Hooray for Spring! Warmer temperatures and sunny days are on the horizon this month. Add to this lots of exciting events – including the hotly anticipated Paddington Experience opening at the end of the month – and May is a great time to be in London.
We’ve rounded up the best things to do in London in May from music festivals and the remaining cherry blossom hot spots to new exhibitions and family workshops and more.
Now is the time to get out your calendars and start planning. If your trip coincides with the school holidays then take a look at the best things to do in London for May half term.
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May dates for your diary
- May half-term takes place Monday 27 May to Friday 31 May
- Bank holidays take place on Monday 6 May and Monday 27 May
- The Spring bank holiday on Monday May 6 marks a year since King Charles III was crowned King and the anniversary will be marked by a 41-round gun salute in Hyde Park at midday.
- The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, one of the world’s most prestigious flower show, takes place 21 – 25 May
- The European Writers’ Festival takes place at The British Library 18 – 19 May
- The City Splash Festival, celebrating the impact of Caribbean and African culture on the UK music scene takes place on 27 May
- Cross the Tracks, London’s number on jazz, soul and funk festival takes place on 26 May
- The Women’s FA Cup Final takes place at Wembley Stadium on 11 – 12 May
- The Belgravia in Bloom Festival takes place on 20 – 27 May
- Not to be outdone, Chelsea in Bloom put on their floral displays from 20 – 26 May
- The UK Asian Film Festival takes place 2 – 12 May
- London Craft Week takes place 13 – 19 May
- The Garden Open Days at Lambeth Palace start again this month. Usually closed to the public, they open once a month during warmer months, raising money for charity. The date this month is 3 May.
- Enjoy world-class photography at the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition 2024 takes place at Somerset House until 6 May
- MexFest takes place on 5 – 6 May in Hackney Bridge promising the best Mexican fare in town.
Our Highlights for May
The following are some of our favourite things going on during the month of May in London.
- The much anticipated The Paddington Experience opens on 31 May
- The Urban Village Fete in Greenwich takes place on 19 May and promises a fun-filled day out for all the family
- The Enormous Crocodile has been adapted for stage and will perform at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park
- Hip Hop dancing at Sadlers Wells with Breakin’ Convention
- The stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s 2021 ‘Spirited Away’ at the London Coliseum
- The new exhibition at the Natural History Museum, Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre
Tickets you should book now
May is the best time to book tickets for some of London’s most popular summer events.
- Buckingham Palace will open to the public on 11 July; book. your tickets now
- Kew Gardens have a series of outdoor theatre events taking place over the summer including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Wind in the Willows and The Dream Fairies – Adventure to Bubble Land. Tickets are available to book now.
Planning your trip to London
Whether you’re a seasoned London visitor or if it’s your first time to London with kids, here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in the city.
If you are wondering where to stay in London with kids then do consider the Premier Inn chain, which is the UK’s largest budget hotel chain. They have some family-friendly properties in excellent Central London locations, take a look at the best Premier Inns in London.
For ideas on where to eat out this post on the best child-friendly restaurants in London might help along with this one on our favourite afternoon tea in London for kids. And if you’re trip coincides with rainy days then don’t worry as there are still lots of things to do.
We’ve also got ideas on how to get discounted theatre tickets and suggestions on the best family shows in London, if you want to add a theatre trip into your itinerary.
Early May is a great time of year to visit famous London landmarks including Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Globe Theatre. The streets of London will be marginally quieter during the first couple of weeks before families arrive for the half term holiday.
Remember when visiting London that all children under 11 travel free on most public transport when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Children aged 11-15 can get free or discounted travel and 16 and 17-year-olds pay half the adult rate. See Transport for London for more details.
If you don’t have an Oyster card you can use your contactless bank card to tap in and tap out (you can also get an Oyster and contactless app for your phone). Both Oyster and Contactless support daily capping (meaning you won’t ever pay more for your travel than if you had purchased a one day travel card), only contactless supports weekly capping.
If you’re hoping to visit some of London’s most popular sights and famous landmarks then there are some tickets worth booking in advance. These include:
The best things to do in London in May
Enjoy our pick of the best things to do and best places to go in London in May with kids – and without!
Spirited Away
Fans of Studio Ghibli will love this incredible Japanese production of Hayao Miyazaki’s 2021 Spirited Away. The story of Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who inadvertently enters the world of kami (Japanese spirits). Performed in Japanese with English subtitles and with a live orchestra.
Spirited Away will play at the London Coliseum from 30 April to 24 August.
Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells
We love the sounds of this; taking place over two days at the beginning of May, this is apparently the biggest festival of hip hop dance theatre in the world with performers from the UK, France, South Korea and the Netherlands.
Breakin’ Convention takes place 4 – 5 May at Sadler’s Wells
The Paddington Bear Experience
Opening at County Hall at the end of the Month, The Paddington Bear Experience promises a ‘multi-room, immersive experiences’ based on the life and adventures of the world’s most famous bear.
The Paddington Bear Experience opens on 31 May.
Fraternite Family Days at Westminster Abbey
Take part in some family activities at Westminster Abbey this month including a craft activity inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry on 18 May and a day for Budding Builders on 29 May.
These events are included in admission but you will need to book your spot for the Budding Builders workshop.
Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre at the Natural History Museum
The new exhibition at the Natural History Museum explores the weird and wonderful world of birds. Meet the wonderchicken, the oldest modern bird in the world, discover what a pigeon has in common with the T.rex and which birds bathe in acid to survive.
Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre open on 24 May and runs until 5 January 2025
Legion: Life in the Roman Army at The British Museum
Ongoing at The British Museum is their major new exhibition, Legion: life in the Roman army. From family life in the fort to the realities of the battlefield, discover if you have what it takes to make it in the Roman army.
Legion: Life in the Roman Army runs until 23 June.
Urban Village Fete in Greenwich
Global street food, interactive workshops from The Bureau of Silly Ideas, DJs, creative talks and speakers, an amazing canine circus and so much more awaits at the Greenwich Urban Village Fete.
Dedicated family actvities include face painting, origami town building, a dedicated kids’ disco and the Allympics, a unique take on the upcoming Olympics.
The Urban Village Fete takes place on 19 May from 11am until late.
Horrible Histories – Rotten Royals! At Hampton Court Palace
Arriving in time for the May half term are the Rotten Royals live on stage. Meet Richard the Lionheart, King Edward I, Mary Queen of Scots and other revolting rulers during these hour-long shows.
The shows take place at 12pm and 3pm daily from 25 May – 1 June. Suitable for ages 5+. Book your tickets now.
The IWA Canalway Cavalclade
Head to London’s Little Venice on Saturday 4 May and enjoy a colourful canal festival in the heart of the city. The festival celebrates life and community on the waterways and sees dozens of canal boats more up. Enjoy illuminated processions, family entertainment, live music and plenty more canal boat-based fun.
UNIQLO Tate Play Holiday Make Studio: Kinetic
The even popular UNIQLO Tate Play events continues this month, inspiring kids to create, make and play with large moving art in the Tanks at Tate Modern.
The free, drop-in workshops take place daily from 25 May – 2 June.
Join a Bear Hunt in Kingston
Fans of Michael Rosen’s iconic children’s book ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ should head to Kingston and look for the ten individually hand-painted bear sculptures dotted around town.
The trail runs through May half term and is free to enjoy.
Big Birthday Family Weekend at the National Gallery
Help the National Gallery celebrate its 200th birthday on 11 May by helping the gallery decorate their giant birthday cake. Artist Lucie MacGregor has created a giant cake sculpture out of pulped recycled paper – including old National Gallery brochures and birthday cards – and needs your help decorating it.
This is a free, drop-in event that takes place on 11 May from 11am – 4pm.
The Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival
Meet puppeteers from across the country during the annual Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival. Held to celebrate the first recorded production of a Mr Punch show in Covent Garden in 1662, this day-long festival includes a procession, workshops, shows and stalls.
This Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival takes place in Covent Garden on 12 May
Medieval Mayhem at the Tower of London
May is the perfect time to head to the Tower of London where fairytales and frolics are taking over the South Lawn. Step back in time and watch medieval Londoners as they tell their stories and get ready to serve the Queen. Expect a mini pageant about the ravens and even a magical giant.
Don’t miss a walking tour with one of the Yeoman warders while here.
Medieval Mayhem runs until June 23. Included in admission tickets.
In a Spin! At Tower Bridge
Create your own paper spinner toy inspired by the colours and motion of steam engines that once powered Tower Bridge.
This drop-in session is included in admission prices and takes place 11 May from 10am to 4pm.
Romeo & Juliet at The Duke of Yorke’s Theatre
Book tickets now for this re-working of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy directed by Jamie Lloyd and starring Tom Holland, otherwise known as Spider Man. Update: Tickets are currently sold out but do keep checking the website for return tickets if you’re keen to go.
Romeo & Juliet opens on 11 May and runs until 3 August.
Deptford Jack in the Green
One of London’s more unusual events is hopefully taking place again this May in London. Dates for this traditional procession have yet to be confirmed for 2024 but if it does go ahead (and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that it will) the Deptford Jack in the Green festival will take place around the Deptford area.
This old tradition originated in England in the 18th century and was revived but the Blackheath Morris Men in the 1980s. It involves Jack in the Green, a man covered in greenery, walking through the streets. Weird, yes. Fascinating to watch, also yes.
Dates TBC but possibly 6 May
Twelfth Night at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
For another dose of The Bard head to the excellent Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park and enjoy this comedy of mistaken identities. Wrap up warm.
Twelfth Night runs from 3 May to 8 June
Ruislip Lido Railway
It’s nearly time for the jets to get going in London’s many splash parks (we hope!). One of our favourites is in Ruislip, which is also home to a 12-inch narrow gauge railway. Join the volunteers that keep the line running during their Gala weekend and get a behind-the-scenes peek into the railway’s operations on 4 – 6 May.
Faithful Companions at the Charles Dickens Museum
Located in the house where Dickens lived from 1837-1839 the Charles Dickens Museum is set up as if the famous author was still living there and represents a typical middle-class Victorian home with furnishings, portraits and decorations.
This month the museum explores the author’s relationship with animals with its new exhibition, Faithful Companions. Apparently, the townhouse was filled with a smorgasbord of animal companions during Dickens’ time including ravens and goldfinches.
Faithful Companions: Charles Dickens & his Pets opens on 15 May and runs until 12 January 2025
The Enormous Crocodile at Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre
This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story of the greedy crocodile who tries to trick unsuspecting children into being his lunch is a great introduction to the theatre for younger children.
The Enormous Crocodile is suitable for children age 4+ and takes place at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 17 May – 8 June.
Independent Label Market
If you’re in London with teens then this market dedicated to all things vinyl is a must. Search for vinyl treasure from all sorts of indie labels including Late Night Tales, Ninja Tune and more and then fuel up on delicious street food.
The Independent Label Market takes place in Kings Cross on 11 May.
Fragile Beauty at the V&A
Another good one for teens is this photography exhibition taking place at the V&A in partnership with Gucci. The exhibition will present more than 300 rare prints by over 140 photographers. All the prints are on loan from Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s private collection.
Fragile Beauty opens on 18 May
MCM Comic Con
London’s three-day celebration of all things pop culture including film, sci-fi, anime, manga, gaming, comic books, and cosplay returns to the Excel centre this month. Don’t forget your costume!
MCM London takes place in ExCel London 24 – 26 May.
Turn It Up: The Power of Music at the Science Museum
You don’t have much time left to see the Science Museum’s exhibition, Turn It Up: The Power of Music. The exhibition explores how and why music drives us to create, perform, feel and connect with others. Enjoy plenty of interactive exhibits including a musical playground and Haile the musical robot, discover weird and wonderful instruments and take a musical Turing test – and more!
The exhibition is on until 6 May.
When Forms Come Alive at the Hayward Gallery
Make sure to see this excellent exhibition at the Hayward Gallery before it closes. Housed within the Brutalist walls of the Hayward Gallery on London’s South Bank, this showcase covers 60 years of contemporary sculpture with a focus on “restless” sculptures.
Even if you don’t quite understand the ideas behind the creations, they are a joy to behold with sculptures made from foam, neon lights, inflated bouncy balls and even a pair of tights. Guaranteed to entertain even the most museum-wary of kids.
When Forms Cove Alive is on until May 6. Tickets cost adult / child £18 / £7. Under 12s free.
The Art of the Brick
Also closing this month is The Art of the Brick exhibition featuring over 150 incredible sculptures made from LEGO® including recreations of some of the world’s most famous artworks including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
For kids there’s also a play and build area where you can create your own LEGO sculptures.
The Art of the Brick runs until 12 May. Tickets cost adult / child £17.90 / £13.90.
Skateboard at the Design Museum
Running until 19 May is this exhibition charting the design evolution of the skateboard, from the 1950s to today. Curated and designed by author, designer and skater Jonathan Olivares, it includes 90 rare and unique boards as well as over 100 other objects from wheels and tucks to magazines and VHS tapes.
Skateboard runs until 19 May.
