-famous race will take place across two days for the first time, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April, welcoming up to 100,000 participants. The route runs from Blackheath to The Mall, passing iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge and the London Eye. Join the crowds at popular viewing spots such as Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf and the Embankment, or find a quieter place along the route to cheer on the runners.

Where: Starts at Blackheath and finishes at The Mall, near Buckingham Palace – see the route.
When: 24 and 25 April 2027
Good to know: Start times and other event details may change as further information about the two-day format is announced. Expect extensive road closures and busy public transport, so plan your journey in advance.

6. See the return of Death Note The Musical at The Barbican

Death Note: The Musical brings the globally acclaimed Japanese manga to the London stage. With more than 30 million copies sold worldwide, this gripping story follows brilliant student Light Yagami, who discovers a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written inside. As his mission to reshape society spirals out of control, he faces a battle of wits with the elusive detective L. Reimagined in collaboration with the original Japanese producers, the musical features an electrifying score by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Jack Murphy.

Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
When: 23 March to 15 May 2027
Price: From £37 – buy your tickets 
Good to know: Suitable for ages 12 and over. No children under five will be admitted.

7. Grab the popcorn and see a film alfresco at Rooftop Cinema Club 

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 2027 screenings are yet to be announced, 2026 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 sweets, as well as craft cocktails and beer.

Where: Bussey Building (SE15 4ST) and Roof East (E15 1XE)
When: Opening 29 April 2027
Price: From £8
Good to know: Blankets and fireside heaters are available but wear a warm jumper as the wind can pick up and the film goes on rain or shine.

8. Shop vintage at Hackney Flea Market 

Hackney Flea Market is a firm favourite for shoppers in Stoke Newington. While entry is free, we recommend arriving at 9:30am for the 10am opening to get the best pick from 40 vintage traders. Expect a stellar selection of vintage homeware including glassware, vinyl records, salvaged items, lamps and lighting, textiles, and various curiosities and collectables. The market is near a swathe of coffee shops such as 215 Hackney and Els Bistro & Bar, and it’s just under a 10-minute walk from Stoke Newington station.

Where: 73a Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0AS
When: 3-4 April 2027
Price: Free
Good to know: The Hackney Flea team are also behind The Giant London Flea at The Olympic Park and Walthamstow Flea Market.

9. Watch the historic Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race 

Experience the thrill of one of London’s oldest sporting traditions as Oxford and Cambridge go head-to-head in the annual Boat Race. First held in 1829, the crews tackle a 4.2-mile course along the Thames from Putney Bridge to Mortlake. Cambridge currently holds the Men’s title (since 2023) and the Women’s crown (since 2017). Spectators line the river with riverside picnics, cheers, and views from pubs and parks, with Fulham Pier among the best spots to soak up the atmosphere. 

Where: Starts at Putney Bridge and finishes before Chiswick Bridge in Mortlake 
When: 11 April 2027
Good to know: The Women's Boat Race starts at 3.40pm, and the Men's at 4.40pm, with other races taking place from the morning.

10. Step inside Monet: Painting Time at Tate Modern

Tate Modern presents its first-ever exhibition dedicated exclusively to Claude Monet, bringing together paintings from around the world, including rarely seen works from private collections. Monet: Painting Time explores how the celebrated Impressionist responded to the changing pace of modern life, capturing fleeting moments through works such as Arrival of the Normandy Train, Gare Saint-Lazare (1877), as well as his iconic series of Poplars and Water Lilies paintings.

Where: Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG
When: 25 February to 27 June 2027 
Price: From £26 (members go free)
Good to know: Tate Modern is open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with relaxed hours on the third Tuesday of each month.

11. Shop independent brands at Battersea Power Station’s River Walk Market 

April marks the return of Battersea Power Station’s weekly River Walk Market, featuring an eclectic mix of artisan producers and independent food traders serving delicious food and drink along the banks of the Thames. Highlights include cured meats from Mercanti di Calabria, handcrafted cheeses by Cornish Gouda Co and mouth-watering condiments such as honey, nut butters and preserves. The market showcases a rotation of independent traders including Olive & Co, Bread Ahead, Midnight Pantry, and Biltong Boss. 

Where: Circus Road, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD 
When: Dates TBC - Sundays 11am to 5pm 
Good to know: Book tickets for The Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station and enjoy London’s skyline from a new perspective.