11 Best Things to Do in London in Spring
The best things to do in London in spring are aplenty!
You may love winter in London, but seeing the gardens and parks burst in color is just a happy and welcome sight. Bluebells and wisterias are in bloom — a sure sign that London is emerging from the coldest season of the year.
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit London. While the weather in the summer is generally nicer and sunnier, springtime in London offers an opportunity to witness the city come back to life after a long, dreary winter.
Traveling to London in the spring will also save you money on airfare because it is off-peak season.
London in Spring — Weather
The official start of spring in London occurs anywhere between the middle of March and the middle of June.
The springtime climate in London and the rest of the United Kingdom is famously difficult to predict. It is still quite chilly at the start of spring in London, but the second half of the season will bring about a little increase in temperatures. Still, it’s quite rare if the temperature rises beyond 18 degrees Celsius.
London in Spring — Travel Tips
• Pack a light jacket that’s enough to keep you warm but comfy enough to move around in.
• A sturdy, windproof umbrella will also come in handy since London’s weather can be unpredictable.
• A sensible pair of shoes like lightweight hiking boots or trainers can be useful if you plan to do lots of walking, which is actually one of the nicest things to do in London in spring.
Best Things to Do in London in Spring
I’ve put up a list of some of the most popular springtime activities in London for you to enjoy. Read on if you’re interested in learning more about the wonders of London in the spring, as well as the unique experiences that come with visiting during this time of year.
1. Explore Kew Gardens
Surround yourself with spring colors as you take a stroll through the gorgeous gardens as well as within the glass garden rooms at Kew Gardens.
This area is one of the best places to visit in London in spring and is also one of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the English capital.
At Kew Gardens, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the royal palace at your own pace and admire works of floral art in the galleries.
Kew Gardens is the ideal springtime outing for a warm day in London since it offers visitors the opportunity to immerse in the garden’s more than 250 years of history.
2. See flowers in bloom
In the spring, London transforms into a kaleidoscope of color as flowers bloom and the park’s lawns take on a vivid shade of green.
There are hundreds of unique flowers in the Isabella Plantation at Royal Richmond Park, but the bluebell carpet is what tourists notice most in April.
Regent’s Park has a few clusters of cherry trees near Avenue Gardens and the Community Wildlife Garden that offer a taste of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms.
Fields of purple crocuses may be found in Cannizaro Park (a section of Wimbledon Common), which marks the beginning of spring. You can also find a wide variety of different flowers in this Grade II listed park.
This spring, you’ll find daffodils in all of London’s parks, but St. James’ Park is particularly lovely. Look for their bright blooms as you walk along or during your lunch break.
When it comes to springtime blooms, magnolias are among the first to arrive, as their pink and white lights add a nice splash of color. They’re short-lived, unfortunately. So, make sure to see the magnolias in Kensington and Chelsea which are among the best attractions in London in spring.
Tulips in London are one of spring’s biggest stars, even if they aren’t as spectacular as those in Amsterdam. Take an early walk in Regent’s Park and on the streets surrounding Buckingham Palace, and surround yourself with these pretty blooms.
Wisterias are purple flowers cascading from townhouse balconies or clinging to columns can be found in some of London’s most exclusive areas. Some of the city’s most magnificent and picturesque wisteria trees may be found on Elm Street in the City of London.
3. Have a picnic at a park
A trip to a nearby park, or even better, having a picnic at one of these parks, is one of the most enjoyable things to do in London in spring.
The weather in London is typically cloudy and wet; if there is even a hint of sunshine in the city and the temperature begins to climb, the people quickly grab their blankets and hurry to the nearby park.
Despite the city’s urban setting, London is full of green places that, on days when the weather cooperates, are ideal for taking a stroll or having a picnic.
4. Take a walk along Notting Hill
There’s a good reason why Notting Hill is one of the most talked-about neighborhoods in all of London: the area has a lot to offer. No suprise that it’s one of the most popular places to visit in London in spring.
You can explore all that this charming neighborhood has to offer. The world-famous Portobello Road Market is one example. You can also go to the music studios, where some of the most famous songs in the history of the world were recorded, or see the famous blue door (from the film starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts).
Admire the brightly-painted homes, browse the shelves of a couple of independent bookstores, and then while away the day in one of the city’s numerous trendy tea shops and coffee shops.
Since there are so many places in Notting Hill that are Instagram-worthy, you won’t have to worry about your account becoming boring anytime soon.
5. Have a wonderful Pancake Day
Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday in the UK, was invented by the city’s residents as the ideal time to gorge on stacks of fluffy pancakes.
The celebration is a Christian feast that occurs before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent — 40 days before Easter — during which people abstain from eating unhealthy food.
Despite its religious connotation, London hosts a variety of festivities around the city, including Pancake Day races, which typically raise money for charity.
6. Take a tour of London for Easter
Spring is a great time of year to enjoy Easter in London.
Wake up early and do a mini-tour of London by going to different parts of the city that has their version of an Easter fest.
See the dog day events at Skylight Tobacco Dock, or check out Tesco’s pop-up Hot Cross Bun Café is located in Central London.
The Great Leadenhall Market, meanwhile, has a Wild Goose Chase and there will be challenges, games, and fancy dress competitions for you to participate in there as well.
Then there’s Devonshire Terrace which hosts an Easter Disco Bottomless Brunch, complete with smoke machines, disco balls, and cheesy tunes.
Easter is quite a big thing in London and if you want to join the fun, check event schedules and plan your trip accordingly.
7. Discover Vaisakhi Festival
As one of Britain’s most important colonies during the British Empire, India has maintained close ties with the country. Spices, tea, and other exotic flavors were popular in Indian cuisine, which influenced British cuisine in many ways.
The Vaisakhi festival marks the beginning of the new agricultural year and the beginning of Sikhism as a common faith in Sikh and Punjabi culture. Several free performances and cultural events are planned for April in the city, including turban tying.
This is definitely one of the must-do novel activities in London in spring that you will enjoy.
8. Eat some delicious halal food during Eid
The end of Ramadan is commemorated by the Muslim festival of Eid, which takes place in London (and other cities around the world) every year.
Every May, Trafalgar Square is transformed into an open-air Eid museum. There are numerous stalls selling halal fare in the market.
Indonesian dance groups, Syrian classical musicians, and West African-European contemporary artists are among the performers from various cultural backgrounds gracing this festive event.
9. Browse the markets in London
London’s streets come alive with markets in the spring, making it one of the most enjoyable times of year to visit the city. There are a wide variety of markets to choose from, ranging from flower markets to food markets to antique markets.
Eat your way around Borough Market if you’re an aficionado of diverse and delectable cuisine. Are you on the lookout for wacky, retro clothing? Your search is over at the Old Spitalfields Market.
10. Watch a film at an outdoor theater
Londoners now have a new pastime to take advantage of during the long, balmy evenings: watching a movie outdoors. Some are drive-ins, while others provide picnic-style outdoor seating in front of a huge screen. These outdoor cinemas have sprung up all over London.
A drive-in movie theater can transport you back in time to the days when this was a common pastime.
The end of May is when most outdoor theaters open, and to guarantee a seat, check the schedules of the outdoor cinemas near your lodging and make a reservation in advance.
11. Visit the O2 Arena
One of the world’s most prominent entertainment venues, the O2 Arena has a well-known interior you’ve probably already seen.
If you’re lucky enough to visit here on a clear day, you’ll be able to see more than 24 miles over London from the O2 Arena’s roof.
If you’re planning a spring break in London and want to take in the city’s famed skyline from every angle, this is the excursion for you. The temperate weather makes the O2 one of the most popular attractions in London in spring.
Visiting the arena is a fun thing to do because the rain should hold off and it isn’t too hot while climbing the building.
