Whether you’re a local or a visitor, spring is one of the best times to explore the British capital. For Londoners, it’s the time when everyone slowly emerges from their winter hibernation, as the interminable grey winter finally comes to an end. For travellers, it’s the perfect time to explore as the famously inclement British weather perks up and the city’s abundance of green spaces come into their own. There may never be a shortage of things to do in London at any time of year, but spring is perhaps one of the brightest and prettiest times in which to do them. Here are 10 top recommendations for how to get the most out of the city this spring.
1. Revel in Colourful Blooms
If winter is in black and white, then spring is in full technicolour. You don’t need to be a budding horticulturalist to appreciate the gardens, parks, heaths and commons that make London such a gloriously green city. From bluebells in Highgate Woods to crocuses in Kew, daffodils in St James’s Park to cherry blossom in Regent’s Park – it’s time to celebrate nature in all its beauty. If you’ve been admiring Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden in particular, then get along to Kitchen W8, The Holland or Six Portland Road for refreshment afterwards.
2. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Easter
For the sugar fiends among us, spring has, over the years, become synonymous with chocolate, thanks to all manner of Easter-themed treats. Easter Sunday falls on 20th April this year, but for several weeks beforehand you and the kids can enjoy the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace. If you like your chocolate with a luxury touch, look out for decadent Easter eggs at Claridge’s, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and Pavyllon London. For something different, head to the Rosewood hotel for an egg inspired by Hokusai’s ‘Great Wave Off Kanagawa’ artwork.
For more ways to spend the long Easter weekend, watch our video guide to 3 Days in London.
3. Show Your Support at The Boat Race
Running from Putney to Mortlake, The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge universities has been held annually since 1856. On 13th April this year, the finest rowers from the country’s two most prestigious seats of learning will battle it out for another 12 months of bragging rights. It’s a tough, gruelling occasion that requires enormous commitment – but not from you, of course. If the weather’s nice, you can grab a terrace seat at The River Café or Sam’s Riverside, putting you in prime position to cheer on your chosen crew.
Want to know more about the University of Cambridge? We’ve got you covered.
4. Visit a Museum Before the Crowds Arrive
In advance of the tourists all arriving in the summer, now is a good time to visit some of London’s famous museums, from The National Gallery to The Tate Modern – all free and all world class. If you’re looking to do a whole day of learning and exploring on foot, you can’t go wrong with basing yourself in South Kensington, where you’ll find a cluster of cultural institutions including The Victoria & Albert Museum, which this spring begins a major Cartier exhibition. Once your feet get tired, give them a rest at the nearby Elystan Street, Volta Do Mar or Claude Bosi’s Oyster Bar.
If you're looking to combine your cultural curiosity and your foodie fascination, check out the best museum restaurants around the world.
5. Celebrate St George’s Day
London’s annual St George’s Day Parade, held in Trafalgar Square to celebrate the patron saint of England, takes place this year on 21st April and will feature live performances, street food and the chance to see London’s famous Pearly Queens and Kings. Of course, you could argue that the very definition of Englishness is to not make too much of a fuss about being English. So, a quieter way of celebrating would be tucking into some classic English food – like a steak and kidney pudding at Rules or a leg of lamb at The Quality Chop House.
6. Smell the Roses at the Chelsea Flower Show
By the time the Chelsea Flower Show comes around in late May, it feels like spring is turning into summer. The annual floral extravaganza has been a feature in Chelsea since 1912 and lucky ticket holders can often be seen carrying the displays that are sold off on the final afternoon. If you haven’t got a ticket, you can always try for returns. Failing that, any of our recommendations of the best restaurants in Chelsea will provide equal amounts of sensory pleasure – such as Restaurant Gordon Ramsay or No. Fifty Cheyne.
7. Watch Some Cricket
Yes, the football season is hurtling towards its thrilling conclusion around now, but perhaps it’s time to give another sport your attention. Those county cricket players will need all your support while they stand on the boundary on a chillier-than-expected April afternoon, wearing an extra jumper so they look like the Michelin Man himself. And for those of you visiting from non-cricket-playing countries, this is the perfect chance to familiarise yourself with our somewhat quaint pastime. If your enthusiasm wanes, then it’s a short walk from Lord’s to Paulette or The Hero.
8. Visit Awe-Inspiring Churches, Cathedrals and Abbeys
Here’s another activity that’s perfect for spring, when the weather is nice enough for walking between landmarks but they’re not yet filled with visitors. London is home to some stunning architecture of all shapes, sizes and vintages, but its old religious buildings are among some of its most beautiful. Many of the most iconic spots are handily situated near top restaurants too, from Westminster Abbey and Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO to St Paul’s Cathedral and Cabotte. Southwark Cathedral is a Gothic beauty too, and is just a short walk from all that Borough Market has to offer.
9. Cheer the Runners at the London Marathon
One of the biggest sporting events in the capital’s calendar, the London Marathon is an annual test of endurance and commitment. Taking place this year on 27th April, it’s also a great opportunity to see many of London’s landmarks in all their glory. Whether you’re running yourself or supporting a loved one, you’ll be looking to celebrate afterwards. The route finishes in St James’s Park, meaning you’ll be close to London institutions like Arlington and Chutney Mary, or the duo of Wild Honey St James and Bistrot Wild Honey inside the Sofitel London St James hotel.
10. Head Out of the City
As wonderful as London is, travellers should always widen their scope when visiting the UK. And for Londoners who never make use of their car, now is the time to finally take it out further than the supermarket. Whether it’s Windsor or Whitstable, Marlow or Margate, there are loads of great spots to spend a sunny spring day. If you’d prefer to head west, then you have The Loch & The Tyne in Old Windsor and The Coach in Marlow for high-quality pub lunches. Meanwhile, The Whitstable Oyster Company or Sargasso will make any drive to Kent worthwhile.
Check out our full guide to some of the best day trips from London.
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