Spring has always been a popular time to visit London, and for good reason. With the arrival of blossoming flowers and warmer weather, the city comes alive with a range of exciting events and festivals. Amongst these are the spring festivals, which offer the perfect opportunity to experience the cultural diversity and vibrancy of the city.
One of the most popular spring festivals in London is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, which takes place on the 17th of March each year. This Irish celebration sees the city come alive with music, dancing and an abundance of green. Another festival to look out for is the Vaisakhi Festival, which celebrates the Sikh New Year and takes place in April. Here, you can expect to witness traditional food, music and dance performances.
For those interested in the arts, the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) is not to be missed. Taking place in June, this festival offers a range of performances, exhibitions and workshops celebrating contemporary theatre and performance art.
Overall, spring in London offers an exciting array of festivals and events for visitors to enjoy. What better way to experience the city’s culture and diversity than by immersing yourself in its festivities?
Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival in London typically happens in late March to mid-April, depending on when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This is considered as the best time to visit London if you want to experience this festival.
The festival celebrates the arrival of spring and showcases the beautiful cherry blossom tree, which is an iconic symbol of Japan. Visitors can expect to see the trees in full bloom around popular locations in the city, such as Greenwich Park, St. James’s Park, and Regent’s Park.
Apart from enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms, visitors can also partake in other festival activities, such as tea ceremonies, traditional music and dance performances, and Japanese food stalls. The festival aims to immerse visitors in Japanese culture and provide a unique experience.
It is also worth noting that the Cherry Blossom Festival is just one of many events taking place in London during this time. Other popular events include the London Marathon and the Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race.
Overall, if you are looking to experience the beauty and culture of Japan while in London, then the Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-visit event.
Camden Market Festival
Camden Market Festival is one of the most popular attractions in London, and it is an event that you should not miss when you visit the city. The festival takes place every year during the summer months, usually from June to August. The festival showcases some of the best artworks, music, and food from around the world. The streets are filled with stalls selling handmade crafts, vintage items, and designer clothes.
If you are planning a trip to London, it is recommended to visit the city during the summer months between June to August to enjoy the Camden Market Festival. This is the best time to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the festival and to enjoy the warm weather of London. During this time, there are plenty of events happening around the city, and you can enjoy the festivities along with the locals.
For information on how much London bus cost, including bus fare discounts for students and seniors, please refer to the official Transport for London website.
Moomin Adventures Festival
The best time to visit London would be during the Moomin Adventures Festival. The festival takes place annually, usually during late summer or early fall. It is a family-friendly event that celebrates the beloved Moomin characters created by the Finnish author and illustrator, Tove Jansson.
The festival is held in various locations throughout London and includes a variety of activities such as live performances, storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and exhibits of original artwork. Visitors can also enjoy Moomin-themed food and drinks, as well as browse through a variety of merchandise featuring the iconic characters.
The event is suitable for all ages, but especially for children who are fans of the Moomins. It provides a fun and interactive way to learn more about the characters and their adventures.
Overall, if you are planning a trip to London, consider visiting during the Moomin Adventures Festival for a unique and enjoyable experience that the whole family can enjoy.
Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race
The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race is an annual event that takes place on the River Thames in London. The event has been taking place since 1856, and it is one of the oldest sporting events in the world. The Boat Race typically takes place in late March or early April, and it is a popular event for visitors to London. The race starts from Putney Bridge and finishes at Mortlake, covering a distance of approximately 6.8 km.
If you are planning to visit London in late March or early April, you should consider adding the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race to your itinerary. You can watch the race from various vantage points along the River Thames, including Putney Bridge, Hammersmith Bridge, Barnes Bridge, and Chiswick Bridge. There are also several viewing areas along the riverbank, where you can see the boats passing by.
Apart from the Boat Race, there are several other events and attractions that you can enjoy in London in spring. The weather is usually mild, and you can expect to see lots of colorful flowers in bloom in parks like Hyde Park and St James’s Park. If you’re looking for London markets to visit, don’t miss out on Spitalfields Market. Here, you can find a wide range of goods, including vintage clothing, crafts, and artisanal food products.
Vaisakhi Festival
Vaisakhi Festival is celebrated by the Sikh community and it usually falls on April 13th or 14th, marking the new year for Sikhs. The festival is celebrated in London, among other places, with parades, music, and traditional food. It is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant Sikh culture and traditions.
If you plan to visit London during this time, you will be able to witness the spectacular Vaisakhi Parade that takes place in Trafalgar Square, where there are various performances and stalls to enjoy. It is a colourful and lively festival that attracts many visitors from all over the world.
It is best to plan ahead and check the exact dates of the festival as it changes every year. London’s weather in April may still be chilly, so it is recommended to pack warm clothes.
If you want to get rid of furniture in London, consider looking into donation options. There are various charities that accept donations and will pick up the furniture from your location. This is a great way to give back to the community and help those in need while also decluttering your space.
London Marathon
The London Marathon is one of the biggest and most popular marathons in the world. It typically takes place in late April, and many visitors come to London specifically to witness or participate in the race. If you are interested in attending the London Marathon, the best time to visit London would be in late April. However, it is important to note that this is a very busy time for the city, and accommodation and transportation may be more expensive than usual. If you are not specifically interested in the London Marathon but are considering visiting London in general, it is worth researching whether the marathon falls on the same date as your planned trip. If it does, you may want to factor this into your planning, both in terms of avoiding the crowds and finding accommodation. If you enjoy running, participating in the London Marathon could be an amazing experience and one that you will always remember.
Kensington Palace Easter Egg
The Kensington Palace Easter Egg is a popular attraction in London during the Easter season. The palace hosts an Easter egg hunt in its gardens, allowing families and individuals to search for hidden eggs and enjoy the beautiful spring scenery. This event usually takes place in late March or early April, which is a great time to visit London.
When to visit London depends on individual preferences, but for those interested in Easter events and springtime activities, late March and early April are ideal. The weather is mild, and flowers are blooming all over the city, making it an excellent time for outdoor walks and sightseeing. Moreover, with schools on break, there are fewer crowds and shorter lines at popular tourist sites.
Visiting London during Easter also provides the chance to witness other events, such as St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Vaisakhi Festival, and to witness the beautiful Easter processions held in various churches across the city.
Overall, late March and early April are fantastic times to visit London for those who want to experience springtime in the city and participate in Easter activities like the Kensington Palace Easter Egg Hunt.
Covent Garden May Fayre
Covent Garden May Fayre is an annual event that takes place every May in London. It is a traditional event that has a lot of excitement, music and shows to offer. The fair is usually held on the nearest Sunday to the 8th of May, and it is a great opportunity for visitors to experience the vibrant and lively culture of London.
If you are planning to visit London in May, Covent Garden May Fayre is a must-see event. It attracts a large number of locals and tourists who want to witness the fascinating performances of street musicians, jugglers, and street performers. The event also features a colourful parade of Morris dancers, and the legendary Punch and Judy show.
Attending this event would be a great opportunity to explore London’s traditions and history. You can also enjoy delicious food and drinks from various stalls set up around the area.
In conclusion, Covent Garden May Fayre is an exciting and lively event that takes place annually in London. If you’re considering moving to London, it’s important to know that there are plenty of job opportunities available – check out our tips for moving to London.
Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show is an annual event that takes place in late May in London. This is an excellent time to visit the city, as the weather is usually mild and the skies are blue. The event is held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and is considered one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world. Visitors can enjoy a stunning display of gardens and floral exhibits created by some of the world’s top horticulturists.
The Chelsea Flower Show attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, so it is essential to plan your visit in advance. Tickets typically sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book tickets online as soon as they become available. The show offers a range of events and activities, from talks and demonstrations to a flower arranging competition.
Visitors can also explore the beautiful city of London while they are in town for the Chelsea Flower Show. The summer season is a great time to visit London, as there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. From strolling through the beautiful parks to picnicking along the Thames, there is something for everyone. Overall, the Chelsea Flower Show is an excellent reason to visit London in late May and enjoy the best of the city’s flora, fauna, and beautiful weather.
P.S. Footnote
Overall, there are several factors to consider when deciding when to visit London. The weather, events and festivals, and crowds all play a significant role in determining the best time to plan a trip to the city.
Visitors looking for sunny, warm weather may want to visit London in the summer months between June and August. However, this is also peak tourist season, meaning the city can become very crowded and hotel prices can be high.
Alternatively, visitors who want to avoid the crowds may want to consider visiting during the shoulder season, which is in the spring between March and May or in the fall between September and November. During these times, the weather can be unpredictable, but there are fewer tourists and lower hotel prices.
London is also known for its many events and festivals, such as the Notting Hill Carnival in August and the Winter Wonderland festival in December. Visitors looking to attend these events should plan their trip around the festival dates.
Ultimately, the best time to visit London depends on personal preferences and priorities. Whether you prefer warm weather or crowds, or prioritize specific events, there are plenty of factors to consider when choosing the best time to explore this exciting and vibrant city.