As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, there’s a shift in the London air that brings about a plethora of exciting events to enjoy all across the city. From a coffee festival to chasing cherry blossoms in the city’s lush green parks, here are our top picks on where to go and what to do in London this April.
(WA=Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of The Boat Race via Facebook
Witness the traditional British Boat Race
The annual Boat Race is synonymous with British tradition and is one of the world’s oldest amateur sporting events. This year, The Boat Race is taking place right in the middle of April and will see two of the UK’s most prestigious universities (Cambridge and Oxford) go head to head, fuelled by 185 years of rivalry There will be two races, one men’s race and one women’s, so there are two chances to watch each team give it their all. They’ll take place on the famous Championship Course, stretching over 4.25 miles of the Thames between Putney and Mortlake, the same route that’s been followed since the race started in 1845. As for where to base yourself, Putney Bridge will give you a good view of the start, or head to Chiswick Bridge to enjoy the lively atmosphere. The two fan zones are the Fulham Fan Park in Bishops Park and The Hammersmith Fan Park in Furnival Gardens, and each boasts a range of street food stalls, bars and big screens where you can get a good view of the race while soaking up the atmosphere.
The Boat Race | Putney | WA | 13th April 2025
Image Courtesy of Kew Gardens via Facebook
Sounds of Blossom at Kew Gardens
Located in southwest London, Kew Gardens has the largest botanical collection in the world, boasting a captivating array of plant life and fauna across its sprawling 300-acre expanse. Founded in the 18th century and honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it showcases diverse landscapes, towering arboretums, and captivating glasshouses brimming with flora from around the world. Sounds of Blossom was made in collaboration with students from the Royal College of Music and promises to awaken your senses as you wander through the gardens, listening to original compositions that were commissioned by Kew Gardens and inspired by the season of spring.
Kew Gardens | Kew | WA | 15th March – 6th April 2025
Image Courtesy of Madison Bar via Facebook
Sip on a cocktail at an iconic London rooftop bar
There are fewer ways Londoners like to see in the springtime sunshine than by enjoying a tipple or two on an iconic London rooftop bar. Sip on classic cocktails with the city skyline as your backdrop at Decimo at The Standard (open seasonally, so check before going), or Bussey Rooftop Bar in Peckham. If you’re after tasty tapas and excellent views of St Paul’s, Madison bar is the place to go. A few other favourites are Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch and Smiths of Smithfield in Farringdon.
Chase cherry blossoms throughout the city
As spring emerges and the days get longer, an explosion of pink sweeps through the city, and before we know it, cherry blossom season is well and truly upon us. These beautiful blossom trees add an extra sprinkle of prettiness to an already picture-perfect city and there are plenty of places to see them. Here are a handful of our favourite spots to while away the day and enjoy the blossom trees covering all corners of the city: Mount Street Gardens in Mayfair, St James’s Park, Paddington’s Sussex Gardens, Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, Southwark Cathedral, Greenwich Park, Cherry Tree Avenue, Vallance Road and last but not least, Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.
View from late March until early May
Image Courtesy of London Games Festival via Facebook
Immerse yourself in a new kind of world at The London Games Festival Marathon
Celebrate the vibrant gaming culture in London at the London Games Festival, where the very best video games and interactive entertainment is showcased via an eclectic programme of activities across the city. Expect talks about the art of game design, profiles on some of the most exciting games in the industry, and even learn to make your very own gaming app without needing to learn how to code.
London Games Festival | Multiple Locations | 2nd – 13th of April 2025
Image Courtesy of London Marathon via Facebook
Spectate and support at The London Marathon
The London Marathon is taking place in April of 2025, where thousands of runners will embark on the race of a lifetime from Greenwich to The Mall spanning 26.2 miles. If you’re not one of the brave ones taking part, there are plenty of places where you can spectate and cheer on those who are. The city transforms into a 26.2-mile-long street party, with three different starting points around Blackheath. Some of the most popular spots to spectate include Greenwich town centre, the areas around Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge. It’s worth noting that it does get mega busy, so if you’re not keen on crowds, it might be better to sit this one out.
London Marathon | 27th April 2025
Image Courtesy of Brick Lane Jazz Club
Enjoy live music at Brick Lane’s Jazz Festival
For a weekend of full of letting loose in one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods, don’t miss Brick Lane Jazz Festival. Held in Shoreditch’s Truman Brewery, this festival showcases an eclectic mix of emerging and established artists from the UK’s thriving jazz scene. Expect everything from soulful improvisation to electronic-infused grooves, plus a buzzing atmosphere with food, drinks and vinyl pop-ups.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival | Shoreditch | WA* | 25th – 27th of April 2025
*All festival venues are WA, with the exception of Ninety One Living Room
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