Spring in London is a glorious time. The sun is shining, days are longer and the flowers are finally blooming. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures hovering around a mild 12-18–degrees between March and May. It’s the best time to explore the city’s parks, enjoy outdoor activities and to hop aboard an open-top bus tour (of course).
If you plan to be in London in spring, we’ve rounded up our top picks of things to do:
Walk the gardens
London is home to some impressive green spaces, and spring is the season they come alive. A must-visit is Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50,000 living plants. You can spend an entire day wandering the exhibitions, talks and tours learning the science behind the plants. Don’t miss the Princess of Wales Conservatory, where you’ll travel from the deserts to the tropics strolling through this glassy wonderland. And Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse filled with some of the planet’s rarest and most threatened species of plants. You’ll leave really knowing spring in London has finally sprung.
Cheer on the rowers
When the river boat races begin, you know it’s spring in London. Pitch up at the River Thames and witness the Head of the River Race. A long-standing tradition, it’s a fun day out for locals and tourists alike. Bag your spot nice and early, as hordes of crowds turn out for this yearly event. You can take a picnic and make a day of it, or spectate from one of the pubs with a riverside view. A particular favourite is the race between Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Clubs. Be sure to cheer some encouragement as the boats pass!
Enjoy Easter events
If you happen to be in London over Easter, you’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do. Over the four-day long weekend, events, parties and fairs are dotted around the city. There’s Easter egg hunts for little ones and family friendly chocolate runs. You can hunt a different kind of egg and make it your mission to find the best brunches in London. Parties and club nights are also aplenty. It’s a time when the city is a hive of activity.
Take in the theatre al fresco
From late April through to October, you can experience a show in the sun at one of London’s most famous open-air venues. The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and the Shakespeare’s Globe line up a schedule of fabulous performances, made all the more atmospheric by being outdoors. See a Shakespeare play, family show or a hit musical all under the summer skies. There’s the classics like a Midsummer Night’s Dream, Evita and Henry V, and family favourites such as Hansel and Gretel. An absolute treat during spring in London.
Find the nearest Big Bus Stop to the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
So there you have our must-do activities during spring in London. A time when winter begins to feel like a distant memory and the city celebrates the outdoors. And on a sunny day, you can grab a top-deck seat on a Big Bus tour, and we’ll take you to see the best sights and attractions London is famous for. If the heavens decide to open, there’s still plenty in this city to keep you occupied, check out our guide to Indoor Activities in London.
