Things to Do in London in February

While temperatures in February can be cooler, there’s a warmth in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches and the city buzzes with fun things to see and do. Lunar New Year is celebrated with colourful parades, and National Pizza Day comes around for another year of all things pizza. Here’s our lowdown on things to do in London in February if you plan to visit this year.

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A couple on a Valentines Day cruise overlooking the Tower Bridge- this is one of the top things to do in London in February

Image Courtesy of City Experiences

Be smitten on a Valentine’s Day romantic dinner cruise

Valentine’s Day is in February, so why not celebrate with a moonlit stroll along the picturesque banks of the Thames? Or, take it up a notch with a Valentine’s Day Champagne Dinner Cruise. Hop on board and be greeted with a bubbling glass of champagne, ready to sail past many of London’s iconic landmarks and bridges, lit by the city’s nighttime lights. Take in the riverside views as you enjoy a three-course meal with a bottle of champagne to sip on. There will also be live music to accompany the meal, further adding to the romantic atmosphere.

London Valentine’s Day Champagne Dinner Cruise | Westminster Pier | 14th February 2024

Image Courtesy of Kew Gardens

Marvel at beautiful blooms at the annual Orchids Festival

Next on our list of things to do in London in February is The Orchids Festival at Kew Gardens, an annual event where the Princess of Wales Conservatory is transformed into a multicoloured orchid spectacle. The festival features breathtaking displays that perfectly highlight the beauty of orchids, bursting with colour and fragrance. Each year, it takes on a new theme through carefully curated arrangements, coupled with educational programs and talks, creating an immersive experience for both orchid enthusiasts and those simply seeking to marvel at these beautiful botanical blooms in the magnificent setting of Kew Gardens.

Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens | Kew Gardens | WA | 3rd February 2024 – 3rd March 2024

A couple enjoying their room service at a hotel in London- booking a room for yourself and your partner is one of the best things to do in London in February

Book a romantic hotel for a memorable stay

Since February is the month of love, why not treat yourself and a loved one (or a pal, galentines anyone?) to a romantic stay at one of London’s romantic hotels – we have many. Plus, Valentine’s Day falls in Feb, so it’s a lovely way to celebrate the international day of love. If you want a room with your own freestanding bathtub, Sea Containers (WA) is a great option. What about one outside on your own terrace? The Standard (WA) has you covered. If you want to go all out and have your own butler serve, splash out on a suite at Claridge’s (WA); they come with fresh flowers, the use of a Burberry trench coat throughout your stay and, as mentioned, your own assigned butler at your beck and call. You could book your stay for Valentine’s Day, but you might pay a little more, so play around with different dates if you’re not overly fussed, you might nab yourself a bargain. Take a look at our article about the most romantic hotels in London for more ideas.

Image Courtesy of Chinatown

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chinatown

The New Year may be behind us, but if we’re following the moon’s cycle, it’s just getting started. Lunar New Year follows the moon’s cycle, which means it starts on a different day every year, with the first being the most important. This February, the new year kicks off on the 10th and with it comes a range of exciting activities to get stuck into over the weekend. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon by heading to Chinatown, where you’ll be greeted with colourful decorations, traditional performances and lively parades. All sorts will take place, from walking tours of the area led by award-winning volunteers and limited edition dishes to dragon dances and more.

By the way, Chinatown is included in Day 2 of our London Itineraries so we’ve already sorted out how to work a visit into your travel plans.

Lunar New Year 2024 | Chinatown | WA | 11th February 2024

2 large pizzas served to their customers; enjoy the best of pizzas across London as it is one of the top things to do in London in February

Image Courtesy of Yard Sale Pizza

Celebrate National Pizza Day at a London pizzeria

9th February is one of the most important days of the year: National Pizza Day, and there are plenty of places to celebrate It in London. Try Voodoo Ray’s for supersized New York-style slices or Pizza Pilgrims for classic Neapolitan pizzas. If you want top-notch vegan pizzas, Purezza is your go-to, or Yard Sale has excellent gluten-free choices and the option to swap to vegan cheese.

Visitors at an exhibition in London- visiting Queer London is one of the top things to do in London in February

Image Courtesy of Queer Britain

Visit Queer Britain during LGBTQ+ History Month

February is LGBTQ+ month in London, and the city comes alive with a vibrant timetable of events, parades and activities that honour the resilience and bravery of the LGBTQ+ community. One of the ways you can learn a little more about the community in Britain is by popping along to Queer Britain, the UK’s first museum of queer culture. Inside, you’ll find a fascinating archive alongside the world’s first-ever virtual reality museum dedicated to celebrating the lives and artwork of LGBTQIA+ people. Entry is free, but donations are gratefully welcomed.

Queer Britain | Kings Cross | WA

The Common Press on a sunny day in London

Image Courtesy of The Common Press

Check out these bookshops for LGBTQ+ History Month

Another way to commemorate LGBTQ+ month is by checking out The Common Press in Bethnal Green. This bookshop prioritises intersectionality and people from marginalised backgrounds and exclusively sells literature by and for queer people or people of colour. It’s more than just a place to pick up a book; it’s also a warm and welcoming place to hang out and socialise. They also host various workshops and events, from poetry readings and book clubs to self-care workshops and more.

There’s also Gay’s The Word (WA), the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop, set up in 1979 by a group of gay socialists as a safe community space. Their shelves are stacked high with books spanning all genres, and the space inside the shop is used for various events throughout the year, such as book signings, readings and interesting panel discussions. It’s an important space in the community’s LGBTQ+ literacy scene, not just in London but in the UK.

Image Courtesy of Warner Brother Studios, London

Celebrate the filmmaking trickery of Harry Potter

Last on our list of things to do in London in February involves the beloved Potter. The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio is well worth a visit any time of the year. However, from mid-January to mid-April, a special event, Magical Mischief, takes place at the studio. It demonstrates the filmmaking trickery required to pull off many of the magical pranks and mishaps seen in the film series. You’ll get to see all sorts, from the secrets behind the disappearing Invisibility Cloak to Harry’s flying acceptance letters. Make sure you stop by the studio café for a pint of frothy Butterbeer. The easiest way to get to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio (which is not in London) is with a ticket and transport package, this one starts the day with a London walking tour.

Magical Mischief at the Warner Brothers Studio | WA | 20th January 2024 – 16th April 2024

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