Fun Things to Do in London This Spring

Spring is one of the best times to explore London. As the city begins to warm up, parks burst into bloom, markets return in full swing, and cultural venues unveil new exhibitions and events.

Whatever your mood, here are 10 great spring activities in London to add to your list this year…

Browse The Forty Hall, Farmers Market

The Forty Hall Farmers Market in Enfield brings together a range of local farmers and artisan producers selling seasonal vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, honey and handmade treats.

The market takes place within the grounds of Forty Hall, a Grade 1-listed Jacobean manor house surrounded by parkland. Visitors can explore the grounds, enjoy countryside views and even visit the estate’s rare-breed animals (the farm is currently only open to the public on weekdays, and will reopen at the weekend on the 4th April 2026).

The next market dates are 12th April 2026, 10th May 2026 and 14th June 2026.

Experience spring at Kew Gardens

When it comes to gardens to visit in London in spring, few places compare to Kew. As the season unfolds, magnolias, cherry blossoms and vibrant flower beds transform into one of the capital’s most colourful attractions.

For an insider’s insight into the gardens, join a Spring Spectacular Walking Tour. These run daily from 12.30pm until the 8th May 2026. A volunteer guide will take you to special areas of the gardens to showcase the best spring bulbs and blossoms on the day of your visit.

Sign up at the Guides Desk at Victoria Gate Plaza.

Go Jurassic at the Brunswick Centre

The Brunswick Centre, located in the heart of Bloomsbury opposite Russell Square station, is known for its free family-friendly events, and this April, it’s going back to the Jurassic era.

On the 18th April, get ready to meet the mighty T-Rex, a towering Brontosaurus, and adorable Dino Babies, plus two spectacular live dinosaur shows. Best of all? It’s free, with no tickets needed. Follow the Brunswick on Instagram (@brunswicklondon) for the latest info.

Pro tip: Architecture fans shouldn’t miss a trip to The Brunswick even when there are no events on, as it’s one of London’s most iconic examples of brutalist design.

Watch the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race

One of London’s most iconic sporting events returns on the 4th April 2026, with rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge competing along a 4.2-mile stretch of the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake.

Crowds gather along the riverbanks to watch the race, creating a lively and festive atmosphere throughout southwest London. For the best views, try to secure a spot on Putney Bridge (for the start of the route) or Chiswick Bridge (for the finish line) – you’ll need to get there well in advance.

Even if you’re not usually a rowing fan, it’s a fun tradition and one of the most memorable spring events in London.

Step back in time at Hampton Court Palace

Spring is also an excellent time to visit Hampton Court Palace, one of the most famous historic landmarks near London. The palace was once home to Henry VIII and offers a fascinating glimpse into Tudor history.

Inside the palace, you can explore grand state rooms, historic kitchens and exhibitions that bring royal life to life. Outside, the extensive gardens begin to bloom in spring, creating a beautiful setting for a stroll.

Over Easter, Hampton Court will host the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt. Roam the grounds and find all the golden bunny statues to be rewarded with a delicious Lindt chocolate treat.

See Tracey Emin’s A Second Life at Tate Modern

This landmark exhibition brings together more than 90 works spanning four decades of Emin’s career, including paintings, sculpture, installations and her distinctive neon artworks.

It’s a rare opportunity to chart the development of one of Britain’s most influential contemporary artists. The exhibition runs until August 2026.

Explore the South Bank

A walk along the South Bank is one of the simplest free things to do in London in spring. Stretching along the River Thames, this lively riverside promenade offers some of the city’s best views and plenty of places to stop along the way.

As you wander the route, you’ll pass cultural landmarks including the National Theatre and enjoy views across the river towards St Paul’s Cathedral. Street performers, pop-up food stalls and riverside cafés add to the atmosphere, making the South Bank a great place for a relaxed afternoon walk when the weather improves.

Visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Each May, London becomes the centre of the gardening world with the arrival of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the event showcases some of the most creative and inspiring garden designs anywhere in the world.

Between 19th and 23rd May 2026, visitors can explore beautifully designed show gardens that showcase everything from the latest sustainable garden technologies to balcony and container gardens that show what’s possible even if you’ve only got a small space!

Enjoy cherry blossoms in Greenwich Park

Spring means blossom season, and Greenwich Park is a wonderful place to experience it. As the trees come into bloom, the park’s pathways and gardens fill with soft pink flowers, creating one of the capital’s most beautiful seasonal displays. For the best blooms, head towards Ranger’s House in the southwestern corner of the park.

130 new blossom trees were planted along the hillside near One Tree Hill in 2025, which also happens to offer sweeping views across the city, including the skyline of Canary Wharf and the winding River Thames below.

It’s the perfect place for a stroll or picnic in good weather.

Visit the new V&A East Museum

A major new cultural attraction opens in London this spring with the launch of V&A East Museum on 18th April in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Part of the new East Bank cultural district, the museum will bring the V&A’s world-famous collections to a brand-new space designed to celebrate creativity, design and contemporary culture.

Alongside free permanent galleries, the opening ticketed exhibition will be The Music is Black: A British Story, a collection of objects that explore the impact of Black artistry on British music, culture and beyond.