The National Gallery is extending — both in physical space, and artistic remit. Here's what you need to know about Project Domani.

Project Domani will see a £750m extension of London's National Gallery. Image: Kin Creatives

What is Project Domani?

Project Domani (Domani is Italian for 'tomorrow') is a planned £750m extension of the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square — the most significant transformation of the Gallery since its formation 200 years ago. In September 2025, the National Gallery launched a competition for a new wing, to be built on the site of St Vincent House, to the immediate north of the Sainsbury Wing. The site — purchased decades ago by the Gallery, with a view to building on it one day — currently houses office space and a hotel.

65 Project Domani submissions were received from architects, which included heavyweights such as Norman Foster and Renzo Piano. The final design was selected in April 2026.

What's the winning National Gallery extension design?

Kengo Kuma and Associates (designers of 2019's Japan National Stadium), along with BDP and MICA were overall winners of the competition.

Mock-ups of their design show a contemporary style building featuring Portland stone (sympathetic with much of the rest of the building), with striking vertical ridging and fins. The ground floor will feature vaults and arches (again, a nod to the original gallery architecture), while an upper floor gallery will have a more geometric feel.

The new wing will landscaped with garden spaces outside the entrance, and feature a garden roof terrace, accessible to the public — and certain to be popular with them too.

The new wing's architects Kengo Kuma and Associates designed Japan's national stadium. Image: Natsuko Aoyama

Didn't the National Gallery just have a big revamp?

In May 2025, the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing reopened with a 'once in a lifetime' rehang of its collection, with an enlarged entrance foyer, although this wasn't a new extension per se.

The Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery was opened in 1991, to house the gallery's early Renaissance paintings. It was built following an infamous speech made by then-Prince Charles in 1984, in which he decried proposals for an extension by architect Peter Ahrends, as "a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend". Ahrends' plans were subsequently spiked. In 2024, a note from the Sainsbury Wing's donor, the late John Sainsbury, was discovered inside one of its false columns, stating his (posthumous) 'absolute delight' that whoever had discovered this note was presumably in the midst of demolishing these 'unnecessary' features.

The National Portrait Gallery (next door neighbour of the National Gallery, but a separate institution) reopened in 2023, following a major revamp.

The National Gallery is 200 years old. Image: Selim Karadayı

Which artworks will be on display in the new National Gallery extension?

None of the artists or paintings that'll be on display have been revealed. Many might not have even been acquired yet. However, the National Gallery has confirmed that the new wing will exhibit paintings beyond 1900, which, as a rule, has been the cut-off date for paintings it shows (though there have been a handful of exceptions). Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, has previously described it as "slightly frustrating to reach 1900 and then not go on." The move into modernism will make the National Gallery the only museum in the world which exclusively displays paintings, in which visitors can view the entire history of painting in the Western tradition.

A roof garden overlooking Trafalgar Square is sure to be a winner with the public and plaudits. Image: Kin Creatives

Doesn't the Tate deal with the modern art in this town?

Yes, in fact, a deal was in place between Tate and the National Gallery, confirming that the latter wouldn't get involved with paintings post-1900. ("It is, frankly, a facile date to choose," opined the art critic Will Gompertz, in 2016.) However, the National Gallery has now reneged on that deal — something that's set to shake up London's art scene. Though the Guardian points out that Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, officially welcomed the announcement saying it looked forward to working closely with the National Gallery to "further the national collection as a whole", behind the scenes it's likely that Tate feels uneasy.

When will the National Gallery's new wing open?

That's not confirmed, although some sources suggest the early 2030s.

London's free Vaisakhi Festival takes place in April 2026. Image: Maureen Barlin, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Vaisakhi Festival — a celebration of Sikh and Punjabi culture — returns to Trafalgar Square in April 2026.

The festival marks the founding of the Sikh community, the Khalsa in 1699, making it one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar — celebrated in events worldwide.

London's official Vaisakhi celebrations — on Saturday 18 April 2026 — take the form of a whole afternoon of free entertainment, open to everyone. Vaisakhi itself falls on Tuesday 14 April 2026.

Image: Maureen Barlin, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

In the spirit of Langar (the community kitchen of a gurdwara), free vegetarian treats and traditional Indian tea will be available to everyone. Beyond that, 2026 details haven't been announced yet, but based on previous years, we'd expect to see live performances on the main stage, educational talks for anyone wanting to learn more about Vaisakhi, family activities for children, and perhaps turban-tying workshops or demonstrations of the intense Sikh martial art, Gatka, which uses wooden sticks ('gatka') in place of swords.

Vaisakhi on the Square festival 2026, Trafalgar Square, 18 April 2026, 12pm-6pm. It's free to attend.

The following day, London's free St George's Day festival also takes place in Trafalgar Square.

Everyone's welcome at the free canal festival. Photo: garryknight

More than 100 boats moor up in Little Venice this early May bank holiday, for a celebration of London's waterways.

The IWA Canalway Cavalcade takes place the same weekend each year, with historic, residential and working narrowboats among the vessels making an appearance, along with cruisers and widebeams.

Many boats are decked out in bunting and other colourful decorations, while live entertainment whips up a festival vibe on and around the Pool of Little Venice, the triangle of water behind Paddington station.

Photo: garryknight

No boat? No problem! There's plenty happening on dry land for those without sea (well, canal) legs. Live music is going on all weekend, along with food stalls and an ale bar to keep everyone well refreshed, and traders selling crafts, canal-ware and clothing. It's a family-friendly gathering, with plenty to keep children entertained.

The Canalway Cavalcade takes place in Little Venice. Photo: garryknight

On the water, there's a pageant of decorated boats, and — our favourite — an illuminated boats parade (9pm Sunday), allowing the owners to show off their vessels. Think Christmas, on the canal. In May.

In short, if you're looking for something free and family-friendly to do over the first May bank holiday weekend, head to Little Venice for one of London's most vibrant annual events.

The IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2026 takes place 2-4 May 2026 (10am-6pm Saturday, 10am-6pm and 9pm-10.30pm Sunday, and 10am-5pm Monday). It's free to visit, and open to all (on foot — mooring bookings are at full capacity for that weekend). Find it in the Pool of Little Venice.

The lowdown on the planned Beam Park station in east London.

Beam Park itself is well under way, but work on the proposed station is yet to commence. Image: MRSC via CC BY-SA 4.0

Where is Beam Park?

Beam Park is a new development of around 4,000 houses, being built in the east London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, and Havering. "Homes for local people" runs its League of Gentlemen-esque tagline. 50% of these homes will be 'affordable', i.e. Shared Ownership, while 30% of the development (some of which is built on land formerly used by Ford) will be publicly accessible green space. Plans also feature two primary schools. All told, it's a pretty significant development, and a designated Housing Zone.

Why is it called Beam Park?

The name comes from the River Beam, which forms a section of the boundary between the two afore-mentioned boroughs. It's actually better known as the River Rom, but then 'Rom Park' doesn't sound quite so aspirational.

Beam Park should eventually gets its own c2c station. Image: London Less Travelled via CC BY 2.0

What is Beam Park station?

Beam Park sits — and the new station would be built — between Dagenham Dock and Rainham on the c2c railway, which runs in/out of Fenchurch Street. Given that it's essentially a brand new neighbourhood, with many thousands of new residents (and potentially many more thousands of homes to come in the area), it rightly warrants its own railway station. But planning hasn't been straightforward, and at time of writing (April 2026) construction has not commenced.

Is Beam Park station actually happening then?

Plans for a Beam Park station have been mooted since 2002, so to say that progress has been sluggish would be an understatement. In 2021, with plans for Beam Park station in their advanced stages, the Department for Transport (DfT) got nervy about its financial viability, and refused it funding. There's a nice little exchange about this in the minutes from a 2024 London Assembly meeting between the Conservative Andrew Boff, and Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan:

Andrew Boff AM (Chair): ... Who has caused the delay?

Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London): The previous Government.

Andrew Boff AM (Chair): Funny that.

Khan himself is behind the project, saying "A new station at Beam Park is essential for unlocking thousands of new homes in the area." He pledged £32m in 2020 — money which is yet to be used.

In March 2026, there was a breakthrough when the Government announced final approval of the project, with housing minister Matthew Pennycook saying "a new Beam Park rail station could be accommodated within the existing rail network". Of course, now it's been so long, costs of building the station will have risen.

When will Beam Park station open?

That remains unclear. No schedule has been published, and the Government green light is still contingent on how the project will be funded. Until this time, there will be some degree of trepidation from developers, who will want to ensure the homes they build will be suitably well connected to central London, and in the other direction, Essex.

Hole Park is one of the best spots for bluebells in the south-east

Being a native wildflower, bluebells can pop up almost anywhere. But if it's lilac-hued carpets of blooms you're seeking this spring, read on for some of our favourite places to see masses of bluebells in London and nearby.

When is bluebell season in London?

April into May is peak bluebell season (9 April is the average flowering date, according to the Woodland Trust), though exact dates depend on factors such as the weather — a milder winter means earlier bluebells. Once they're out, you've got a fortnight or so to see them at their finest.

Can I pick bluebells?

No, please don't. Native English bluebells are a protected species, meaning it's prohibited to dig up or remove a plant or bulb from the countryside.

Be careful not to trample on them either; sticking to footpaths is best. Once trampled, a bluebell plant can take four-six years to recover and flower again. The National Trust offers advice on how to admire the flowers without damaging them.

Bluebells are extremely delicate. Photo: Diana Parkhouse via Unsplash

Bluebells in Richmond Park

Although better known for its azaleas (which also flower around this time), Richmond Park's Isabella Plantation has a decent bluebell population too — one of the footpaths is named Bluebell Walk. Head for the wilder fringes of the managed garden and into the woodland to get the best glimpses.

Bluebells in Highgate Wood

In north London, the ancient woodland of Highgate Wood is one of the best options for bluebell bothering; the City of London Corporation, which manages the space, has marked the bluebell areas on its official map of the wood. Head for the north corner of the park, and enter via the Cranley Gate or Bridge Gate to be closest to the action (nearest stations are Highgate and East Finchley).

Bluebells in Oxleas Wood, Eltham

Bluebells in Oxleas Wood. Photo: Marathon via creative commons

The ancient woodland of Oxleas Wood is home to many surprises, not least a whopping great castle and a very good cafe. But in late spring, bluebells take centre stage, as the forest is carpeted in them. The area is on the Green Chain Walk, so can be incorporated into a wider spring exploration of the area, or enjoyed alone (or as part of a visit to the aforementioned castle). London Wildlife Trust sometimes runs bluebell walks at Oxleas Wood during flowering season too.

Bluebells in Wanstead Park

Photo: The wub via creative commons

The Chalet Wood area of Wanstead Park is home to sufficient bluebells to have inspired this beautiful poster, designed by local artist Helen Rowe.

Bark footpaths are laid among the trees, making it easy to wander past the bluebells and photograph them without the risk of trampling. Wanstead Wildlife has more information on the measures being taken to care for and cultivate the bluebells.

Bluebells at Hole Park Gardens, Kent

Hole Park is carpeted with bluebells each year

A bit further afield, the 15-acre Hole Park Gardens in Kent is known for having one of the best bluebell displays in the southeast. Keep an eye on their bluebell barometer — which appears on the site every year in early April — to check on the progress of this year's carpet of bluebells. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Bluebells at Emmetts Garden, Kent

Photo: Michael Garlick via creative commons

National Trust property Emmetts Garden — a spit from the London-Kent border — has thousands of bluebells blanketing a hillside, to the extent that it's been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Rhododendrons, tulips and daffodils are also prevalent at Emmetts, making it a vibrant spot for a spring day out, though the car park and cafe tend to get busy at weekends. Dogs are welcome here too. Nearby Chartwell, former home of Winston Churchill, also performs well on the bluebell front, and again, dogs are welcome.

Bluebells at Riverhill Himalayan Garden, Sevenoaks, Kent

Riverhill Himalayan Garden is replete with bluebells. Photo: Londonist

The main reason for visiting this hillside garden is the views from the top (and the intense calf workout on the way up). But for a couple of weeks each year, the bluebells are what people are here to see.

The sloped woodland is home to thousands — dappled with sunlight as it streams through the tree canopy overhead. Footpaths wend their way through the woodland, meaning you can get up close to the bluebells without stepping off the paths. One more thing; this particular woodland is home to a part-time yeti* — you've been warned.

A bluebell-inspired craft fair usually runs alongside the bluebell festival, with artworks, homewares and gifts on a bluebell theme; check the website for this year's dates. Dogs on leads welcome.

(*Weekends and school holidays only)

Bluebells at Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex

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Sheffield Park and Garden is another National Trust property replete with bluebells in the spring. The sizeable estate has several bluebell clusters, in the manicured gardens, growing wild in the woods, and out in the East Park, where dog walkers are welcome.

London's cemeteries and cemetery parks are also bluebell hotspots. Though they don't appear in the same numbers as they do at other places on this list, they do spring up prettily among the gravestones and tombs. Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is a particular favourite with bluebell hunters. National Trust properties are also replete with bluebells.

Revel Puck Circus rolls into town

SPRING FLOWERS: London's in full bloom in April, with the spring flowers at their perkiest. We know the best cherry blossom spots, where to seek out daffodils, the finest places to find bluebells, and where to surround yourself with incandescent tulips. The end of April is usually the start of wisteria season too.

CUCKOO'S NEST: Clint Dyer directs a new staging of Ken Kesey's novel One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at The Old Vic, starring Aaron Pierre and Giles Terera. It's a story of rebellion, colonialism and social structures, set inside a psychiatric facility. 1 April-23 May 2026

REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: A Glimmer Daze Gambit, a tented touring show by Revel Puck Circus, pitches up at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, offering a celebration of hope, arrival and community for the whole family via acrobatics, clowning and general chaos. 2-12 April 2026

TEENAGE SHE-DEVIL: A new comedy-horror rock musical about wallflower Nancy Nelson, who is transformed into a revenge‑seeking rocker by the Devil, I Was A Teenage She-Devil stars Aoife Haakenson, Sean Arkless and Jacob Birch, and opens at The Other Palace. 2-26 April 2026

Vogue Rites features in Roundhouse Three Sixty

EASTER WEEKEND: Good Friday falls on 3 April this year, with Easter Monday on 6 April. If you're lucky enough to have part (or all) of the weekend off, browse our guide to the best Easter weekend events in London, from bunny hunts to live performances, an Easter trail and more. We've also got some bank holiday weekend ideas — bookmark that one now, as there are two more bank holidays in May! 3-6 April 2026

TULIP FESTIVAL: Over 100,000 bulbs bring a riot of colour to the gardens of Hampton Court Palace for its annual Tulip Festival — one of the UK's largest displays of planted tulips. Wander through the formal gardens and historic courtyards, and see 'floating' bowls in the Great Fountain and a free style of planting in the kitchen gardens. Find other places to see tulip displays in and around London. From 3 April 2026

EASTER HOLIDAYS: Hand-in-hand with Easter weekend comes the Easter holidays, when London schools close for around two weeks. Looking for ways to keep kids or teenagers entertained? Our Easter holidays guide includes family-friendly events, exhibitions, shows and days out — and has some ideas for free things to do too.

2026 BOAT RACES: The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Races take place on the Saturday of Easter weekend 2026. They'll be broadcast on TV as usual, but if you're keen to see them in person, get down there early to grab your spot by the river. Preferably a pub garden. FREE to watch, 4 April 2026

HEART WALL: Kit Withington's play Heart Wall follows Franky as buried family secrets and grief surface in a familiar pub setting, when she returns to her former local for the first time in years. See it at the Bush Theatre. 4 April-16 May 2026

MIDNIGHT IN THE TOYSHOP: Take the family to see Midnight in the Toyshop, open for a limited run at St. Martin's Theatre. Toys Belle Ballerina, Rebel Racer and Grumble the Dinosaur spring to life and try to save their shop from tech entrepreneur Peyton Pixel, in a one‑hour musical adventure with songs and dances. 7-12 April 2026

Have a laugh at Hoopla Improv Fest

ELIXIR FESTIVAL: Aiming to reshape perceptions around dancing and age, Sadler's Wells' Elxir Festival consists of films, talks and workshops, including Kontakthof – Echoes of '78 where past and present collide, and a bold double bill from Sadler's Wells' very own Company of Elders that redefines age and movement. 7-12 April 2026

ROUNDHOUSE THREE SIXTY: Roundhouse Three Sixty (formerly known as In The Round) is back at Camden Roundhouse. Running throughout the month across the entire site, the programme features music, spoken word, theatre, visual arts, podcasts and club nights — all celebrating unapologetic and boundary-pushing artists. Imogen Heap, Kae Tempest and Vogue Rites feature, and the legendary Roundhouse Poetry Slam is back. 8-29 April 2026

LONDON SOUNDTRACK FESTIVAL: The music used in films, TV and video games is celebrated at the London Soundtrack Festival, a weekend of concerts, screenings and masterclasses across several venues. Highlights include a concert of the music from Downton Abbey and a screening of Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, with an introduction by the film's composer Julian Nott. 9-12 April 2026

HOOPLA IMPROV FEST: Comedy theatre Hoopla Improv celebrates its 20th anniversary with a festival running over several weeks. Shows include Impropera, an opera made up on the spot, and Special Delivery, the UK's longest-running POC improv comedy show. From 10 April 2026

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style includes the late monarch's christening gown. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust

QUEEN ELIZABETH'S STYLE: Clothing worn by Queen Elizabeth II through all 10 decades of her life goes on display in a special exhibition at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style showcases 200 items, many on display for the first time, including her christening robe, bridesmaid dress, wedding dress, coronation dress and the ensemble worn for the wedding of Princess Margaret. 10 April-18 October 2026

WORLD'S GREATEST LOVER: X Factor winners Matt Terry and Dalton Harris star alongside Jaymi Hensley and Joaquin Pedro Valdes in new pop‑rock musical World's Greatest Lover at The Other Palace. Legendary romancers Romeo, Casanova, Cyrano de Bergerac and the Marquis de Sade join forces for one night to discover the truth about love. 12 April-7 June 2026

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Celebrities unfiltered, in new live event series

One stage. No script. No safety net. That's the set-up for intriguing new conversation series On A Roll, which brings famous faces to the stage for a night of unguarded conversation with TV producer John Lloyd.

It kicks off with Michael Palin on 27 April, when Lloyd attempts to dig deep enough to find a dark side to "the nicest person in showbiz". Hear the travel journalist and Monty Python star discussing where his career has taken him, and what it's like to be him.

Then on 4 May, comedian and presenter Sandi Toksvig swaps the QI host chair for the On A Roll hot seat, chatting to Lloyd — who, coincidentally, created QI — with no rehearsed patter, and no subject off the table. Expect warmth, wit and the kind of conversation you wish you could eavesdrop on at a dinner party. Get a 10% discount on tickets for the Sandi Toksvig show using discount code STLW10 when you book online.

Michael Palin | On A Roll – Lightly Toasted by John Lloyd is on 27 April, and Sandi Toksvig | On A Roll - Sauced Up by John Lloyd is on 4 May, both at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, with tickets available now.

TANGO AFTER DARK: World Tango Champion Germán Cornejo brings his company to the Peacock Theatre for Tango After Dark, a staging of Argentine tango featuring 10 dancers, a five-piece live orchestra and two singers performing the music of Astor Piazzolla. Keep an eye on the website for this one; at time of writing, the Peacock Theatre has closed for essential building works, but currently it appears this performance is going ahead. 14-18 April 2026

BRITISH SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS: There are six days of action at the London Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park, at the British Swimming Championships. Tickets are available for the public to watch both heats and finals, with swimming and para-swimming event schedules running concurrently, and the event playing a role in team selection for the world championships. 14-19 April 2026

Aurora Orchestra is part of Multitudes Festival. Image: Andy Paradise T/AS Paradise Photo

SALON PRIVE: Luxury car event Salon Privé London returns to the Royal Hospital Chelsea for a three-day showcase of high-end cars. Expect global premieres, supercar and hypercar displays, club features from Porsche Club GB, Lotus Drivers Club and Maserati Club UK, and an SCC supercar showcase. 16-18 April 2026

EARTH DAY WEEKENDER: Somerset House hosts an Earth Day Weekender across its Strand site, with workshops, artist-led tours and activations led by Somerset House Residents. Full programme TBC at time of writing. 16-19 April 2026

MULTITUDES FESTIVAL: After a successful debut last year, Southbank Centre hosts multi-arts festival Multitudes again, in which orchestras collaborate with artists across theatre, dance and visual art to reimagine what classical performance can be. 2026 highlights include a new one‑man show from poet Inua Ellams with a score by Laura Mvula, and an immersive soundscape synced to light art by Squidsoup. 16-30 April 2026

PLEASE PLEASE ME: Musical Please Please Me, opening at the Kiln Theatre, follows Brian Epstein’s discovery of The Beatles and the consequences of their meteoric rise, focusing on Epstein's role as the group's manager and his private struggles. It charts the early days at the Cavern Club and the pressures behind the fame. 16 April-29 May 2026

On yer bike! Photo: Tweed Run

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: One of our favourite photography shows every year, the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition returns to Somerset House, showcasing 300 images taken all over the world in the past year, spanning portraiture, documentary photography, architecture, sports and more. 17 April-4 May 2026

TWEED RUN: Style meets cycling as the Tweed Run meanders through London's streets and parks, with cyclists competing in categories including best-dressed individuals, finest moustaches and most elegantly adorned bicycles. Stops for tea, a picnic and a celebratory cocktail are built into the schedule. How sophisticated. 18 April 2026

V&A EAST OPENS: One of our cultural highlights of 2026 is the opening of the new V&A East. What'll be the largest V&A outpost is located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with a focus on multiculturalism. Two free and permanent 'Why we make' galleries will offer up examples of creativity "from a range of countries, cultures and times". Temporary exhibitions will also feature, starting with The Music is Black: A British Story. FREE (charge for some exhibitions), from 18 April 2026

VAISAKHI FESTIVAL: Vaisakhi — the Sikh and Punjabi cultural festival — takes place on 14 April this year, but London's main celebration returns to Trafalgar Square the following weekend. The free festival features live entertainment and performances, martial arts demonstrations, a showcase of Sikh art, plus food and drink stalls. FREE, 18 April 2026

Pour Choices Wine Fair comes to Hackney

WINE FAIR: Taking place at Hackney Bridge, Pour Choices Wine Fair showcases UK producers of sustainable, low‑intervention wine alongside beer and cider, local food, workshops and music. Meet growers and winemakers, taste natural wines and attend short practical sessions and discussions. 18 April 2026

CHARITY COMEDY: Sara Barron, Mags McHugh, Johnny CT, Callum Mackenzie, Sallyann Fellowes and MC Sion James are the comedians taking part in a charity comedy fundraiser at Totteridge Cricket Club. Proceeds to to Cherry Lodge Cancer Care. 18 April 2026

CLASSIC CAR BOOT SALE: Pre-1990 vehicles including cars, campervans, hot rods, scooters, caravans, motorbikes and custom bicycles park up in King's Cross for the Classic Car Boot Sale — a weekend of shopping, eating and dancing. Browse and buy vintage clothing and homewares. Full details TBC at time of writing. 18-19 April 2026

HISTFEST: Two days of talks and conversations at the British Library and online form HistFest 2026 covering topics from Ancient Athens and reinterpretations of Cleopatra to histories of motherhood and 20th= century queer life. Speakers include Professor Michael Scott, Saara El-Arifi, Dr Wanda Wyporska, Lucy Inglis and Sir Michael Palin. 18-19 April 2026

WAYNE MCGREGOR: Choreographer Wayne McGregor brings together three ballets at the Royal Opera House, including YUGEN and UNTITLED (2023), alongside a brand-new world premiere. 18 April-6 May 2026

Johnny CT is among the performers at a charity comedy fundraiser

SPRING PLANT FAIR: Browse and buy garden plants from expert growers hailing from all over the country at the Garden Museum's Spring Plant Fair. Great Dixter Nursery in East Sussex and Beth Chatto Garden in Essex are among the organisations taking part, with a programme of talks and workshops happening throughout the day. 19 April 2026

ST GEORGE'S DAY: 23 April is St George's Day, a celebration of the patron saint of England (plus Catalonia, Ethiopia and various other regions). London's free St George's Day Festival takes place in Trafalgar Square a couple of days before (19 April 2026), with live music and performers, family activities and refreshments. FREE, 19/23 April 2026

LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL: La Linea Latin music festival shimmies into several venues around central London. It opens with Portuguese singer Sara Correia performing live at Barbican to launch her new album. Browse the full programme. 20 April-6 May 2026

LETTERS LIVE: The Royal Albert Hall hosts a special Earth Day edition of Letters Live, in support of Greenpeace. The event brings together actors and public figures to read out and perform written correspondence from across the globe, though the exact line-up isn't revealed in advance. 22 April 2026

Sara Correia kickstarts La Linea Latin music festival. Image: João Portugal

DON QUIXOTE: Spanish sunshine, vivacious comedy and spectacular dance are on show in Carlos Acosta’s Don Quixote ballet at Sadler's Wells, as famous knight the Don sets out on a quest to track down his true love, and finds himself embroiled in an unlikely adventure. Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia perform in this first revival of Acosta's production since 2022 — a fantastic show for fans of Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. 23-25 April 2026 (sponsor)

NORTH LONDON BOOK FESTIVAL: One of London's newest literary festivals, the North London Book Fest returns to Alexandra Palace with events for all ages. Tessa Hadley, Ben Aaronovitch, Rachel Parris and Laura Bates are among the names confirmed, with plenty more TBC. 23-26 April 2026

BRICK LANE JAZZ FESTIVAL: The Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns for a weekend of live music. Headline acts include American multi-instrumentalist Kwame Yeboah, jazz keys player Charlie Stacey and south London producer Footshooter. 23-26 April 2026

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: Shakespeare's Globe opens a new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A company of amateur performers prepare a wedding‑night play that spills into a moonlit world of lovers, fairies and mischief, accompanied by music by Jim Fortune. 23 April-29 August 2026

Kyran Thrax stars in Category Is: Macbeth

CATEGORY IS: MACBETH: See Shakespeare's tragedy reworked in a queer clubland setting, in Category Is: Macbeth at The Emerald Theatre, starring RuPaul’s Drag Race winners Ginger Johnson (Macbeth) and Kyran Thrax (Lady Macbeth) alongside a cast of drag performers. The production uses 1980s British synth-pop and club visuals to examine power, persecution and survival under police scrutiny. Expect strobe lighting and stylised violence. 24 April-28 May 2026

RALPH FIENNES: David Hare's new play Grace Pervades stars Ralph Fiennes as Sir Henry Irving and Miranda Raison as Ellen Terry, charting their theatrical partnership and its effect on Victorian theatre. It comes to Theatre Royal Haymarket following a sell-out run at Theatre Royal Bath. 24 April-11 July 2026

BOOKS IN THE PARK: Literary festival Books in the Park returns to Beckenham Place Park with author talks from Ruth Ware, Paul Sinha and others, along with writing workshops, family sessions, a pop-up bookshop (Beckenham Bookshop) and a Food & Farmers Market. Simon Goddard and Alexander Larman present a special event marking David Bowie's legacy, and many activities are free to enter while individual events are ticketed. 25 April 2026

THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND: Based on a memoir and film of the same name, the true story of William Kamkwamba is told in new musical The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, at Soho Place. William designs and builds a windmill to make his Malawi village's broken water pump work again, and saves the local area from drought. 25 April-18 July 2026

Skate 50 opens at Southbank Centre. Image: Undercroft Skate Space, 1989 © Tim Leighton Boyce/Curtis McCann, Southbank. Images courtesy The Read and Destroy Archive.

LONDON MARATHON 2026: It's the time of year when thousands of runners pound the streets in London — many in bizarre costumes — to raise money for fantastic causes. This year's London Marathon follows the usual route and format. Even if you're not watching or taking part, be aware of widespread road closures, bus diversions and the like, on and around the route. 26 April 2026

THE KARATE KID: Before it arrives in the West End, musical The Karate Kid has a short run at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Based on the film of the same name, it tells of the powerful bond between new kid Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches him that karate isn't about fighting, but balance, dignity and respect. (And waxing cars.) 28 April-9 May 2026

EALING BOOK FESTIVAL: The third Ealing Book Festival runs across the borough with a programme of talks, readings, a local authors' showcase, family sessions and guided walks. International and UK names on the bill include William Boyd, Jung Chang, Anthony Horowitz, Robert Macfarlane and Blake Morrison, with additional appearances from Dan Cruickshank, Andrew Graham‑Dixon, Mary Portas and others. 29 April-3 May 2026

SKATE 50:The Undercroft Skate Space at Southbank Centre is 50 this year, and the centre is hosting a special exhibition to celebrate. Skate 50 showcases documentary photographs and films of the space through the decades, as well as contributions from sound artist Beatrice Dillon and animator Sofia Negri. 30 April-21 June 2026

London exhibitions and shows closing in April 2026

Last chance to see Ursula's backstory in Unfortunate

A few things are closing this month too. April 2026 is your last chance to see:

UNFORTUNATE: A satirical musical about Disney’s Ursula, Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch mixes pop songwriting and adult humour, playing at The Other Palace. Until 5 April 2026

DEEP AZURE: The UK premiere of Chadwick Boseman's lyrical hip‑hop theatre piece Deep Azure is staged in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. It follows Azure after the police killing of her fiancé. Until 11 April 2026

MARIA AND ROSETTA: A stage portrait of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, starring Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu with live musicians, Maria and Rosetta follows Rosetta’s boundary‑breaking gospel and early rock and roll performances in 1946 Mississippi. It's on at Soho Place. Until 11 April 2026

Last chance to see The Tempest at Shakespeare's Globe

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Last chance to see musical take on Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre, starring Caden Braunch as Marty McFly and Brian Conley as Doc Brown, as a souped-up DeLorean transports them between time periods. Until 12 April 2026

THE SINGH TWINS: The Shirley Sherwood Gallery at Kew Gardens hosts visual exhibition The Singh Twins, featuring fabric light boxes detailing how plants such as cotton, spices and dyes played a pivotal role in colonial expansion. Until 12 April 2026

THE TEMPEST: Tim Crouch directs a candlelit staging of Shakespeare’s The Tempest at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, telling the story of Prospero, Miranda, Caliban and Ariel, four lost souls stranded on an island with no hope of escape. Until 12 April 2026

ALICE IN WONDERLAND: This Easter retelling of Lewis Carroll's timeless classic brings Alice to Riverside Studios with colourful sets, striking costumes, puppetry and an original score. Expect familiar characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts in a family-friendly production aimed at children aged five and over. Until 12 April 2026

The Museum of Edible Earth closes at the end of April. Photo by vog.photo.

HAROLD FRY: Following a sold-out run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, musical The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is at Theatre Royal Haymarket, telling the story of a walk from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed and the personal journey that followed. Until 18 April 2026

BROKEN GLASS: Arthur Miller's rarely staged drama Broken Glass is at the Young Vic. Set in 1938 Brooklyn, it follows Sylvia Gellburg as her conviction about violent attacks on Jewish communities strains her marriage. Until 18 April 2026

BEYOND BURMA: Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, National Army Museum exhibition Beyond Burma brings together rarely seen weapons, medals, uniforms and personal accounts from British, Indian, Burmese and African troops who served in the Far East. Until 19 April 2026

SERPENTINE CURRENTS: Dana‑Fiona Armour's Serpentine Currents courtyard installation is a three-part illuminated sculpture modelled from a 3D scan of the endangered sea snake Aipysurus fuscus, its mesh LED surface animated using historic and predictive ocean data. FREE, until 26 April 2026. Also closing at Somerset House on the same day is the Museum of Edible Earth, an exhibition about the practice of eating earth for health, ritual and culinary benefit. Until 26 April 2026

SUMMERFOLK: Maxim Gorky's Summerfolk is revived in a new adaptation at the National Theatre. Set in a Russian seaside resort in 1905, the play follows Varvara and a group of privileged holidaymakers as tensions rise beneath the surface. Until 29 April 2026

All weekend

Boy Blue give two performacnes as part of Roundhouse Three Sixty this weekend. Photo: Camilla Greenwell

BRIXTON CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: Brixton Chamber Orchestra takes its full 30-piece ensemble, with guest players, out into three Southwark estates for a weekend of free community concerts. Shows include All Saints Hall in Surrey Square and Jessie Duffett Hall, Wyndham Road on Saturday; and an outdoor performance near the Canterbury Arms on Penrose Maddock Way on Sunday. FREE, 11-12 April 2026

BAROQUE AND ROLL: Handel Hendrix House in Mayfair stages regular paired performances: baroque music on harpsichord and period instruments in Handel's dining room, and 1960s blues and guitar sets in Jimi Hendrix's bedroom. Included with general admission. 11-12 April 2026

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Fire up the DeLorean for one last chance to see this musical take on Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre, starring Caden Brauch as Marty McFly and Brian Conley as Doc Brown, transported through time by the seriously souped-up car. Until 12 April 2026

THE SINGH TWINS: The Shirley Sherwood Gallery at Kew Gardens hosts visual exhibition The Singh Twins until Sunday, featuring fabric light boxes detailing how plants such as cotton, spices and dyes played a pivotal role in colonial expansion. Until 12 April 2026

THE TEMPEST: Tim Crouch directs a candlelit staging of Shakespeare’s The Tempest at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, telling the story of Prospero, Miranda, Caliban and Ariel, four lost souls stranded on an island with no hope of escape. Until 12 April 2026

Last chance to see Back to the Future in the West End.

REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: Head inside the big top pitches in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the final days of A Glimmer Daze Gambit, a touring show of contemporary circus by Revel Puck Circus. Be amazed by acrobatics, clowning and general chaos, starring grassroots London based and international circus artists from Argentina, the USA, Ethiopia and Canada. Until 12 April 2026

MIDNIGHT IN THE TOYSHOP: Take the family to see Midnight in the Toyshop, bringing its limited run at St. Martin's Theatre to a close. Toys Belle Ballerina, Rebel Racer and Grumble the Dinosaur spring to life as they try to save their shop from tech entrepreneur Peyton Pixel, in a one‑hour musical adventure with songs and dances. 7-12 April 2026

ELIXIR FESTIVAL: Aiming to reshape perceptions around dancing and age, Sadler's Wells' Elixir Festival consists of films, talks and workshops, including a movement workshop for over-60s led by artist Beatrice Libonati, and a free performance of Pina Bausch's iconic Nelken Line, both taking place this Sunday. 7-27 April 2026

ROUNDHOUSE THREE SIXTY: Roundhouse Three Sixty (formerly known as In The Round) is back at Camden Roundhouse. It runs throughout the month across the entire site, but highlights this weekend include hip-hop production Cycles by Boy Blue, accompanied by a seven-piece live band, as well as an exhibition asking whether the London music community is gone, or just evolving. 8-29 April 2026

QUEEN ELIZABETH'S STYLE: Clothing worn by Queen Elizabeth II through all 10 decades of her life goes on display in a special exhibition at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style showcases 200 items, many on display for the first time, including her christening robe, bridesmaid dress, wedding dress, coronation dress and the ensemble worn for the wedding of Princess Margaret. 10 April-18 October 2026

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Raw, close-up opera in east London

See Strauss' most intense opera up close in an unexpected east London setting this weekend.

Fringe opera company Regents Opera brings Salome to York Hall in Bethnal Green for just six performances. Arena staging pulls the audience into the action, for an incredibly visceral experience. The fast-paced, 90-minute show has no interval, keeping things moving and building pressure from the first moment to the last.

Olivier-nominated playwright Mark Ravenhill's new production sets the action in a surreal east London underworld, making the most of the work's decadence and ferocity, with stylised staging and a bold visual world drawing you inside the drama. Lust and violence combine for a grisly, seductive live sensory experience — and with just six performances available across two weeks, tickets will be in high demand.

Salome is at York Hall on 10, 11, 18, 19, 21 and 23 April. Tickets from £20.

Saturday 11 April

Some of the UK's best breakdancers perform in Shoreditch. Photo: James North, Red Bull Content Pool

MINISTRY OF SOUND GAMES: Fitness meets clubbing at Ministry of Sound Games, a music-led fitness competition for pairs, consisting of five back-to-back workout zones with DJs and a different genre in each, followed by an after-party. 10am

LONDON GUARDS: The National Army Museum hosts a day celebrating the London Guards — the reserve battalion combining companies from the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots and Irish Guards — giving visitors a chance to meet serving members. Hear from Lieutenant Colonel Russell Lewis MC, commanding officer of the London Guards, and take part in other special activities. FREE, 10am-4pm

JACQUELINE WILSON: Author Dame Jacqueline Wilson reads from her Hetty Feather books — about a young girl who is left at the Foundling Hospital as a baby — and will sign copies at the Foundling Museum for its annual Hetty Feather Day. Tickets also include a drop-in art workshop and entry to the museum. 11am

The Britten Sinfonia performs Tales From The Circus

CHURCHILL'S SPY: The latest event in the Imperial War Museum's Meet The Author series sees children's author Sufiya Ahmed appearing at the museum shop to talk about her books chronicling the adventures of Rosie Raja and her spy father. FREE, 11am-3pm

HORNIMAN SPRING FAIR: Live music, dancing, circus skills workshops, children's games and a craft corner are all part of the fun at the Horniman Spring Fair, taking place in the grounds of the south London museum. Ticket holders can also get reduced-price entry to the Butterfly House on the day. 11am-4pm

FAMILY CONCERT: The Britten Sinfonia combines live music, animation and storytelling with a circus performer in an adaptation of children's book Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister. The performance, at Big Penny Social, is aimed at younger audiences but suitable for all. 11.30am-12.20pm

LIVE DISSECTION: Professor of Evolutionary Biology Ben Garrod and vet Jess French lead a live animal dissection at the Royal Institution, with anatomy explained across two demonstration sessions and an extended interval of hands-on activities. (The animal featured in the dissection died of old age and has been donated for the purpose of education.) 1pm-5pm

MARIA AND ROSETTA: A stage portrait of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, starring Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu with live musicians, Maria and Rosetta follows Rosetta’s boundary‑breaking gospel and early rock 'n' roll performances in 1946 Mississippi. Today's your last chance to see it, at Soho Place. 2.30pm/7.30pm

See Midgitte Bardot in action at Southbank Centre. Photo: Holly Revell

RED BULL BREAKDANCING: Red Bull brings its breakdancing competition the UK Cypher to Shoreditch Town Hall for a day of breaking. Dancers compete for the UK title and a chance to represent the country at the World Final in Toronto later this year. Programme includes a live-band, 2v2 battle and the main 1v1 Cypher featuring 16 top b-boys and eight b-girls. 4.30pm

BLACKSTAGE PRESENTS RECLAMATION: Blackstage Pole brings together pole dancers of colour —  especially those who are LGBTQIA+, disabled, plus-sized and/or sex workers — and supporting performers for an evening at the Clapham Grand, followed by an afterparty. The theme this year is Reclamation: of the community's art, spaces and bodies. 6.30pm

THE CLOWN OPERA: Family-friendly show The Clown Opera is at the Museum of Comedy, about a Maestro and two cleaners whose mishaps reveal a lost operatic work, mixing music, physical comedy and imagination, for ages seven+. 7pm

MIDGITTE BARDOT: Tamm Reynolds appears as alter ego Midgitte Bardot at Southbank Centre, in a new show that mixes musical theatre, movement, live art and drag. The piece, Shooting From Below, explores power dynamics and absurdist social commentary. 7.45pm

PICASSO AND DINNER: Join a conservator‑led evening exploring Picasso's collages, with a talk by Charity Fox, who discusses her conservation research and hands-on replication of Picasso's techniques. Ticket also includes a visit to the Theatre Picasso exhibition and a French bistro‑style dinner in Tate Modern’s L6 Restaurant, which is accompanied by a short talk by acclaimed wine writer David Williams. 6pm-10.30pm

Sunday 12 April

Head to Stratford for the Giant London Flea.

WORLD'S GREATEST LOVER: X Factor winners Matt Terry and Dalton Harris star alongside Jaymi Hensley and Joaquin Pedro Valdes in new pop‑rock musical World's Greatest Lover, opening today at The Other Palace. Legendary romancers Romeo, Casanova, Cyrano de Bergerac and the Marquis de Sade join forces for one night to discover the truth about love. 12 April-7 June 2026

GIANT LONDON FLEA: A one‑day market at Here East's International Press Centre, the Giant London Flea hosts traders selling vintage clothing, antiques, homewares and collectibles, with food stalls and pop‑ups nearby. 10am-5pm

DRINK, DEATH AND DEBAUCHERY: Guide Bridget Chandler leads a two‑hour walk through the West End — St Giles, Seven Dials and Covent Garden — tracing the 18th century gin craze, William Hogarth’s Gin Lane, gallows, plague pits and sites linked to prostitution. Meet at the Dominion Theatre, and end at the Foundling Museum (tour includes museum entry). 11am

VINTAGE FAIR: Frock Me! brings more than 60 vintage dealers to Chelsea Old Town Hall on King's Road, offering curated clothing, jewellery and textiles from Victorian-era pieces to pre-loved designer labels. Frock Me! fairs are popular with designers and costume buyers as well as the public. 11am-5.30pm

CHARLES DICKENS: Mansel David presents a one-man adaptation of Dickens' theatrical episodes from Nicholas Nickleby, at Wilderness Kitchen in Clerkenwell. The solo performance portrays a cast of Dickensian characters in a two-hour dramatic reading, with a chance to add a two-course Sunday roast to your ticket. 3pm

London Soundtrack Festival comes to a close.

CRAZY GINGER CABBIE: Social media star Crazy Ginger Cabbie — real name Aaron — stars in an afternoon of laughs at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green, joined on stage by other performers... and members of the audience. 3.30pm-5.30pm

ALL AND NOTHING: Directed by Liao I‑Ling, feature documentary All And Nothing traces the life of Chinese conceptual artist Li Yuan‑Chia from post‑war Taiwan to 1950s Milan, swinging sixties London, and finally to the LYC Gallery he established in rural Cumbria near Hadrian’s Wall. The film includes interviews with artists who showed at LYC, plus locals and friends who knew Li. The film's on at Bertha DocHouse in Bloomsbury. 4pm

RACHEL PORTMAN: The London Soundtrack Festival comes to a close with an evening dedicated to Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman, at Cadogan Hall. She was the first woman to win an Academy Award for Original Score, for Emma (1996), and she reflects on her career so far with chats, film clips and live music performances. 6.30pm

SUNDAY CONCERT: The Paddington Trio — Tuulia Hero (violin), Patrick Moriarty (cello) and Stephanie Tang (piano) — perform a programme including Andrea Tarrodi's Trio No.1 'Akacia', Ravel's Trio in A minor and Schubert's Trio in E flat D.929, at Conway Hall in Holborn. 6.30pm-8.30pm

2026 marks 75 years since the Royal Festival Hall opened on London's South Bank — or to be more precise, a stretch of industrialised marshland. A new book, Royal Festival Hall: A Living Icon, celebrates the cultural institution — and from it, we've selected some photos of the Hall's construction.

Architect Leslie Martin (far right) explains a model of the RFH during construction. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

"What this country needs is a tonic.
a clean white box from the future to brighten a blackened city
with foyers where people can really meet people
and stairs that sweep in and out of filtered sun."

So begins Erica Hesketh's 2024 poem Centrepiece. In fact, that very tonic first appeared 75 years ago, as the Royal Festival Hall; as the historian Dan Cruickshank puts it: "a tangible expression of a burning desire to create a better society after the destruction inflicted on London during the Second World War."

The roof during construction. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

OK, so the RFH might not have quite been a 'clean white box'. The conductor-composer Sir Thomas Beeching even ranted to the Liverpool Echo on the building's unveiling in 1951: "In the course of a long life I have seen very many important buildings in this country and I question whether in 350 years there has ever been erected on the soil of this grand old country a more repellant, a more unattractive — unattractive is an understatement — a more ugly and more monstrous structure."

A visit from Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) in May 1950. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

But time is a great healer, and most Londoners would concede now that the RFH is an integral cog in not only the South Bank's landscape, but that of London's rich culture. In the book's foreword, Cruickshank describes the Hall as "a place of myth and imagination as well as of tangible fact... palatial, but open to all — a palace for the people."

The exterior of the RFH during construction. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

Cruickshank also recalls the impression it had on him in its early years: "I still remember how mighty its presence seemed to me at the time."

Indeed, as a post-war Londoner, it must've been quite something to see this brutalist 2,700-seat concert hall slowly rise on the riverbank. Certainly it was quite a job to make it a reality. Not only was the proposed site surrounded by busy rail lines, it was on industrialised marshland which had to be drained, before a new river frontage was built in front of it. Few concert halls of its size had been constructed before; what's more, space was extremely tight.

The 2,700-seat auditorium before it had any seats at all. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

The architects Robert Matthew and Leslie Martin were called on to make it happen. "The solution to these problems," write Eleanor Jolliffe and Sandy Rattray in Royal Festival Hall: A Living Icon, "was to raise the auditorium as an 'egg' within the box of the outer envelope of the building. This provided a degree of sound isolation, further improved by giving the 'egg' two layers of concrete 25 centimetres thick and two sets of doors at each entrance."

A rare early colour photo of the Belvedere Road façade.Image: Southbank Centre Archive

While the architects were inspired by Gothenburg's concert hall, Finsbury Health Centre, which had been built in 1938, was perhaps an even greater influence; the Twentieth Century Society still insist it's "arguably modern architecture's most important single achievement in England in the first half of the 20th century".

This temporary 'Grasshopper' canopy over the entrance to the ballroom was designed by Trevor Dannatt. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

If the Royal Festival Hall's exterior was a statement, then the interior of its concert hall was a statement and a half: "The internal walls, stage canopy and floor were clad in elm, sycamore and birch, with a lower section to the side walls of teak ribs with air gaps, often referred to as 'Copenhagen knuckle'." the book tells us.

As for the 'floating' boxes — something straight out of a sci-fi movie, albeit one with a healthy budget — the great Le Corbusier once called them "a joke, but a good one".

The Hall as it looks today. © Edmund Sumner.

Ian Nairn was similarly pithy: "An extraordinary building," he smirked, "It nonplussed everyone when it was built, and after fifteen years public feeling still seems to be just as equivocal and disturbed... In a hundred years' time, after a concert, people will still leave out of key with its cerebral relentlessness."

Whether your opinion of the Royal Festival Hall veers towards that of Nairn or Cruickshank, three quarters of a century on, it continues to be not only an architectural talking point, but the kind of landmark building that people will happily write (and buy) entire books about.

Royal Festival Hall: A Living Icon edited by Eleanor Jolliffe and Sandy Rattray and with a foreword by Dan Cruickshank and photography by Edmund Sumner, published by Merrell Publishers on 16 April 2026.

We featured this book because we know it's the kind of thing our readers will enjoy. By buying it via links in this article, Londonist may earn a commission from Bookshop.org — which also helps support independent bookshops.

Make a free day of it! Fellow flower festival Belgravia in Bloom takes place over the same days, in the neighbourhood next door.

Sloane Square is the centre of the Chelsea in Bloom action. Photo: Londonist

Dozens of floral installations take over the streets of Chelsea this spring... and we're not talking about the Chelsea Flower Show.

Floral festival Chelsea in Bloom is back for its 21st year, and this time the theme is Out Of This World, promising an "intergalactic wonderland of floral displays inspired by space travel, astrology and spiritual symbolism".

Shops, restaurants, bars and hotels each display their own take on the cosmic theme, created by professional florists, with 125 local businesses expected to take part. From our own experience, wear comfy shoes if you're planning to visit them all in one go, as you'll certainly get your steps in.

Last year had a fashion theme. Photo: Londonist

The route includes six large-scale floral art installations,  including a Zodiac-inspired constellation at Sloane Square; a UFO hovering over Pavilion Road; a lunar landscape at Duke of York Square; and a 4m dragon and Pegasus on Sloane Street. Meanwhile, on the King’s Road, an enormous floral globe honours Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, which falls in May.

Claiming to be London's largest free flower festival, Chelsea in Bloom runs at the same time as the nearby Chelsea Flower Show, but unlike Chelsea it's free. Walking tours and rickshaw rides of Chelsea in Bloom (also free) will be available from Sloane Square — keep an eye on the website for updates and details, as well as a map when it becomes available.

Large-scale installations like this one will appear again for 2026. Photo: Chelsea in Bloom

Like what you see? The public can vote for the People’s Champion installation; online voting is open from 5pm on Monday 18 May until midnight on Thursday 21 May 2026.

Chelsea in Bloom 2026 takes place 18-24 May. Keep an eye on the website for further details. Check out the photos of last year's fashion-themed Chelsea in Bloom for an idea of what to expect.

Image: Matt Brown

Who are the three naked blue men who climb a wall on Borough High Street?

It's hard to look upwards on Borough High Street. The pavements are so busy and narrow that a glance toward the rooftops can be a risky undertaking. Yet those who do might have spotted one of London's more peculiar sculptures.

Three cobalt-blue figures, each clutching a golden musical instrument, climb up the side of Maya House, 124-138 Borough High Street. It's Spider-man meets Brassed Off, via Avatar. But nothing to do with the Blue Man Group.

Image: Matt Brown

The azure trio were placed on the wall in March 2007, "to make a 1970s building look better," according to the building's owner Isaac Ella. They're the work of Israeli artist Ofra Zimbalista (1939-2014), and collectively known as 'Walls and Trumpets'. A quick Google image search reveals that Zimbalista had a bit of a thing for striking blue sculptures.

The fibreglass figures were cast from life. Three models were asked to strike the desired pose, then smothered in plaster-of-Paris. One hopes they were paid well.

The view from the Blue Maid. Image: Will Noble

An excellent place to view this eccentric artwork is the pub just opposite. This old but recently reopened (and excellent) drinking spot is appropriately called the Blue Maid. Perhaps, then, the owners of Maya House commissioned the dazzling blue artwork as a 'response' to the historic pub across the road, which was traditionally painted blue.

Free things to do in London this week.

Olga Regina's Memory of a New City is open in Whitechapel

Swoon at the final week of this love-laced exhibition

Last chance to see the National Archives' current Love Letters exhibition. On display at its Kew HQ are letters, poems, drawings — and even wills — telling love stories dating back 500 years. Royalty, politicians, public figures and unknown figures feature, across tales of devotion, longing, sacrifice, heartache and passion.

Until 12 April.

See What Was, What Is, What Could Be

The QYAC Quilt (2023). Image: Gavin Li

Camberwell Space celebrates seven years of Queer Youth Art Collective (QYAC), the UK's only national LGBTQIA+ youth service dedicated to the arts, with free exhibition, What Was, What Is, What Could Be. Among the retrospective pieces on display are The QYAC Quilt (2023) a collective textile work reflecting on the legacy of the AIDS Quilt; a collaboratively produced Recipe Book (2024); and Deck of Many Things (2025), an oracle deck created by 49 queer artists.

Until 22 April (gallery closed 11 April).

View a new exhibition on life in Tower Hamlets

Artist Olga Regina's solo exhibition Memory of a New City explores the layered identity of Canary Wharf and London’s Docklands, capturing moments where everyday life intersects with something slightly unexpected in London's financial district. View the exhibition at Brady Arts & Community Centre in Whitechapel.

Until 25 April (closed Easter Monday).

Witness the Easter Monday Chair Lifting

Image: Blackheath Morris Men

If you're in the Greenwich area on Easter Monday, look out for people being paraded through town on a florally-festooned chair, held aloft. The Chair Lifting by the Blackheath Morris Men is one of those quirky annual events which London does so well. Find the Morris Men at landmarks around Greenwich between 12pm and 4pm, where they'll be dancing, interspersed with lifting women (with their permission) onto the special chair, which they then carry on their shoulders.

6 April.

Play some croquet

You needn't be posh (or indeed the Queen of Hearts) in order to play croquet. In fact, if you show up at Enfield Croquet Club this Tuesday or Saturday, you can try out the easygoing activity for free. Perhaps this is the stress-buster of a sport you need in your life this summer...

7 and 11 April.

Check out the free events at Elixir Festival

Dance powerhouse Sadler's Wells launches Elixir Festival this week, a programme of events aiming to reshape perceptions around dancing and age. Though most events are ticketed, there are a few freebies on the programme, including flamenco, ska and rock dance taster classes on Tuesday, an Indian Bollywood dance class on Wednesday, and a chance to hear from choreographer Meryl Tankard and dancers from Kontakthof – Echoes of '78 on Sunday. Head to Sadler's Wells East on Sunday afternoon for a free performance of Pina Bausch's Nelken Line, and see an intergenerational line of dancers following a path from the venue and through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park before returning to the Sadler's Wells East Dance Floor.

Browse the full programme.

7-27 April.

Get a free Greggs and a cocktail... in a VHS store

A bit to unpack here, but in short, to launch its latest 'trilogy' treat, Greggs is opening a pop-up 90s-style 'video store' on 15 Bateman Street in Soho. For one day only (3.30pm-9pm on 8 April), you're invited to step inside, munch on the new offering, twinned with a cocktail/mocktail. Each experience takes around 20 minutes. As always with these things, best to get there early.

8 April.

Browse the Alternative Book Fair

Panels, talks and an Indie Press Fair are part of The Alternative Book Fair at Islington Central Library, which aims to bring the world of publishing and literature to a wider audience. Browse stalls from independent publishers such as Galley Beggar, Rough Trade and Indie Novella, and hear from authors including the Booker Prize-longlisted Natasha Brown. Everything is free entry.

8-11 April 2026.

Learn about the Science of Surgery

The UCL Hawkes Institute opens Charles Bell House (Fitzrovia) for a public day of demonstrations and lab tours on Friday, aimed at children age five+ and their families. Try tabletop exhibits, see live demonstrations of surgical equipment, control a surgical robot and experience simulated key‑hole surgery, with researchers on hand to explain their work.

10 April.

Get to know the London Guards

Head to the National Army Museum in Chelsea on Saturday for a day celebrating the London Guards — the reserve battalion combining companies from the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots and Irish Guards — giving visitors a chance to meet serving members. Hear from Lieutenant Colonel Russell Lewis MC, commanding officer of the London Guards, and take part in other special activities.

11 April.

Catch the Brixton Chamber Orchestra on their spring tour

Across two days, the Brixton Chamber Orchestra and special guests give a series of free, live orchestral performances taking place on Southwark estates. Expect a hybrid of pop, classical, jazz, urban and even disco with professional and amateur musicians performing together. See them at Walworth Living Room on the Aylesbury and Kingslake Estates (Saturday, 3pm), Jessie Duffett Hall on the Wyndham & Comber Estate (Saturday, 7pm), or near the Canterbury Arms on the Brandon Estate (Sunday, 3pm).

The Sunday concert is open-air, so will only take place weather permitting.

11-12 April.

View a free exhibition on the London music industry

As part of Roundhouse Three Sixty Festival, which launches this week, the Camden venue opens free exhibition, From Soundboy to Streaming: Collective and Individual Joy, in collaboration with the soon-to-open Museum of Youth Culture.

Photographs, gig posters, videos, tickets and zines submitted by the public are on display, asking whether the London music community has disappeared, or is merely undergoing change.

11-25 April.

Chat about community spaces

The Story Sanctuary in Sanderstead hosts a community table talk on Sunday afternoon, inviting students from the MA Architecture course at Central St Martins, along with mobile workshop, Emmie, The « … », in an easygoing exploration of what community means to us. Expect crafting, refreshments, and plenty of good chat.

12 April.

London can be a grey place but, argues Matt Brown, things are gradually brightening up.

Here's a London crowd in 2017, attempting to exit Aldgate underground station. What do you notice?

Image: Matt Brown

Almost every person in that photograph is wearing black, or else a very dark shade of blue. You'd perhaps expect this in the City, with its high proportion of suits, but similar scene play out across London, particularly during the cooler months. The Londoner's winter plumage is overwhelmingly black.

Our buildings, too, are usually monochrome. Much of central London is built in Portland stone, concrete or plate glass. When brick intrudes, it's often the dark brown of Georgian and Victorian terraces. All very stately and smart, and to many people's tastes.

London does flirt with colour, of course, even if it seldom embraces it. Think of all those red buses, phone kiosks, post boxes and the like, which have become icons of the city, along with the red, white and blue of the Tube. The biggest icon of them all, Tower Bridge, was once an uninspiring brown; since Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, its hues are blues. It joined the striking red of Blackfriars Bridge and the peculiar green-yellow combo of Southwark Bridge.

Some interior beams on Tower Bridge are maintained in the original brown colour. Exterior metalwork now appears in two shades of blue. Images: Matt Brown

And, very occasionally, our traditional housing stock has its colourful moments. We've all seen (and probably Instagrammed) that row on Portobello Road, but small pockets can be found elsewhere:

Colourful houses on Kelly Street (Kentish Town) and Chalcot Crescent (Primrose Hill). Images: Matt Brown

Such places seem very popular. They must be photographed dozens of times a day (admittedly, the Primrose Hill one also has Paddington Bear connections). If such streets are so universally admired, why don't more posh people paint their terraces this way? Probably because they don't want hoards of photographers on their doorstep, which is fair enough.

These exceptions notwithstanding, London's historic buildings have rarely flaunted much colour. Until recent times, they were typically grey or even black, caked in layers of soot from the 'Big Smoke' of a million hearths and factories. Look how grubby St Paul's was in the 1950s.

With the advent of Clean Air Acts in the 1960s, the city was gradually cleaned up, yet it remained a place of muted colour. Then a few exceptions began to creep in, such as the funky rubber paving in Carnaby Street from 1973 and the rich mix of Neal's Yard in Covent Garden. The first big wave of colour came in the 1980s, with the arrival of postmodern architecture. Here we saw the use of big, bold colour, not just on a building's facade, but also in its services.

Three colourful postmodern buildings. Top-left, Tidal Basin pumping station near City Hall. Bottom-left, ventilation pipes of 88 Wood Street. Right, the Bagpuss hues of Number 1 Poultry. Images: Matt Brown

Richard Rogers, in particular, was a champion of primary colour. Most of his buildings feature bright reds, blues and yellows on ventilation pipes, support frames and lift machinery. It's all over town, from the cranes on top of the Lloyd's building to the 'tent poles' of the O2 dome.  

Les Nouvelles Couleurs

Recent years have seen a notable rise in colourfulness, never witnessed in the capital before. The charge was led by Renzo Piano's Central St Giles development, completed in 2010. This wasn't so much as splash of colour as a defibrillator shock of energy.

Image: Matt Brown

I have to admit, I was a little sceptical at first. It felt a bit too much. Over time, though, I've come to really admire the building (or, rather, the architect) for trying something different and injecting new wavelengths into a samey streetscape. I'd never advocate for such chromatic bombshells everywhere but, as a one-off, it wins my approval.

Image: Matt Brown

Central St Giles remains the most audacious use of colour in the central London streetscape. It has, however, been joined by countless further examples across the city. Many new residential developments and office blocks, when not cladding themselves in fake brickwork, now opt for colourful outer shells. We see this not just in the centre, but also the suburbs.

The Palestra Building on Blackfriars Road weaves in some bright colours. Image: Matt Brown

Colourful balconies in Barking Town Centre. Image: Matt Brown

It's not hard to find further examples of new-builds piling on the colours, but we're also seeing plenty of vibrant facelifts on older buildings. Leading the way here is the singular example of Camille Walala, whose patterned wraps and paintwork have transformed more than a few pockets of London.

Walala's work on Leyton High Road (two left images), Old Street (top-right), and famously on the bridge to the Elizabeth line in Canary Wharf (bottom-right). Images: Matt Brown

Yinka Ilori, too, has brightened our city with colourful street crossings, murals, bridges, and other joyous interventions. At Canary Wharf, where the blue skies were long-ago filched by high-rise, at least the street level is bathed in colour thanks to Adam Nathaniel Furman's 'Click Your Heels Together Three Times':

Image: Matt Brown

Most of London's central bridges now glow fetchingly by night, thanks to the Illuminated River programme. Multistorey, multicolour murals decorate the sides of the Megaro Hotel on Euston Road and the NYX hotel on Southampton Row. LGBTQ initiatives have added their own rainbows of love to the streets of London.

And then we have 'that tunnel' at King's Cross, which has brought so much joy to so many passers-by.

Image: Matt Brown

Such examples (and there are dozens more) do not quite add up to a revolution, but they are, perhaps, a groundswell. Colour is on the rise. It's more acceptable on the streets than ever before, and I'm here for it. More of this kind of thing, please. Much more.

Of course, there is a backlash. Post any of these images on Facebook and you're guaranteed comments like"What an eyesore!" and "It looks childish."

Fair enough, some people really do have a negative reaction to bright colours and we should, on the whole, respect their needs for a coherent, calm, consistent streetscape. But we should also find space for playfulness. What, after all, is wrong with a bit of childishness? About a quarter of Londoners and visitors are children. Shouldn't the built environment serve them, too? And who said bright colours have to be the preserve of children anyway? That's just stuffy British tradition.

So bring on the full colour wheel. Turn our grey spaces pink and yellow and cyan. Let's find a new and optimistic palette for London. And let's start by swapping our winter coats for something a little cheerier.

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A trio of figures catch the eye in a stained-glass window. They could be the Three Magi pointing to the crescent moon. But look again. Those are not turbans, but ladies’ hats. And in place of gold, frankincense and myrrh, one of the women carries a tote of fish.

Image: Matt Brown

The three ladies — one of whom is clearly based on Ena Sharples from Coronation Street — are not on their way to adore the Holy Child. Their thoughts are more with the omnibus than the omnipotent…

Image: Matt Brown

This remarkable stained glass window can be found inside Christ Church Southwark, a 1950s rebuild just off Blackfriars Road. Its details are delicious. The bus is clearly a classic Routemaster, a beloved design that can still be spotted on the roads of London today (albeit not in regular service). Its roof is painted white to reflect sunlight and reduce heat. The bus stop carries three route numbers, 4, 45 and 63. During the 1950s, all three routes would have stopped outside the church (the 63 still does).

This is just one of 10 distinctive windows in the nave of Christ Church, designed in the late 1950s by Frederick Cole and Kenneth Bunton, working for Wippell and Co. If you look carefully, you can see Bunton’s name immortalised on one of the shop fascias.

Image: Matt Brown

The remaining windows show various scenes from Southwark life, past and present (i.e. as was, in 1959-60). They include familiar buildings. The window shown below, for example, features a depiction of Bankside Power Station, now Tate Modern:

Image: Matt Brown

Behind the power station we can, of course, see the dome of St Paul’s. But look behind the chimney. The tallest of the salmon-coloured structures is, I think, the Faraday Building, constructed in the 1930s as a telephone exchange. Power and communications are also referenced in the larger section of the window, which shows an engineer monitoring a bank of dials, with three telephones in the foreground and electricity pylons out of the window.

Here’s another one for you:

Image: Matt Brown

The main image shows a lady and two children in 18th century garb. Behind her, we can see typical housing of the period, along with the previous tower of Christ Church (destroyed in the Second World War). The lower panel, meanwhile, depicts the housing estate of Nelson Square, a little south of the church. This was completed in 1958, just before the windows were installed. The housing estate remains today. The boy and girl featured in the upper panel would be as delighted as my daughter if they could see the playground hidden away inside the square — worth a diversion if you’re on Bankside with children.

Not all the windows have aged so well…

Image: Matt Brown

Here we see what must be London’s only stained glass window to depict a filing cabinet. The more central feature, though, is the secretary taking dictation from her boss. The body language here shouts volumes. The lady slumps; the man stands confident and pointing. It is an image of subservience. Further clerical work can be seen below. The desks look empty to modern eyes; where are the computers?

I’ve shown just a third of the main windows above. The rest are also of interest, and feature numerous local trades including bakers, printers, watermen and brewers. Do go have a look for yourself!

The church includes a second set of smaller stained-glass windows in the northern aisle, installed by John Lawson in 1984 to mark the rebuilt church’s 25th anniversary. These, too, have a local flavour. This one’s my favourite:

Image: Matt Brown

How many stained glass windows feature shopping trollies? This one, as the text suggests, highlights the supermarket Sainsbury’s, whose headquarters were on the corner of Blackfriars Road and Stamford Street until a move to Holborn in 2001. The building shown to the bottom-left has since been demolished. The same fate has now befallen Sampson House (bottom-right). This brutalist office block beside Blackfriars Bridge was home to a Lloyds Bank processing centre for many years. It’s now a big hole in the ground, awaiting redevelopment as part of the Bankside Yards project.

One final example depicts two Southwark buildings that do still stand:

Image: Matt Brown

On the left is Sea Containers House. This bulky building is today a hotel and restaurant complex, but was previously a nexus of container shipping operations. The right panel shows the Kirkaldy Testing Works on Southwark Street. This was a place where construction materials, such as steel bars, were tested for their strength. It operates today as the Kirkaldy Testing Museum. Its most famous feature, suggested on the window, is its pediment, which reads FACTS NOT OPINIONS.

Christ Church Southwark. Image: Matt Brown

The grounds of Christ Church Southwark are also worth attention. Round the back, we find a curious memory of things past. In 1941, the previous church was reduced to rubble by enemy action. During the conflagration, a wooden cross fell from the church steeple, scorching its own impression onto the grass below. The seared turf was covered over with stone, leaving a poignant reminder of the destruction of war.

Image: Matt Brown

In the background, we can see a pointy-roofed drinking fountain. This was donated by the philanthropist John Passmore Edwards in 1900. It was recently restored and brought back to water by the Heritage of London Trust, who kindly invited me along to the ribbon cutting. It was during this visit that I was able to view the stained glass within the church, and thereby write this article. So we began with a double-decker, and we end with a double thank-you!

If you enjoyed this feature, you might also like my previous article on other unusual stained glass around London.

Venture out to Severndroog Castle. Photo: Londonist

Done everything central London has to offer, or just fancy venturing a bit further afield for your next day out?

These are our favourite places to visit in outer London, from lesser-known museums to sprawling parks — and several of them are free!

We've even included a map so you can see what's near you, or which of these attractions are close to each other, so you can hit up two or three in a day.

Things to do in north London

Myddelton House Gardens, Enfield

We once described Myddelton House Gardens as "London's architectural dumping ground", and meant it in the most delightful way possible. Here you'll find: the former route of the New River; part of the old London Bridge; the old Enfield Market Cross; paving stones from Clerkenwell; and a pine tree from the Vatican, among many other fascinating oddities. And that's before we get to the plants and flowers. Best seen in wisteria season. FREE.

Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, Enfield

London's "other transport museum", Whitewebbs nudges up against the M25 in London's garden centre hinterland. It's packed to the rafters of its five-floor museum building plus several outdoor buildings, including a replica fire station, auto jumble shop and a model railway inside an original carriage. Among vehicles on display are "Wendy", a 1939 ambulance, fire engines dating back to the 18th century, plus bicycles, tractors, cars and war memorabilia. Note it has very limited opening hours (Tuesday, and the last Sunday of the month).

Forty Hall, Enfield

Jacobean manor house Forty Hall houses a permanent exhibition about the building, and the families who lived here from its construction in 1629 until it became a public museum in 1951. The 270-acre estate surrounding the house is also open to the public, encompassing a walled garden, children's play area, pleasure grounds, farm shop, woodland and a heritage trail. FREE.

Note: Forty Hall, Myddelton House Gardens and Whitewebbs are all very close to each other, so could be visited in a single day.

Forty Hall sits at London's northern tip. Photo: Peter O'Connor by CC BY-SA 2.0

RAF Museum, Hendon

Walk under the wings of a Lancaster bomber and clamber aboard a Chinook helicopter at the RAF Museum, cluttered with more than 100 aircraft across six hangars. Plus kids will be kept entertained with the likes of a hands-on air traffic control display. The time will fly by. FREE.

Stephens House and Gardens, Finchley

For anyone who cares a jot, London has a little-known Museum of Ink (also known as the Stephen Collection — open by appointment only), located within Stephens House and Gardens, once home to ink magnate Henry Stephens. The house isn't open to the public, but the grounds are, where you'll find woodlands, bothy gardens, a bog garden and a bench statue dedicated to Spike Milligan.

Headstone Manor Museum, Pinner

Local Harrow history is the focus of the Headstone Manor Museum, which has objects spanning archaeological artefacts, fine art and natural history items, all on display inside a manor house dating from 1310 —  the only completely moated manor house in Greater London. FREE.

Don't miss the cafe at Headstone Manor. Photo: Matt Brown/Londonist

Heath Robinson Museum, Pinner

The work of local artist and illustrator William Heath Robinson — famous for his crackpot imagined contraptions — is on display at Pinner's Heath Robinson Museum. Original artwork books, photographs, film and digital media feature in the permanent display, telling Robinson's story from art school in the 1890s through to the Second World War. A programme of seasonal exhibitions showcases the work of other illustrators too.

Epping Forest

On the north-east London/Essex border, Epping Forest offers 12 miles of ancient woodland to explore on an arboreal day out. Over the Essex side, the star exhibit at the Epping Forest District Museum is a woolly mammoth's tusk, along with other objects revealing local history. Back inside the M25, Epping Forest visitor centres at High Beech and Chingford offer a gateway to the forest, manned by knowledgeable volunteers with maps and the like available. The latter is right next to Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, a timber-framed house built for Henry VIII.

Walthamstow Wetlands

An internationally important wildlife reserve which doubles up as a reservoir supplying water to 3.5 million people, Walthamstow Wetlands feels a whole world away from central London. Reality: it's less than 15 minutes walk from Tottenham Hale station. Put your walking boots on and follow one of several trails around the reservoirs, looking out for species including common toads, kingfishers and even peregrine falcons as you go.

Things to do in south London

Explore a warren of manmade caves beneath south London's streets. Photo: Londonist

Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst

22 miles of manmade caves run beneath the streets of south-east London, an underground world where Doctor Who was once filmed, and Jimi Hendrix played twice. The caverns were originally chalk and flint mines, and Chislehurst Caves came into use as ammunitions storage and bomb shelters during the Second World War. These days, the caves can only be visited on a lamp-lit guided tour. Wrap up warm — it gets chilly down here, even in the height of summer!

Eltham Palace, Eltham

Medieval meets art deco mansion at English Heritage property Eltham Palace. Visit the Great Hall, built in the 1470s, and the only surviving part of the medieval royal palace where Henry VIII spent his childhood. Then wander through to the glamorous 1930s mansion built next door, including a wood-lined dining room, gold-plated bathroom and a wartime bunker. Impressive grounds too, encompassing a moat crossed by London's oldest working bridge, a rose garden, rock garden and playground.

Severndroog Castle, Eltham

London's little-known gothic castle (more of a folly, really), tucked away in woodland, with views over seven counties on a clear day, Severndroog Castle invites visitors to climb the 87 stairs to the rooftop viewing platform. You might even glimpse Windsor Castle.

Horniman Museum, Forest Hill

Not by any means little-known, but worth venturing to Zone 3 for, Forest Hill's Horniman Museum offers natural history and global culture galleries, an aquarium and butterfly house, and temporary exhibitions... and that's just inside. The grounds are perched atop a hill offering incredible views of the London skyline. A great one for families.

Down House. Image: Robert Scarth via CC BY-SA 2.0

One of London's most southerly attractions must surely be Down House, the former home of naturalist Charles Darwin where he developed his ideas of evolution by natural selection. Now owned by English Heritage, it is both a period home, with the downstairs decked out as it would have been in Darwin's day, and a museum dedicated to his work. The gardens are magnificent too, still in bloom with (largely) the same species recorded in Darwin's notebooks.

RAF Biggin Hill Museum

A short hop from Down House (and even further south) is the RAF Biggin Hill Museum, a former fighter station turned into a small gallery space telling the stories of pilots and ground crew who worked out of Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain. Next door is the St George's RAF Chapel of Remembrance.

Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Beckenham

Located within the Bethlem Royal Hospital, a psychiatric hospital which had several homes before ending up in Beckenham, is the Bethlem Museum of the Mind. Through temporary exhibitions and permanent displays, it shares the experiences and achievements of people with mental health problems. FREE.

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Tour

For two weeks of the year, the eyes of the sporting world are on SW19 as Centre Court and surrounds ricochet with the thwacks and grunts of the world's best tennis players battling it out at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The other 50 weeks of the year, the AELTC (or Wimbledon, as it's better known) invites the public inside to visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Famous trophies, tennis outfits dating back to the Victorian era, and equipment donated by some famous faces are on display. Tours of the museum and grounds are also available.

Sewing Machine Museum, Tooting

Just one Saturday afternoon a month, one of London's most niche museums opens its doors. The Sewing Machine Museum is a private collection of hundreds of the machines, including one which once belonged to Queen Victoria's daughter.

A palm house? In south-east London? Photo: Londonist

Avery Hill Winter Gardens, Eltham

London's second largest winter gardens (after Kew), Avery Hill consists of three interlinked glass domes, and is open year-round, offering a welcome oasis of warmth, and greenery in the form of Canarian palm trees and cactus plants, throughout the colder months. FREE.

Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich

While central London has its own behemoth art galleries, Dulwich Picture Gallery claims to have been the world's first purpose built public art gallery, established back in 1811, and is still home to a seriously impressive collection today. Works by Rubens, Gainsborough, Canaletto and Anthony van Dyck hang on the walls of a building designed by Sir John Soane, joined by a regularly changing programme of exhibitions championing both historic and contemporary artworks. The charming Dulwich Village is worth a wander if you've never been before (we can personally vouch for Rocca Di Papa Italian restaurant as an excellent lunch spot) and the Gallery is right across the road from Dulwich Park for all your picnicking, boating and general stretching-of-leg needs afterwards.

Brixton Windmill

For more than 200 years, Brixton Windmill has been in situ, now located between Brixton and Clapham South stations. It opens to the public on selected weekends throughout the summer, offering short guided tours where you can see the original equipment in action.

Also in south London is Wimbledon Windmill and Museum, open selected dates March-October. Outside these dates, you can see the sails being turned every five weeks.

Things to do in east London

"Cathedral of sewage" is no exaggeration. Image: Crossness

God's Own Junkyard, Walthamstow

Head to an unassuming industrial estate on the outskirts of central Walthamstow for London's neon paradise. God's Own Junkyard is packed full of glowing, psychedelic signs collected from film sets and photo shoots, fairgrounds and retro displays, all calling out for your eyeballs' attention. You won't know where to look. Extra points for the excellently-named Rolling Scones Cafe on site. Note God's Own Junkyard only opens Friday-Sundays, and sometimes not even then if closed for private events, so check before you travel. FREE.

Crossness Pumping Station, Abbey Wood

How nice can a sewage pumping station actually be? Absolutely magnificent in the case of Crossness Pumping Station, alternatively known as the "cathedral on the marshes", or engineer Joseph Bazalgette's "cathedral of sewage".  Open days run throughout the year, inviting you inside to learn how it all works. It has its own narrow-gauge railway too, and on certain open days, a vintage Routemaster bus offers visitors free rides to and from Abbey Wood station.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford

While still home to some of the 2012 venues, including the Aquatics Centre, London Stadium and Copper Box Arena, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park transitioned surprisingly seamlessly into an enjoyable and useful outdoor space, open to everyone for free. It abuts Hackney Marshes to the north, which itself joins with Walthamstow Marshes — meaning you can wander for miles if you're so inclined. Prefer to stay closer to the action? The QEOP perfectly toes the line between enough greenery that you feel wholesome after a quick wander, but sufficient paved paths that you needn't worry about mud. It's also home to the ArcelorMittal Orbit and its Helix slide.

The David Bowie Centre is part of the V&A East Storehouse. Photo: Londonist

V&A Museums, Stratford

Stratford has undergone something of a cultural boom in recent years, as new venues including the V&A East Storehouse and its David Bowie Centre open in the Queen Elizabeth Park, to be joined by the V&A East in April 2026. Entry to all is FREE (charge for some exhibitions) and booking is recommended. Dance theatre Sadler's Wells East has also opened nearby, offering regular performances and workshops along with its own restaurant and bar.

Dr Who Museum, Upton Park

Well-known among Whovians, and of occasional interest to others, is East Ham's The Who Shop, a passion project of an emporium run by wife and husband team Alexandra and Kevan, selling all manner of Dr Who memorabilia. Less well-known is The Who Shop Museum, located on the same site and open by appointment. Step through the TARDIS to view more than 120 props, costumes and artefacts from the world of Doctor Who, Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures and K9, dating back to 1964. It's a small space, with visiting time limited to 25 minutes, so it's not a full day out, but something to bear in mind if you're in the area.

Upminster Tithe Barn and the Museum of Nostalgia

London's oldest thatched building, Upminster Tithe Barn, nudges up against the M25 on the London-Essex border. The structure itself dates back to 1450 — though it's had a new roof in recent years — but it took on a new purpose in 1976 when it opened as an agricultural museum. It began with a tractor, and other pieces of agricultural machinery but has since expanded to house other domestic and craft items, including washing machines, vacuum cleaners, woodworking tools and printing ephemera. Keep an eye on the website for occasional open days.

Things to do in west London

Get lost in the Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze. Photo: Londonist

Hanwell Zoo and Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze

Londoners of a certain vintage might remember the "Bunny Park", now known as Hanwell Zoo. You won't find lions or tigers in this corner of west London, but flamingos, capybara, monkeys and lemurs are among the species who do reside here. A few steps away from the zoo's entrance is the FREE Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze, a labyrinth made from 2,000 yew trees, with a viewing platform as its centre.

Pitzhanger Manor, Ealing

If you've enjoyed central London's Sir John Soane's Museum, head west to the architect's country home, Pitzhanger Manor, and its adjoining art gallery. Before opening to the public in 2019, the building was restored to as it would have been in Soane's time, and houses regular exhibitions (Grayson Perry and Rana Begum are among the well-known artists who've exhibited here in recent years). Parts of 2026 Channel 4 TV series Secret Genius were filmed at Pitzhanger, and it's right next door to Walpole Park with its playground, cafe and lake.

Ace Cafe, Stonebridge

Though you can admire the array of shiny chassis and the choir of purring engines to your heart's content, the legendary Ace Cafe isn't just an experience for petrolheads; order a chilli burger and a knickerbocker glory and boogie the evening away to Eddie Cochran on the jukebox.

Start your engines for a visit to the Ace Cafe. Photo: Londonist

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden

Also known as Neasden Temple. A hand-carved marble masterpiece, this is the biggest Hindu temple outside India — and a sight to behold. The building is open to the public to peruse, and sometimes there's a guide on hand to lead you round. For the full experience though, attend one of the traditional Hindu prayer ceremonies. Remember, this is a place of worship and there's a strict dress code.

The Musical Museum, Brentford

Self-playing pianos and violins, pipe organs, music boxes, gramophones, keyboards and synthesizers are among the instruments on display at west London's Musical Museum, which doubles up as a concert venue. Crowning glory is the Mighty Wurlitzer Cinema organ, originally used to accompany silent films (indeed the museum still hosts occasional screenings). The on site cafe offers fab views over the Thames.

London Museum of Water and Steam, Brentford

An Italianate brick tower close to Kew Bridge station signals the London Museum of Water and Steam, which occupies the former Kew Bridge Waterworks. The museum tells the history of London's water supply in an accessible, family-friendly way, with a huge collection of pumping engines available to view. Most importantly in our opinion: The museum has its own miniature steam locomotive which offers rides through the grounds on selected weekends.

The Water Museum and Musical Museum are almost next door to each other, so could easily both be visited in a single day. Kew Gardens (below) is a further 10-minute stroll away.

Kew Gardens, Kew

Not a secret, but an absolute shoo-in if you're looking for a day out in west London and the weather's not too shabby. The sprawling grounds of Kew Gardens encompass: three large glasshouses packed with tropical plants; two lakes; a treetop walkway; a royal palace; a pagoda; woodlands; two art galleries; various restaurants and cafes... and that's barely scratching the surface.

Syon Park, Brentford

Syon House is the London home of the Duke of Northumberland, and it's open to the public for part of the year. Visitors can enter rooms including the Great Hall, State Dining Room and Long Gallery. The house is surrounded by Syon Park, home to the Great Conservatory, gardens, parkland, meadows and an Arboretum, as well as a garden centre and cafe.

The Lion Gate, Syon Park. Image: Jim Osley via CC BY-SA 2.0

Hobbledown Heath, Hounslow

One of London's best attractions for families has got to be Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow. It's part adventure playground, part zoo, with indoor and outdoor play areas. There's also zorbing, archery and other activities — should be enough to wear out even the most energetic of kids.

Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge

76 steps beneath the streets of Uxbridge, surrounded by a new housing estate, is the Battle of Britain Bunker, an underground space which remained secret throughout the Second World War. It acted as Fighter Command No.11's Group Operations Room, from where RAF movements were directed, and enemy planes were tracked. Historic maps remain in situ today, and can be seen on a tour of the bunker (recommended age seven+). There's also a cafe and shop on site, and a ground level exhibition for anyone unable to make the descent. Full info here.

Hampton Court Palace is a full-blown day out. Image: Colin Smith via CC BY-SA 2.0

Hampton Court Palace

By no means unknown, but absolutely worthy of a visit is Henry VIII's former home, Hampton Court Palace. Now in the care of Historic Royal Palaces, the redbrick beauty is surrounded by manicured gardens and sprawling parkland, along with a famous maze and a top-notch children's playground. You could easily spend the best part of a day here.

London Wetland Centre, Barnes

Much like Walthamstow Wetlands (above), the WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes is first and foremost a haven for wildlife, with six hides dotted around the place for birdwatchers to make use of. It's not just birds though: the reserve is home to water voles, dragonflies, frogs, butterflies — even otters and lizards. There's a cafe and shop on site, and many of the paths are wheelchair accessible. Regular events include bat walks, pond dipping sessions, wildlife photography courses and school holiday trails for kids.

Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham

The Gallery at Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham might just be the most opulent room in London: we audibly gasped when we first set foot inside, important portraits hanging on its rich red walls, the intricate gold-scalloped ceiling competing with the wooden chequerboard floor for attention. The rest of Sir Horace Walpole's Gothic Revival building is also incredibly ornate: its whitewashed exterior replete with twisting chimneys and turrets, its interior packed with ornate decorations and gilded gold trims, and a charming mismatch of decorative stained glass windows.

Stroll along the Thames

On a budget? Keen to make the most of some rare good weather? Follow our 2.5 mile walking route along the Thames from Richmond to Twickenham, via weird statuary, secret gardens and two flooding pubs.

Freshly updated for 2026.

You've got to laugh. No really, when there are so many incredible comedy venues in London, you really do. Here's our guide to the funniest venues, club nights, festivals and more across the capital.

Massive names like Stephen Merchant show up to play Top Secret Comedy Club.

The best live comedy in London

Here are — in our humble opinion — the GOAT London comedy clubs; venues bringing the creme de la creme of mirthmakers, consistently. Lots are naturally in the West End, but there's plenty going on further afield.

Angel Comedy Club @ Camden Head and Bill Murray, Angel (daily)
Ever come across a snaking queue in Angel? It's either for the Breakfast Club or Angel Comedy Club — held at the Camden Head. Upstairs in this unassuming boozer, you'll find free stand-up every freaking night of the week, with RAW comedy nights (Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs and Sun) and more honed shows (Fri and Sat), interspersed with WIPs from mahoosive names like Dylan Moran and Simon Amstell. You can catch anything between three to six consecutive shows at the Camden Head each night. Truly the daddy/mummy/legal guardian of the free comedy circuit.

Angel Comedy Club also oversees the nearby Bill Murray — a regular pocket-sized laughter emporium. Multiple shows are hosted here every day of the week, with frequent surprise appearances from VIPs. Just remember, legally it's named after Charles I's whipping boy, not that Groundhog Day chap. Angel Comedy Club

Leicester Square Theatre on a quiet night. Image: Leicester Square Theatre

Leicester Square Theatre, Soho (daily)
Swaggering old 400-seater favoured by the likes of Stewart Lee, Sh!t-faced Shakespeare and seasoned podcasters such as Richard Herring. What it lacks in atmos, it makes up for in true star quality (and it has, like, four bars). Also home to the annual Sketch Off! final. Leicester Square Theatre

Comedy Store, Soho (daily)
London's answer to NYC's Comedy Cellar; everyone from Robin Williams to French & Saunders to Bill Hicks have trodden the boards here. Home to the Comedy Store Players, and the infamously brutal King Gong nights. In short: legendary. Comedy Store

Top Secret Comedy Club, Covent Garden (daily)
They don't announce all the acts in advance, hence the name. That's some savvy marketing in a biz where you might not actually know who your headliner is till the last second. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised though; Top Secret Comedy Club has hosted the ilk of Trevor Noah and Katherine Ryan. Top Secret Comedy Club

Soho Theatre, Soho (most days)
Frenetic six-days-a-week comedy/theatre mecca, where anyone who is anyone gigs, and which is famous for giving birth to Fleabag (you might have heard of it). Have roared at Kieran Hodgson, the Delightful Sausage, Richard Gadd, Hannah Gadsby and countless others at Soho Theatre. The catch? Tickets are not all that cheap — even the standing ones. Soho Theatre

Natalie Palamides performs at the exquisite Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Image: Harry Elletson

Soho Theatre Walthamstow (most days)
Soho Theatre's second venue — inside a 960-seat former art deco cinema — got off to one helluva start when it opened in 2025, with Natalie Palamides' tear-inducingly funny WEER. Since then, it's shown it need not fret about filling all those seats, filling it out with barnstorming sets from Jordan Gray, Lucy Beaumont, plus regular outings from Neon Nights With Ed Gamble. Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Big Belly @ Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club London, South Bank (most days)
Barely pausing for breath, Big Belly (formerly Vauxhall Comedy Club) puts on a cavalcade of razor-witted young acts (Patrick Spicer, Alex Kealy, Lou Taylor, Sikisa) most days, with tickets at a very fair price. Note: these days the venue's on the South Bank. Big Belly

Weirdos performing at the Museum of Comedy. Not being rude, that's the name of the act. Image: Museum of Comedy

Museum of Comedy, Bloomsbury (most days)
Yes, it really is a museum — they've got Tommy Cooper's handmade magic tricks and everything. There's also a pint-sized stage in this 72-seater crypt venue, putting on stand-up, sketch and cabaret. God-tier comedians like Alexei Sayle and Frank Skinner do WIPs here too. Museum of Comedy

Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green (most days)
'West End Shows at East End Prices' runs the motto. Feast on new acts as well as established ones. This place also home to the London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club. And yes, the venue looks like its been made out of old pallets — got a problem with that? Backyard Comedy Club

Good Ship Comedy @ the Thieves, Battersea; @ Swimmer at the Grafton, Holloway Road; @ the Honor Oak, Forest Hill; @ the Old Fire Station, West Norwood (a lot of the time)
No longer anchored in Kilburn, Good Ship Comedy plies its route across four London venues, delivering a shipment of seriously good comedians: think Catherine Bohart, Paul Sinha and Jessica Fostekew. Good Ship Comedy

Top Secret Comedy Club: you don't always know who's going to be on, but you'll rarely be disappointed.

Pleasance London, Islington (a lot of the time)
Warehouse venue that's an offshoot of the famous Edinburgh Pleasance. Theatre and wrestling aside, there's a steady stream of stand-up: expect to catch comics like Ania Magliano, Celya AB and Max & Ivan warming up for August in Auld Reekie. Pleasance London

Soho Comedy Factory, Soho (a lot of the time)
Giggles galore at this intimate venue that sometimes gives the bigger Soho venues a run for their money. You won't always know who's playing though. Soho Comedy Factory

Always Be Comedy @ the Tommyfield, Kennington and @ the Trafalgar, Chelsea (Monday-Friday)
James Gill's prolific club night frequents the Tommyfield in Kennington, and has recently landed in a second venue, in Chelsea. Gill's Filofax is packed with stand-up blue bloods: Nick Mohammed, Joe Lycett, Nish Kumar, Aisling Bea, Kevin Bridges, Michael McIntyre... Expect unexpected cameos from some of the biggest names in the game. Lots of class upcomers, too. Always Be Comedy

Huge comedians in a modest size pub room at Always Be Comedy. Image: James Gill

99 Club, Soho (Tuesday-Sunday)
Stellar triple bills six days a week (think Catherine Bohart, Laura Lexx, Ivo Graham) in a snug West End subterranean venue. 99 Club

Gits & Shiggles @ Half Moon, Putney (every other Tuesday)
The backroom of this smashing Fuller's boozer in an affluent part of London is better known for its music, but this bi-weekly comedy fest is a who's who. We have giggled at Ahir Shah, Rosie Holt and Abandoman here. (Also expect lots of gags about how posh/minted everyone in Putney is.) Gits & Shiggles

Up The Creek brings the brick wall realness. Image: Charles Alley/Up the Creek

Camden Comedy Club @ Camden Head, Camden (Tuesday-Sunday)
All the greats start their careers upstairs in pubs; chances are the Camden Head was one of them. For as little as four quid a pop, watch new material and WIPs from established comics, plus a raft of newer funny peeps making a name for themselves. Camden Comedy Club

Up The Creek, Greenwich (Thursday-Sunday)
Quality latter-week laughs in front of a brick wall, so you can pretend you're in NYC. Comedians are as hot as they come: think Jon Robbins, Amy Gledhill, Ahir Shah. Home of the infamous Blackout nights, where performers do a tight five, the twist being the audience can choose to ditch them after just two mins. They pour their own beer too (the venue, not the comedians). Up The Creek

Downstairs at the King's Head, Muswell Hill (Thursday and Saturday)
Unassuming basement venue riddled with comedians, with a Try Out Night on Thursdays, and more established acts on Saturdays (think Arthur Smith, Shazia Mirza). Downstairs at the King's Head

Hackney's MOTH club brings gold curtain and top comedian realness. Image: Claire Haigh

Knock2Bag Comedy @ MOTH Club, Hackney (Wednesday and occasional Thursdays and Saturdays)
A voguish working men's club turned music venue is home to Knock2Bag's glittering comedy nights (and that ain't just the golden curtains). The ilk of Bridget Christie, Sheeps, Tom Basden and Lolly Adefope await. Sign up to the mailing list for the occasional chance of free tickets. MOTH Club

Live at the Chapel @ Union Chapel, Highbury & Islington (once in a while)
A religious experience for comedy disciples in more way than one; the stunning church setting plays host to a ludicrously talented set of comedians. Have rolled around in the (literal) aisles laughing at Tim Key, Mae Martin, Reginald D Hunter and countless others here. Live at the Chapel

More great comedy in London

We've only just begun. Here are scores more of splendid comedy happenings across the capital.

Tim Renkow at free Monday night show, Jester Jesters. Image: Jonathan Hearn

Comedy Cabin, Hoxton (a lot of the time)
Queer comedy nights, French comedy nights... the Comedy Cabin has it all, so long as it's funny. The cosy cellar bar puts on a high frequency of shows, and it's often only a few quid to get in. Comedy Cabin

Happy Mondays @ Amersham Arms, New Cross (Monday)
The backroom of a pub, a pint, and a slew of high-class comics for a reasonable fee can elevate your Monday night from silently sobbing in front of Happy Valley, to crying with laughter and tricking yourself into thinking it must be at least Wednesday. Happy Mondays

Jester Jesters @ Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon (Monday)
Throw caution to the wind with a Monday night on the tiles, or more specifically, at the Betsey Trotwood, and Jester Jesters. Upcoming stand-ups (sometimes sketch and character comedians too) vie for giggles, as they perform a litmus test on newly-penned material. Tickets are very cheap. Jester Jesters

Outside the Box Comedy Club @ Fighting Cocks, Kingston (Monday)
Robin Williams once played this west London showcase apparently, though that must've been a while ago now. That said, they still have some very good (living) comedians: think Nick Helm, Sara Pascoe and Ellie Taylor. Outside the Box Comedy Club

Fool & Co @ the Albany, Fitzrovia (Monday)
Marketed as "luxuriant comedy" Fool & Co's weekly Monday nights are nonetheless affordable; not only are some shows a trifling fiver, but they sometimes do a 2-for-1 on these tickets! Recent comedians have included the much-vaunted Ruby Carr and QI Elf Joe Mayo. Fool & Co

Punchlines @ the Cornershop Bar, Shoreditch (Monday)
Gary Michaels — a man with 20+ years experience on the circuit — takes the helm at this night where wannabe stars of tomorrow brave the mic. Expect a real pick 'n' mix. Punchlines

Ivory Arch Comedy @ Ivory Arch Comedy, Elephant & Castle (Monday)
A south London railway arch creates an intimate space in which to watch freshman comedians play with newly-cooked-up gags. Ivory Arch Comedy

LOLipops Live Comedy @ the Distillers, Hammersmith and @ the White Hart, Southwark (Monday and Tuesday, plus some Thursdays and Fridays)
New acts on two Tuesday shows in Hammersmith and in Southwark, inc. new acts/material plus Neurospicy Comedy. Shows with established comics headlining on some Thursdays and Fridays. LOLipops Live Comedy

Comedy Bandits @ Railway Tavern, Clapham (Monday, Wednesday and once a month on Friday)
Newish, but nonetheless gifted, stand-ups stiffen the sinews and summon up the blood, to perform free shows at this Clapham boozer on Monday and Wednesdays. Monthly Fridays showcase more established acts, which they'll (rightly) charge you for. Comedy Bandits

Comedy Virgins @ Cavendish Arms, Stockwell (Monday-Wednesday)
A slew of acts take to the stage for five mins at a time in a bid to win your laugher/applause/respect. Given the sheer amount, some are inevitably better than others, but it all moves so fast that hardly matters. Ultimately, you'll choose who was funniest of all. Two shows a night, so six in all. Comedy Virgins

Romesh Ranganathan plays the Boat Show, the only regular comedy night we know of that floats.

2nd Row Comedy @ Piehole Shoreditch (Tuesday)
When you think about it, there really ought to be more free comedy shows where you can see circa eight acts AND score a decent pie. As if that weren't appealing enough, 2nd Row Comedy also offers 'free exit' as well as free entry; big if true. 2nd Row Comedy

Hot Comedy @ Hot Toddy's, Camden (Tuesday)
Cheap comedy once a week at (from what we can fathom) is a nice little stage inside a Belushi's. Hot Comedy

Free Comedy @ Hoxley & Porter, Highbury & Islington (Tuesday)
Catch weekly bouts of comedy from (usually lesser-known) comics with some good food and drink deals to boot. Free Comedy

Hood Rat Comedy @ Rumba, Soho (Tuesday)
Free comedy from fresh comedians, plus beers from £2.50 a pop. That's a cheap laugh we can get on board with! Hood Rat Comedy

The Queer Comedy Club, Archway (Tuesday-Saturday)
Billing itself as 'the UK's First LGBTQ+ Comedy Club', this is a safe space for queer performers and audience members, with a 'Raw' Monday show (free), a 'Not Totally Queer' Tuesday show (free), plus a paid-for 'Big Thursday Show', where you get proper polished/star name comedians. There are occasional Saturday shows too. Queer allies are welcome. The Queer Comedy Club

Comedy Incorporated @ Signature Brew, Haggerston (Tuesday), @ The Railway, Putney (Wednesday), @ The Gipsy Queen, Kentish Town (Thursday), @ The Wheatsheaf, Tooting Bec (Thursday)
Plenty of chances to catch this laid-back affair, taking place four times across London every week. There's no crowd work (phew), no heckling (phew on the comedians' behalf) — just a heap of freshly worked out material. It's free and you can just show up. Like we say, proper chilled. Comedy Incorporated

Rose & Crown, Kentish Town (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Bucketloads of comedy gratis at this plucky north London boozer: Shtick (Wednesday and Sundays) and Freedom Fridge (Thursdays). Rose & Crown

The Rose & Crown in Kentish Town offers free comedy regularly. Image: Sunday Shtick

Comedy In Your Eye @ Camden Eye, Camden (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
With tickets as cheap as £3 a pop, this is a thrifty way to catch grassroots comedy in north London — and some pretty big acts as well. Comedy In Your Eye

JK Comedy Club @ Spice of Life, Soho (Tuesday)
You know it's a proper comedy show when they've got a brick wall behind the comedians. For the markedly un-princely sum of £5, you get to enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy every Tuesday. JK Comedy Club

Armpit Comedy @ the Clapham North, Clapham (Tuesday or Wednesday, every two weeks)
A frankly ludicrous number of comedians i.e. nine are packed into every Armpit Comedy show, so even if you don't get out to another comedy show this year you've still seen more comedians than most. Armpit Comedy

Chippy Tea @ Aces & Eights, Tufnell Park (Tuesdays, every other month)
Midlands double act Bab present a female/LGBTQ+-forward show bringing 'the hottest chips out the air fryer'. Said chips are a salty mix of stand-up, sketch and character comedy. Acts have included Joz Norris, Freya Parker and, of course, Bab themselves. Chippy Tea

Slap and Giggle Comedy @ Coin Laundry, Exmouth Market; @ Little Yellow Door, Notting Hill; @ Never For Ever, Gospel Oak; @ Greenwich Theatre (some Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Prolific comedy slingers Slap and Giggle put on up-and-coming comics in various corners of London, having them rattle out two-and-a-half hours of free laughs every other week. Slap and Giggle Comedy

City Comedy Club @ Trapeze Bar, Shoreditch (Wednesday-Sunday)
Tickets range from £5 to £12 depending which night of the week you go. They also do bottomless wings, drinks and laughs for £55. City Comedy Club

Comedy duo Bab host Chippy Tea at Aces & Eights.

It's Comedy @ Spit & Sawdust, Elephant & Castle (Wednesday)
Big laughs in a small room with an invisible entrance fee — that's It's Comedy, which showcases two comedians each Wednesday, with shorter support sets from others. It's Comedy

Laugh Train Home @ the Thieves, Battersea (Wednesday)
So much going on in the Thieves — karaoke, quizzes, arcade car games... and Laugh Train Home, which presents a real roulette of comedians: we've seen tumbleweed, we have also seen unadulterated genius. Always worth taking the rough with the smooth here. Laugh Train Home

Comedy at the Old Crown, New Oxford Street (Wednesday)
Established acts mingle with the newbies at this super central weekly evening that often packs out. Comedy at the Old Crown

The Laugh Bath @ the Endeavour, Deptford (Wednesday)
Up and coming comics serve as a warm-up for a more established headliner. There's also a 'Rubber Duck Award for Cleanest Comedian' — presumably the least sweary one? The Laugh Bath

Elgin's Marvels Comedy Club @ the Elgin, Maida Vale (every other Wednesday)
The posh areas of London like a laugh too, at least every other Wednesday. Expect newer acts, and no entrance fee. Elgin's Marvels Comedy Club

Rip It Up Comedy @ Wood Street Bear, Wood Street (every other Wednesday)
"London’s most indie comedy night" showcases up and coming comics with no entrance fee. Rip It Up Comedy

Instant Laughs, Sydenham and Mitcham (one Wednesday or Thursday a month)
South London rings out with laughter prompted by a set from five stand-ups. Some of these shows are BYOB. Instant Laughs

How to Be a Strong Woman in One Hour @ The Coach House, Piccadilly (Thursday)
Once a week since July 2025, Monica Hsueh has taken over the Coach House for 60 minutes, performing a show that's becoming renowned for its honest storytelling and audience Q&A. Feel-good, non-cynical stuff. How to Be a Strong Woman in One Hour

Rye Lane Ruckus @ Eagle Eats Bakery, Peckham (Thursday)
What is presumably the best-smelling comedy club in London, Rye Lane Ruckus mixes established and emerging acts... in a bakery. It's free (the cakes are not). Rye Lane Ruckus

The Comedy Industrial Complex @ Pub on the Park, Hackney (Thursday)
Stand-up with a difference, as apparently much of this is topical comedy/satire. (They also promise "story tellers and just plain wacky bafoonery"). The Comedy Industrial Complex

NewsRevue @ Canal Cafe Theatre, Little Venice (Thursday-Saturday)
Proudly declaring itself the world's longest running live comedy show, we could hardly leave NewsRevue off this list. Songs and sketches galore are mashed into this 60-minute run down of topical news, playing three days a week. Given the state of the planet right now, it's a wonder they can keep up. If this is REALLY up your street you can buy an annual pass for £99. NewsRevue

Comedy Carnival, Covent Garden, Camden, Clapham & Leicester Square (Thursday-Saturday)
A chain of comedy nights in London venues, Comedy Carnival has been going almost 20 years. With its meal package options, it's a solid shout for work outings, birthdays etc. Comedy Carnival

The Stand Up Club @ Zebrano, Soho; @ Two Bridges, London Bridge; @ the Antelope, Tooting (Thursday-Saturday)
Take your pick from several venues for these shows, with an ever-swelling roster of talent, performing in threes or fours. The Stand Up Club

Live Next to the Apollo @ Riverside Studios, Hammersmith (Thursday and Friday)
A few mins around the corner from where they record the most famous/mainstream stand-up show on TV, Live Next to the Apollo brings twice-weekly laughs to discerning comedy fans, with acts including the likes of Eric Rushton, Dee Allum and Kuan-wen Huang. What's more, they regularly stage acts who've performed at Live at the Apollo itself. It's just that here, you get to enjoy them in a far more intimate space. Live Next to the Apollo

Quintessentially Comedy @ Quinn's, Camden (every other Thursday)
Friendly new act/material night MCed by Dave Lynch. Quintessentially Comedy

Comedy Rumblings, Charlton, Leytonstone and Blackheath (Thursdays, once or twice a month)
One to keep your eyes peeled for: the venues and dates seems to shift around somewhat, but whenever/wherever it is, it's a Thursday. Comedy Rumblings

Free Me Abeg, the Brookmill, Greenwich (some Thursdays)
Damiete MCs this semi-regular bout of stand-up from on-the-up comedians. Free Me Abeg

Boat Show Comedy @ Tattershall Castle, Westminster (Friday and Saturday)
One of few comedy nights we know which is bobbing about on the blinkin' Thames. It rocks with laughter too, thanks to Friday and Saturday nights feat. *chef's kiss* lineups (think improv rapper Abandoman, and Live at The Apollo's Cally Beaton). Tattershall Castle

Comedy Club Shoreditch @ Bistrot Walluc (Friday and Saturday)
The Friday night offering from the busy London Comedy Group, Comedy Club Shoreditch ushers you into Bistrot Walluc for free comedy, and (not free) fondue. Comedy Club Shoreditch

Comedy Oxygen @ the Trinity, Borough (Friday)
Pro comics try out new bits, while newer ones dip their toe into the circuit. Comedy Oxygen

Clapham Comedy Cave @ Lit Bar, Clapham (Friday)
Squish into the bowels of the Lit Bar every Friday for a showcase of comedians — many who'll you'll recognise from Comedy Central, Channel 4, BBC Comedy, Dave et al. Clapham Comedy Cave

Crack Comedy @ the Grey Horse Kingston (Friday, Sunday and some Mondays) and The Shed, Wimbledon (Saturday)
Raucous shows with circa four slick acts apiece. Stars of Live at the Apollo come to warm up here. Crack Comedy

Stephen K Amos does his thing at Banana Cabaret, Balham.

Headliners Comedy Club @ George, IV Chiswick (Friday and Saturday)
Weekly Friday and Saturday stand-up outing at Chiswick's George IV; as the name hints, the star acts tends to be a pretty big deal in the comedy world (Troy Hawke, Ed Byrne, that kind of big deal). Headliners Comedy Club

South Kensington Comedy Club @ Hoop and Toy, South Kensington (Friday and Saturday)
Cram into this 60-seater upstairs venue for an intimate comedy night, with plenty of cameos from comedians you'll recognise off the telly. South Kensington Comedy Club

Banana Cabaret @ the Bedford, Balham (Friday and Saturday) CLOSING FOR GOOD IN MAY 2026
Nigh-on four decades of this fruity comedy show — on Fri and Sat at the sprawling Bedford pub (the main space is a cracking miniature Roundhouse of a thing). Impeccable array of talent: Luisa Omielan, Sarah Kendall, Jeff Innocent, Stephen K Amos. Sold. Banana Cabaret

Bearcat Comedy Club @ Turk's Head, Twickenham (Saturday)
Nathan Caton, Tony Law, Fin Taylor and Adam Bloom have all done this Saturday gig lately. Bearcat Comedy Club

Candlemaker Comedy @ the Candlemaker, Battersea (Sunday)
New acts and new material are given a public airing for a couple of hours every Sunday evening. Candlemaker Comedy

Free Comedy @ Brewhouse & Kitchen, Highbury (Sunday)
A 90-minute blast of free comedy might be just what the doctor ordered ahead of Monday morning. Free Comedy

The OM Comedy Club @ North Nineteen, Upper Holloway (first and third Sunday of the month)
Not many places are slinging free comedy on a Sunday, but this place almost makes up for the deficit, platforming 10+ acts in one fell swoop. Chris Ali comperes. The OM Comedy Club

Tall Tales & Cocktails @ Camden Comedy Club, Camden and @ The Glitch, Waterloo (some Sundays)
The finest raconteurs on the comedy circuit spin side-splitting yarns in an intimate setting. Something a bit different from the usual stand-up. Tall Tales & Cocktails

Collywobblers Comedy Club, various venues (regular)
Sion James invariably MCs this comedy night, which springs up in various locations in the south of the city, including Brockley Brewery, Mondo Brewery and Streatham Common's Railway Tavern. It's from the people who bring us Happy Mondays (see above), so you know you're in safe mitts. Collywobblers Comedy Club

"If the same voices keep telling the jokes, the rest of us become the punchlines." - Fran Ayala Rock, from Bitches in Stitches

Silly Goose @ the Trinity, Borough (semi-regular)
Comedians attempt to make you honk with laughter at this welcoming comedy night, established by Maddie and Will. Recent appearances include Sam Campbell and Sara Barron. Silly Goose

Nice N' Spiky Comedy Club, various venues (semi-regular)
Nice N' Spiky's been going over 20 years, with many performers going on to become A-listers (Judi Love, Stephen Merchant, Dane Baptiste.) Venues include the Lower Third in Soho and Signature Brew in Walthamstow. Nice N' Spiky Comedy Club

Bitches in Stitches @ Hoxton Cabin, Hoxton (occasional)
"When women are forced to fight over a token five minutes on male-heavy lineups, there's little room to truly grow. So I say: Let's build our own stage." So said Fran Ayala Rock, and build a stage she certainly did. While stand-up comedy remains a male-heavy industry, Bitches in Stitches proudly platforms all-female/non-binary comedy nights "for the sisters, the allies, the mischief-makers, and anyone who likes their comedy served with a side of cvnt." Bitches in Stitches

FOC It Up!, various venues (occasional)
Another comedy night that flies in the face of CIS white men, FOC It Up! champions femmes of colo(u)r — with acts like Kemah Bob, Kudzanayi Chiwawa and Kate Cheka delivering the goods at venues including Soho Theatre and Queer Comedy Club. FOC It Up!

Arabs Are Not Funny! @ Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington (occasional)
Big names from the Arab community and beyond (think Janine Harouni, Farah Sharp, Esther Manito) play the Elgar Room of the Royal Albert Hall. Arabs Are Not Funny!

Watch sketch comedy in London

While stand-up comedians stalk every street corner in this metropolis, sketch comedy is a more elusive beast. Like, really quite hard to find. Honestly though, if you know where we can find more of it on a regular basis, let us know.

Soho Theatre has no shortage of sketch comedy, unlike, er, most of the rest of London.

Soho Theatre, Soho (most of the time)
For a consistent freshet of sketch comedy — from Crybabies to Norris and Parker — it's got to be good old Soho Theatre (see top of this article). You might end up watching it in the boiling hot attic room, or the cavernous main auditorium but there's always lashings of it, and it's invariably very, very good. Soho Theatre

NewsRevue, Canal Cafe Theatre, Little Venice (Thursday-Saturday)
(See above)

Sketch Off! (January-spring)
An unrelenting binge of sketch and character hijinks with many many heats, which start simmering away at the Museum of Comedy (see all-time best comedy venues, above) in the early months of the year, and gradually heat up into an explosive final at Leicester Square Theatre in the spring. Names like Crizards and Muriel have been there, done that. Sketch Off!

Improv comedy in London

And yes! Though improv comedy isn't everyone's cup of tea, others go gaga for it, and it's nowhere near as illusive as sketch. Here are some of the main regular shows making it up as they go along.

St Doctor's Hospital is an ongoing improvised medical comedy at The Free Association. Image: Gareth O'Connor

Hoopla Improv @ the Miller, London Bridge (most days)
You can hardly miss this improv theatre located above the excellent Miller pub near London Bridge; its name is slathered in huge letters outside the building. Here, Hoopla Improv run classes and workshops — as well as shows most days of the week. Depending when you go, you could be watching complete newbies, utter pros and anything in between. Hoopla Improv

Duck Duck Goose @ Hope & Anchor, Brixton (Monday)
Every Monday night, this small room in a south London pub comes alive with improv-ers acting out strange scenarios that you've told 'em to create. Tickets are free, but it's recommended you reserve in advance. Duck Duck Goose

You can hardly miss this one. Image: Hoopla Improv

The Free Association, Southwark (Thursday-Sunday)
For those looking to make it (up) in the improv game, The Free Association and its range of classes and workshops may well be where they might head. Their new Southwark venue is also where improv fans can enjoy a conveyor belt of improv shows, including improvised medical drama St Doctor's Hospital. The Free Association

Comedy Store Players @ Comedy Store, Leicester Square (Sunday)
It's that club again. The Comedy Store Players are the bee's knees when it comes to improv. The great Paul Merton did this gig for many years, and some of his peers carry on in this rotating-cast weekly outing, with newer blood including Cariad Lloyd and Ruth Bratt. Comedy Store Players

Shoot from the Hip regularly do improv on a Sunday. Image: Scott Rylander

Shoot from the Hip @ the Bill Murray, Islington; @ the Albany, Great Portland Street (semi-regular)

According to their website, a Londonist reviewer once called Shoot from the Hip "the finest improv you'll find in the city", so there you go. This peripatetic setup can be found in and around London, including the Bill Murray and Leicester Square Theatre. Shoot from the Hip

Other great places to watch comedy in London

Phil Wang performs at 21Soho, a relatively new venue already proving its comedy chops.

21Soho, Soho
A relative newcomer seriously pulling its weight, with acts like Frank Skinner and Drunk Women Solving Crime strutting their stuff in this bougie space. 21 Soho

Aces & Eights, Tufnell Park
Pint-sized cellar venue putting on some cracking WIPs and new material nights. Aces & Eights

Bloomsbury Theatre, Soho
Some quality headliners on in this pro space; think John Kearns, Lucy Beaumont. Bloomsbury Theatre

EartH, Hackney
Gorge grand old former cinema hosts lots of music acts, but also a steady stream of comedians. EartH

Surely one of London's most intimate comedy spaces, at the Glitch. Image: Londonist

Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
Live at the Apollo is indeed filmed here. Other blockbuster stand-up shows come here too. Eventim Apollo

Fairfield Halls, Croydon
The Southbank Centre of the, er, south. Massive comics play big shows here: Harry Hill, Jon Richardson, Rhod Gilbert. They're liakle to crack a joke at Croydon's expense, too. Fairfield Halls

The Glitch, Waterloo
Super lil Cafe with a subterranean cellar space that's so small we've seen comedians refer to it as a 'corridor'. The Glitch

Hackney Empire: Sizeable theatre which big comedians (think Josh Widdecombe, Michelle de Swarte) often play. Hackney Empire

The O2, North Greenwich
You've might've heard of it. Hosts superstar names like Peter Kay, Steve Coogan and Flight of the Conchords. You need more than a tight five to play this place — more like a tight two hours. The O2

Comedy in a brewery? Count me in. Image: Signature Brew

Pub theatres like the Tabard (Chiswick), Etcetera Theatre (Camden) and Old Red Lion (Angel) often have comedy plays, and sometimes stand-up, too. Lots more pub theatres in our guide here.

Radio and TV recordings for shows including HIGNFY and Graham Norton. Read more about getting free tickets with our guide.

Rosemary Branch, Islington
Catch various WIPS and comedy plays in this canalside pub theatre. Rosemary Branch

Signature Brew, Walthamstow
Lashings of fresh beer make the comedy even funnier at the various sessions held in this Blackhorse Beer Mile brewery. Signature Brew

The impressive space at Woolwich Works. Image: Paul Gilbey

Shirker's Rest, New Cross
Magnificent micropub with an upstairs space where they sometimes host intimate comedy nights. Shirker's Rest

Three Hounds, Beckenham
This fave Londonist bottle/beer shop has a cosy downstairs space that puts on occasional stand-up sets. Three Hounds

Woolwich Works, Woolwich
Occasional comedy nights, including Arabs Are Not Funny, are held in this stunning listed warehouse building, formerly part of the Royal Arsenal. They also host Bring Your Own Baby comedy sets (to be clear, your baby doesn't need to prepare a tight five, you can just bring them to watch). Woolwich Works

London comedy festivals

London is one big comedy festival IMHO, so there's no need for anything as blockbuster as the Edinburgh Fringe here. There is, though, a scattering of events you should know about.

You never quite know what you'll find at the Camden Fringe, but a lot of it is funny.

Rosebuds Festival (January-February)
A new-for-2025 comedy festival at Clapham's Bread & Roses theatre, which packs 20 promising stand-up, sketch and character acts into six days. It returned in 2026 so we can officially say it's established. Rosebuds

Sketch Off!, Museum of Comedy and Leicester Square Theatre (January-early spring)
If you adore sketch, then boy, is this going to ruffle your truffles. See the sketch section above for more details. Sketch Off!

Sketchfest (March)
Where's all this sketch comedy coming from all of a sudden?! What we think is the resurrection of an old festival, Sketchfest surfaced for two weeks in spring 2026, with shows at the Hen and Chickens, and the Canal Café Theatre. Sketchfest

Ealing Comedy Festival (July)
Al fresco comedy in the splendid Walpole Park. Previous acts have included Shaparak Khorsandi, Josh Widdecombe and Ed Byrne. Nothing to do with those black and white Ealing films as far as we know. We're waiting to see if it returns in 2026. Ealing Comedy Festival

Roundhouse Comedy Festival (August)
Debuting in 2023, this big name, one-venue festival — feat. the likes of James Acaster, Katherine Ryan, Ed Gamble, Nish Kumar and Rose Matafeo — then sunk without a trace. It is, however, back for 2026, and we hope will now resurface yearly. Roundhouse Comedy Festival

Camden Fringe (August)
The closest London comes to Edinburgh, with hundreds of shows sprinkled across north London's theatres and pubs. Plenty of comedy in the mix every year, from stand-up to sketch to clowning. Camden Fringe

Drag nights in London

A genre unto itself, there's no doubt a lot of drag is aimed to make you giggle your pants off. This is not a comprehensive roundup of places to watch it, just a pick of some of the best:

• Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Vauxhall: drag on tap at this GOAT LGBTQ+ pub.
• Two Brewers, Clapham: Drag-laced hijinx seven days a week, from Monday Madness to Power of Four.
• Dalston Superstore, Dalston: Partay central, and home to a legendary drag brunch.
• CellarDoor, Covent Garden: Smoosh up with revellers in these erstwhile toilets to watch drag-doused debauchery.
• Their Majesties, Croydon: Monthly mayhem in a pub from Asifa Lahore and Shepherd's Bush.
• Zebrano, Soho: Home of the Drag Brunchette, hosted by The Royal Highness, Queen B*tch of Soho.

Queera Lynn, sometimes to be found at Camden Cabaret.

Oh gawd, we missed somewhere didn't we? While it's impossible to make this a comprehensive list of comedy in London, if you think we've omitted something that needs to be on here, email will@londonist.com

This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Imperial War Museum.

You're probably familiar with the Imperial War Museum's facade, with its gorgeous copper dome and formidable naval guns, set within a south London park... but have you ever been inside?

The free museum is packed with things to see and do across five floors, from personal stories and objects including letters, medals and toys, to exhibitions and videos — all telling the stories of ordinary people's experiences of war. It covers the First and Second World Wars, and conflicts that have happened since. Take a look:

Think it's all planes and guns? Think again — history sits alongside culture and art. With so much to see, it's hard to know where to look (though you can't miss the planes suspended from the ceiling!).

IWM London displays many artworks and holds regular exhibitions and events too. Right now, London itself is in the spotlight, in Beauty and Destruction: Wartime London in Art, a free exhibition telling the story of London during the Second World War, as witnessed by artists.

Take a break at the on site café, and browse the museum shops, including a bookstore. It's recommended you leave at least three hours for your visit. Or pop back again, to view it in smaller chunks — it's free to visit, so you can return as many times as you like. And if you're just here for the planes and the tanks? That's perfectly fine too!

IWM London is located close to Waterloo, Lambeth North and Elephant and Castle stations, and on plenty of bus routes. Free, no booking required.

Looking for somewhere to have a good laugh? We've just updated our roundup of comedy nights in London, featuring MOTH Club, and many, many other venues.

The glittery gold curtain is staying (along with the rest of the club). Image: Londonist

The closure of independent venues in London is a constant (and frankly, exhausting) threat, so it's always refreshing to see a positive news story — and right now, we've got one.

MOTH Club — the ex-servicemen's members club in Hackney Central, known for its live music, and Knock2Bag comedy nights starring the likes of Sam Campbell, Sheeps, Rosie Jones and many other great comedians — was fighting for its future recently, owing to two proposals to build residential blocks directly overlooking the club. This, believed, MOTH Club, would lead to all kinds of noise and disturbance complaints from the new residents — prompting possible limitations, or even closure.

Now, it's been revealed that the first planning application has been refused — a sensible decision that's surely been swayed by the many artists, audiences, local residents and industry stakeholders signing and sharing a petition, as well as lobbying from the likes of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and the Music Venue Trust.

"This is incredibly welcome news and a defining moment for London’s nightlife." Image: Londonist

"This is a huge win," said MOTH Club to its Instagram followers, "We couldn’t have done it without your support."

Added Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association: "This is incredibly welcome news and a defining moment for London's nightlife. Moth Club is more than just a venue, it is a cultural institution, a platform for emerging talent, and a vital community hub. What we've seen is people power in action, a collective voice that simply could not be ignored."

But the fight, says MOTH Club, is not over; the second planning application is still in progress. "We need to keep spreading the word and make sure our venue continues to be a home for live music, comedy and grassroots culture," says the club.

At Londonist, we've also got our eye on developments at another wonderful London venue, the 'Traf' pub in Wimbledon (it features in our list of 100 best London pubs), which is currently trying to obtain the leasehold from developers. A community meeting regarding this takes place on 15 April 2026.

Meanwhile, TheatreShip in Canary Wharf is also under threat from a skyscraper development, though the planning decision has been deferred after appeals from fans of the venue.

Got a whole bank holiday weekend stretching out ahead of you? Photo: Fas Khan via Unsplash

Long bank holiday weekend ahead of you, and looking for things to do in London to fill the time?

Take a gander at our suggestions below for activities in the capital and beyond, whatever the weather and whatever your budget.

Note: it's worth double checking opening hours; they sometimes do odd things (or places close completely) over bank holiday weekends. Check public transport too, as bank hols are a favourite time for engineering works.

Cultural bank holiday ideas in London

Do a Black History Walks guided tour

WALKING TOURS: Stretch your legs while learning something new about London on a walking tour. They're not just for tourists, y'know, and can cover extremely niche and little-known areas of London's geography and history. Among our favourite tours are Look Up London, Black History Walks, Derelict London and Footprints of London.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES: Find out about the latest exhibitions in London's museums and galleries, and read our latest reviews, here. Been to all the well-known museums and galleries, and looking for somewhere new to explore? Here's our guide to cheaper, quieter, smaller and lesser-known alternatives to London's big venues. Starting from scratch? Our guide to exploring London's museums and galleries will see you right.

FAMOUS PEOPLE'S HOUSES: Fancy a snoop around? Here's how to get inside the houses of famous people in London. No, we're not talking about the latest pop stars or actors, but rather, the former homes of historical figures such as Charles Dickens, Van Gogh and fictional sleuth Sherlock Holmes.

CINEMA: Whether you're in the mood for the latest blockbuster, or something a little more arthouse, London's independent cinemas are flourishing. These are our favourite indie cinemas to kick back in and soak up a movie. It's more important than ever to support these wonderful venues!

COMEDY: London's one of the funniest places in the world: have a giggle at one of these comedy venues, whether you're after stand-up, sketch or improv. On a budget? Our guide to free and cheap comedy'll have you laughing without crying over an empty wallet.

Bank holiday walking routes in London

Wander through the pocket parks of the Square Mile

POCKET PARKS: The City of London tends to be fairly sleepy at weekends (though that's changing post-pandemic), making it an excellent time to follow this walking route through the Square Mile's pocket parks — small, green spaces squeezed in between the buildings, bristling with nature and history.

WEEKEND WALKS: Our weekend walks are aimed at both casual strollers and super-keen hikers, ranging from two to 10 miles in length, and taking in parks, rivers, canals, windmills and more. From Hayes, to Richmond, to Hampstead, to the Lea Valley — as well as Royal Parks — we've got all corners of London covered. See the full list and pick a route.

A STROLL TO KENT: You can travel all the way from London to Kent coast on this walking route, which passes nature reserves and marshes, forts and wartime pillboxes — and the gargantuan QEII Bridge at Dartford. Just a warning before you set off — it's 47 miles long. Maybe spread it out across the bank holiday weekend. Similarly, the Essex section of the English Coastal Path is easily reachable from London.

Explore the great outdoors this bank holiday

Get close to nature in the River Lee Country Park

GREEN SPACES: Looking for somewhere to kick back in the sun with a book, meet friends for a picnic, or just be around nature for a while? You need our guide to London's green spaces. It covers parks and commons across the capital. Make this bank holiday weekend the one you discover somewhere new.

BOATING: If splashing about on London's waterways tickles your oar, get yourself down to your nearest boating lake. Parks across the capital have rowboats and pedalos available to hire — just pick your co-sailor carefully, or you'll be doing all the work yourself.

COUNTRY PARK: Mere metres from the Overground terminus at Cheshunt, River Lee Country Park is a 1,000 acre oasis, ideal for immersing yourself firmly in nature. Fish, dragonflies and butterflies are among the wildlife to be spotted at various times of year, with lakes, marshland and mature trees to navigate, plus sculptures and artworks. Admission is free.

BOTANICAL GARDENS: For fresh air interspersed with flowers and plants, make your way to one of London's best gardens for a day out. Sprawling botanical gardens, tropical hothouses, cottage gardens and walled enclaves alongside the Thames all feature.

SECRET GARDENS: Want to see a little corner of London you've never got to before? These little gardens should give you some inspiration. Take your book, pack a picnic and bask in the greenery.

CYCLE ROUTES: If you want to get a bit further under your own steam, why not try one of these cycle routes.

Sporting pursuits

Swim in the London 2012 Olympics pool

SWIMMING: Looking for somewhere to get a few laps in? Plunge into our pick of London's best indoor swimming pools, from an Olympic pool to a former church.

OUTDOOR SWIMMING: If the weather's on your side, splash your way into one of London's refreshing lidos and outdoor swimming pools. On particularly warm bank holiday weekends, you might need to book in advance.

ICE SKATING: Ice skating's not just for Christmas — the capital has a few indoor ice rinks which offer public sessions year round, from Ally Pally up north to Streatham down south — plus one slap-bang in central London.

CLIMBING: The only way is up, at London's best climbing centres. Bouldering, top-rope climbing and lead climbing are all possible in the capital, with routes available for absolute beginners and more advanced climbers.

HORSE RIDING: You might be surprised quite how centrally you can try your hand at horse riding in London — lessons are available in Hyde Park, as well as Beckton, Richmond, Ealing and several other places in between.

WINTER SPORTS: Fancy giving skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or curling a go? You'll be needing our guide to trying out winter sports in London. Just be aware that they may not all be available year round.

ROLLER SKATING: Whether you're on your way to being a pro, or roller skating is on your bucket list, why not get your skates on this bank holiday! We've written a guide to roller skating in London featuring the best places to do it, where to buy skates, and plenty more.

HIGH ADRENALINE ADVENTURES: Bit of a daredevil? Up for a skydive, abseil or speedboat ride? Pick from these high-adrenaline days out.

Where to eat and drink in London over the bank holiday

Find your nearest boozer in our pub guide. Image: Shutterstock

PUB: We flippin' love a pub, which is why we've pulled together many of our favourite London boozers into this pub guide. Search for pubs by area or by what it does best — fireplace, pub quiz, pool table, dog-friendly — you name it. We also carried out some extremely hard research to compile our list of the 100 best pubs in London. Phew — we need a drink after that...

ROOFTOP BARS: Sun peeking out from behind the bank holiday clouds? Head up high to one of the capital's best rooftop bars. From sleek sipping spots among the skyscrapers to more casual bars offering views with your booze, you'll find terraces all over town.

COCKTAILS: If it's more sophisticated supping you're after, try one of London's best cocktail bars, spread out across town from Dalston, Bethnal Green and Peckham to Covent Garden and Soho. Make ours a dry martini. No, a daiquiri. Hold up, a mint julep. Actually, make ours all three.

SUNDAY ROASTS: Because nothing says super-duper bank holiday weekend like a cracking Sunday roast — think fluffy spuds, towering Yorkshires and waves of gravy. These are our favourites from venues all across town, and if you're veggie or vegan, we've got you covered too.

AFTERNOON TEA: A 'special occasion' staple... and we absolutely class bank holidays as special occasions. We're particularly partial to a themed afternoon tea, with fashion, literature, and even London itself on the menu. No passport required for these international afternoon teas, inspired by destinations such as China, India, Sri Lanka and Mexico. Dining as a family? Increasing numbers of places serve family-friendly afternoon teas with special menus for younger diners. No need to miss out if funds are tight either, as these budget-friendly afternoon teas all come in at under £35 per person.

Family-friendly fun for the bank holiday

Find a playground in central London

PLAYGROUNDS: "I want to go on the sliiiiide". If that's a refrain overly familiar to you, you'll want to bookmark our map of playgrounds in central London. A multitude of swings, slides and roundabouts are tucked away in the city centre. We've even had our mini Londonists test some out.

FREE MAZE: Ever been to the Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze? The labyrinth is constructed of 2,000 yew trees, has been around for more than two decades, and is free to visit. It's a 10-minute walk from Hanwell station on the Elizabeth line, and there's a free playground, plus Hanwell Zoo (small entry fee) next door.

TEENAGERS: Teenagers can be tricky to entertain. Fear not — we've got 25 ideas for days out in London with teens, from sports to street art to shopping.

CRAZY GOLF: Tee off en famille at these family-friendly places to play crazy golf. Dinosaurs, dragons, whales and more dinosaurs (lots of dinosaurs) feature on the novelty nine- (and 18-) holers.

KING'S CROSS: Perhaps you're on your way to catch a train out of town, or to meet family or friends arriving here. Either way, if you find yourself in the King's Cross/St Pancras (or even Euston) area and need to keep the tiddlies happy, pick one of these 16 things to do with kids near King's Cross station.

FAIRY WOOD: I do believe in fairies, I do, I do! How could you not, when there's a fairy wood right here in London? Enough said.

RAINY DAY: This is England, and more often that not, bank holiday = rain. Doesn't mean you need to spend the day at home with Peppa Pig on repeat though. Here are our tips for things to do with kids on a rainy day in London.

ANIMALS: From city farms to wildlife reserves, London is a great place to see animals — often for free. We've mapped London's best animal spotting locations.

CAVES: Deep below Chislehurst in southeast London, 22 miles of manmade caves wait to be explored. Even in the height of summer, it's worth wrapping up warm for a visit, as it gets nippy down below.

Free and cheap things to do

Thrills: God's Own Junkyard is full of 'em. Photo: Laura Reynolds/Londonist

102 OF THEM: London's expensive: fact. Or at least, it is if you don't know about these 102 free things to do in the city, from museums and galleries to gardens and kids' activities.

Particular favourites of ours for a budget-friendly bank holiday weekend include:

BARBICAN CONSERVATORY: A glasshouse bursting with tropical plants (and terrapins!) within a brutalist housing estate in the City of London. Rather special.

GOD'S OWN JUNKYARD: London's own answer to Las Vegas, a Walthamstow warehouse packed to the rafters with neon signs of all shapes and sizes. Some are a bit... saucy. There's also a cafe-bar inside, if the trip to the end of the Victoria line has left you parched.

Easy day trips and weekend breaks from London

When the sun comes out, you'll be begging for Mersea. Photo: Londonist

We love London, but occasionally the world beyond the M25 beckons. That's why we've launched our Beyond London section with day trip ideas ranging from quaint villages to seaside towns, little-known museums and lakeside walks. You'll also find weekend guides to cities including Bristol, York and Lisbon. Overwhelmed with choice? Let us help you out with some of our favourites:

CASTLES: Who doesn't love a castle? Turrets, battlements, suits of armour... the works. Pick from these 15 beautiful castles in Kent (hello, Hever), five historic castles in Essex, or eight charming castles in Sussex (including the Hogwarts-esque Herstmonceux). Yeah, we really, really like castles.

SEASIDE: The sun in your eyes, the sand in your shoes, a cheeky seagull after your '99. Smashing. Pick between seaside towns in Kent, Essex or Sussex for your next seafaring escape from London. Brighton and Mersea Island are particular favourites.

QUIRKY MUSEUMS: They'll open a museum about anything these days... If you've visited the big-hitters and fancy something a little more off-piste, may we suggest one of these 19 fantastically niche and quirky museums near London. Teapots, sea shells, dog collars and Winnie the Pooh all feature.

MODEL VILLAGE: A mere hop outside the M25 is Bekonscot Model Village, an absolute gem of a place that's almost a century old. Pretend to be a giant as you stomp past replicas of Tube stations and London Zoo. A more charming day out you'll struggle to find.

Shopping in London

Downstairs at You Don't Bring Me Flowers. Photo: Londonist

Got a few quid burning a hole in your pocket, or want to spend your extra bank holiday free time having a mooch around the shops? These are some of our favourites:

CRAFTS: Knitting, sewing, jewellery-making, calligraphy and paper crafts are among the hobbies covered by our favourite craft shops in London. Whether you need a new ball of wool for your latest project, or advice for a complete beginner, find somewhere you can get it.

BOOKS: If you ask us, bank holidays were made for reading — ideally in the sun in the park, but we'll settle for over a pint in the pub if that's what the weather dictates. Either way, you'll be in need of reading material, which these independent London bookshops all have by the shelf load. (Get further inspiration from our roundup of the best London novels, and the best non-fiction books.)

SECOND HAND BOOKS: Whether for environmental or financial reasons (or just because you love that old book smell), we've got pre-loved books covered too, with our guide to shopping for second hand books in London.

CHOCOLATES: It's a bank holiday, and you deserve a sweet treat. So head to one of London's best chocolate shops — they range from historic boutiques, to the store which inspired Roald Dahl, to the modern shop which invented salted caramel (to who we give thanks on a daily basis).

FLOWERS: Brighten up your home with a cheeky trip to your local florist — these are our favourites across town.

Staying at home

Think you know the tube? Prove it with these quizzes. Image: Shutterstock

If weather's stopped play, or you just need a chilled, restorative weekend without leaving the house, that's not a problem.

PUZZLES AND QUIZZES: Get those little grey cells going with our collection of quizzes about London. From history and transport trivia to emoji, picture and anagram rounds, they're great for keeping you occupied, or going head-to-head with family and friends. Just keep it civil, eh?

Matt Brown with his latest book

BOOKS: Need a new read? Might we point you in the direction of our own books, Londonist Mapped and Londonist Drinks. We pooled our knowledge about the best of London, combined it with some truly talented artists and cartographers and ended up with a couple of rather lovely tomes.

Londonist Editor-at-Large Matt Brown has also been fairly busy writing books, including the mythbusting Everything You Know About London Is Wrong, Atlas of Imagined Places, and his latest tome The Boroughs of London.

Plus, there's Routemasters of the Universe by Londonist contributor Harry Rosehill, and Londonist Editor Will Noble's deep-dive into Croydonopolis: A Journey to the Greatest City That Never Was.

Phew. That little lot should see you through the weekend, right?

By buying books via links in this article, Londonist may earn a commission from Bookshop.org — which also helps support independent bookshops.

Look closely - that's tomato-flavoured candy floss... apparently 😉

It's 1 April, meaning pranks galore, as companies and institutions everywhere hop on the annual April Fools' bandwagon. Here are some of the best jokes we've spotted in London this year — we'll add to it as more hijinx are revealed.

Candy floss pizza at Zizzi

Italian restaurant chain Zizzi — whose London locations include Strand, Victoria, Canary Wharf and Wembley — claims to be serving up a new candy floss pizza from today, adding "You'd be a fool not to try it!"

The Quattro Pomodoro Candy Floss Pizza features a tomato base, topped with a unique tomato-flavoured candy floss that melts into a sweet glaze that coats the pizza. The vibrant red candy floss topper is placed directly onto the hot pizza just before serving.

In other pizza-flavoured "news" coming out today:

• Indy pizzeria Fatto a Mano launches dough-less pizza, which sees the base removed, leaving just the crust and the toppings. It is, it says, a response to "evolving consumer habits, with increasing numbers of diners seeking lighter options".
• Tinned fruit brand Dole announces the launch of a tinned Hawaiian pizza, which "comes sealed in a tin, designed for maximum convenience and practicality, so Hawaiian pizza fans can enjoy the controversial classic whenever they like". Sounds... Dole-lightful.

Royal Albert Hall gets down with the kids

The Royal Albert Hall — which has offered up many an excellent April Fool's prank in the past — could soon ring with cries of kidz catchphrase "Six Seeeeeeven". It claims to be realigning its target audience, going after Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences with upcoming events such as Doomscrolling in Concert, An Evening of Ragebait, Aura Farming and Brainrot Fest.

James O'Follipar (👀), CEO of the Royal Albert Hall, said: "There's always more we can do to bring in new audiences. We want to be a place where people can Snapchat a twerk; the home of six-seven. To us, ragebait, brainrot and yapping aren't just words — they're central to everything we do."

The Heathrow Express "Training Train"

Passengers can now pack in a 15-minute workout on the way to Heathrow, as the Heathrow Express service teams up with PureGym to launch the "Training Train". Available from 1 April (naturally), the new service transforms the 15-minute Heathrow Express journey from Paddington into a high-energy fitness experience with a set of travel-inspired exercises, from "overhead locker lifts" and "luggage lunges" to "duty-free curls", "passport pocket squats" and "gate sprint drills".

(Perhaps the funniest bit of this is the disclaimer tucked away at the bottom of the press release: "Any references to PureGym workouts or exercise on board are fictional and part of the April Fools' concept. Passengers should not attempt these activities on Heathrow Express services.")

The Gillette "Close Shave" Water Park

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A post shared by Simon Pollock (@londonsuburbia)

Instagram account @londonsuburbia slides in with the news that planning permission has been granted to install a number of "extreme water slides" on the roof of the Old Gilette Factory on the Great West Road in Isleworth. Attractions will be  “carefully named to honour the heritage of our glorious Art Deco razor blade factory”, including the LubriStrip Rapids™, the ProGlide UltraMax Descent™, the SmoothCore™ UltraSlide Pro+, and the fearsome SkinGuard360™ Velocity Run. Ouch.

Reverse Stand Up at Angel Comedy

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A post shared by Angel Comedy (@angelcomedy)

If you get nervous enough sitting on the front row at a comedy show, Reverse Stand Up will have you quaking in your boots. Angel Comedy — slingers of daily stand-up shows in north London — announced its new policy on 1 April, in which audience members will be chosen at random to perform a three-five-minute set ahead of the real comedians taking to the stage. It's all in the name of 'experiencing the spotlight, navigating silence and reconsidering heckling offences'. And fear not; you will be judged 'firmly but fairly'. Hmm, any good dramas on at the theatre?

Croydon plans a waterpark with its own whale

At last, Croydon's half-deserted Whitgift Shopping Centre has found a use for some of its empty units, claims Your Local Guardian. Namely adding in winding slides, indoor lagoons and a central wave pool — to create what developers are calling a 'fully immersive aquatic high street'. Just imagine drifting past shop windows, as part of a 'submerged retail trail' — ingenious! The live whale, 'Whitgift Wally' would pull in extra punters too, although before you get too excited, swimming with him is strictly prohibited. Spoil sports.

Watches for dogs by Olivia Burton

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A post shared by Olivia Burton (@oliviaburtonlondon)

London-based watch and jewellery brand Olivia Burton has announced its "Paw o'clock edit" on Instagram. Details are light, but it's accompanied by a series of photos of dogs wearing watches as dog collars.

River Thames perfume by Secret London

An article published on Secret London this morning claims that "You can now buy a perfume that smells like the River Thames", going on to claim that "The new London startup has captured the essence of the Thames and bottled it up for everyone to enjoy". The CEO of that startup? Joe King.

Smells very similar to City Cruises' prank last year. This year, the river tour company has stuck to the theme with Scratch & Sniff Cruise Cards, along you to smell each landmark as you pass it on the water.

The Simmons hotel

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A post shared by Simmons Bars (@simmons_snaps)

Cocktail bar mini-chain Simmons announces the launch of its first hotel, opening in Soho in 2028. Highlights include private overnight karaoke rooms, teapot cocktail room service, and recovery kits available on request.

IKEA's meatball lollipop

IKEA have announced a "world-first" collab that brings their legendary meatballs to a stick, in the form of a meatball lollipop, complete with a tangy lingonberry finish. "No assembly required" reads the tagline...

The blue water of Bluewater

Just over the border from London in Kent, Bluewater shopping centre is unveiling its glowing blue lake, formed by the introduction of bioluminescent algae earlier this year. The spectacle, it says, is similar to naturally existing bioluminescent lakes in Australia and the Caribbean, and is best viewed at sunset.

If the above have made you chuckle, remind yourself of the best London April Fool's jokes from previous years:

• 2025
• 2022
• 2019
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014

Pssst! We wrote this article especially for 1 April 2026.

Soon set to be filled with cars rather than people: Leicester Square. Image: Daniel from Glasgow, United Kingdom via CC BY 2.0

Leicester Square will reopen to cars, buses and other proper vehicles by September.

The surprise announcement follows recent news that Oxford Circus is to be partially pedestrianised by September. "In order to take the strain from the closure of what is a major London artery," says Phoebe Palter from the London Roads Authority, "we've deemed it necessary to re-divert some traffic to nearby areas."

While all four sides of Leicester Square are resurfaced to accommodate vehicles, the Official London Theatre Ticket Booth will be painted green and used as a cabbie's shelter, and the central gardens "sympathetically transformed into a mass docking station for 500 Lime Bikes". There are also suggestions the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square could become a drive-through cinema.

Meanwhile, Westminster Council are looking at ways to retain a small plaza in front of the M&Ms store, noting the importance of this cultural institution to the local area.

M&M's World. One of many cultural jewels on Leicester Square. Image: Matt Brown

Nearby Trafalgar Square is also being considered for similar 'unpedestrianisation', reinstalling the road that once ran directly in front of the National Gallery, while the bookish Cecil Court could be turned into a dedicated highway for electric e-scooters. The rolling project will be partly funded by the taxpayer, with sponsorship from Lime Bikes and Cerithium Oil making up the rest.

Fully pedestrianised since 1987, Leicester Square is a magnet for visitors looking to indulge in London's foodie scene (both the McDonald's and Gregg's here are well above average size), or to glimpse red carpet appearances at glitzy film premieres for movies which have included Alvin and the Chipmunks, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, and groundbreaking psychodrama Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.

A trio of red, white and blue Mini Coopers will be added to the Square. Image: Romain Coatmelec

The area's cinema heritage has long been celebrated by a series of statues; to coincide with the new through-route for traffic, a trio of red, white and blue Mini Coopers will be added to the Square, representing the iconic cars from The Italian Job (they'll be the models from the superior 2003 remake).

Though proposals for Leicester Square's unpedestrianisation have already prompted ire from local heritage groups, many motorists will view the news as a small victory. In particular, London's rickshaw operators — who've had a tough time of it lately — will be buoyed. Due to historical byways, they will be able to use Leicester Square with impunity, with no restrictions on speed, fares or how loud they blast out 'Last Christmas', even though it's only late September.

Last year, a ban on Leicester Square's buskers was enforced, a move that, in hindsight, was the first step in clearing the way for traffic. Expect to hear the pneumatic drills get to work at 12pm today, 1 April.

When the sun's out, it's time to get high. Head for London's best rooftop bars and lofty terraces. We've rounded up the best for 2026. If you're reading this in spring/early summer, make sure your sky bar of choice has opened for the season.

When you're looking down on the Gherkin, you know you're high up. Image: Sushisamba

Rooftop bars in central London

1 Leicester Square, Leicester Square

A modern take on art deco glam, 1 Leicester Square's rooftop bar pours elixirs like the Pineapple Prohibition and Roaring 20s, which are best enjoyed out on the terrace, admiring the dashing deco of the 1937 Odeon down in the Square. There's also a 'Speakeasy Salad' which sadly appears to contain no booze.

1 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA

Alto by San Carlo, Oxford Street

Selfridges' citrus grove of a sky sanctum places the emphasis on seasonal Italian produce and fresh ingredients. The elevated (in all senses of the word) garden setting can be enjoyed with fizz in hand on the al fresco sun terrace, and perhaps a few bruschette smothered in tomatoes, garlic and basil.

Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB

Alto has a distinctly citrusy vibe.

Aqua Spirit, Regent Street

This slick cocktail sanctuary floating high above Regent Street, and crowning the Aqua Kyoto restaurant, is in a prime position for post-retail recuperation. The views over Oxford Street and the West End are as appealing as the Japanese bar food and Asian-accented drinks list (check out the 'Sushi' cocktail, made with Suntory and sparkling tea). No bookings are taken for the terrace, except if you're having lunch. Note the smart casual dress code: no sportswear or flip flops.

Aqua Spirit, 5th floor, 240 Regent Street, W1B 3BR

Gaucho, Piccadilly

During the sunnier months, visitors to this high-end, meat-heavy restaurant can enjoy pre- or post-dinner drinks on the romantic roof terrace, complete with fireplace and pillows. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures sometimes cause it to close, so it's worth calling before making a special trip.

Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, W1B 4QR

Ham Yard Hotel, Piccadilly Circus

OK, this gorgeous cottage garden in the clouds is only open to hotel guests or under private hire, but it's still worth knowing about. If you've got a birthday celebration or company event on the cards, why not strong-arm the organisers into having it here.

Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, W1D 7DT

We're toot-ally onboard with Flute. Image: Flute

Flute, Soho

While Soho's speakeasy game is strong, the area's not so hot on rooftop bars. Flute — named for a 19th century flute-maker who lived on this street — is a nifty one to have up your sleeve: the glittering art deco/maximalist seventh-floor bar of the Broadwick hotel is special in its own right, but it also has a dainty outdoor terrace, where you can nestle among the pot plants with a cocktail and feel rather smug in your little lofty pocket park. Reserving a table is a good idea.

Flute, 7th floor, 20 Broadwick Street, Broadwick Soho, W1F 8HT

The Lane, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Much of the al fresco scene around Covent Garden resides at ground level, but the newish roof terrace at The Lane (part of the Theatre Royal) is an exception. Sip cocktails and champagne from the plant-potted terrace, while gazing out over the billboards of Theatreland and decide which show you want to see next.

The Lane, Drury Lane Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF

Catch some rays opposite Victoria station. Image: Market Halls Victoria

London Bridge Rooftop

OK, it might not be as lofty as the neighbouring Shard, but the views from London Bridge Rooftop are pretty tasty all the same — taking in Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge station, and, er, the Shard. As well as spritzes, prosecco and the like, they also do bottomless brunches (and darts, which frankly sounds like a lethal combo).

London Bridge Rooftop, Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX

Market Halls, Victoria

Step out the front of Victoria station (taking care not to get mown down by a bus or taxi) and there in front of you is Market Halls, with its sweeping rooftop terrace. The views aren't all that (unless you happen to be a bus spotter) but you can get a drink, plus all manner of street grub is available from the building's vendors. Think of it as an upscale, upsized, up-priced version of the Wetherspoons terrace in Victoria station.

Market Halls, Victoria, 191 Victoria Street, SW1E 5NE

Tune into stunning views at Radio Rooftop. Image: Radio Rooftop

The Nest, Fitzrovia

While the much-loved Heights bar — where many a boozy Beeb meeting was held back in the day — is long dead and buried, the Nest now rules the roost. It's a different vibe alright: the Heights would never bother itself with rattan pendant lighting, mid-century lounge chairs and hundreds of dangling houseplants. But the central London views haven't changed — and can only really be outdone in this area if you wangle a trip up the BT Tower. Dogs are welcome to take to the woof roof on Sundays.

The Nest, 14-15 Langham Place W1B 2QS

Radio Rooftop Bar, Aldwych

Set atop the ME London hotel, Radio Bar — so called because it's on the site of the old Marconi House — has a striking interior feat. coral reef wallpaper from Adam Ellis Studio, marble surfaces and exotic dried palms. All very la-di-da. But naturally it's the panoramic views you'll be ogling, classic cocktail in hand. Reservations are recommended, and no sportswear or trainers are permitted.

Radio Rooftop Bar, 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA

Things looking rosy at the Dilly. Image: The Dilly Image: The Dilly

The Rooftop, Trafalgar Square

Get a God complex as you watch the hustle of Trafalgar Square from this swish bar on top of The Trafalgar St James Hotel. You can also get a good gawp at Nelson from up here. The Rooftop is glamorous, and the prices reflect it — there's a stiff minimum spend, on a sliding scale contingent on the day/time.

The Rooftop, The Trafalgar Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS  

Setlist @ Somerset House, Strand

Is it a rooftop? Is it not a rooftop? No matter: Somerset House gets an inclusion here on location alone — perched as it is above the treetops of Victoria Embankment. The terrace reopened afresh as Setlist in 2025 — serving cocktails like the Somerset Spritz (Lilet Blanc, Suze, Somerset cider) and the Setlist Spritz (Lillet Rose, raspberries, Double Dutch, pomegranate and basil). There are also pop-ups from female chefs, DJs and a 50m-long covered pavilion filled with art.

Setlist @ Somerset House Terrace Bar, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA

Live the Poppins-esque London rooftop dream. Image: Yasmin

Terrace at the Dilly, Piccadilly

An exclusive little spot among the columns of the grand hotel, overlooking Piccadilly itself. The kind of place you order a glass of Château La Gordonne rosé and French light bites to go with. Afternoon tea is served early PM, daily.

Terrace at the Dilly, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH

Yasmin, Soho

Istanbul-inspired sharing plates and sundowner cocktails are the name of the game at Yasmin, a wrap-around terrace, which may not feature the rizziest views in town, but gives urban/verdant chic — and the sense you're living the Poppins-esque London rooftop dream. The dishes, from exec chef Tom Cenci, are upmarket and uplifting (hello baharat duck skewer with orange & saffron mayo), as are drinks like the Golden Hour and the Mirage Martini.

Yasmin, Soho, 1 Warwick Street, W1B 5LR

Rooftop bars in the City of London

Drinks overlooking the City at Aviary.

Angler, Moorgate

Planted with lavender, herbs and olive trees, this rooftop terrace at South Place Hotel brings a little piece of Provence to Moorgate. Call by for a drink (Tuesday-Friday, 12pm-8.30pm), or look out for the hotel's regular rooftop parties and events.

Angler, South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, EC2M 2AF

Aviary, Moorgate

On the cusp of the City and Shoreditch, find Aviary perched on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Hotel on Finsbury Square. Come for raw seafood on the rocks and cocktails, served up with a large spacious terrace, igloos and killer city skyline views. They do sky-high roasts now too.

Aviary Roof Terrace, 10th Floor Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX

The Culpeper with its British woodland-inspired rooftop. Image: The Culpepper

Coq d'Argent, Bank

Set atop the postmodern, Bagpuss-esque erection that is One Poultry, Coq d'Argent is a hard and fast favourite among City slickers. Its playfully designed rooftop terrace — complete with fake grass — is a real suntrap, while a large drinks list spans just about everything from beers and wines to spirits and cocktails. Walk-ins only.

Coq d'Argent, No.1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ

The Culpeper, Commercial Street

With its refreshed, British woodland-inspired rooftop, the Culpeper is a genuine oasis in the concrete jungle — a canopy of silver birch, hazel, and apple trees with an edible understorey of mint and wild strawberries. Some of the plants wind up in the cocktails, including the strawberry white negroni, sweet cicely sour, and woodruff spritz. It's a fitting tribute to the 17th century botanist, Nicholas Culpeper, after which it's named.

The Culpeper, 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP

If you like ogling skyscrapers, you've found your bar. Image: Florattica

Florattica, The Minories

Picking a theme and running with it, this sky bar near Aldgate is a riot of dried flowers hovering cloud-like above (also very floral) bar furniture. Like the decor, cocktails tends towards the flowery and fruity. Stonking City views from the terrace; raise a glass to all that glass.

Florattica, 11-15 Minories, EC3N 1AX

Sunny Peruvian vibes in Shoreditch. Image: Llama Inn

Jin Bo Law, Aldgate

Up on the 14th floor of Hotel Saint, right next to Aldgate station, Jin Bo Law has some of the best views over the City of London, including close encounters with ancient church spires. The balcony runs the length of this Asian-style cocktail bar. They also do an afternoon tea, one to bear in mind for special occasions.

Jin Bo Law, Hotel Saint, 9 Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AH

Llama Inn, Old Street

Temperate weather and pisco sours were made to go together, so when the sun's got his hat on, make for this Peruvian rooftop bar in Shoreditch, sink into the comfy banquettes and wait for the inevitable rainstorm. If, by some miracle, it stays dry, treat yourself to some braised beef empanadas to celebrate.

Llama Inn, 1 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH

You'd be mad(ison) not to be wowed by this view. Image: Madison Image: Madison

Madison, St Paul's

A breathtaking view of St Paul's dome is the pièce de résistance at this restaurant and bar, where champagne and wines get big billing on an extensive bar menu, starring signature spritzes. The food menu has a New York-inspired slant; think fried chicken waffles, and soft baked choc chip cookies.

Madison, Rooftop terrace, 1 New Change, EC4M 9AF

Sabine, Godliman Street

Sophisticated cocktails (like the Lyra, made with coconut & condensed-milk clarified with Aba pisco) and dainty bites await at this City rooftop oasis. But be honest, you're here for the postcard views of St Paul's. (A second location, in Holborn, is set to open spring 2026.)

Sabine, 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ

If you squint, you can just about make out St Paul's... Image: Sabine

Savage Garden, Tower Hill

Situated on the 12th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Savage Garden actually comprises two terraces, with views of everything from Tower Bridge to the nearby neo-gothic Minster Building. A tad more casual than many other City rooftops.

Savage Garden, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF

Sky Garden, Fenchurch Street

The Sky Garden — set on the 35th and 36th floors of the corpulent Walkie-Talkie building — is kind of a roof terrace. Open early till late daily, there's access to the al fresco strip, while the rest of the space is sufficiently glass-clad and greenery-filled to do a similar job. There are two bars, and two restaurants to choose from. For drinks, Sky Pod Bar is the livelier of the two, with live music nights. More sophisticated vibes are found at City Garden. Booking ahead is essential.

The Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF

There are two bars inside the Sky Garden. Image: Sky Garden

Sushisamba, Liverpool Street

The highest roof terrace in London, on floor 38 of the Heron Tower, Sushisamba has high prices to match but soaring views that make up for it. The lift ride up there is worth a go in itself any time of day (deep breath if you're scared of heights), but if you can, visit of an evening, nab a seat around the fire pit and sink a Samba Sour or two.

Sushisamba, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY

Wagtail, Monument

Though hedge fund folk might descend on Wagtail to cheers their latest bonus over dinner in The Cupola, you can pop into the rooftop bar for a cheeky house cocktail, while admiring the juxtaposition of the 17th century Monument to the Great Fire jostling against glassy additions like the Shard and Walkie-Talkie.

Wagtail, 68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR

Rooftop bars overlooking the South Bank

Knot a bad little spot: 12th Knot.

12th Knot, South Bank

Sea Containers' riverside bar 12th Knot is terrace-top rather than full-blown rooftop, but the views down the river are spectacular, and cocktails, such as the Golden Hour and High Tide are thoughtfully curated, and not too stiffly priced. Walk-ins are welcome. Dress code is smart/casual.

12th Knot, 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD

Forza Taps, National Theatre

One of our favourite places to hang out (we're writing this from here right now), the National Theatre also boasts an upper storey, Forza Wine, which — from springtime each year — hosts outside terrace Forza Taps. Overlooking the Thames from the brutalist balconies, you can sip on spritzes/frizzante and nosh on mini skewer kebabs served with crisps and pickles. There are few better spots to drink on the South Bank when it's sunny, Forza record.

Forza Taps, National Theatre, SE1 9PX

Forza Wine's Forza Taps. What's with all the Forzas? Forza habit I guess. Image: Forza Taps

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, South Bank

Ascend the brutalist yellow stairs to discover a roof garden home to over 200 wild native plants, and rather excellent views across the river towards that-there north London. The Roof Garden Bar & Kitchen will fix you up with BBQ dishes and a G&T. It's not open Mondays.

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX (open April-October)

Rooftop bars in Canary Wharf

We could get used to a specialist gin bar, live jazz and daybeds. Photo: Bōkan

Boisdale, Canary Wharf

This tartan-clad, whisky-loaded bar comes with a great little rooftop bar too. Bring your colleagues, whip out the company credit card and settle in for a night watching the sun go down, with a dram in hand.

Boisdale, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT

Bōkan, Canary Wharf

Considering the amount of teetering skyscrapers round here (and suits with cash to splash), it's surprising there aren't more snazzy, vertigo-inducing bars opening up in this part of town. Maybe Bōkan hails a rooftop revolution for Canary Wharf. There's a restaurant and bar on the 37th and 38th floors of the Novotel, but up on the 39th floor you'll find all the outdoor terrace action with specialist gin bar, live jazz and daybeds.

Bōkan, 37th, 38th & 39th Floor, Novotel Canary Wharf, 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP

Rooftop bars in east London

Feel like you're on cloud 9. Image: cloudM

Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch

You could do worse than pass time in Shoreditch with drinks and Mediterranean nibbles on the Boundary rooftop. It does require a certain level of financial investment, and note that being a fairly squat building in an area devoid of interesting features, the views from on top aren't the of the sock-blowing-off calibre. The revamped space now comes with a heated glass orangery meaning it's open all day every day, regardless of the weather.

Boundary Rooftop, 2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7DD

Café Mission, Shoreditch

When (or should that be if) the sun's too much to bear, retreat to the shade of one of the parasols on Café Mission's rooftop, and knock back a reviving spicy mango smoothie/prawn tempura sando. As well as a solid range of brunch/lunch options, there's wine, spritzes and cocktails to keep you lingering longer

Café Mission, Fashion Street, E1 6PX

Knock back a reviving spicy mango smoothie at Café Mission. Image: Café Mission

cloudM, Tower of London

There's something of a shared workspace vibe about cloudM, but what it might lack in panache, it makes up for with spectacular views of the Tower of London (which it faces off with). There's also a tea-inspired cocktail menu from Bombay Sapphire, so all-in-all, a good shout for passing Anglophiles.

cloudM, 40 Trinity Square, EC3N 4DJ

Kaso at One Hundred Shoreditch, Shoreditch

Channeling heady Med summers, this is the place to sink fiery, harissa-spiked margs while hoeing lamb fritters and counting the high-rises/church towers on the horizon. DJs spin hip-hop, 90s jams and R&B edits every Friday and Saturday.

Kaso at One Hundred Shoreditch, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ

Channeling heady Med summers at Kaso. Image: One Hundred Shoreditch

Netil360, Bethnal Green

Like many place in east London, Netil360 feels more mainstream than it used to — for example, it's no longer BYOB. But it's still a top place to do a bit of remote 'working', or just hang out with a natty wine (hate that phrase), slice of pizza and watch the skeletons of gasholders against the sunset.

Netil360, 1 Westgate Street, Bethnal Green, E8 3RL

Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch

The roof of the Queen of Hoxton is open all year round with quirky seasonal transformations keeping Londoners on their toes. Expect bunting, DJs, wigwams and the chance to snoop on the poor suckers working late at the offices that overlook.

Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX

Red Lion, Hoxton

Relaxed or rammed depending on the weather — and open seven days a week — the Red Lion's no frills roof terrace is there for you whenever you fancy an open-air drink. Warning: it's one heck of a suntrap. Bring the factor 50.

Red Lion, 41 Hoxton Street, N1 6NH

A playground in the sky. Image: Roof East.

Roof East, Stratford

A loosely-termed 'adult adventure playground' atop a multi-storey car park in Stratford. It's pretty packed up there with lawn bowls, Birdies Crazy Golf Club and Rooftop Cinema Club getting involved, along with London's highest baseball batting cage. Sustenance comes in the form of a range of street food vendors and a selection of cocktail bars.

Roof East, Stratford multi-storey car park, Great Eastern Way, E15 1XE

Shoreditch House, Shoreditch

Suck up to a member and get on up to London's most exclusive sky high bar. This east London warehouse-turned hip private members' club is worth trying to blag your way into somehow — if nothing else for the rooftop pool/bragging rights.

Shoreditch House, 1 Ebor Street, E1 6AW

Rooftop bars in north London

Chill out in King's Cross. Photo: Big Chill

Abbey Tavern, Kentish Town

This boozer's biggest draw is its pretty wood-decked, fairy-light-strewn roof terrace/beers garden which comes with loads of seating, if not the most scenic views. Where better to enjoy its pub kitchen wares of burgers and Sunday roasts than al fresco and on high?

Abbey Tavern 124 Kentish Town Road, NW1 9QB

Big Chill, King's Cross

A couple of minutes from King's Cross station you'll find the Big Chill bar — and on the top of that, its buzzing rooftop terrace. It's a laid back affair, just a few picnic tables, and far more people milling around with a pint in hand. The cocktail menu's extensive, the food is Chick 'n' Sours, and weekends are for dancing, thanks to the resident DJs Thursday through to Saturday.

Big Chill, 257-259 Pentonville Road, N1 9NL

The Castle, Angel

This Youngs gastropub on Pentonville Road is perfectly pleasant inside, but come a sunny day or a temperate evening its spacious roof terrace is prime real estate — even if the views of Pentonville Road aren't all overly scenic.

The Castle, 54 Pentonville Road, N1 9HF

Anyone got the time? Image: The Standard

The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

This legendary Irish pub tucked away behind Finsbury Park deserves a spot on this list despite it technically being a beer garden. Why? The multi-level oasis sprawls across four levels of decking, taking the form of a glorified tree house, with elevated views and bountiful greenery make it a strong rival to many of the bars on this list. No bookings, so on sunny days you'll need to stake your claim early.

Faltering Fullback, 19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, N4 3HB

The Rooftop, King's Cross

Adorning the top of brutalist-chic hotel the Standard, this rooftop hangout has what must be the best view of St Pancras Renaissance; it virtually rubs shoulders with the glorious redbrick clocktower — and you can happily while away a couple of hours sinking spiced margaritas in a honeysuckle-cloaked booth. St Panc/King's Cross aren't the only things you can spy from up here; the near-360 panorama also gives you glimpses of St Paul's, the Shard, the Emirates stadium and even the ArcelorMittal Orbit. There are New York-inspired pizza slices, and DJs crank things up in the height of summer.

The Rooftop, The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG

Rooftop bars in south London

Frank's. Nuff said. Image: Londonist

Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham

A spring/summer makeover has turned this space into a plant-filled suntrap; and a mighty fine place to admire sunsets over London. Pizza, sour cherry negronis — plus Rooftop Cinema Club's residency — makes the Bussey a very fun place to be in the summer.

Bussey Rooftop Bar, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Circe's, Waterloo

From Margarita Mondays through to Spritz Sundays, this rooftop offering knows how to pull in the punters. Throw in a long cocktail list, ABBA-themed brunches and Mediterranean platters, and you've got yourself a worthy contender to a night out on the nearby South Bank.

Circe's, Mercury House, 117 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL

CLF Art Lounge & Roof Garden, Peckham

Relocating for spring 2026, the CLF Art Lounge — complete with rooftop terrace — will sit atop Mountview, near Peckham Library. This might be THE bar opening of south London for the year; can't wait to see.

CLF Art Lounge & Roof Garden, 120 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JT

Imbibe next to an architectural icon. Image: JOIA Rooftop

Frank's, Peckham

Frank's is a paradigm of the south London rooftop bar. This expansive bar and grill atop a multi-storey car park in Peckham has become a regular fixture of a London summer. Expect hot wings, charred aubergine and lamb kebabs; Campari-based potions; and scenic views of the City and across south London. There's more seating these days, too, thank god.

Frank's, 10th Floor, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Freight Brixton, Brixton

The team behind Manchester's Freight Island have expanded southward for this rooftop venture, set to be scheduled to the gills with live music, food festivals, sports screenings and more, from 7 May 2026. It is also, so they say, 'London's largest rooftop'. If it is truly vaster than, say, Frank's (above), this will be one MAMMOTH outdoor space — and a shoo-in for summering south Londoners who like their rooftop action large.

Freight Brixton, 33 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PB

JOIA Rooftop, Battersea Power Station

With the power station district now full steam ahead, a rooftop bar here was inevitable: JOIA Rooftop perches on the 16th floor of art'otel, offering summery sips like marg slushies, alongside Iberian/Portuguese-style snacks (tuna skewers, octopus on brioche). But it's all about rubbing shoulders with those celeb chimneys, especially now you can watch people sticking out the top.

JOIA Rooftop, Battersea Power Station, 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ

A taste of Mexico in SW9. Image: Pergola Brixton

Pergola Brixton, Brixton

Bringing a taste of Mexico to SW9, Pergola Brixton sets the scene with cabana style seating, cactus evergreens and wicker upholstery. Once you've settled in, there are sparkling palomas, tequila colada slushies and blood orange & peach sangrias (not badly priced either) — while grub can be ordered in from nearby Jalisco.

Pergola Brixton, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS

Seabird, Southwark

This stretch of Southwark doesn't boast too many towering buildings, which means the rooftop terrace at Seabird — the seafood restaurant and bar on floor 14 of The Hoxton Southwark — gives you a rare view down over south London, trains lacing in and out of Waterloo, skyscrapers on the horizon. The restaurant's floor to ceiling windows mean you get a great view even from inside, but on a sunny day the terrace itself is a beaut — lots of palm fronds, fairy lights and rattan chairs to go with your dirty martini and skyline views.

Seabird at The Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY

Rooftop bars in west London

Taking the theatre bar to the next level. Image: Lyric Hammersmith

The Alexandra, Wimbledon

OK, technically this is south-west rather than west-west London, but it only requires a short hop over the Thames to make the most of this charming pub's rooftop bar. The Loft terrace comes with a burger shack and outdoor bar, from which it pours a selection of beers. Low-key, it's still reliably packed on a sunny summer's day.

The Alexandra, 33 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7NE

Lyric Bar, Hammersmith

The bar at the Lyric Theatre is open to all, whether you have a theatre ticket or not, and my, does it offer a real boost to west London's somewhat lacklustre rooftop options. With plenty of planters and foliage, along with views across low-level west London, it feels comparatively undramatic compared to many of the bars on this list. Ironic, given this is a theatre.

Lyric Bar, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL

What the Sonnys rooftop lacks in loftiness it makes up for with river views.

Skylark Roof Garden, Paddington

Striped patio furniture and planters overspilling with herbs and wild grasses set the summery scene for Skylark — a place where an afternoon will fly by, sharing a blueberry lemonade margarita pitcher with pals, and watching trains snake their way in and out of Paddington station. Saturdays bring 'Primadonna', with Mediterranean platters, signature cocktails and DJs.

Skylark Roof Garden, 10th floor, 4 Kingdom Street, W2 6BD

Sonnys Rooftop Bar, Kingston

Admittedly not the loftiest rooftop bar on this list, Sonnys does provide a heck of a ringside seat over the Thames, especially if you can nab one of the stools at the front. Sip sundowners while watching row boats glide past, and be safe in the knowledge this spot is fully covered and heated.

Sonnys Rooftop Bar, Riverside Walk, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QN

Original article by Ben O' Norum. Updated by Will Noble.

Luke Jerram's Moon installation, here on show at London Museum Docklands, but it's been exhibited at various locations. Image: Matt Brown

London's lunar legacy explored.

Humans are returning to the Moon. NASA's Artemis II mission will mark the first time we've left Earth's orbit since 1972, and includes the first woman (Christina Koch) and first person of colour (Victor Glover) ever to fly around the Moon.

London has many surprising connections to the Moon, including unexpected memorials and even an early design for a lunar lander. Let's see what's out there...

Moon rock

We're lucky enough to have a few actual piece of Moon right here in London.

Moon rock is precious and scarce on planet Earth. Just 381 kg were brought back by the six Apollo missions, supplemented with much smaller amounts from Soviet and Chinese probes. Add to this about 370 meteorites thought to come from the Moon, and it still adds up to not very much.

Fragments of our neighbour can be found in the Natural History Museum (alongside a Union Flag taken to the Moon on Apollo 17), as well as the one pictured in the Science Museum's new space gallery.

Other Apollo relics

Apollo 10 command module. Image: Matt Brown

The Science Museum also holds a space capsule that flew humans around the Moon. The Apollo 10 Command Module was used on the 1969 'dress rehearsal', shortly before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's historic landing. We're very lucky to have such an historic space vehicle in London.

Neil Armstrong's comms equipment. Image: Matt Brown

The same gallery holds a few other Apollo keepsakes, including Neil Armstrong's emergency radio and other comms gear. You'll also find a prototype for a miniature nuclear reactor, designed for use on a future Moon base.

Lunar craters

There are at least 70 Londoners on the Moon. Well... craters named after prominent Londoners. These include Geoffrey Chaucer, optician John Dolland, computer pioneer Charles Babbage and astronomer Mary Somerville. We've covered this in a previous article, including links to their position on the lunar map.

Astronaut trees

Image: Matt Brown

Next time you walk along the western side of Kennington Road, pay close attention to the trunks of the plane trees. Many contain labels bearing the name of an Apollo astronaut. The labels have been up there for decades. The leading theory is that the labels were placed there by the British Interplanetary Society, located nearby. Speaking of which...

The British Interplanetary Society

Image: Matt Brown

The British Interplanetary Society was an advocate of Lunar missions long before NASA existed. This wonderful members' organisation in Vauxhall drew up plans for the conquest of the Moon in the 1930s. These included a lunar lander not entirely dissimilar to the ones used by the Apollo missions three decades later.

A lunar lander, designed in London in the 1930s. Image: Matt Brown

The society is still going strong today. It possesses a large library of books relating to space exploration, and puts on regular events, often with a lunar theme.

Lunar namesakes

London contains various places named after our natural satellite. One of the streets leading from Piccadilly into Mayfair is called Half Moon Street. If memory serves, this was briefly home to space tourism company Virgin Galactic. The street is eclipsed — in name if not history — by a short residential row in Islington called Moon Street.

Half Moon Street was named after an old tavern, and many watering holes have celestial names to this day. Most famous, if only because of its prominent location in Leicester Square, is the Moon Under Water. It's a name adopted by several Wetherspoons pubs, all taking their lead from George Orwell, who wrote an essay about his ideal pub under that name.

A now-defunct Wetherspoons on Whitehall (not The Mall), whose hanging sign featured the chain's boss, Tim Martin. Image: Matt Brown

London also contains a handful of Half Moon pubs, the pick of which has to be the landmark boozer in Herne Hill. It's also a hotel, and each of its boutique bedrooms is named after one of the 12 moonwalkers.

Keith Moon

Image: Matt Brown

OK... nothing to do with the actual Moon. But The Who drummer led a very London life... and death. His talents are remembered with a heritage plaque on the site of the Marquee Club in Soho (above). His death in Mayfair is not memorialised, but it is well remembered. Moon died at in a flat at 9 Curzon Place aged 32. This was the same flat where Mama Cass Elliot of the Mamas and the Papas died a few years earlier... also aged 32. It was also just metres from the aforementioned Half Moon Street.

Trans theatre company, Trans What You Will, will perform As You Like It in east London this summer. Image: Jaime Prada

A London theatre will stage a production of Shakespeare's As You Like It this summer, featuring an entirely trans and non-binary cast.

Trans What You Will is a grassroots theatre company that "believes in the importance, now more than ever, to provide opportunities for those under the trans umbrella to come together and make us laugh and cry." In July 2025, it put on its first production, a rehearsed reading of Twelfth Night, opened by Sir Ian McKellen and performed on the eve of London Trans+ Pride.

This year, the troupe will perform a full production of As You Like It —  Shakespeare's comedy of cross-dressing, mistaken identity and desire unbound by gender — at the Space Theatre on the Isle of Dogs. Running from 22-24 July, it will featuring an all-trans and non-binary cast and creative team.

Elliot Page: "Shakespeare wrote characters who defy easy categories long before we had language for it — and that feels as relevant now as it ever has."

Things get particularly special on the final night (also the eve of London Trans+ Pride), as the play is livestreamed to a global audience, with an introduction from Elliot Page, star of Juno and Inception.

Says Page: "Shakespeare wrote characters who defy easy categories long before we had language for it — and that feels as relevant now as it ever has. Trans What You Will is proving that these stories have always belonged to us, and I'm honoured to support that work.

Adds Phoebe Kemp — director of this production, and another of Twelfth Night, to be staged in Barcelona on 1 August by Trans What You Will: "I am so excited to dive into all the queerness and gender exploration within As You Like It. The trans community is still facing worsening oppression worldwide, and the opportunity to counter that with joy is an honour.

"Can't wait to share with you all what we create!”.

As You Like It runs 22–24 July 2026 at The Space Theatre. Buy in-person tickets, or livestream tickets.

Pastel colours houses on Frog Lane in Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Tea Garden Lane. Cabbage Stalk Lane. Frog Lane.

The Kent town of Tunbridge Wells isn't short of charmingly-named thoroughfares, but the residents of Frog Lane have gone one further, by adopting the amphibian as their unofficial mascot.

Unknown even to many local residents, Frog Lane is a steep, cobbled road, barely wide enough for a car to squeeze between the buildings. It's lined with a variety of higgeldy-piggeldy houses and cottages, each with a unique style, including a pastel pink townhouse that's regularly splashed across Instagram (top photo).

The whole street is reminiscent of the famous Mermaid Street in Rye, and its picturesque nature alone is enough to draw in visitors and photographers, but there's something else that makes it a worthwhile stop on a tour of the town — an army of frog statues.

Wind in the Willows, presumably.

More than 50 frog and toad ornaments line the lane, placed here by local residents. Some sit at street level, a few balance on roof tops, and others still peep out of drainpipes. Local legend suggests there are 52 of the creatures on Frog Lane, in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials and positions. Despite our best efforts, we've only ever managed to track down 42, but my goodness, we got as excited as children at an Easter egg hunt as we did so.

One frog cartwheels on a roof, another kicks back, legs crossed to sunbathe, while a third gets stuck into a book. Four of the creatures balance on top of each other, in a stony amphibian pyramid, and another peeks out of a drainpipe.

Look up as well as down to find the frogs of Frog Lane

The frog statues have remained relatively unknown until the Covid lockdown, when they gained online traction thanks to the large numbers of locals exploring the town on walks. They've been in situ since at least 2018 though, and Frog Lane residents keep things fresh with seasonal adaptations — for Easter, a knitted Kermit lookalike wielding a woolly hot cross bun was strung around a drainpipe, and some of the frogs get a tinsel garland at Christmas time.

A seasonal resident of Frog Lane, Easter 2021

So, if you're looking for something toad-ally different to keep the kids (and adults) hoppy on a day out in Kent, swing past Frog Lane and keep your eyes peeled.

Some frogs are very well hidden, tucked away in drainpipes and plant pots

Frog Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1YT. It's a five minute walk down the High Street from Tunbridge Wells railway station (parking near Frog Lane is tricky, and you're likely to get... toad).

Take a look at other things to see and do in Tunbridge Wells, and zoom in on our map of day trips from London, for other things to see and do nearby.

All weekend

Raise a glass at the Indie Beer Fest

BANK HOLIDAY: If you're lucky enough to have all four days of the long weekend off work, take a look at our bank holidays in London guide for ways to fill your time, whatever the weather does. Take a tour, go on a walk, try a new hobby, or entertain the kids.

EASTER HOLIDAYS: Speaking of kids: while the schools are closed for a couple of weeks, our Easter holidays events guide has all you need to keep them busy, including family-friendly events, activities, shows and exhibitions right across the capital.

GARDEN DAYS OUT: Fancy a stroll around a botanical, walled or palace garden? Have a look at London's best days out for garden lovers, and plan your horticultural happenings. And if it's raining cats and dogs? We've written a guide to London's indoor gardens too.

BEST PUBS: Want nothing more than a decent pint in top-notch surroundings? We've carried out exhausting scientific research to bring you our pick of the 100 best pubs in London, from legendary boozers in central to inviting community pubs in London's borderlands.

Swing into Revel Puck Circus

FREE MUSEUMS: If you're after culture on a budget, peruse London's free museums. Some, of course, are world-famous, while others remain unknown even to many Londoners. Just be aware that opening hours may change over the bank holiday weekend, so check before you set off.

LUMINARIUM: "A feast for the senses and an adventure for all ages", Luminarium opens at Woolwich Works for five days. The walk-through inflatable installation is a colour-changing labyrinth of winding pathways and colourful domes — a nice little adventure for the Easter weekend. 2-6 April

REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: A Glimmer Daze Gambit, a tented touring show by Revel Puck Circus, pitches up at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, offering a celebration of hope, arrival and community for the whole family via acrobatics, clowning and general chaos. 2-12 April 2026

INDIE BEER FEST: Celebrate independent beer producers at the Easter Indie Beer Fest, taking place at London Beer Lab Nano Brewery and Taproom in Brixton. Ticket includes three x 1/3 pints, with additional drinks available to buy. You can also take part in a blind beer tasting competition, testing your taste buds at identifying different brews. 3-5 April 2026

Luminarium shines a light on Woolwich Works. Image: Architects of Air

TOY CARS: Take the family along to Alexandra Palace, where you can make and race your own toy car, at workshops all weekend. Suitable for all ages, the sessions give children the chance to build their own wooden vehicle, then test it on a special race track. 3-6 April 2026

EASTER AT GABRIEL'S: Head to Gabriel's Wharf for two afternoons of free Easter fun. Soak up live blues/jazz/Latin sounds by the river on Saturday 4 April and Monday 6 April. Both days also offer global street eats, cocktails, coffees and indie shopping galore: think natural knitwear, artisan chocs, spring dresses, affordable art and plenty more. Everyone welcome. FREE, 4 and 6 April, 12pm-4pm (sponsor)

DIVINE JEWELS: Last chance to see Divine Jewels, a free display of historic jewellery from the Albion Art Collection at V&A South Kensington. It features British aristocratic tiaras, Russian crown jewels, cameos and grand parures — all very glitzy! FREE, until 6 April 2026

Good Friday: 3 April

The Easter story plays out in Trafalgar Square. Photo: Jo Pomeroy

EGG DAY: Hosted by The Pickleboy and adjudicated by Eggy Joel, Egg Day returns to The Cock Tavern in Hackney for a cracking day of egg racing, a judged egg‑tasting competition, screenings of an award‑winning egg‑racing documentary and live music. Entry is free, and it's £1 per egg to race. From 12pm

PASSION OF JESUS: Wintershall's long-running Good Friday staging returns to Trafalgar Square for two free performances of the Easter story, featuring a 100-strong cast, Roman centurions, large screens and live animals including a horse and a donkey. Both 90-minute shows are free and unticketed, so arrive in plenty of time to get a good spot. FREE, 12pm/3.15pm

SIMMER DOWN: A free, all-ages daytime dance session, Simmer Down takes place in The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre featuring the Tomorrow's Warriors house band, vinyl DJs GW Jazz (Gordon and Gillian Wedderburn) and the Reggae Choir — ideal for burning off any excess energy. FREE, 2pm

BAD FRIDAY ALL-DAYER: Head to live music venue Windmill Brixton (not to be confused with Brixton Windmill, across the road) for an afternoon of live music. Eight bands are included in a single ticket, headlined by 80s-inspired Mancunians YAANG. Food is included too! 3.30pm

LONDON BRIDGE TOUR: Unseen Tours guide David leads a two-hour walking tour on the South Bank, visiting Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, Crossbones Graveyard and the original site of the Globe Theatre, finishing at Red Cross Garden. The route looks at local history — poverty, social exclusion and homelessness — alongside stories of crime, ghosts and a secret archaeological dig. 6pm

Jake Bhardwaj hosts Not Another Quiz Night. Photo: Karla Gowlett

QUIZ NIGHT: Aimed at both quiz-whizzes and those who just fancy a party, Edinburgh Fringe show Not Another Quiz Night pitches up at the Clapham Grand for an evening of music, comedy, mayhem, interactive rounds, ridiculous prizes, and surprise appearances, all led by host Jake Bhardwaj. 6.30pm-9.30pm

PASSION OF GOOD FRIDAY: Enjoy a Good Friday performance at Union Chapel featuring a dramatic reading of St John's Gospel, new choral pieces by Musical Director Anthony Fort and music from resident choir Union Chapel Voices, accompanied by the venue's historic organ and house band. 7pm-8.30pm

ARABS ARE NOT FUNNY: Regular comedy night Arabs Are Not Funny! — which aims to quash that stereotype — pitches up at the Royal Albert Hall's Elgar Room for a night of laughs featuring Farah Sharp, Ily Hamdia, Fathiya Saleh, Hasan Al-Habib, Elie Maalouf and Alya Soliman. 8.30pm

HOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR: Camden's Jazz Cafe is taken over by House Gospel Choir for a late night of house anthems performed with voice-driven gospel energy. 10.30pm-3am

WILD SWIMMERS: Kennington's Cinema Museum screens new supernatural thriller film Wild Swimmers, ahead of its release to streaming (no pun intended) later this year. Filmed along the River Avon, it follows an investigative journalist looking into why wild swimmers are disappearing without a trace. Writer-director Ric Rawlins takes part in a Q&A session alongside the film. 7.30pm

Saturday 4 April

The Duke of York Square food market has a special visitor for Easter

EASTER BRUNCH: Within the Hilton London Bankside, restaurant OXBO Bankside serves a special Easter brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The menu consists of seasonal dishes, with buffet-style starters and desserts, and plenty for younger diners... all while the Easter bunny hops between tables handing out treats. The hotel hosts a bunny and chick petting zoo on Easter Sunday (10am-1pm). 4-5 April 2026

EASTER FILMS: The cinema at art'otel Hoxton holds two family-friendly Easter film screenings this weekend, with the chance to enjoy a special lunch either before or after the film. Watch chocolate-centric Wonka on Saturday, or the mischievous Peter Rabbit on Sunday. 4-5 April 2026

NEW BOTANICAL MARKET: The new Kensington Botanical Market launches on Phillimore Walk, close to Kensington High Street, with an Easter special. Expect traders spanning growers, makers and botanical artists selling bulbs, tools, vintage garden furniture, ceramics and prints, all on a floral theme. 10am-4.30pm

ELLIE KILDUNNE: English rugby union player Ellie Kildunne, who was one of the stars of last year's Rugby World Cup, is at Waterstones Kingston to sign copies of her memoir, Game Changer. 11am

Treat the family to Easter brunch at OXBO Bankside

HORNIMAN PLANT FAIR: Enjoy cracking views of the London skyline while you browse at the Horniman Plant Fair. The Forest Hill museum's gardens are taken over by independent nurseries run by specialist growers selling their plants, trees, shrubs and succulents, and passing on their wisdom for keeping your new green friend healthy and happy once you get it home. 11am-4pm

EASTER MARKET: An Easter special of Duke of York Square's regular food market in Chelsea includes craft activities and face painting for kids, along with appearances by the Easter bunny, and stalls selling seasonal goodies including chocolate and hot cross buns. 12pm-4pm

2026 BOAT RACES: The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Races take place this afternoon. They're broadcast on TV as usual, but if you're keen to see them in person, get down to the riverside between Putney and Mortlake early to grab your spot by the river, preferably a pub garden. FREE to watch, women's race 2.21pm, men's race 3.21pm

100 YEARS OF CINEMA: The Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Fernando Furones, performs a programme of film scores inspired by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, including music from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Cinema Paradiso and Star Wars, at Barbican. 4pm. The orchestra offers another show later this evening, teaming up with DJ Symphonic to blend pop with multi-instrumental flair. 7.30pm

Watch the sporting spectacle that is the Boat Races taking place on the Thames

CARIBBEAN PARTY: Expect the full Caribbean party experience at Day Rave: Easter Jam at Boxpark Wembley. Caribbean DJs play dancehall, soca, reggae, bouyon and carnival anthems into the evening, with street food and bars available, and rum flowing freely. 4pm-11pm

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT: All-female choir The L'Inviti Singers, directed by David Guest, perform Pergolesi's Stabat Mater alongside Vivaldi's Gloria in a candlelit concert at St Mary le Strand. 6.30pm/8.30pm

LIVE AT THE CHAPEL: Ivo Graham headlines monthly comedy night Live at the Chapel, at Islington's Union Chapel, joined by Jamali Maddix, Jen Nolan, Rachel Parris and Phil Ellis. 7.45pm

SCARED TO DANCE: Members of the band Mary in the Junkyard are guest DJs at the Scared to Dance club night at the George Tavern in Shadwell, joining resident Paul Richards. Expect a playlist of post-punk, indiepop, new wave and art-rock. 11pm

Easter Sunday: 5 April

The Duck Pond Market takes place at Chiswick House and Gardens. Photo: Andre Pattenden

DUCK POND MARKET: Locally, ethically and sustainably sourced products are the focus of the Duck Pond Market, in the gardens of Chiswick House. Browse arts, crafts and homewares as you stroll through the grounds, with refreshments available from street food stalls, as well as the Chiswick House Cafe. 10am-4pm

ROMAN LONDON WALK: Join a qualified City of London Guide to explore traces of Roman Londinium beneath the modern streets — from the site of a Roman bathhouse turned garden to a Mithras temple revealed after the Second World War, and sections of the original Roman wall. Walks meet at the City Information Centre near St Paul's. 11am-1pm

ZOO AND YOU: Continuing the celebrations for charity ZSL's 200th anniversary, London Zoo offers a guided tour around its site, shining the spotlight on the people — staff, volunteers and visitors — who have shaped the zoo throughout the years. Note: you'll need to purchase a zoo entry ticket in order to join the tour. 11.30am

CHRISTATHON: Several Jesii (that's the plural of Jesus, FYI) walk into a pub. Not the start of a joke, but rather the start of Christathon, a biblical pub crawl which organisers say aims "to astound not offend". The route takes in several pubs with biblical names, beginning in Borough and ending in Whitehall. Participants don Jesus costumes to stroll around with a fold-out musical crucifix on wheels. 1.30pm

AWFUL CHILDREN: French-not-really-French comedian Marcel Lucont is at the Questors Theatre in Ealing, to host Les Enfants Terribles - A Gameshow For Awful Children. As its name suggests, the presenter puts kids through their paces to discover who is truly the most terrible enfant of the lot. Adults will enjoy this as much as the young 'uns. 2.30pm-3.30pm

Take a guided tour at London Zoo. Photo: Matt Brown

MYRA DUBOIS: Self-styled 'Siren of South Yorkshire' Myra DuBois throws a party at the Clapham Grand, with an unorthodox Easter Sunday of songs, stand-up and brutal audience reads. Myra is joined by Frank Lavender, Rose Lavender and the Myrettes. 6pm-10pm

MOVIES TO MUSICALS: Live performance Movies to Musicals makes its London debut at Cadogan Hall, featuring Dom Simpson, Jenna Innes and Jacob Fowler alongside an ensemble and live orchestra, performing songs from Chicago, Wicked, Heathers, Dear Evan Hansen, A Chorus Line and Back To The Future. 6.30pm

KYAN QUARTET: This week's Sunday concert at Conway Hall stars the Kyan Quartet, an international group of musicians who have performed together across Europe and Asia. Works by Mozart, Bartók, Berg and Haydn are on tonight's programme. 6.30pm-8.30pm

BOLLYWOOD BRATPACK: Vocalist Chirag Rao leads The Bollywood Bratpack in a blend of classic jazz standards with Bollywood hits. The set reimagines songs associated with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack alongside Bollywood numbers from Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and others, accompanied by a live band. See it at the Leicester Square Theatre. 7pm

BLACK COMEDY UK: Richard Blackwood, Lateef Lovejoy, Nadz and Jay Handley feature on the bill, with Christopher Savage as host, at an evening of laughs at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green, produced by Black Comedy UK and aimed at fans of observational and satirical stand-up. 7.30pm

SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS: A tribute show to the music of Irish folk band The Dubliners, Seven Drunken Nights is at Bromley's Churchill Theatre, for one night only. Celebrate the band's 50 year career with covers of songs including Whiskey in the Jar, The Irish Rover and Rocky Road to Dublin. 7.30pm

POSTMORTEM: Top Slayer tribute Postmortem are at the Cart & Horses in Maryland tonight, with a special show celebrating 40 years of the Reign in Blood album. Pirate-thrashers Cutlass and prog-metallers Kardinal X bring the support. 8pm

Easter Monday: 6 April

So Last Century vintage market comes to Beckenham. Photo: Alan Old

VINTAGE MARKET: Both inside and outside Beckenham Place Mansion, 50 vintage traders pitch up for the So Last Century vintage market. Browse and buy furniture, homewares, posters, prints, books and records, with street food stalls serving up crepes, bao buns and burritos. 10am-5pm

CHAIR LIFTING: One of those quirky annual traditions which London does so well is the Easter Monday chair lifting in Greenwich. The Blackheath Morris Men make the rounds of local landmarks, pausing to allow people (well, women) to climb onto a beautifully decorated chair, which they then hoist above their shoulders between dances. FREE, 12pm-4pm

KILL BILL: The Prince Charles Cinema shows Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Volume 1 and Volume 2 back-to-back in a single screening, complete with a new, never-before-seen anime sequence. 6.15pm

LIGHTYEAR: Headlining the Fighting Cocks in Kingston tonight are Lightyear, known for their blend of ska/funk/indie-rock/hip-hop wrapped up in a fun (perhaps topless) set. Support comes from high-energy ska-punkers Slow Gherkin. 7pm

PRIMARY SCHOOL BANGERS: Round off Easter weekend with a good old sing-song. James B Partridge hosts Primary School Bangers at Barbican, a show where the audience can sing along with tunes familiar from childhood school assemblies. Altogether now... Shiiiine Jesus Shine. 7.30pm

IMPROV SHAKESPEARE: "Shakespeare hasn't written anything new for an age, so we thought we'd give him a hand." Enter Shake it Up: The Improvised Shakespeare Show, appearing at the Hen & Chickens in Islington this evening, and doing exactly what it says on ye olde tin. 7.30pm-8.30pm

Fancy a double dose of free floral fun? Chelsea in Bloom 2026 is on at the same time — and it's right around the corner!

One of the installations from a previous year's Belgravia in Bloom. Photo: Londonist

Things get enchanting in west London this May, as free flower festival Belgravia in Bloom returns.

'Fairy Tales in Belgravia' is the theme of 2026's event, with playful installations made of flowers and plants popping up around the area's shops, cafes and public places. We're promised "storybook romance, enchanted gardens and whimsical details".

Instagram stalwart Peggy Porschen gets involved in Belgravia in Bloom. Photo: Londonist

Full details of Belgravia in Bloom 2026 haven't been revealed yet, but in past years, the action has centred around Elizabeth Street, Eccleston Yards and Motcomb Street, with Instagram-famous cake shop Peggy Porschen and florist Neill Strain among the best displays. Take a look at last year's photos, themed on the seasons, for an idea of what to expect.

Belgravia in Bloom brightens up the area. Photo: Londonist

Belgravia in Bloom coincides with the Chelsea Flower Show the same week. Similar free festival Chelsea in Bloom also takes place at the same time, so if you're up for a long walk, you can combine the two for a free, fantastically floral day out.

Belgravia in Bloom takes place 18-24 May 2026. It's free to visit. More details will be available closer to the time.

Free things to do in London this week.

Catch a free performance of the Easter story on Good Friday. Photo: Jo Pomeroy

Catch the final week of this free photography exhibition

Photofusion in Brixton holds the final week of Bibby Boys, a free exhibition of photos about the asylum seekers housed on the Bibby Stockholm, a barge moored in Portland in Dorset in 2023. While visiting the area, photographers Theo McInnes and Thomas Ralph recorded the relationships that had formed between the men on board, and the locals who created the Portland Global Friendship Group to support them.

Until 4 April.

Last chance to see Bibby Boys at Photofusion

Fly into Aviationland

Architectural historian Mark Crinson is at the Courtauld Gallery's King's Cross campus on Tuesday night to give a free talk about his forthcoming book, Aviationland. He discusses the history of the land around Heathrow, and how it evolved thanks to agrarian revolution, the nationalisation of land under wartime, and the neo-liberal privatisation of the 1980s.

31 March.

The Courtauld also hosts the free launch event for Black Chronicles, a collection of studio portraits depicting the black presence in Victorian Britain, on Thursday 2 April.

Sow some seeds for spring

On Thursday afternoon, Lambeth's Garden Museum holds a free seed-sowing workshop for beginners. Learn how to sow seeds to add colour to small urban spaces such as balconies, including which containers and compost to use for the best results. Once you've finished, take your planted seeds home with you.

2 April.

Stay late at the Royal College of Physicians

Stay late at the Royal College of Physicians.

The museum at the Royal College of Physicians stays open late on Thursday night for an evening all about historical medical books. View the current exhibition, A Body Of Knowledge, in a tour led by rare books librarian, Katie Birkwood, and hear about doctors reading in multiple languages, the medical curriculum of the 16th century, revision notes from the 1940s, and the books that everyday people used to look after their own health.

2 April.

Tune into Soho Sounds

Get yourself to foodie hangout Kingly Court from Thursday, to tune into music sessions (acoustic and live DJs), courtesy of Kingly Court Presents: Soho Sounds. You can catch it Thursdays and Fridays (5pm-9pm) and
Saturdays and Sundays (1pm-5pm) throughout April, and it's free to enjoy, though will doubtlessly sound better accompanied by a drink/bite to eat from one of the numerous outlets circling the courtyard.

2-5 April (and every Thursday-Sunday throughout April).

Watch the Easter story unfold in Trafalgar Square

As is tradition, the Easter story is performed in Trafalgar Square for free on Good Friday. The Wintershall Players bring a 100-strong cast — plus real horses, donkeys and doves — to central London, for two retellings of the the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus by the Romans, and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Performances take place at 12pm and 3.15pm. They're free, unticketed and very popular (particular if the weather's good) so arrive in plenty of time to get a good spot!

3 April.

It doesn't cost a penny to watch one of London's best-known annual sporting events. Image: The Boat Race

Take the family dancing

Southbank Centre hosts two free, family dance sessions over Easter weekend. The Good Friday edition of Simmer Down is a daytime reggae dance session for all ages, accompanied by the Tomorrow's Warriors' house band and vinyl-spinning DJ duo GW Jazz and the Reggae Choir.

Then, on Saturday, Toasty Tots XL is a dance party for all the family, taking place on the Ballroom Boogie dance floor. Free, weatherproof family fun for the bank holiday weekend!

3 and 4 April.

Watch Oxford and Cambridge row, row, row their boats

Easter Saturday is Boat Race day, when rowing teams from Oxford and Cambridge Universities row down the Thames. It's free to watch the action from the banks of the river — find yourself a spot between the start line in Putney and the finish in Mortlake. It'll be very busy, so arrive early. The women's race begins at 2.21pm, followed by the men's at 3.21pm. Each race lasts around 20 minutes.

4 April.

Take part in free Easter activities at Camden Market

Camden Market offers free Easter activities for all the family on Saturday and Sunday. Watch aerial circus acrobatics performances, make your own bunny ears and bonnets, follow an Easter trail around the market, wander around the Easter garden, and plant a spring bulb to take home with you.

4-5 April.

And now for something that only costs a fiver...

The Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury hosts a variety of musical Easter workshops for children aged 5-12 and their parents/guardians. There's Musical Printmaking (31 March), Sound & Song (1 April), Animated Music (2 April) and Musical Mobiles (3 April). Each session costs £5 per child and another £5 per adult, and includes entry to the Foundling Museum. There are two identical workshop sessions during the given day, so choose the time that best suits.

31 March-3 April.

This feature first appeared in December 2024 on Londonist: Time Machine, our much-praised history newsletter. To be the first to read new history features like this, sign up for free here.

St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate. Image: Matt Brown

St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe
St Vedas-alias-Foster
St Benet Fink
St Matthew-le-Tissier

At least 75% of those names are genuine City of London churches. Such intriguing dedications are an aspect of the Square Mile you can’t help but query. So it's time we teased apart the meanings and derivations of the odder ones. In alphabetical order…

St Andrew-by-the-Wardrobe

We can infer from the brush of Rubens that St Andrew must have possessed a robust wardrobe; just look at the volume in that robe. The wardrobe name-checked in this church is not St Andrew’s, however, but the monarch’s. The Royal Wardrobe was a department of the Royal Household charged with looking after the King’s garments and accoutrements. From late medieval times, all through the Tudor period and up to the Great Fire it was based off Carter Lane in the Square Mile. The name is still commemorated by this church, and the nearby Wardrobe Place — where it’s today possible to rent a serviced apartment with its own wardrobes.

St Andrew Undershaft

This colourful ‘shaft’ under the Cheesegrater building is there to remind us of a local tradition… Image: Matt Brown

Another church dedicated to the Scottish patron saint. Its curious epithet remembers a large maypole, which was traditionally erected opposite the church in spring, up to the 16th century (when it was burned as a pagan symbol). The church we see today is from that sort of time, and somehow survived the Great Fire. It’s now dwarfed by much loftier structures than maypoles, with the Gherkin, Cheesegrater and Scalpel buildings for neighbours.

St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate

Whenever you see a church described as ‘without’ (and there are quite a few) it means the place was without, or outside, the City walls. We can clearly see this with St B-w-B. A nearby mitre-shaped marker on Bishopsgate shows the location of that old gateway. The church lies just beyond, outside the walls.

Image: edited from Google Streetview

London contains three St Botolphs: this one, St Botolph-without-Aldgate and St Botolph-without-Aldersgate (I’m guessing that the last two often get each other’s mail). They’re all named after a seventh century saint, whose body parts travelled to London 300 years after his death, where they supposedly entered by different gates. Churches were founded in his memory at these three sites, as well as the now-vanished St Botolph Billingsgate near the river. The whole confusing story can be read in more depth here.

St James Garlickhythe

London’s most vampire-resistant church stands on Upper Thames Street near Cannon Street station. The name’s origins are much as you might expect; it is close to the hythe, or landing place, where French garlic was unloaded in medieval times. It’s not the only eyebrow-raising name the church has gone by, mind. In some old sources it’s known as St James super Ripam, which means ‘above the bank’ (i.e. on the Thames).

St Lawrence Jewry

Image: Matt Brown

This is the compact church that stands in front of Guildhall, and carries a weather vane resembling the griddle upon which the eponymous saint was roasted. The second part of its name is a reference to the Jewish community, who clustered in the streets hereabouts in medieval times. Nearby Old Jewry and the tower of St Olave Old Jewry also remember this legacy, more than 700 years after the Jews were expelled by Edward I. Such is the long memory of London.

St Margaret Pattens

‘Pattens’ were wooden overshoes. The streets of old London could be filthy, with layers of mud, animal dung and even human waste forming a grim porridge. Pattens lifted the wearer above the sludge, protecting the shoes. This church, beside the Walkie Talkie building, was probably named after the trade, which was represented by the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers (still in existence).

St Mary Aldermary

I mean, this has got to be better than Starbucks. Image: Matt Brown

This fine Wren church on Watling Street now houses an excellent cafe. Please stop reading for 30 seconds and make a note to visit. You can thank me later. The double-Mary’d name is a bit of a mystery. The most convincing explanation is that this is the oldest church in the City dedicated to the Virgin Mary, predating St Mary-le-Bow, which I measure to be just 80 metres away (and named after the bow-shaped arches in the crypt). The problem with that theory is that St Mary-le-Bow dates from at least 1080 and probably has Saxon origins, so Aldermary must be very old indeed to beat that.

St Mary Woolnoth

About 350 metres away is another St Mary. This one is the best, because it is (a) designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and therefore a bit weird, and (b) name-checked in The Waste Land by TS Eliot, the most potent bit of poetry ever to trouble our city. Its unusual name is attributed to Wulnoth de Walebrok, a local bigwig of the 12th century. The church must often have been confused with St Mary Woolchurch Haw, a long-demolished neighbour named after the wool trade (a ‘haw’ was a beam for weighing wool).

St Nicholas Cole Abbey

Another Wren church with a cafe, St Nick’s is named for the same chap who’s now venerated as Santa Claus. I’d love to report that the second part of the name relates to coals and fires and chimneys, but no. "Cole Abbey” is thought to be a corruption of “coldharbour”, a common term for a traveller’s shelter, like a hostel. It was certainly cold in there immediately after the Second World War. The Blitz blew the roof off, as can be seen in the film The Lavender Hill Mob.

St Vedas-alias-Foster

A church name that smacks of espionage and spy-craft. St Vedas was a French holy man of the 6th century. His name was rendered in Flemish and Norman as St Vaast, which then got garbled into English as Foster. The neighbouring road, Foster Lane, is also named after him.

And now some vanished City churches with odd names…

St Mary Axe

This name is well appreciated thanks to the presence of The Gherkin, which is officially known as 30 St Mary Axe. The namesake church got the hatchet long ago, demolished decades before the Great Fire. The history books record that it was decorated with the sign of an axe, positioned on the east end of the church, as a mark of association with the Skinners’ Company. The church also went by the equally intriguing name of St Mary, St Ursula and Her 11,000 Virgins (a reference to a semi-legendary medieval massacre, before you start making crude jokes).

St Faith under St Paul’s

From the name you’d think that someone had built a church underneath the famous cathedral. And you’d be right. A 13th century expansion to Old St Paul’s required the demolition of the original St Faith’s. Unwilling to give up its hallowed ground, the displaced church simply moved into the crypt of the extension and carried on regardless. The subterranean church was finally disbanded after the cathedral was destroyed in the Great Fire. Faith no more.

St Mary Staining

Image: Matt Brown

Yet another Mary with an unusual name, this time up near London Wall. The church has no known connection to dyeing or any other form of taint. It is first recorded in the 12th century as ‘Ecclesia de Staningehage’, and probably refers to a benefactor from Staines in Surrey. A local street also carries the stain name.

St Michael-le-Querne

Micky-le-Quicky, as I have no doubt Londoners called it, stood just south of St Paul’s, on Carter Lane, until the Great Fire chanced across it. The name is almost certainly a reference to quern stones used for grinding grains; a corn market stood nearby.

St Benet Fink

St Barton Fink, as I have no doubt Londoners didn’t call it, stood halfway along Threadneedle Street. It also succumbed to the Great Fire, was rebuilt by Wren, only to be torn down by the Victorians. The Benet bit is short for Benedict, while the Fink is thought to refer to Robert Fink, a 13th century benefactor (after whom nearby Finch Lane is also named).

St Womble-by-the-Wazzbaffle

I made this one up. Sorry. It’s been a long day.

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Animal Days Out In London: Farms, Zoos And Wildlife Parks To Visit

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Looking Ahead: Things To Do In London This Week: 30 March-5 April 2026

The best events, every day of the coming week — including Easter weekend.

Looking for something fun to do today? Something eye-opening to watch tonight? Something delicious to eat tomorrow? Our guide to things to do this week in London is personally curated, ensuring there's always a diverse range of events for you to choose from. Get stuck in!

What's on all week

Eggs Aren't That Easy To Make opens at Riverside Studios. Photo: Fabiano Waters

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Wallace & Gromit, Disney On Ice, and a free elephant sculpture trail are among the things to do in London during the Easter holidays. Whether you're looking after tots, teens, or any age in between, find plenty of events and activities, including some free entertainment ideas.

EASTER PLANS: Already thinking ahead to the weekend? If you're lucky enough to have some (or all) of the four-day bank holiday off work, have a look at our guide to Easter weekend in London, for all the eggs, bunnies, and seasonal entertainment you could need.

APRIL IN LONDON: With a new month beginning on Wednesday, you'll be needing our things to do in London in April events guide, to make sure you don't miss the best new events, shows and exhibitions coming to the capital over the coming weeks.

SPRING FLOWERS: London's in full bloom in April, when the spring flowers are at their best. This page tells you the best times and places to see tulips, cherry blossom, bluebells, wisteria, and the best of the rest floral displays in the capital, ideal for a colourful springtime walk.

There's a new fashion-themed afternoon tea in town. Photo: Justin de Souza

BIBBY BOYS: Last chance to see Bibby Boys, a free exhibition at Photofusion in Brixton, showing new photographic work by Theo McInnes and Thomas Ralph. The show presents a series of photos made during and after the time men seeking asylum were housed on the Bibby Stockholm barge, focusing on the men who lived there and the community on Portland that rallied around them. FREE, until 4 April 2026

WAITRESS: Carrie Hope Fletcher stars as Jenna with Les Dennis as Old Joe in Waitress the Musical at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Watch the story of a pie-making waitress whose life changes when a new doctor arrives in town, accompanied by music by Sara Bareilles. Until 4 April 2026

UNFORTUNATE: A satirical new musical about Disney’s Ursula, Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch mixes pop songwriting and adult humour and plays at The Other Palace, and it closes this week. Until 5 April 2026

DIVINE JEWELS: Last chance to see Divine Jewels, a free display of historic jewellery from the Albion Art Collection at V&A South Kensington. It features British aristocratic tiaras, Russian crown jewels, cameos and grand parures. Blingtastic! FREE, until 6 April 2026

The modernist looking Empire Tavern is now open for business.

IN THE PRINT: Politically-charged play In the Print documents the 'Battle of Wapping', in which trade union leader Brenda Dean takes on the seemingly unbeatable might of Rupert Murdoch and his runaway newspaper empire. It's on at King's Head Theatre. Until 3 May

QUEER ROM-COM: Opening at Riveride Studios Hammersmith, Eggs Aren't That Easy To Make is a queer rom‑com about two friends who try to make good on a drunken promise when one agrees to be the other's sperm donor. 30 March-12 April 2026

FASHION BECOMES TEA: Tying in with the new Schiaparelli exhibition at the V&A South Kensington, The Kensington hotel is now serving a new themed afternoon tea. The surrealist menu features sculptural pastries, expressive colour palettes and unexpected flavour pairings to reflect the designer's dramatic catwalk designs. Pâtisserie creations include Le Choux Shoe, a caramel choux bun filled with apricot gel and caramel chocolate, and The Iconic Atelier, a mandarin curd tart shaped like an eye and  crowned with orange jelly and white chocolate ganache.

PUB OF THE WEEK: Hackney’s Mare Street has a new pub; in fact the Empire Tavern is more of a pub-diner-co-working space. Operated by the team behind Leytonstone Tavern and Tavern On The Hill, the interior has modernist leanings, the food's from Bone Daddy Burger and taps are pouring local brews from the likes of  East London Brewing Co and Howling Hop.

Today's events: Monday 30 March

Get your jazz on at the Cockpit. Image: Chris Bair via Unsplash

JAZZ IN THE ROUND: Kicking off today, the Cockpit Theatre (Marylebone) holds an Easter special five-day run of Jazz In The Round shows. Tonight, enjoy live music by international jazz supergroup lvdf, and the Noah Ojumu Quartet, and check out what's on the rest of the week, including a celebration of emerging talent on Friday. 30 March-3April 2026

THEATRE WALK:  David Charnick of Footprints of London leads a two‑hour walk celebrating theatre manager Peter Daubeny and his World Theatre Seasons. Begin just south of Holborn station and finish near Piccadilly Circus, with on‑street commentary and historic theatre locations illustrated by photos as you go. 11am-1pm

TEEN BOOK SWAP: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Libraries hosts a book swap for teens and young adults at Kensington Central Library. Take along two to five gently used books to exchange, with giveaways and a raffle on the day. Spare books are available if you don’t have any to swap, and unclaimed books will be donated to charity. FREE, 3.30pm

POP TRIBUTE CONCERT: Sing and dance along at a family-friendly pop concert featuring covers of songs by artists including Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter. Expect music, dance and an upbeat party atmosphere, at Bromley's Churchill Theatre. 6pm

BEN AARONOVITCH: Rivers of London author Ben Aaronovitch is at the British Library to celebrate the release of the paperback edition of Stone and Sky, the tenth book in the popular series. Hear him in conversation with fellow writer Mark Stay. 7pm

ANA POPOVIC: Modern blues guitarist Ana Popovic brings a show of electric funk, slide guitar and jazzy instrumentals to The Jazz Cafe in Camden. A seven‑time Blues Music Awards nominee who featured in the Experience Hendrix all‑star lineups, she has shared stages with B.B. King, Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Beck and Gary Clark Jr. 7pm-10.30pm

NEW WORLD ORDER: Paddington's Frontline Club and the China Correspondents’ Club of London host a panel discussion about whether President Trump’s foreign-policy moves are reshaping alliances and what that could mean for China, Taiwan and NATO. 7pm-8.30pm

Today's events: Tuesday 31 March

The Gabby's Dollhouse Live tour comes to London

GABBY'S DOLLSHOUSE: Children's TV series Gabby’s Dollhouse comes to life on stage, in an original, puppet-led musical that follows Gabby, Pandy Paws and friends as they hunt for missing colours to rebuild a broken rainbow after CatRat causes a colour catastrophe. See it at the Eventim Apollo (Hammersmith). 31 March-1 April 2026

POST OFFICE SCANDAL: Theatre show Glitch tells the story of Pam Stubbs and other sub‑postmasters affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal. The show, at Wilton's Music Hall this week as part of a national tour, was developed with people involved in the case. 31 March-2 April 2026

AVIATIONLAND: The Courtauld Institute of Art's King's Cross campus hosts architectural historian Mark Crinson to discuss Heathrow and its hinterland, drawing on his forthcoming book Aviationland. He delves into how architecture, landscape and infrastructure have shaped the airport and surrounding area. FREE, 6pm-7.30pm

WOMEN'S WINE TASTING: Join a women-only speed tasting at Humble Grape Fleet Street, where you'll taste 11 wines made by women winemakers — five whites, five reds and a welcome glass of bubbles — in a speed‑dating style format (five minutes per wine, then rotate). Producers from South Africa, Germany, France, Portugal and Spain are all represented. 6.30pm

ONLINE CURATOR'S TALK: Dulwich Picture Gallery curator Kathleen Soriano presents an online introduction to Konrad Mägi, looking at his travels, influences and the luminous landscapes and portraits featured in the Gallery's landmark UK exhibition, which opened last week. The talk draws on more than 60 works and places Mägi within the wider story of European modernism. 7pm-8pm

LSE SPRING CONCERT: The LSE Choir and Orchestra perform a spring concert at St Clement Danes Church, with choirmaster Andrew Campling and conductor Matthew Taylor leading a programme that includes Handel's Zadok the priest, Bruckner's Locus iste and Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D. Soloist Gabriel Suvini and leader Mira Marton also take part. 7pm-9pm

FILM QUIZ: Hosted by Chevy Mclaren at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square, the PCC Film Quiz is a live, team-based film trivia night with rounds, audience games, live performances, limited-edition merch and prize giveaways. Teams of up to five can take part. 8.30pm

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Tour the world-famous Houses of Parliament this Easter

© House of Commons

Order! Order! Looking for last-minute things to do during the Easter holidays? Tickets have just been released for selected weekday audio tours of the Houses of Parliament. Many people don’t realise the UK Parliament is open to visitors, and you can stand in the famous spaces you've seen on TV, learning about its history and heritage as you go.

Visit the House of Commons Chamber, where the Prime Minster does PMQs, and the House of Lords Chamber, home to an ornate gold throne. Visual and audio content on your audio guide device tells stories of the Palace of Westminster past and present, and you can go at your own pace, spending more time in the areas which interest your family.

A children's version of the audio guide (suitable for ages up to 11) keeps them engaged with games and quizzes narrated by Perri the Peregrine Falcon. One child goes free with each adult ticket purchased. Finish your trip with lunch or snacks at the Jubilee Café (situated just off Westminster Hall), and browse gifts and souvenirs at the Jubilee shop next door.

Can't make a weekday? Saturday tours are available throughout spring 2026. Book now for a last-minute unique and memorable family day out this Easter.

Today's events: Wednesday 1 April

Cold War Visions launches at Barbican Cinema

COLD WAR VISIONS: Barbican Cinema presents Cold War Visions, a film season exploring nuclear anxiety in the Eastern Bloc, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. It begins today with a screening of Ikarie XB-1, a futuristic film set in 2163, with astronauts on a mission to discover life in a new galaxy, only to be confronted with the horrors of their own world. 1-29 April 2026

CUCKOO'S NEST: Clint Dyer directs a new staging of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at The Old Vic, starring Aaron Pierre and Giles Terera, a story of rebellion, colonialism and social structures, set inside a psychiatric facility. 1 April-23 May 2026

CHAPEL GUIDED TOUR: A one-hour guided visit led by an Islington Guided Walks guide takes in the Grade I listed Victorian Gothic Union Chapel. Points of interest include its Father Henry Willis organ, stained glass windows and octagonal interior, and you'll hear the story of wartime damage and the building’s near-demolition in the 1980s. 12pm-1pm

GAMES NIGHT: Every Wednesday, Fulham Pier holds a games night. It's free entry and open to everyone, with board games provided for an evening of friendly competition. Food and drink are available to buy at the venue's Riverside Market. FREE, 5pm-10pm

HIDDEN WOMEN: Rebecca Couper of the City of London Guide Lecturers Association presents an illustrated talk at The London Archives exploring nearly 2,000 years of women connected to the Square Mile — from Boudicca and Elizabeth Fry to Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, Moll Cutpurse and Agatha Christie. Her talk is followed by a Q&A. 5.30pm

HAYWARD GALLERY LATES: Get after-hours access to Hayward Gallery, including current exhibitions by Chiharu Shiota and Yin Xiuzhen, with spotlight tours from the Hayward curatorial team, poetry performances by alumni of the National Poetry Library’s New Poets Collective, and drop-in creative activities. 6pm

QUIZ NIGHT: An evening of silly challenges, occasional general-knowledge questions and organised chaos takes the form of Tom's Fairly Substantial Quiz at the Phoenix Arts Club. Maximum six people per team, and the winning team gets to take a final challenge for a chance to win a jackpot of up to £300. Could be a lucrative evening! 7pm

Today's events: Thursday 2 April

The Revel Puck Circus comes to town.

LUMINARIUM: "A feast for the senses and an adventure for all ages", Luminarium opens at Woolwich Works today, and will be in situ for five days. The walk-through inflatable installation is a colour-changing labyrinth of winding pathways and colourful domes — a nice little adventure for the Easter weekend. 2-6 April

REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: A Glimmer Daze Gambit, a tented touring show by Revel Puck Circus, pitches up at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, offering a celebration of hope, arrival and community for the whole family via acrobatics, clowning, and chaos. 2-12 April 2026

TEENAGE SHE-DEVIL: A new comedy-horror rock musical about wallflower Nancy Nelson, who is transformed into a revenge‑seeking rocker by the Devil, I Was A Teenage She-Devil stars Aoife Haakenson, Sean Arkless and Jacob Birch, and opens at The Other Palace today. 2-26 April 2026

LUNCHTIME RECITAL: Head to the Foundling Museum's Picture Gallery for a lunchtime recital by harpist Clara Gatti Comini, a Philharmonia Instrumental Fellow and PhD candidate at the London College of Music. Included in museum admission. 1pm

SEED SOWING: Part of the Garden Museum's Branch Out programme, take a beginner-friendly workshop which shows you how to sow seeds for summer flowers and create colourful displays in small urban gardens, balconies or window boxes. Get practical advice on plant choice, sowing techniques, germination and suitable containers and compost, and take your seeds home with you. FREE, 2pm-4pm

MUSEUM LATE: The Museum at the Royal College of Physicians (Regent's Park) stays open late for an evening focused on medical books. View the current exhibition, A Body Of Knowledge, in a tour led by rare books librarian Katie Birkwood, and hear about doctors reading in multiple languages, the medical curriculum of the 16th century, revision notes from the 1940s, and the books that everyday people used to look after their own health. FREE, 5.30pm-8.30pm

PIRATE TAKEOVER: If the phrase "pirate takeover" hasn't got your attention, quite frankly, we don't know how to help you. Head to the Golden Hinde this evening for a pirate-themed museum late, with pirate-themed talks and tours, a coin-embossing workshop and other activities. Don't forget to hit up the bar too — rum's probably the order of the day. 6pm

BROTHER ACT: Drag king Jamie Fuxx leads a line-up of London drag and cabaret performers in a one-night cabaret show at Pleasance Theatre in Islington, inspired by the film Sister Act. Expect soul, disco and comic confession with partial nudity and strong language thrown in. 7pm

STAR TREK: The Science Museum’s IMAX is screening the complete cinematic Star Trek saga over the coming months — from the original films starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley, through the Next Generation films with Patrick Stewart, to the Kelvin Timeline trilogy with Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Zoë Saldaña. Tonight it's 1982's Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. 7.15pm

CRYSTAL PALACE LEGENDS: Former Crystal Palace players Mark Bright, John Salako, Clinton Morrison, Darren Ambrose and Joe Ledley share memories, anecdotes and matchday stories in a night of Eagles glory at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. Hear tales from their time in red and blue, from on the pitch and in the dressing room. 7.30pm

Today's events: Good Friday 3 April

An Indie Beer Fest comes to Brixton for the bank holiday weekend

INDIE BEER FEST: Celebrate independent beer producers at the Easter Indie Beer Fest, taking place at London Beer Lab Nano Brewery and Taproom in Brixton. The ticket includes three 1/3 pints, with additional drinks available to buy, and you can also take part in a blind beer tasting competition, to test your taste buds at identifying different brews. 3-5 April 2026

PASSION OF JESUS: Wintershall's long-running Good Friday staging returns to Trafalgar Square for two free performances, featuring a 100-strong cast, Roman centurions, large screens and live animals including a horse and a donkey, performing the Easter story. Both 90-minute shows are free and unticketed, so arrive in plenty of time to get a good spot. FREE, 12pm/3.15pm

EGG DAY: Hosted by The Pickleboy and adjudicated by Eggy Joel, Egg Day returns to The Cock Tavern in Hackney for a day of egg racing, a judged egg‑tasting competition, screenings of an award‑winning egg‑racing documentary and live music. Entry is free, and it's £1 per egg to race. Sounds egg-cellent. From 12pm

SIMMER DOWN: A free, all-ages daytime dance session, Simmer Down takes place in The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre featuring the Tomorrow’s Warriors house band, vinyl DJs GW Jazz (Gordon and Gillian Wedderburn), and the Reggae Choir. FREE, 2pm

LONDON BRIDGE TOUR: Unseen Tours guide David leads a two-hour walking tour on the South Bank, visiting Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, Crossbones Graveyard and the original site of the Globe Theatre, finishing at Red Cross Garden. The route looks at local history — poverty, social exclusion and homelessness — alongside stories of crime, ghosts and a secret archaeological dig. 6pm

PASSION OF GOOD FRIDAY: Enjoy a Good Friday performance at Union Chapel featuring a dramatic reading of St John’s Gospel, new choral pieces by Musical Director Anthony Fort and music from resident choir Union Chapel Voices, accompanied by the venue’s historic organ and house band. 7pm-8.30pm

Today's events: Saturday 4 April

Head to Chelsea for an Easter market.

FLOATING JAZZ: Live jazz is played on Marina's Floating Pontoon at St Katharine Docks on Easter Saturday and Sunday — you'll be greeted with a free glass of bubbles and blankets, before you soak up the sounds of Olivia Swann & Jazz King Jamie Safir, plus guests, while admiring the twinkling yacht lights. 4-5 April 2026

HEART WALL: Kit Withington's play Heart Wall follows Franky as buried family secrets and grief surface in a familiar pub setting, when she returns to her former local for the first time in years. See it at the Bush Theatre. 4 April-16 May 2026

ELLIE KILDUNNE: English rugby union player Ellie Kildunne, who was one of the stars of last year’s Rugby World Cup, is at Waterstones Kingston to sign copies of her memoir, Game Changer. 11am

EASTER MARKET: An Easter special of Duke of York Square's regular food market in Chelsea includes craft activities and face painting for kids, along with appearances by the Easter bunny, and stalls selling seasonal goodies including chocolate and hot cross buns. 12pm-4pm

2026 BOAT RACES: The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Races take place this afternoon. They'll be broadcast on TV as usual, but if you're keen to see them in person, get down to the riverside between Putney and Mortlane early to grab your spot by the river, preferably a pub garden. FREE to watch, women's race 2.21pm, men's race 3.21pm

AWFUL CHILDREN: French-not-really-French comedian Marcel Lucont is at the Questors Theatre in Ealing, to host Les Enfants Terribles - A Gameshow For Awful Children. As its name suggests, the presenter puts kids through their paces to discover who is truly the most terrible enfant of the lot. Adults will enjoy this as much as the young 'uns. 2.30pm-3.30pm

100 YEARS OF CINEMA: The Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Fernando Furones, performs a programme of film scores inspired by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, including music from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,Cinema Paradiso and Star Wars, at Barbican. 4pm. The orchestra offers another show later this evening, teaming up with DJ Symphonic to blend pop with a symphonic flair. 7.30pm

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT: All-female choir The L’Inviti Singers, directed by David Guest, perform Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater alongside Vivaldi’s Gloria in a candlelit concert at St Mary le Strand. 6.30pm/8.30pm

SCARED TO DANCE: Members of the band Mary in the Junkyard are the guest DJs at Scared to Dance club night at The George Tavern in Shadwell, joining resident Paul Richards. Expect a playlist of post-punk, indiepop, new wave and art-rock music. 11pm

Today's events: Easter Sunday 5 April

Spend Easter Sunday with Myra Dubois. Photo: Ben Ephgrave

ROMAN LONDON WALK: Join a qualified City of London Guide to explore traces of Roman Londinium beneath the modern streets — from the site of a Roman bathhouse turned garden to a Mithras temple revealed after the Second World War, and sections of the original Roman wall. Walks meet at the City Information Centre near St Paul's. 11am-1pm

MYRA DUBOIS: Self-styled 'Siren of South Yorkshire' Myra DuBois throws a party at the Clapham Grand, with an unorthodox Easter Sunday of songs, stand-up and brutal audience reads. Myra is joined by Frank Lavender, Rose Lavender and the Myrettes. 6pm-10pm

MOVIES TO MUSICALS: Live performance Movies to Musicals makes its London debut at Cadogan Hall, featuring Dom Simpson, Jenna Innes and Jacob Fowler alongside an ensemble and live orchestra, performing songs from Chicago, Wicked, Heathers, Dear Evan Hansen, A Chorus Line and Back To The Future. 6.30pm

KYAN QUARTET: This week's Sunday concert at Conway Hall stars the Kyan Quartet, an international group of musicians who have performed together across Europe and Asia. Works by Mozart, Bartók, Berg and Haydn are on tonight's programme. 6.30pm-8.30pm

BOLLYWOOD BRATPACK: Vocalist Chirag Rao leads The Bollywood Bratpack in a blend of classic jazz standards with Bollywood hits. The set reimagines songs associated with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack alongside Bollywood numbers from Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and others, accompanied by a live band. See it at the Leicester Square Theatre. 7pm

BLACK COMEDY UK: Richard Blackwood, Lateef Lovejoy, Nadz and Jay Handley feature on the bill, with Christopher Savage as host, at an evening of laughs at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green, produced by Black Comedy UK and aimed at fans of observational and satirical stand-up. 7.30pm

POSTMORTEM: Top Slayer tribute Postmortem are at the Cart & Horses in Maryland tonight, with a special show celebrating 40 years of the Reign in Blood album. Pirate-thrashers Cutlass and prog-metallers Kardinal X bring the support. 8pm

"I was acting at the Old Red Lion, playing Mercutio, while privately dealing with the fact I didn't always know where I'd be sleeping." Image: Luis Morera via Unsplash

I live in Surrey Quays, in a part of London where new developments sit next to stretches of water and bits of unexpected green space. I walk along the Thames most days. It's a quiet life compared to the one I was living a few years ago.

In my early 20s, London wasn't somewhere I lived so much as somewhere I was trying to stay afloat.

I came into the industry the way a lot of young actors do — full of training, not much money, and assuming things would somehow work themselves out. I'd been to drama school on a full scholarship, but during that time I experienced a serious mental health crisis. When I tried to raise it with the principal, he sat playing solitaire while I talked. That probably tells you everything about how prepared I was for what came next.

Not long after graduating, I came out to my family. The fallout from that was one of several things that pushed my life into a very unstable place. Over time, that instability turned into homelessness.

For about three years I existed in fragments across London. Nights with friends when I could. Ealing. East London. Wherever someone had a sofa. When that fell through, I had to improvise.

I didn't even have a proper phone contract at one point. I kept notes of wi-fi passwords so I could stand outside buildings later and get online. Survival became very logistical. Where can you sit without being moved on? Where can you stay warm? Where can you exist without being noticed?

Denholm Spurr: "For about three years I existed in fragments across London."

"I was playing Mercutio, while privately dealing with the fact I didn't know where I'd be sleeping"

One of the places that became part of that routine was Sweatbox, the gay sauna just off Oxford Circus. There was also another one I sometimes used in Vauxhall. They were places you could be indoors through the night if you needed to be. Not comfortable, not restful, but possible. There were hard plastic sofas where people would drift in and out of sleep. Music playing constantly. Lights never fully off. If you managed to get a cubicle you might get a couple of hours before someone knocked to clean it.

I used to think about the geography of it. You could walk out and within seconds be among the polished shop windows around Liberty. Then a few steps back and you were somewhere people were quietly trying to get through the night. London contains those contradictions everywhere.

Being a young gay man also meant I understood quite quickly that I could sometimes leverage how I was perceived in certain spaces. It wasn't something I felt proud of. It was something I understood as part of how I was surviving at the time.

Meanwhile, I was still trying to build a career. I was acting at the Old Red Lion, playing Mercutio, while privately dealing with the fact I didn't always know where I'd be sleeping. At one point, I was staying overnight in my agent's office between work commitments. Like most early career actors, the pay from profit share theatre barely covered anything — probably about £50 a week once you worked it out. But the work itself mattered.

"One of the places that became part of that routine was Sweatbox, the gay sauna just off Oxford Circus. There was also another one I sometimes used in Vauxhall." Image: andrej via creative commons

"I remember closing the door and realising nobody could ask me to leave that night"

I was also directing and producing on the fringe circuit, including a production at the Drayton Arms, without most people around me knowing how precarious things were outside of rehearsal hours.

Independent theatre in London gave me something solid to hold onto during that time. Not financially — certainly not that — but psychologically. It gave structure to weeks that might otherwise have dissolved into chaos. It meant there were still expectations of me, still reasons to show up, still a sense that I had a place somewhere.

Everything began to shift in 2015 when I was finally offered a room in a homeless hostel. I remember closing the door and sitting on the bed and realising nobody could ask me to leave that night. That feeling is difficult to describe unless you've lived without it.

From there things started to move forward. My first proper Equity contract came through Cardboard Citizens, the theatre company that works with people who have experienced homelessness. Later I appeared in the 50th anniversary staging of Cathy Come Home at the Barbican. For the first time, it felt like I was building something rather than constantly recovering ground.

These days I'm Executive Producer of OffWestEnd, the organisation behind the Offies, which recognise London's independent theatre sector. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the awards, with a ceremony on 30 March at Central Hall Westminster. Over the years they've highlighted work like Baby Reindeer, Fleabag and Operation Mincemeat before those shows found wider recognition.

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"The industry still has huge access problems. Only 7% of the workforce comes from working class backgrounds"

My relationship with OffWestEnd actually goes back to those earlier years, when they were one of the few organisations willing to trust me professionally despite how unstable my circumstances probably looked from the outside.

The industry still has huge access problems. Only around 7% of the workforce comes from working class backgrounds. I know what it means to try to build a career here without financial backup or family safety nets.

I don't talk about my experiences because I think they're unusual. Sadly, they're not. I talk about them because this industry depends on people being able to imagine a future for themselves inside it. If my story does anything, I hope it makes that future feel slightly more possible for someone else.

London looks very different to me now. It's the place where I built a career rather than the place where I was trying to quietly survive. But I don't think those earlier years ever completely leave you. In some ways, I wouldn't want them to.

They're part of how I understand what this city gives people — and what it still makes people fight to hold onto.

The 2026 Offies take place on 30 March 2026 at Central Hall, Westminster, hosted by drag sensation Divina De Campo. The event will also be live streamed.

The London Marathon has been going for over 40 years. Photo: Julian Mason via creative commons

When is the London Marathon 2026?

Sunday 26 April is the date of this year's London Marathon.

What time does the London Marathon start?

2026 timings are yet to be confirmed, but the mass participation race normally sets off from around 9.30am, with Elite and Wheelchair races departing at staggered times from 8.30am.

What's the 2026 London Marathon route?

Greenwich and Blackheath is the starting point, with runners assigned one of three start lines. They all merge by the three-mile marker, following a route from Woolwich back towards Greenwich town centre (hello, Cutty Sark), through Rotherhithe and Bermondsey and across Tower Bridge, at which point you're almost halfway there.

From here it's back east towards Limehouse, a big circuit around Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, before doubling back through Shadwell to Tower Gateway. The route then stays close to the Thames all the way down to Westminster Bridge, where it turns onto Great George Street, continues onto Birdcage Walk, and sweeps round in front of Buckingham Palace for the iconic finish line on The Mall.

Landmarks to look out for on the London Marathon route

Tower Bridge is an iconic part of the London Marathon route. Photo: DanHuddleston via creative commons

Running the route and need something to keep you going? Or watching on TV and need to orientate yourself? The London Marathon route passes several iconic landmarks, including:

• Mile 6: Cutty Sark
• Mile 12: Tower Bridge
• Mile 18: Canary Wharf skyscrapers
• Mile 22: Tower of London
• Mile 25: London Eye (on opposite embankment)
• Mile 25: Big Ben
• Mile 26: Buckingham Palace

Where's the best place to watch the London Marathon 2026?

Image: iStock/IR_Stone

Depends what you're after. Some points along the route — Greenwich around the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and of course, near the finish line around St James's and Westminster — get VERY busy, with crowds cheering on friends and strangers. If you want to soak up the atmosphere and are willing to stand for several hours, fill your boots.

Otherwise, head for somewhere quieter. From our experience, miles 9-12 around Rotherhithe and Bermondsey tend to have smaller crowds, as do miles 14-21, east of Limehouse and around Canary Wharf.

There are five accessible viewing areas along the route for spectators with disabilities, at Cutty Sark (What3words location: ///honey.rift.chops), Canary Wharf (///issues.towns.packet ), Butcher Row (///models.seated.courie), Tower Hill (///papers.bonds.fault) and Victoria Embankment (///ties.slug.gets)

Then of course, there's the easiest option...

How to watch the London Marathon on TV

The London Marathon will be shown live on the BBC as usual. The commentary usually begins around 8am on the day on BBC One, hopping over to BBC Two from around 2pm, and all live-streamed on iPlayer. We'll update when we have 2025 details.

Road closures for the London Marathon 2026

Photo: Julian Mason via creative commons

The Marathon only takes place on one day, but it's such a colossal event that some road closures (and parking restrictions) start a day or two prior, and continue into the following Monday.

Any road on the route will be closed on the day, which means some bus services will be on diversion — check the TfL website for details. It's a rolling road closure situation, with the first parts of the course expected to start reopening by about 1pm, once the final runners have cleared the area, though the latter parts of the course aren't expected to reopen until late Sunday evening. If you live along the route, you're advised to move your car by the Saturday night, or risk being towed.

Full information about road closures is available on the London Marathon website.

Phew, that's a relief! Photo: Stephen Craven

How many people are taking part in the London Marathon this year?

56,000 crossed the finish line of the 2025 London Marathon, making it the largest marathon held anywhere in history. Exact participant numbers for 2026 haven't been announced, but about 1.1 million people entered the ballot for a place.

Any celebrities running the London Marathon this year?

Perhaps the most famous person name taking part in the 2026 London Marathon is Daddy Pig, of Peppa Pig fame. As well as running the route in an upcoming episode of the children's cartoon (airing from 18 April), Daddy Pig will be taking part in real-life, raising money for the National Deaf Children's Society (sponsor him here), with families able to track his progress on the day on the London Marathon app, and a Peppa Pig Fan Zone opening along the route on the day.

Beyond that, (human) celebrities taking part in this year's London Marathon include BBC presenter Jo Whiley, Eastenders actor Adam Woodyatt (who also took part last year), musician Alexandra Burke (who also took part last year), and radio host Jenni Falconer.

Costumes and record attempts in the London Marathon 2026

Dan Byam Shaw runs the 2026 London Marathon dressed as a Felix Project van

Every year, we hear incredible stories of people running the 26.2 miles in wild costumes, or attempting to break records as they go. Last year there were  87 Guinness World Record attempts, by 103 participants, including a team aiming to run the fastest marathon in a four-person costume. 2026 costumes and record attempts include:

• Archie Hunt from Hampstead attempting the fastest marathon dressed as a book character (male), running as Captain Underpants in support of Evelina London Children’s Charity.
• Jonathan Acott from west London attempting the fastest marathon wearing armour, running to support his own cancer charity, The Gift of Go.
• Megan Sullivan from Canary Wharf attempting the fastest marathon with a hip replacement, following hers in 2024.
• Londoner Dan Byam Shaw is raising money for food surplus charity The Felix Project, running dressed as one of their vans to attempt the record for fastest marathon dressed as a road vehicle (male).

Are there places left for the 2026 London Marathon?

Photo: Miguel A Amutio via Unsplash

You'll struggle to find a place to run at this late stage, though you might get lucky with a charity spot. Contact charities individually for details.

How to enter the next London Marathon

Inspired by the top-notch running in this year's London Marathon, and fancy having a crack yourself? The ballot for the 2026 London Marathon opened a couple of days before the 2025 event took place, and remained open for a week. We'd anticipate the ballot for the 2027 London Marathon opening around 23 April 2026, but we'll update this page when we have more details.

If you're not successful, certain charities have places available each year. These are highly coveted, and you'll likely need to commit to a minimum fundraising amount.

Everyone knows that the previous London Bridge ended up in America. But what happened to the old Waterloo Bridge?

John Rennie's Waterloo Bridge

Waterloo Bridge as we know it is not the original. The one we cross today was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. It was built during the Second World War, largely by women.

Scott's bridge replaced an early 19th century version by John Rennie (the same architect whose London Bridge now stands in Arizona), a bridge of Scottish granite with multiple arches. Its demolition in the 1930s freed up hundreds of thousands of tons of stone. But where did it all go?

Much of the stone was recycled for use in building projects elsewhere, but even the bridge's ornamental elements were recycled. The balusters — those upright stone barriers that look like chess pieces — were particularly sought-after. Anyone could turn up at the construction site and take one home for £1, with the money going to London County Council. As the supply dwindled, stone merchants would sell on their relics for up to £10.

Workers remove balusters from Old Waterloo Bridge. Image (c) DC Thompson. Image created courtesy of The British Library Board.

Hundreds of balusters were recirculated in this way. They no doubt still survive in obscurity, hidden in private gardens, supporting birdbaths and sundials. We've recorded every example we know about in the text and map below.

The rest of the article will break down the bridge's afterlife into geographic areas.

Surviving remnants under Waterloo Bridge

As with Old London Bridge, some of the material from Rennie's original was left in place to help form the foundations and approach roads for the modern span. One section can still be seen on the north bank, directly under the carriageway. Here, a row of recycled granite blocks and balusters form part of the Embankment wall. The structure gives a small flavour of how the 19th century bridge might have appeared.

Part of the old bridge (under arch), and balustrades that may also date from that structure. Image: Matt Brown

Parts of Old Waterloo Bridge that remain elsewhere in London

The greatest portion of the old bridge was stored out in Harmondsworth Moor (now in the London Borough of Hillingdon). Much of this stockpile finally found a use in 1945, when it was shipped over to the Netherlands to help repair bridges destroyed by the Nazis (locations to be determined).

Many of the blocks still remain on the moor, dotted around here and there. One block has been turned into a war memorial, marking the site where a Canadian bomber crashed in 1943 with the loss of all seven crew.

Nearby, a ring of granite blocks from the old bridge have been turned into a sort of henge, known as the Giant's Teeth. It's a fascinating area to wander round. As well as the bridge relics, look out also for the medieval barn and the memorial to Barnes Wallis of bouncing bomb fame.

The ring of stones known as the Giant's Teeth.

Here, too, you might see this possible mooring stone from the bridge. Its curved shape and weathered base are certainly suggestive of this use. This inclusion (and photograph) were sent by Keith Martin.

The moor once contained many further blocks from the bridge. According to Harlington and Harmondsworth - History & Guide, by Philip Sherwood, "Some of the stones were used by an enterprising company set up nearby to make fireplaces, but most of those that remained were crushed to provide aggregate for the construction of the M25 motorway in the mid 1980s." We're indebted to reader Hylton Garriock for the information.

Another key location is St Mary Cray, now in the London Borough of Bromley. Here, the leftover stone was used to construct a cemetery wall along Star Lane. It looks like many tons of material ended up here. A press cutting can be found here.

The cemetery wall at St Mary Cray was built from smashed up blocks of Waterloo Bridge. Via Google Street View.

A few balusters can be seen in public spaces. We photographed the one below in Antrim Park (in Belsize Park), where it shares a lawn with a fragment of the old House of Commons.

A fragment of Old Waterloo Bridge in Antrim Park, Belsize Park.

Bill Rowland of Putney Heath has another baluster in his garden, complete with sundial, and a plaque confirming its origin as a parapet of Old Waterloo Bridge. He acquired the baluster about 15 years ago from the previous owner, also in Putney.

Meanwhile, Jon Rowles notes this memorial stone in Heathfield Recreation Ground in Whitton (part of the London Borough of Richmond). The stone was placed here in 1937 to mark the coronation of George VI.

Perhaps the most unusual form of afterlife belongs to this stone, which travelled to Wanstead. It supports the metallic, fat-necked noggin of Winston Churchill.

The stone beneath Churchill is from Old Waterloo Bridge.

Finally, if you visit the Institution of Civil Engineers in Westminster, you might be shown the keystone to Rennie's bridge smartening up a wall recess.

The keystone in the Institution of Civil Engineers. Image: Matt Brown

Old Waterloo Bridge elsewhere in the UK

Pieces of the bridge have turned up in other parts of the Kingdom.

Tim Childs discovered one of the balusters lurking in the gardens of Alfriston Clergy House near Seaford. The stone support is now used for a sundial.

Image by Tim Childs.

Another baluster was sent to Aberdeen Town Hall, as a thank you for supplying all that granite in the first place. At least one baluster can also be found at Chilstone in Tunbridge Wells. And reader Charli Lawson tells us of another, turned into a bird bath, at their home in Bournemouth (originally in Poole).

Image courtesy of Charli Lawson

Various places received wood panelling made from the bridge's elm foundations. The old post office and telephone exchange in King's Lynn, for example, has an interior that makes good use of the wood.

Perhaps the most impressive wooden salvage can be seen in Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge. Reader Susan Griffith sends a snap of this notice, which suggests that the mansion's book cases are crafted from rescued timbers.

Old Waterloo Bridge all around the world

After the break-up of the bridge from 1934, numerous remnants were sent overseas, "presented to various parts of the British world to further historic links in the British Commonwealth of Nations".

According to the Aberdeen Press and Journal (22 Aug 1934), "Orders for balusters and other stonework have already been received from the United States, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as from many parts of Great Britain".

A less buoyant analysis was given by Dundee Evening Telegraph a year later. "Canada didn't want any. New Zealand was willing to have one block of granite, and Australia took a few more. Two lamp standards have gone to Rhodesia [modern Zimbabwe], and Limbe Town Council, Nyasaland [modern day Malawi], asked for two balusters."

(Incidentally, the lamps in Nyasaland, now Malawi, are thought to have been destroyed during demolition of the old council building many years ago. Thanks to reader Rob Burrett for the tip.)

Africa

Waterloo Bridge in Kenya

Reader Ian Kinghorn thinks he might have found another piece of the bridge that was sent out to a Commonwealth country. According to Ian, "I was born and brought up in Nakuru, Kenya during the 1950s when it was a British colony and have always been intrigued by an ornate lamp standard placed on a central reservation on Club Road, Nakuru - see photograph below. The rumours during the 1950 & 60s was that this ornate light had come from the old Waterloo Bridge that was demolished in 1934." It's unconfirmed, then, but this lamp standard may well be a piece of the bridge.

Waterloo Bridge in Zimbabwe

Further lamps seem to have made their way to Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Rob Burrett alerts us to a pair at the entrance to Centenary Park in Bulawayo (left and bottom image below). "Previous to their relocation in 1975, the pair of standards were at the nearby entrance to the Bulawayo Bowling Club," he tells us.

Images courtesy of Rob Burrett

Rob has also identified two other lamps in Harare. "Two lamps standards were located outside the old Queen Victoria Museum," he explains. They followed the museum to its relocated home, now the Museum of Human Sciences. "One standard can be seen in the museum and another broken fragment is outside the back. Both are unlabelled and forgotten. Lots of people have resisted my ID but [an] old magazine article (pictured above) confirms this".

Rob has also found a solitary stone from the old bridge, this time in Gweru (formerly Gwelo) in central Zimbabwe. The stone can be found under the entrance archway of the old council offices.

Images courtesy of Rob Burrett

Americas

Waterloo Bridge in Mexico

Anthony Cazares got in touch in July 2022 with our first recorded bit of bridge in the Americas. The baluster has sat in the garden of Las Mañanitas hotel in Cuernavaca (south of Mexico City) since at least 1955. How it came to be there is something of a mystery.

A piece of Old Waterloo Bridge in Mexico! Images courtesy of Anthony Cazares

Europe

Waterloo Bridge in France

Reader Patrick found some balusters in a literary source. He tells us: "Dornford Yates wrote 'the House that Berry Built', a lightly fictionalised account of the building of his own house (Cockade) by himself and his wife in the Pyrenees. In Chapter 10, Yates writes: “And one other thing  I had done – at great expense. Waterloo Bridge was gone: but I had purchased six of its balusters. These had been kept for me in a builder’s yard….I arranged for them to travel by sea to Bordeaux and from there by train to Nareth – that they might end their days in an English garden deep in the Pyrenees. Good and faithful servants for one hundred and twenty years they were to be pensioned off – and given a terrace to keep: the clouds would wait upon them and wash them clean, they would sleek themselves in a sunshine that they had never known, and lizards would lie along their pedestals and mould themselves to their curves. ‘End their days.’ I should have said ‘See out Time’. Age cannot wither the stuff of which Waterloo was built.”

The balusters were apparently still there 25 years ago.

Oceania

Waterloo Bridge in Australia

Some support for the origins of the Kenyan lamppost (above) comes from far-away Adelaide, whose bona fide Waterloo lamp has a similar design. Reader Mark Lawrence sends us the following photographs of the lamp, gifted to the Australian city in 1936.

Meanwhile, a couple of stones are hidden underneath the Commonwealth Avenue bridge in Canberra. Their romantic situation can be seen on Street View. There's something of the sacrificial alter about this scene.

Waterloo Bridge in New Zealand

The Kiwis also received several pieces. Some stones were put to use in a memorial to 'Paddy the Wanderer', a much-loved dog who lived in Wellington in the 1930s. It provides a pair of water bowls for four-legged Wellingtonians to this day.

Memorial to Paddy the Wanderer, in Wellington, New Zealand. Image by Kiwichris under Creative Commons licence.

Reader Mike Wicksteed sends news of another fragment in New Zealand. Head up Mount Victoria in Wellington, and you may chance across this viewing platform. The granite wall is a relic of the old bridge.

Image by Mike Wicksteed.

Yet more pieces in New Zealand have been brought to our attention by Austin Gee. He highlights a memorial to former Prime Minister Gordon Coates at Brynderwyn, north of Auckland, which uses stones from a bridge pier, and the pedestal of a sundial in Oriental Bay, Wellington.

And the rest

Various other fragments have survived here and there, but with no definite location. These include numerous products made from the wood salvaged from the bridge's piles (which apparently had a unique silver-grey sheen from exposure to the Thames).

Tom Edmondson has this elm bowl, crafted from material salvaged from the span, as attested by a plaque on its base.

Bill Housdon has another wooden fragment from the bridge's foundations. This time, it's in the shape of a tobacco jar. The attached plaque reads: "Made from silver Grey Elm, taken from the foundations of the famous bridge".

An intriguing newspaper article from the Sault Star of 1966 suggests another unusual use for the Canadian rock elm used in the original bridge's piles. Apparently, a small chunk was used to create the base of a trophy awarded annually by the Evening Standard to the winner of a Thames boat race. The same article suggests that some of the wood was used for the annexe doors to Westminster Abbey, erected for the Coronation of Elizabeth II. It was also used for panelling in the Queen's private day saloon, as well as coaches in the Royal Train.

Not all the stone from the bridge could be reused structurally. The supposed granite mass turned out to be partly sandstone underneath. Much was broken down and sold on as rubble or, as shown in the advert below, 'crazy paving' materials.

Middlesex Chronicle, 15 April 1939. Image © Trinity Mirror. Image created courtesy of The British Library Board.

The rest, according to one press account, "Will be made into kerbs and gravestones". Who know, perhaps your own street or driveway is paved with the relics of Old Waterloo Bridge.

Spotted a piece of Old Waterloo Bridge? Do leave a comment below, or email matt@londonist.com with details.

It's the Glastonbury Festival of the horticultural world. Image: RHS

What is the Chelsea Flower Show exactly?

The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Chelsea Flower Show is a five-day-long annual spectacular of flowers, plants and show gardens, hosted in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

For visitors, it's one of the places to see cutting-edge garden design, discover new plants and trends, and take home a wheelbarrow of flowers/tools/inspiration. For exhibitors, it's the chance to show off their concepts/green fingers, and maybe scoop a coveted award or two.

TL;DR: Think of it as the Glastonbury Festival of the horticultural world. Or, if that comparison's not working for you, a really upmarket garden centre where you've got a decent chance of running into Monty Don.

Expect to see gardening royalty like Carol Klein (and maybe actual royalty too). Image: RHS

When is the Chelsea Flower Show?

It runs from Tuesday 19-Saturday 23 May 2026, although the first two days are reserved for paying members of the RHS. From 21-23 May the hoi polloi can get get their gardening mitts on tickets.

How much are tickets?

The cheapest day tickets for non-members (and we used 'cheap' in the loosest sense here) are currently £56 — and you'll want to grab them soon, because they will sell out.

Free alternatives are taking place nearby. Image: Chelsea in Bloom

That's too spendy for me

Fair. Well, the BBC offers comprehensive coverage of the show on TV, and there are plenty of other RHS shows with a smaller price tag you can go to instead (usually including one in Hampton Court in July, though that's taking a break in 2026). Then there's Chelsea in Bloom, a free flower festival, taking place 18-24 May 2026, which sees around 100 shops in this part of west London transformed with eye-opening floral displays. This year's theme is 'Out of this World'. Belgravia in Bloom (18-24 May 2026) is a similar event taking place at the same time, one neighbourhood over, with a 'Fairy Tale in Belgravia' theme this year. It's also free.

What are the highlights of the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show?

Tokonoma Garden - Sanumaya no Niwa, one of 2026's gardens.

Chelsea is best known for its display of pocket gardens, specially constructed for the event. These include a selection of show gardens, plus a smattering of balcony gardens, sanctuary gardens and others. Here are a few that've caught our eye for 2026:

• Tate Britain Garden: An 'evocation' of the upcoming Clore Garden, which opens outside Tate Britain in 2027, Tom Stuart-Smith's Tate Britain Garden is inspired by East Asian woodlands and resilient, drought-tolerant species, and has a path made from stone reclaimed from the gallery's existing garden. A sculpture by a 'leading British artist' will also be installed.
• Whittard of Chelsea Garden: Inspired by the sound of tea being poured, Whittard's garden celebrates 140 years in business, with water flowing through a network of copper pipes, alongside camellia sinensis tea plants and colourful bursts of the iconic Saxifraga, aka London Pride.

Bat Conservation Trust's Nocturnal Garden is designed with the winged mammals in mind.

• Tokonoma Garden - Sanumaya no Niwa: Is anyone not a sucker for a Japanese garden? 'Harmony and connection' is the theme of designer Kazuyuki Ishihara's 2026 effort, a tranquil landscape of green moss, purple irises and russet acers, overlooked by a 'tokonoma', a form of raised alcove.
• Asthma and Lung UK Breathing Space Garden: With fresh air a constant concern for Londoners, this woodland-edge garden provides a supportive 'breathing space' (in all senses of the meaning) for those with lung conditions, thanks to accessible paths, resting points and a mixture of antioxidant plants, including two structural pines.
• Bat Conservation Trust's Nocturnal Garden: There are 18 resident British bat species, and all will surely appreciate Melanie Hick's garden, planted up with hedgerows, acers and other plants that attract the insects which bats love to eat. The centrepiece is a bat-like sculpture by UK artist Tach Pollard. It'll be interesting to see if any bats are drawn to this spot.

There's also a wealth of other exhibitors at the Chelsea Flower Show — from plant nurseries, to sculpture makers, to greenhouse specialists. Check out the full list here.

Do I need a garden to enjoy the show?

We won't lie, you'll probably feel more invested in the Chelsea Flower Show if you have a garden of your own. However! It is a day out in its own right, where you get to admire a host of exclusive gardens in one place. Plus the gardening community these days isn't all land-owning, secateur-wielding know-it-alls. There's also stuff aimed at people with limited space, for example, bonsai trees, cacti and container plants.

Topiary elephants at the show in 2014. Image: Eva Rahman Nishi in Creative Commons

What's the history of Chelsea Flower Show?

Its historical roots run deep. Before moving to Chelsea in 1912, the show was initially called The Great Spring Show, and was first held in Kensington in 1862. Before THAT, it was hosted from 1833 in the RHS's garden in Chiswick. Between 1888 and 1912, it was the Temple Flower Show, located in Temple Gardens, off Fleet Street. So yeah, it's been around.

Which celebs will be at the Chelsea Flower Show?

You're bound to run into a green-fingered celeb or two. You'll probably spot the common-or-garden Gardeners' World presenter (Monty Don, Frances Tophill, Carol Klein, etc). But many other famous faces flock here — in recent years, the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Mary Berry, David Beckham and Nick Grimshaw have shown up. It's also a hotspot for royalty, with King Charles and Queen Camilla likely to call in.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show, 19-23 May 2026

This feature first appeared in March 2025 on Londonist: Time Machine, our much-praised history newsletter. To be the first to read new history features like this, sign up for free here.

Image: Matt Brown

Have you ever leaped out of a car at 4am to prostrate yourself over a manhole cover?

I have.

Back in 2013, I participated in a five-hour nocturnal motor race around the Square Mile. My team was competing against dozens of other treasure hunters, many of whom were in vintage cars. The clues had us peering into bushes, examining street furniture and photographing statues, before driving off towards the next clue. Imagine Wacky Races, by moonlight, among the churches and skyscrapers of the City of London.

This wasn’t a one-off event. Motorised treasures hunts have enlivened London’s nights for over 100 years. They’ve even had royal patronage. And yet very few Londoners are aware of this curious, long-running tradition.

Let’s crank the time machine back to 1924 to see how it all began…

Bright Young Things

Neil Maclean, the Labour MP for Glasgow Govan, rose to his feet with resolution, and peered across the House of Commons. He had three questions for the Home Secretary:

1. Had his attention been drawn to the actions of certain people who have been organising freak treasure hunts in London?
2. Whether any of those people had been arrested for violation of police regulations during any of those hunts?
3. Whether the Home Secretary intended to ask the recently appointed Commissioner of Lunacy to enquire into this midnight exhibition of smart-set imbecility?

Maclean was venting about the latest London craze. Every weekend, the streets of the capital would screech to the sound of men and women scorching through the West End in motor cars.

The activity is described in detail in the syndicated press:

“'Treasure hunting' describes the game exactly. A large sum of money, sometimes a thousand pounds, is raised by the players and hidden away, somewhere in London. At two o'clock in the morning all the players meet near Hyde Park in their fastest motor cars. They are directed to a certain spot, where they will find their first clue to the treasure. If they follow directions they will find another clue, and another, until the fiftieth clue leads to the treasure cache — probably an old tin can, under some back porch. It takes plenty of ingenuity to follow directions, as they are cryptically worded, and often misleading. But the principal factor in the game is speed.”

The answer to Maclean’s second question — had anyone been arrested — was “Yes”. No lesser personage than Miss Lois Sturt, sister of Lord Alington, had been collared by police following one of the first treasure hunts (this one during daylight hours). The wealthy socialite was spotted speeding around the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park at an estimated 51mph.

Socialite and dangerous driver Lois Sturt, painted in 1920 by Ambrose McEvoy. Image: Public domain

Sturt was followed by the police and arrested at the finish line (having come-in third). A fine of £6 and £3 3s ensued, and her licence was suspended for three months.

Women seem to have played a leading role in these motorised treasure hunts. Sturt was one of the initiators, and it was her arrest that first brought the races to wider attention in May of 1924. Another race a few weeks later was planned by actress Viola Tree (daughter of Herbert Beerbohm Tree).

A typical clue is provided in one of the news accounts. It read simply “October 21st, 1805”. To any educated English man or woman at the time, this would suggest the Battle of Trafalgar. That, in turn, would yield an obvious location for the next clue — Nelson’s Column. “And presently the historic monument is surrounded by scrambling, screaming men and women in full evening dress”.

That last bit is key. Only the rich could afford the vehicles, and only the young had the idle time and energy necessary to enjoy an all-night treasure hunt. Consequently, these were glamorous affairs. The participants included film stars, socialites and nobility. They called themselves the Society of Bright Young People, more famously known as the “Bright Young Things”.

Wealthy, posh gads-about-town, the Bright Young Things included the Mitfords, the Plunket-Greenes and Evelyn Waugh (who would later satirise the scene in his novel Vile Bodies). They were known for their bohemian lifestyles, fancy-dress parties and a taste for high-jinx escapades.

The BYT’s could be an obnoxious bunch. One of their games was called “Beaver”. The rules were simple: you had to walk along the street, and compete with a friend to shout “Beaver” whenever a man with a beard came into view. The childish pastime led to the near-extinction of beards in London. No gentleman could risk the shame of being “beavered” while going about his business.

The fad for nocturnal treasure hunts was similarly irksome to the wider population. As the weeks went on, the game evolved to become ever more daring. One clue was somehow chalked onto the back of a policeman’s overcoat, without his knowledge. “The perplexity and indignation of the worthy constable were infinitely amusing as car after car drove up and the titled occupants peered cautiously at his back and drove madly away.” Another clue was hidden inside an undertakers. The proprietor was obliged to answer the door with every ring of the night bell, only to find some hooray-Henry seeking his next riddle. Another sinister instalment had contestants racing to the site of a plague pit, to retrieve a clue from a model of a dead baby.

The most bizarre report I’ve found involved a clue that was concealed on a second-storey bedroom window. An elderly gentleman, asleep behind that window, was woken by a scratching noise on the glass. He threw back the curtains and was shocked to see the face of Lady Eleanor Smith, daughter of Lord Birkenhead. She’d reached the second floor by mounting the shoulders of a young gentleman who, in turn, was standing on the roof of a limousine. It must have looked like an over-entitled version of the Musicians of Bremen.

Socialite and accidental peeping tom, Lady Eleanor Smith, photographed in 1920. Image: Public domain

If the scene actually happened, of course. These press accounts contain a suspicious amount of detail, but don’t say how it was obtained. Apparently, Lady Eleanor was able to persuade the confused householder to hand her the clue. After reading its content she supposedly told him: "Put the paper back, like a good boy, and go right back to sleep."

“With an Englishman's instinctive respect for nobility the old gentleman did as he was told, and stood there in a bewildered trance as more and more limousines backed up and the high life of London, people whose pictures he had seen in the papers every day, swarmed up his wall. It was not surprising that when he tried to tell his good wife what had happened to him during the night, she hid his clothes and kept him on a milk diet for two weeks, convinced that he had been delirious.”

Some of these antics are surely exaggerated, or even made up, but they nevertheless stirred the Dull Old Things of the Establishment into action. The Press, too, grew increasingly critical of the treasure hunts. The Manchester Guardian opined “that those who have to use the London streets at night should be imperilled by the furious driving of a fleet of treasure hunters is preposterous”. The Times called it a “vulgar nuisance”. The Evening Standard: “bad form and silly”.

Not all of the Establishment were against the jollity, however. In September 1924, the craze reached its apogee when the Prince of Wales himself took part. The future Edward VIII was invited to select the starting point, and he chose Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair. His august presence brought out many a celebrity racer, including the noted actresses Tallulah Bankhead and Gladys Cooper. By all accounts (which, again, may be embellished), the Prince got into the spirit of things. One description had him leading a party through Seven Dials on hands and knees, in search of a chalked clue.

The fad ran out of steam as the summer wore on, and the Bright Young Things retired to the coast, or to overseas resorts (a few of which then had treasure hunts of their own). The speeding conviction of Lois Sturt also put a dampener on things. By the time the season rolled around again in 1925, the in-crowd had moved on to pastures new. Nocturnal treasure hunts were passé, and left to less-glamourous copycats.

An earlier craze

The 1924 treasure hunts represented a unique phenomenon, which saw Britain’s toffs speeding around London in cars by the light of the moon. But the capital had been troubled before by a different class of errant puzzler.

"The treasure-hunter is becoming a serious nuisance," scowled The Times in 1904. London was witnessing a wave of petty vandalism. Roads were dug up, trees were damaged and walls demolished in a frenzied hunt for concealed lucre.

The craze was started by the Weekly Dispatch, which secretly buried dozens of treasure medallions around the country. By solving clues printed in the paper, the public could hunt down the tokens and claim a prize. 20 such deposits were buried in London alone, each worth £50 to the discoverer (perhaps £5,000 today).

The promise of instant wealth caused chaos. Westbourne Terrace was inundated with shovelers, while Blomfield Road in Maida Vale attracted hundreds of gold diggers. Tree roots were damaged on Wimbledon Hill. The very first clue had indicated a treasure "near a place where people go against their will", prompting frantic scrabbling around the borders of Pentonville Prison.

A giant question mark in the Square Mile. This had nothing to do with treasure hunts, but it sort of fits the mood. Image: Matt Brown

Unlike the 1924 craze, this earlier treasure hunt attracted many working class people, keen to turn their fortunes around with the flick of a trowel. But many professionals took part, too. Architect Arthur Stuart was arrested for causing a nuisance in Claremont Street, Clerkenwell. The judge summed up: "You are an educated man. Does it not seem to you to be a very foolish thing that a man in his senses should be scraping around the roadway with a corkscrew? It seems to me to be the act of a lunatic. Go away. You are discharged."

The notion of the mass treasure hunt has never been entirely discharged. The 1904 and 1924 crazes would be followed by many smaller-scale hunts. The next ‘biggy’ was Kit Williams’s ‘Masquerade’ puzzle which, in 1979, set tens of thousands of people hunting for a golden hare. In more recent times, the geocaching concept has created a democratic, permanent treasure hunt across the whole world.

But there’s one more treasure hunt — and it is another motorised, nocturnal treasure hunt — that began a generation after the Bright Young Things, and which would continue every year until very recently. Hardly anybody knew about its existence.

The Miglia Quadrato

11pm on a balmy spring evening in 2013. The pubs are kicking out around Liverpool Street Station. The largest gathering, however, is in Finsbury Square. Here, a ragtag bunch of motorists, many huddled around vintage cars, await the start of the 53rd annual Miglia Quadrato (Italian for Square mile).

The event was first held as far back as 1957, in response to the Suez Crisis. Oil prices were soaring, and the Miglia Quadrato was conceived as a stimulating rally, but one that would use comparatively little fuel. The clue-solving element also proved popular. It would continue annually for another 60 years, under the auspices of the United Hospitals and University of London Motoring Club.

The secretive event sees 100 teams compete in a five-hour treasure hunt around the Square Mile. The race is done with the full cooperation of the City of London Police, but very few members of the public know of its existence. It’s not exactly a secret (it has a Wikipedia page), but it’s not exactly advertised either. You will search the newspaper archives in vain for the Miglia Quadrato. Flickr only has nine photographs tagged with those words; a third of them are mine.

A colourful camper van, with occupants preparing to set off on the 2013 Miglia Quadrato. Image: Matt Brown

The teams prepare for a midnight start. Their vehicles are diverse. Race rules allow for “Anything (roadworthy) on four wheels”. Most competitors (including my team) turn up in a regular car, but plenty of novelty vehicles are also in attendance. A 1926 Morris T-type truck called Clementine is a mainstay of the event. Ditto a First World War fire engine called Jezebel.

Jezebel, owned by Imperial College, prepares to take part in the 2013 Miglia Quadrato. Image: Matt Brown

On the stroke of midnight, every team is handed a set of 60 geo-referenced clues. We spend a frantic 20 minutes attempting to plot these onto a map, to give us the best route for our five-hour mission. Keen to get moving, we set off with only half the points plotted. It’s enough to make a good start.

Alongside the driver, I attempt to navigate, while two comrades in the back work on further clues. Happily, there isn’t much traffic around. The only people we encounter are other competitors and confused security guards. Our un-orchestrated manoeuvres in the dark are accompanied by the chug, chug, chug of the vintage fire engine, always a street or two away from our own position.

My geeky knowledge of London is of little help. The 60 clues are of the form “Find a lamp post near these coordinates, and note down the serial number”. I’m also challenged by the transport. I know the Square Mile like the back of my hand, but only from a pedestrian’s point of view. It is an entirely different matter to navigate one-way systems and find legal places to park.

We return to Finsbury Circus at 5am, with perhaps two-thirds of our clues filled in. Needless to say, we do not win. Dawn breakfast at the top of the Heron Tower awaits which, after five hours or rushing about the City, feels like treasure enough. I slump over my full-English, a Dim Tired Thing, but infinitely grateful to have taken part in this little-known escapade.

Sadly, it was to be among the last. The final Miglia Quadrato was held in 2019. Covid scuppered the following years and, by the time it became possible again, the organisers called time on proceedings. The logistics of organising a mass rally in the Square Mile had become prohibitively tough.

Another one of London’s unusual and obscure traditions has come to an end, more than 60 years after it began. But the urge to explore the city by streetlight seems to be a persistent one. Even as the Miglia Quadrato was winding up, a new annual challenge called Midnight Madness arose (similar deal, but on foot rather than in vehicles). Others will come and go. To paraphrase the prototype Bright Young Thing: we are all in the gutter, but some of us are searching it for clues.

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"As a town, Croydon is the very opposite of what Farage and Reform want Britain to look like." Image: Owain.davies via creative commons and Londonist

Outraged Croydon locals have aired their dismay and disbelief that a Reform UK rally is due to take place at the town's Fairfield Halls later this month.

Reform's events page promises both "thousands" and "HUNDREDS" of attendees (clearly they're hedging their bets) for an event at the renowned arts venue, which has prompted a coalition of community groups to pen an impassioned letter to BH Live, the leisure and event operator/social enterprise that runs the venue.

Part of the letter says: "Reform UK have pledged to deport 600,000 black and brown people if they get elected. How many of these people do you think currently live in Croydon? Croydon is a community that celebrates its diversity and the contributions made by people from all parts of the world.

"As a town, it is the very opposite of what Farage and Reform want Britain to look like."

Many others in Croydon have reacted with similar surprise and anger. Said radio station Croydon FM: "Still hard to make sense of how this is being allowed in a borough that prides itself on diversity." "This is so wrong," said one commenter, while another warned that booking the right-wing party will be an "absolute kiss of death" for the Fairfield Halls.

Adding insult to injury is the fact the venue — which first opened in 1962, and has hosted everyone from The Beatles to Big Mama Thornton — is council-owned, much of its recent (and highly controversial) renovation funded by Croydon taxpayers.

Why are Reform — a party with a track record for divisive, often bigoted politics — sniffing around Croydon anyway? According to local blog Inside Croydon, they "could win eight or nine council seats in May's local elections in Croydon, mostly from the Tories". The event, reckons Inside Croydon, will also be used to announce the Reform candidate for Mayor of Croydon, decided on 7 May.

BH Live seems to be keeping altogether shtum about the right-wing rally, which doesn't appear on its website or Instagram account. Indeed, some people's comments on the venue's Instagram account flagging Reform's scheduled appearance seem to have disappeared.

An outfit called Croydon Stands up to Racism is planning a protest on Saturday night.

Londonist has contacted BH Live for comment.

Evacuation of Boucher's The Rising of the Sun, late August or early September 1939. © The Wallace Collection

The Wallace collection is famed for its collection of priceless painting and antiques, but as war was declared in 1939, its home, Hertford House, was denuded of artworks including vast Boucher canvases, which were hurriedly ferried to safer locations in the countryside.

However, Hertford House — the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford — didn't remain empty throughout wartime. In 1942, it would be turned into a somewhat unlikely stage for two exhibitions that would trumpet Soviet Russia who, after being invaded by the Nazis, joined the Allied forces.

Mrs Maisky opens Artists Aid Russia exhibition, 1942 © The Times

Having claimed the emptied Hertford House for wartime exhibitions, Britain's Ministry of Works set about pivoting the space into something that would strengthen bonds between the new allies.

Artists Aid Russia exhibition poster © FHK Henrion Archive, courtesy of the Henrion Estate. University of Brighton Design Archives

On 1 July 1942, the Artists Aid Russia exhibition opened (Agniya Maisky, wife of the Soviet Ambassador Ivan Maisky had the honours), a kind of Summer-Exhibition-meets-Frieze-Art-Fair, in which the venue was densely packed with 904 works by British artists, including Augustus John and Jacob Epstein, with half the proceeds from sales of these artworks were directed to Clementine Churchill's Red Cross Aid to Russia Fund. Churchill herself purchased two paintings for the cause, namely L.D. Luard's Up The Gallops and The White Boat by Augustus Lunn.

25 Years of Progress exhibition poster © FHK Henrion Archive, courtesy of the Henrion Estate. University of Brighton Design Archives

In November that year, a second, bolder exhibition was staged: 25 Years of Progress was an installation — designed by future Trellick Tower architect Ernő Goldfinger, no less — which filled the Wallace Collection with Hammer and Sickles banners, Soviet-style agitprop and oversized imagery of Joseph Stalin (in a holy triumvirate with Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt).

25 Years of Progress was a celebration of the expeditious growth of Russia, and a flash-in-the-pan salute to a country that would soon be denounced as a threat to the British, once the Second World War was over.

25 Years of Progress, the first-floor landing dominated by a photograph of Joseph Stalin, flanked by Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt © Reproduced by kind permission of the National Trust

The Wallace Collection at War is a free display launching in April, which remembers 1942's two exhibitions, with photographs of the galleries at that time, as well as imagery of the Blitz and of the art collection in its improvised country-house storage.

Demolition: Sorting and chipping bricks, by Ethel Leontine Gabain (1941). © Imperial War Museum

Some of the works originally from Artists Aid Russia will feature too, including Carel Weight's It Happened to Us, a depiction of an air raid featuring a man scrambling to hide behind a London bus; Charles Murray's spectral Russian Soldiers; and Ethel Gabain's lithograph of women salvaging form the rubble.

25 Years of Progress, installation photograph (East Gallery III) © Reproduced by kind permission of the National Trust

Says Dr Alison Smith, Director of Collections and Research and curator of the display: "Even stripped of its treasures, Hertford House remained a place where ideas were exchanged and alliances reinforced. These remarkable exhibitions remind us that museums are not only custodians of art, they are civic spaces capable of shaping public understanding, especially at moments of profound national uncertainty."

It Happened to Us, by Carel Weight (1941), RAF Museum. © The artist's estate/Bridgeman Images. Image: RAF Museum

The Wallace Collection at War, 15 April-25 October 2026, free. For much of the run, this exhibition is accompanied by Winston Churchill: The Painter, 23 May-29 November 2026. Note, there's an entrance fee for this exhibition.

Punk and skinhead girls at a gig, Hastings, 1981. © Clare Muller/Museum of Youth Culture

A permanent Museum of Youth Culture opens in Camden this May — and if you're thinking 'hang on, I swear I've already been here...', you may well be right.

The museum was originally founded back in 1997 by photographer Jon Swinstead, who was joined in 2012 by Jamie Brett; together (and starting in a shed) they built up an extensive archive of photos, flyers and posters, documenting the lives of teenagers and young people — everything from bomb-site bicycle racers in post-war London, to acid house ravers in the north of England in the 1980s.

Dynamic 3 MCs at Brixton Fridge, London 1985. © Normski/Museum of Youth Culture

Parts of the collection — which now spans some 150,000 photos, plus other ephemera, objects and oral histories — have previously gone on show at the Barbican and at a pop-up exhibition on Shaftesbury Avenue (we visited in 2021, it was excellent), as well as further afield, including Tokyo, where a Growing Up In Britain exhibition was staged.

Football fans on the old west stand, Chelsea Football Club, 1985. © John Ingledew/Museum of Youth Culture.

But finally, after nigh-on 30 years, the Museum of Youth Culture has found a permanent home, in Camden Town (51 St Pancras Way to be precise) — a fitting locale, given the area's links to music, fashion, comedy, and pretty much anything else that's been largely shaped and reshaped by the younger generations.

Protest march against the age of consent organised by The Gay Liberation Front youth wing, London, 1971. © Peter Bull/Museum of Youth Culture

Says the museum: "For generations, youth movements have emerged from clubs, record shops, markets and community halls. They have shaped how Britain dresses, speaks, creates and organises. From style and sound to politics and identity, youth culture has repeatedly redrawn the cultural landscape of the country.

"Yet the communities behind these movements have rarely seen their stories formally recognised or permanently preserved."  

Further museum venues are set to open in Birmingham (2027) and Glasgow (2029).

A Group of Breakdancers, London, 1983. © Clare Muller/Museum of Youth Culture

Earlier this week it was announced that Secret Cinema will establish a new home in North Greenwich.

Museum of Youth Culture, Camden, opens 15 May 2026. Entry is free, walk-ins welcome, booking recommended.

Proposed view of Villiers Street, with the new high level walkway to Hungerford Bridge. Image: Hopkins Architects

Plans have been unveiled for the renovation of 1 Embankment Place — the building which sits above Charing Cross station — with improvements in the works for nearby side streets.

Particularly of note for Londoners will be Hopkins Architects' plans for Villiers Street, the road which runs alongside the western side of Charing Cross station from Strand to Embankment station (by way of London's most famous wine bar), and which is apparently used by 3,000 people per hour (the station, not the wine bar).

The promise is to make Villiers Street "a brighter, more welcoming gateway" connecting the West End with the South Bank, as shown in the top image, with improved frontages to businesses on Villiers Street, as well as The Arches and Embankment Place, which run underneath the Charing Cross station building, and space for new shops, restaurants and cafes.

Proposed view of Embankment Place. Image: Hopkins Architects

The plans reference a "new high level walkway to Hungerford Bridge", the footbridge running across the Thames from Charing Cross. However, such a walkway already exists, heavily used by pedestrians as a route between Charing Cross station and the South Bank. The renderings accompanying the plans (see top image) suggest it'll be smartened up a bit, with the existing escalators opened to the elements (they're currently indoors and undercover).

Victoria Embankment Gardens, the public park next to Embankment station, will see "better pedestrian connectivity" to help people move through the area, presumably in the form of new paths and access gates. Full details should be available here on 25 March.

Proposed view of the new entrance to Craven Passage. Image: Hopkins Architects

As for the 1 Embankment Place building itself, the plans include 35,000 sqm of sustainable office space alongside amenities such as new outdoor terraces; probably not of interest to the average Londoner who's unlikely ever to set foot inside the building. 90% of the existing structure and the majority of the façade will be kept, and — as is now uniformly the case with such projects — there's a 'focus on sustainability'.

A public consultation on the plans runs online 25 March-19 April 2026, with in-person public exhibitions at the Clermont Hotel at Charing Cross on Wednesday 25 March (4pm-7.30pm) and Thursday 26 March (4pm-7.30pm), when there's a chance to meet the team involved in the plans.