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Schools take a week-long half-term holiday in May. Choose from lots of family-friendly activities put on by top attractions this week.
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Make plans for the early May bank holiday and spring bank holiday with fun events and activities taking place all over London.
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Unmissable annual events include the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, an annual event showcasing London in bloom
In May, spring is well underway with warm weather and some delightful sunshine, but you may still need a light coat and a brolly, in case of a light drizzle.
There's also two public holidays (bank holidays) this month: the Early May Bank Holiday and Spring Bank Holiday, so keep an eye out for what’s on in London in May to make the most of the long weekends.
Unmissable London events May 2025
- Join an exciting spring workshop at the Chelsea Physic Garden: a four-acre garden known for its cultivation of medicinal plants. TBC
- Tuck into delicious cuisine at the Foodies Festival in Syon Park: See top music acts, and demonstrations by celebrity chefs and join exciting cooking classes. TBC
- Dance the night away at Soul City at the Jazz Cafe in Camden: Connect the dots between disco and house at this historic venue.
- Visit the brand-new The Paddington Experience: Meet Paddington, the Brown family and friends as they prepare for the Marmalade Day Festival! TBC
- Enjoy a night of laughs at the West End Comedy Club: See up-and-coming acts and comedy legends at this iconic venue in the heart of London.
- Be inspired at Grand Designs Live at ExCel London: Meet top design exhibitors, get tips from the experts and enjoy live talks including one from the show's presenter Kevin McCloud. TBC
- Marvel at stunning horticultural displays at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show: Pick up the latest gardening trends and rehome a plant or two. TBC
- Head to Greenwich Peninsula for their Urban Village Fete: Enjoy tunes by legendary DJ Gilles Peterson, enjoy London's best street food and see creative talks and inspiring speakers. TBC
- Explore the National Gallery: Following the gallery's bicentenary celebrations in 2024, explore this decadent building and all it has to offer.
- Attend the European Writers' Festival at the British Library: See thirty leading and emerging writers respond to the yearly theme. TBC
- Head to Brockwell Park for Wide Awake Festival: This independent festival is for those looking for something different with the best up-and-coming talent alongside top bands. 24 May
- Enjoy carnival vibes at City Splash Festival: Celebrate the impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK music scene, from Roots and Dub to Jungle and Garage. 26 May
- Grab your ticket to Cross The Tracks: Don't miss London's number-one jazz, funk and soul festival that promises great music, food, workshops, talks and more. TBC
- Get your fill of beautiful flower displays at the Belgravia in Bloom festival: Wander through the streets lined with exquisite floral displays and experiences. TBC
- Or admire vibrant floral displays at Chelsea in Bloom: See the streets of Chelsea burst with colour at London's largest free flower festival. TBC
Stay tuned for more upcoming events, and take a look at the London events calendar to see what else is happening.
London theatre in May
- Make the most of the warmer weather with a show at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre: Keep your eyes peeled for a number of dynamic productions in a beautiful open-air setting. TBC
- Uncover stories of modern Britain at Standing at the Sky's Edge: Follow the hopes and dreams of three generations in this moving musical adaptation. TBC
- Be spellbound with Wicked London tickets at the Apollo Victoria: Experience magic as you watch the witches in The Wizard of Oz.
- Discover the exhilarating MJ The Musical at Prince Edward Theatre: An electrifying show covering Michael Jackson's best songs and iconic dance moves. TBC
- Watch Cara Delevingne in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club: A musical like no other, don't miss this spectacular show that promises catchy tunes and dazzling dance numbers.
- Sing along to top pop hits at ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena: See the world's favourite pop band perform together once again in this unforgettable show. TBC
- Or join the immersive Mamma Mia! The Party at The O2: The ultimate dinner with a show featuring ABBA's most catchy hit songs.
Check out even more exciting theatre shows in London this May.
Family activities in May
- Plan a Harry Potter-themed day out: Have a magical adventure at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, where the iconic films were made.
- Tick off items from your London bucket list: Check out top attractions in London and the capital's popular kids attractions.
- Make the most of two bank holidays and a whole week for May half-term: Pick up a sightseeing pass, such as the London Pass, to see multiple spots and save money on attractions.
- Head outdoors for a spot of sightseeing in the sunshine: Tour the city on an open-top or hop-on hop-off bus tour, or take to the river on a special Thames tour or cruise.
- Celebrate King Charles III's coronation anniversary at London's top royal attractions: Tick off the capital's most memorable royal landmarks such as the Royal Mews and Westminster Abbey.
- Or explore the city's most beautiful royal palaces: Uncover fascinating history at Hampton Court Palace, and see the birthplace of Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace.
- Take a stroll through idyllic Kew Gardens this spring: See bluebells, daffodils and cherry blossoms in bloom along with more unusual plants and flowers.
- Spend the day at a Theme Park: Ride the UK's fastest roller coaster at Thorpe Park and let your imagination run wild at LEGOLAND Windsor.
- Explore the exciting Cutty Sark: Bring out your inner adventurer as you discover London's iconic ship and its many workshops and events this spring.
- Head to the Home of English Rugby for a tour of Twickenham Stadium: Get a backstage pass to one of the world's most famous sporting venues.
- Scale London's highest free viewing platform at Horizon 22: Take in 360-degree views of the city, spotting its most iconic Landmarks.
Discover more fantastic activities for families in London.
London exhibitions in May 2025
- Immerse yourself in world-famous artwork at Frameless: See the inspiring works of Van Gogh, Picasso and more brought to life.
- Discover exquisite art and culture in The Great Mughals Art, Architecture and Opulence at the V&A Museum: see the unique crafts and creations left behind during the golden age of the Mughal Court.
- Explore the mesmerising artworks featured in Electric Dreams: See how artists used experimental machines and algorithms to craft their pieces from the 1950s to 1980s at Tate Modern.
- Get a more in-depth look into London's most impressive collections on a tour: Explore the highlights of the National Gallery or see the best of the British Museum.
Check back nearer the time for more exhibitions in May in London.
What is on in London for kids in May?
Schools across the UK usually break up for a half-term holiday at the end of May, bringing a packed programme of family-friendly activities and events at some of London’s top attractions.
- Discover the top free things to do with kids.
- See the top family-friendly events.
- Catch one of London's best theatre shows for kids.
- Uncover the best things to do with toddlers and babies.
- Visit fun London museums made for children.
Is it worth visiting London in May?
May is one of the best times to visit London given the warmer weather and many fun outdoor activities to be enjoyed.
Longer spring days allow for more sightseeing with relatively moderate crowds taking to the city before the summer holidays begin.
Is the end of May a good time to visit London?
Late May is a great time to visit as the city gears up for the summer months, with many attractions putting on seasonal experiences.
Scale the masts of the famous Greenwich tea clipper on a Cutty Sark Rig Climb Experience, enjoy a themed river Thames sightseeing cruise and see spectacular flower displays at Kew Gardens with their delightful special exhibitions.
You can also enjoy a number of exciting pop-up events over the spring bank holiday weekend.
Some attractions and transport links are a little busier than usual so why not plan ahead and book yourself a London Pass to ensure you get around the city with ease.
For more things to do in London in May, take a look at this events calendar and guide to what's on in London. And catch the best of the London stage with this London theatre guide. For on-the-go adventure ideas, download the Visit London app.
WEATHER: For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see our London Weather page.
