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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.

104 things to do in London

Crocuses

late-February–March Nature

Exploring London's parks, one might find a "Crocus Carpet" or even an entire meadow of crocuses

Autumn

September, October, November Weather

The rainiest time of the year gets dark and gloomy in the second half

Spring

March, April, May Weather

The weather is unstable and unpredictable, but drier than during other seasons

Winter

December, January, February Weather

Rainy and foggy weather prevails during the whole season

Wireless Festival

July 12-14, 2024 Event

Let this fantastic event be a highlight of your London summer!

Reading & Leeds Festivals

August 21-25, 2024 Event

Some of the most popular music festivals in the UK with great names of pop and rock

BBC Proms

July 19–September 14, 2024 Event

Enjoy eight weeks of world-class music in iconic venue at a reasonable price

London Fashion Week

September 12–17, 2024 Event

London has become a fashion Mecca for talented young designers

Trooping the Colour & The King's Birthday Parade

June 15, 2024 Event

Even rows of marching soldiers called "Trooping the Colors​," royal flyovers, and salutes celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

August 23-September 8, 2024 Event

This summer weekend is devoted to modern art and outdoor performances

The London Design Festival

September 14–22, 2024 Event

The world's capital of design dictates the best modern styles

Swan Upping

July 15–19, 2024 Event

The swans are surrounded with special attention in England

Mushroom Season

September–October Food

Are you keen on fresh mushrooms? Local porcini must be a real treat for you!

Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre

November–March Activity

Discover skiing and snowboarding within one hour drive from London

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

November 3, 2024 Event

Spectacular cars from the end of the 19th century preserve the spirit of good old England

Royal Gun Salutes

February 6 | April 21 | June 2 | June 10 | November 14 Event

Gun salutes mark special occasions in London often associated with the Royal Family

Taste of London

June 12-16, 2024 Event

Nothing motivates more that the desire to be the best, so just relax and let the chefs try to please your palate

Sweet Chestnut Season

October–late December Food

Large steaming braziers, from which a fragrant smoke spreads, is a typical sight for the Englishmen in the fall

Hogwarts in the Snow

November 16, 2024–January 19, 2025 Activity

Still waiting for your invitation letter to Hogwarts? Luckily, today muggles can freely roam the school for wizards!

Wimbledon

June 30-July 13, 2025 Event

The oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, one of four Grand Slam tournaments

Paddling on the Thames

March–October Activity

Observe London's historical buildings while drifting along the River Thames

Ice Skating

mid-November–early January Activity

London's historical and modern landmarks make this traditional winter activity into a truly beautiful experience

Lord Mayor's Show

November 9, 2024 Event

London celebrates an 800-year-old tradition as the iconic golden coach takes the mayor to the Queen

Halloween

October, 2024 Event

The festival of fear: London's spookiest Halloween events will scare the hell out of you

Open House London

September 14-22, 2024 Event

A unique occasion to discover London's secret venues with free guided tours

Pumpkin Season

October Food

The "golden head" is full of delicious seeds and vitamins

Peas

August Food

Enjoy freshly shelled English peas!

Rugby Union

September–May Event

England takes great pride in Rugby Union, the oldest type of rugby football

Duck and Goose Eggs

February–June | September Food

Try a duck or goose egg omelette for a change or for the sake of new experience. You may develop a taste for it!

St. Patrick's Day

March 17, 2025 Event

Raise a glass to Ireland while the green procession paves its way through the centre of London

Premier League

August 17, 2024-May 25, 2025 Event

Crazy about football? Give in to your passion at the greatest games of the English Premier League hosted in the capital

Virgin Money London Marathon

April 27, 2025 Event

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

Hunting Season & Game Meat

August, 12–February Activity

While London's licensed hunters try their shooting skills, you can treat your stomach to some delicious game meat

Jerusalem Artichokes

September–March Food

Though the once named "Girasole" artichokes have been renamed "Jerusalem" artichokes though the great taste remains the same

Oysters

October–February Food

In the 19th century, oysters were cheap and abundant, nowadays—much more expensive and scarce so be appreciative!

Deer Watching in Richmond Park

September–October (rutting) | May–July (birthing) Activity

This park is not fenced off, deer roam where they want

Poppy Fields

mid-June–September (best in late June–July) Nature

Enjoy rural England in early summer when the countryside turns red with flowering poppies

Lobster

June–August Food

Be sure to try the local lobster in London

BFI London Film Festival

March 13-24, 2024 Event

This is a great event for the local and international film industry and a wonderful occasion to meet your favourite actors in person

Canalway Cavalcade

May 3-5, 2025 Event

A range of nice neat boats arrive to the canalway of London's Little Venice

Spring Blossoms

March–May Nature

Floral show continues throughout the entire spring starting from daffodils in early March until wisteria in late May

Street Performances

June–August Event

Besides oranges, Covent Garden's jugglers are skilled enough to shuffle knives and chainsaws

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)

February 13, 2024 Event

The day before the beginning of Lent when English families prepare a hearty meal with pancakes

Birdwatching in Barnes

April–October Nature

Anything from wetland birds to wildfowl and migrating species can be found in the large area of the London Wetland Centre

Power Kiting

April–October Activity

It's an amazing feeling to be literally carried away by a kite in Richmond Park

Regent's Park Outdoor Open Air Theatre

March 23–September 21, 2024 Event

The actors perform in both warm starry nights and stormy weather

Camellia Showcase

late February–March Nature

Apart from China and Japan, Chiswick's Camellias are the oldest in the world

Christmas Carols in London

December Event

The jolly singers share Christmas joy with everyone

Notting Hill Carnival

August 24-26, 2024 Event

The capital of Great Britain is hardly recognizable when the Afro-Caribbean spirit revels in the streets of London

Horse and Pony Riding

April–October Activity

Horses—for adults, ponies—for younger riders, and beautiful natural trails with windmills​ and red deer—for all to enjoy

Horse-Racing: Royal Ascot

June 18-22, 2024 Event

Royal Ascot combines exquisite English fashion with high-quality racing

Southbank Centre Winter Market

November 1–December 26, 2024 Event

The Southbank Centre promises great winter fun, starting with a Winter Market and captivating activities

Changing of the Guard

April–July Event

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

Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival

May 11, 2025 Event

A puppet show holiday is a great delight for the whole family

Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night

November 5, 2025 Event

Thanks to Guy Fawkes' attempt to kill James I, Londoners have another reason to set off fireworks and eat festive toffees

Crabs

April–November Food

Crab meat is a real delicacy, it is tender, tasty, and like almost all seafood, very nutritious

London New Year's Eve Fireworks & Traditions

December 31 Event

The British consider the New Year to be a secondary holiday, but they celebrate it well anyway!

Feast of St George in Trafalgar Square

April 20, 2025 Event

Although the identity and the origin of England's patron saint are not 100% clear, the feast bears a great importance for this nation

Churchill War Rooms

November–March (all year round) Activity

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

Christmas Markets

early November–early January Event

Pop-up ice rinks and holiday fairs cheer up the dark winters with their twinkling lights

Highgate Cemetery

year round Activity

One of the creepiest sites in London known for its vampires and famous people's graves

London Christmas Lights

early November–early January Event

The capital of the UK glows and shines getting ready for the holidays

Christmas Shows in London

late November–early January Event

Theatre is a must-see during the holiday season in London

Tower Hamlets Fireworks at Victoria Park

2023 Event

A spectacular display on Bonfire Night in London

Hyper Japan

July 19–21, 2024 Event

Celebrate J-culture with traditional art, performances, and food

Great British Beer Festival

early August, 2025 Event

Sample some great street food, listen to live bands and enjoy a glass of special beer

International Pillow Fight Day

April 5, 2025 Event

Let out your inner child andhave some fun in the middle of a megapolis

Lightopia Festival London

November 17, 2022–January 2, 2023 Event

Spectacular fusion of art and culture transforms a park into wonderland

Diwali in London

October 27, 2024 Event

Join Europe's largest live outdoor Diwali celebration and show

World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR London)

June 10, 2025 Event

The annual event aimed to protest car culture and celebrate the human body

MCM London Comic Con

May 24-26, 2024 Event

One of London's favourite cosplay events

Pride in London Parade

June 29, 2024 Event

One of the largest gay pride events in Europe and the world

Christmas at Kew Gardens

November 13, 2024-January 5, 2025 (selected dates) Event

An unforgettable after-dark explosion of colors and a festive trail of lights

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

May 21-25, 2024 Event

The most famous and glamorous in the world, this show is truly unforgettable

Chinese New Year

January 29, 2025 Event

The biggest celebration of this kind outside of Asia

Orchids Festival at Kew Gardens

February 3-March 3, 2024 Event

See some of the most beautiful orchids in the world

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

November 21, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

Immerse yourself in the magical holiday spectacular

Underbelly Festival Southbank

April 28–July 31, 2022 Event

Comedy, circus and cabaret all summer on the south bank of the Thames river

London Literature Festival

October 23-November 3, 2024 Event

One of London's most exciting and prestigious literary events

London Coffee Festival

April 11-14, 2024 Event

Dozens of tastings, special offers and barista competitions

West End LIVE

June 22-23, 2024 Event

Best London's musicals—for free

The Great British Tattoo Show

February 3-4, 2024 Event

How about a tattoo from one of the world's best masters?

RideLondon-Essex 100

May 26, 2024 Event

Watch the best cyclists of the world and experience the freedom of riding a bike through central London without cars

The Creative Craft Show

August 30–September 1, 2024 Event

A huge gathering of new and established crafters

The Boat Race

April 13, 2025 Event

The rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge reaches its peak

BMW LSO Open Air Classics

April 4, 2023 Event

A free open-air concert by London's oldest orchestra in the heart of UK's capital

London Cocktail Week

October 3–13, 2024 Event

The world's biggest cocktail festival showcasing UK capital's unrivalled cocktail scene

Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park

mid-to-late November 2024 Event

The 600-year-old gardens get transformed into wonderland by a light display

MOVE IT

March 7-9, 2025 Event

The world’s largest dance event, celebrating all forms of performing arts

London Short Film Festival

January 17–26, 2025 Event

The premiere UK showcase for gound-breaking short films

The Big London Flea

January 14, 2024 Event

London's largest indoor flea market is a true heaven for vintage and antique lovers

Lumiere Festival

mid-November, 2025 Event

The largest light festival in the UK features amazing installations

Cherry Blossom

April–early May Nature

Beautiful pink sign of spring arrival

Easter Weekend

March 29–April 1, 2024 Event

London's busy Easter weekend features Good Friday performances, grand masses, egg hunts, locally-made sweets, and even an equestrian parade

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

all year round Activity

Numerous sandy beaches around London are perfect for a weekend trip

Duxford Air Shows

May 5, 2024 | June 1–2, 2024 | July 26, 2024 | August 17, 2024 | August 31, 2024 | September 14–15, 2024 | October 5, 2024 Event

Visit Britain's largest aviation museum when it hosts military air shows

Fall Colors in London

last week of October-first week of November Nature

During autumn, London becomes even more dreamlike

Kingston Christmas Market

November 14, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

A traditional market in the town of Kingston-upon-Thames in South West London

Lord Mayor's Balloon Regatta

July 7 | July 28 | July 21 | July 28, 2024 Event

London's only official ballooning event

EFG London Jazz Festival

November 15-24, 2024 Event

Meet your soulmates at this awesome jazz fest

Ealing Jazz Festival

July 10-August 4, 2024 Event

Save the date for this unique music festival

Greenwich Christmas Market

November 20–December 31, 2024 (selected dates) Event

The only market in London located within a World Heritage site

Camden Christmas Market

early November–late December, 2024 Event

Holiday shopping and excellent street food

Christmas at Borough Market

late November–early January Event

The ultimate holiday food destination in London

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