From world-class photography at Somerset House to horticultural highlights at The Chelsea Flower Show, the month of May brings a whole new lease of life to the streets of London. Here are some of our favourite picks for you this month.
(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of Royal Horticultural Society
Don your fancy gear for The Chelsea Flower Show
Every year, a corner of London blooms to life in a spectacle known as the Chelsea Flower Show. Some of the horticultural highlights include cutting-edge flower displays teamed with beautifully designed gardens, and plenty of shopping options for floral fanatics. If it’s the science of gardening you’re more interested in, then The Discovery Zone in the Great Pavilion is the place to discover the latest developments in horticultural science. It’s no surprise that the world’s most prestigious flower show also brings together people dressed to the nines in their best fits, so make sure to come dressed to impress (florals, nature inspired accessories, you get the drill).
The Chelsea Flower Show | WA | Chelsea | 19th – 23rd of May 2026
Image Courtesy of Belgravia in Bloom
Get your flower fix at Belgravia in Bloom
With spring in full swing, London blooms even brighter with the return of Belgravia in Bloom in May. This colourful flower festival, Floral Fun and Games, is a free event in West London that showcases pretty, eye-catching flower displays adorned around the neighbourhood’s streets, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. It coincides with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, but this event is free; you simply have to stroll around the area to enjoy it.
Visitors can also make the most of special offers and experiences, including free gifts and themed menus, available in venues all around the neighbourhood. We’d go early as the crowds can get busy in the afternoons.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in different ways around the city
Whether you want to sample some of the best mezcal Mexico offers, or you simply want to see the night away with more tacos and tequila than you can count on two hands, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate Cinco De Mayo in London. Starting with the Mexican Vivo Festival on Hackney Bridge (May 3-4, 2026) where you’ll be treated to live music, dancing, food and a bunch of different Mexican traditions.
If you want to keep the party going, you can also pop along to this incredible Mexican Bottomless Bingo or this Latin Music Festival taking place throughout various dates in May.
Not in town for any of them? Then the least you can do is head to Proper Tacos in Nag’s Head Market for some insanely good Mexican fare.
Image Courtesy of Queen’s Yard Summer Party via Instagram
Head to one of the city’s many festivals
May marks the peak of festival season in London, with a whole range of events catering to a bunch of different interests. From music festivals like Queen’s Yard Summer Party in Hackney Wick and GALA in Peckham to Cross The Tracks, All Points East and Field Day, there’s something for everyone. Foodies can also enjoy local food and drink at the UK’s largest food and drink festival, Foodies Festival in Syon Park. Here, guests can watch demonstrations from renowned chefs, boogie to live music and enjoy delicious street food and artisan delicacies from a bunch of different vendors.
Image Courtesy of London Coffee Festival via Facebook
Get caffeinated at The London Coffee Festival
If you consider yourself a bit of a coffee aficionado, then London Coffee Festival will certainly be your cup of tea (ahem, or coffee). This four-day event celebrates the city’s thriving coffee scene with over 250 delectable food and artisan coffee stands dotted throughout the venue. Delve into the roasting process of some of London’s most popular suppliers, or learn more about the intricate skill of coffee art. If you want a break from the brew, there’s also live bands on the music stage and foodie experiences, from wine and food pairings to interactive workshops led by professionals.
Image Courtesy of Kew Gardens via Facebook
Wander through Kew Gardens in full spring bloom
There are plenty of reasons to visit Kew Gardens in May, when the gardens bloom to life and forests flourish. See the spectacular cherry blossoms along Cherry Walk in the Japanese Landscape, or marvel at the beautiful bluebells that have taken over the floors of the Natural Area. Magnificent magnolias take centre stage at the Children’s Garden whilst purple wisteria is the name of the game by the Secluded Garden. Simply spend a few hours taking in this delightful London garden.
Kew Gardens | WA | Richmond | Visit during Spring/Summer
Image Courtesy of Urban Village Fete
Get to know the community at Urban Village Fete in Greenwich (for free)
Urban Village Fete brings together some of the best street food stalls, a variety of local traders, talks, classes, and plenty more entertainment at this free event at Greenwich Peninsula. There’s an awesome line-up of live music, as well as workshops such as coaster marbling, eco face painting and collage creation classes. Dates have yet to be finalised, but it usually happens on a weekend in mid-May.
Urban Village Fete | Greenwich | Dates TBA
Image Courtesy of Photo London
Globetrot via photography at Photo London at Somerset House
See the very best of contemporary photography from all around the world at Somerset House this May. Over 100 galleries from different countries have been brought together for this unmissable series of exhibitions and events. Chime into inspirational talks and activities throughout the event, or simply spend a couple of hours wandering through the exhibition and taking in all of the wonderful photography from across the globe.
Photo London | WA | Covent Garden | 13th – 17th of May 2026
Image Courtesy of Frank’s Cafe
Soak up city views at a rooftop bar
May marks the triumphant return of rooftop bars, terraces, and al fresco dining across the capital – just a handful of the reasons Londoners love the warmer months in the city. While a few rooftops brave the winter chill, many reopen in preparation for the sunnier days ahead. Franks Cafe in Peckham, The Rooftop at The Standard in King’s Cross, Netil360 in London Fields and Roof East in Stratford are just a few of our favs that are either already open or will be open from May for you to soak up city views and sip on sky-high cocktails.
Image Courtesy of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Catch an outdoor theatre performance
Since the weather is, hopefully, a little nicer than at the start of the year, the iconic Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a wonderful activity to enjoy as May comes around. This beloved springtime spot was established in 1932 and has been hosting audiences ever since. There’s always an exciting lineup of performances, ranging from Shakespearean classics and musicals to plays for children. The fan-shaped auditorium sits amongst the trees, setting the stage perfectly for a memorable show.
Image Courtesy of V&A East via Instagram
Explore the new V&A East Museum in Stratford
More than a decade in the making, the V&A East Museum officially opens on 18th April 2026 as a centrepiece of the East Bank cultural quarter in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and it’s set to be well worth the Overground ride.
Designed by architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, the museum features two free permanent “Why We Make” galleries, co-curated with east London youth groups, with over 500 objects spanning art, design, fashion and performance. The opening exhibition, The Music Is Black: A British Story traces 125 years of Black music-making in Britain, featuring Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar, fashion worn by Little Simz, and newly acquired photography. The best part? Like all the other V&A museums in London, it’s completely free to enter the permanent galleries, although some exhibitions will carry a separate charge.
V&A East | WA | Stratford | Opening 18th April 2026
Image Courtesy of Mighty Hoopla via Instagram
Dance your heart out at Mighty Hoopla
Mighty Hoopla returns to Brockwell Park on 30th – 31st of May as a festival like no other where pop classics, drag performance, cabaret and queer culture collide across 10 stages and over 200 artists. Saturday’s headliner is Lily Allen, performing her latest album Skiddle, with Jessie J, JLS, MNEK, Tulisa, Heather Small and more among the huuuuge supporting cast.
The beloved Queertopia stage returns as well, which is dedicated to showcasing the best up-and-coming names in the queer space, alongside DJ sets and cabaret to keep the party going. Weekend tickets start from £159.50.
Please note: Saturday and weekend tickets are already sold out, but limited Sunday tickets remain.
Mighty Hoopla | WA | Brockwell Park | 30th – 31st May 2026
If you’re in need of more fun things to do, or are yet to find somewhere to stay while you’re visiting London, read more below:
