Top Things to Do in London in May

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)

The picture shows a garden with beautiful flowers and a colourful structure in the back. Image Courtesy of RHS

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). This year, for the first time, they’ll have a ‘No Adults Allowed Garden’, a dedicated area exclusive for kids to explore.

The Chelsea Flower Show | WA | Chelsea | 21st – 25th of May 2024

Passer by enjoy an Underwater Wilderness by Moyses Stevens in Newsons Yard for Belgravia in Bloom 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.

Belgravia in Bloom | Belgravia | 20th to the 27th of May

Cocktails, chips, and taco spreads being enjoyed in London in May Image Courtesy of Design My Night

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo around the city

Whether you want to sample some of the best mezcal Mexico has to offer, 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. Pop along to Tigre Tacos to try some of the best Mexican fare in the city, or pop along to a Mexican Bottomless Bingo or a Latin Music Festival taking place throughout May.

5th of May

People having fun at music festivals and funfairs in London in May Image Courtesy of Wide Awake

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 and Wide Awake, 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.

Blooming Cherry Blossoms overlooking a Japanese garden in London in May Image Courtesy of Kew Gardens

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

People of all ages being involved in various social activities at Urban Village Fete Greenwich in London in May 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.

Urban Village Fete | Greenwich | 19th of May 2024

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 | 15th – 19th of May 2024

Image Courtesy of The Rooftop at The Standard

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.

A semi-circular stage with bright lights in the center of a park theatre. There are actors performing on the stage in front of a large audience.

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.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre | Regent’s Park | WA | March – September

If you head along to any of these events, or if you find any new cool stuff happening in London that we haven’t yet covered, do tag us at @loveandlondon. We love to see what you get up to on your adventures in the city!

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