April is where the fun begins, isn’t it? We’ve done well to brave nature up until this point, but now we’re reaching the point of far longer days and (hopefully) a nice home stretch into the summer with a handy dosing of balmy days to start enjoying things outdoors again.
Whether or not the conditions decide to play ball is out of our control, but we can guarantee a healthy smattering of excellent things to do, indoor and out, throughout the month of April, so there’ll be no reason for the twiddling of any thumbs in the upcoming 30-day spell.
Over at the Hayward Gallery, you can experience a one-night-only affair of heading to the space after hours. On April 1, you can check out Chiharu Shiota’s ‘Threads of Life’ and Yin Xiuzhen’s ‘Heart to Heart, as well as take part in live performances, creative tours, poetry, and much more
Be bowled over by footage of the Starman’s concerts at the ‘David Bowie: You’re Not Alone’ exhibition
You could be heroes for a day at this brand new immersive David Bowie exhibition, which opens up at London’s Lightroom towards the end of April. David Bowie: You’re Not Alone will display rare concert footage by way of 360-degree projections and clips that place you in the crowd at his shows, with the gift of sound and vision all along the way.
Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold is open now at NEON in Battersea Power Station, London, showcasing over 180 artefacts loaned from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo that explore the legacy of Ramses II’s 3,000-year-old cedar coffin. As you tread through the ancient history exhibition, you can check immersive displays, projection-mapped battle scenes, and an optional paid VR journey to Abu Simbel.
There’s nothing quite like seeing the flowers bloom when springtime hits, and the tulips are a-coming once again at Hampton Court Palace. For a chunk of April, you can tiptoe across the gardens to see the grounds splashed with the colour of the flowers. It’ll be included in your general admission to the grounds, too, so you can get the full whack plus the bonus of all the blooming petals.
1.5 million tulips are on display at Tulley’s farm every year, and it’s just a trip on the Thameslink away. A day out here will allow you to feast your eyes upon more than 100 different varieties of the flowers, as well as taking a spin on the 33m observation wheel, seeing their light trail, and checking out live performers. Toodle pip, we’re off to the farm!
If you haven’t gone to skate at the South Bank yourself, you’ll no doubt have stopped to admire the setting of the Undercroft Skate Space, which sits just by the river. The graffiti-adorned skater’s paradise is now being recognised as it turns 50 with a retrospective at the Southbank Centre.
Visitors will be able to delve into the history of the space, the legendary ‘Southbanker’ skaters and the stories of the community. It may open up on the last day of April, but anyone with an interest in skateboarding or a love for the South Bank should head over to this while it’s on.
Catch a free cinema screening of ‘Shaun Of The Dead’ with a Pot Noodle on the house
While it’s great to watch all the new releases at your local cinema, one should always carve out time for a classic film when it gets the big screen treatment again. So when presented with the chance to watch a cinema screening of Shaun Of The Dead at no cost whatsoever, any film fan worth their salt will be on hand to quote Edgar Wright’s beloved zombie flick.
After some back-and-forth on social media, Genesis Cinema have reversed their ban of Pot Noodle and welcomed in their faithful for a free evening at the pictures and a Pot Noodle on the house. If you’re around on April 7, let’s go to The Winchester Genesis Cinema, have a nice cold pint a nice warm Pot Noodle and wait for all this to blow over!
Book your free ticket to watch Shaun Of The Dead at Genesis Cinema here.
Look out for The Tweed Run cycling through the city
Though they’ll be switching between their gears on London’s terrain, the cyclists on The Tweed Run will be dressed to only one number: the nines. If you’re out and about on Saturday, April 18, you’ll likely catch a glance of some beautifully scrubbed-up pedallers all cycling together as one, only pausing for a sip of tea, a pleasant picnic, and a well-earned cocktail at the end of the route.
The Tweed Run is setting off for their 18th year, showing off heritage style and gathering up a suave selection of riders who will also have a chance to win best dressed prizes. Find out more and grab yourself a ticket for the ride here.
Another exciting experience has landed at Immerse LDN, this time teaching you all about the world of the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. Through the 90-minute exhibit, you’ll learn about her through real ancient artefacts, 3D holograms, and a helping of virtual reality.
London’s gigging calendar is really filling up, and these are some of the best concerts happening in the city throughout April.
🧨Fucked Up (April 1): The Dome – the Canadian double-album punk specialists are back for a raucous night in the north of the city.
🎙️Freddie Gibbs (April 8): Brixton Academy – ‘The Last Rabbit’ tour hits London this month.
🐯Belle and Sebastian (April 8-9): Royal Albert Hall – celebrating 30 years of ‘Tigermilk’ and ‘If You’re Feeling Sinister’ with a pair of huge gigs in London.
🪩Craig David (April 9): Hammersmith Apollo – time for us to re-rewind all the way over to the dancefloor.
🔊The Damned (April 11): Wembley Arena – lifee goooess onnn and still The Damned are playing huge shows in the capital.
🎵 Shreya Ghoshal (April 12): The O2 – ‘The Unstoppable Tour’ rolls through London in April, with an all-new immersive concert planned for one of India’s most celebrated singers.
😎 Kim Gordon (April 14): Shepherd’s Bush Empire – former Sonic Youth star follows her new album, PLAY ME, with a London show.
🎸Nothing (April 16 ): MOTH Club – having just released their excellent ‘a short history of decay’ album, Nothing are back in the capital.
🎶 WOMANMAN + Crawford Mac (April 16): The Victoria – new art-rock project from singer-songwriter Lea G, WOMANMAN, crashes down at The Victoria with support from Crawford Mac.
🪑James (April 17): The O2 – sit down, sit down, sit down at the O2 for this James gig.
🎤 Cat Burns (April 19): Brixton Academy – from the Traitors Castle to the big stage at Brixton… what can’t Cat Burns do?
✨Tori Amos (April 21): Royal Albert Hall – an iconic venue is a fitting space for an iconic singer.
🔥The Prodigy (April 24-25): Wembley Arena – time for the liveliest, rowdiest dance show of the year so far.
🤠 Yungblud (April 24): The O2 – Yungblud is all set to play his biggest London show to date this month.
🕺Rick Astley (April 25): The O2 – time to get the truest level of Rick Rolled in real life.
💃 Olivia Dean (April 29-30): The O2 – these are the first two of six nights at the O2 for the ‘Man I Need’ singer, one-upping her last London shows at the Hammersmith Apollo (and then some).
AIM, SHOOT, STOP, FIX landed in London recently, and you’ll still be able to check out its shots showing some of the most renowned musicians of all time at its space. Over at the Worldly Wicked & Wise Gallery, the exhibition shows the work of “four of the most influential music photographers of their generation — Peter Anderson, Chris Clunn, David Corio and Lawrence Watson”, who all started out at NME in the 70s and 80s.
You’ll get to see snaps of musical royalty, including the likes of Snoop Dogg, David Bowie, The Fugees, Run-D.M.C., Madonna, Marvin Gaye, Nick Cave, Sade, Bob Marley, and many more. Hurry though, as it’s not running for long!
Taste a new concept by Chef Jimmy Garcia at the South Bank
Chef Jimmy Garcia has been cooking by the river for 10 years now, serving up everything from classic barbecue numbers to his famous Fire & Fromage at Christmas. To celebrate a decade cooking at the South Bank, he’s launching a new concept from April 23, which centres all around the art of the rotisserie chicken.
Suitably named Rotate, the turning chickens will be carved up and served up alongside a selection of sides, including chicken-dripping potatoes, truffle fries, with Old Winchester cheese, charred corn ribs, coleslaw, and more, all finished off with ‘Proper Gravy’.
Celebrate 100 years of Winnie-The-Pooh by viewing some never-before-seen E. H. Shepard sketches
If the words of A. A. Milne and the illustrations of E. H. Shepard have given you comfort and joy at any point in your life, head down to Peter Harrington this month. The rare book collector shop is putting on a special, short-running exhibition showing off some previously unseen preliminary sketches by E. H. Shepard.
They are said to have been originally intended for the original 1926 book, but were never published as fully realised illustrations. Fast forward to now, as Winnie-The-Pooh turns 100, you can see them at the Mayfair space.
Attend an event at the Roundhouse Three-Sixty festival 2026
The Roundhouse Three-Sixty festival has a stacked programme of events ready and waiting to get cracking across the month of April. Catch the likes of Kae Tempest celebrating the release of his new book, Having Spent Life Seeking, and Amaarae presenting the UK exclusive premiere of the Black Star Experience, as well as a brand new play from Daniel Kaluuya‘s Centre 59.
Also on hand will be Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso, who will be taking over the building on April 25 for ‘Good Vibes Day‘. Head over to partake in workshops and activities for the whole family before Femi’s club night, Situation Dance, kicks off in the evening.
Find out more about the events and plan your visit here.
The Candlelight Spring series is transforming the historic Central Hall Westminster with its signature sea of candles and seasonal spring floral display. On 25 April, songs by Ed Sheeran and Coldplay get a classical makeover amid a gorgeous bed of faux flowers. Think “Perfect” and “Fix You” performed on strings by candlelight, all while surrounded by colourful floral installations.
A Star Trek celebration has landed at the Science Museum, marking 60 years of the beloved franchise and offering fans a chance to see a trail of pieces from the archives. It’s running until June 18, and features the costume of Jean-Luc Picard, worn by Sir Patrick Stewart, and Scotty’s Uniform that was donned by Simon Pegg, plus a model of the U.S.S. Enterprise from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and much more.
There will also be Star Trek Lates evenings with live DJs and talks from Scientists, as well as special screenings of Star Trek movies at their IMAX cinema. Plenty to enjoy as you live long and prosper.
Have a boogie at the Brick Lane Jazz Festival
If there’s one thing better than a day out in Brick Lane–a day filled with beigels and bargains from vintage stores–it’s a day out at Brick Lane that involves a jazz festival. Between April 23-26, you can take in the smooth tones and swing your hips to artists including CARI, David Mrakpor, Maddy Coombs, Tia Gordon, Yoni Mayraz, and many more across a stacked three-day bill.
Welcome back the sunshine at the return of Between The Bridges
Between The Bridges is a mainstay for riverside shenanigans in the capital, and it makes its return to the South Bank on April 30. It’ll get up to its rollicking summer speed over the next few months, but be sure to head there for a beer after it opens, particularly if you’re heading to one of their many events and need to quench your thirst beforehand.
Should you be heading over on their opening day, you’ll also be handed a pint on the house if you’re within the first 500 people to step into Between The Bridges. Didn’t make it in time? Cry me a river(side venue).
Read more about Between The Bridges here.
Run like the wind during the London Marathon
April in London means one thing to those with a spring in their step: marathon month. Even though the maniacs running at the event already know about it (most likely reminded every morning during their gruelling training programme), those on the sidelines might still need to sort out plans for cheering on those on their London Marathon journey.
The great big jog begins on Sunday, April 26, and you can read our guide on what to remember before (shoes, water) and after (pints, water) running the marathon. ‘Til then? It’s back to training and aching knees for you!
Enjoy the second year of the North London Book Fest
Alan Hollinghurst, Tessa Hadley, Natalie Haynes, Michael Rosen, Ben Aaronovitch, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, and many more authors are on the lineup for the North London Book Fest‘s second year. Running at Alexandra Palace across four days, book lovers can head up the hill for a roster of book signings, talks, Q&As, panel discussions, and readings, all of which celebrate the UK’s literary scene.
Help yourself to a free scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
You won’t find many people saying no to this. Ben & Jerry’s is enjoyed by many as a celebration and a drowning of sorrow(s), so why not take them up on an offer of a free scoop for their annual Free Cone Day? It takes place on April 14, and 2026 marks another year of the tradition that has been running since 1979! All you need to do is turn up to your nearest scoop shop (Soho for Londoners) and get in the queue to earn yourself a free cone. Find more information and your nearest participating Ben & Jerry’s store here.
Head over to the Vaisakhi On The Square celebrations
Vaisakhi is one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar, and the celebrations are coming to Trafalgar Square once more. It’s totally free to attend, and those who do will be treated to a day full of lively commemorations to Sikh and Punjabi tradition and culture, with plenty of vegetarian treats, performances on the main stage, talks, and more. Find out more about the event and plan your visit here.
This is the time for you to stand up with your team and win. Take on the Race Across The World experience, either in their City of London or West End setup, and see if you can’t do better than those you’ve seen on the screen. The experience is inspired by the show, and will take you across the capital on a mission to solve the puzzles in the adventure.
Just like every year, the Dalloway Terrace has been given an annual makeover for spring. It’ll get us in the mood for the season, with pastel colours covering the space, along with gorgeous flowers and hand-drawn illustrations, this time in collaboration with Elizabeth Scarlett and Pomelle Apéritif.
Plus, with the new makeover comes tweaks to the produce, with a delightful afternoon tea to enjoy under the floral display and new numbers added to the à la carte menu.
Try out a Morleys x Roti King collaboration
Truly a linkup for the ages. Fusing the London chicken shops’ beloved late-night crispy numbers with Roti King’s Malaysian night market grub, the pop-up will be hitting Brixton Village for four days in April. Try the likes of Nasi Goreng with Morley’s wings, sambal, and a fried egg, or fried chicken with spiced fries and peanut sauce on the limited-time menu for a bit of post-bank holiday weekend flavour.
We get some great winter lights around the city and all, but the year really comes alive when the later sunsets combine with the sprouting of beautiful cherry blossoms around London. Amble around the city when the sun’s shining, and get those snaps among the pink beauties before they disappear for another year.
Pick up a bargain at the Classic Car Boot Sale in King’s Cross
Well, if that ain’t the most classic car boot sale I’ve ever seen…
The Classic Car Boot Sale is returning to King’s Cross this month, inviting you down once more to bag yourself a deal and look at some vintage wheels. In between gazing at more than 75 classic motors, you can pick up some food at the vendors and swing those hips to some live music at this day out by the canal. Find out more and plan your visit here.
Spend a lively Saturday afternoon at the Buff Bingo Drag Bottomless Brunch
Nothing is quite like a day out at a bottomless brunch on a fine Saturday afternoon, and Buff Bingo at The Garden Vauxhall ticks all the boxes. You’ll be treated to 90-minutes of free-flowing drinks served by the ‘buff butlers’, all while the drag hosts take you through the day of laughter, live DJ sets, bingo, games, and more!
Throw some axes, play some beer pong, and drink cocktails at this brand-new gaming bar
Rocket Room is set to land in London in April, giving Londoners a chance to throw some axes, challenge their mates to a game of shuffleboard, and enjoy some tasty classic cocktails. In between games, you can take breaks to warm up for beer pong in their dim-lit setting with late-night DJs providing the soundtrack to your evening.
How adorable are those ferrets with their Easter Eggs? Over at Whipsnade Zoo, you can take part in a trail to celebrate their 200th birthday, with plenty of tasty treats to find, as well as a top-secret code to crack.
Have a ball at the immersive Bubble Planet experience
Bubble Planet has been running its immersive experience in Wembley for years now, with the themed rooms continuously drawing in crowds. You can enjoy their technology, which includes a hot air balloon flight simulator, as well as taking in the landscapes that will provide fun for the entire family. Bubble Planet is also set to pass the landmark of welcoming its millionth visitor soon, so there’s no better time to get it pencilled in for the Easter holidays.
Pick out some vinyl on Record Store Day
Nothing beats finding a record you’ve been after for months sitting in the shelf at the shop. Sure – you might be a regular surfer of the racks on Berwick Street or Camden all year round, but Record Store Day is a moment for many to show support to the shifters of vinyl across the UK. Sift through the many different new presses especially for RSD, and find your nearest particpating stores on the official website.
Shout ‘Yee-Haw’ at this Wild West experience
Moonshine Saloon has been a rootin’ tootin’ success in London for years. Complete with delightful cocktails made from the liquor you’ve smuggled in yourself, this wild west experience is certain to be a whirlwind of a time (as long as the Sheriff doesn’t catch you). Find out more about Moonshine Saloon and plan your visit here.
Waltz through these London villages that feel like the countryside
Saving your bucks for a holiday in summer can mean you’re sat twiddling your thumbs, hoping for an escape when the weekend hits. Enter our solution: village-like locations amid the hustle and bustle of London that might just make you feel like you’re on a well-earned getaway.
🤩 Hampstead Village – adorable streets and a pergola to wander through; this one is quite the dream.
🚲 Warren Mews – hard to quite comprehend that this is as central as Fitzrovia, but it is. And it’s a quaint little paradise.
🌲 Chiswick – the parks and gardens here could have been plucked out of the countryside and into the unassuming West London zone 2 streets.
🛶 Little Venice – walking by a canal filled with colourful boats is a guaranteed pass out of the city, if only for a few minutes.
Read more about villages in London here.
Get the Baby Shark theme tune stuck in your head (again) at this immersive experience
Many people with children will tell you that some degree of sacrifice is required to be a parent. In this instance, such a sacrifice would involve saying goodbye to any other song stuck in your head for a while, as the Baby Shark theme tune sets up shop inside your dome for the foreseeable. At ‘Baby Shark’s Easter Splash’, you can take the kids over to an interactive Easter Egg hunt, complete with characters from the universe along the way. Find it over at the Outernet Building outside Tottenham Court Road station until April 10.
After the clocks go forward at the end of March, we’ll be quickly fast-tracked towards the first 8pm London sunset of 2026. Note down April 17, because from this day the sun won’t set before eight in the evening again until the very end of August. Sunglasses at the ready; we’ve almost made it.
Drink up at this otherworldly cocktail experience
Onward and upwards to a new world! For drinks! Avora is your port of call for entering an immersive world of cocktail-fuelled adventures. Whack on a jumpsuit and dive into the multi-sensory universe of Avora and choose your journey towards three crafted cocktails with a New World storyline along the way.
Take the kids to a free Easter weekender at Camden Market
Across the Easter weekend, you can drop into a selection of events at Camden Market with a family rave, 3D Art Egg Trail, Easter Bonnet making and more. You can find the full programme over at the Camden Market website, with both scheduled and walk-in slots available.
Don’t be played for a fool on the first day of the month!
It would be remiss of us to go the whole way through our things to do in April article without a nod to the powers of the prank patrol that circle around us in the first 12 hours of the month. It could come from anywhere in that pre-midday haze, and since it falls on a Wednesday this year, you won’t be safe from your family, housemates, colleagues, everyone! However much we warn you, someone will try and get you good and proper on the first of the month, so get ready to give as good as you get in the silly dawn of April.