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.
22 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON (DECEMBER 05 - DECEMBER 14)
London Christmas Lights
The capital of the UK glows and shines getting ready for the holidays
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Immerse yourself in the magical holiday spectacular
Christmas Carols in London
The jolly singers share Christmas joy with everyone
Hogwarts in the Snow
Still waiting for your invitation letter to Hogwarts? Luckily, today muggles can freely roam the school for wizards!
Christmas Markets
Pop-up ice rinks and holiday fairs cheer up the dark winters with their twinkling lights
Southbank Centre Winter Market
The Southbank Centre promises great winter fun starting with a Christmas fair and seasonal treats and captivating snow spectacles
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
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
Ice Skating
London's historical and modern landmarks make this traditional winter activity into a truly beautiful experience
Christmas at Kew Gardens
An unforgettable after-dark explosion of colors and a festive trail of lights
Christmas Shows
Theatre is a must-see during the holiday season in London
Sweet Chestnut Season
Large steaming braziers, from which a fragrant smoke spreads, is a typical sight for the Englishmen in the fall
Rugby Union
England takes great pride in Rugby Union, the oldest type of rugby football
Highgate Cemetery
One of the creepiest sites in London known for its vampires and famous people's graves
Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre
Discover skiing and snowboarding within one hour drive from London
Oysters
In the 19th century, oysters were cheap and abundant, nowadays—much more expensive and scarce so be appreciative!
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
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
Kingston Christmas Market
A traditional market in the town of Kingston-upon-Thames in South West London
92 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Lumiere Festival
on holdThe largest light festival in the UK features amazing installations
BBC Proms
unconfirmedOne classical music concert can heal your soul, develop more positive thinking, and improve your productivity
World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR London)
out of rangeThe annual event aimed to protest car culture and celebrate the human body
Notting Hill Carnival
out of rangeThe capital of Great Britain is hardly recognizable when the Afro-Caribbean spirit revels in the streets of London
Open House London
out of rangeA unique occasion to discover London's secret venues with free guided tours
Orchids Festival at Kew Gardens
unconfirmedSee some of the most beautiful orchids in the world
Poppy Fields
out of rangeEnjoy rural England in early summer when the countryside turns red with flowering poppies
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
out of rangeSpectacular cars from the end of the 19th century preserve the spirit of good old England
West End LIVE
unconfirmedBest London's musicals—for free
St. Patrick's Day Parade
unconfirmedRaise a glass to Ireland while the green procession paves its way through the centre of London
London New Year's Eve Fireworks & Traditions
out of rangeThe British consider the New Year to be a secondary holiday, but they celebrate it well anyway!
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
out of rangeThis summer weekend is devoted to modern art and outdoor performances
Changing of the Guard
out of rangeA 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
Bonfire Night
out of rangeThanks to Guy Fawkes' attempt to kill James I, Londoners have another reason to set off fireworks and eat festive toffees
Globe Theatre
out of rangeWould you like to visit a Renaissance Theatre? The reconstructed open-air Globe stages plays in a 17th century fashion
Trooping the Colour & The Queen's Birthday Parade
out of rangeEven rows of marching soldiers called "Trooping the Colors," royal flyovers, and salutes celebrate the Birthday of Her Majesty
MCM London Comic Con
out of rangeOne of London's favourite cosplay events
Swan Upping
unconfirmedThe swans are surrounded with special attention in England
Canalway Cavalcade
unconfirmedA range of nice neat boats arrive to the canalway of London's Little Venice
The London Design Festival
out of rangeThe world's capital of design dictates the best modern styles
Museums at Night
overMuseums have a special charm when explored at night—you might see something special you'd miss during the day
Feast of St George in Trafalgar Square
unconfirmedAlthough the identity and the origin of England's patron saint are not 100% clear, the feast bears a great importance for this nation
Pride in London Parade
out of rangeOne of the largest gay pride events in Europe and the world
The Great British Tattoo Show
out of rangeHow about a tattoo from one of the world's best masters?
London Wine Week
overWherever you go, you'll be offered a sip of wine
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
out of rangeThe actors perform in both warm starry nights and stormy weather
Royal Gun Salutes
out of rangeGun salutes mark special occasions in London often associated with the Royal Family
The Creative Craft Show
out of rangeA huge gathering of new and established crafters
Lovebox Festival
on holdEnjoy the the genre-blurring lineup during one of the finest festivals in London
Diwali in London
out of rangeJoin Europe's largest live outdoor Diwali celebration and show
Wireless Festival
out of rangeLet this fantastic event be a highlight of your London summer!
Cherry Blossom
out of rangeBeautiful pink sign of spring arrival
Comida Fest
overThe biggest Latin American food festival in London
Hampton Court Palace Festival
unconfirmedTen days of July are devoted to music and comedy to entertain the nightly visitors of Henry VIII's Palace Court
Paddling on the Thames
out of rangeObserve London's historical buildings while drifting along the River Thames
Buckingham Palace Tours
out of rangeThe finest pieces of art, exquisite furniture, and the overall magnificence of the palace evoke great awe
BFI London Film Festival
out of rangeThis is a great event for the local and international film industry and a wonderful occasion to meet your favourite actors in person
Crabs
out of rangeCrab meat is a real delicacy, it is tender, tasty, and like almost all seafood, very nutritious
Taste of London
out of rangeNothing motivates more that the desire to be the best, so just relax and let the chefs try to please your palate
Horse and Pony Riding
out of rangeHorses—for adults, ponies—for younger riders, and beautiful natural trails with windmills and red deer—for all to enjoy
Easter Weekend
out of rangeLondon's busy Easter weekend features Good Friday performances, grand masses, egg hunts, locally-made sweets, and even an equestrian parade
Reading & Leeds Festivals
out of rangeSome of the most popular music festivals in the UK with great names of pop and rock
London Fashion Week
out of rangeLondon has become a fashion Mecca for talented young designers
Lord Mayor's Show
out of rangeLondon celebrates an 800-year-old tradition as the iconic golden coach takes the mayor to the Queen
Tower Hamlets Fireworks at Victoria Park
canceledA spectacular display on Bonfire Night in London
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
out of rangeThe most famous and glamorous in the world, this show is truly unforgettable
Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park
out of rangeThe 600-year-old gardens get transformed into wonderland by a light display
Birdwatching in Barnes
out of rangeAnything from wetland birds to wildfowl and migrating species can be found in the large area of the London Wetland Centre
Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
unconfirmedA puppet show holiday is a great delight for the whole family
Hyper Japan
out of rangeCelebrate J-culture with traditional art, performances, and food
BMW LSO Open Air Classics
out of rangeA free open-air concert by London's oldest orchestra in the heart of UK's capital
Opera Holland Park
out of rangeThe London open air opera has its own charm and worldclass performances
Deer Watching in Richmond Park
out of rangeThis park is not fenced off, deer roam where they want
International Pillow Fight Day
out of rangeLet out your inner child andhave some fun in the middle of a megapolis
Spring Blossoms
out of rangeFloral show continues throughout the entire spring starting from daffodils in early March until wisteria in late May
Street Performances
out of rangeBesides oranges, Covent Garden's jugglers are skilled enough to shuffle knives and chainsaws
London Literature Festival
out of rangeOne of London's most exciting and prestigious literary events
Wimbledon
out of rangeThe oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, one of four Grand Slam tournaments
Halloween
out of rangeThe festival of fear: London's spookiest Halloween events will scare the hell out of you
Underbelly Festival Southbank
out of rangeComedy, circus and cabaret all summer on the south bank of the Thames river
Duxford Air Shows
out of rangeVisit Britain's largest aviation museum when it hosts military air shows
Horse-Racing: Royal Ascot
out of rangeRoyal Ascot combines exquisite English fashion with high-quality racing
Chinese New Year
out of rangeThe biggest celebration of this kind outside of Asia
The Boat Race
out of rangeThe rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge reaches its peak
Crocuses
out of rangeExploring London's parks, one might find a "Crocus Carpet" or even an entire meadow of crocuses
The Big London Flea
out of rangeLondon's largest indoor flea market is a true heaven for vintage and antique lovers
Lightopia Festival London
on holdSpectacular fusion of art and culture transforms a park into wonderland
RideLondon-Essex 100
unconfirmedWatch the best cyclists of the world and experience the freedom of riding a bike through central London without cars
London Cocktail Week
out of rangeThe world's biggest cocktail festival showcasing UK capital's unrivalled cocktail scene
Mushroom Season
out of rangeAre you keen on fresh mushrooms? Local porcini must be a real treat for you!
Duck and Goose Eggs
out of rangeTry a duck or goose egg omelette for a change or for the sake of new experience. You may develop a taste for it!
Camellia Showcase
out of rangeApart from China and Japan, Chiswick's Camellias are the oldest in the world
Great British Beer Festival
out of rangeSample some great street food, listen to live bands and enjoy a glass of special beer
London Coffee Festival
out of rangeDozens of tastings, special offers and barista competitions
London International Mime Festival
out of rangeA popular innovative theatre event in London
Swimming
out of rangeThough London has no access to the sea or ocean, it has the Thames River and moreover—ponds to bathe in
Virgin Money London Marathon
out of rangeThis London Marathon is a great way to observe the main landmarks of the city and collect money for charity all in a single day
MOVE IT
out of rangeThe world’s largest dance event, celebrating all forms of performing arts
Lobster
out of rangeBe sure to try the local lobster in London
Fall Colors
out of rangeDuring autumn, London becomes even more dreamlike
London Restaurant Festival
out of rangeEven if you try 11 restaurants a day for every day of October you still won't get them all!
Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble
out of rangeSour rhubarb crumble topped with ginger and sweetened with cicely leaves is a classic London favorite
Power Kiting
out of rangeIt's an amazing feeling to be literally carried away by a kite in Richmond Park
London Short Film Festival
out of rangeThe premiere UK showcase for gound-breaking short films
Pumpkin Season
out of rangeThe "golden head" is full of delicious seeds and vitamins
Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)
out of rangeThe day before the beginning of Lent when English families prepare a hearty meal with pancakes
Parkour in Westminster
out of rangeMake your way through the labyrinth of obstacles in The Leap—the largest parkour park in the world
Halloween Treats
out of rangeThe taste of Halloween is embodied in cubed earwax, eyeball cubes, jelly dentures, and blood shots available in haunted pubs
Watersports at West Reservoir Centre
out of rangeWest Reservoir offers a variety of watersports from sailing to canoe polo
London Beer Week
overEarly spring in London is the time to feast on your favourite drink
Wheels and Fins Festival
overAn eclectic music and action sports festival
Peas
out of rangeEnjoy freshly shelled English peas!
