Best time to visit London
Best time of year to visit London
Even though it is virtually impossible to escape the crowds, March to May is probably the best time to visit London. Warm spring is a prime time for exploring blooming city parks and going wild and green during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. High room and airfare rates reflect the surge of tourism from late May to early September. Besides excellent summer weather, the city enjoys numerous events like the Wimbledon tournaments, Notting Hill Carnival, and the Globe Theatre plays. You can always plan your trip for autumn and winter, but mind there is a higher probability that weather will pass you a curve-ball. Misty October will guide you through the London Film Festival and boozy nights in cosy pubs, while busy December will charm you with festive atmosphere. The main rule is, no matter when you visit London, pack an umbrella.
28 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON (AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 09)
Notting Hill Carnival
The capital of Great Britain is hardly recognizable when the Afro-Caribbean spirit revels in the streets of London
BBC Proms
One classical music concert can heal your soul, develop more positive thinking, and improve your productivity
Globe Theatre
Would you like to visit a Renaissance Theatre? The reconstructed open-air Globe stages plays in a 17th century fashion
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
The actors perform in both warm starry nights and stormy weather
Paddling on the Thames
Observe London's historical buildings while drifting along the River Thames
Buckingham Palace Tours
The finest pieces of art, exquisite furniture, and the overall magnificence of the palace evoke great awe
Tower of London
Visit the iconic landmark which played a pivotal role in the history of London
Premier League
Crazy about football? Give in to your passion at the greatest games of the English Premier League hosted in the capital
Birdwatching in Barnes
Anything from wetland birds to wildfowl and migrating species can be found in the large area of the London Wetland Centre
Street Performances
Besides oranges, Covent Garden's jugglers are skilled enough to shuffle knives and chainsaws
Horse and Pony Riding
Horses—for adults, ponies—for younger riders, and beautiful natural trails with windmills and red deer—for all to enjoy
Crabs
Crab meat is a real delicacy, it is tender, tasty, and like almost all seafood, very nutritious
Churchill War Rooms
This place used to be the best-kept secret of the British government, the place from where Sir Winston Churchill directed the World War II
Deer Watching in Richmond Park
This park is not fenced off, deer roam where they want
Rugby Union
England takes great pride in Rugby Union, the oldest type of rugby football
Duck and Goose Eggs
Try a duck or goose egg omelette for a change or for the sake of new experience. You may develop a taste for it!
Highgate Cemetery
One of the creepiest sites in London known for its vampires and famous people's graves
Swimming
Though London has no access to the sea or ocean, it has the Thames River and moreover—ponds to bathe in
Old Operating Theatre
Britain's oldest surviving operating theatre dates back to 1822
Jerusalem Artichokes
Though the once named "Girasole" artichokes have been renamed "Jerusalem" artichokes though the great taste remains the same
Power Kiting
It's an amazing feeling to be literally carried away by a kite in Richmond Park
Mushroom Season
Are you keen on fresh mushrooms? Local porcini must be a real treat for you!
Lobster
Be sure to try the local lobster in London
Parkour in Westminster
Make your way through the labyrinth of obstacles in The Leap—the largest parkour park in the world
Watersports at West Reservoir Centre
West Reservoir offers a variety of watersports from sailing to canoe polo
Hunting Season & Game Meat
While London's licensed hunters try their shooting skills, you can treat your stomach to some delicious game meat
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Numerous sandy beaches around London are perfect for a weekend trip
Peas
Enjoy freshly shelled English peas!
81 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Lumiere Festival
The largest light festival in the UK features amazing installations
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
Spectacular cars from the end of the 19th century preserve the spirit of good old England
Hogwarts in the Snow
Still waiting for your invitation letter to Hogwarts? Luckily, today muggles can freely roam the school for wizards!
Christmas Carols
Angelic singers celebrate the holidays and share goodwill and joy with Christmas carols
St Patrick's Day Parade
Raise a glass to Ireland while the green procession paves its way through the centre of London
Open House London
A unique occasion to discover London's secret venues with free guided tours
Bonfire Night
Thanks to Guy Fawkes' attempt to kill James I, Londoners have another reason to set off fireworks and eat festive toffees
Trooping the Colour & The Queen's Birthday Parade
Even rows of marching soldiers called "Trooping the Colors," royal flyovers, and salutes celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
This summer weekend is devoted to modern art and outdoor performances
London Wine Week
Wherever you go, you'll be offered a sip of wine
Emerge Festival of London Lates & Museums at Night
Museums have a special charm when explored at night—you might see something special you'd miss during the day
Changing of the Guard
A guard in an iconic scarlet tunic and bearskin hat must be always on alert to protect the Queen, so the changing of the guard is a vital tradition
Pride in London Parade
One of the largest gay pride events in Europe and the world
Lovebox Festival
Enjoy the the genre-blurring lineup during one of the finest festivals in London
World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR London)
The annual event aimed to protest car culture and celebrate the human body
Canalway Cavalcade
A range of nice neat boats arrive to the canalway of London's Little Venice
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Immerse yourself in the magical holiday spectacular
London Christmas Lights
The capital of UK glows and shines getting ready for the holidays
Comida Fest
The biggest Latin American food festival in London
Swan Upping
The swans are surrounded with special attention in England
Royal Gun Salutes
Gun salutes mark special occasions in London often associated with the Royal Family
New Year's Eve
The British consider the New Year to be a secondary holiday, but they celebrate it well anyways!
Feast of St George in Trafalgar Square
Although the identity and the origin of England's patron saint are not 100% clear, the feast bears a great importance for this nation
Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank Centre promises great winter fun starting with a Christmas fair and seasonal treats and captivating snow spectacles
Wireless Festival
Let this fantastic event be a highlight of your London summer!
BFI London Film Festival
This is a great event for the local and international film industry and a wonderful occasion to meet your favourite actors in person
Taste of London
Nothing motivates more that the desire to be the best, so just relax and let the chefs try to please your palate
Lord Mayor's Show
London celebrates an 800-year-old tradition as the iconic golden coach takes the mayor to the Queen
Opera Holland Park
The London open air opera has its own charm and worldclass performances
Reading & Leeds Festivals
Some of the most popular music festivals in the UK with great names of pop and rock
The London Design Festival
The world's capital of design dictates the best modern styles
Ice Skating
London's historical and modern landmarks make this traditional winter activity into a truly beautiful experience
London Fashion Week
London has become a fashion Mecca for talented young designers
Halloween
Owing to its long and sometimes bloody history there's no shortage of hauntings and ghosts in London if you know where to look
The Great British Tattoo Show
How about a tattoo from one of the world's best masters?
Spring Blossoms
Floral show continues throughout the entire spring starting from daffodils in early March until wisteria in late May
Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
A puppet show holiday is a great delight for the whole family
MCM London Comic Con
One of London's favourite cosplay events
BMW LSO Open Air Classics
A free open-air concert by London's oldest orchestra in the heart of UK's capital
Easter Weekend
London's busy Easter weekend features Good Friday performances, grand masses, egg hunts, locally-made sweets, and even an equestrian parade
Wimbledon
The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, one of four Grand Slam tournaments
Diwali in London
Join Europe's largest live outdoor Diwali celebration and show
Christmas Markets
Pop-up ice rinks and holiday fairs cheer up the dark winters with their twinkling lights
International Pillow Fight Day
Let out your inner child andhave some fun in the middle of a megapolis
Orchids Festival at Kew Gardens
See some of the most beautiful orchids in the world
Crocuses
Exploring London's parks, one might find a "Crocus Carpet" or even an entire meadow of crocuses
Horse-Racing: Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot combines exquisite English fashion with high-quality racing
Hyper Japan
Celebrate J-culture with traditional art, performances, and food
Underbelly Festival Southbank
Comedy, circus and cabaret all summer on the south bank of the Thames river
Christmas Shows
Theatre is a must-see during the holiday season in London
London Cocktail Week
The world's biggest cocktail festival showcasing UK capital's unrivalled cocktail scene
Hampton Court Palace Festival
Ten days of July are devoted to music and comedy to entertain the nightly visitors of Henry VIII's Palace Court
Sweet Chestnut Season
Large steaming braziers, from which a fragrant smoke spreads, is a typical sight for the Englishmen in the fall
Oysters
In the 19th century, oysters were cheap and abundant, nowadays—much more expensive and scarce so be appreciative!
Christmas at Kew Gardens
An unforgettable after-dark explosion of colours and a festive trail of lights
The Creative Craft Show
A huge gathering of new and established crafters
Cherry Blossom
Beautiful pink sign of spring arrival
Camellia Showcase
Apart from China and Japan, Chiswick's Camellias are the oldest in the world
London Literature Festival
One of London's most exciting and prestigious literary events
London International Mime Festival
A popular innovative theatre event in London
MOVE IT
The world’s largest dance event, celebrating all forms of performing arts
London Restaurant Festival
Even if you try 11 restaurants a day for every day of October you still won't get them all!
Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble
Sour rhubarb crumble topped with ginger and sweetened with cicely leaves is a classic London favorite
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The most famous and glamorous in the world, this show is truly unforgettable
Virgin Money London Marathon
This London Marathon is a great way to observe the main landmarks of the city and collect money for charity all in a single day
Chinese New Year
The biggest celebration of this kind outside of Asia
London Coffee Festival
Dozens of tastings, special offers and barista competitions
The Boat Race
The rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge reaches its peak
Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park
The 600-year-old gardens get transformed into wonderland by a light display
The Big London Flea
London's largest indoor flea market is a true heaven for vintage and antique lovers
Tower Hamlets Fireworks at Victoria Park
A spectacular display on Bonfire Night in London
Great British Beer Festival
Sample some great street food, listen to live bands and enjoy a glass of special beer
Pumpkin Season
The "golden head" is full of delicious seeds and vitamins
Halloween Treats
The taste of Halloween is embodied in cubed earwax, eyeball cubes, jelly dentures, and blood shots available in haunted pubs
Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)
The day before the beginning of Lent when English families prepare a hearty meal with pancakes
Magical Lantern Festival
Spectacular fusion of art and culture transforms a park into wonderland
West End LIVE
Best London's musicals—for free
Prudential RideLondon
Watch the best cyclists of the world and experience the freedom of riding a bike through central London without cars
London Short Film Festival
The premiere UK showcase for gound-breaking short films
London Beer Week
Early spring in London is the time to feast on your favourite drink
Wheels and Fins Festival
An eclectic music and action sports festival
