May is shaping up to be a pretty great month, isn’t it? Summer is finally on the horizon, and we get not one but two bank holidays to make the most of it. The first is just around the corner, with the Early May Bank Holiday falling on May 1–4 and London is packed with ways to celebrate. From big-ticket events to laid-back weekend plans, here’s our pick of the best things to do across the capital.
Three days of heavyweight dance, grime and club-focused lineups at Peckham Rye Park this May bank holiday. If you want to spend the late May bank holiday dancing outdoors, GALA Festival returns to Peckham Rye Park for the May bank holiday weekend, running from Friday May 22 to Sunday May 24, 2026. Stages will showcase UK rap, grime, house, techno and soundsystem culture, with the 10th edition featuring headliners including Giggs, Seth Troxler, Todd Terje and many more across multiple stages.
London’s most photogenic festival is back, as Chelsea in Bloom transforms the neighbourhood into a floral wonderland for the bank holiday weekend. Expect jaw-dropping installations, shopfront displays, and a competition between local businesses to create the most imaginative designs – all tied to this year’s theme. It’s free to explore, perfect for a sunny stroll, and ideal if you’re looking to soak up some colour (and snap a few Instagram-worthy pics) while you’re at it.
Music, art and sky-high technology are combining forces once again to produce the luminous spectacle of the DroneArt Show. Unfolding at Kempton Park Racecourse, less than 45 minutes by train or car from central London, you can take a seat among thousands of flickering candles and gaze up to the skies as they are transformed with hypnotic depictions of swooping birds, regal swans and twirling ballerinas – all created by over 1,200 vibrant drones, working in synchronised harmony.
The visuals bring to life the iconic melodies of Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky, which will be performed live by talented musicians in an open-air concert.
Hunt for hidden gems at this bustling London flea market
If you fancy a bit of treasure hunting over the long weekend, the London Flea Market is always a good shout. Packed with vintage finds, antiques, and quirky collectibles, it’s the kind of place where you’ll go in “just for a browse” and leave with something you didn’t know you needed. Expect a lively atmosphere, plenty of characterful stalls, and a great excuse to spend a few hours rummaging.
Fans of Uncle Roger can now step into his world IRL at KAWAN, the Malaysian restaurant bringing his signature flavours to London. Over the bank holiday, it’s a great spot to try dishes inspired by the viral star’s love of proper fried rice and bold Southeast Asian cooking. Whether you’re a fan of the character or just here for the food, it’s a fun (and tasty) addition to your weekend plans.
Fancy an escape from reality? Paradox Museum London in Knightsbridge will make you question everything you know, with over 50 installations that fool your mind, test your perception, and pretty much turn your world upside down. The family-friendly interactive museum features no end of optical illusions and paradoxical conundrums, including a zero-gravity room, which seems to defy the laws of physics, and a brain-twisting tunnel where it is impossible to walk straight. You’ll also get to discover the science behind the paradoxes, so your mind doesn’t spiral too much.
If you’re after a more relaxed bank holiday escape, Syon Park offers one of London’s most beautiful green spaces just a short journey from the city centre. Recently named among the best public gardens in the capital, it’s packed with landscaped gardens, tranquil lakes, and plenty of space to wander. Ideal for a peaceful stroll, picnic, or a break from the crowds.
Rock out with We Will Rock You at Winston Churchill Theatre
Ruislip Musical Theatre’s adult company is bringing the hit Queen musical We Will Rock You to Winston Churchill Theatre this week.
With more than 20 Queen songs, a playful story by Ben Elton, and plenty of high-energy moments, it’s a fun bank holiday-adjacent pick for anyone who loves a feel-good musical. The show runs on Wednesday 20th to Friday 22nd May 2026 at 7:30pm, and tickets are now on sale.
(P.S.- Spot our girl Katie Forge as the leading lady!)
Dance to indie anthems at this riverside party at Between The Bridges
For a proper party vibe over the long weekend, head to Between The Bridges for their Indie Discothèque. Expect a soundtrack of indie anthems, throwback bangers, and dancefloor classics, all set against a riverside backdrop. It’s lively, it’s nostalgic, and it’s a solid pick if you’re in the mood to let loose by the Thames.
Sing your heart out at Barrioke with Eastenders legend Shaun Williamson
Barry from EastEnders is back on the mic for another round of Barrioke, and it’s every bit as chaotic and joyful as you’d expect. The concept is simple: karaoke with a cult TV twist, where the host belts out tunes alongside brave audience members. If you’re up for a singalong (or just want to watch the madness unfold), this is a guaranteed fun night out.
Awe-inspiring acrobatics, world-class circus acts and hilarious comedy are the name of the game at London’s adults-only cabaret show SABRAGE, named after the thrilling act of uncorking champagne with the slice of a sabre. You’ll be transfixed as talented performers take to the stage in a 2-hour spectacle which features everything from saucy synchronised spinning to glittering vintage glamour.
Upon arrival, you can indulge in handcrafted cocktails and Southern-style bites, and, even after the show concludes, the revelry is still in full swing with live DJ sets and the chance to meet the cast at the bar.
Feast your way through street food and live music at Ally Pally’s Streatlife Festival
Alexandra Palace’s Streatlife festival is bringing together street food, music, and good vibes for the bank holiday weekend. Expect a stacked lineup of food traders serving everything from global bites to comfort classics, alongside live entertainment and plenty of space to hang out with friends. Come hungry and settle in for a laid-back day with one of London’s best views.
Step into the world of Winnie the Pooh at sketch
If you’re looking to dial things up a notch this bank holiday, sketch is always a standout choice. Now, for the 12th edition of sketch in Bloom, the Mayfair restaurant is transforming its neoclassical interiors into whimsical woodlands inspired by A.A. Milne and the illustrations of E.H Shepard. Head over to discover a floricultural tribute, including tree trunks crafted from real bark, iconic periwinkle-blue balloons which hang from a leafy canopy and a giant beehive surrounded by bees crafted from the spherical flower craspedia.
It’s an enchanting spot for a celebratory meal or indulgent afternoon tea. Whether you’re there for the food, the art, or the aesthetics, it’s a quintessentially London experience.
Embark on a journey to the misty forests and storm-lashed seas of 9th-century Scandinavia at Vikings: The Immersive Experience, found at Dock X in Canada Water. The multisensory dive into history explores the legacy of the formidable Queen Kráka and King Ragnar Lodbrok, using a fusion of cinematic 360-degree technology, immersive storytelling, artefact replicas and interactive installations to bring their tale to life. You can also delve into Norse mythology, slipping on a VR headset under the sacred Yggdrasil tree, and get a taste of their seafaring life as you try out traditional knotting techniques.
If you want to make the most of the late May Bank Holiday weekend, head to the fields as festival season really kicks into gear in London. GALA is one such event but check out Field Day, Cross The Tracks and Mighty Hoopla, bringing music across the city.
Get creative with a sip and plant terrarium workshop
For something a little different, why not spend part of your bank holiday getting hands-on at a Sip and Plant workshop? Hosted by Botanical Boys, these sessions let you create your own terrarium while enjoying a drink or two. It’s relaxed, creative, and you’ll leave with a little green keepsake – ideal if you’re after a wholesome alternative to the usual weekend plans.
Is there anything more British than sipping tea while gazing out at Big Ben? If you’re looking for a family-friendly day out in London where you can enjoy sightseeing, food and entertainment in one fell swoop, then Bridgit’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tours are your answer. Even better, you can pick from fun themes, including MONOPOLY, Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol and Paddington.
Each 90-minute tour includes picture-perfect views of London landmarks, a traditional afternoon tea with sweet treats and finger sandwiches galore and bespoke puzzles and activities to suit your chosen theme. Board game fans can journey through the world of MONOPOLY as they explore the iconic locations featured in the game, while the Paddington tour treats you to marmalade sandwiches and a guided animation led by the beloved bear himself.
If you’re craving a change of pace this late May Bank Holiday, Whitstable is one of the most reliable seaside choices for Londoners, thanks to its oysters, shingle beach and easygoing atmosphere. It has the feel of a working fishing town with enough cafés, restaurants and galleries to make a day trip feel like a proper escape. It is also one of the fastest coastal options from the capital, it can be reached in just over an hour by train. That makes it a strong pick for anyone who wants a seaside fix without committing to a long journey.