All weekend

It's the first weekend of Serpentine North's free David Hockney exhibition. © David Hockney

COVID 19 & BEYOND: Photojournalism Hub presents a photography exhibition showcasing documentary work created during and after the pandemic. The exhibition, at Sands End Arts & Community Centre in Fulham, includes images and testimonies from a range of photographers and focuses on how Covid-19 exposed and intensified social inequalities. FREE, 12-15 March 2026

STUBBS: The works of visionary British painter George Stubbs — best known for his portrait of racehorse Scrub — are collected together in a free display at the National Gallery. It shines a spotlight on the 18 months Stubbs spent studying and drawing the anatomy of horses in the 1750s. FREE, 12 March-31 May 2026

DAVID HOCKNEY: A free exhibition of David Hockney artworks opens at the Serpentine North Gallery in Hyde Park. It focuses on his most recent works, the majority of which are created on an iPad, and includes Moon Room, which reflects Hockney's lifelong interest in the cycle of light and time passing; his Sunrise body of work; and A Year in Normandie, a 90-metre-long frieze inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, showing the change of seasons at the artist's former studio. FREE, 12 March-23 August 2026

COUNTRY TO COUNTRY: Three days of country music line dance their way into The O2 as Country To Country festival returns. Rising Nashville stars take to the stage(s) between sets from headline acts including Keith Urban, Zach Top and Brooks & Dunn. 13-15 March 2026

OFF MENU LIVE: Popular foodie podcast Off Menu dishes up a platter of live shows in the Royal Albert Hall. Ed Gamble and James Acaster host, with a different guest at each show being served a surprise set of dream dishes. 13-16 March 2026

PALACE GARDENS: One of the semi-regular Open Garden Weekends at Hampton Court Palace is a chance to visit parts of the gardens and grounds without paying the usual admission fees. Should be looking pleasantly spring-like by now too. FREE, 14-15 March 2026

Get your ears around some live music at Handel Hendrix House. Photo: Christopher Ison

BAROQUE AND ROLL: Twice a month Handel Hendrix House showcases baroque music in Handel's dining room and blues/rock in Jimi Hendrix's bedroom. Expect harpsichord and period-instrument performances of Handel and his contemporaries, followed by guitar-led 1960s blues and rock sessions in the rock star's former flat. 14-15 March 2026

NOWRUZ BAZAAR: Lauderdale House in Highgate celebrates Persian New Year with a Nowruz Festival. This weekend, that takes the shape of a Nowruz Bazaar, with stalls celebrating Persian craft and culture throughout the ground floor of the house. Upstairs, a series of free talks takes place. FREE, 14-15 March 2026

A MIRRORED MONET: Inspired by letters and diaries from French painter Claude Monet and his peers, new theatre show A Mirrored Monet immerses audiences in the cafés, studios and salons of Belle Époque Paris, through music and projections, and tells the story of Monet's struggle to finish his masterpiece, The Water Lillies. See it at Charing Cross Theatre. 14 March-9 May 2026

SOUNDS OF BLOSSOM: Kew Gardens goes all out for blossom season again, with a musical soundtrack playing in the gardens' blossom hotspots. The new pieces of music were composed and recorded by students from the Royal College of Music, and are included in your entry ticket. 14 March-6 April 2026

JANE AUSTEN: The British Library marked Jane Austen's 250th birthday with a small, single-case display of unique manuscripts and rare editions, from her earliest writing to her final completed novel, Persuasion. This weekend is your last chance to see it. FREE, until 15 March 2026

Saturday 14 March

Eating, Drinking, Thinking begins at Kings Place © Monika S Jakubowska

MODEL RAILWAY SHOW: Chug down to south London for the Beckenham and West Wickham Vintage Model Railway Show. Various layouts are on display, and specialist traders will be present, helping you plan your own layout at home. 10am-4.30pm

VINTAGE BUS RIDES: The lovely team from the London Bus Museum are offering free heritage bus rides through central London today. Buses dating from the 1930s-1980s will ply the 38 bus route between Victoria and Hackney, with anyone welcome to board for free (note: if you board the modern TfL version of the route instead, normal charges will still apply). FREE, 10am-5pm

KENSINGTON TO NOTTING HILL: Meet guide Pete Smith at Kensington High Street for a two-hour guided walk organised by Guildhall Library. The route moves from the shopping thoroughfare and royal residences of Kensington towards the more raffish edges of Portobello Road, with commentary on local history, architecture and community. 11am-1pm

WOMEN'S RIVER RACE: Ahead of the famous Boat Races in April, there's the Head of the River Race at the end of March. And before that, there's the Women's Eights Head of the River Race, taking place today. It's the largest women's rowing race in the world, with around 2,880 women racing and up to 320 crews taking part. Find a spot along the river between Mortlake and Putney to watch them passing and cheer them on. FREE to watch, 12.15pm

EATING, DRINKING, THINKING: Kings Place kicks off its new event series Eating, Drinking, Thinking, with author and broadcaster Yasmin Khan. She leads a masterclass on food storytelling, showing you how to turn ingredients, memories and recipes into books, journalism, podcasts and videos. 2pm

SIX NATIONS: Today's the final day of major rugby tournament the Six Nations, with matches at 2.10pm (Ireland and Scotland), 4.40pm (Wales and Italy) and 8.10pm (France and England). Whoever you're supporting, don't miss a minute of the action at these London pubs and venues. Spoiler alert: they'll be packed today, so book ahead, or arrive early to avoid a scrum.

Julian Joseph performs as part of Piano in the Elms

MEDIEVAL BANQUET: Join historians, chefs, minstrels and a sharp-tongued jester for an immersive, multi-sensory supper club, in which you'll "feast upon the wonders of Britain's lost cuisine" in the heart of Smithfield. Hosts Dr Matthew Green and chef-to-the-stars and Times journalist Jack Burke will present such dishes as thyme-stuffed dormice and boar's head pies. 7pm

GRAFFITI BODIES XV: Dam Van Huynh, in collaboration with Elaine Mitchener, presents a multidisciplinary performance that combines dance, sound art, poetry, sculpture and projected imagery inspired by Jean‑Michel Basquiat. The piece explores marginalisation and collective power through a 'performative graffiti' that transforms the space into a living canvas. It's part of the Black Athena Festival, at Rich Mix. 7.30pm

PIANO IN THE ELMS: Julian Joseph performs the newly-composed Nine Elms Suite for piano and string orchestra at World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, with the string orchestra led by Chi-chi Nwanoku. The work draws on the social and emotive history of the Nine Elms area, and is part of the Piano in the Elms Festival. 7.30pm

PETER'S FIELD: Peter's Field is an extended musical chronicle by Sean Cooney that tells the story of the Peterloo Massacre of 1819. The performance features Cooney with Rowan Rheingans (violin, voice) and Sam Carter (guitar, voice), and combines 19 original songs with spoken material sourced from eyewitness accounts. See it at Conway Hall. 8pm-10pm

Sunday 15 March

The St Patrick's Day Parade marches through town. Photo: aurélien via creative commons

MOTHER'S DAY: A reminder that today is Mother's Day. Pick her up a card and maybe a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates, eh?

PALACE HALF: If ever a half marathon route was fit for a king/queen, it's the Palace Half. It begins at the gates of Hampton Court Palace, passing through the local area — including crossing the Thames twice — before finishing in the palace gardens. If you're in the vicinity, get down there and cheer the runners on, as many are doing it for charity. From 9am

WAR IN FILM: The Imperial War Museum hosts a one-day symposium exploring how war has been represented on film from the First World War to today. Guest speakers include include historian and author Joshua Levine, who served as a historical advisor for Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk and Steve McQueen's Blitz' and Andy Robertshaw, a First World War historian who advised on Steven Spielberg's War Horse. 9.45am-4pm

FAMILY PUB QUIZ: Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz stages a family-friendly Mother's Day special at Big Penny Social, hosted by organiser and professional TV quiz writer Anthony. Settle in for a picture round followed by five quiz rounds for all the family. 11am-1.30pm

SPRING DAY OUT: Take a Mother's Day outing to Chelsea Physic Garden, and spend the day surrounded by flowering plants in a beautiful walled garden close to the Thames. Wander through four acres of green space, including historic glasshouses, then swing by The Physic Garden Café to refuel with drinks, snacks, or dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the garden shop, stocked with unique items for gardeners as well as gifts, from food and drink to homewares, art prints, books and jewellery. Admission from £5. Open 11am-5pm, Sunday-Friday (sponsor)

Take the family to Big Fish Little Fish

ST PATRICK'S DAY FESTIVAL: Shamrock novelty glasses at the ready as the St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival sweeps into town. Central London becomes a sea of green as it celebrates all things Irish — beginning with a parade from Hyde Park Corner, ending at Trafalgar Square with live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Have a look at other ways to celebrate St Patrick's Day in London too. FREE, 12pm-6pm

LITERARY WOMEN: Join a two-hour walking tour led by Daniella King (Footprints of London) that looks at the lives and work of women connected to the City of London, from Agatha Christie, J.K. Rowling and Mary Wollstonecraft to lesser-known figures such as Maria Hackett, Perdita, 'Mad Madge' Cavendish and Mary Seacole. The walk starts at City Thameslink and finishes near Liverpool Street Station. 1pm-3pm

ROLLER DISCO: Don your skates for a nostalgic and family-friendly roller disco overlooking the Thames at Fulham Pier. The Mother's Day special offers lively music and disco lights, and is suitable both for beginners and more experienced skaters. 1pm-5.15pm

FAMILY RAVE: Big Fish Little Fish brings a Mother's Day family rave to Multi Story at Peckham Levels, with DJ Prime Cuts headlining. Expect a multi-sensory dance floor with bubbles, giant balloons and a parachute finale — plus Wheadon's Wacky Craft tables and face painting. The event is aimed at families with 0-8 year-olds though all ages are welcome. 2pm-4pm

TALL TALES: Camden Comedy Club hosts another instalment of Tall Tales & Cocktails, in which four comedians spin rib-tickling stories. Keep an eye on the Tall Tales Instagram account for the lineup. There's also a £6 pint and a slice of pizza deal. 7.30pm

JEZ LOWE: County Durham folk singer-songwriter Jez Lowe performs songs from his part of the UK, which speak of social, political and historical events — some wry, some likely to bring a tear to your eye. He's on at Walthamstow Folk Club. 7.30pm

There's a realistic depiction of the crucifixion, which might be too graphic for younger audience members. Image: Wintershall

A 100-strong cast returns to Trafalgar Square on Good Friday 2026, for an epic live portrayal of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Wintershall, a theatre company based in Surrey, has been putting on its monumental play, The Passion of Jesus, in central London since 2010. The two Good Friday performances — which are free to watch — regularly attract more than 20,000 people. Wintershall says the production is "a gift to Londoners and visitors."

The show depicts the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus by the Romans, before he miraculously rises from the dead on Easter Sunday. Ambitious staging features scores of Roman centurions, branch-waving 'crowds', and the erection of three crucifixes. Described as 'electric' and 'moving', the 90-minute play — which is performed twice on the day — is mic-ed up, with large screens placed around Trafalgar Square. British Sign Language interpretation is provided for both shows.

Live animals feature too; Pontius Pilate rides into the Square on horseback ("George loves the attention of the crowds," we're told; presumably George is the horse). A donkey named Chester and some doves also appear. Experienced handlers ensure everything's safe and comfortable for the animals.

Live animals are involved. Photo: Wintershall

Since its London premiere, the production has developed a considerable reputation. In 2011 the late Queen Elizabeth awarded the cast and crew the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service — a significant moment for Wintershall, a volunteer group founded 1989, and initially producing performances inside an 18th century barn.

The Romans are back in London. Image: Wintershall

Actor James Burke-Dunsmore played the lead role of Jesus for almost quarter of a century; he told us in 2019 that he maintained his hair and beard year-round: "It saves a fortune in razors." In 2023, secondary school teacher and trained actor Peter Bergin took over the main role.

The Passion of Jesus, Trafalgar Square, 3 April 2026 at 12pm and 3.15 pm (performances 90 minutes each). It's free to attend, and you're advised to arrive about 40 minutes before the performance, as it gets busy. You can also stream live on Facebook, or catch it on YouTube afterwards.

Free things to do in London this week.

Take a free heritage bus ride through London. Image: Julian Walker via creative commons

Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London, and have a helpful guide on where to see art in London for free, and where you can catch cheap and free comedy or live music for free.

Get yourself to a free museum

We've just published Free Museums In London: The Definitive Guide: our roundup of the dozens of museums across London — from world-renowned South Kensington behemoths to sheds in Dulwich back gardens. They're all wonderful, and they're all free to visit. Get stuck in!

Catch the final days of Jane Austen at 250

You've got until the end of this week to see the British Library's display celebrating the 250th anniversary of author Jane Austen's birth. It's a tiny, single case display so probably not worth a special trip, but if you're in the area, swing by to view unique manuscripts and rare editions, from the author's earliest writing to her final completed novel, Persuasion.

Until 13 March.

Check out some glass-terpieces

Be dazzled by glass creations at Gather. Image: Sylvian Deleu

The dazzling glasswork of 20 exceptional artists is on show at Gather — a free exhibition at London Glassblowing on Bermondsey Street, flaunting the skills of those who've worked at the innovative company, which has been doing amazing things since 1976.

Until 29 March.

Get caught red-handed at a new crime exhibition

On Monday, the London Archives in Clerkenwell opens new (free!) exhibition, Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924. Items on display include original posters offering cash rewards for the apprehension of highwaymen and footpads; a photo of William Anthony (1789-1864) one of the East End's last nightwatchmen; and information about Mary Frith — aka Moll Cutpurse — the cross-dressing pickpocket of 17th century London. Combined, they tell the story of  thieves, rogues, demonstrators, law enforcers, victims — and those who simply didn't align with the society of their time.

9 March 2025-February 2027.

Attend a free talk on all sorts of topics

Hear about the history of the phone box. Photo: Matt Brown/Londonist

As always, London is replete with free talks and lectures. Some of your options this week:

FINDING FITZROVIA: Take a virtual walk through Fitzrovia with City of London guide and lecturer Jill Finch at Guildhall Library, dipping into its history. (9 March)

TELEPHONE BOX: Learn about the origins of the famous red telephone box, including its designer and evolution, at Guildhall Library. (10 March)

WOMEN IN WILDLIFE: In-person tickets have sold out but you can still watch online as the Zoological Society of London celebrates the women who have shaped its history, and those who work there making a difference in wildlife conservation today. (10 March)

PROTEIN SCIENCE: Crick Institute scientist David Balchi discusses the fascinating ways in which our cells ensure that proteins fold correctly, and what happens when this goes awry. (11 March)

AFRICAN LEADERS: Black History Walks marks 60 years since the first ever Race Relations Act, with a presentation about French colonial behaviour toward 'independent' African nations, and the films/books which tell these suppressed stories. (11 March)

THE FEVERED FIGHT: This week's Friday lunchtime talk at the National Army Museum features historian Martin Howard on the management of injuries and illness during the conflict between Britain and its American colonies during the American War of Independence. (13 March)

Celebrate Persian New Year

Lauderdale House in Highgate marks Persian New Year, or Nowruz Festival, with exhibitions, music, talks, a bazaar and family activities curated by Mehrdad Aref‑Adib. It begins on Wednesday evening with a launch event, and a chance to view three special exhibitions. Then, at the weekend, there's a free-entry Nowruz Bazaar, with stalls celebrating Persian craft and culture, throughout the ground floor of the house. Upstairs, a series of free talks takes place.

11 March-6 April 2026.

Reflect on the lasting legacy of the pandemic

Image: Fusion Medical Animation via Unsplash

Work by photographers including Aidan Brooks, Flaviana Frascogna, Kasangati Godelive, Mattea McKinnon, Nic Madge, Omur Black, Ruth Toda-Nation and Thabo Jaiyesimi is on display in a free exhibition at Sands End Arts & Community Centre in Fulham.

Covid-19 & Beyond reflects on the lasting effects of the pandemic, and how it shaped and changed the world we live in, with particular focus on photos which show it did not affect everyone equally, but instead exposed and intensified existing injustices and structural inequalities in London and globally.

12-15 March 2026.

Teleport yourself to Lewisham

Here, in Unit 15 of the Lewisham Centre you'll find artist SHEM's exhibition, Don't Forget to Teleport — in which a 12,000 sq ft retail space is turned into an immersive world of large scale paintings, a reconstructed studio installation, a screening room and a reflection room. If you're coming on opening night (12 March) make sure you RSVP.

12 March-9 April.

Ride vintage buses for free

You can do so without even paying a fare! The lovely people at the London Bus Museum are running vintage vehicles dating from the 1930s-80s along the 38 bus route, between Victoria and Hackney — and anyone's welcome to hop on board for free. Just stick your hand out to flag the bus down as it approaches your stop.

Note that modern-day TfL buses will be running along the route as normal. If you board one of these, you'll have to pay the fare.

14 March.

Cheer on the largest women's rowing race in the world

Ahead of the famous Boat Races in April, there's the Head of the River Race at the end of March. And before that, there's the Women's Eights Head of the River Race, taking place this Saturday. It's the largest women’s rowing race in the world, with around 2,880 women racing and up to 320 crews taking part. Find a spot along the river between Mortlake and Putney to watch them passing and cheer them on.

14 March.

And if you're in the mood for cheering on London's sporty types without having to do the work yourself, the Palace Half takes place at Hampton Court Palace on Sunday. Speaking of which...

Visit the Hampton Court gardens for free

Photo: Matt Brown/Londonist

This weekend is one of the semi-regular open garden weekends at Hampton Court Palace, where entry to parts of the garden is free. You'd normally have to pay for entry to visit the Great Fountain Garden, Privy Garden, Kitchen Garden and other areas. Note that admission to the Palace building itself, and other parts of the garden including the Maze and Magic Garden Playground still have an entry cost this weekend. Be aware of the Palace Half (above) taking place on Sunday — Saturday might be your best bet if you fancy dodging the crowds.

14-15 March.

Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Trafalgar Square

Photo: aurélien via creative commons

St Patrick's Day isn't until next Tuesday (and don't worry, the Guinness will be flowing freely then, too) but London's huge, free St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival takes place on Sunday. If you happen to be in central London, expect to see a sea of green — and no shortage of shamrocks — as the procession makes its way from Hyde Park Corner down to Trafalgar Square, where an afternoon of Irish entertainment awaits. It's free, and everyone is welcome.

15 March.

And how about a £5 pint in central London?

£5 pints await at this Soho boozer (if you're there at the right time). © Mickaël A. Bandassak

They still exist if you know where to look — case in point, the Blue Posts pub on Soho's Rupert Street, where pints of Guinness, Pillars, Red Fin and Jubel are a fiver during happy hour (that's 4pm-6pm Monday-Saturday). A nifty one to have up your sleeve.

The shirt collar that Dickens was wearing when he suffered a fatal stroke in 1870 has been acquired by London's Charles Dickens Museum.

"Death in one of the suddenest and startling forms has just taken from us one of the greatest minds of this or any age."

When Charles Dickens died on 9 June 1870, aged just 58 years old, it was a shock to the entire world. The author had suffered a stroke the previous day — while having dinner at home at Gad's Hill Place (though there are suggestions he may have actually been at his lover, Ellen Ternan's house in Peckham).

A pair of black stockings worn by Dickens in 1870, and which he described as 'fancy dress'.

The detachable linen shirt collar Dickens was wearing during the time of that fatal stroke has now been acquired by London's Charles Dickens Museum, and will go on permanent display as of Wednesday 11 March. Deeply yellowed, and now framed alongside an image of Dickens, the collar was first purchased by actor and music hall performer Bransby Williams, famed for his portrayals of characters from Dickens' novels, later passing into a private collection.

The collar is joined by a small collection of Dickens' personal grooming items.

The collar is joined at the house museum on Doughty Street by a collection of other personal items, in a permanent display in Dickens' former dressing room. Among these is a pair of black silk stockings that form part of Dickens' only surviving suit, and which the writer wore along with a dark jacket, trousers and white waistcoat — as well as a sword — to a formal reception at St James’s Palace, earlier on in the year of his death. Dickens wryly described this getup as 'fancy dress'.

Dickens was famous for his beard, but owned some decent razors, and shaved daily.

Other pieces include grooming items: six silver razors (despite his famous beard, Dickens shaved daily), a perfume bottle, silver candle snuffers and a gold locket containing photos and locks of hair from Dickens and his son, Henry.

But surely it's Dickens final collar, which — along with Nelson's blood-stained undress coat on display at the National Maritime Museum — will become one of London's most morbidly curious museum items.

All images: Charles Dickens Museum

For a few years during the 1930s, the Ace of Spades club had a dedicated space for planes to land. Image: Ian Kirk via creative commons

Imagine a London club so glitzy, it not only had its own swimming pool and polo field, but a dedicated aerodrome too.

That place briefly existed in the interwar years, as the Ace of Spades Club roadhouse in Kingston — and what a ball its patrons must've had.

Designed by Ernest Brander Musman, opened in 1927, the Ace of Spades is described by the Art Deco Society as a curious hybrid of Tudorbethan/country club/art deco/pub. It capitalised on the rapid ascendency of the motor cars; you could swing off the Upper Richmond Road in your Austin 7, park up and enjoy a spot of dinner and dancing.

While daytime pursuits included miniature golf, a riding school and a polo club, the evening entertainment — live music, comedy and cabaret — ploughed on till the small hours; posters show that Percy Chandler and his band played till 4am on Saturdays, revellers fuelled by BYOB bottles of champagne and brandy (there was no licence to sell booze on the premises).

While most punters were arriving by car, an altogether more sprauncy way of getting to the Ace of Spades became an option in June 1933, with the addition of an airstrip, 400 yards to the west of the club. This set the scene for 'aerial garden parties', air races, flying circuses, and 'joyrides' for guests. Pilots were often given a free lunch if they landed here, because the very sight of their plane would cause curious drivers to pull over at the club.

A report of the lion cage incident in the Birmingham Daily Gazette (sadly the picture isn't very good). Image: Reach PLC, courtesy of British Newspaper Archive.

One airman — Ben Turner — almost became lunch himself, after attempting to parachute into the aerodrome, and instead getting carried by a sudden gust of wind onto the top of the lion's cage at Chessington Zoo. "Two African lions in the cage, hungry and enraged," reported the Birmingham Daily Gazette, "made repeated attempts to reach his legs by leaping to the roof..." Turner was eventually saved by the Zoo fire brigade and a lion tamer armed with a whip and a gun.

At the same time the aerodrome opened, so too did an outdoor pool, the master of ceremonies at the opening party diving into the water still wearing most of his clothes. Happily, this British Pathe features footage of that dive, alongside a shot of the Ace of Spades from the air:

The Bystander magazine visited the Ace of Spades that year:

I went down to the Ace of Spades on the Kingston by-pass the other evening and found the place crowded. It was a cool evening, but the water was so warm that you could see the steam rising and several people stayed in the water for at least half an hour. This roadhouse must be coining money.

The aerodrome had already run its course by 1937 (by then, the area was already filling up with housing), but  the pool lived on a lot longer (it's said the actress Diana Dors taught her husband to swim here in the 1950s.) The Ace of Spades was badly damaged by a fire in 1955, but soldiered on, eventually giving up the ghost as a nightspot in the 1970s.

The Ace of Spades as its looks now. Image: Google

Happily, the mock Tudor facade still exists today — converted into a prosaic triumvirate of Tool Station, Topps Tiles and Laser Quest. If you happen to find yourself stuck in traffic at the Hook Junction, just imagine how once upon a time, you'd have been able to pull up here in your car — or indeed, land here in your plane — for a slap-up meal and a night of frolicking.

Still, one thing we have over those Bright Young Things is that they never knew the unbridled joy of a Laser Quest.

We first discovered the Ace of Spades in the brilliant book Public House: A Cultural and Social History of the London Pub.

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Wonder if this gave Pret an idea for a new sandwich... Image: The Worshipful Company of Butchers

A 700-year-old ceremony that London's never got boar-ed of.

The Boar's Head Ceremony started out as a peppercorn rent payment/meaty thank you from the butchers of the City of London, who, in 1343, were allotted a Fleet-side parcel of land where they could clean and dispose of any 'beast entrails'. To show their appreciation to then-Lord Mayor of London, John Hamond, the Butchers' Guild, now the Worshipful Company of Butchers, presented Hamond (we like to think he was aptly nicknamed 'Hammy') with a boar's head, for the centrepiece of a winter feast. As these traditions sometimes do, it stuck.

Though the banquet at Mansion House was natural off limits to the rabble, anyone could watch the prized boar's head — jaws jammed cartoonishly with a sphere of fruit — paraded from Butchers' Hall to the Mayor's residence. The head these days is a well-glossed papier-mâché facsimile, and frankly looks all the more agreeable for it.

For many years, the procession took place in the run-up to Christmas, but now it's been shifted to late winter/early spring, this year falling on Wednesday 18 March 2026. Gather outside Butchers' Hall at 87 Bartholomew Close a little before 2.30pm, and you'll see the boar's bonce carried out on a litter by blue gown-clad freemen and women. Led by a beadle, the head is then piped/drummed on its way by the Epping Forest Pipe Band Mayor-wards — this year, Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley. The butchers will have already enjoyed a bangers and mash lunch, but you're not invited to that bit, so maybe grab a Gregg's sausage roll.

Until the 1820s you could've gone for a post-ceremony jar in the Boar's Head Tavern on nearby Eastcheap — as featured in Shakespeare plays — but someone went and demolished it, the swines.

In Oxford, another centuries-old boar's head procession plays out each year at Queen's College; this one still happens at Christmastime, and is heralded by the Boar's Head Carol. The boar's head, as far as we can make out, is genuine.

Boar's Head Ceremony, gather outside Butchers' Hall from around 2.30pm on 18 March, to follow the boar's head as it's processed to Mansion House, arriving around 3pm. It's free to watch.

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.

People find my chest irresistible. At least, they do when I wear this t-shirt.

Image: Matt Brown

Complete strangers will stop me in the street.

“Nice t-shirt,” they’ll say.
“Yes,” I’ll agree.

The conversation doesn’t go much further. This is London, after all. But I like to think we all share an admiration for the simple device that is the Tube roundel.

Only, it’s not so simple. As my T-shirt shows, this icon of London has evolved considerably over the years, and it’s been used for many more services than just the Tube. The seemingly standard corporate logo comes in near endless variety only hinted at in the 20 forms emblazoned across my torso.

Even so, this simplified evolutionary chart is a good place to begin in discussing the history of the roundel. It’s a story I need to get off my chest.

Image: Matt Brown

1. The Winged Wheel (1905)

The year is 1905. The suffragettes stage their first London protest. The word ‘hormone’ enters the English language. Greta Garbo and Henry Fonda are born; Jules Verne dies. Albert Einstein reformulates the universe. And somewhere in London, a draughtsman doodles some wings upon a wheel.

(It’s faded into the background on my shirt, but you can see a resplendent version here.)

The designer, whom some sources identify as a ‘Mr Crane’, was working on a new logo for the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC), one of the main bus operators in the capital. The symbol of a winged wheel is an ancient one, which can be traced back to Greek representations of Hermes, and was a natural choice for a transport company.

The winged-wheel logo would only appear briefly on LGOC’s buses, but became a fixture on staff uniform badges. More importantly, it would become a key influence on the future Tube roundel.

2. The Bulls-eye (1908)

Image: Matt Brown

Much can, and has, been written about Frank Pick (1878-1941), a man who helped create the ‘identity’ of London Underground. His contributions were many and varied, but for today’s purposes, we can think of him as the main progenitor of the roundel.

In 1908, the 30-year-old Pick became publicity manager for the Underground Electric Railways Company of London (UERL). This company ran three deep-level tube lines: truncated versions of what are now the Bakerloo, Piccadilly and Charing Cross branch of the Northern line. Pick sought to impose consistency across the lines, and part of that drive involved a common design for station platform names. After some experimentation, and inspired by the LGOC design, he alighted upon the idea of a blue bar across a red circle, which could stand out from the ubiquitous advertising. It was first trialed at St James’s Park in 1908. Versions of this early design can be seen today at Ealing Broadway and Covent Garden (as shown above).

The symbol and its successors would be commonly called the bullseye for decades to come, but for simplicity, I’m going to use the term ‘roundel’ from hereon.

3. Metropolitan diamond (1914)

Image: Matt Brown

The Metropolitan Railway — London’s original underground line, though by now much extended — was still an independent company, and liked to do things its own way. From 1914, it introduced a diamond logo for platform names, which had the ‘feel’ of Pick’s UERL symbol but also asserted Metropolitan independence. A pastiche sign can be seen at Moorgate. It was installed in 2013 to mark 150 years of the London Underground.

4. General (1920)

In 1912, Pick’s tube company (UERL) had bought out the old bus company (LGOC), and the design aesthetic began to creep across. Around the same time, a new roundel design was introduced with distinctive capitalisation on the first and last letters: UndergrounD. This style found its way onto the buses, which carried a ‘GeneraL’ logo from 1920. Note how the once-solid disc has now become a circle.

Image: Matt Brown

5. Shoreditch diamond (c.1913)

Another design used by the independent Metropolitan Railway. These green signs were deployed on the East London Railway, now part of the Windrush Line, from around 1913. They apparently remained in place until the 1950s.

6. Maturing style (1924)

By the mid-20s, the roundel was settling down into its familiar style. Some variation remained, however, such as the red bordering around the nameplate shown in this example.

7. Johnston’s roundel (1925)

Edward Johnston is most noted for the Johnston family of typefaces, which are still used across London transport more than a century after his first version (commissioned, of course, by Frank Pick). But Johnston also did much to standardise the roundel. Working on its design from 1915, he would eventually write an exact specification of standard proportions, colours and lettering. The example shown here is very close to the design still in place in the 2020s. We’ve since lost the ‘ribbon’ styling around the border, though vintage examples can be found across the network.

8. London Transport (1933)

1933 was a watershed moment in the story, with the formation of the London Passenger Transport Board, commonly abbreviated to London Transport. It brought together many of the hitherto separate companies that had overseen trains, trams, trolleybuses and buses in the London area. The roundel could now spread its wings further (even though it hadn’t sported wings since the old LGOC days). London Transport’s own parental roundel had to have a wider name bar than usual to fit in the long name.

Image: Matt Brown

9. Wide application (1935)

London Transport put the roundel to work. Hard. It now wandered beyond the purposes of platform names, to play various roles in signage, marketing and even architecture. Charles Holden was particularly deft at weaving the symbol into his tube station designs, slipping it into windows and raising it on flagpoles.

10. Trolleybuses (1935)

Johnston had adapted his roundel to services beyond the London Underground from the mid-1920s. The evolution continued in the 30s. This distinctive T-bearing roundel was first used to symbolise the trolleybus network from 1935.

11. Trams (1936)

Today, the tram network is confined to the deep south of London, and carries a green roundel. The original network was much more widespread, and was represented by blue roundels like this. Note that all the letters are by now the same height. None of this capital ‘T’, capital ‘S’ malarky.

12. Trolleybus Tram (1948)

I’m not entirely sure how this unsatisfying tangerine effort was used — perhaps as a combined symbol for trams and trolleybuses. Whatever, it’s my least favourite roundel on the t-shirt.

Image: Matt Brown

13. Bus and coach stop (1949)

A janus of a roundel, introduced at thousands of bus stops across the capital from the late 40s. The two colour schemes encompass both regular London bus routes, and also Green Line routes out to the surrounding commuter towns. The words ‘compulsory’ and request indicate that regular buses were mandated to stop, while the coaches would only pull up on request.

14. Railways roundel (1950)

A generic roundel used to represent the various underground railways collectively — both tube lines and cut-and-cover routes like the Metropolitan. Note that, by this time, the standard roundel had lost its border to create a simplified silhouette.

15. London Transport black and white (1960)

Badly faded on my t-shirt, this simple outline roundel was used to represent London Transport in the 1960s.

16. Victoria Line (1965)

Image: Matt Brown

This special one-off roundel was created to promote the Victoria line, the first wholly new deep-level line in half a century. The surviving example pictured here can be found at the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum.

Image: Matt Brown

17. Red Arrow (1968)

From the late 1960s, London Transport introduced so-called Red Arrow services. These made use of longer single-decker buses, to make swift and short journeys across central London. The buses had few seats, to pack in as many commuters as possible. The services lasted, in much-reduced form, well into the 21st century. They were initially marked out with black roundels, as shown here

18. Underground (1972)

By the 1970s, the roundel was considered the official logo of London Transport. This example shows an updated version used to promote Underground services, following a review by the London Transport Design Panel. The word ‘roundel’ was also adopted as the official name for the logo at this time. The earliest use of the word by the press that I can find comes from 1976.

19. London Buses (1987)

Another tangerine nightmare introduced in the 80s to encapsulate London bus services. The roundel coincided with the creation of London Regional Transport in 1984, which saw buses and trains operated from a national level, rather than by local government. According to London Transport Museum, it was phased out in 1994, and is surely little-missed.

20. Elizabeth line (2022)

An Elizabeth line roundel, about to break out of its chrysalis in 2022. Image: Matt Brown

The Elizabeth line, launched in 2022, is not classed as a Tube line. It has larger trains in a deep-level tunnel, and so is classified as a separate mode of transport to the wider Tube. Hence, it gets its own roundel, in a fetching shade of purple.

It is the final symbol on my t-shirt, but the roundelverse rarely stands still for long. Already, TfL has introduced another official roundel to promote its Superloop bus services. Others will surely follow.

Further variations on a theme

The roundel has been with us now for over a century. It is a logo popular with both Londoners and visitors, widely recognised as a symbol of London itself.

In recent years, Transport for London has got a bit playful with its emblem. Alternative versions are regularly deployed. We’ve seen Remembrance roundels, Coronation roundels and Pride roundels; a heart-shaped roundel (below) to mark 160 years of the Underground; children’s roundels and artists’ roundels.

Heart-shaped roundel at Baker Street. Image: Matt Brown

Somewhat controversially, the roundel has also been adapted by sponsors to generate revenue for TfL. Sony Playstation had its four controller symbols turned into roundels during 2020 (though very few saw them thanks to the pandemic). Green Park was converted to ‘Green Planet’ to promote a BBC television series; Bond Street became Burberry Street at the behest of the clothing company. Most groansomely of all, Piccadilly Circus boldy changed to Picardilly Circus, and the roundel became a Starfleet logo, to promote a new show centred on the greatest captain.

Image: Matt Brown

Our story started with a black and white image of a winged wheel from 120 years ago. “From so simple a beginning,” said Charles Darwin, possibly about something else, “endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved”. I am proud to wear some of those subspecies across my chest.

Dust off your gilet and mix up a flask of Pimm's. It's time to watch London's poshest annual sporting fixture: the Boat Race.

What is the Boat Race?

Photo: The Boat Race

There are actually two Boat Races (officially, they are collectively titled the Boat Race), pitting elite rowing teams from Oxford and Cambridge universities against one another, in a bicep-bulging dash along the Thames from Putney to Mortlake.

It started with the men's inaugural fixture in 1829 — a head-to-head thrashed out annually between 1856 and 2019, world wars excepted. The only other time the race didn't happen was in 2020 due to Covid 19. In 2021, the races took place 'behind closed doors' in Cambridgeshire.

The women's race first ran in 1927, although it didn't become an annual event until 1964. It wasn't until 2015 that the women first raced the same course, on the same day as the men.

When is the 2026 Boat Race?

Photo: The Boat Race

Both races take place on Saturday 4 April 2026 (which happens to be Easter Saturday).

The women's race begins at 2.21pm. The men's follows at 3.21pm. Talk about precise.

2026 marks the 80th women's race, and the 171st men's race.

Who are the current Boat Race champions?

Photo: The Boat Race

The winner of the 2025 men's race was Cambridge, who have the overall record of 88-81.

The winner of the 2025 women's race was also Cambridge, who have the overall record of 49-30.

Things haven't gone Oxford's way for some time now — can they buck the trend in 2026?

What route do the boat races take?

Click to enlarge

Both races navigate the same route. A four-mile, 374-yard dash along the Thames, westward from Putney to Mortlake.

The women's course record is held by Cambridge from 2022's race: 18 minutes, 33 seconds. The men's record is also held by Cambridge, set in 1998: 16 minutes, 19 seconds.

As we said, Oxford have everything to prove.

Where's the best place to watch the boat races from?

Pick a spot most places along the banks of the Thames between Putney Bridge and Chiswick Bridge, and you should be able to see the boats. There are a couple of official fan zones set up along the route, where you'll find large screens to watch the TV coverage, bars, food stalls, toilets, fun family activities and seating:

• Fulham Fan Park in Bishops Park
• Hammersmith Fan Park, Furnivall Gardens

Putney Bridge - the race starts near here. Image: M@/Londonist

A handful of other vantage points come recommended:

• Putney Bridge (for the very start of the race)
• The Pier House, Chiswick Pier: One of the best vantage points along the course, The Pier House overlooks Chiswick Eyot, a point where trailing teams often make their move. The bar here is open from 12pm on Boat Race day, with Greek and German food, plus ice cream.
• Chiswick Bridge (for the very end of the race): although it's said Barnes Bridge actually commands better views, although that's closed on Boat Race day.

We recommend you get to any vantage point at least a couple of hours before the races start. Warm clothes aren't a bad idea either. It's springtime in London, so...

Is Hammersmith Bridge closed to spectators for the boat races?

Crowds on Hammersmith Bridge in 2018 — some of the last to enjoy this viewpoint. Image: Shutterstock

As has been the case for some years now, Hammersmith Bridge — which more or less marks the races' halfway point — will be closed to pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooters from 11am-5pm.

Where's the best pub to watch the boat races from?

Not a bad little view from The Dove is it? Doubt it'll be this quiet on Boat Races day though. Image: The Dove/Fuller's

Plenty of riverside drinking establishments are strung out along this stretch of the Thames, providing a decent view of the river, and a pint to go with. Get there bright and early or, if you can, book a table in advance.

• The Boathouse, Putney: Positioned just behind the starting line, this one's good for seeing the boats gather.
• Duke's Head, Putney: This pub's previously put on live music and a BBQ — no word yet on 2026.
• Crabtree Tavern, Hammersmith: Live music and flowing drinks are promised on the terrace.
• Blue Anchor, Hammersmith: Home to a terrific terrace overlooking Hammersmith Bridge, which'll undoubtedly be packed.
• The Dove, Hammersmith: A classic riverside Fuller's pub that apparently has the world's smallest bar. It also has a pretty itsy terrace — a nifty place to spectate from, if you can secure a spot.
• The Black Lion, Chiswick: "The very best place" to watch the races from according to themselves (well they would say that), in past years they've had a marquee and a Pimm's bus.
• The Bull's Head, Barnes: A handful of spectators climb out onto this pub's small balconies for a view, but most have to make to with crossing the road with plastic pint glasses.
• Ye White Hart, Barnes: The ample terrace and balcony here inevitably get packed — although note you can't reserve these. There'll be a riverside BBQ, or if you're really splashing out, a gala lunch (£150pp!). Maybe the Barnes White Rabbit will show up too...
• The Ship, Mortlake: Before you get too excited, this is a Greene King pub, however it does benefit from overlooking the finishing line, so if either race is a close run thing, this could be the most thrilling pint you've ever had.

What's the weather going to be like?

The men's race in 2015. Image: Shutterstock

If we were the Express we'd say a BLIZZARD. However, we're not, and the truth is, it's too early to tell. Keep an eye on the Met Office info closer to the time. (But as we say, always take plenty of layers — it invariably gets chilly standing around outside.)

Are the boat races shown on TV?

Yep. Watched by about 15 million people. Both races are broadcast on Channel 4 on Saturday from 1.30pm, with commentary beginning about an hour before the women's race.

Any other boat races to watch in London?

People rowing outside Parliament, rather than rowing inside, amirite? Image: Great River Race

Yes indeed! In fact, there are four races held the day before the Boat Races, on Friday 3 April 2026. The Lightweight Boat Races follow the same course as the Boat Races, with the Women's Lightweight Race starting at 1.50pm, and the Men's Lightweight Race starting at 2.50pm. In between these, there are also two Veteran's Races, with mingling crews of Oxford and Cambridge vets. A great alternative, esepcially if you're not a fan of big crowds.

There's also the Head of the River Race (held a week before the Boat Race), Doggett's Coat and Badge Race in July, and the Great River Race in September.

For more information on the boat races, including details on who's rowing, visit the official website.

Mildly photoshopped image by Matt Brown

A 'new' London Overground line for West London has moved a step closer, now a funding deal has been agreed.

The line, currently known as the West London Orbital, would link Hendon and Hounslow, offering ten new interchanges with National Rail and Tube links, and the creation of four new stations.

As of early March 2026, TfL, the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing and Hounslow, and the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation have jointly agreed to commit "up to £6.65m" to move the project into the next phase. That includes the design of stations and other infrastructure, modelling, and a public consultation ahead of a 2027 decision.

While that sounds like a decent chunk of cash — and it is — it represents a fraction of the eventual costs. Estimates in 2021 put the project at "between £430m and £610m" and, as we know, these things rarely stay within budget.

Image: TfL

The West London Orbital route would run on existing tracks currently used for freight trains. Up to six trains an hour would serve areas including Brent Cross, Neasden and Acton. If approved, the line is expected to open somewhere in the early-to-mid 2030s.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

I’m pleased and proud to bring partners together so we can deliver the missing link in public transport for the north and northwest part of the capital. Adding a new line to our fantastic London Overground network will help drive regeneration and economic growth not only along the new route but across our great city. I look forward to seeing the homes, jobs and opportunities unlocked by this innovative rail project as we continue building a better, greener, more prosperous London for everyone.

Find out more about the West London Orbital in our guide.

Ewe don't want to miss this. Image: Jakub Hałun via creative commons

Think London, and you don't necessarily think new born lambs frolicking around grassy pastures.

Yet every spring, Forty Hall in Enfield hosts a Lambing Weekend, in which you're invited to get up close to the farm's newest springtime additions (among the rare breeds of sheep here are Lincoln Longhall, Boreray, Jacob, Manx Loaghtan and Norfolk Horns) and learn about the lambing process.

Sheep aren't the only animals on the farm: you'll also get to watch falconry displays; say hello to pigs, cows and goats; and taste honey made by on-site bees.

Other happenings on the Saturday and Sunday include vintage fairground rides and Morris dancing — plus a range of refreshment from the likes of Punjabi Shack, Limeface and Pizzagig — as well as cold pints from New River Brewery, and organic wine courtesy of Forty Hall's own vineyard. Living in London has its pastoral moments.

Lambing Weekend at Forty Hall, Enfield, 28-29 March 2026.

The Passion of Jesus takes place (twice) in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday. Photo: Wintershall

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND: Easter weekend is a bank holiday weekend — the best kind of bank holiday weekend in fact, spanning four days. Browse our recommendations for things to do in London on a bank holiday, from guided walks to little-known parks to sporting pursuits.

EASTER HOLIDAYS: Kids off school and in need of entertainment? Take a look at our guide to Easter holiday events in London, covering exhibitions, shows and more for all ages. We know the pennies don't stretch as far as they used to, so we've included some free, family-friendly things to do too.

DAY TRIPS AND WEEKEND BREAKS: If you want to escape London for a day (or longer), we can help. Have a scroll through our Beyond London section for day trip ideas in the counties surrounding London, to weekends away in the rest of the UK and beyond. From quaint villages to seaside resorts, and castles to model villages, it's all there.

CHURCH SERVICES: Celebrate Easter the traditional way, by attending a service at one of London's churches. There are literally hundreds to choose from — although you might consider a biggie like St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey or Southwark Cathedral.

CHOCOLATE SHOPS: For last minute shopping, hit up London's best chocolate shops — and if you end up buying an Easter treat for yourself, we won't tell anyone.

PUBS: If you want nothing more than to kick back, pint in hand, and watch the world go by, take a look at our guide to the 100 best pubs in London. From gin palaces to micropubs to Irish boozers to craft havens, you can't go wrong if you find yourself at one of these this Easter.

SUNDAY LUNCH: A special weekend deserves a special meal, right? So tuck into one of London's best Sunday roasts, with all the trimmings. Fluffy spuds, crispy Yorkshires and oodles of gravy is the way we like it. Vegans and vegetarians are catered for too — check out these options.

Seek out the bunnies at Hampton Court © Historic Royal Palaces

LINDT GOLD BUNNY HUNT: Hampton Court Palace hosts an Easter Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt. Follow the clues to find the bunny statues, and match each one with the name of an important person from the palace's history. Aimed at ages 3-12 and their families. 21 March-12 April 2026

HIDDEN GARDEN: Spend time with family and friends in a beautiful walled garden this Easter. Chelsea Physic Garden, London's oldest botanic garden, is a hidden oasis alongside the Thames, offering a relaxing day out in the fresh air, surrounded by plants and horticultural heritage. Follow trails through flowers, trees and greenhouses, suitable for all ages. Open Sunday-Friday (plus Easter Saturday), 11am-4pm (sponsor)

MESSIAH ON GOOD FRIDAY: For the 150th time, the Royal Choral Society performs Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall on Good Friday — a tradition that's only ever been interrupted by the Blitz and Covid. 150 singers are conducted by the choir's Music Director Richard Cooke, and accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a quartet of soloists. 3 April 2026

PASSION OF JESUS: Every Good Friday, Trafalgar Square is packed out with thousands of people gathering to watch The Passion of Jesus, a free retelling of the Easter story, with 100 actors taking part. Everyone's welcome, but it involves — spoiler — a crucifixion scene, so may not be suitable for younger kiddies. There are two performances. FREE, 3 April 2026

RISE UP!: London International Gospel Choir, Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and Gospel Rising create a Holy Triumvirate of act of powerful harmonies and soaring solos, for Rise Up! A Easter Gospel Experience, at Smith Square Hall. Numbers include Quincy Jones' And He Shall Purify, and Kirk Franklin's Don't Cry. 4 April 2026

Soak up the sounds of live jazz in a picturesque setting. Image: Jim Nix via creative commons

EASTER FAMILY DISCO: Kids buzzing from too much chocolate? Take them along to Big Penny Social in Walthamstow for the Easter family disco. Dance to family-friendly tunes as you enjoy games and singalongs, and then take part in the egg hunt. 5 April 2026

EASTER JAZZ: Live jazz is played on Marina's Floating Pontoon at St Katharine Docks on Easter Saturday — 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. 5 April 2026

EASTER TRAIL: Count chickens, solve riddles and hunt out the giant bunny at an Easter trail in Highgate's Waterlow Park, organised by the neighbouring Lauderdale House. You're provided with a treasure map and a series of clues, and the first 100 people to finish receive a small chocolate prize. FREE, 5 April 2026

CHAIR LIFT: The Blackheath Morris Men are doing the rounds in Greenwich once again — dancing outside various landmarks (many of them pubs) and performing the ancient ritual of chair-lifting. FREE, 6 April 2026

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage was originally supposed to begin last autumn, but will now play from October 2026.

The producers of Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage weren't having the time of their lives last September, when they had to announce a postponement. The new theatre, in which it was set to play, was not ready.

Now, they're confident (or at least are taking a Baby-esque leap of faith) that the 676-seat purpose-built Capital Theatre in Westfield London, Shepherd's Bush will be primed to host from this autumn; seats from 16 October 2026-21 March 2027 are now on sale.

The stage show — written by Eleanor Bergstein, screenwriter of the semi-autobiographical 1987 film about a young woman who falls for her resort dance teacher — first appeared in London 20 years ago. However, its creators say it's been specially reconceived for the Capital Theatre, with fresh staging and set design by director Federico Bellone that's more intimate and immersive. This may explain why tickets currently begin at £103. For that kind of money, hopefully no one will be put in a corner.

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story On Stage, Capital Theatre, tickets for 16 October 2026-21 March 2027 now on sale.

Oxford Street will get a 21,000 sq ft, two-floor store, not unlike this one in Chicago. Image: Warner Brothers

Outlets of the wizarding persuasion have been conjured up all over central London in recent times — but from this autumn, Oxford Street will have an official Harry Potter store.

Billed as "the UK’s only official Harry Potter retail destination alongside the King's Cross shop" (although surely the shop in Watford is official too?) the 21,000 sq ft, two-floor store at 134–140 Oxford Street will be a "fully immersive wizarding emporium" with various interactive bells and whistles, photo ops — and more stiffly-priced merch than you can wave a wand at.

The new shop opens around the same time that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child reopens in a new format in the West End. Image: Londonist

Despite being almost three decades old — not to mention the more recent spouting of anti-trans opinion from its creator JK Rowling — the Harry Potter franchise is going nowhere. Or rather, everywhere: there are already magical megastores everywhere from Chicago to Tokyo, alongside King's Cross with its Platform 9 ¾ shop, which continues to send punters gleefully hurtling towards a brick wall every few seconds. Meanwhile, the new Warner Bros-produced TV adaptation is due early in 2027.

Just round the corner from Oxford Street, at the Palace Theatre, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is about to rejig into a one-part play, following 10 years on the West End. No doubt the new superstore will be mopping up the theatregoers, casting its spendy spell with products that have prices set to Stupefy.

First it was Metro Memory. Then came Tubedoku. Now we've got another addictive Tube-themed game to play, in the form of Mind The Map.

The free browser game presents you with a map of London and a station name. Your task is to drop a pin in the map, as close as possible to where you think that station is. The Tube lines and stations themselves are marked on the map, so you just have to pick the right one. Simple enough, right?

We know this one, honest!

And it is... at first. Initially you get 15 seconds per station, but increasingly, the amount of time you have to locate each station lessens. If you make it to the final 20 (of 272 in total), you have just three seconds to pinpoint each station. Anything within 300 metres of the correct station is considered a bullseye, and you've only got five lives, so get it wrong more than that and you're out. Top tip: the game works best on desktop rather than mobile as it's easier to scroll around and zoom in.

If the above sounds a little stressful, while there is a timed mode with a leaderboard, there's also a relaxed mode for anyone who just wants to have a play. According to John, the game's creator, only one person has managed all 272 stations so far. Challenge accepted.

Play Mind the Map here.

London's St Patrick's Parade follows a 1.5 mile route. Photo: aurélien via creative commons

St Patrick's Day is around the corner, and London is once again hosting a massive St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival to celebrate Ireland's national saint. It takes place across central London and spills into Trafalgar Square.

When and where is London's St Patrick's Day parade 2026?

St Patrick's Day itself — that's 17 March — falls on a Tuesday this year, so the event takes place a couple of days before — on Sunday 15 March 2026. The festivities start at 12pm and wind up around 6pm. The parade begins at Hyde Park Corner, wending through Piccadilly, St James's Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street and Whitehall — culminating in Trafalgar Square, where there's lots going on.

Who's in the St Patrick's Day parade 2026?

London knows how to throw a St Patrick's Day celebration! Photo: aurélien via creative commons

50,000 people usually line the 1.5 mile route down to Trafalgar Square to admire elaborate floats, marching bands, sports clubs and Irish dancing schools from across the UK, Ireland and the USA.

As is tradition, a well-known figure takes on the role of Grand Marshal of the St Patrick’s Day parade, and this year it's Irish writer and broadcaster Emma Dabiri leading the procession. And in that procession? Irish County Associations, community organisations, marching bands, dancers, musicians and carnival performers. Check the St Patrick's Festival website for full details of the 2026 line-up.

What's happening in Trafalgar Square for St Patrick's Day 2026?

Hope you like green. Image: Shutterstock

Festivities take place at the end of the parade route in Trafalgar Square all afternoon. Entry is free, and entertainment centres around the main stage, hosted by comedian Rachel Galvo. The line-up is replete with live Irish music, with performances from the Irish Culture Centre Choir, Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma, Carrie Baxter, the Cór Na nÓg children's choir, Jig and a Swig with the London Bodhrán Band, The Wran, Nell Mescal, Huartan, David Keenan and Robert Arkins, star of 1991 film The Commitments, who now tours with a band of the same name/persuasion.

Away from the Main Stage, catch shorts from London Irish Film & TV, the Out in the World: Ireland's LGBTQ+ Diaspora exhibition, Irish Language Lessons, children's arts and crafts, plus food, drink and cultural stalls.

All of the above culminates in a grand singalong finale — an excuse to lubricate your pipes with a stout or two. Keep an eye on the St Patrick's Festival website for details.

St Patrick himself makes an appearance in the London St Patrick's Day Parade. Photo: garryknight via creative commons

Other St Patrick's Day 2026 events in London

The parade and festival is just a small part of London's St Patrick's Day celebrations. Plenty of other organisations and venues hop on the emerald green bandwagon, organising their own St Patrick's Day events and celebrations, from comedy to cabaret to cheesy club nights. Oh, and if it's Irish pubs you're after, here's our guide.

TfL has announced it will source 65,000 megawatt hours of renewable electricity (that's around two-thirds of the annual consumption of the Victoria line) from solar panels. Image: David Ling via creative commons/TfL

Tube trains will soon be part-run by solar power — and no, this isn't an early April Fools'.

TfL is the largest single electricity consumer in London, using 1.6 Terawatt hours (TWh) per year — equivalent to the electricity consumed by just shy of 600,000 homes. As part of an ongoing bid to be using 100% renewably-sourced electricity by 2030, TfL has announced it plans to annually yield some 65,000 megawatt hours of renewable electricity (that's around two-thirds of the annual consumption of the Victoria line) from solar energy.

SSE Energy Solutions — TfL's new delivery partner — will harvest the energy from newly-installed solar farms, 'wiring' it straight to the TfL network, and therefore bypassing the National Grid. TfL says it will work with SSE to identify suitable locations to build the solar installations, although one new facility in Longfield, Essex, has already been decided on.

Says Lilli Matson, Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer at TfL: "Once built, the new solar installations will provide locally generated renewable electricity, reducing the pressure on the National Grid, while also helping to protect us against market volatility with the added potential for cost savings too."

Along with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, TfL is working to make the capital a net zero carbon city by 2030.

In 2020, a world-first scheme was introduced, in which waste heat from the Northern line is converted into heating and hot water for some 1,350 Islington homes, as well as a school and two leisure centres.

Don't get the hump this Easter — plan ahead with our guide! Photo: ZSL

Looking for family-friendly things to do in London during the Easter holidays? Check out our guide to Easter fun in the capital. From exhibitions to stage shows to craft activities, there's plenty going on while school's out.

School holiday dates vary from borough to borough and school to school, but the Easter holidays fall roughly between Saturday 28 March-Sunday 12 April 2026 for most schools. Easter Weekend is 3-6 April 2026 (check out our Easter weekend events guide).

Easter holiday events in London 2026

ZOONORMOUS EGG HUNT: Take your family to see the animals at London Zoo during the Easter holidays, and there's the added bonus of a Zoonormous Egg Hunt to keep younger visitors entertained — it's included in your entry ticket. Pick up a trail card, and as you wander around, find the missing letters to crack a secret password. There are also Easter craft activities throughout the holidays. 28 March-12 April 2026

SPECTACULAR SPACE: 6-12 year-olds and their families are invited to the Royal Institution's Family Fun Day themed on space. Volunteers, scientists and engineers run a range of age-appropriate activities on topics including galaxies, moons, telescopes and space toilets. 28 March 2026

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An egg-citing adventure aboard Cutty Sark

Step aboard Cutty Sark in Greenwich over the long weekend, and take part in an Easter Egg Trail throughout the historic ship.

Discover fascinating facts about Cutty Sark's epic voyages, while you explore the decks — and keep your eyes peeled for the hidden eggs.

Each egg has a letter on it — find them all and unscramble a secret nautical code. Cracked it? Head to the Cutty Sark café located beneath the hull to claim a free chocolatey treat.

The Cutty Sark Easter Egg Trail takes place 3-6 April 2026. It's free with entry to the ship, and anyone can take part, though it's most suitable for young explorers age five+ and their families.

Family-friendly exhibitions in the Easter holidays 2026

Swing by the Young V&A to get a dose of Aardman creativity

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY: Older kids and teenagers — especially those who love animals or are handy with a camera — might enjoy Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. It's one of our annual favourites, and this year more than 100 stunning snaps are on show from all over the world. Until 12 July 2026

VOYAGE TO THE DEEP: The Horniman Museum's latest exhibition, Voyage to the Deep, is inspired by Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, and invites you to command the Nautilus submarine, meet deep-sea creatures, and test your submariner skills. Until 1 November 2026

WALLACE & GROMIT: Morph, Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit star in the Young V&A's current exhibition, Inside Aardman, which delves into the animation studio's 50-year history. View original storyboards, sets and props, and — most exciting for younger visitors — get hands on playing around with sketching, lighting, and recording your own stop-motion sequence. Until 15 November 2026

Family-friendly theatre shows in the Easter holidays

Begin the Easter holidays with Disney On Ice

Fancy a trip to the theatre? Have a look at our pick of family-friendly shows in London to book this spring.

DISNEY ON ICE: Stories of courage, love and adventure take centre stage in Disney On Ice's latest show, Into The Magic, which skates into the OVO Arena Wembley to get the Easter holidays started in style. Go on a high-sea adventure with Moana and journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel — along with performances by the characters of Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, and Tangled. 25-29 March 2026

THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's award-winning picture book The Gruffalo's Child comes to life on stage at Artsdepot in Finchley. Watch as the Gruffalo's Child ignores her father's warnings and ventures out into the Deep, Dark Wood. Age three+. 3-9 April 2026

THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS: Onjali Q. Raúf's novel The Boy At The Back Of The Class has been adapted for the stage, and is performed at Southbank Centre, suitable for ages seven+. When a new boy arrives at school from a war-torn country, his new classmates come up with a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family. 7-12 April 2026

MIDNIGHT IN THE TOYSHOP: Created with all ages in mind, Midnight in the Toyshop at St Martin's Theatre brings a magical toyshop to life as the clock strikes 12, and the toys face an uncertain future when an entrepreneur wants to replace their cosy home with a high-tech AI adventure. Catchy songs and dances are thrown in. 7-12 April 2026

Free things to do in London in the Easter holidays

Live animals are involved in The Passion of Jesus. Photo: Wintershall

THE PASSION OF JESUS: One of London's annual traditions is the Wintershall Players' free open-air performance of The Passion Of Jesus, taking place in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday. It tells the story of the last few days of Jesus' life and it's very popular — thousands turn up to watch so it's well worth getting there early for a decent view. It features a crucifixion scene, so may not be suitable for younger kids. We chatted with the guy who plays Jesus back in 2019 — though a new actor has now taken on the role. There are two performances on the day. FREE, 3 April 2026

PLAYGROUNDS: If the weather's playing nice, few things bring a smile to children's faces like a playground — and they're usually free, so it's a win for parents and carers too. Check out our map of playgrounds in central London — there are more than you might think, and many are located handily near tourist attractions so you can burn off excess energy on a day out.

FILM STATUES: If you find yourself in central London, and need something free to entertain the family, head to Leicester Square and let them hunt out these bronze sculptures of film stars. Sure, you might have to explain Gene Kelly or Laurel and Hardy to younger members of the family, but Paddington, Bugs Bunny and Mary Poppins will surely charm them.

MUSEUMS: Plenty of London's museums are free entry all year round, and while you may have to pay for temporary exhibitions, there's generally plenty to entertain all ages in the permanent collections. Try Science Museum for aeroplanes and space, Natural History Museum for animals and London Museum Docklands for the Mudlarks interactive gallery.

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) right next door.

Family-friendly activities in London in the Easter holidays

Fingers crossed for good weather. Photo: Matt Brown/Londonist

SWIMMING: A kiddie favourite, London has plenty of options for swimming, whatever the weather. From an Olympic venue to local leisure centres, these are some of London's best indoor pools (we also have our pick of London's outdoor pools and lidos — but maybe save that one for the summer holidays, eh?)

ICE SKATING: Forget waiting until Christmas — London has year-round ice skating rinks, including one slap bang in the middle of the Central line.

DAY TRIPS: Fancy getting out of London for a day or two? Take a gander at our Beyond London section for inspiration. Particularly child-friendly is a visit to the real-life Hundred Acre Wood, as featured in AA Milne's Winnie the Pooh books. Wellington Country Park is also an excellent bet for energetic kids. Otherwise, wear them out by sending them searching for the dozens of frogs hidden down this back street, or the entire solar system within sight of the M25.

AUTISTIC KIDS: Looking for things to do over the school holidays with autistic children? Check out our guide, which includes museums, theatres, sensory rooms and more.

TEENAGERS: Older kids and teenagers can be trickier to entertain, so have a read of our things to do in London with teenagers, covering everything from museums and exhibitions to shopping trips, a little-known neon art gallery, street art and more adventurous days out.

The top events and things to do in London in March, April and May 2026.

The Chelsea Flower Show is a highlight of spring in London. Image: RHS

Cultural events in London in Spring 2026

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH 2026: March is Women's History Month, so there's plenty going on to celebrate the achievements of women and non-binary people, including exhibitions and one-off events, as well as International Women's Day celebrations. Browse our pick of events.

THE OTHER ART FAIR: The Other Art Fair takes over the Old Truman Brewery for four days of artwork that's accessible to all. Affordable and original pieces are up for grabs, alongside immersive installations, live performances and a bar. 5-8 March 2026

ST PATRICK'S DAY 2026: Around the middle of March each year, many Londoners embrace their distant Irish heritage by getting stuck into St Patrick's Day celebrations. The main event is the St Patrick's Day festival and parade (15 March 2026), but look out for plenty of other Irish-themed parties, supper clubs, menus, bar crawls and events. Maybe acquaint yourself with one of London's best Irish pubs too. Around 17 March 2026

EARTH HOUR 2026: For one hour on a Saturday evening, London switches the lights off for WWF's Earth Hour, raising awareness of the effects of global warming. Individual businesses and households are encouraged to take part by turning off the lights, but several of the capital's major landmarks will be plunged into darkness too. FREE, 28 March 2026

It's tulip season at Hampton Court Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces.

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 11 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 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

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

NORTH LONDON BOOK FESTIVAL: One of London’s newest literary festival, 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

OUTDOOR CINEMA: As soon as the sun comes out, London's cinemas go al fresco, pitching up on rooftops, at palaces and in lidos across the capital. We'll provide details as soon as they're announced. In the meantime, browse London's previous outdoor cinemas to get an idea of what to expect. Usually from early May

London's outdoor cinema season begins in spring. Image: Rooftop Film Club

OPEN AIR THEATRE: For a high-brow night under the stars, head to London's open air theatre in Regent's Park. The season begins in early May with the world premiere of a new Sherlock Holmes production, followed by Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Cats, and Anansi the Spider playing throughout the season. 2 May-12 September 2026

DULWICH FESTIVAL: A celebration of art and culture in the local area, Dulwich Festival has yet to announce its full programme, but usually includes an artists' open house weekend, and the Dulwich Festival Fair on Goose Green, as well as many talks, tours and shows at local venues. 8-17 May 2026

CENTRE FOR ILLUSTRATION: Another big 2026 opening is the Quentin Blake Centre For Illustration, which will be the world's largest dedicated space for illustration when it opens in a former waterworks building in Clerkenwell. Expect a series of annual exhibitions across three galleries, in addition to free public gardens, a cafe and shop, a free library and learning spaces. From May 2026

WIMBLEDON ART FAIR: More than 180 artists exhibit at Wimbledon Art Fair, giving you a chance to purchase artworks directly from their creators. There's also a rare opportunity to go inside artists' studios. FREE ENTRY, 14-17 May 2026

See Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

EUROVISION 2026 FINAL: If you're partial to sequins, disco balls and cheese by the truckload, whack 16 May in your diary. That's the date of the Eurovision final, taking place in Vienna this year. We'll bring you a guide to Eurovision parties and screenings in London closer to the date, but in the meantime, here's last year's guide, to give you an idea of what to expect. 16 May 2026

CHELSEA AND BELGRAVIA IN BLOOM: Two separate (free!) events usually run at the same time as the Chelsea Flower Show (see below): Chelsea In Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom host dramatic flower installations erected outside shops, restaurants and cafes in the area. 2026 details and themes TBC. FREE, probably from 18 May 2026

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2026: A highlight for any green-fingered Londoner, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes over the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, with gardeners from all over the country showing off their work; stalls where you can buy flowers and plants to take home; and a chance to pick up tips from experts. 19-23 May 2026

FLOWERS: For more even more flowers, take a look at our guides to where to see cherry blossom, wisteria, bluebells and roses in London.

Family/children's events in London in Spring 2026

EASTER HOLIDAYS IN LONDON: The first two weeks of April are the Easter holidays for the majority of London schools. If you've got children or teenagers to entertain, keep an eye on our Easter holidays events guide — we'll cover shows, exhibitions and one-off events, as well as some free things to do. 28 March-12 April 2026

BANK HOLIDAYS: What with the Easter bank holidays, plus the double dose in May, our guide to spending bank holidays in London should come in handy over the next couple of months. Just remember to check opening hours before you travel, as some venues operate to different hours over bank holiday weekends.

CHEAM CHARTER FAIR: Rumour has it that the Cheam Charter Fair dates back to 1259 — though even the modern-day organisers can't verify that. Either way, head to the London-Surrey border for a traditional fair of stalls, kicked off with a procession at 9am. 2026 date TBC. FREE ENTRY, usually mid-May

Unique and quirky London events in Spring 2026

The Passion of Jesus is a Good Friday tradition in central London. Image: Wintershall

THE PASSION OF JESUS: As a gift to the people of London, the Wintershall Players perform a rendition of the Easter story for free every Good Friday (in fact there are two 90-minute performances). The event takes place in Trafalgar Square, with thousands of people turning up to watch every year. Turn up early to get a decent view. FREE, usually Good Friday (which is 3 April 2026)

TWEED RUN: Style meets cycling at 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, among others. Stops for tea, a picnic and a celebratory cocktail are built into the schedule. How sophisticated. 18 April 2026

CANALWAY CAVALCADE: If you go down to the canal over the May Day bank holiday, you're in for a big surprise. Dozens of canal boats moor up in Little Venice for the Canalway Cavalcade, a vibrant festival with live music, children's activities and boat-based fun. FREE, 2-4 May 2026

PUPPET FESTIVAL: One of those unique London events we love, the Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival celebrates the first recorded production of a Mr Punch show, as seen/recorded by Samuel Pepys in Covent Garden in 1662, and draws puppeteers from all over the country for a procession, church service, shows, stalls and workshops. FREE, 10 May 2026

GRAND FLANEUR WALK: 'A celebration of the pure, the immutable and the pointless, taken by the bold, the adventurous and the inebriated' is how organisers describe the Grand Flaneur Walk, a stroll without purpose, with participants wearing their finest dandy, flaneur or fop outfits — think top hats, handlebar moustaches, pocket squares, pocket watches — the works! FREE, 2026 date TBC

Sport events in London in Spring 2026

The London Marathon is one of London's biggest sports events. Image: iStock/IR_Stone

PALACE HALF: If ever a half marathon route was fit for a king/queen, it's the Palace Half. Start your run at the gates of Hampton Court Palace and take in the local area — including crossing the Thames twice, before finishing in the palace gardens. Plenty of charities are still looking for runners to take part on their behalf at time of writing. 15 March 2026

RIVER RACE: The Head of the River Race is rowed annually from Mortlake to Putney, with up to 400 crews of eights taking part. Get down to the river's edge to watch the action. FREE to watch, 28 March 2026

KEW THE RUN: Another one for London's athletic types, Kew the Run is a 10K or half marathon route finishing in Kew Gardens. The 10K course (Saturday) is contained entirely within the gardens, while the half marathon (Sunday) starts and ends in the gardens, meandering down to Ham House in Richmond and back. 28-29 March 2026

2026 BOAT RACES: The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Races take place in over 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

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

Music events and festivals in London in Spring 2026

Vogue Rites is on the programme at Roundhouse Three Sixty

For a detailed look at music festivals taking place in London this year — from early spring round until the autumn — have a browse of our guide to London's best music festivals, and get booking.

BARNES MUSIC FESTIVAL: Pianists, saxophonists, organists, singers and a concert band are some of the performers lined up for this year's Barnes Music Festival, which takes place at venues across the area. The Music in the Dark concert is a particularly popular aspect of the programme, so book ahead if it takes your fancy. Under-12s get free entry as part of the festival's Youth Programme. 7-22 March 2026

COUNTRY TO COUNTRY: Three days of country music come to The O2 as Country To Country festival returns. Rising Nashville stars take to the stage(s) between sets from headline acts including Keith Urban, Zach Top and Brooks & Dunn. 13-15 March 2026

TEENAGE CANCER TRUST: Elbow, Garbage, the Manic Street Preachers and Wolf Alice are among the headliners at a series of gigs in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, at the Royal Albert Hall. 23-29 March 2026

MESSIAH ON GOOD FRIDAY: For the 150th time, the Royal Choral Society performs Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall on Good Friday — a tradition that's only ever been interrupted by the Blitz and Covid. 150 singers are conducted by the choir's Music Director Richard Cooke, and accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a quartet of soloists. 3 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 all feature, and the legendary Roundhouse Poetry Slam is back. 8-29 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

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

New exhibitions in London this Spring

Elsa Schiaparelli takes centre stage at the V&A South Kensington © Giovanni Giannoni. Photo courtesy Patrimoine Schiaparelli, Paris

STUBBS: The works of visionary British painter George Stubbs — best known for his portrait of racehorse Scrub — are collected together in a free display at the National Gallery. It shines a spotlight on the 18 months Stubbs spent studying and drawing the anatomy of horses in the 1750s. FREE, 12 March-31 May 2026

WARTIME LONDON: View the effects of the Second World War in London through the works of artists who were active at the time. The Imperial War Museum's free exhibition Beauty and Destruction: Wartime London in Art contains over 45 paintings and drawings alongside photographs, film, objects and oral histories, showcasing scenes from the Docklands to St Paul's. FREE, 20 March-1 November 2026

LAST PRINCESSES OF PUNJAB: Punjabi princess and suffragette icon Sophia Duleep Singh, and five women who shaped her life, are in the spotlight in a new exhibition at Kensington Palace. Sophia and her sisters Catherine and Bamba; her mother Bamba Muller; grandmother Jind Kaur; and godmother Queen Victoria each became powerful changemakers in their own right. 26 March-8 November 2026

FAIRY TALES: Interactive displays, theatrical design, costumes and activities feature in family-friendly exhibition Fairy Tales at the British Library. Familiar characters and magical creatures are brought to life as you learn how fairy tales have been transformed through time. You can step into a couple of tales too, by sitting at the Three Bears' breakfast table, telling the genie your wish and smelling the wicked witch's potions. 27 March-23 August 2026

SCHIAPARELLI: The V&A South Kensington's fashion exhibitions are always phenomenally successful, and they'll be hoping for another hit with Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art. It tells the story of fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, including the inspiration she took from the Surrealism movement, and the fashion house she established, which is still going strong today. From 28 March 2026

HENRY MOORE: Kew Gardens gets a makeover when over 100 pieces by Henry Moore are installed, including 30 monumental sculptures set throughout the Gardens, and 70 works on paper, models and smaller pieces displayed in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. 9 May 2026-January 2027

WHISTLER AT TATE BRITAIN: 150 works of art by James McNeill Whistler go on display at Tate Britain, on loan from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Perhaps best known among the pieces is Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 (aka Portrait of the Artist's Mother/Whistler's Mother), shown alongside Whistler's notebooks, self-portraits and large canvases, including his soupy depictions of the industrialised Thames. 21 May-27 September 2026

New theatre shows in London this spring

Helen George stars in High Society. Photo: Michael Warley

I'M EVERY WOMAN: Singer Alexandra Burke stars in I'm Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical at Peacock Theatre. Watch the life and career of Khan, spanning 22 albums, 25 chart-topping hits and 70 million records sold, come to life on stage. From 5 March 2026

ROMEO & JULIET: One of London's most anticipated theatre shows of 2026 is Romeo & Juliet at the Harold Pinter Theatre, starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and Noah Jupe (Hamnet) as the star cross'd lovers of Shakespeare's romantic tragedy. 16 March-6 June 2026

INTER ALIA: Transferring to the West End after a run at the National Theatre, Inter Alia opens at Wyndham's Theatre, with Rosamund Pike returning as judge Jessica Parks, who is trying to balance her career with the demands of motherhood. 19 March-20 June 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

GENTLEMAN JACK: The story of powerful Yorkshire woman Anne Lister — better known as Gentleman Jack — is told through dance, in a production by the Northern Ballet at Sadler's Wells. 19-23 May 2026

HIGH SOCIETY: Call The Midwife star Helen George stars in Barbican Theatre's big Summer production, High Society, about a socialite who's about to remarry her ex-husband at the wedding of the year. Felicity Kendal also stars. 19 May-11 July 2026

BEETLEJUICE: Tim-Burton-film-turned-Broadway-musical-extravaganza Beetlejuice lands in the West End, telling the tale of Lydia Deetz — a strange teenager sharing her home with a pair of newly-deads and the demonic 'ghost with the most', Beetlejuice. From 20 May 2026

Food and drink events in London in Spring 2026

No need to cry over the Hot Sauce Festival. Image: Alistair Veryard

HOT SAUCE FESTIVAL: How hot is too hot for you? Find out at the Hot Sauce Festival in Peckham, where hundreds of small-batch sauces from 40+ traders are available to try and buy, along with live music, games, street food — and a bar for palate-cleansing drinks. 9-10 May 2026

LONDON COFFEE FESTIVAL: Get your fill of caffeine and then some, at the London Coffee Festival, a four-day programme of tastings, demos, competitions, shopping and more at The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. 14-17 May 2026

FOODIES FESTIVAL: Head to Syon Park for Foodies Festival, a three-day celebration of all things edible (and quaffable), with a side of live music. Pixie Lott, The Wanted and Scouting For Girls are among the performers, with live demos by celebrity chefs, street food and artisan markets, kids' cookery sessions, pop-up bars and more. 23-25 May 2026

Nine BrewDog pubs have closed in London with immediate effect. Image: Sebastian Lomas via creative commons

I still remember my first pint of Punk IPA.

Being drawn to the electric blue badge of light glowing phosphorescent amid the other meeker brews — and then the gobful of American hops jostling for attention in the fizz of the branded glass. It was so off the charts for my early 2010s palate, it verged on the comical — or at least, the comically delicious.

BrewDog Shoreditch became a semi-frequent haunt. There weren't many Fuller's pubs where you could slurp a 16.5% jasmine and cranberry infused Japanese barley wine, your fingers Trumpian orange from Buffalo chicken wings. The beers of these renegade Scottish brewers, who'd had the audacity to invade the English capital, had nuts names like Tactical Nuclear Penguin and Sink the Bismarck! (their exclamation mark). BrewDog were in an arms race to produce the strongest beer known to man (they got it up to 55% and poured it from dead squirrels). It really felt punk. I was even tempted to sink some money into their Equity for Punk investment scheme — everything was just so bloody thrilling.

BrewDog Shoreditch back in the day. Image: Alan via creative commons

The announcement on 2 March 2026 that BrewDog is shutting nine of its London pubs with immediate effect (Soho, Camden Road, Chancery Lane, Clerkenwell, Ealing, Hammersmith, Seething Lane, Tower Bridge, Wandsworth), amid a massive nationwide wind-down, conjures mixed feelings. The closure of any bar is never happy news. It must be awful for the staff who work in a troubled industry. Equity for Punk investors won't get any of their money back. But this also feels like the natural end to a chapter of beer in London, and I'm not the only person who thinks so. "Been predicting basically this for well over a decade," said beer writer Melissa Cole.

In the 15 years since BrewDog opened its first London outpost, in Camden, the city's beer scene has frothed into a medley of breweries, taprooms and craft beer pubs from Croydon to Finchley; Twickenham to Stratford. They're making and/or serving highly competent, tasty — often exciting and unpredictable — beer. Many are one-off indies too; in an increasingly homogenous world, that's an attractive thing.

Perhaps it is when BrewDog opened its Waterloo enormo-pub in 2022 that beer lovers started to worry the beer was no longer taking top of the agenda. Image: TaylorHerring via creative commons

BrewDog was always about jumping the shark, but perhaps it is when it opened its Waterloo enormo-pub in 2022 — complete with an ice cream van and a slide — that brew lovers started to worry the beer was no longer top of the agenda. By now, there were BrewDogs scattered around London and the rest of the UK; they'd become as predictably identikit as Nando's. The only thing that felt maverick was the increasingly enormo-prices.

Something else happened in 2022: the BBC released the documentary, The Truth about BrewDog, which unearthed a number of unnerving claims about the company: from spurious advertising to alleged iffy conduct by co-founder James Watt. I can't say I've drunk in many BrewDog pubs since I saw that programme.

No doubt, the nine London pubs that have gone will be mourned by some, but what will really be missed — by me at least — are those halcyon days when BrewDog felt like a genuine punk brand, rather than the pubby version of Jonny Rotten flogging Country Life butter that it became.

Anyway, a handful of BrewDogs remain open for business in London — in case you do fancy a Punk IPA. Or just want to go down the slide.

The newly-updated map features 26 London Underground artworks, including some unveiled in more recent years. Image: Benedict Johnson

26 permanent artworks on the London Underground feature in an updated map just released by  TfL.

The Art Map is a revised edition from one that originally appeared in 2016, and points culturally-inclined passengers in the direction of 26 permanent artworks scattered across the London Underground. These range from Henry Moore's first public commission (his West Wind relief, which flies across the former Transport for London headquarters at 55 Broadway) to David Gentleman's much-admired Cross for Queen Eleanor, which depicts the construction of Queen Eleanor's Cross, and has greeted Northern line passengers at Charing Cross since 1980.

Lucy McKenzie's Pleasure's Inaccuracies is one of the new entries on the map. Image: TfL

New entries on the map include Alexandre da Cunha's Sunset, Sunrise, Sunset (which arrived at the new Battersea Power Station station in 2021), Chantal Joffe's A Sunday Afternoon in Whitechapel (which neatly covers some disturbing ghost shadows) and Lucy McKenzie's Pleasure's Inaccuracies, featuring charming illustrated maps painted onto the waiting room ceilings at Sudbury Town.

The Art Map can be picked up for free at all Zone 1 London Underground stations, and in stations with Art on the Underground commissions beyond, including Brixton, Seven Sisters and Sudbury Town.

Cross for Queen Eleanor, 1979, Charing Cross Underground station. Photo by H J Hare and Son, 1979-1980. © TfL from the London Transport Museum collection

Additionally, this Sunday (8 March), you can catch these free talks which coincide with the map's release:

🎤 Amelia and David Gentleman discussing David's 1978 series of panels on the Northern line, Cross for Queen Eleanor, portraying the construction of Queen Eleanor's Cross. Charing Cross station, 11.30am, and 12.30pm

🎤 Larry Achiampong discussing his PAN AFRICAN FLAG FOR THE RELIC TRAVELLERS' ALLIANCE (UNION), which replaces the traditional red and blue roundel design with Pan-African colours. Westminster station, 12.15pm and 1.15pm

🎤 Programme Director of Art on the Underground, Eleanor Pinfield introducing Hannah Quinlan & Rosie Hastings' mosaic artwork Angels of History. St James's Park station, 1pm and 2pm

Of course, these 26 artworks are the tip of the iceberg: in truth, the London Underground is a gallery everywhere you turn, from the picture tiles along the Victoria line to the garrulous Jack Daniels' posters with an origin dating back to the early 1950s. Still, the Art Map is a pretty solid way to start your explorations.

All weekend

Eric Carle's books come to life at Blackheath Halls. Photo: Pamela Raith

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR: Take the kids along to Blackheath Halls for performances of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, an adaptation of four of Eric Carle's books. Naturally, that Caterpillar takes centre stage, joined by Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks and The Very Busy Spider. All are brought to life by more than 75 (!) puppets. 7-8 March 2026

FLEA WEEKENDER: Browse a flea market at a rather unusual location — Wapping Power Station. 70 traders set up inside the industrial landmark for two days selling mid-century furniture, rare vinyl, vintage fashion, antique homewares, lighting, art and more. 7-8 March 2026

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: March is Women's History Month and this Sunday (8 March) is International Women's Day: have a look at our pick of events celebrating and uplifting women, from supper clubs and concerts to talks and tours.

JEWISH BOOK WEEK: Running until Sunday, Jewish Book Week at Kings Place has a programme packed full of Jewish authors and speakers, covering a wide range of topics, as well as comedy, live music and walking tours. Until 8 March 2026

COSTUME COUTURE: Film and TV costume provider Cosprop is the subject of the Fashion & Textile Museum's current exhibition, Costume Couture, which displays familiar costumes from Downton Abbey, Gentleman Jack, Peaky Blinders, Pride & Prejudice and Out Of Africa. It closes this weekend. Until 8 March 2026

Wapping Power Station holds a flea market

ANNA ANCHER: Danish painter Anna Ancher's first ever UK exhibition is at Dulwich Picture Gallery until Sunday, showcasing her luminous paintings, bold use of colour and ability to capture light like no other — across 40 pieces. Until 8 March 2026

ORCHIDS: Swing by the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens to see a dragon, monkeys and pandas fashioned from flowers. This year's Orchids festival celebrates the flora and fauna of China, with traditional lanterns strung up too. Until 8 March 2026. While you're there, visit the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition, showcasing stunning shots of green spaces, flora, fauna and fungi. Both are included in Kew Gardens admission. Until 9 March 2026

DRAMA OF ARCHITECTURE: 300 years after the death of respected architect Sir John Vanbrugh, Sir John Soane's Museum (that is a lot of Sir Johns for one sentence) opens a new exhibition about him. Learn more about the man responsible for designing some of the UK's most admired and loved country houses, including Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, and see some of Vanbrugh's drawings from both major and lesser-known projects. 4 March-28 June 2026

THE OTHER ART FAIR: The Other Art Fair takes over the Old Truman Brewery for four days of artwork that's accessible to all. Affordable and original pieces are up for grabs, alongside immersive installations, live performances and a bar. 5-8 March 2026

Last chance to see familiar fashion at Costume Couture. © Fashion and Textile Museum

MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS: Scottish Ballet's choreographer-in-residence Sophie Laplane brings her major new production, Mary, Queen of Scots, to Sadler's Wells. The Scottish Ballet Orchestra provides the soundtrack to an iconic story, unconventionally told, as Elizabeth I is haunted by memories — real and imagined — of her cousin Mary. 5-8 March 2026

CATHERINE OPIE: Photographic portraits by the American artist Catherine Opie are on display at the National Portrait Gallery, the first major museum exhibition of her work in the UK. Works featured in the exhibition span her first big artwork, Being and Having (1991), her portraits of LGBTQ+ friends inspired by court painter Hans Holbein, and her Baroque-like portraits of artists. 5 March-31 May 2026

PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE: View works by the four shortlisted photographers of this year's Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize at the Photographers' Gallery near Oxford Circus. Photos by Jane Evelyn Atwood, Weronika Gęsicka, Amak Mahmoodian and Rene Matić are on show, spanning documentary, constructed images, self-portraiture, performance and family archives from around the world. The winner is announced on 14 May. 6 March-7 June 2026

Saturday 7 March

Haringey Shed celebrates its anniversary at Alexandra Palace

MORRIS MONTH: The William Morris Society kicks off Morris Month today, with a flurry of talks and demos based on Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement with which he's synonymous. It's family friendly, and takes place at the Society's Hammersmith HQ. Book your place in advance. 10am-4pm

SEWING MACHINE MUSEUM: The monthly opening of south London's little-known Sewing Machine Museum is a chance to view the private collection of hundreds of historic machines. Entry is free, though donations to the RNLI or Leukemia Research are encouraged. 2pm-5pm

CROYDON AIRPORT: "Whatever else it has done, Croydon Airport has certainly put Croydon on the map of Europe. Many foreigners instinctively think of Croydon when they hear the word England mentioned." (Croydon Advertiser, 1938). Londonist Editor Will Noble is at the David Sweet Hall at ECURC, East Croydon, exploring the golden age of Croydon, when it was a crucible of aviation, global travel and adventure. Just show up; recommended on-the-door donation of £3 to CNHSS. 2.20pm

JOHNNY CASH MUSICAL: The Ballad of Johnny & June is a new musical telling the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, through the eyes of their son, John Carter Cash. Catch the final shows of the UK premiere run at Churchill Theatre Bromley. 2.30pm/7.30pm

Carly Foxx DJs at Disco Sisters

ANCIENT GREASE: An unofficial parody of the musical Grease comes to The Vaults in Waterloo, setting the action in Ancient Greece rather than 1950s American. Ancient Grease (see what they did there?) takes place in Olympus Academy, where the Alphas and Omegas are the studs, and Zeus and Hera spend a fateful summer night together, which leaves Hera with a big decision to make. 2.30pm/7.30pm (and until 31 May 2026)

HARINGEY SHED ANNIVERSARY: Haringey Shed, an inclusive performing arts organisation for children and young people both with and without disabilities, celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special show at Alexandra Palace Theatre. The Silver Hive is about a group of young people trying to save a local community centre, told through music, dance and storytelling. 5.30pm

ENFIELD FEASTS: Supper club Enfield Feasts returns to the Dugdale Arts Centre, this time with British-Polish food writer Ren Behan at the helm. Begin with welcome canapés, and hear Behan discussing her love of food and the inspiration behind her cookbooks. Then enjoy a multi-course dinner featuring both traditional Polish dishes including golabki and szarlotka, as well as modern creations inspired by Polish street food. 6.30pm

DISCO SISTERS: Women-only event Disco Sisters is at the Star of Kings in King's Cross, playing disco and dance classics throughout the evening, with mass karaoke sessions and a glass of prosecco included in your ticket. Carly Foxx DJs. 6.30pm-10pm

SUMMERFOLK: Maxim Gorky's 1905 play Summerfolk gets a revival at the National Theatre, set in a hot, beautiful summer when Russia's elite retreat to the countryside to swim, sip champagne and start affairs, while ignoring the storm on the horizon... 7.30pm (and until 29 April 2026)

See Sam Hickman: First Woman at Camden People's Theatre. Photo: Rhian Dixon Photography

CLIMATE OPERA: Climate opera Soria Moria gets its world premiere at Conway Hall in Holborn, telling the story of Lucia, a young explorer drawn by the voice of Fossegrim, the ancient Water Spirit, to the melting Arctic ice. The production is inspired by Nordic mythology and real-world climate science, and performed in English and Nordic, with surtitles — beginning with a short introduction by the composer and producer. 7.30pm-9pm

COMEDY WIP: Watch comedian Kate-Lois Elliott's work-in-progress show, Trad, following on from her sell-out Edinburgh debut last year. She picks apart stories from history and her own life, from Queen Victoria’s alleged sex mania, to her own deranged obsession with making it into the tabloids, at Pleasance Theatre in Islington. 7.40pm

IMPROMPTU SHAKESPEARE: See a Shakespeare-style show whipped up live on stage, as Impromptu Shakespeare comes to the New Wimbledon Theatre. Each show is different as the cast takes audience suggestions and creates improvised verses. 7.45pm

FIRST WOMAN: Singer, musician and comedian Sam Hickman brings comedy harp show First Woman to Camden People's Theatre, promising an hour of original songs and stand-up spanning topics including womanhood, motherhood and medical transition. 9pm

DISCO ALWAYS: Celebrate all things Harry Styles and One Direction at the Clapham Grand, on the release weekend of his new album, Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally. Tribute act The Harry Styles Show performs, alongside disco balls, confetti, balloons and themed cocktails. 10.30pm-3am

Sunday 8 March

Gloria Shoreditch holds the Lasagna Cook-Off. Photo: Jérôme Galland

FLEA MARKET: Food hall Hackney Bridge hosts a flea market, with 40+ traders selling vintage and designer fashion, and homeware and furniture. Early bird tickets get you entry from 10am, while general admission is from midday. 10am-3.30pm

BEAM ENGINE: The magnificent Markfield Beam Engine opens its doors today; admire the muscular machine that once pumped sewage, and in doing so, helped improve London's public health. As well as the engine (note: today is not a 'steaming' day) there's a museum, cafe and playground. FREE, 10am-3.30pm

OLIVER TWIST'S LONDON: The Foundling Museum offers a walking tour focusing on the London of Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist. Begin at St Paul's Cathedral and spend two hours hearing how Dickens and other social campaigners fought to improve conditions for London's most vulnerable, before finishing at the museum. 11am

WOLF HALL: As part of the Literary Footprints festival, which runs throughout March, join a guide for a walking tour of the real London locations of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy of novels. Begin at Blackfriars station and hear about this turbulent period in British history encompassing royalty, religion and riches. 11am

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE: Mark International Women's Day with a walking tour themed on pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale. Beginning in Mayfair, a guide from the Florence Nightingale Museum takes you in the footsteps of the 'mother of nursing' through the places where she lived and worked. Learn about her background, her influential neighbours and her love life, in Mayfair and St James’s, finishing at the Florence Nightingale statue on Waterloo Place. 11am

WOMEN AND THE ARMY: Take a guided tour of the Women and the British Army gallery at the National Army Museum, and find out what the impact was of the government opening all combat roles in Britain's armed forces to women in 2018. It's also an insight into the roles women played in the armed forces before that, as far back as the First World War. 11am

The London Mozart Players perform St John Passion © Marc Gascoigne

ORGAN MUSEUM: The enchanting Amersham Fair Organ Museum (which we visited at the end of last year) opens its swoon-worthy collection of vintage fair organs, the ornate machines — some dating back to the 19th century — being played in 15-20-minute bursts. Stick around long enough, and you'll get to experience the lot. A cafe is also open selling refreshments. FREE, 11am-5pm

LASAGNA COOK-OFF: Spend a delicious Sunday at Gloria Shoreditch, where six restaurants enter their dishes into the Lasagna Cook-Off. Sample all six, and cast your vote before a judging panel crowns the best lasagna. 12pm

HOLI FESTIVALS: The Hindu festival of Holi takes place in early March, with two huge events here in London. Head to Swiss Cottage today for the Magic of India Holi Colour Dance Party with Indian food stalls, bhangra dance performances, live music, a T20 match screening — and perhaps the most famous part of Holi — colour powders for throwing. A similar event happens in Hounslow next weekend. 12pm-5pm

ST JOHN PASSION: The London Mozart Players are at Fairfield Halls in Croydon for a rendition of Bach's St John Passion. The piece was originally written for Good Friday, and is an emotional retelling of Christ’s final hours. 4.30pm

ICE HOCKEY: Caught hockey mania from the Winter Olympics? Watch home team the Haringey Greyhounds takes on Slough Sirens in a women's match at Alexandra Palace. An hour-long ice disco takes place on the rink immediately after the game. Doors 6pm

HEATED RIVALRY: More hockey! As hit Canadian TV series Heated Rivalry picks up fans this side of the pond, hear from Rachel Reid, the author of the books on which the series is based. Tickets to attend the Union Chapel event in person have sold out, but you can still tune into the livestream to hear about the Game Changers series, ahead of the seventh book being published this September. 7pm

Not a thread of Lycra on this cycle ride. Image: Tweed Run

Cyclists don't often get a good rap for their clothing. The Lycra/GoPro aesthetic might be practical, but you hardly cut a dash at the traffic lights.

Enter the Tweed Run — a yearly event in which London's boulevardiers take a leisurely 12-mile pedal past some of London's most iconic landmarks, flaunting their most dapper threads. Tweed jackets, faux-fur collars, golfing socks, tank tops and straw bonnets are the order of the day. You might even spot the odd pearly king and queen.

In terms of clothing, it's more or less the opposite of the World Naked Bike Ride.

Such a dressy affair, it's basically the opposite of the World Naked Bike Ride. Image: Tweed Run

At the start line, energy gels are sidelined for breakfast sandwiches and tea in a picturesque garden square, with live music — before a bugle call announces the start of the ride.

After pedalling a route through pretty London streets (it's a new route every year), and pausing halfway around for tea and chatter, the riders finish up with a cocktail. It's about as unstrenuous as you can get. As for winners? No trophy for finishing first, but there are awards for best-dressed individuals, finest moustache and most elegantly adorned bicycle. How very civilised.

Awards are dished out for best-dressed individuals, finest moustache and most elegantly adorned bicycle. Image: Tweed Run

This year's Tweed Run takes place on Saturday 18 April 2026, and tickets for taking part are now on sale. Alternatively, you can simply watch; the route is only published on the Tweed Run website on the day of the event itself.

You can even bring your dog along. Image: Tweed Run

Prefer to use shanks' pony? Check out the the Grand Flaneur Walk, taking place in May.

Tweed Run, Saturday 18 April 2026

A sure sign that spring is here. Photo: Anton Darius via Unsplash

March is peak daffodil season in London, the ubiquitous yellow trumpets — along with crocuses — usually giving one of the first signs that spring is finally coming (sure, the snowdrops come out earlier, but even their name is entrenched in the chill of winter rather than the golden glow of spring). Daffodils can be seen on pretty much any patch of grass, but if you really want to see them at their finest, swing by one of the places below.

Exact flowering times vary each year depending on the weather, but March-April is the best period to seek them out. Cherry blossom and tulips usually appear from a couple of weeks after the daffs, with wisteria following soon after in April-May.

Daffodils in The Royal Parks

For daffs with Palace views, head to St James's Park. Photo: Ruxandra Mateiu via Unsplash

St James's Park and Green Park are your best bets for a bit of daff-bothering in central London. The former is home to 70,000 daffodils each spring, sprinkled among the formal ornamental beds and borders, and on the lawns, overlooked by Buckingham Palace at one end, and Horse Guards Parade at the other.

For spring colour, St James's Park is a shoo-in — it's also a hotspot for tulips, which tend to follow on here about a month after peak-daffodil time.

Neighbouring Green Park, which famously has no formal flower beds, is liberally sprinkled with daffs between the trees — as over-keen picnickers toy with paying for one of those deckchairs, before realising it's not quite warm enough.

Daffodils at Hampton Court Palace

Head to the Wilderness at Hampton Court to get your fill of daffodils. Photo: Marathon via creative commons

Though better known for its annual tulip festival, Hampton Court Palace's gardeners know their way around a daffodil too. They're at their best in the Wilderness area of the garden, close to the famous maze. And while you'd normally have to pay a Palace admission fee to see this part of the garden, you can visit for free on a few garden open days each year, including 14-15 March 2026, which should be peak daffodil time, provided the British weather plays ball.

Daffodils at Chiswick House and Gardens

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Such is the display of daffodils at Chiswick House and Gardens, they offer a special walk (12 March 2026) led by Head of Gardens, Rosie Fyles and Senior Kitchen Gardener, Sally Tillson. Though not all of the 100,000+ bulbs planted across the estate are daffodils, they do feature heavily.

You might notice the yellow hues appearing earlier here than in other spots; the gardening team is in the habit of planting early-blooming narcissus, which can come into flower as early as January.

Daffodils at Bunhill Fields

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Though the daffodils in Bunhill Fields are not as numerous as some of the other spots on this list, their distribution among the gravestones makes for an atmospheric scene. This used to be one of our favourite lunch spots when Londonist HQ was nearby. Note: benches are in high demand on those first, apricity-tinged days of spring.

Daffodils in Osterley Park

Image: Osterley House and Park

The gleaming carpets of daffodils in Osterley Park are both beautiful and varied, although you will have to fork our an entrance fee to this National Trust property, even if you're just admiring the gardens.

Daffodils in Holland Park

Holland Park has it all. Photo: Gary Houston via creative commons

Is there anything that Kensington's Holland Park can't do? Not content with having a tranquil Japanese garden, a top tulip offering, and some banging (probably not the horticultural term) roses, you'll find the Daffodil Lawn betwixt that Kyoto Garden and Holland House, at the centre of the park.

Daffodil Crescent at Trent Park, Enfield

A host of... well, y'know. Photo: Matt Brown/Londonist

Less well-known, but possibly London's best show of all, is the spread of daffs which pop up at Trent Country Park in Enfield (nearest station Cockfosters) each spring. They carpet the lawn in front of Trent Park House (which used to belong to Middlesex University and is currently in a state of flux, with a museum due to open this summer), to the extent that the drive is officially called Daffodil Crescent. There's no arguing with that — though it does make us nervous about walking down nearby Snakes Lane.

Sadly, Daffodil Garden in Ilford and Daffodil Street in Acton are somewhat lacking in their yellow namesakes, but the pocket-sized Daffodil Green in Kingston does boast an artful sweep of daffodils.

Free things to do in London this week.

Gardens Church Row, Donald Chisholm Towner (1903-1985) 1957, Collection Burgh House

Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London, and have a helpful guide on where to see art in London for free, and where you can catch cheap and free comedy or live music for free in the capital.

Get to know Frida Kahlo

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is the subject of a free afternoon talk at Guildhall Library on Tuesday. Arts Society lecturer Frank Woodgate talks about how Kahlo's colourful — and often disturbing — artworks, which tell the story of a life lived in pain, and two marriages to the same man, Diego Rivera.

3 March.

Investigate the shape of gravity

Why are planets spherical? Come to think of it, are they spherical? A closer look at the Earth reveals it is not in fact perfectly round, but slightly squashed, like a pumpkin or a peanut. Professor Alain Goriely explains why at Tuesday night's free Gresham College lecture. You can watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online, as he answers seemingly simple questions which have fascinated scientists and mathematicians since the time of Newton. See what else is on at Gresham College this week and over the coming weeks.

3 March.

Go see So Dramatic

A free exhibition for you to enjoy over Women's History Month.

So Dramatic: Reclaiming Emotion, Power, and Space launches this week: the double-header show by artists Fiona Freund and Lise Meyrick combines painting and photography to celebrate the women of today, through portraits and abstract artwork. It's on at Brixton Library (open daily) throughout this month, which, btw, is Women's History Month.

3-31 March.

Learn about lichens

Join a Royal Parks guide in Kensington Gardens for a free guided walk exploring the fascinating world of lichens, the colonies of algae which can be found living on trees. Find out why they are returning to the centre of London after decades of absence, and why they are so important. Learn how to identify different species, and take part in a citizen science project to help collect important data.

4 March.

Have a laugh at a comedy showcase

It's free entry at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green on Wednesday night, when students from the City Academy stand-up comedy course show off the skills they've learned in a showcase.

4 March.

Join the private view of a new art exhibition

Artist Michelle Baharier presents Filling in the Gaps at Marylebone Parish Church Art Space. The exhibition showcases painted portraits of disability rights activists whose work has transformed access and inclusion across the UK's public transport system. Each painting incorporates symbolic elements reflecting the sitter's story, from transport iconography such as the TfL roundel to personal objects, and Baharier offers a private view of the exhibition this Wednesday evening, which you're welcome to attend.

4 March.

Wander Amongst the Trees and Terraces

Burgh House in Hampstead unveils new, free exhibition Amongst The Trees and Terraces, showcasing interwar and post-war artworks by local artist Donald Towner, spanning landscapes, cityscapes and Hampstead views.

5 March-13 December.

Get some free culture on your lunch break

Once again the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden hosts a free lunchtime recital in the Paul Hamlyn Hall. The exact performers aren't announced until you arrive, but it'll be either Royal Ballet and Opera performers, or guest artists.

6 March.

Visit London's Sewing Machine Museum

That's a lot of sewing machines. Photo: Londonist

The monthly opening of London's little-known Sewing Machine Museum is a chance to view the private collection of 600 of the machines — displayed on shelves and in mock shop windows. Entry is free, though a donation to either The Royal National Lifeboat Institution or Leukaemia Research is appreciated. Read about our visit for an idea of what to expect.

7 March.

Be wowed by a symphony of self-playing organs

The enchanting Amersham Fair Organ Museum (which we visited at the end of last year) opens its swoon-worthy collection of vintage fair organs on Sunday (11am-5pm), the ornate machines being played in 15-20 bursts. Stick around long enough, and you'll get to experience the lot. A cafe is also open selling refreshments.

8 March.

And finally, a couple of cheap events that might interest you

🖼️ The William Morris Society kicks off Morris Month on Saturday, with a flurry of talks and demos based on Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement he's synonymous with. It's family friendly, and takes place at the Society's Hammersmith HQ. Book your place in advance for £5 a pop.

7 March.

👨🏻‍✈️"Many foreigners instinctively think of Croydon when they hear the word England mentioned." (Croydon Advertiser, 1938). Londonist Editor Will Noble is at the David Sweet Hall at ECURC, East Croydon on Saturday (2.20pm), exploring the golden age of Croydon, when it was a crucible of aviation, global travel and adventure. The event's free, although there's a recommended on-the-door donation of £3 to CNHSS. Just show up.

7 March.

This March, the musical 'Ruth' debuts at Wilton's Music Hall, telling the story of Ruth Ellis — who shot dead her abusive lover David Blakely in 1955, and became the last woman to be executed in the UK. Here, Caroline Slocock explains why she wrote the musical, how she set about it, and if society might view Ruth Ellis differently were she convicted of the murder today.

"It was one of those lightbulb moments. I could see it and hear it and imagine it so powerfully. I decided there and then that I would write a musical about her." Images: Ewan Munro/fair use

I'd always been aware of Ruth Ellis' story and I loved the 1985 film Dance With A Stranger, but had no special interest beyond that.

And then one day, many years later, I was sitting and musing about ideas for a stage musical and out of nowhere Ruth Ellis popped into my head. It was one of those lightbulb moments. I could see it and hear it and imagine it so powerfully. I decided there and then that I would write a musical about her.

It's a very operatic story, it has all those big operatic themes — love, death, obsession. And there's a love triangle at the heart of it. It really is packed with drama. I felt it needed that deeper level of emotional storytelling that musicals can bring.

I have to say under normal circumstances I wouldn't rush to write a story about a murderess, but to me Ruth is such an intriguing character. I can empathise with her very easily. She wasn't born evil. She was just very damaged by her upbringing and was abused by men her whole life, and then with David Blakely's violence towards her things spiralled out of control. If she hadn't been given a gun and taught how to use it by a certain individual, I don't believe the murder would have occurred.

"I also visited her grave in Amersham. The emotions were rather overwhelming that day." Image: Swan So Fine via creative commons

I did a very thorough tracing of her footsteps. It really helped me to get into her character. I went to the Magdala (the Hampstead pub where Ellis shot Blakely) and the house where Blakely was staying that fateful Easter weekend. Also the location in Knightsbridge where the nightclub Ruth worked at was, and her flat. I also visited her grave in Amersham. The emotions were rather overwhelming that day.

I've rooted as much of it as possible in fact. There are thing she says that she actually said in real life. But there is one major leap of imagination I've taken, something that definitely never happened, that is very much at the heart of the story. Not going to expand on that, it would give too much away!

There's a song in the courtroom scene which is particularly timely, given the current tawdry behaviour of certain high-ranking individuals. Ruth's fellow hostesses call out the judge and the barristers for their hypocrisy, singing: "You’re all hippo, hippo, down with the zippo, off with the suit and let it all rippo, gripping and whipping and nipping and dripping hypocrites." That's one of my favourites!

The show debuts at Wilton's Music Hall

One of the things that always stays with me is Ruth's extraordinary courage and her immediate acknowledgement of her guilt. Three days after the shooting she wrote a letter to David's mother saying "I shall die loving your son". So even before the trial she had accepted that she would probably be sentenced to death and executed.

The defence of 'diminished responsibility' was introduced two years after her death, partly as a response to Ruth's case, so that's a pretty huge legacy. And in this era of #MeToo, viewing her story through the more informed lens of the present day, people's response to the case is very different. There's a greater understanding of what drives women to commit murder.

If Ruth Ellis shot David Blakely today, society would definitely view it differently. There are a number of cases that have been in the news, Sally Challen for one, of women who have murdered their partners after years of abuse, be it physical or mental abuse or coercive control, and the thinking around that whole subject has shifted massively. There's a deeper understanding now of the psychological aspect, although it's still a sad fact that a large proportion of the women in prison today are themselves victims of domestic abuse.

Ruth is on at Wilton's Music Hall, 18-28 March 2026.

Your weekly roundup of Londonist news and features.

Oxford Street Pedestrianisation Given Go Ahead

Vehicles to be banned from parts from September.

When Will The New DLR Trains Be Rolled Out?: An Update

Coming soon-ish. Again.

A Floating Park For The Royal Docks?

Plans would also see a floating lido and new (also floating) homes.

The Famous Simpsons In The Strand Reopens In March

Beef trolleys back on the menu.

1921: Do You Pogo?

When London went hopping mad.

What's London's Longest Tunnel?

Road, rail, foot and mail.

Westminster Abbey Has A Host Of Exciting Events Coming Up - Here Are Our Highlights

Talks, tours, lates and concerts. (sponsor)

Life Of Crime: Exhibition Explores London's Lawmakers And Breakers

And you can't steal tickets, cos it's free!

St Patrick's Day 2026 In London: Where To Celebrate

Parties, pubs and the big parade.

Coal Tax Posts And Where To Find Them

They engirdle London and have a fascinating history.

Fix It For Free: Master Woodwork, Sewing And Kintsugi At London Repair Week

Workshops and classes across London.

Ride Vintage Buses Through Central London This Weekend

Including a Silver Routemaster.

Watch Women's Ice Hockey At Ally Pally On International Women's Day

Haringey Greyhounds v Slough Sirens.

See Hundreds Of Rowers Tackle The Famous Boat Race Course This March

The big race before the big races.

Image: Steve Selwood via creative commons

Review: Tracey Emin: A Second Life Is A Walk-Through Diary Of A Turbulent Life

An emotional tumble dryer of a show.

A Keith Haring Exhibition Is Coming To London - Set In A Mocked-Up NYC Subway

"It became difficult to stop."

"I Created A Musical Pay-What-You Can Cafe"

Harmonize Cafe in Stoke Newington.

London Council Elections May 2026: Who? When? What? Where?

A guide to the upcoming local elections in London.

Looking ahead: Things To Do In London This Week: 2-8 March 2026

See what's on in London this week.

Free museums in London: sure, you'll be au fait with the biggies — but the more you squint, the more wonderful institutions emerge. Here's our roundup of museums with no entry fee in London, arranged alphabetically.

Note that some of these museums have free permanent collections, but charge for temporary collections, tours etc. Almost all these museums encourage small donations from those who can afford it.

V&A East Storehouse is among a multitude of free museums in London waiting to be explored.

Free museums in central London

Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum, Paddington

Praed Street, Paddington. Website. Maps. Nearest station: Paddington

See where Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Visit the very laboratory in which Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin — thus changing the trajectory of the medical world for good. The room is set up as Fleming would've had it (famously he'd left the place untidy, as he went off on his hols, only to return to find the breakthrough growing on a dish). Other bits and pieces include the first microscope Fleming owned as a student, and the 'mould medallions' the scientist handed out to celebs including Winston Churchill and Marlene Dietrich. Alex, you shouldn't have...

Bank of England Museum, Bank

Bartholomew Lane, Bank. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Bank

In theory, you could leave here a very rich person. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Attempting (and inevitably failing) to lift a gold bar is the big conversation piece at this world-famous institution — although you'll get to gawp at everything from Roman coins to a never-cashed million-pound note. In short: here's a way to learn the history of money without spending any of your own. Given what's inside, prepare for airport-style security on entry.

British Museum, Bloomsbury

Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road

The Parthenon Sculptures are a highlight. Image: Londonist

Conversations about how much of the British Museum's content should rightly be elsewhere will rumble on indefinitely; what's indubitable is that there is some staggeringly impressive loot treasure, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Sculptures, replete with insane tableaus of rippling torsos, duelling gods and wedding party dust-ups. Various tours and talks are available, and try peeking into the Reading Room too — it's a doozy. With seven million visitors each year, queues can stretch round the block; booking a free entry slot to the British Museum these days is wise.

British Optical Association Museum, Charing Cross

42 Craven Street, Charing Cross. Website. Maps. Nearest station: Charing Cross

Eye, eye. Image: Londonist

Ronnie Corbett's specs, Leonardo DiCaprio's contact lenses and a pair of modern-looking sunglasses that were in fact worn by a Venetian gondolier around 1780: this uncanny house museum, founded in 1901, is packed with eye-opening exhibits. Visits are by guided tour; appointment only.

Charterhouse, Smithfield

Charterhouse Square, Smithfield. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Barbican

The Charterhouse museum and chapel are free. Image: Londonist

Founded in 1371, the Charterhouse was originally a Carthusian monastery, which later pivoted to being a private school, whose boys are rumoured to have created football's 'offside' and 'throw-in' rules. Tours (where you'll learn more trivial titbits like this) are paid-for, but the Charterhouse museum display, chapel (and gift shop) are accessible for free.

Faraday Museum, Mayfair

21 Albemarle Street, Mayfair. Website. Maps. Nearest station: Green Park

Michael Faraday conducted his groundbreaking work on electromagnetism in this former laboratory inside the Royal Institution, which appears just as it would have done back in the 1850s. As well as instruments related to Faraday and his pioneering research, you can ogle such objects as John Tyndall's apparatus, which explained for the first time why the sky appears to be blue.

Grant Museum of Zoology, Fitzrovia

21 University Street, Fitzrovia. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Euston Square

Like things in jars? This place is for you. Image: James Tye

100,000 specimens occupy this Victorian wunderkammer — from dodo bones, to a jar of pickled moles, which has become something of a grisly mascot for the Grant Museum. Given how packed this miniature version of the Natural History Museum is, it's quite something to learn that only about 7% of the collection is on display at any one time.

Hunterian Museum, Holborn

38-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Holborn

Some of the displays cut deep. Image: Londonist

Not unlike the Grant Museum (see above) — but with added human oddments for good measure — the Hunterian is named for the pioneering surgeon John Hunter, and delves into his trailblazing surgical research by way of vitrines stuffed with embryos, diseased organs — and a fair few animal skeletons too. Fascinating? For sure. But visit once you're through with your lunch.

Islington Museum, Clerkenwell

245 St John Street, Clerkenwell. Website. Maps. Nearest station: Farringdon

Joe Orton's defaced library books are a highlight. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

As local history museums go, Islington's is wide-ranging, interesting even to non-residents and occasionally fun. There's a bust of Lenin (he spent much of the 1900s living and working in Islington). A cabinet of bric-a-brac from 53 Cross Street (think walnut shells, a child's shoe, Victorian buttons and a gas mask mouthpiece). Infamously, the museum holds the library books defaced by playwright Joe Orton and his lover (and eventual murderer) Kenneth Halliwell. While nobody would condone the disfigurement of public property, it's hard not to giggle at the results. Bold move, too, to place those defaced books right beneath the borough's main library.

Library and Museum of Freemasonry, Holborn

60 Great Queen Street, Holborn. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Holborn

You needn't be in the Masons to enter this redoubtable building. Image: Cristian Bortes via creative commons

You needn't be a freemason to access this grandiloquent art deco Freemasons' lodge — in fact they're keen to get you inside. After all, who wouldn't want to show off their Grand Temple, with its golden organ — a room entered through Walter Gilbert-designed doors weighing a quarter-tonne each. If the world of Freemasonry was a riddle to you beforehand, you'll come out with plenty of questions answered, and likely some new ones brewing.

London Archives, Clerkenwell

40 Northampton Road. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Farringdon

It's a crime not to visit — oh ho! Image: London Archives

A Londonphile's dream, the London Archives (formerly the London Metropolitan Archives) is an Aladdin's cave of tattered leather tomes, microfilm and maps — all freely available to explore. Museum-wise, the space hosts excellent small exhibitions on things found in the archives (which could basically be anything). Recent topics include the history of crime in London, and tram posters.

London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE, Bank

12 Walbrook, Bank. Website. Maps. Nearest station: Bank

The remains of one of the City's most ancient temples lie below Bloomberg Space. Image: Bloomberg

What surfaced in 1954 after almost 1,800 years underground, was treated like crap in the 1960s, disappeared again for a while, and has finally rematerialised with the treatment it deserves? That would be the Temple of Mithras, AKA the London Mithraeum, in the City of London. Beneath the newish Bloomberg building lies the remains of one of the City's most ancient temples: atmospherically lit and soundtracked, it's sidebarred with a stockpile of Roman goodies uncovered on site, including the marble head of deity Mithras.

Museum of Anaesthesia, Marylebone

21 Portland Place, Marylebone. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Oxford Circus

Despite its name, this museum won't send you to sleep; its bijou collection of medical paraphernalia (think bottles of chloroform, and red rubber endotracheal tubes which were first introduced in the 1920s) document how scientific advances have made surgery a far more palatable experience. Temporary exhibitions run, sometimes for a year at a time.

Museum of Comedy, Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury Way. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Holborn

Not so much a museum, as a collection of comical oddities to peruse while waiting to be let into the Museum of Comedy's cosy auditorium for a show. Still, this bijou collection — featuring Bill Bailey's six-neck guitar, and the back door of the Trotters' Only Fools and Horses Reliant Regal — is a happy surprise. As it happens, the museum's located in the crypt of St George's Church; the very same church that appears in Hogarth's Gin Lane — one of London's great satires. That's not the last you'll hear of Hogarth in this article, either.

Museum of the Order of St. John, Clerkenwell

St John’s Gate, St John’s Lane, Clerkenwell. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Farringdon

This uniquely housed museum delves into the plight of the Order of St. John. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

St John's Gate has stood here since 1504. It once served as the entrance to the Priory of the Knights of St John, but all that was swept away with Henry VIII's Reformation. Today it's the setting of a free and lively museum, which sets out the history of the building (William Hogarth — yes him again — lived in the gatehouse as a child, when his father ran a Latin-language coffee shop here). It also delves into the plight of the Order of St. John, who started out caring for sick pilgrims in 11th century Jerusalem, and continue their good work today as St John Ambulance. Talks are sometime held here too.

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, Bloomsbury

Malet Place, Bloomsbury. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Euston Square

Everyday ancient Egypt comes to life at the Petrie. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

In the heart of Bloomsbury lies this densely packed — and frankly spellbinding — collection of artefacts from ancient Egypt (and some from Sudan); a panoply of the kind of stelas, mummy cases and canopic jars you might see round the corner at the British Museum, minus the crushing crowds. In many ways, the collection here is more interesting than that found at the bigger museum. Many of its exhibits — jewellery, beads, combs and children's toys — reflect everyday life all those centuries ago.

Royal College of Nursing Museum, Marylebone

20 Cavendish Square, Marylebone. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Bond Street

A little-known museum about a chronically under-appreciated pursuit. Image: Londonist

An underlying ripple of protest simmers away in this little-known museum dedicated to the chronically under-appreciated pursuit of nursing. On our visit in 2025, we were met by a sea of cardboard banners bearing fragments of the personal insights and experiences of RCN nurses, as created in a week-long residency with artist Peter Liversedge. In truth, the RCN's museum is just as much an art gallery: the ground floor's exhibits — which include a 1920s-30s district nurse's bag, and a starched white 'Celia' belt — are freckled with the preoccupying works of Connie Flynn, who has restyled old bandages, sheets and parts of uniform into thought-provoking pieces.

Sir John Soane's Museum, Holborn

13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Holborn

One of London's most celebrated house museums. Image: Noel Treacy via creative commons

About as much of a secret as Gordon's Wine Bar or Joe Allen's off-menu burger, any Londoner worth their salt will have been to the Georgian townhouse of architect Sir John Soane, or at least have it teetering at the top of their 'to do' list. To say Soane — designer of the old Bank of England — liked collecting things is an understatement, and the house is kept as he would have enjoyed his worldly trinkets back in the day: the alabaster sarcophagus of Pharaoh Seti I; original Hogarth paintings secreted away in an ingenious room of moving panels. In all, there are some 40,000 sculptures, books, busts and artworks. The famous candlelight tours will cost you, but otherwise Sir John Soane's Museum remains enticingly free.

St Bartholomew's Hospital Museum, Smithfield

St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield. Website. Maps. Nearest station: Farringdon

The Hogarth Stair is worth the visit alone. Image: Winniepix via creative commons

One of the rash of medical museums that smothers central London, St Bartholomew's Hospital Museum tells the story of the teaching hospital, founded by the Norman priest Rahere, and still continuing its good deeds today. This museum is home to something very special indeed: the recently restored Hogarth Stair, featuring the artist's depictions of The Pool of Bethesda and The Good Samaritan. Only open Mondays, Tuesdays and the first Sunday of the month.

St Bride's Crypt, Blackfriars

St Bride's Church, Fleet Street, Blackfriars. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: City Thameslink

Chunks of Roman Londinium can be found in this crypt museum. Image: Alex Bellotti/Londonist

Everyone's familiar with the wedding cake-shaped spire of this Sir Christopher Wren church; far fewer with the much older architectural wonders that lie directly beneath it. Descend into the crypt to ogle a chunk of  tessellated Roman pavement, and the Victorian iron casket of one Mrs Campbell, from a time when pesky body snatchers were rampant. Given its historical links to the press, be sure to visit the Medieval chapel, dedicated to fallen journalists.

Wiener Holocaust Library, Bloomsbury

29 Russell Square, Bloomsbury. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Russell Square

The Wiener Library holds a remarkable amount of archive material centred around Nazism and anti-semitism, and also has thought-provoking exhibitions. Image: Londonist.

Behind the doors of a handsome Georgian townhouse overlooking leafy Russell Square is the world's oldest collection of material on the Nazi era. The Wiener Holocaust Library is an immense archive tracing the rise of the far right and its heinous crimes, from the time Hitler's National Socialist German Workers' Party assumed power in Germany in 1933. Here, in thousands upon thousands of boxes in its basement — and on the shelves of its Wolfson Reading Room — are pamphlets promoting far right rallies; some of the earliest accounts from survivors of the Holocaust; and countless photos, diaries and correspondences from the persecuted. But it also serves as a museum, with temporary exhibitions that are all the more thought-provoking in these uncertain times.

Free museums in north London

Barnet Museum, High Barnet

31 Wood Street, High Barnet. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: High Barnet

The Battle of Barnet gets a good airing in this volunteer-run museum (for a more visceral experience you can see the battle reenacted every summer), which touches on everything from prehistory through to an A1 Dairies milk 'pram'. Look out for special open days on the third Saturday of the month, when the nearby 17th century physic well opens up.

Brent People's Museum & Archives, Dollis Hill

95 High Road, Dollis Hill. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Willesden Green

Delve into Brent's rich history at its library museum. © Roy Mehta

Brent Museum and Archives is open seven days a week, inviting you to dig deeper into the borough's history, by way of an extensive archive collection, and temporary exhibits, which in recent times have spanned carnival, Mary Seacole, and Roy Mehta's love letter to the area by way of black and white photos. The library here also puts on regular community events, including yoga and kids' story sessions.

British Library (Treasures Gallery), St Pancras

96 Euston Road, St Pancras. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: St Pancras International

See some of the British Library's highlights, in its permanent exhibition. Image: Londonist

Even if you got cracking lickety-split, you could hardly make a dent in the British Library's ever-swelling cache of 14 million books before shuffling off this mortal coil. You can, however, view some of the most impressive tomes at its free Treasures of the British Library permanent exhibition, containing the Lindisfarne Gospels, the Magna Carta, Shakespeare folios, and — for something completely different — Monty Python notebooks.

Bruce Castle Museum, Tottenham

Lordship Lane, Tottenham. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Bruce Grove

A castle, then a school, now a museum. Image: Alan Stanton via creative commons

A 16th century pile that once belonged to the House of Bruce (yes, those Bruces) became a school, and following that, a museum covering both the history of this storied building, and the wider heritage of Haringey. Seven permanent galleries span Roman relics to motorbikes. There's a particular focus on postal history, thanks to the fact that one of castle's former residents was Rowland Hill, inventor of the penny post. Also check out the standalone Tudor Tower in the grounds.

Headstone Manor and Museum, Harrow Weald

Pinner View, Harrow Weald. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Headstone Lane

Everything about this place is impressive. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Headstone Manor in Harrow comes with many superlatives. 'Oldest timber-framed building in Middlesex', they say, and 'Only surviving water-filled moat in Middlesex'. Putting aside that Middlesex hasn't existed for 60 years, these are still impressive boasts. Indeed, everything about Headstone Manor is impressive. The manor house dates back to the 14th century, which puts it among the oldest buildings in Greater London. The heart of the complex is Harrow's local history museum. The Grade I-listed building is a temporal hotchpotch, with features of medieval, Tudor, Jacobean and Georgian heritage. Wonky beams and teetering timbers frame every angle. The mesmerising surroundings steal the show, but the artefacts in the museum are also fascinating. Map fans will love the many historical charts of the area. They've even put a copy of Londonist's Anglo-Saxon map on display.

Markfield Beam Engine and Museum, South Tottenham

Markfield Road, Tottenham. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: South Tottenham

Come when it's 'steaming' if you can. Image: Gordon Joly via creative commons

This almighty 100 horsepower beam engine is open two or three Sundays per month, but for the full effect make sure you visit on a 'steaming day'. As well as all the frenetic blur of pistons and flywheels, there's a chance to learn how heavy duty machinery like this was a panacea for London's public health.

Old Speech Room Gallery, Harrow School, Harrow

Harrow School, 5 High Street, Harrow. Website. Maps. Nearest station: Harrow-on-the-Hill

If you haven't been here before, now's the time to speak up. Image: Londonist

From Winston Churchill to Benedict Cumberbatch — some of the world's great orators and actors learned the ropes in Harrow's (somewhat imposing) 19th century lecture hall. It's still used to that end now, although since 1976 it's also had an offshoot gallery, flaunting the school's collection of antiquities and fine art: Etruscan antiquities; photos from Cecil Beaton (another alumnus); 19th century Japanese prints... you know, the kind stuff your average school has kicking about.

Royal Air Force Museum, Colindale

Grahame Park Way, Colindale. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Colindale

The kind of museum that makes your kids (and probably you) go 'wow'. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Over 100 planes and other aircraft are stuffed into the hangars here — including the only complete Hawker Typhoon in the world, and the Avro Vulcan bomber, which would have dropped our nukes had WW3 broken out before the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile era. Make no bones about it, much of the kit on show here is for fighting/killing, yet the museum does a good job at making things family friendly, in part by laying on various interactive exhibits. Some cost extra.

Royal College of Physicians, Euston

11 St Andrews Place, Euston. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Great Portland Street

Founded by royal charter from Henry VIII in 1518, the Royal College of Physicians has some historical heft behind it, as evidenced by its museum which features Finch's six anatomical tables, and the 17th century Prujean chest of century surgical instruments. There are temporary exhibits, plus various free tours and talks.

Queer Britain, King's Cross

2 Granary Square, King's Cross. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: King's Cross St. Pancras

Inclusive in all senses of the word. Image: Queer Britain

A newly-refreshed Queer Britain features displays covering the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre, AIDS Quilt 23, Justin Fashanu, Women's Liberation Music, and Club Kali — while other temporary exhibitions are hosted throughout the year. Many of the museum-gallery's events are cheap/pay-what-you-can — inclusive in all senses of the word.

Wellcome Collection, Euston

183 Euston Road, Euston. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Euston Square

Learn without lightening your wallet. Image: Londonist

Given that you can easily find your bank account some £25 lighter after visited one of central London's blockbuster museum exhibitions these days, the Wellcome Collection's free, yet smartly-curated shows are quite the panacea. That's particularly apt, given that the focus here is on the intersection of medicine, health, and culture. Recent exhibitions have taken a closer look at milk; the cult of beauty; and labour, health and human rights through art. Be sure to browse the bookshop afterwards, although warning: you'll probably end up spending more than £25.

Free museums in south London

Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Beckenham

Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Eden Park

A candid recollection of the institution's past, and an engrossing exploration of psychiatric health as a whole. Image: Londonist

We know the Bethlem Royal Hospital as the place where moneyed women crow at the afflicted from behind their hand fans, in the denouement to William Hogarth's A Rake's Progress. The backdrop to a creaky horror B-movie starring Boris Karloff. The place that gave birth to the word 'bedlam' — 'a scene of uproar and confusion'. But here's the thing — Bethlem still exists, and it's nothing like any of the above. Beyond the grotesque sculptures of 'Melancholy' and 'Madness' flanking the main staircase, Bethlem Museum of the Mind is a both a candid recollection of the institution's past, and an engrossing exploration of psychiatric health as a whole — from (literally) shocking electrotherapy instruments, to James Hadfield's whimsical ode to a dead pet squirrel.  

British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum, West Norwood

23 Rosendale Road, West Norwood. Website. Maps. Nearest station: West Norwood

London's most ear-opening museum? Image: Londonist

For all the hundreds of thousands of garden sheds there must be in suburban London, this assortment in a West Dulwich back garden must be one of the most eye-opening — and surely the most ear-opening. The British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum is just that; shelf upon shelf of early transmitting equipment, encased in glossy mahogany and Bakelite — many still fizzing and crackling with life (the museum doubles up as a workshop, with volunteers tinkering away). Everyone will have a favourite object, whether a wind-up gramophone, the space age TV as featured in Elton John biopic Rocketman, or a cameo from TV's original star, Stooky Bill. Open by appointment only/on social occasions such as Open House.

The Clockworks, West Norwood

6 Nettlefold Place, West Norwood. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: West Norwood

Set your watch for Friday lunchtime. Image: Diamond Geezer via creative commons

Set your watch for Friday lunchtime, when this museum/workshop/library of electrical timekeepers briefly opens every week for a free curated tour. While we all take precise, standardised time for granted, we only have it thanks to pioneers such as Scottish inventor Alexander Bain, who created the first electrical clock in the 1840s. While The Clockworks sets back the clock a couple of hundred years, you might also get to see one or two clockmakers/fixers of today mid-intricate action.

Crystal Palace Museum, Crystal Palace (temporarily closed, reopens spring 2026)

Anerley Hill, Crystal Palace. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Crystal Palace

You can't visit the Crystal Palace any longer, but the next best thing is the Crystal Palace Museum. Image: public domain

It might be 90 years dead and buried, but our obsession with the glimmering Crystal Palace will never dull. And while it's no longer possible to stroll its ostentatious Egyptian Court, or go promenading around its towering water fountains, this small museum does its best to lucidly re-conjure the picture — replete with photographs, written accounts and even 'tacky' Victorian memorabilia. What makes this museum extra special is that it's housed in the only surviving building constructed by the Crystal Palace Company. At time of writing the museum is closed due to, would you believe it, a fire — but is set to reopen shortly. Keep your eyes peeled too for occasional (free) guided tours of the site where the Crystal Palace stood.

Honeywood Museum, Carshalton

Honeywood Walk, The Wrythe. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Carshalton

No, you can't play on it. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Home to a spate of above-par pubs, and the much-love Cryerarts theatre, the picturesque — and in our opinion, chronically underrated — village of Carshalton also has its own museum; the idyllically-named Honeywood Museum gives you the lowdown on the surrounding area, and hosts temporary exhibits, usually Sutton-centric too. They're particularly proud of their Edwardian billiards room, and so too would you be if you had one like this, although sadly, knock-abouts are verboten. Console yourself with a slice of homemade cake in the tearooms.

Horniman Museum & Gardens, Forest Hill

100 London Road, Forest Hill. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Forest Hill

The Natural History Gallery viewed from its balcony, which reopens sometime in 2026. Image: Sophia Spring/Horniman Museum

This baronial Arts and Crafts gem, founded by tea slinger Frederick John Horniman in 1901, holds an unexpected pick 'n' mix of items: a menagerie of taxidermied birds; assorted harpsichords, virginals and spinets; and an wince-inducing 'torture chair'. The latter aside, the Horniman makes for a few hours of free family fun — especially if you get out into the garden/visit the Sunday market. The Natural History Gallery — home to the celebrity overstuffed walrus — has been shut since 2024, but should reopen again sometime in 2026. Note: some elements of the museum, such as the (excellent) aquarium and butterfly house charge entry.

Imperial War Museum, Elephant and Castle

Lambeth Road, Elephant and Castle. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Lambeth North

Perhaps not the warmest of welcomes. Image: Londonist

One of south London's big cultural draws, you could spend the best part of a day at IWM, and not see everything. While the double-barrelled guns out front, and Harrier jump jet swooping low in the atrium are liable to make you 'ohhh', on the whole this is a museum of 'ahhhs'. It's a reflective take on the futility and abject horrors of warfare, as evidenced in walk-through First World War trenches, and the gut-wrenching Holocaust Galleries. Look out for the slab of Berlin Wall by the rose bushes.

London Sewing Machine Museum, Tooting Bec

292–312 Balham High Road. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Tooting Bec

Sew then. Image: Caroline via creative commons

Sew then. If ever there was proof that London has a museum for nigh-on everything, this compilation of 600-odd antique sewing machines — some installed in vitrines, others in mock-up shop windows — is it. 'Niche' doesn't cut it, and yet as you discover pieces like the 1829 Barthelemy Thimonnier machine — a forerunner to those iconic Singers, and snapped up at auction for a cool £50,000 — you begin to understand how museum founder Ray Rushton's obsession grew. You've also got to love how the museum is perched above a functioning sewing machine superstore. The museum only opens on the first Saturday of the month.

Museum of Croydon, Croydon

Katharine Street, Croydon. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: East Croydon

Croydon finally gets its flowers in this marvellous little museum. Image: Londonist

From bubble cars to one of punk's greatest groups, Croydon has contributed more to British society than it usually gets credit for, although the local museum is doing its darnedest to change the narrative. Long-running temporary displays are once again a fixture upstairs in Croydon's (long-shuttered) Clocktower Complex, covering the borough's clout in music, industry, aviation, you name it. Smaller exhibitions and the Riesco collection of Chinese ceramics (those not sold off by the former council, anyway) can be found downstairs by the (also brilliant) archives.

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

Romney Road, Greenwich. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Cutty Sark

Plenty of hands-on goodies for little-uns at this world class museum. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

A whale of a museum, the National Maritime Museum is one of THE free London museums, up there with the Holy Triumvirate at South Kensington. The star attraction might be the blood-stained uniform in which Nelson was fatally wounded, but there are many other highlights, from a chilly trudge into the history of Arctic and Antarctic exploration, to a chance for young uns to have a (virtual) attempt at steering a ship. Throw in Greenwich Park and the (also free) Queen's House, and you have yourself a day out, and then some. The museum also goes above and beyond with free, action-packed events when it comes to special occasions such as LGBT+ History Month and Lunar New Year.

Peek Frean Museum, Bermondsey

100 Drummond Road, Bermondsey. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Bermondsey

Crumbs! London has a biscuit museum. Image: Paige Kahn

Until Peek Freans showed up, biscuits were a grisly necessity; weevil-infested hunks of sawdust loaded onto ships for onerous ocean voyages. Once the light, sugary 'Pearl' first rolled off the conveyor belt in 1865, biscuits were never the same again. This small but irresistible museum — available to visit by pre-booked guided tour only — explores how the quarter of Bermondsey was, for many decades, the dreamy estate of 'Biscuit Town', a Wonkaesque setup where the likes of custard creams, bourbons and Garibaldis were not only manufactured, but first thought up.

Pollock's Toy Museum, Croydon

Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: West Croydon

Sooty, Sweep and Soo at Pollock's Toy Museum. Image: Londonist

When Pollock's shuttered its quaint Fitzrovia museum in 2023, one of the last places you would have expected to see it resurface was a Croydon shopping centre. But as any child will tell you, you can do anything with a bit of imagination, and so it is that — in an inauspicious corner of the Whitgift Centre — you can now find Sooty puppets, tin cars and those lovable hand-printed theatre sets that've made Pollock's famous. Regular events are held, and there's a small gift shop, which might prove handy for Christmas stockings/party bags. Open Saturdays only.

Wandle Industrial Museum, Mitcham

6 London Road, Mitcham. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Mitcham Eastfields

The Wandle was arguably one of the world's most important rivers, and this museum tells the story. Image: Londonist

Historically, the Thames has been known as the thumping heart of London, but in 1805, it was the River Wandle — slaloming 12 miles between Croydon and Wandsworth — which was described as the 'hardest working river in the world'. This pint-sized museum tells the story of that river through the torrent of industries it has supported, from leatherers to brewers, to instantly recognisable names like William Morris and Liberty. You'll also learn how Mitcham used to sing with the sweet smell of lavender, and how the area had the first public railway in the world.

Free museums in east London

Hackney Museum, Hackney

1 Reading Lane, Hackney. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Hackney Central

The history of Hackney is long indeed. Fascinating too. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Two very different exhibits draw the eye as you walk into Hackney Museum. The first is a "confusing map" that stood at Dalston Junction for half a century. The second is an Anglo-Saxon log boat dug up in Springfield Park. This historical odd couple are representative of a local history museum that celebrates the variety and diversity of the borough at every turn. That ethos is particularly strong when it comes to Hackney's celebrated multiculturalism. Here, we find Weinberg’s printing press, which specialised in printing in Yiddish in the early 20th century. There, we spot a collection of cow and goat horns, brought to Hackney from Sierra Leone. The oldest exhibit is a flint hand axe, lost by a hunter-gatherer some 200,000 years ago. The history of Hackney is long indeed. Fascinating too.

London Museum, Smithfield (opens end of 2026)

West Smithfield. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Farringdon

We wait with bated breath. Image: Londonist Museum

When the Museum of London closed at its Barbican site in 2022, we knew we'd miss it, but now there isn't long to go until it rises in regenerated form — as the London Museum, housed in a part of the old Smithfield Market. While classic exhibits — such as the Lord Mayor's bling coach — will be reprised, we can also expect some spunky newcomers, including a police box that Banksy turned into an aquarium, and maybe the infamously obnoxious Trump Baby balloon. This is going to be fun.

London Museum Docklands, Canary Wharf

No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, Canary Wharf. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Westferry

A 200-year-old warehouse is now London Museum Docklands. Image: Terry Hassan via creative commons

Without the River Thames, and the docks built to deal with the influx of ships and cargo, London wouldn't be half the city it is today. Inside this 200-year-old warehouse — which once stored sugar, rum and tea — free galleries dive into the boom of London's international trade, and the ugly side this entailed, thanks to the slave trade. Kids will love various interactive elements, not least Sailortown, where they can explore a cobbled Victorian street, and its various scaled-down establishments.

Museum of the Home, Hoxton

136 Kingsland Road, Hoxton. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Hoxton

A Windrush style living room at the Museum of the Home. Image: Londonist

Wanna feel old? The later setups in the Museum of the Home — which spans 400 years of domestic life, through living/dining room mock-ups — will have certain visitors exclaiming "I used to have that IKEA rug!". The real beauty of this time machine ensconced inside 18th century almshouses is that it gives you a feel for the lives of everyday Londoners, from the candlelit drawing rooms of the Huguenots, to a khazi presided over by a particularly distasteful image of Maggie Thatcher. There are regular free/pay-what-you-can walks and talks, and a wander around the garden's herbaceous borders is recommended too, if weather permits.

Redbridge Museum, Ilford

Clements Road, Ilford. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Ilford

The Ilford Mammoth is an icon of the area. Image: Londonist

A small museum nestled on the second floor of Redbridge Library, this museum is worth having on your radar if you happen to be in the area (perhaps catching a show at the Kenneth More Theatre across the road). Gen up on how Ilford turned from village to suburb, press your nose against the windows of a replica Victorian house, and don't forget to take a look at the 200,000-year-old Ilford Mammoth — one of the finest examples of a mammoth skull ever found in the UK, and a bona fide icon in this neck of the woods.

Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum, Wapping

66-68 East Smithfield, Wapping. Website. Maps. Nearest station: Tower Gateway

Browse the packaging and marvel at how people lived in another age. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Have you ever visited a museum that deals in drugs? No, not like that. Perhaps the most fun aspect of this pint-sized museum — lined with medical storage jars made from English delftware and bear-shaped jars once containing 'bear grease' for baldness — is to browse the packaging and marvel at how people lived in another age. Would you run Dr Scott's Electric Hair Brush through your thinning locks? Tempted by Sir Hiram "I invented the machine gun" Maxim's menthol inhaler? We'd certainly have given T.E. Bristow & Co's cherry toothpaste a go, right up to the point where we learned that it doesn't contain cherries, and gets its rosy hue from insect extract. For a deeper dive, guided tours are available for £10 a pop.

V&A East, Stratford (opens 18 April 2026)

107 Carpenters Road, Stratford. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Stratford

Soon to be one of four V&As in London. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

You can't accuse the V&A of laziness; following the reopening of the Young V&A and the brand new V&A East Storehouse (both also featuring in this section), V&A East debuts in Stratford in April 2026, opening up even more of the collection to the public. Two free and permanent 'Why we make' galleries will offer up examples of creativity "from a range of countries, cultures and times". Taken together, the hundreds of exhibits will apparently show "creativity’s power to bring change".

V&A East Storehouse, Hackney Wick

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Parkes Street, Hackney Wick. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Hackney Wick

One of London's great museums — one of its newest, too Image: Londonist

Here is a contemporary, cinematic take on a 16th century cabinet of curiosities — collections as diverse and unpredictable as London itself. A row or ornate swords, a stuffed turtle, walnut cabinet television sets, a chopper bike, popping Althea McNish fabrics, a rare Suffragette scarf from the 1910s, Roman frescoes, tutus from The Firebird, a motorbike... All stacked on shelves, themselves stacked on mezzanines: an Amazon warehouse of tangible history. And like an Amazon warehouse, you can order objects from here too. Really. Throw in a mini museum dedicated to David Bowie, and you have — as we put it ourselves — one of London's great museums. Anything else? Oh yeah, it's free.

Vagina Museum, Bethnal Green

18 Victoria Park Square, Bethnal Green. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Bethnal Green

A museum dedicated to 'busting the stigma of the gynaecological anatomy'. Image: Vagina Museum

"There is a penis museum in Iceland," came the reasoning behind this bijou setup, dedicated to 'busting the stigma of the gynaecological anatomy and be part of a societal shift from bodily shame to celebration.' It's not all been plain sailing; since it opened in 2017, the Vagina Museum has moved, closed, moved, reopened. It serves as an important source on anatomy, health, vulva diversity and activism — with its permanent gallery, and temporary exhibits.

Valence House Museum, Becontree

Becontree Avenue. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Chadwell Heath

The estate where Valence House sits dates back to around 1250, yet one of its star attractions — the Dagenham Idol — goes a way back before then; the Scots pine wooden carving of a naked human/deity figure has been carbon dated to 2250 BC: one of the great archeological finds in this tract of London. Another highlight (although one that was hidden away when we visited a few years ago) are the jaw bones of a whale thought to have washed up on the Thames the night before Oliver Cromwell died. Fans of more contemporary history will lap up displays on the construction of the highly ambitious Becontree Estate, in which Valence House in nestled.

Vestry House Museum, Walthamstow Village (closed till April 2026)

Vestry Road, Walthamstow Village. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Walthamstow Central

An idyllic setting, where you'll also find the first car with an internal combustion engine built in the UK.  Image: le Liz via creative commons

Though it originally functioned as a workhouse, kids are sure to adore Vestry House Museum nowadays, if nothing else because of its collections of board games and tin cars and soldiers — once manufactured en masse at nearby factories including Britains. A full-sized set of wheel (well kind of), the Bremer car — the first with an internal combustion engine built in the UK — will draw similar whimsical sighs, while the rest of this collection provides snapshots of Walthamstow's past though tea services, vintage advertising and a camera collection.

Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum, Walthamstow

10 South Access Road, Walthamstow. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: St James Street

Retired Victoria line Tube carriages feature at this Victorian-sewage-pumphouse-turned-workshop/working museum. Image: Londonist

It doesn't matter if you're a fully-fledged piston-head, or you just enjoy the occasional glimpse at an heirloom fire engine; this Victorian-sewage-pumphouse-turned-workshop/working museum brims with oil-slicked charm — and will have you in slack-jawed awe as you gawk at various steam engines huffing and puffing into life. The retired Victoria line Tube carriages are another highlight: once you know about them, you'll be spotting them left, right and centre on TV. They also host the long-running Supperclub.tube, although needless to say you'll need to fork out for this particular experience.  

William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow

Forest Road, Walthamstow. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Walthamstow Central

A riveting deep dive in to the man behind the myth. Image: Noel Treacy via creative commons

William Morris wallpaper/assorted trinkets may not be especially cheap, but you can drift through the beardy Pre-Raphaelite's former family home without so much as opening Google Pay. Not only is this house museum/gallery free, it's a riveting deep dive in to the man behind the myth, and how he turned his passion for flora and fauna into one of the most endearing arts movements of all time. Even the temporary exhibitions here won't cost you — although good luck avoiding temptation at the gift shop on your way out.

Women's Museum, Barking (reopening March 2026)

2 Town Square, Barking. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Barking

It might be called the Women's Museum, but this venue is more of an all-encompassing community space. Image: Londonist

Barking's women-led history is exceptional. For almost 1,000 years, the area was overseen by the Abbesses, a group of powerful women who presided over not just the religious side of things, but day-to-day business. Barking was also home to the oldest surviving suffragette, Annie Huggett, while 1968 saw the Ford sewing machinists strike, leading to the Equal Pay Act. It might be called the Women's Museum, but this venue is more of a community space — an all-encompassing platform for the ideas, issues and histories relating to women, girls, transgender and non-binary communities through art and culture from Barking and beyond.

Young V&A (formerly Museum of Childhood), Bethnal Green

Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Bethnal Green

Make memories while jogging others, at this almighty ode to childhood. Image: Londonist

Fresh(ish) from a major revamp, this Bethnal Green behemoth is an ode to childhood — both past (see the intricate Bettiscombe, dolls' house from the 1870s) and present (today's kids will recognise Kung Fu Panda, Wallace & Gromit and plenty of others). Thing are very much hands on — heavily programmed with workshops and drop-ins, some free. The big temporary exhibitions come at a price, though not as steep as those at some other major institutions.

Free museums in west London

Chelsea Pensioners Museum, Chelsea

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Sloane Square

A small, yet surprisingly flashy, museum. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

A bijou experience at the western end of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the museum explores the history — as is patently obvious from its name — of the Chelsea Pensioners, those crimson-clad military retirees who've inhabited Christopher Wren's riverside buildings since the 17th century. It's surprisingly flashy, too. The four or five rooms are festooned with video displays, which give a history of the site and an insight into the lives of the many veterans who've called it home.

Design Museum, Kensington

224 Kensington High Street. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: High Street Kensington

The Design Museum is is a design masterpiece in its own right. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

The juggernaut exhibitions here — think Tim Burton and Wes Anderson — will set you back a pretty penny, but the Design Museum is for everyone, as evidenced by its free displays (some, like Designer Maker User, permanent; others temporary). The atrium space — a symphony of acute angles — is a design masterpiece in its own right. If the weather's decent, you can follow up your visit with a (free) ramble in the surrounding Holland Park.  

Gunnersbury Park Museum, Ealing

Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane, Ealing. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Acton Town

It's a funny old museum, this one. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Not many museums could credibly combine Daleks and Lucozade in the same display. Gunnersbury Park Museum can, because it plaits the highly varied histories of both Ealing and Hounslow boroughs. The Dalek represents the area's film and TV heritage; Ealing Studios is just along the road. Meanwhile, for half a century, a luminous advert for the pleasantly weird orange drink welcomed drivers on the M4 to London. It's a funny old museum. Some of the grandest rooms are left entirely empty, presumably to the benefit of private events. Meanwhile, the many exhibits — from prehistoric flints to Freddie Mercury's artwork — are crowded into the smaller anterooms. It's a good compromise, but makes for a somewhat unusual experience, dipping from a grand nothingness into a dark cabinet of curiosities.

Hogarth's House, Chiswick

Hogarth Lane, Chiswick. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Chiswick

One of London's most rambunctious artists stowed himself away in this quiet country retreat. Image: David Bramhall via creative commons

Though the vast majority of London's house museums have some kind of entry fee attached, here's one that doesn't — and all the better, because William Hogarth knew London like the back of his hand, and is perhaps the greatest cartoonist/satirist of the fair city. Hogarth bought this (then countryside) home in Chiswick in 1749, and it's been a museum dedicated to the canny artist since 1904. Lose yourself in artworks (largely prints) of a London that is often salaciously sozzled and sordid — and imagine the great artist assembling them in this peaceful retreat. Temporary exhibitions show how Hogarth has influenced artists through the ages.

Kingston Museum, Kingston

Wheatfield Way, Kingston. Website. Maps. Nearest station: Kingston

Kington had some famous locals, including a certain HMV mascot. Image: Londonist

Did you know that Nipper the HMV 'gramophone' dog was from Kingston? That Eadweard Muybridge — the pioneering photographer who proved that horses gallop so fast there are moments when no hooves touch the ground — did groundbreaking work here? That the area is home to the fantastical 'Wally' bird jars? If the answer to all these is no, then you must take yourself to Kingston's wonderful little museum pronto.

Museum of Richmond, Richmond

Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Richmond

Model of Richmond Palace. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Richmond has an unusual history. On the one hand, it boasted a Tudor palace, which makes it proper ye olde. On the other, there was no such place as Richmond on the Thames before the Tudors came along. Henry VII took over the local palace of Shene, rebuilt it, and renamed it Richmond after his Yorkshire Earldom. Hence, as London place names go, Richmond is a relatively new kid on the block. All this backstory is told in much greater depth at the Museum of Richmond, where the eye is immediately drawn to a spectacular model of Henry's palace (which stood on the banks of the Thames for around 150 years). The rest of the museum is peppered with objects of note such as a tooth from a mammoth, and a chair made from the old Kew Bridge.

National Army Museum, Chelsea

Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Sloane Square

A rare portrait of Black Waterloo soldier Thomas James is among the objects at the National Army Museum. Image: National Army Museum

A lesser-known sibling of the IWM (though they are technically unrelated), the National Army Museum is a surprisingly bright and modern museum, which — despite receiving funding from the MoD — provides a balanced, often sobering outlook on the role of the British Armed forces. Highlights include Lawrence of Arabia's robes and a rare portrait of Black Waterloo soldier, Thomas James. Keep your eyes peeled for various free talks and workshops.

Natural History Museum, South Kensington

Cromwell Road, South Kensington. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: South Kensington

The Natural History museum certainly sets a high bar. Image: John Willoughby

It may be that the Natural History Museum was your first ever experience of a London museum; if so, it certainly set the bar high. Ensconced in Alfred Waterhouse's cinematically grand confection, this is the kind of building where kids might imagine Hope the blue whale — or the cheeky monkeys scaling the heights of the Hintze Hall — coming to life. Indeed, some of the creatures here really do — memorably the animatronic T-Rex, who also has a tendency to dress up for Christmas. From a lesser vampire bat preserved in a spirit jar, to Andy's Clock (ask your kids), to the freshly dug Nature Discovery Garden — this is not just a day out, but a museum that's part of London life. Some exhibitions are paid-for, although many events are workshops are free.

RCM Museum of Music, South Kensington

Prince Consort Road, South Kensington. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: South Kensington

Peruse a menagerie of instruments, plucked from a collection of some 14,000. Image: The wub via creative commons

Book onto a free tour of this lesser-visited South Ken museum, and discover a menagerie of instruments, plucked from a collection of some 14,000. Musical treasures include the earliest stringed keyboard instrument. Just think, without this invention, Imagine might never have been written.

Science Museum, South Kensington

Exhibition Road, South Kensington. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: South Kensington

A rite of passage for anyone who's fallen for London. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Another rite of passage for anyone who fell in love with London, the Science Museum draws in over three million visitors each year, who clamour to learn about geniuses like Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, while cooing over exhibits including the Apollo 10 capsule, Amy Johnson's plane Jason — in which she flew solo to Australia in 1930, and the staggering Medicine Galleries. There's more than enough interactive gear here to keep kids engaged (including the earthquake floor), although entrance to the coveted Wonderlab and its experimental science shows is sadly not on the house.

Twickenham Museum, Twickenham

25 The Embankment, Twickenham. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Twickenham

Tales of riverside villas, and rugby stadiums await inside. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

Twickenham's steeped in museums and stately houses — think Eel Pie Museum, Strawberry Hill House, the World Rugby Museum — but for a freebie, make it this humble house museum, which winds back the clock centuries to tell the story of the area, and unsurprisingly, hammers home its rugger heritage with a dedicated room. Twickenham was, after all, the first place in the world to construct a dedicated rugby stadium.

Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), South Kensington

Cromwell Road, South Kensington. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: South Kensington

A glut of goodies await at the V&A. Image: banjaxx via creative commons

One of the brightest jewels in the Albertopolis crown, it might be said if you haven't been to the V&A South Kensington, you haven't been to London at all. Yes, this temple of art, design and performance is the home of big budget (in every sense of the meaning) exhibitions featuring Marie Antoinette, Coco Chanel etc al, but you can also spend months grazing on the free permanent exhibits — Dale Chihuly's corkscrewing chandeliers, the elaborate Cast Courts, Tipu's Tiger comical/fatally jumping a soldier, the vast Photography Centre. Seeing this glut of goodies in the flesh helps you comprehend how one employee swiped 2,000 pieces over 20 years without being clocked. The collection keeps swelling; one of the V&A's latest acquisitions was the first video to be published on YouTube.

Wimbledon Museum, Wimbledon

22 Ridgway, Wimbledon. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Wimbledon

Discover Wimbledon's lost manor houses. Image: public domain

One of Wimbledon's two free museums, this one's run by the Wimbledon Society, with a remit to "champion the history and people of Wimbledon’s village, town and common." That's done with panache, through everything from models of Wimbledon's lost manor houses, to a display on Margaret Grant, the museum's first curator, and one of the first women to helm a museum collection. Temporary exhibitions are free too.

Wimbledon Windmill Museum, Wimbledon Common

Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common. Website. Maps. Instagram. Nearest station: Southfields

One weekend a month the windmill opens as a free museum. Image: Matthew Kirkland via creative commons

You could spend all day searching for Wombles on Wimbledon Common and not find a sniff of Uncle Bulgaria and co, but it's hard to miss the great corn mill, built in the early 19th century, and still waving for attention now with its magnificent sails. One weekend a month, it opens as a free museum, and while you can inevitably gen up on the ins and outs of producing quality flour, the exhibition space also touches on local heritage, and the seminal Scouting for Boys book, penned by Robert Baden-Powell, in part in the mill house here.

Note: This list doesn't include art galleries; for that, read our article on where to find free art in London. We've stuck to venues which identify primarily as a museum, and have omitted most of London's free historical houses, etc. Still, if we've missed a fantastic free museum from this list, do drop a note to hello@londonist.com

Image: TfL

Withdrawn trains will be back in the late summer.

The story so far: Transport for London (TfL) ordered some much-improved trains for DLR services. The first few rolled out in October 2025, to many "hoorahs!" from transport geeks, and a few members of the public. Just a few days later, the cars were withdrawn due to: "an issue with braking performance during wet weather on one train".

Now we know more about when they'll return. In a press release, TfL promises to have the programme literally back on track by 'late summer' this year. The wiggle-room-allowing vagueness means we could be waiting until as late as 22 September, by the astronomical definition of summer.

According to TfL:

To support the safe return of the trains, engineers are introducing a focused package of improvements — including braking software upgrades to improve performance in the type of specific low rail adhesion conditions experienced during the incident. These are currently being tested on the manufacturer’s test track before further testing on the DLR network.

When they are redeployed, the trains will feature walk-through carriages, real time travel information, air conditioning and phone charging points, with a more-than 50% increase in capacity. The gradual rollout will replace the existing DLR stock, some of which is over 30 years old.

Shamrock 'n' roll. Photo: Garry Knight via creative commons

St Patrick's Day isn't a bank holiday in England but you could easily be mistaken for thinking it was — given the amount of partying that goes on in London alone.

17 March is the day thousands of Londoners remember they've got a tiny bit of Irish blood flowing through their veins, don fluffy green leprechaun hats and declare their undying love for a certain brand of stout (other stouts are available). Here's where to go and what to do for St Patrick's Day 2026 in London. It falls on a Tuesday this year, so many events understandably take place on the weekend just before it.

London's St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival 2026

Well they do call it 'Irish Christmas' after all... Photo: Garry Knight

The free St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival are back for 2026. The parade winds its way through London's streets from Green Park to Trafalgar Square, with Irish bands, dancers and pageantry making up the procession. In Trafalgar Square itself, the festival consists of live music, dancing and other family-friendly entertainment with an Irish theme.

St Patrick's Day Festival and Parade, 15 March 2026, 12pm-6pm.

St Patrick's Day 2026 parties and events in London

Enjoy Irish food and a ceilidh band at The Audley

IRISH CULTURAL CENTRE: You need only head as far west as Hammersmith to find Irish craic aplenty at the Irish Cultural Centre, which has various live music sessions (plus plays, stand-up, Celtic meditation, you name it). On 17 March itself, five-piece folksters Some One's Sons will be raising the roof. Throughout March

ALBERT'S SCHLOSS: Soho-based German bar Albert's Schloss goes Irish for most of March, with Guinness and Irish coffees on the menu. The food gets an Irish makeover too, offering Cow & Guinness pie, smoked salmon Irish Boxty, and a sticky toffee pud (pretty sure that's English) topped with a Jameson toffee sauce (ah ha!) and vanilla ice cream. Look out for special events throughout the month, including a St Patrick's themed bottomless brunch (14 March), and Irish-inspired live bands in a special edition of the venue's regular Kunst Kabaret (17 March). 2-29 March 2026

CEILIDH BAND: On the Saturday before St Patrick's Day, live ceilidh band Banish Misfortune put on a fiddle-filled feet-stomping riot at The Audley in Mayfair. While you enjoy the entertainment, tuck into a limited-edition menu of Irish delicacies including Louët Feisser oysters, Guinness rarebit, and Durslade Farm lamb Irish stew with soda bread... all accompanied by a constant flow of Guinness, naturally. 14 March 2026

Pair Spice Bags with Guinness at Amazing Grace this St Patrick's Day

ST PATRICK'S BRUNCH: Irish, family-owned hotel The Marylebone celebrates St Patrick's Day in its 108 Brasserie. For one day only, a special menu inspired by the flavours of Ireland is served, accompanied by live Irish music. The menu for the St Patrick's Day live music brunch includes a whiskey cocktail, comforting Irish classics like lamb stew, along with appetisers and desserts like chocolate Guinness cake. 14 March 2026

LONDON ST PATRICK'S DAY RUN: If your idea of celebration is going for a run, then you're in luck — the London St Patrick's Day run is back, following a 5k route around Hyde Park, before going onto a social at the Horse and Groom pub (the closest boozer to the Irish Embassy) where Guinness will be quaffed (a pint is included in your ticket) and the Six Nations is broadcast. 14 March 2026. New for 2026 from the same organisers is the London St Patrick's Day Cycle Sportive, a lap around Richmond Park before heading to the Jolly Gardener to watch the rugby. 15 March 2026

ST PATRICK'S PARTIES: Big Penny Social in Walthamstow throws a weekend of St Patrick's parties. Saturday evening is for adults only, with live covers of Irish music, Irish dancing lessons and performances, a dedicated stout bar and packets of Taytos. Sunday is the St Patrick's Day Family Party, where dressing up is encouraged — plus there's live music and a family ceilidh. 14-15 March 2026

Nancy Spains goes big for St Patrick's Day

GUINNESS FOOD HALL: Guinness lasagna, Guinness cheeseburger and Guinness soft serve ice cream are on the menu at Market Place Food Hall Leicester Square for five days over the St Paddy's period. And guess what — they have pints of Guinness, too. 16-20 March 2026

OYSTERS: Indian BBQ restaurant Brigadiers teams up with legendary fish restaurant Sweetings for a day of oyster slurping (accompany with classic shallot vinaigrette or an Indian-inspired Goan recheado dressing). There are Irish drinks to go with: black velvets, Caffrey's... or a Guinness old fashioned (colour us intrigued!). 17 March 2026

NANCY SPAINS: Named after London's first Irish woman landlady, Nancy Spains bars in Shoreditch and Monument go all out for St Patrick's Day, with a full day of music, dancing and general craic, aided by Murphy's and other Irish-inspired slurps, including baby Murphy's and the Nancy Handshake... a pint and shot of honey whisky. 17 March 2026

They're putting Guinness in pretty much everything at Market Place Food Hall Leicester Square over the St Paddy's period.

ST PADDY'S CABARET: The Phoenix Arts Club hosts a duo of St Patrick's Day dinner and cabaret shows, shining the spotlight on Irish talent. If it's anything like last year's shindig, expect comedians, burlesque performers, West End stars, dancers and drag kings. Exact names TBC. 17 March 2026

AMAZING GRACE: The Amazing Grace live music venues in both London Bridge and Canary Wharf celebrate St Patrick's Day with a programme of live music, paired with Irish Spice Bags and paddles of Baby Guinness shots. Also on the emerald-tinged menus: special cocktails crafted with Jameson's. 17 March 2026

Irish pubs and bars in London for St Patrick's Day

This stuff is big in Ireland, apparently. Image: Londonist

If you're just looking for somewhere to kick back with a pint of Guinness, hit up one of London's best Irish pubs. Don't go in expecting a quiet pint this weekend though — all of London's pubs, bars and venues with links to Ireland will be rammed over St Paddy's Day. Makes for good craic though. Plus, 2026 is the first St Patrick's Day since the Guinness Open Gate Brewery opened in Covent Garden, so expect lashings of action there.

This feature first appeared in February 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.

Bollards, coal and tax. Not words to get many hearts racing. But this unpromising material leads into a fascinating London story.

If you’ve ever wandered through the outer reaches of Greater London, then chances are you’ll have stumbled across one of these sturdy fellows.

Image: Matt Brown

More than 200 of these cast-iron sentinels form a ring around the capital. Each is about 1.2 metres high, painted white and emblazoned with the shield of the City of London. Not one of them is in the City of London, however.

Rather, the bollards engirdle the capital 20 miles out from the centre. You’ll find them at Uxbridge, Potters Bar, Dagenham, Caterham, and many places in-between.

If you hadn’t already guessed from the title, these are coal tax posts. They mark the frontier beyond which inbound coal merchants would have to pay tax to the City of London Corporation.

The system was scrapped over a century ago, but it does have parallels with the modern Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Here was a duty on a heavily polluting fuel, levied on anybody entering a clearly defined boundary far outside central London. Where it differed (apart from the lack of number-plate recognition technology) was that coal tax had no environmental purpose. It was simply to raise money for improvement works in the City of London.

“We built this city on rocks of coal…”

Today, so little coal is used domestically that Londoners scarcely think about the black stuff. Yet for hundreds of years this was the principal fuel for both heating and mechanical work (e.g. steam engines). Huge quantities were shipped to London annually, even before the Industrial Revolution. The city became known as the Big Smoke, thanks to all the coal it burned. All of it was taxed.

This wasn’t just a money grab. Coal tax played a crucial role in shaping London. After the Great Fire of 1666, St Paul’s Cathedral and many of the Wren churches were rebuilt largely with money from coal duties — the ultimate expression of fighting fire with fire. In a later age, the Victoria Embankment and wider sewer system were made possible by coal tax. The choky fuel thereby helped to end the Great Stink. This most hard-working of taxes also supported the building of Holborn Viaduct, New Oxford Street, and numerous other road improvements. London would look utterly different were it not for the tax on coal.

Until the Industrial Revolution, the carboniferous cargo was brought in to the Port of London exclusively by barge. Taxation was easy. Johnny Q. Collier could only tie up and offload his barge at a handful of dedicated quays. Tax inspectors would collect their dues and deposit them straight into the coffers of the City of London Corporation (or, in times of emergency, the national exchequer).

Then the canals came along, swiftly followed by the railways, and a more reliable road network. Suddenly, coal could make its sooty way into London via hundreds of different routes. Great for the coal supply, but a challenge for the customs men.

Many of the coal tax posts are in rural areas, but this one lurks unenviably in a Watford alleyway. The ‘24 VICT’, by the way, refers to the 24th regnal year of Queen Victoria, when the key legislation for the posts came in. Image: Matt Brown

How to account for a commodity that could reach the region unseen by the inspectors? A load of old bollards. That’s how.

280 of the distinctive coal tax posts were erected in the wake of the London Coal and Wine Duties Continuance Act 1861. This defined the 20 mile boundary in near harmony with that of the Metropolitan Police District, as it was in the mid-19th century. The posts sat on prominent roads, as well as beside canals and rail links. These were not the first such markers. Others survived and were, indeed, reused from earlier schemes. But it is the 1861 white posts that remain most prominent today.

How did they work? No tax was paid at the bollard itself (with a tiny number of exceptions). Rather, the post stood as a reminder to the coal-importer: “Beyond this point, you are liable to pay tax, or face a serious fine”. It’s much like certain toll roads today — or the ULEZ charge for that matter — where you don’t pay during the journey, but once you reach your destination (via the internet).

As it happened, most coal continued to come in by river and, later, the railway, so the markers didn’t play a huge part in the grand scheme of things. Still, every little helps.

Will Gray sent us this snap of a coal tax post he found in Broxbourne Woods.

Despite all the good works that coal tax was channeled into, it was always unpopular. It’s a tax. They are never popular. But this one seemed a trifle unfair. Most taxes were applied across the whole of the country, but this oddity only troubled London. Meanwhile, those living outside the centre complained that they saw little benefit from the tax, which nevertheless put up the price they paid for coal.

This latter issue was acknowledged in the 1870s, when some of the duties were spent on removing bridge tolls further out of town. The spans at Kew, Kingston, Hampton Court, Walton upon Thames and Staines all became free to cross thanks to coal money. Two bridges of the Lea, near Chingford and Tottenham, also threw off their shackles.

It wasn’t enough. Agitation to remove the tax continued to grow. The levy was finally nixed in 1889, when the deeply unpopular Metropolitan Board of Works (who had some oversight of the scheme) was replaced by the London County Council.

The system of white posts had been in situ for less than 30 years. It’s remarkable, then, that around three-quarters of them remain in place today.

Moving the coalposts

You will — being the inquisitive individual that you are — now wish to track down some of these curious relics for yourself.

I had intended to map the full set, but this was proving too time consuming. Instead, this indicative map shows the shape of the boundary, with a few key locations marked. Meanwhile, Martin Nail has compiled an exceptionally detailed list of every extant post (he counts 218), including coordinates. If you’re anywhere near the Greater London boundary, then a coal tax post is likely to be within easy reach.

As Martin also points out, the white posts we’ve lingered on here were not the only flavour of coal tax post. A few plainer markers survive from earlier schemes, as well as variations on the standard white pillar. There’s a whole tax-onomy out there.

Not all the surviving posts are by the roadside. The one included at the top of this article, for example, sits within the superb Chiltern Open Air Museum, which is home to dozens of salvaged buildings (and bollards) from around that area. Another can be found at the Valence House Museum in Dagenham. We mention this fact mostly so we can get a “moving the coalposts” pun into the heading.

Finally, we should clear up one issue, to put geekier readers at their ease. Earlier on, we mentioned that the posts were set about 20 miles from the “centre of London”. But where exactly is the centre of London? By consensus, the modern centre is considered to be Charing Cross, at least for the purposes of mileage measurement. Other standards were used in the past. For coal-tax posts, the General Post Office near St Paul’s was chosen. This prominent building was often selected to define catchments, and its location in the City of London put it in better accordance with the Corporation (who collected the taxes) than would Charing Cross (in Westminster).

So there we have it. Coal, tax and bollards can be interesting, wouldn’t you agree? Next week: The history and provision of Sluice Valve markers in suburban settings. (Possibly not.)

Special thanks to Will Gray, who sent in one of the photos above and pointed out the ULEZ analogy.

The Haringey Greyhounds take on Slough Sirens on Sunday 8 March. © Luke O’Donovan

If the Winter Olympics left you with a serious case of ice hockey fever, there's a chance to catch two women's teams battle it out on International Women's Day itself.

The USA Men's and Women's teams both skated away with gold medals last week, but while one team celebrated by sniggering along with Donald Trump's misogynist bile, then chomped cold cheeseburgers in the White House, the women levelled up their hero status by deciding they'd rather party with Flavor Flav and Stanley Tucci instead — puck yeah!

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Sadly, the US Women aren't scheduled to play in London anytime soon, but anyone craving a bout of live women's hockey can scratch that itch on Sunday 8 March (International Women's Day, no less) when the Haringey Greyhounds — Women's National Ice Hockey League Division 2 South B champs — are at the their home rink, taking on the Slough Sirens.

"What's been really exciting is seeing attendance at the games grow week on week," says Alexandra Palace Ice Rink General Manager, Kirsty Bard. "It shows the transformation and growth happening in women's ice hockey."

If you fancy adding to that growth, full priced match tickets cost just £5 (concessions available) — win! Just maybe don't follow that by going for a Maccy D's.

Haringey Greyhounds v Slough Sirens, Sunday 8 March, Alexandra Palace.

Maps show how the pedestrianisation scheme will work. Image: TfL

Final approval has given for the permanent pedestrianisation of Oxford Street between IKEA and Selfridges — to be implemented from this September.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, reports City AM, has given the thumbs-up on proposals to close off the section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street to private motorised vehicles, buses, taxis and private hire vehicles, cycles, scooters and pedicabs.

The announcement follows a second public consultation, in which 2,716 responded, providing 'general support' for the scheme.

Next steps will involve halting traffic from this September, then carrying out further works to make the street more pedestrian friendly — including wider pedestrian crossings.

This mock up is taken from plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street in 2017. Could a similar vision finally happen this year? Image: Mayor of London

Traffic will still run across Oxford Street at five points, namely Duke Street, Davies Street/Stratford Place, Vere Street/New Bond Street, Holles Street/Harewood Place, and Regent Street. Emergency services would have access to Oxford Street street at all times.

Buses that currently ply Oxford Street would be rerouted along Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place, and bus stops, taxi ranks and drop-off locations would be placed as close to the pedestrianised area as possible, without being on Oxford Street itself.

End of the Christmas lights by bus?

In Londonist Towers, the thought previously occurred to us that the banning of buses from this section of Oxford Street will spell the end of enjoying the Christmas lights by double-decker. We can't imagine exceptions would be made for traffic during the festive season, especially given this is the peak shopping period. A shame if true, but a small price to pay in the grand scheme of things.

The plans could spell the end of viewing London's festive lights by bus. Photo: Jamie Davies/Unsplash

Says the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan — who recently oversaw new legislation for pedicabs operating in central London — "I am delighted to be moving forward with my bold vision to transform Oxford Street into a world-leading urban space for shopping, leisure and outdoor events.

"Following TfL's detailed consultation, I've today made the decision to move ahead with these exciting changes to the nation's high street. We will outline more details in the coming days, as we continue building a better more prosperous London for everyone."

The first Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, promised to pedestrianise Oxford Street over 20 years ago, but finally it seems that Khan is untangling that Gordian Knot, to realise an Oxford Street that is safer, greener and generally more pleasant. More phases could following, perhaps leading to the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street in its entirety. If so, this will become a landmark legacy of Khan's lengthy mayoralty.

Oxford Street is already off limits to general traffic between 7am-7pm, Monday to Saturday.

A fleet of heritage buses runs through central London this weekend.

Planning on being around central London this weekend? There's a chance to ride heritage buses between Trafalgar Square and Tower Hill — and it won't cost you much either.

The T15 Heritage Weekend — on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March 2026 — will see a coterie of old Routemasters, Daimler double deck motor buses and their vintage brethren ply the number 15 route along the Strand and Fleet Street, up Cannon Street and onto Tower Hill (and the other way). For 15 years, from 2005, TfL ran heritage buses along the regular route, but that was ended in 2020 — so here's an opportunity to relive the glory days when you could ride an open platform bus past some of London's most famous sights.

A 1977 Silver Routemaster will run on both days.

The weekend — organised by Londoner Buses, which lays on various sightseeing tours — works slightly differently on each day:

Saturday: A minimum of six buses run up to every 15 minutes between Trafalgar Square and Tower Hill from 10am-8pm. Fares apply: Adult single £2.50, child single £1.00, adult day ticket £7.50, child day ticket £5.

Sunday: In the region of 17 buses run, the first at 9.25am from Parliament Square and 10am from Tower Hill, with last buses ending around 5pm. All bus rides on the Sunday are free, although donations will be collected by the Worshipful Company of Carmen, in aid of Ukraine.

At least 17 vintage buses will appear on the Sunday.

There's a good run-down of the various buses set to appear, on Londoner Buses' Facebook page; one of these is a Silver Routemaster, introduced in 1977 to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II. This bus will run both days.

If you adore heritage buses but can't make this weekend, mark your calendar for Saturday 14 March, when free heritage rides on the 38 route will run between Victoria and Clapton Pond.

T15 Heritage Weekend, between Trafalgar Square and Tower Hill, 28 February-1 March 2026.

All images Londoner Buses.

"After a while, my subway drawings became more of a responsibility than a hobby."

Londoners quite rightly take a dim view of graffiti on the Tube network — especially since it's become endemic in recent times.

But from mid March, a Moco Museum London exhibition will actively celebrate public transport graffiti by one particular man — the late Keith Haring. Voice of the Street: Keith Haring's Subway Drawings displays a collection of Haring's cartoonish vignettes of faceless figure (they always remind us of Morph), which he hastily chalked up on blacked-out advertising panels across the NYC Subway between 1980-85.

The gallery space recreates a New York City Subway, although claims that it's 'fully immersive' are perhaps overzealous.

"I began drawing in the subways as a hobby on my way to work," remembered Haring, "I had to ride the subways often and would do a drawing while waiting for a train.

"In a few weeks, I started to get responses from people who saw me doing it. After a while, my subway drawings became more of a responsibility than a hobby. So many people wished me luck and told me to 'keep it up' that it became difficult to stop."

Haring's faceless figures have become instantly recognisable. Just imagine if you'd plucked a few from the subway in the 1980s...

Although Haring's subway works proved to be the headwaters of a notable career (albeit one cut tragically short), that's not how subway staff viewed it at the time; the works were often erased within hours of appearing. Thankfully, some people had the foresight/gumption to take some down before they were desstroyed, and 30 will appear for this exhibition.

They're presented in a mock-up 1980s subway environment — although claims this is 'fully immersive' may be overreach, unless they've somehow rerouted NYC rolling stock through the building, and generously scattered it with rats. Still, it should be thrilling enough to see the rebelliously formative — and in many ways, instinctive — work of an artist who's long been sucked into the machine of the mass-produced.

Voice of the Street: Keith Haring’s Subway Drawings, Moco Museum London, 18 March-18 June 2026. Entry to the exhibition is included with your Moco ticket.

Beef joints carved tableside are back on the menu at Simpsons.

Every Londoner will have passed the chessboard frontage of Simpsons In The Strand, but for five years now, the wonderland of wood panelling and roving beef joint trolleys has been on pause.

That changes in March, when the famous Edwardian chess club-turned-restaurant — which once enjoyed a clientele including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn — reopens its doors under the auspices of restaurateur Jeremy King (the man behind The Ivy, Le Caprice and The Wolseley).

Refitted with dark leather banquettes, the Grand Divan — where chess masters once whiled away hours tussling in a game of wits — begins serving lunch and dinner from 3 March as part of a soft launch (breakfast from mid-March), with bookings now being taken for 30 March onwards.

Much of the Simpson's interior was auctioned off in 2023, and the restaurant has been revived in classic Edwardian style.

Not too much tinkering has been done with the Grand Divan's a la carte menu, which continues to doff its chef's hat to British classics: think chilled Scottish langoustines, rabbit & tarragon terrine, boiled ham with parsley sauce, and bubble and squeak. The signature hot trolleys of roast rib of beef are, of course, back: carved at your table and served with all the trimmings, these cost £39.50 per person, and will surely be a bestseller.

The Grand Divan is one of four spaces in the Grade II Listed building at 100 Strand: Simpson's Bar (an art deco style cocktail setup) and Nellie's Tavern (a sumptuously theatrical lounge bar) will open soon after, with Romano's — a more laid-back Grand Café setting — will arrive later on in March. In short: it's all coming together nicely.

A word to the wise for influencers though: if you do get an invite, for goodness' sake, behave.

Simpsons in the Strand, reopen with soft launch from 3 March, with bookings now taken from 30 March.

Juggernaut Tracey Emin show A Second Life opens at Tate Modern at the end of February. Here are our thoughts on what may prove to be one of 2026's biggest art world hits.

My Bed is a highlight at Tate Modern's turbulent, yet tenacious retrospective.

What's the deal with Tracey Emin?

On the eve of the press preview, I clocked a gaggle of people gathered around a billboard off Bermondsey Street. They were taking photos of a neon ad for A Second Life, which doubled up an artwork — engaging with the show before it has even begun. That tells you everything you need to know about Tracey Emin's moth-to-a-flame clout; when you think about it, her work has become lodged into the fabric of London — from the doors of the National Portrait Gallery to the I Want My Time With You motto that greets thousands of Eurostar-debouched travellers every day. Tracey Emin is a big deal, and has been for some time.

Emin's pliable artistic talents include everything from classic bronze sculpture, to this appliqued armchair, which she travelled around the States with in the mid 1990s.

Is it a London show then?

More like a Margate one. Though she was born in Croydon, Emin's heart is firmly sunk into the sandy shores of Kent: from the get-go Margate is a recurring motif in A Second Life; grainy shots of seaside arcades overlaid with Emin's almost-offhand accounts of being raped as a 13-year-old. An old nickname, 'Mad Tracey from Margate', is threaded into a patchwork blanket, while It's Not the Way I Want to Die is a seaside big dipper of a sculpture, oscillating its way through a good deal of one of the exhibition halls. "Using the word Margate in my work is something I'll never let go of," says Emin, "I'll never let go of where I grew up, even when it was cruel."

A TV showing a chat between Emin and her mum.

What's the 'Second Life' aspect?

In 2020, the artist was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer, for which she had life-saving surgery (and, naturally, documented it, notably in a highly candid set of photograph self-portraiture). A Second Life is essentially one big walk-through diary — a saga of abusive relationships, depression, false pregnancies and very real abortions — which pulls you towards Emin's brush with death, then onwards to sunlit uplands, with post-surgery canvases bleeding with love and lust. Simultaneously, these newer pieces continue to acknowledge the loitering figure of the Grim Reaper; Emin has even preemptively cast her own death mask.

The show is like one big walk-through diary — a saga of abusive relationships, depression, false pregnancies and very real abortions.

What's the highlight?

It's an obvious answer, but it's 1998's Turner Prize-shortlisted My Bed, Emin's underwear-strewn living sculpture — frozen at a time when she sunk into a depression so deep, she didn't have the strength to leave the bed — and which prompted an outbreak of worldwide pearl-clutching. Art collector Charles Saatchi foresaw its importance, shelling out £150k for My Bed back in 2000 — and a quarter of a century on, a hell of a lot more people now respect it for the establishment-disassembling eff you that it is. (Ironically, Emin never intended to display it for the Turner Prize in the first place.) There's also a surprising (and much needed) moment of levity in a filmed chat between Emin and her mum, in which they discuss Emin's unorthodox upbringing and the advantages of having a baby over a cat.

It's Not the Way I Want to Die is a seaside big dipper of a sculpture.

And the lowlights?

Emin's own life is beaded with lowlights (you will come out the other end feeling you've been in an emotional tumble dryer), but this show has few. The sheer eclecticism alone is inspiring. A Second Life is maybe guilty of under-curation; while you can tune into bonus audio, the panels are sparser than is ideal. A flick through the official exhibition book in the gift shop immediately reveals things it would have been to nice to see up on the walls. To quote Emin from that book, as she speaks about her studio: "So my second life is this, now. I sometimes think I died, and this is heaven." Her studio, it goes without saying, is in Margate.

Tracey Emin: A Second Life, Tate Modern, 27 February-31 August 2026

All images by Londonist.

The famous Oxford V Cambridge Boat Race takes place on 4 April 2026, but a week before that, there's a chance to watch a whole host of rowers tackle the same course, in the Head of the River Race.

The Thames gets cluttered with rowing teams. Image: Rachel Clarke via creative commons

What is the Head of the River Race?

The Head of the River Race (HOTRR) sees teams of eights (all male) race against each other along the Thames. They cover the same course as the Boat Races, but the other way around, from Putney to Mortlake. (The Women's Eights Head of the River Race is a separate event — this year taking place Saturday 14 March 2026 — covering the stretch from Chiswick to Putney.)

Founded in 1925 by rowing coach Steve Fairbairn, the HOTRR initially ran in December to get some winter training in for rowers. Over the years, the race has shifted to a spring schedule. Which you can imagine was a relief to those taking part.

How's it different from the Boat Race?

Apart from the fact it's run in reverse, and you don't get the hoards of spectators, the HOTRR features waaay more boats. With the Boat Race, you only see four boats in all. The Head of the River Race features up to 400 crews from some 160 different clubs. It's one heck of a spectacle.

They don't all race at once. The teams — hailing from various universities and boat clubs, in the UK and from across the world — are split into various categories including the coveted Fairbairn Trophy. Groups of rowers take it in turns to be timed as they navigate the course. It's not as easy to follow as the Boat Races, because there's a lot going on, but purely for seeing scores of rowers on the Thames, this is worth going to watch.

When is the Head of the River Race?

It falls on Saturday 28 March 2026, and rowing begins at 12.15pm.

Row, row, row your boat (up to 400 of them actually). Image: Steve Selwood via creative commons

Where's the best place to watch from?

The same places as the Boat Races! Here are a few hot spots:

• Chiswick Bridge: This is where the races start, although it's said Barnes Bridge actually commands better views.
• Furnivall Gardens, Stamford Brook
• Bishops Park, Fulham
• The Pier House, Chiswick Pier: One of the best vantage points along the course
• Putney Bridge (this is where the boats finish up)

You've got more chance of scoring a terrace seat at the Dove than on Boat Races day, we reckon. Image: The Dove/Fuller's

And the best pubs to watch from?

You're spoilt for choice.

• The Ship, Mortlake: Before you get too excited, this is a Greene King pub, however it does benefit from overlooking the start line.
• The White Hart, Barnes: just check out those waterside balconies!
• The Bull's Head, Barnes: A swish way to watch the action unfold.
• The Black Lion, Chiswick: "The very best place" to watch the races from according to themselves (although they would say that).
• The Dove, Hammersmith: A classic riverside Fuller's pub that apparently has the world's smallest bar. It also has a pretty itsy terrace, which is a nifty place to spectate from, if you can secure a spot.
• Blue Anchor, Hammersmith: Home to a terrific terrace overlooking Hammersmith Bridge.
• Crabtree Tavern, Hammersmith: Replete with a riverside beer garden draped in weeping willow (which to some extent actually obscures your view, but anyway).
• Duke's Head, Putney: Small outside seating area overlooking the Thames.
• The Boathouse, Putney: Positioned just behind the finish line, so good for seeing the boats gather.

Head of the River Race, Saturday 28 March 2026, rowing begins at 12.15pm at Mortlake, free to watch

7 May isn't that far away. Image: Matt Brown

The London Local Elections take place on Thursday 7 May 2026. Here's what's happening, and why it matters.

What are we voting for in the 2026 local elections?

This is the one where we vote for our local councillors. London is divided into 32 Boroughs (plus the City of London, which does its own thing). All 32 London boroughs are taking part in the 2026 local elections, and 1,817 council seats are up for grabs.

These are the people who ultimately decide how much council tax you'll pay, and how it will be spent, so it's important to have your say.

Five directly elected Mayors will also be chosen: in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets.

Wait, Mayors? I thought there was only one elected Mayor, and that was Sadiq Khan?

Yes, it can be a little confusing. Sir Sadiq Khan is Mayor of London, as in... the whole of London. That one's decided in a separate election, not due till 2028. You can forget about him for now.

London has additional species of mayor at the local level. Five of the London Boroughs (mentioned above) have their own directly elected mayors with executive powers. These will be determined this May.

Other boroughs, like Camden and Westminster, have ceremonial mayors, for whom you cannot vote, and who wield very little political power. The most famous is the Lord Mayor of London, who presides over the Square Mile.

Do I need photo ID to vote?

Yes. Yes you do. But that's been the case for several elections now and we should all — even Boris Johnson — be quite used to the idea. Acceptable forms of ID can be viewed here.

Croydon is one of five London boroughs where residents also vote for an executive mayor.

When are the key deadlines to register or apply for postal/proxy votes?

If you voted in the General Election and haven't moved home recently, you're probably already on the electoral register and need do nothing in advance of polling day. If you think you might not be registered, or want to apply for postal or proxy vote, here are some deadlines:

20 April: The deadline to register to vote

21 April (5pm): The deadline to apply for a postal vote

28 April (5pm): The deadline to apply for a proxy vote (someone else votes for you)

28 April (5pm): The deadline to apply for a free voter ID if you lack other forms of photographic ID

7 May: The big day when you can vote in person. Polling stations are open 7am-10pm.

Anyone wishing to stand as a councillor has until 9 April to put forward their nomination to the appropriate local authority.

Who can I vote for?

We don't know, because nominees have not been formally announced yet, and nor will they be published until after the 9 April deadline for nominations. Check your local authority's website after that date for full information (or just wait for the flyers to start falling through your letterbox).

How do things currently stand with London's councils?

In short: it's the Labour show. 21 of the 32 boroughs are dominated by Labour councillors, and they have almost two-thirds of the seats across London:

Image: HelloFromTheDeep, creative commons licence

On the map above, the main parties are represented by their usual colours. Havering (top-right) is run by a Havering Residents Association minority administration; Tower Hamlets (central grey) is run by the left-leaning Aspire party, headed by the borough's current Mayor Lutfur Rahman.

Labour made a few gains in 2022, while the Tories lost more, but the overall political makeup of London in 2018 and 2022 was fairly similar.

How could things change in 2026?

Quite a lot, possibly. Local elections are often used as a chance to pass judgement on the national government. For the first time in years, that'll be Labour, who aren't exactly uniting the country in joy and jubilee. A sizeable protest vote could see chunks of red disappear from the map.

At the same time, smaller parties and independents have been making gains at recent elections as voters become disillusioned with the main parties. The Greens, in particular, have been going from strength to strength under the leadership of Zack Polanski, and could woo a fair few left-leaning voters into their fold.

And then there's Reform. Youthful Inner London is unlikely to see much of a dent from the party whose top five policies all involve some kind of anti-immigration dimension. Some of the Outer Boroughs, though, notably Havering, Bexley and Bromley, are seen as key targets for the Nigel Farage-led party.

That's the orthodoxy, anyway. As we've seen time and again in recent politics, big surprises are almost to be expected.

Want to know what it's like at one of London's repair cafes? Check out this video we made.

Does your set of wheels need doing up? Repair Week is a good time to do it. Image: ReLondon

Got an old bike you need fixing up? A radio you'd like to get working again? A favourite coat with that needs some TLC?

Repair Week is in London from 2-8 March 2026, with dozens of partners running workshops and events across the city, giving you the chance to breathe new life into cherished items, save money, be kind to the environment AND learn new skills.

Among events — taking place in various libraries, community centres, churches and other venues across London — are:

💻 Learn how to donate, rather than recycle your old computer tech.
🪡 Join an online 'mend-along' where tips are shared on how to refashion clothes.
💛 Master the Japanese art of kintsugi — aka 'golden joinery' — repairing broken objects with urushi lacquer.
🔨 Get a crash course in reclaimed woodworking for beginners.
🚲 Make the most of free advice from Dr Bike Ealing on bike repair and maintenance.
⛺ Let Decathlon teach you how to patch up your old tent.

Learn to fix your things under the guidance of experts. Image: ReLondon

While handypeople will be able to mend your items at some of these workshops (and often at no cost to you), the idea is to follow guidance and pick up tips, so you learn how to make fixes yourself in the future.

Repair workshops and cafes can be found in London year-round. Image: ReLondon

With each London household producing a tonne of waste each year, it goes without saying that our habits need to change, and fast. The recent swell in 'make do and mend' attitudes — and popularity of shows like The Repair Shop — suggest a positive move towards fixing up rather than throwing away.

Of course, campaigns like Repair Week are in the best interests of local councils too, who have to deal with a lot of our jettisoned material.

Image: ReLondon

Repair cafes and workshops can be found in London year-round. Check out this list of places where you can get things fixed up.

Repair Week, 2-8 March 2026, London-wide