May really is a rather brilliant month, isn’t it? Summer is (finally) within touching distance, and we’re graced with not one, but two bank holidays – the second of which is almost upon us. May 23-26 marks the weekend of the Spring Bank Holiday in the UK, and there are plenty of things to do in the capital to celebrate. Here’s our rundown of some of the best ways to spend the long weekend in London.
1. Find some second-hand gems at this unique charity shopping event
Spend the bank holiday weekend rummaging through the rails at Charity Super.Mkt’s preloved pop-up. The UK’s first ever multi-charity shop is, once again, bringing its unique second-hand shopping concept to Coal Drops Yard – ready to seamlessly blend fashion, sustainability and charity. From high-end to high-street; shoppers will be able to get their hands on an impressive selection of items, carefully curated by leading charity shops including The British Heart Foundation, Fight for Sight, Havens Hospices, and Traid. There will also be an on-site repair shop, where Londoners will be able to mend and upcycle their favourite pieces.
2. Dance into the summer at GALA Festival for its tenth anniversary
Celebrate the second May Bank Holiday in a boogie at GALA Festival, returning to Peckham Rye Park from May 23–25 for its tenth anniversary with its biggest lineup yet. London’s favourite independent electronic music festival will feature headline sets from Caribou (live), Floating Points, Moodymann, and Theo Parrish’s marathon 8-hour set, plus debuts from Hudson Mohawke, Avalon Emerson, Floorplan, Ben UFO, and KiNK (live).
With expertly curated stages from the likes of NTS Radio, Chapter Ten, Rush Hour, Horse Meat Disco, and more, GALA’s three-day programme promises bass-heavy Friday grooves, club-centric Saturday energy, and a feel-good Sunday finale. Expect an inclusive atmosphere, top-tier sound, and unforgettable moments as GALA celebrates a decade of dance with 30,000 music lovers in South East London.
3. Take a dip in one of London’s best outdoor swimming pools and lidos
Cool off this bank holiday by taking a dip in one of London’s best outdoor swimming pools and lidos, perfect for making the most of the (hopefully) sunny long weekend. Whether you’re after the heated comfort of London Fields Lido in Hackney or Oasis Swimming Pool in Covent Garden, or you want to brave the unheated waters of iconic spots like Tooting Bec Lido or the Hampstead Heath Ponds, there’s a pool for every swimmer.
Many lidos offer sunbathing areas and cafés, so you can make a day of it – just be sure to arrive early, as these popular spots fill up fast when the sun shines (more manifesting).
4. Step into a Prehistoric adventure at Jurassic World: The Experience
Roar into your bank holiday weekend with a trip to Jurassic World: The Experience, opening on Saturday (May 24) at Battersea Power Station! This immersive attraction brings the magic (and mayhem) of the blockbuster franchise to life, letting you walk among life-sized, roaring dinosaurs in a jaw-dropping, 28,000-square-foot prehistoric wilderness.
Perfect for dino fans of all ages, you’ll get up close to a towering Brachiosaurus, brave the raptor paddock, and come face-to-face with a fearsome T-Rex. There are adorable baby dinosaurs to meet, interactive scenes inspired by the films, and a peek inside the legendary Hammond Creation Lab. Whether you’re a lifelong Jurassic Park fan or just looking for a unique family day out, this is a must-visit experience for your long weekend.
5. Explore London’s lush green spaces
Make the most of the long weekend by heading to one of London’s beautiful parks or gardens, whether it’s a picnic in Hyde Park, a stroll through Kew Gardens, or discovering hidden gems like Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park. Pack a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the city’s greenery as Londoners officially switch to summer mode.
6. Watch a star-studded cast of actors perform Shakespeare poetry in the middle of a London park
For one night only (May 25), the much-loved likes of Damian Lewis, Samantha Spiro, Tony Robinson, Indira Varma, and James Phoon (just to name a few) will be taking to the stage of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre to pay homage to the timeless work of the Bard. Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year – Live is based on Allie Esiri’s bestselling poetry anthology, and will see an award-winning line-up of actors bring to life a selection of Shakespeare speeches, scenes, and poetry. The evening will take the audience on a spellbinding Shakespearean adventure. And what more could you possibly want from a bank holiday weekend, hey?
7. Check out Robbie Williams’ new exhibit at the Moco Museum London
Did you know Robbie Williams was an artist and sculptor? After his storied career in the world of music, the singer-songwriter has now carved out – or should we say sculpted – a name in the art industry, with his latest exhibition ‘Radical Honesty’ now open at the Moco Museum London. Exploring the concept of embracing your authentic self, his sculptures reflect raw emotions and use a mix of textures and materials.
8. Step into spring at this gorgeous flower festival
Chelsea has just undergone its annual floral glow-up to mark the return of London’s largest free flower festival, Chelsea in Bloom. This festival’s theme this year is Flowers in Fashion, and pays homage to the fancy (and oh-so fashionable) neighbourhood’s rich fashion history.
In celebration of Chelsea in Bloom’s 20th anniversary, it’s bigger and better than ever before – with over 120 local businesses having adorned their shopfronts with gorgeous (and completely free to gawp at) floral displays. The beautiful blooms will be on display until May 25, making it the perfect bank holiday weekend activity, don’t you think?
9. Get lost in a world of optical illusions at this mind-bending museum
If you’re in need of an escape from reality this bank holiday weekend, allow us to point you in the direction of Knightbridge’s Paradox Museum. Jam-packed with over 50 optical illusions that are sure to have you questioning your own perception, this mind-blowing museum offers a world of fun.
From the simple and fun to the outright wacky, some illusions are there for you to observe, while others you can step into and become part of. Paradox Museum also offers insights into the science behind some of its illusions too, if you’re as inquisitive as we are…
10. Get your hands on a free pint at this London bar
Clapham’s Venn Street Records is truly letting the good times flow this bank holiday weekend, as they’ll be dishing out 1,000 free pints. Yes, you read that correctly. Each day across the long weekend (May 23-26), the beloved bar will be generously giving away 250 free pints of Camden Hells to some very lucky Londoners. To secure yourself one of those free pints, you need to grab a ticket for the day you want to visit (and tickets are limited to one per person, I’m afraid). So, if you fancy a pint in the (sporadic) sunshine this bank holiday weekend, your first round is covered. And we’ll most certainly drink to that!
11. Savour the flavours of India’s Western Ghats at this Michelin-starred restaurant
This bank holiday, treat your taste buds to “A Taste of the Western Ghats” at Michelin-starred Trishna in Marylebone, where a vibrant new seasonal campaign brings the spice-rich landscapes of southwestern India to life.
Enjoy a special lunch and early evening menu (three courses for £50, four for £55) featuring regional ingredients like bydagi chilli and kaima rice in dishes such as Pepper Prawn Chukka and Beef Short Rib Coconut Fry, alongside limited-edition cocktails crafted with regeneratively grown spices from the award-winning Diaspora Spice Co.
12. Be transported back to Ancient Egypt by an interactive Tutankhamun exhibition
The long weekend is the ideal time to check out the Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, located near the Royal Victoria Docks at Immerse LDN. Step back more than 5,000 years with virtual reality, metaverse experiences, immersive storytelling and authentic artefacts that bring to life the young King Tutankhamun’s reign. You’ll learn about the myths and mysteries surrounding his life and death, as well as explore the Valley of Kings – all without having to board a plane (or a time machine, for that matter).
13. Admire panoramic views of the capital with a glass of fizz in hand
Say “cheers” to the bank holiday weekend in London by ascending 109 metres up one of Battersea Power Station’s chimney towers. And, for a limited time (April 9–June 30), Lift 109 is offering guests a special seasonal cocktail to enjoy as they also drink in the views. Sip on a Spring Blossom Fizz cocktail as you admire the panoramic London cityscape. Utter perfection, if you ask me.
14. Spend a morning feasting and flower arranging at one of the most beautiful spots in the city
We’re getting all floral again for the final addition of this round-up of the best things to do this bank holiday weekend. I mean, it is spring, after all. If I can’t embrace the flower power now, when can I? On May 24, the picture-perfect Dalloway Terrace is hosting a two-hour flower design workshop with renowned florist, Richard Eagleton. Visitors will have the chance to create their very own hand-tied bouquet to take home with them, and indulge in a scrumptious selection of brunch bites and delicious cocktails as they do so. It’s set to be everything we’ve come to expect from Dalloway Terrace: quaint, quintessential, and really quite brilliant. Tickets cost £100 per person and can be snapped up here.
15. Savour the best outdoor dining experiences across London
Make the most of the warmer weather by dining al fresco at some of London’s most stunning summer terraces. Whether you’re looking for a flower-filled oasis like Dalloway Terrace in Bloomsbury, where you can sip cocktails surrounded by blooms, or craving Italian with a sunset view at Sparrow Italia in Mayfair, there’s something for every taste.
For botanical vibes and Mediterranean-inspired small plates, head to The Botanist on Sloane Square, or enjoy Latin-American flair with contemporary cocktails at Morena in Belgravia. King’s Cross is a hotspot for outdoor dining with gems like Coal Terrace, offering Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fusion, or The Lighterman, boasting three unique outdoor spaces with canal views.
For riverside dining, Parrillan serves up Spanish flavours on a beautiful covered terrace, while Fiume at Battersea Power Station offers Amalfi Coast-inspired cuisine with Thames views. No matter your mood, London’s summer terraces provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxed meal or lively catch-up under the sun.
16. Elevate your bank holiday with bottomless Italian brunch and skyline views of London
Treat yourself to a standout bottomless brunch this bank holiday at Market Kitchen, 22 Bishopsgate, where you can enjoy Italian-inspired dishes like ox cheek ragu, smoked salmon on grilled focaccia, and breakfast pizza, all paired with endless Aperol Spritz, prosecco, or house wine for an extra £25 per person. The experience doesn’t end with the food – brunch guests also receive complimentary access to Horizon 22, London’s highest free viewing gallery, offering spectacular city views from the 58th floor.
Available every Saturday from 9am to 3pm, this City brunch is perfect for foodies and sightseers alike, all for £25 per person with the option to upgrade to bottomless drinks for a total of £50.