Spring is just around the corner, the days are getting longer and soon the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom. But it’s not just the longer days and increased sunshine that makes March a good time to visit London, this month is one of the best times to see the sights without the crowds. Popular sights such as the London Eye, the Sky Garden and Madame Tussauds are inevitably less busy now the kids are back at school.
This month is also the perfect time to explore some of London’s beautiful parks and gardens. Take a wander around Hyde Park or Regent’s Park or even travel out to Richmond Park, that was first created by Charles I in the 17th century as a deer park, and enjoy the start of the spring season.
If you are looking for things to do in London in March then we’ve rounded up lots of fun things to do from the St Patrick’s Day parade and events celebrating International Women’s Day to an exhibition celebrating Britain’s Queens, a comedy club for kids and much more. Don’t forget that Easter is just around the corner as well!
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Ongoing events include the Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum and the excellent Hallyu! The Korean Wave at the V&A. This exhibition has been running since last September but if you haven’t seen it yet then hurry along. The comprehensive exhibition showcases the colourful and dynamic popular culture of South Korea from Gangnam Style and Squid Game to the incredible popularity of K-Pop bands.
At Kew Gardens the Orchid Festival continues until 5 March and of course the playground there is open (one of our favourites in London). March is also when the Saatchi Gallery’s The Other Art Fair returns to the Truman Brewery (March 9 – 12 and the Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park (also March 9 – 12).
London Theatre Week runs from 20 February to 5 March with tickets to dozens of musicals, plays and comedies starting from £15.
If you’re visiting in March then remember that 14 March is Commonwealth Day and Westminster Abbey will be closed to visitors.
Don’t forget that it’s also Mother’s Day in March! Treat your mum to a traditional afternoon tea to celebrate on 19 March.
March 23rd marks National Puppy Day, head to one of these dog cafes to celebrate!
March 26th marks the start of British Summer Time when the clocks go forward. Yes, you lose out on a hour of sleep but the days will be lighter for longer!
Also taking place on 26 March is the Boat Race when Cambridge University takes on Oxford as they race along the Championship Course. This, one of the most famous boat races in the world, is a 4.25 mile route along the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake in West London.
Finally, if you’re hoping to see the Changing of the Guards outside Buckingham Palace then here is the most up-to-date schedule.
All in all, London is a great place to be in March!
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The best things to do in London in March
Magic of India – Holi Colour Party
The traditional Indian festival of Holi marks the start of Spring with a riot of colour. One of the best places to celebrate with kids is at the family-friendly Holi party in Swiss Cottage. Enjoy a family-friendly party with performances, dancers, drummers, DJs and the chance to throw multi-coloured powdered paint at one another.
Where: Swiss Cottage, Fountain Area, Near Library
When: 12 March 11am – 4pm
The Ciné Lumière’s film festivals
Perfect for anyone learning French at school (and wanting some extra revision pre-GCSEs?!) is the Ciné Lumière film festival at the Institut français du Royaume-Uni. The program includes a number of films just for kids.
Where: 7 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT
When: Various dates from mid-February to mid-March
St Patrick’s Day in Trafalgar Square
Celebrate the best of Irish arts, culture, food and music at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square. In addition there’s the annual procession of Irish marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry starting in Hyde Park Corner and then travelling through Piccadilly, St James’s Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street and Whitehall. This is one of the best things to do in London in March!
Where: Trafalgar Square, London
When: Sunday 12 March
Free
Queens of the Abbey at Westminster Abbey
Explore the extraordinary tales of Britain’s queens in their roles as wives, mothers, daughters and rulers in this special Family Day at Westminster Abbey. Make your own crown inspired by the one that Queen Elizabeth II wore during her Coronation in 1953, join an interactive tour and listen to incredible stories of queens who have changed the course of history.
Where: The Abbey, Westminster Abbey,
When: Saturday 18 March, 10am – 2pm
Included in the price of admission
Earth Hour
Earth Hour takes place this year on 25 March when everyone around the world is encouraged to switch off for Earth. This year the World Wildlife Fund is encouraging everyone to switch off their lights between 8.30 – 9.30pm and to “spend 60 minutes doing something positive for our planet”. People are encouraged to share what they do using the hashtag #BiggestHourForEarth
Out-of-hours at the British Museum
The British Museum continues its family-friendly out-of-hours this month including an introduction to the Ancient Greek world, ancient Egypt and China. These out-of-hours tours take place from 8.50 – 10am, before the galleries are open to the public.
Also taking place this month are a handful of family activities including exploring Roman history through Minecraft (4 and 25 March), creating a Japan-themed family photo (11 March), and making a mosaic mask inspired by the Aztec gods (18 March).
Where: The British Museum
When: Various dates, check website for details
Comedy Club 4 Kids
One of the best things to do in London this March is the laugh-out-loud Comedy Club 4 Kids, which gets some of the best comedians in the business to put on family-friendly shows that are “almost like a normal comedy club….just without the rude bits”. In March the Comedy Club takes place on the 26th but there are various dates and venues throughout the year so take a look at their website.
Where: Wonderville, 57-60 Haymarket, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4QX
When: 26 March (other dates and venues available).
Tickets £10 (£8 if buying 4+ tickets)
The WOW Festival 2023
The WOW Festival, celebrating women, girls and non-binary people is back this year in time for International Women’s Day. The 13th WOW London Festival brings together world-class speakers, activities, musicians and comedians for three days of conversations, performances and workshops.
There are lots of family-friendly events too including the WOW Under 10s Feminist Corner for Girls (11 – 12 March), the retelling of The little Match Girl (12 March) and WOW Under 10s Feminist Corner for Boys (12 March).
Where: Southbank Centre
When: 10 – 12 March
Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur
Opening on 31 March is the latest exhibition from the Natural History Museum. Visitors are invited to step into the world of the magnificent titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. Learn how he found food, kept cool and stayed safe on this journey from tiny egg to towering creating.
Where: The Natural History Museum
When: Opens 31 March
London Games Festival
Opening on 29 March is this 10-day celebration of video games. Taking places across London, visitors can explore artworks and installations as well as discover the festival’s official selection of new video games from around the world. And don’t worry, if you can’t make it to an event in person, then you can participate online.
Where: Various venues, check website for details
When: 29 March – 8 April
The Great British Bake Off Musical
Everyone’s favourite TV show is coming to the West End this month. The Great British Bake Off Musical rises at the Noel Coward Theatre on 25 February for 12 weeks only. Expect lots of soggy bottoms, showstoppers and star bakers!
Where: Noel Coward Theatre
When: Opens 25 February and runs for 12 weeks
Country to Country Music Festival
Europe’s biggest country music festival takes place at The O2 in March this year. Headliners include Lady A, Jordan Davis, Midland, Thomas Rhett and many more. Perfect for all country and live music fans out there.
Where: The O2
When: 10 – 12 March
The Gunpowder Plot at the Tower of London
Ongoing at the Tower of London is the Gunpowder Plot, an immersive experience that invites visitors to journey back in time to unmask the mysterious figures behind the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It’s a great one for teens.
Just remember that if you are visiting the Tower of London this month then the St Edward’s Crown, the historic centrepiece of the Crown Jewels, has been temporarily removed to allow for modification work in advance of the King’s Coronation 6 May 2023.
Where: The Tower of London
When: Ongoing
Brain Forest Quipu at the Tate Modern
You still have until 16 April to see the Brazilian artist Cecilia Vicuña’s multi-part installation at the Tate Modern. Called Brain Forest Quipu, the installation is made up of sculpture, sound, music and video and is on display in the Turbine Hall.
Where: Turbine Hall, Tate Modern
When: Until 16 April
Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace
Now’s a good time to book tickets for the Crown to Couture exhibition that opens at Kensington Palace on 5 April. This blockbuster exhibition is the largest ever staged at the Palace and includes 200 objets on display including Lady Gaga’s luminous green MTV Awards dress, the Thom Browne dress worn by Lizzo at the 2022 Met Gala and the world-famous Silver Tissue Gown worn at the court of Charles II. It’s promises to be the perfect place to take fashion-forward tweens and teens!
Don’t forget to enjoy Kensington Gardens while you’re there.
Where: Kensington Palace
When: Opens 5 April
Science Fiction Film Festival at the Science Museum
Enjoy special IMAX screenings of sci-fi movie favourites including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Alien and Blade Runner. The film festival is being held to celebrate the museum’s excellent Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination exhibition which is ongoing.
Where: The Science Museum
When: 8 – 12 March
Top Gear! At Tower Bridge
Join in the fun family day at Tower Bridge exploring the vital role cogs play in ensuring that Tower Bridge can be raised and lowered at ease and get hands on in the gear-inspired art activity.
Family activities are free with admission and are available as a drop in session throughout the day. Kids aged 6 to 10 will enjoy these sessions the most!
Where: Tower Bridge
When: Saturday 18 March
War Games at the Imperial War Museum
This exhibition is not new but it you haven’t seen it yet then it’s well worth going. War Games explores what video games can tell us about conflict. Featuring blockbuster games like Sniper Elite 5 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the collection question how different developers have portrayed conflict and highlights real-life stories that may have served as inspiration.
Where: The Imperial War Museum
When: Until 30 September. Free entry
Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities by Cirque du Soleil
You only have a few more days to see the latest show by Quebec-based circus colossus Cirque du Soleil. The steampunk-inspired show is full of incredible costumes and stupendous stunts and acrobatics.
Where: The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
When: Until 5 March
The National Gallery
A number of exhibitions open at the National Gallery in central London this month including The Ugly Dutchess, Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance. One to enjoy with teens.
Where: The National Gallery
When: Various dates, see website for details
Brick Dinos at the Horniman Museum
Don’t miss this family-friendly event where some of the largest beasts to ever walk the earth have been created in miniature form by artist Warren Elsmore and his team.
The exhibition also features rarely seen specimens from the Horniman’s stores, and a range of hands-on activities for children to enjoy including build your own dinosaur and digging for fossils.
Where: Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ
When: Until 29 October, 2023. Advanced booking recommended.
Photos via Depositphotos.com
