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.
32 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON (AUGUST 26 - SEPTEMBER 04)
BBC Proms
One classical music concert can heal your soul, develop more positive thinking, and improve your productivity
Notting Hill Carnival
The capital of Great Britain is hardly recognizable when the Afro-Caribbean spirit revels in the streets of London
Poppy Fields
Enjoy rural England in early summer when the countryside turns red with flowering poppies
Globe Theatre
Would you like to visit a Renaissance Theatre? The reconstructed open-air Globe stages plays in a 17th century fashion
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
This summer weekend is devoted to modern art and outdoor performances
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
Crabs
Crab meat is a real delicacy, it is tender, tasty, and like almost all seafood, very nutritious
Premier League
Crazy about football? Give in to your passion at the greatest games of the English Premier League hosted in the capital
Horse and Pony Riding
Horses—for adults, ponies—for younger riders, and beautiful natural trails with windmills and red deer—for all to enjoy
Reading & Leeds Festivals
Some of the most popular music festivals in the UK with great names of pop and rock
Deer Watching in Richmond Park
This park is not fenced off, deer roam where they want
Birdwatching in Barnes
Anything from wetland birds to wildfowl and migrating species can be found in the large area of the London Wetland Centre
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
Street Performances
Besides oranges, Covent Garden's jugglers are skilled enough to shuffle knives and chainsaws
Rugby Union
England takes great pride in Rugby Union, the oldest type of rugby football
Duxford Air Shows
Visit Britain's largest aviation museum when it hosts military air shows
Highgate Cemetery
One of the creepiest sites in London known for its vampires and famous people's graves
Mushroom Season
Are you keen on fresh mushrooms? Local porcini must be a real treat for you!
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!
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
Lobster
Be sure to try the local lobster in London
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
Hunting Season & Game Meat
While London's licensed hunters try their shooting skills, you can treat your stomach to some delicious game meat
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
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Numerous sandy beaches around London are perfect for a weekend trip
Peas
Enjoy freshly shelled English peas!
80 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Lumiere Festival
unconfirmedThe largest light festival in the UK features amazing installations
World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR London)
out of rangeThe annual event aimed to protest car culture and celebrate the human body
London Christmas Lights
out of rangeThe capital of the UK glows and shines getting ready for the holidays
Open House London
out of rangeA unique occasion to discover London's secret venues with free guided tours
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
out of rangeSpectacular cars from the end of the 19th century preserve the spirit of good old England
Orchids Festival at Kew Gardens
out of rangeSee some of the most beautiful orchids in the world
Christmas Carols in London
out of rangeThe jolly singers share Christmas joy with everyone
West End LIVE
out of rangeBest London's musicals—for free
St. Patrick's Day Parade
out of rangeRaise a glass to Ireland while the green procession paves its way through the centre of London
Hogwarts in the Snow
out of rangeStill waiting for your invitation letter to Hogwarts? Luckily, today muggles can freely roam the school for wizards!
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
unconfirmedImmerse yourself in the magical holiday spectacular
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
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
Bonfire Night
unconfirmedThanks to Guy Fawkes' attempt to kill James I, Londoners have another reason to set off fireworks and eat festive toffees
Canalway Cavalcade
out of rangeA range of nice neat boats arrive to the canalway of London's Little Venice
Swan Upping
out of rangeThe swans are surrounded with special attention in England
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
out of rangeAlthough the identity and the origin of England's patron saint are not 100% clear, the feast bears a great importance for this nation
Christmas Markets
out of rangePop-up ice rinks and holiday fairs cheer up the dark winters with their twinkling lights
Pride in London Parade
out of rangeOne of the largest gay pride events in Europe and the world
London Wine Week
overWherever you go, you'll be offered a sip of wine
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!
The London Design Festival
out of rangeThe world's capital of design dictates the best modern styles
MCM London Comic Con
out of rangeOne of London's favourite cosplay events
The Great British Tattoo Show
out of rangeHow about a tattoo from one of the world's best masters?
Royal Gun Salutes
out of rangeGun salutes mark special occasions in London often associated with the Royal Family
Lovebox Festival
on holdEnjoy the the genre-blurring lineup during one of the finest festivals in London
The Creative Craft Show
out of rangeA huge gathering of new and established crafters
Southbank Centre Winter Market
unconfirmedThe Southbank Centre promises great winter fun starting with a Christmas fair and seasonal treats and captivating snow spectacles
Cherry Blossom
out of rangeBeautiful pink sign of spring arrival
Wireless Festival
out of rangeLet this fantastic event be a highlight of your London summer!
Comida Fest
overThe biggest Latin American food festival in London
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
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
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
London Fashion Week
out of rangeLondon has become a fashion Mecca for talented young designers
Lord Mayor's Show
unconfirmedLondon celebrates an 800-year-old tradition as the iconic golden coach takes the mayor to the Queen
Diwali in London
out of rangeJoin Europe's largest live outdoor Diwali celebration and show
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
out of rangeThe most famous and glamorous in the world, this show is truly unforgettable
Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
out of rangeA puppet show holiday is a great delight for the whole family
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
Ice Skating
out of rangeLondon's historical and modern landmarks make this traditional winter activity into a truly beautiful experience
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
Hyper Japan
out of rangeCelebrate J-culture with traditional art, performances, and food
London Literature Festival
unconfirmedOne 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
Christmas Shows
out of rangeTheatre is a must-see during the holiday season in London
Christmas at Kew Gardens
unconfirmedAn unforgettable after-dark explosion of colors and a festive trail of lights
Hampton Court Palace Festival
out of rangeTen days of July are devoted to music and comedy to entertain the nightly visitors of Henry VIII's Palace Court
Horse-Racing: Royal Ascot
unconfirmedRoyal Ascot combines exquisite English fashion with high-quality racing
Chinese New Year
canceledThe biggest celebration of this kind outside of Asia
Underbelly Festival Southbank
out of rangeComedy, circus and cabaret all summer on the south bank of the Thames river
Crocuses
out of rangeExploring London's parks, one might find a "Crocus Carpet" or even an entire meadow of crocuses
Sweet Chestnut Season
out of rangeLarge steaming braziers, from which a fragrant smoke spreads, is a typical sight for the Englishmen in the fall
Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park
unconfirmedThe 600-year-old gardens get transformed into wonderland by a light display
Lightopia Festival London
on holdSpectacular fusion of art and culture transforms a park into wonderland
London Cocktail Week
out of rangeThe world's biggest cocktail festival showcasing UK capital's unrivalled cocktail scene
Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre
out of rangeDiscover skiing and snowboarding within one hour drive from London
Oysters
out of rangeIn the 19th century, oysters were cheap and abundant, nowadays—much more expensive and scarce so be appreciative!
Camellia Showcase
out of rangeApart from China and Japan, Chiswick's Camellias are the oldest in the world
Tower Hamlets Fireworks at Victoria Park
canceledA spectacular display on Bonfire Night in London
The Boat Race
out of rangeThe rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge reaches its peak
London International Mime Festival
unconfirmedA popular innovative theatre event in London
The Big London Flea
out of rangeLondon's largest indoor flea market is a true heaven for vintage and antique lovers
London Coffee Festival
out of rangeDozens of tastings, special offers and barista competitions
RideLondon-Essex 100
out of rangeWatch the best cyclists of the world and experience the freedom of riding a bike through central London without cars
MOVE IT
out of rangeThe world’s largest dance event, celebrating all forms of performing arts
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
Great British Beer Festival
out of rangeSample some great street food, listen to live bands and enjoy a glass of special beer
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
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
London Short Film Festival
out of rangeThe premiere UK showcase for gound-breaking short films
Halloween Treats
out of rangeThe taste of Halloween is embodied in cubed earwax, eyeball cubes, jelly dentures, and blood shots available in haunted pubs
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
