St Paul's Cathedral and the city skyline on a sunny day

75 things to do this spring in London

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Shake off the winter blues and step into spring with 75 events and activities that’ll have you coming back for more.
Carole Rocton
Written by Carole Rocton Edited by Chantal Welch 05 May 2026
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Shake off the winter slumber and dive into a fresh season of activities as spring in London bursts into bloom, bringing feel-good energy and picture-perfect scenery.

The city’s great outdoors is calling – alfresco tables are set, parks are in full bloom, and outdoor events are plenty to be found, filling your calendar throughout MarchApril and May.

Looking for ways to make the most of the longer days and brighter skies? These 75 ideas will fill up your diary in no time for 2026.

Book the top spring attractions in London

Don’t miss out on activities and ideas for ways to spend spring in London. Book tickets for all the must-see attractions now.

Top tip: if you're heading to support friends and family running the marathon this year, don't miss our ultimate guide will help you find the best viewing spots and make the most of London's marathon.  

What are the top London spring events?

An invited guest steps onto The Silk Road Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017.
The Silk Road Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2017. Copyright: RHS/Georgi Mabee. Image courtesy of RHS.
  1. Treat your mum to an unforgettable day out on Mother's DayCelebrate the special day with plenty of fun things to do with mum, including luxury experiences and delicious afternoon teas. 15 Mar
  2. Celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March by joining inspiring events across the capital. Celebrate women's achievements with a variety of engaging activities, including walking tours that reveal the important contributions women have made to history, from workers' rights to the legacy of the Suffragettes. Head to the Royal Observatory and celebrate the women in science on the Women of the Royal Observatory Tour, where you can learn fascinating stories about the women who have impacted the world we know today (7, 8, 13, 14, 18, 19, 27 and 30 March 2026, 3 pm).
  3. The Brick Lane Jazz Festival is back for another year, bringing groundbreaking artists and cutting-edge sounds to the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane in East London. Expect a vibrant line-up that defies genre, showcasing the best of London's underground music scene, as well as emerging artists from the worlds of jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, R&B, broken beat, and electronic music, performing across 12 venues from 24–26 April.
  4. Or step into Hampton Court Palace and look out for their exciting events: From Easter celebrations featuring the annual Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt (21 Mar- 12 April, included with standard entry) through the gardens to the UK’s biggest tulip festival, where over 100,000 blooms transform 60 acres of royal gardens into a breathtaking spectacle (From 11 Apr - included with standard entry).
  5. Plan your Easter weekend activitiesFind plenty of things for all the family to enjoy in London during Easter and throughout April.
  6. Embrace your inner gardener at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where breathtaking floral designs and innovative horticulture take centre stage: Watch top designers reimagine cityscapes in the face of environmental challenges and marvel at dazzling, colour-filled displays that celebrate the beauty of nature. 19-23 May
  7. Celebrate St Patrick's DayMarvel at the annual parade, see irish dance shows, try out Irish food and drinks in the capital's many pubs and much more. Around 17 Mar
  8. Watch one of the world's oldest sporting events, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat RaceCheer on your favourite team from the banks of the Thames. 4 Apr
  9. Head to London to cheer on the runners taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 12 April and the London Marathon on 26 April. Enjoy the electric and joyful atmosphere that takes over the city during these weekends while discovering top attractions from a new perspective. 
  10. Discover Greenwich, London's maritime and historic borough, and take part in one of the many events happening on board the majestic Cutty Sark tea clipper. From sea shanty groups performing on board and sharing tales of life at sea (included with standard admission on 7 and 8 March at 11:45 am, 12:45 pm and 1:30 pm), to character encounters where you can meet the ship's daring master, Captain Woodget, and other crew members (included with admission on weekends during term time and daily during school holidays).

Top spring activities in London

Person looking over at colourful orchids display in front of them.
Admire spectacular orchid displays at Kew Gardens Orchid Festival. Image courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  1. Enjoy top attractions for less this spring with the London Pass: Gain access to over 100 spectacular sites, from the cutting-edge Moco Museum to breathtaking views aboard the London Eye. With so much to explore, your itinerary will be anything but empty.
  2. Experience the magic of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry PotterDiscover the behind-the-scenes secrets of the famous film series.
  3. Make the most of your time in London with the Total London ExperienceTick off the city’s biggest attractions, from the historic St Paul’s Cathedral – home to royal ceremonies and Churchill’s state funeral – to a spectacular finale on the London Eye, where skyline views stretch as far as the eye can see.
  4. Take to the skies on the London Cable Car and enjoy stunning views of London from above: Soar over the river Thames, catching the panoramic sights of Greenwich’s maritime history and the striking skyline of Canary Wharf.
  5. Combine your trip on the cable car with a cruise along the river on an Uber Boat by Thames ClippersSee the city's sights and sail under the iconic Tower Bridge.
  6. Or admire scenic spring views of London Up at The O2Challenge friends and family to climb the iconic roof of this world-renowned entertainment venue and take in the city from a whole new perspective.
  7. Meet the legendary ravens and historic guardians at the Tower of London: Explore this iconic royal palace and fortress. Home to the Crown Jewels and once Britain’s most notorious prison, it's steeped in centuries of intrigue and history.
  8. Take in the sights with a hop-on hop-off bus tour: Sit on the top deck for the best views of London’s iconic landmarks and capture the perfect scenic selfies. Explore top locations at your own pace, then hop back on when you’re ready. Top tip: Your ticket also includes a scenic river cruise between Westminster and Tower Millennium Pier.
  9. Set sail on a London Dinner Cruise on the river ThamesEnjoy dinner and live entertainment as you take in stunning evening views of London landmarks.
  10. Dive into the heart of royal London and explore its most prestigious landmarks: From the majestic Buckingham Palace to the historic Westminster Abbey, these unforgettable sights offer a window into the monarchy through the ages.
  11. Embark on a tour of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, with over 1,000 years of history: Explore the royal residence and uncover its treasures, from the magnificent State Apartments to the enchanting Queen Mary’s Dolls' House and the historic St George’s Chapel.
  12. Take a day trip from London and discover the charm of other vibrant UK cities: Marvel at the mystic stone circles of Stonehenge, stroll through Oxford’s literary history and Harry Potter filming spots, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Bath, with its Roman baths and stunning Bridgerton locations.
  13. Discover London’s hidden gems on one of the city’s best walking tours: Wander through the quaint alleyways of Hampstead Village or delve into the darker side of history with a spine-chilling Jack the Ripper tour, all while guided by a local expert.

Spring 2026: must-see theatre in London

The giant inflatable yellow Cat Bus flies onto the stage, leaving a forested landscape behind it.
Watch My Neighbour Totoro in London's West End and discover the story of Mei, a young girl who is as mesmerised by Totoro, the giant spirit of the forest, as audiences are. Photo credit: Manuel Harlan.
  1. Be captivated by Wicked at the Apollo Victoria, a musical that defies gravity: Witness the unlikely friendship between witches Elphaba and Glinda as they embark on a journey to meet the Wizard of Oz.
  2. See the return of the hilarious comedy and unforgettable songs of Avenue Q, a puppet-filled musical. Follow the larger-than-life characters as they arrive in New York and grapple with grown-up situations as they enter adulthood for the first time. 20 Mar-29 Aug
  3. Experience the uproarious Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre: Follow the hilarious journey of two teenage Mormon missionaries as they navigate the challenges of a remote village in Uganda.
  4. Soak up feel-good summer vibes at Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre: Sing along to ABBA’s iconic hits in this beloved romantic musical, where friendship triumphs above all.
  5. Celebrate the highly anticipated return of My Neighbour Totoro as it makes its debut in London's West End: Join Mei on an enchanting adventure through the forest, where she meets the furry giant Totoro and takes a ride on the magical Catbus in this spellbinding stage adaptation.
  6. Take a deep dive into the underground Berlin scene of the 1930s with Cabaret: Enter the Kit Kat Club and enjoy electrifying performances blending acrobatics, fire-breathing, daring choreography and jaw-dropping contortions.
  7. Travel back in time to post-revolutionary France with the award-winning production of Les Misérables celebrating 40 years on the West End this year: Follow former prisoner Jean Valjean as he navigates the realities of being an outcast trying to escape the clutches of the corrupt Javert.
  8. Discover the destiny of the Tudor queens turned into divas in SIX the Musical: Each queen tries to take back control of her story in a modern reimagining set to pop songs that get the audience on their feet.
  9. See Disney's award-winning musical The Lion King, which has been stunning audiences for 25 years: Immerse yourself in the majestic Serengeti as young Simba grows up to become king, with plenty of misadventures along the way.
  10. Be spellbound by the stage adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Nineteen years after Harry and his friends left Hogwarts, we meet the next generation who are once again facing the dark forces threatening the magical world.

Find the best London West End musicals and upcoming new shows

Spring ideas for kids

The Puss in Boots is on a table in front of children in Shrek's Adventure! London.
Meet the Puss in Boots at Shrek's Adventure! London and adventure to Far Far Away. © Merlin Entertainments 2024
  1. Enjoy a fun family day out at the top attractions for kids in London: Make magical memories at the attractions you've always wanted to visit.
  2. Enjoy fun activities at London's many world-class museums: Explore intriguing exhibits at the Natural History Museum, the wide-ranging British Museum, the naval-themed National Maritime Museum and the interactive Science Museum.
  3. Have fun this Easter with the whole family at the Paradox Museum, as London's museum of illusions transforms into a unique springtime destination. Expect bunny-themed Easter egg hunts, face painting, and plenty of paradoxical transformations across the museum. 5-21 April
  4. Explore the garden trails and wander along the Treetop Walkway at Kew Gardens: Get a close look at the treetops and admire scenic views of the gardens in bloom.
  5. Have a Shrektacular time at Shrek's Adventure! LondonImmerse yourself in a fun-filled adventure in Far Far Away Land and get to meet your favourite characters, from Shrek and Fiona to the Puss in Boots and Donkey.
  6. Keep the little ones entertained at the top London shows for kids: laugh out loud at Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge TheatreWatch Roald Dahl’s beloved tale come to life on stage as Matilda takes on school, mischief, and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull.
  7. Get your Harry Potter fix this spring: Step into the wizarding world on a magical walking tour of London and discover iconic filming locations, including the real-life spot of The Leaky Cauldron.
  8. Uncover more than 200 years of history at the London Transport MuseumDiscover many iconic vehicles, from bikes to the underground, and the intricate designs behind London's impressive transport systems. 
  9. Discover incredible creatures at SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Journey to the depths of the ocean and see sharks, turtles, jellyfish and much more. Or meet your favourite animals at London Zoo: come face to face with more than 700 animal species, including roaring tigers and sweet meerkats.
  10. Explore the capital's horrible history at the London Dungeon: Prepare to be scared as you take a deep dive into Britain’s history and even follow in Jack the Ripper's footsteps!
  11. Take a selfie with your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds: Meet Hollywood A-listers, music superstars and the royal family. 
  12. Take a ride on the Chimney Lift experience at Battersea Power Station: Soar high about London in this exciting glass lift that offers 360-degree views of London.
  13. Spend the day exploring Wembley ParkWander along the outdoor art trail, stop by Boxpark and sample delightful street food or stroll through the bustling shopping district before heading to the Troubadour Theatre and see Andrew Lloyd Webber sensation revival of Starlight Express

What are the best exhibitions in London this spring?

A woman in a red jumper and black skirt interacts with petals on a big screen at immersive art space, frameless.
Interact with famous artworks at the epic immersive experience, FRAMELESS. Image courtesy of FRAMELESS.
  1. Visit The King's Gallery to see its 2026 exhibition, which is set to be the largest display dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II to date. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style will explore the enduring legacy of British fashion and its designers in depth, with over 200 items on display, some of which will be exhibited for the first time, including the late Queen's couture and off-duty clothing. 10 Apr-18 Oct
  2. Get lost in the painting at FRAMELESS: An immersive experience that transports you into the paintings of famous artists such as Monet and Van Gogh.
  3. Discover the daring and the iconic at the Moco Museum: Explore works by world-famous artists in this exciting new gallery— plus, don’t miss our Visit London author review for an exclusive peek inside this must-visit gallery.
  4. Head to Kensington Palace, the former childhood home of Queen Victoria and the current residence of several members of the royal family. Make sure to visit the palace's newest exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, to explore the story of Queen Victoria's goddaughter, Princess and suffragette Sophia Duleep, and the women who shaped her. From 26 March, included with standard admission.
  5. Discover 500 years of longing, passion and devotion at the National Archives' Love Letters exhibition, featuring heartfelt declarations, proposals and anonymous, desperate love songs. Dive into fascinating stories of forbidden relationships, passionate declarations of love, and family members separated, providing tender and deeply human records spanning decades. Until 12 Apr
  6. Visit the many art galleries and museums London is famous for: Discover the exhibitions revisiting the history of art and the great masters of the Renaissance at the National Gallery or the Tate Britain, before venturing to the Tate Modern for a look at modern art.
  7. Turn your world upside down at the Twist Museum: a multi-sensory playground with optical illusions and reality-changing exhibits.
  8. Discover the Grant Museum of Zoology: explore a collection of creatures kept inside jars and skeletons worthy of the Natural History Museum.
  9. Explore The Wellcome Collection and delve into the human experience at the Being Human exhibition: Discover groundbreaking scientific advancements covering pandemics and infections, genetics, and the impacts of climate change—an eye-opening look at the major challenges of the 21st century.
  10. Don't miss the Picasso: The Three Dancers exhibition at the Tate Modern: Look back at the origins of one of the most emblematic works of modern art, 100 years after it was first painted. Until 12 Apr
  11. Visit the Design Museum and explore the exclusive exhibition Wes Anderson: The Archives: Dive into the world imagined by director Wes Anderson and retrace some of his best-known films through costumes, sets and personal items. Until 26 Jul

King’s Gallery highlights: Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style

Must-see: Queen Elizabeth II’s blue crinoline gown from Princess Margaret’s 1960 wedding, the last full-length royal wedding skirt.

Also featured: her practical country style, including a Harris tweed jacket and Balmoral tartan by Norman Hartnell.

What are the top places to explore this spring?

Green ringed parakeet surrounded by cherry blossom
See the famous parakeets in the trees and skies across the city. Credit: London & Partners/Michael Barrow.
  1. Take in the beauty of spring at the Memorial Gardens outside Buckingham Palace, then stroll over to St James’s Park, where vibrant daffodils are in full bloom. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the season’s colours.
  2. See brilliant displays of spring flowers in the gardens of Hampton Court PalaceBe captivated by the spectacular Pond Garden and the Wilderness Garden.
  3. Follow in the footsteps of royalty at Kensington Palace: Visit the stunning Sunken Garden and the wildflower meadow.
  4. Admire the colourful spring flowers in London's majestic Royal Parks and gardens: Watch the world go by and connect with nature in the beautiful historic surroundings.
  5. See the spring tulips in Holland ParkEnjoy a leisurely stroll in the picturesque park featuring a Japanese garden, an orangery, tennis courts and a cricket pitch.
  6. Immerse yourself among the pastel cherry blossoms at Greenwich ParkSnap selfies as you stroll through this picture-perfect spot.
  7. Discover London’s many neighbourhoods: Find picture-pretty spots in Covent Garden's many cobbled stone alleyways; Insta-worthy street art in trendy Shoreditch and roam among the historic City of London.
  8. Take a stroll along The Tide in Greenwich: This riverside park offers a unique mix of art, design, and nature. Explore its sculptures trail, enjoy picturesque views, and laid-back cafes.

Top tip: go early and go local. 🌸

The most famous blossom spots in London, such as Greenwich Park, get busy quickly, so it is best to visit on a weekday before 9 am. Residential streets, churchyards and smaller neighbourhood parks often have just as much blossom, but far fewer people.

Alternatively, head to the Yalta Memorial Garden next to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Mount Street Gardens in Mayfair, or the Colebrooke Row Gardens in Angel.

Where to go for food and drink in Spring

Stacks of freshly baked bread and goodies at a Borough Market stall
Search for locally sourced goods at Borough Market. Credit: Michael Barrow. Image courtesy of London & Partners.
  1. Soak up the views at one of London's best rooftop bars: Sip a refreshing drink with the city’s landmarks as your backdrop or indulge in sensational Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian flavours at Sushisamba.
  2. Feast on delicious treats on an afternoon tea panoramic bus tour: See some of the capital's most famous landmarks while you sit back and relax. 
  3. Support women-led restaurants like top comfort food spot The Pie Room, where Head Pie Maker Nokx Majozi weaves British and South African influences into heartwarming pies.
  4. Explore the city's best food marketsFrom Borough to Camden, indulge in delicious street food from around the world. 
  5. Spend an afternoon relaxing in a beer gardenThe perfect place to unwind with a cold pint after a day out in London.
  6. Indulge in a brunch to remember at one of the best brunch places in LondonFeast on sky-high waffles at Duck & Waffle, fluffy stacks at The Breakfast Club, or soak up the lively atmosphere at Mr Fogg’s City Tavern with its Live Music Bottomless Brunch.
  7. Enjoy a variety of sweet and savoury treats at one of London’s themed afternoon tea: Indulge in French gourmet delights abord the Bustronome touring key London locations or Shake it off to Taylor’s top hits aboard the Taylor Swift Afternoon Tea tour.
  8. Head to London’s theatreland and step into Brumus at the Haymarket Hotel, a stylish British brasserie serving up the London Calling Afternoon Tea. Indulge in a selection of freshly made sweet and savoury treats, including beautifully crafted cakes and pastries inspired by the city’s most famous landmarks.
  9. Celebrate Pancake Day in London with irresistible stacks of fluffy goodness: Head to top spots like The Breakfast Club and Where The Pancakes Are, or try something different – indulge in cloud-like Japanese soufflé pancakes at Fuwa Fuwa or soak up the vibrant atmosphere at The Little Yellow Door, Notting Hill’s trendy flatshare turned restaurant. 4 Mar
  10. Head to Olympia for the Eat & Drink Festival: Sample a great variety of flavours from Italian to Indian and much more, crafted by top street food vendors. Don’t forget to stop by the main stage where top chefs share cooking tips and secrets. 21 Mar-6 Apr
If you’re still hungry for more things to do this spring, find top tips for things to do in London this weekend and things to do today. Or find on-the-go ideas by downloading the Visit London app.