Visiting London in Spring (29 best things to see and do)

Are you planning to visit London in spring? At this time of year, spring flowers are in full bloom and it’s less crowded than the busy summer months. The darkness of winter has lifted and the days become longer and the weather milder. This is the perfect time to enjoy London’s parks and gardens and spend some time outdoors.

During the months of spring, there are a number of bank holiday weekends (bank holidays = public holidays) as well as Easter holidays to enjoy as well as events such as the Chelsea Flower Show.

In this article, we have put together a list of 29 things to do while visiting London in springtime including some of the famous events you can enjoy at this time of year.

Enjoying spring in London – 29 things to do and see

1. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

What better than to enjoy a bit of pomp and ceremony during your spring season visit to London. The ceremony is free to watch and takes place outside Buckingham Palace from 10:45 to 11:30 am.

The ceremony does not take place every day so it is important to check on the official website for dates though generally, these are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Read: Guide to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

2. Join an organised sightseeing tour around London

There are many sightseeing tours to choose from in London which cater for all interests and needs. Choose from themed walking tours including Harry Potter, Jack the Ripper, street art or those which include many of London’s major landmarks and attractions.

Some of our favourites include:

• Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour – Walk in the footsteps of your favorite wizards (and witches) around Muggle London. Your Harry Potter enthusiast guide will be armed with weird and wonderful trivia all along the way. 

• Jack the Ripper Interactive Guided Walking Tour – Embark on an interactive Jack the Ripper walking tour around Victorian London, with your very own suspect cards and Ripperologist guide leading the way.

• Ghastly Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour – Sneak through the dark streets of London on a 2-hour ghastly ghosts tour, and hear spooky stories of the ghouls, ghosts and specters that creep through the city’s back alleys after dusk. Enjoy a spine-tingling walk from the Tower of London to St. Paul’s.

3. Take a boat ride along the Thames

Take a boat ride on the River Thames from Westminster Pier near Big Ben to Greenwich Pier. Greenwich has many attractions worth visiting including the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House and the Cutty Sark.

There are many boat trips and cruises to choose from. You can even buy tickets for an evening ride that includes dinner with champagne!

What a perfect way to end a day sightseeing in London!

Read – Guide to the best boat trips and river cruises in London & Best things to see and do in Greenwich (One day Greenwich itinerary)

4. Take a stroll through a London park

Get outdoors and enjoy some nature by going for a walk in London parks such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or Richmond Park.

Feed the ducks in St James’s Park, go for a walk or a picnic at Hampstead Heath where you may even spot some of the deer who live in the park.

In spring there are trees full of cherry blossoms in Regent’s Park plus gorgeous flowers in bloom around the city which makes for stunning photos.

5. Enjoy a meal with a view

Eat out at one of London’s amazing restaurants – there are so many choices, from Indian to Italian, Japanese to Thai, and everything in between.

For the best fish and chips in London Poppies in Spitalfields comes highly recommended.

Check out the bars and restaurants in Soho and Camden – two of London’s most vibrant areas

And for the best views in London head to the Aqua Shard, the Duck and Waffle or Fenchurch Restaurant at the Sky Garden.

6. Have a drink in a London pub

Have a drink in one of the many pubs or bars in London – there’s definitely something for everyone!

Popular pubs include the Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in Fleet Street, The George London Bridge, and the Seven Stars in Holborn.

7. Shop til you drop

Shop ’til you drop at some of London’s best shopping destinations, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street.

Go shopping at Harrods, one of the world’s most famous and iconic department stores.

Other famous shops not to miss include Liberty, Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason.

8. Take a ride on the London Eye

Taking a ride on the London Eye – at 135 metres high – it’s the perfect way to see all of London’s amazing sights!

Read: Guide to visiting the London Eye including tips plus best ticket options

9. Escape the city on a day trip from London

If you have time do take the opportunity to take a day trip out of London to see some of the amazing places,sights and landmarks that are within easy reach, such as Windsor Castle, Bath, or Brighton.

There are lots of tours available if you feel unsure about organising the trip independently though many of the places are easy to get to by train.

Read – Best day trips from London | Best day trips from London by train | 7 Castles to visit near London

10. Explore a London market

Make a trip to one of London’s many markets and pick up some souvenirs to take home with you – there’s something for everyone, from Camden Market for fashion, music and art to Borough Market for delicious fresh produce.

Visit Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill and shop for some souvenirs and gifts.

Read more – Complete Guide to 9 of London’s best markets

11. Catch a show or concert

If you enjoy theatre make sure to add at least one show in the world-famous West End theatre district.

Some of the most popular shows for 2022 include Frozen, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, The Life of Pi,  Back To The Future, Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing and Mamma Mia – musts for fans of the movies. 

Pride and Prejudice (sort of), and The Great Gatsby are more focused on literature. Music lovers, meanwhile, may enjoy musicals based around Tina Turner or Bob Marley, while Agatha Christie devotees will love The Mousetrap or Witness for the Prosecution.   

Click here for London theatre tickets

For music lovers check out the O2 Arena – it’s London’s biggest entertainment venue and hosts many popular live music events.

12. Book a photo shoot in front of some of London’s most iconic landmarks

Everyone wants a selfie in front of Tower Bridge or Big Ben – two of London’s most iconic landmarks – don’t they?

So why not treat yourself to a photoshoot with a professional photographer for stunning images and cherish special memories of your trip?

Book a photoshoot with Scalens Studio here – use code UKTP10 and get 10 extra images for free!

13. Visit one of London’s most beautiful and historic churches

There are many beautiful churches and famous churches to add to your London itinerary.

• Marvel at the beauty of St Paul’s Cathedral

• Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and where many coronations and Royal weddings have been held. It is also the burial ground for many famous figures including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Professor Stephen Hawking.

• Southwark Cathedral is one of the largest cathedral in London and is home to beautiful stained glass windows. Include in a visit to nearby Borough Market.

• St Dunstan-in-the-East is a hidden gem in London. Located in the City of London these stunning ruins are not to be missed. They make a stunning backdrop for photoshoots.

Book a photoshoot with Scalens Studio here – use the code UKTP10 and get 10 extra images for free!

14. Admire views of London from the Shard

For stunning views of London book tickets for The Shard. It is the UK’s tallest building and offers a 360-degree panoramic view. Designed by architect Renzo Piano construction was completed in 2012.

Entrance to the Shard is included in the London Pass.

There are a number of restaurants to choose from at The Shard and if you want to treat yourself to a luxury hotel stay in London why not book a few nights at the 5 star Shangri-La Hotel located over 19 floors.

15. Visit some of London’s free attractions

If you are visiting London and looking for ways to save a little (London is an expensive city) it is good to know there are ways to budget

Free attractions include

• Museums such as the British Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A and Science Museum.

• Art galleries including the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate and Tate Modern.

• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

• London markets including Camden Market and Portobello Market.

Read – Free things to do and see in London

16. Visit one of London’s popular museums

There are many world-class museums in London to visit – most of which are completely free. However, to make the most of your visit it is possible to book a private tour and learn about museum exhibits in greater detail.

Private tours at the British Museum include:

• Small group private tour of the British Musuem

• Private tour of the British Musem for Children and Families

There are also exhibitions or experiences that we highly recommend booking tickets for this spring. Our top choices include:

• Wonderlab at the Science Museum (perfect for kids)

• The Stonehenge Exhibition at the British Museum (until July 17)

• Selfie central – Van Gogh Self Portraits at Courtauld Gallery (until May 8)

• Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at The Victoria and Albert Museum (until Sept 25)

17. Visit Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is one of the most famous palaces in England. The Tudor palace was a favourite of Henry VIII and it is here that his wife Jane Seymour died after giving birth to Henry’s only son.

The Palace is located 12 miles south west of London but is relatively easy to get to on public transport.

If you are a Tudor history fan then a visit to Hampton Court should be a must in your itinerary.

18. Take a tour of the Tower of London

Visit the Tower of London and learn about its dark history as a prison and a place of execution! I recommend visiting whatever time of year you are in London (it is one of the most popular things to do and see in London so book your tickets ahead of time)

Good to know – If you are visiting London in Summer or Fall of 2022 don’t miss Superbloom which is being held at the Tower of London to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Read – Guide to visiting the Tower of London

19. Put a foot in two hemispheres at Greenwich

Actually, spend the day in Greenwich and enjoy the many attractions and sights in this often missed area of London! Hop on a boat at Westminister Pier and take a ride along the Thames to Greenwich.

• Gaze up at the beautiful architecture of one of Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpieces at The Royal Naval College in Greenwich and admire the Painted Hall (often described as Britain’s Sistine Chapel)

• Visit the Queen’s House and marvel at the Tulip Staircase

• Explore the Royal Observatory and stand with a foot in each hemisphere.

• Climb aboard the world’s last surviving tea clipper the Cutty Sark.

• Explore the National Maritime Museum.

• For the adventurous why not climb the roof of the O2 arena or take the Emirates cable car from

20. Enjoy spring blooms at Kew Gardens

Head out to Kew Gardens to see some of the most amazing botanical gardens in the world. See the daffodils, tulips and other spring blooms in the gardens.

21. Visit Kensington Palace and Gardens

Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace and it has traditionally been the home of the younger royals. At present, it is the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and family.

Don’t miss the King’s State Apartments, King’s Staircase, the King’s Gallery, the Queen’s State Apartments, the Jewel Room (including Queen Victoria’s tiara) and of course the beautiful gardens during your visit.

Exhibitions are held at the Palace every year. In 2022 the exhibition is entitled ‘Life through a Royal Lens” and explores the Royal Family’s relationships with the camera. Entrance to the exhibition is included in your Kensington Palace entrance ticket.

Afternoon tea at the Kensington Gardens Pavilion is a popular choice for visitors too. (The Pavilion has replaced the Orangery during renovations due to be completed in 2022)

22. Sample some delicious British cuisine and enjoy a traditional Sunday roast with all the trimmings

There are lots of fabulous places to eat in London (to suit all tastes) but one meal we highly recommend is a traditional British Sunday roast with Yorkshire Puddings and all the trimmings.

Recommendations include

• The Harwood Arms in Fulham

• Roast at Borough Market

• The Royal Oak (near Columbia Road Flower market)

• Hawsksmoor – Numerous locations across London

• Blacklock in Soho

Read – 39 Traditional British foods thats will make your mouth water

23. Explore London’s trendy East End and check out some of the best street art in the city

If you enjoy street art head to the East End of London – we recommend this walking tour if you pushed for time and want to see the area.

• Shoreditch and Brick Lane (East London)
• Camden (North London)
• Walthamstow (North London)
• The Leake Street Arches Grafitti Tunnel – this 300 metre tunnel is located underneath Waterloo Station and is a must for street art lovers (Central London)

24. Take a walk or ride on a boat along the picturesque canals of Little Venice

The Thames is not the only place you can take a boat ride in London! Head to Little Venice in west London for a different experience and a boat trip along the beautiful canals and waterways.

Why not enjoy Enjoy a leisurely one-way guided waterbus boat trip along the Regent’s Canal? Take the boat between Camden Town and Little Venice and enjoy sights such as the London Zoo along the way.

25. Watch a football match at The Emirates Stadium or Stamford Bridge – home to Arsenal and Chelsea!

The football season ends at the end of May but there are still many matches to enjoy during the spring months.

If you are an Arsenal, Tottenham Hottspur or Chelsea fan your dream may be to attend a match at their home grounds. Tickets are notoriously difficult to get a hold of and you may have to head to a local supporters pub to enjoy the match instead.

Alternatively, why not take a tour of your team ground on a non-match day?

• Book an Emirates stadium tour

• The tour of Chelsea’s football ground Stamford Bridge is included in the London Pass

• Book a Tottenham Hotspur Stadium visit: The Dare Skywalk Experience

• Book a private London Football and Stadiums Taxi Tour

26. Enjoy views from the Sky Garden

A fantastic view of London without the pricetag of the London Eye or Shard the Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden.

Book tickets 3 weeks before your visit (don’t forget as this is a very popular attraction) The Sky Garden is open weekdays from 10 am – 6 pm and weekends from 11 am – 9 pm.

27. Have a Harry Potter themed day

With so many Harry Potter sites to visit in London, you can easily spend the day enjoying a Harry Potter style treasure hunt to see all the places where the movies were filmed.

Sites to visit include

• King’s Cross station
• Leadenhall Market
• The Millennium Bridge
• London ZooA
• Australia House (Gringott’s Bank)

Alternatively, join one of the many Harry Potter tours available to book in London.

Why not book a stay at the Georgian House Hotel? They have Harry Potter themed rooms perfect for budding witches and wizards and also offer an enchanted afternoon tea!

Read – How to visit Harry Potter Studios from London

28. Enjoy the Bank Holidays* in May

There are usually 2 bank holidays (public holidays) on the first Monday and the last Monday of May. However, as this year is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee the second holiday has been moved to Friday the 3rd June (and an additional public holiday added on Thursday 2nd June!

29. Popular Spring events in London

• Oxford Cambridge boat race – April 3rd

• Vaisakhi Festival in Trafalgar Square – April TBC

• Join the Eid Festival celebrations in Trafalgar Square – 7 May

• FA Cup Final – 14 May

• Chelsea Flower Show Royal Hospital Chelsea other flowers – 24/28 May

Tips for visiting London whatever the season!

As you have read there are so many great things to do in London in spring. In fact, there’s always something to do in London, no matter what time of year you visit!

• If you are planning to visit London during another season why not check out these articles:

• Visiting London in winter (or London in December)
  • What to pack if you are visiting London in winter
• Guide to what to see and do in London in summer
• Ultimate guide to whats on in London in autumn

• Read more about visiting London in these related articles: