The temperatures might still be nippy but the days are fortunately getting longer at this time of year, which means that the spring season is on its way (plus it’s also Pancake Day this month!). Daffodils are starting to make their appearance in London’s parks and the cherry blossoms will soon be in full bloom.
If you are looking for things to do in London in March then we’ve rounded up the best of the best from the St Patrick’s Day parade to creating rope out of hair – yes, really!
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Ongoing events include the Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum (Dino Snores, the museum sleepover for kids is also back, check the website for dates). Cats and Dogs at the Horniman Museum continues this month as well, an interactive family-friendly exhibition exploring the scientific, social and cultural role that dogs and cats play in our world.
At Kew Gardens the Orchid Festival continues and of course the playground there is open (one of our favourites in London). Family Sundays at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden are a regular event for families to explore the beautiful venue and enjoy creative and practical activities. Check the website for dates and to book.
Don’t forget that it’s also Mother’s Day in March! Treat your mum to a traditional afternoon tea to celebrate. Now is a good time to book tickets for The Gunpowder Plot, a new immersive experience taking place at the Tower of London from May 2022.
You may also enjoy these London posts:
- 33 of the best hidden gems in London you must see
- 21 things to do in London in November – with kids! (2022)
- Our 13 favourite children’s book shops in London (2022)
- How high can you go? Try the Cutty Sark Rig Climb and see!
- 26 fun things to do during the October half term in London (2022)
The best things to do in London in March
Cinderella Re-imagined at the British Library
Imagine and create an alternative world for Cinderella in a special workshop lead by storyteller Olivia Armstrong and children’s author and illustrator Viviane Schwarz.
Two workshops on Sunday March 27 at 11am and 1.30pm (90 minutes long). Free but you must book in advance.
London Theatre Week
This week is one of the best times to book tickets to your favourite West End show(s)! Theatre Week tickets start from £15 with over 45 shows taking part including Wicked, Mama Mia! and Cinderella.
Various events at the British Museum
The British Museum is hosting a number of family-friendly events this March. You can create an Egyptian-themed family photo with a little green screen magic, explore Roman history through Minecraft and design a mask inspired by the museum’s objects from Peru. Most of these events are free, drop-in events. Check the website for details and dates.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day takes place this year on March 8 and there are a number of events taking place in the capital to celebrate it.
The Southbank Centre are hosting their WOW: Women of the World Festival the ‘world’s biggest, most comprehensive festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people’. It will take place this year on the weekend of March 11 – 13 and will bring together activities, musicians, comedians and writers for three days of conversations, workshops and performances including some specifically aimed at children.
Women in the parks: Protest and Power
Hyde Park is not just a beautiful park, it’s full of history too. The kids will most likely be at school but if you have time then join in this special guided walk of Hyde Park and discover the hidden stories of women in the park from queens to pickpockets, petticoat duelists to protesters.
Tuesday 8 March; 12pm – 1.30pm; £12
Family guided tour of Buckingham Palace
If you’ve ever wondered what Buckingham Palace looks like from the inside then join a family guided tour. These tours of one of London’s most popular attractions take place twice a day every Saturday from March 26 – April 24 but do sell out quickly so make sure to book well in advance.
The hour-long tour takes guests through rooms including the Grand Entrance, Grand Staircase, Green Drawing Room, White Drawing Room, the Throne Room and more.
St Patrick’s Day
This year the St Patrick’s Day Festival takes place on Sunday 13 March. The parade which starts at Hyde Park Corner, will include Irish marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry and ends up to Trafalgar Square in central London where family concerts, storytelling, children’s films take place.
Magical Mischief at the Warner Bros Studio Tour
This exhibition actually opened at the end of January but the good news is that it runs until May 1st 2022. Learn the filmmaking trickery behind some of your favourite moments in the Harry Potter films.
Demonstrations throughout the Studio Tour reveal how clever camera tricks create the disappearing effect of the invisibility cloak and how the Special Effects Team created the fireplace letter scene inside 4 Privet Drive during Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The exhibition runs until May 1, 2022. Check the website for details.
Object handling at Westminster Abbey
At Westminster Abbey this month kids have the opportunity to explore objects from the abbey’s collection that date back hundreds of years. As well as get up close and personal with royal seals and stained glass, they’ll get the chance to help solve a medieval mystery.
March 5, 12 and 19 from 10am – 1pm; Included in the price of admission.
Life Through a Royal Lens
For a look at Royal Life head to Kensington Palace for a new exhibition that examines the Royal Family through a unique series of photographs from Queen Victoria right up until the present day.
Hands on Armour: Quick, March!
At the Wallace Museum this month is the chance for children to learn more about the armour of foot soldiers and even try on some examples before making your own paper helmet. Recommended ages 5+.
Saturday 26 March; 60 minute sessions at 10.30, 11.10 and 11.50am; Free but booking is essential.
Macbeth Workshop at The Globe Theatre
A great option for tweens and teens in London is this workshop at The Globe Theatre that brings Macbeth to life. This event uses a range of activities and games designed to draw out elements of the play’s language, characters and themes.
26 March – 8 April; £10 / ticket
Outset Teen Tours at the Horinman Museum
Outset Teen Tours offer audiences a chance to be taken on a personal journey through the object collections at the Horniman Museum. Join for a guided tour from the perspective of a young person who has carefully chosen objects and subject matter based on their own interests and ideas.
Saturday March 5; free
Learn to make rope from hair
Also at the Horniman Museum is a unique event that will teach you how to use ancient, traditional rope making techniques to turn old locks into sturdy ropes!
Saturday March 26; 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm; Free, drop in event
Dissecting the dirt: Advanced young archaeology course at Fulham Palace
This new series of workshops is aimed at teens and young people (16 – 25) and offers in-depth archaeological training from the resident community archaeologist, Alexis. These full-day sessions are ideal for anyone with an interest in archaeology, history, geography or geology.
Saturday March 19; £ 12 / session; 10: 15 – 15:15
From bud to blossom – Family fun day
Also at Fulham Palace gardens is a day of fun-filled crafts, activities, produce and more with the garden team as you learn what it takes to create a beautiful garden.
Saturday March 20; 11am – 3pm; Free, no booking required
Spring Steam Up
Enjoy a double steam up at the London Museum of Water & Steam and Kempton Steam Museum. Learn about the history of the Kew Bridge Waterworks and the amazing pumping engines that helped make London the city it is today. Then head over to Kempton Steam Museum and see the world’s largest working triple-expansion steam engine, which stands as high as four stacked double-decker buses.
Valid Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March; Tickets to both museums cost £16 for the weekend; Children under 18 go free; Pre-booking is advised.
Rangoli Workshop at the Southbank Centre
Try your hand at the art form of rangoli in this free drop-in workshop open to all at the Southbank Centre. Recommended age 5+ yrs
Sat 5 Mar, 12.30pm; Approximate run time: 240 mins.
History Heroes: Sugar Coated Tales at the Museum of London
Learn about the connections between London, sugar and transatlantic slavery in this drop-in art activity at the Museum of London. Join artists Remiiya to explore, reflect and create together on this part of London’s history.
March 19 and 20; Min age 3+ years; free
Mudlarking on the River Thames
Twice a day the tidal waters in the River Thames rise and fall bringing with them centuries of treasure, little bits of history in the shape of pieces of roof tiles, bits of clay pipes and remnants of Delftware crockery. If you’re really lucky, you might even find a Victorian table fork. Join the experts on Sunday 13 March on the foreshore at the Millennium Bridge and see what you can find!
Sunday 13 March; 2.30pm – 4.30pm; Minimum age 8+ years; £25 / person
