Not sure what’s on in London this weekend? Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered. From cocktails, to brunches, markets to gigs, there’s something for everyone on our list of things to do in London this weekend!
1. Indulge in a coveted afternoon tea at Westminster Abbey
Looking for weekend activities in London fit for royalty? Book in an indulgent afternoon tea at Westminster Abbey. The historic cathedral, known for hosting many royal ceremonies since 1066 – including Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton’s wedding – is currently offering afternoon tea at its glass-roofed cafe and terrace, inspired by the world-touring ‘Notre Dame de Paris, The Augmented Exhibition’.
2. Admire the public art installation created by Kensington and Chelsea’s young people
Opposite the Warwick Road exit at Earls Court station, you’ll now find an utterly impressive new art installation, created by young people aged 4–24. The beautiful black and white shots capture the local community of Kensington and Chelsea, and participants of a photography programme founded by award-winning artist Alison Jackson. The programme gave participants access to studio facilities, training, and mentoring to create the large-scale work.
3. Connect with nature on a mindful forest walk
There’s nothing more healing than a walk surrounded by nature, after a long week of socialising with teammates and staring at a computer. Gotta recharge those batteries! London and the outer suburbs are full of fabulous forest walks; check out our favourites. Friday and Saturday are looking…erm… let’s say more ‘wellies-friendly’; however, Sunday is currently billed to be shining sun (though definitely still jacket weather!)
4. Experience the Indian city of Vrindavan without leaving London
‘India Club’, a dining series of set menus at the Indian restaurant, Gunpowder Soho, returns this weekend. The next stop on the tour takes place this Sunday (March 24), with a one-day-only set menu dedicated to Vrindavan. Also known as the ‘city of love’, the menu is in honour of the Holi festival (also known as the ‘festival of love’). Find out more on the Gunpowder Soho website.
5. Get competitive at a newly opened multi-entertainment venue
After much success at its sister site in Wembley, Pop Playrooms opened at The Rotunda Kingston earlier this month. Whether pool, AR darts, or a round of immersive mini golf takes your fancy, you’re sure to have a laugh. What’s more, fun popstar-themed cocktails await (think ‘Sweet but Psycho’ and ‘Bad Bunny’), plus delectable street food.
6. Devour a hash brown-themed brunch
If bowling is more your thing, make your way to All Star Lanes this weekend – they not only offer rounds of the classic game, but also a brand-new hash brown-themed brunch. Experience a hash brown haven of loaded potatoey goodness, with the likes of ‘Hash Hut Benni’ (a twist on eggs benedict), ‘Hefty Hash’ (full brekkie), and ‘Hash N Avo’ all gracing the menu. The menu, in partnership with Hash Hut, is available at the Brick Lane branch only for the next six weekends.
7. Check out a temporary exhibition that explores the concept of, well, temporality
For five days only (March 23–27), the International Body of Art will showcase its exhibition, ‘In Search of Some Phantom’, at The Crypt Gallery, St Pancras. The exhibition explores the concept of time and temporality through sound, scent, taste, and touch. The 21 artists showcased bring together diverse perspectives, sometimes challenging the conventional Western understanding of linear time.
8. Have a cuppa in a very unlikely location
Us Londoners love quirky coffee shops, but this one sounds like it might be taking the p*ss… Lo and behold, you can find Fitzrovia coffee shop, The Attendant, located in a former Victorian public loo! Despite its questionable past, the spot is rather lav-ly, serving up top-notch coffee, made from their very own seasonal espresso blend, alongside home-style breakfasts, brunches, and lunches. It’s little wonder why this loo draws quite the queue.
9. Be wowed by a world-famous LEGO® art exhibition in London
Following success in over 100 countries, Art Of The Brick: The Exhibition is now open on Brick Lane (lol); be wowed by the works when taking a visit this weekend.
At this exhibition, you’ll find over 150 works of art, each created out of individual LEGO® bricks. Some pieces reimagine the world’s most famous artworks – Klimt’s The Kiss and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, for example – while there is also a 20-foot dinosaur skeleton, again, made purely out of LEGO® bricks.
10. Check out rare artefacts at a hugely successful Disney exhibition
Disney100: The Exhibition should be top of the list of things to do in London for Disney fans this weekend. Originally billed for a limited run in London, this exhibit then re-opened at London’s ExCeL, thanks to phenomenal demand. Here, you’ll find 10 astounding themed galleries, filled with Disney props and costumes (plus artefacts from newer additions to the Disney family, like Pixar, Star Wars, and MARVEL).
11. Be transported to the streets of Seoul at a multi-media exhibition
If a plane to South Korea is out of the question this weekend (pretty likely, eh), make your way to Borough Yards instead. Here, you’ll find Delight: Media Art Exhibition. The works, all produced by Korean artist Gyoungtae Hong, explore a range of topics, including the artist’s heritage, traditions, and culture. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling projections and the 360-degree installations, you’ll almost feel as though you’re within the artworks themselves.
12. Admire photography shot in the style of Wes Anderson
Are you a fan of Wes Anderson’s distinctive visual style? If so, then it’s high time you take a visit to Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition – if you haven’t already. The exhibition in South Kensington shines a spotlight on over 200 places worldwide that could be straight out of the iconic director and producer’s masterpieces, taken by many photographers.
13. Immerse yourself in a historical live experience
The Gunpowder Plot Experience in Tower Hill Vaults brings the pivotal events of 1605 to life; immersing you in the story of Guy Fawkes and the conspiracy that sparked our annual Bonfire Night. Using a combination of virtual reality, live actors, and themed cocktails, you’ll truly feel you’ve stepped back in time for a couple of hours.
14. Embark on one of the most efficient sightseeing tours of London
Fancy being a tourist in our beloved capital this weekend but short on time? Redditor ‘magulagie’ has created the ultimate London sightseeing map for those in a hurry. Spanning just over five miles long, his route will take you past a ton of London’s most iconic landmarks, and will take you around two hours (if you avoid going inside any of the places you pass, that is).
15. Grab a pint at one of the oldest pubs in London
Bored of your local? Drink in some of the capital’s history alongside your beer this weekend at one of London’s oldest pubs. Better yet, if you’re up to it, you can even make a historic bar crawl out of our handy list (though traipsing from Holborn to Hampsted does seem a little far-fetched…)
16. Scoff scones and sip champers at an awesome afternoon tea
A “weekend afternoon tea” encompasses everything from a flamboyantly fancy day out to a simple natter over scones and sweet treats. Grab a pal, and a glass of bubbles, and indulge in one of London’s wonderful afternoon teas this weekend.
17. Save some money and still get outside with some of London’s free things to do
Pinching the pennies this weekend? Considering it feels like 50 quid evaporates from our bank account the minute we step outside, we don’t blame you. We’ve compiled a handy list of 200(!!) of the best free things to do in London, and they’re not all ‘go for a walk in the park’ – promise.
18. Enjoy a feast for the eyes and stomach at one of the capital’s prettiest restaurants
Treat yourself to a meal out in one of London’s prettiest restaurants this weekend – you’ve worked hard all week, you deserve it! From muted pastel tones or wildly OTT décor, we’ve compiled a handy list of the prettiest restaurants in London to save you the research time.
19. Browse one of London’s many other thought-provoking art exhibitions
From its major galleries to its museums, London is bursting at the seams with art exhibitions. Take a leisurely stroll around the likes of the Tate Britain, the V&A or the National Gallery this weekend. We’ve compiled a list that encompasses everything from classic works to cutting-edge modern pieces and even free exhibits.
20. Grab the little ones and enjoy some family-friendly activities
In a city of nine million people, you can guarantee that you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy, no matter how old you are. If you need to entertain the kids this weekend, check out some of the best family-friendly activities in London this weekend.
For more brilliant weekend ideas, check out the most fabulous things to do this March in London.
Also published on Medium.