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.
Image Courtesy of Craft Beer Cruise
Get your beer jackets on for this Craft Beer Cruise
If it’s a day of fantastic beer from some of London’s best breweries that you’re after, then the London Craft Beer Cruise is the place to be. You’ll get to sip on the best brews with the city as your backdrop as you cruise through central London on a boat. If you get hungry from all of the tipples (you will), then there’s a plethora of street food options on offer, including renowned cheese boards from London iconic Neal’s Yard Dairy.
Craft Beer Cruise | Central London | Check website to see the days it’s happening
Image Courtesy of Vegan Nights
Experience the best of London’s plant-based scene at Vegan Nights
Every May, Vegan Nights returns for one of the biggest plant-based parties in London. Expect a carefully curated line-up of approximately 40 street food and dessert stalls serving up the most mouthwatering vegan dishes. Chow down on organic sticky BBQ tofu served with homemade slaw and caramelised plantain, or for the sweet toothers, Osu Coconuts will be serving stacks of their stewed apple roti wraps. It’s not all food and drink though, there will also be a DJ spinning the hottest tracks so that you can also boogie into the night.
Vegan Nights | Shoreditch | Check website to see the days it’s happening
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.)
The Chelsea Flower Show | WA | Chelsea | 24th – 28th of May 2022
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. Head to a Mexican Mezcal tasting hosted by Spanish language class Stripey Spanish, or pop along to Tigre Tacos to try some of the best Mexican fare in the city. There’s also a Mexican Bottomless Bingo and a Latin Music Festival taking place throughout the month of May, too.
Each year Design My Night puts together a list of some of the top Cinco de Mayo events happening around the city so check that out when it gets closer to your visit.
Image Courtesy of Wide Awake
Dance at a London music festival
If there’s one thing that London (or the UK in general, actually) knows what to do well, it’s a music festival, and May sees the season kick-start with a groovy bang. Boogie to techno, electronica, post-punk or jazz at Wide Awake in Tulse Hill, or celebrate the very best of dancehall, afrobeats and reggae at City Splash in Herne Hill. Have your dancing shoes at the ready.
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
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. When you’ve finished creating your masterpieces, head to Annie Mae’s Mac n Cheese for a hefty serving of, you guessed it, award-winning mac n cheese.
Urban Village Fete | Greenwich | 15th of May 2022
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 | 11th – 15th of May 2022
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!
Read next:
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- Top Areas to Stay in London For a Local Experience
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