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Belly laughs will ricochet off the ornate brickwork of Crystal Palace Subway. Image: Mathias Falcone/DESIGNECOLOGIST via Unsplash

If you think it's laughable that Crystal Palace's stunning High Level railway station was demolished in the 1960s, at least its cathedral-crypt-esque subway swerved the wrecking ball — and what a venue it is now proving to be.

Since recent restoration works, Crystal Palace Subway has hosted everything from film nights to craft markets. Now, Stand-up at the Subway — a brand new comedy festival — will be staged beneath the subway's fanned ceiling. Running from Thursday 21-Sunday 24 May 2026, a total of 11 shows over four nights will have belly laughs ricocheting off the ornate brickwork, with turns from Daniel Kitson, Elis James, Kerry Godliman, the Shoot from the Hip improv troupe, and plenty of other top-tier comedians.

Money raised from the festival goes towards the upkeep of Crystal Palace Park, and tickets for some shows are already sold out. Better make like you've got a (High Level) train to catch and get a wriggle on.

Stand-up at the Subway, Crystal Palace Subway, 21-24 May 2026

The play about four real estate agents battling to win a Cadillac comes to the Old Vic in June. Image: Londonist/Mr.choppers

Even if you've never seen the 1992 dark comedy film Glengarry Glen Ross, you'll be familiar with one of its characters by association.

'Old Gil' Gunderson from The Simpsons is based on Jack Lemmon's portrayal of salesman Shelley Levene, a desperate wretch working in the cutthroat world of a fly-by-night real estate agency in 1980s Chicago, as he tussles with his peers to win a Cadillac, and stave off the spectre of redundancy.

That movie was famous for its all-star cast, Lemmon being joined by the ilk of Alex Baldwin, Al Pacino and Alan Arkin (all the Als, really), but later this year, the story — originally produced as a Pulitzer Prize-winning David Mamet play — will feature an all-female cast (yet to be announced), in a new adaptation from Patrick Marber.

Says Patrick Marber, "Around this time last year I had the good fortune to be directing Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway. It’s a heck of a play to work on; hilarious, profound, obscene — a thrilling story with twists that make an audience gasp. It was written in the 1980s but it seems to me to be about our world right now.

"I'm very excited to be doing it again, this time as a premiere with an all-female cast. And I am honoured to be making my directing debut at the famous Old Vic with Mamet's mighty play."

Glengarry Glen Ross, Old Vic, 4 June-18 July 2026, tickets on sale now.

The Whittington Stone monument has stood since 1821, with the feline embellishment added in the 1960s.

Richard 'Dick' Whittington — the man who was four-times Lord Mayor of London (thrice in the pantomime version), and bestowed to the city a massive toilet — is enshrined in everything from pantos to pubs.

He is also immortalised in the Whittington Stone, a small monument erected at the foot of Highgate Hill in Archway in 1821, at the spot where a down-and-out Dick supposedly heard the bells call out "Turn again, Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London" — calling him back to the medieval City. That quote is emblazoned on the milestone-like monument, and in 1964, was embellished with sculptor Jonathan Kenworthy's limestone cat, referencing Whittington's (likely fabricated) feline accomplice.

Children from local schools have been involved in creative workshops, meeting conservators and contributing directly to the project.

Over the decades, the monument has fallen foul of soot, moss and general erosion, but now — thanks to a project funded by Islington Council and Heritage of London Trust with support from Englefield Charitable Trust — it's been restored to former glory. Work by SSH Conservation has seen stone repairs, recutting and repainting of the lettering, plus refurbishment and repainting of the railings surrounding the monument. A new panel has been installed nearby, giving more context to the Whittington Stone and the story behind it.

Children from local schools, including St John's Upper Holloway C of E School and Yerbury Primary School, have been involved with the project too, some even helping with the repainting. Says 11-year-old Betty Rose: "I think it's important for young people to know the story of Dick Whittington because it's a really inspiring story for all of us and basically it's to never give up and you should always try!"

"It was really nice just knowing about that job [of a conservator] and the work they do. Otherwise, I doubt we would even have half of what we've got around us.": 10-year-old Rufus from Yerbury Primary School.

The annual Whittington Walk — which retraces Whittington's route back from Archway to the City — takes place this year on Sunday 19 April, with many of London's mayors gathering at the Whittington Stone at 10.15am. Sadiq Khan himself is not expected to be in attendance, but he is, only (so far at least) only thrice Mayor of London.

130 new cherry trees have been planted in Greenwich Park.

How do you guarantee an influx of visitors to any given area for a couple of weeks each year? Plant a bunch of cherry trees, of course.

The Royal Parks charity knows this: it's just landscaped Greenwich Park with 130 Prunus 'Sekiyama' cherry tree saplings on the hillside between the Grand Ascent and One Tree Hill — creating a veritable 'valley of blossom' for two weeks each spring. (That said, though some blossom is out, don't go there expecting great plumes of pink in its establishing year. Good things come to those who wait.)

The beginnings of a 'valley of blossom' in Greenwich.

The planting is courtesy of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, which symbolises the friendship between the UK and Japan via beautiful blooms. Says Matthew Pottage, Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy at The Royal Parks: "These beautiful cherry trees are more than a visual delight – they represent a bond between nations, a gift to our local communities, and a lasting legacy.

"By planting these trees along the hillside, we’ve created a natural canvas, where, every spring, the landscape will transform into a vibrant sea of pink blossoms."

In time the cherry trees could grow considerably large — but we're talking decades before they're huge.

But this is not Greenwich Park's first cherry tree rodeo. Planted in the 1950s, Cherry Tree Avenue is a much loved/snapped allée of 28 well established Prunus 'Pink Perfection' cherry trees, which explode into double rose-pink blossoms near the Rose Garden every April/May.

In time, the newly planted valley of blossom will grow to overtake it (Prunus 'Sekiyama' trees can reach over 10 metres tall, with a spread almost as wide), though we're talking decades before that's the case. Let's hope Instagram, or its equivalent, is still in business by then.

All images: The Royal Parks

The gardens have hosted premiers and presidents for almost 300 years, but will now forever be remembered for a strange little man sat behind a desk, lying. Image: Simon Walker/No 10 Downing Street via creative commons

10 Downing Street's garden will again be part of this year's London Open Gardens festival.

Most of us never get to walk along the corridors of power, but here's a rare chance to inspect the herbaceous borders of power. Two public tours of the garden at 10 Downing Street — which dates back to 1736 but will now forever be remembered for illicit government parties and Dominic Cummings' not-at-all-flawed account of driving to Barnard Castle to make sure his eyes were still working — will take place on Saturday 6 June 2026 at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

It's part of the annual London Open Gardens weekend, which sees many usually off-limits gardens fling open their gates to the public.

Among the garden's highlights are rose beds installed by Margaret Thatcher. Garden of Number 10. Crown Copyright

Needless to say, demand is likely to greatly outstrip supply. The very few places available (fewer than 50 in fact) are allocated by ballot — open from now until 11.30pm on Tuesday 5 May.

Meanwhile, booking for other London Opens Gardens locations — including Battersea Roof Gardens, Marlborough House Gardens and the Sanctuary Garden at Freedom from Torture — is now open.

London Open Gardens, 6-7 June 2026 (Downing Street garden only open 6 June). The ballot for 10 Downing Street is open to those aged 12+, and photo ID will be required on the day.

Wisteria hysteria is back. Image: Shutterstock

When to see wisteria in London in spring 2026

Wisteria — that pretty purple member of the Fabaceae family — usually starts blooming in London towards the end of April and into May (in 2026, it's very much already flowering by mid-April). Gushing forth from the city's houses, walls and pagodas, it adds a delightful pop of colour, announcing that spring has finally arrived.

Wisteria is a member of the Fabaceae family, don't you know. Image: Shutterstock

If you're keen to get your #wisteriahysteria snaps, or just catch a glimpse of it in bloom, here are some of our favourite wisteria spots in the capital, where you'll find it in growing in abundance:

Wisteria in Peckham Rye Park

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Walk through the Sexby Garden (no sniggering) in Peckham Rye Park any other time of year, and the main attraction is that luminous blue fountain (seriously, what do they put in it?). But for a few weeks in spring, the usually-naked pergola transforms into a stunning lilac tunnel dripping with tendrils of wisteria. It's satisfyingly symmetrical, with plenty of other green foliage surrounding it... and it's far enough out of central London that it's not plagued with photographers. Head here shortly before sunset and you may have the park pretty much to yourself — we have, on several occasions.

Wisteria in Kynance Mews, Kensington

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For photographers, this quiet part of Kensington is the gift that just keeps giving. In autumn, the beige stone arch drips with blood red foliage, conjuring up a gothic-like illusion. When spring rolls around, the wisteria comes out to play, big time. The best wisteria hunting ground lies to the western side of the road, past Launceston Place, where one house in particular disappears behind a lilac curtain for a good few weeks. The cobbled street and mews-style houses combine for a bucolic look, making for perfect photos — just be mindful that someone lives here.

Wisteria in Bedford Gardens, Notting Hill

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There's one particular house on this Notting Hill back street that attracts photographers like... well, like Instagrammers to wisteria. The plant itself is a looker, a well-established tree that blooms in abundance every year. But it's the backdrop that makes it so Insta-famous; a pastel pink door is perfectly framed within those blossom-laden branches. The very definition of a 'wisteria house' right here in London.

The building's blue plaque — dedicated to composer Frank Bridge who once lived here — is the cherry on the top of a particularly pretty cake. It's the London house many of us dream of living in, though the wisteria branches were cut back dramatically a couple of years ago, so it's not as bushy as it was. Find it here, towards the eastern end of the street.

Wisteria at Walden Books, Chalk Farm

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One of our favourite second hand book shops in London, Walden Books is worth a visit at any time of year, but it comes into its own during wisteria hysteria, when the frontage of the Victorian terrace drips in lilac fronds. It's made all the more special by its location on an otherwise quiet and unassuming residential street — you'll get none of the grandstanding here that you see in the mews streets of west London. Find Walden Books at 38 Harmood Street, NW1 8DP.

Wisteria at Eastcote Gardens, Hillingdon

Puts us in mind of The Secret Garden. Image: Shutterstock

We assume it's the outer London location that prevents this wisteria tunnel getting more online love than it does — because by heck, does it deserve it. The walled garden is thought to date to the 17th century, and underwent a renovation in 2014, but thankfully the wisteria-smothered pergola was left standing. It was planted in 1986 so is a fairly well-developed tree, creating a foliage tunnel leading to a gate in the brick wall, putting us in mind of children's book The Secret Garden. It even featured on the cover of Country Life magazine in 2024.

Wisteria at Eltham Palace

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Not content with wowing us with a sea of colourful tulips in April, English Heritage-owned Eltham Palace in a gold mine for wisteria hunters too.

Come April/May, the decorative stone column pergolas at the eastern end of the building are twisted beautifully with wisteria. The wooden footbridge across the (empty part of the) moat gets in on the action too, the rugged brickwork and rustic wood railings draped in the grape-like bunches.

It's not the biggest wisteria offering in London — and you will have to pay an entry fee — but the art deco/Tudor mansion is absolutely worth a visit, and makes for an inimitable photo backdrop. And if wisteria season happens to coincide with tulip or rose season, all the better.

Wisteria in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea

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For riverside wisteria hysteria, Chelsea's petite Cheyne Walk has a cluster of houses where pink-purple blossoms curl around the wrought iron railings, drowning a first-floor balcony in a riot of pastels. In recent years, upmarket restaurant Fifty Cheyne has draped itself in (fake) wisteria too.

Fuller's Brewery, Chiswick: The oldest wisteria in England

England's oldest wisteria is a beaut. Photo: Ungry Young Man via creative commons

West London is replete with wisteria, but one spot is rather special. Fuller's Brewery, otherwise known as the Griffin Brewery, claims to have the oldest wisteria in England creeping up its walls. Apparently it arrived in 1816, one of two saplings imported from China. The other went to Kew Gardens but the plant boffins there couldn't keep theirs alive. To get a glimpse, you'll need to book onto a brewery tour.

Wisteria at Myddleton House Gardens, Enfield

Myddelton House Gardens is a wisteria lover's paradise. Photo: Londonist

This botanical garden — home to the bits of London no-one else wanted — also had an enduring wisteria. That is, until the 110-year-old plant died in 2018. Some wisps of that specimen were salvaged, and the gardens are still worth a garden during wisteria season, to wander beneath the pastel pink fronds draped over the pergola walkway.

Wisteria at Lincoln's Inn Fields

Looking for wonderful wisteria? I rest my case. Image: Londonist

The smart legal inns and garden squares of Lincoln's Inn Fields are a way to shrug off the busyness of central London any time of the year, but come spring, the manmade oasis is enhanced by great plumes of wisteria shooting up the sides of brick walls, and erupting over railings. Some of the finest wisteria London has to offer? You be the judge.

Other places to see wisteria in London:

Streets that have a lesser amount of wisteria, but still worth seeing if you're in the area during the season:

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• Horbury Mews, Notting Hill
• Christchurch Street, Chelsea (look out for the house with the blue door)
• Chelsea Manor Street

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• Ensor Mews, Kensington (similar to Kynance Mews, above)
• Edwardes Square (across the road from the Design Museum and home of the Scarsdale Tavern)
• Elm Place, Chelsea — several houses on the street get in on the wisteria action.
• Stafford Terrace, just off High Street Kensington
• The Dutch Garden in Holland Park, where, if the timings align, wisteria hangs over colourful tulips below.

All weekend

Salon Privé roars into the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Image: The Car Spy via CC BY 2.0

EARTH DAY WEEKENDER: Somerset House hosts the Earth Day Weekender 2026, a three-day programme exploring environmental questions through art, workshops and collective action. Highlights include a major courtyard installation by Dana-Fiona Armour, screen printing sessions and a sensory geophagy workshop with temporary exhibition, the Museum of Edible Earth. 16-18 April 2026

SALON PRIVE: Supercars of all shapes and sizes roar into the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for Salon Privé London. Wander among the world's finest cars (brands including Aston Martin, Porsche and Maserati are normally represented), though as you might expect, tickets for this one aren't cheap! 16-18 April 2026

ANOTHER SKY FESTIVAL: Another Sky Festival returns for its third edition, celebrating experimental music from the SWANA (South-West Africa and North Asia) region and diaspora. Expect composed and improvised music performances, film screenings, a book club and an independent label market across the weekend. Most events take place at Cafe OTO in Dalston. 17-19 April 2026

CLASSIC CAR BOOT SALE: Pre-1990 vehicles including cars, campervans, hot rods, scooters, caravans, motorbikes and custom bicycles park up in King's Cross for the Classic Car Boot Sale — a weekend of shopping, eating and dancing. Browse and buy vintage clothing and homewares as you snap photos of the rare vehicles. 18-19 April 2026

Wander among beautiful vehicles at the Classic Car Boot Sale. Image: Robert Lamb via CC BY-SA 2.0

HISTFEST: Two days of talks and conversations at the British Library and online form HistFest 2026, covering topics from Ancient Athens and reinterpretations of Cleopatra, to histories of motherhood and 20th century queer life. Speakers include Professor Michael Scott, Saara El-Arifi, Dr Wanda Wyporska, Lucy Inglis and Michael Palin. 18-19 April 2026

BEYOND BURMA: Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, National Army Museum exhibition Beyond Burma is in its final week, bringing together rarely seen weapons, medals, uniforms and personal accounts from British, Indian, Burmese and African troops who served in the Far East. FREE, until 19 April 2026

ARCA EXHIBITION: It's your last chance this week to catch the ICA's solo exhibition of multidisciplinary artist Arca. Working with paint and mixed media, recurring motifs in the Venezuelan artist's work explore bodily forms through layering and revision. Until 19 April 2026

Saturday 18 April

Explore all manner of mysteries at Conway Hall

STRANGE CENTRAL: The London Fortean Society returns to Conway Hall in Holborn for Strange Central: Mysteries, Monsters, Ghosts and UFOs, a full day of deep-dives into the paranormal. Expert speakers explore everything from the folklore of the Calvine UFO photograph to "occult numismatics"— the strange history of haunted money and coins used to ward off witches. 10am-5pm

PADDINGTON’S PICNIC: The Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury hosts Family Workshop: Paddington’s Picnic, an explorative sculpture session for children. Led by artist Jess Heritage, the drop-in event invites families to craft a gigantic cardboard feast featuring jam sandwiches and tea sets. The workshop is suitable for ages four+ and is included in museum entry. 10am-2pm

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS: Enfield's Dugdale Arts Centre hosts For the Love of Books, a festival dedicated to the written word. The independent venue brings together the local community for a day-long celebration of literature and storytelling. Join for workshops, a bookswap, and talks from writers including poet Gayathiri Kamalakanthan. 10am-2.30pm

VICTORIAN HIGH LIFE AND LOW LIFE: The Florence Nightingale Museum hosts a new Victorian High Life and Low Life walking tour starting from Pall Mall. Led by professional guides, the two-hour stroll explores the stark contrast between immense wealth and abject poverty, touching on adult themes of disease, prostitution and criminality in the 19th century city. 11am

TWEED RUN: Style meets cycling as the Tweed Run meanders through London's streets and parks on Saturday, with cyclists competing in categories including best-dressed individuals, finest moustaches and most elegantly adorned bicycles. Stops for tea, a picnic and a celebratory cocktail are built into the schedule. You'll need a ticket to take part, or you can turn up and watch for free — exact location and route details are announced on the day. Times TBC

WILDLIFE WANDER: Ornithological investigator J D Swann leads a seasonal nature walk through Thamesmead, starting from the Lakeside Centre. Thamesmead Wildlife Wanders explores marshes and woodland to spot returning migrating birds like blackcaps and sand martins. The three-mile route includes the Ridgeway and the Thames Path, with stamped notebooks provided for those wanting to document their observations. FREE, 11am-1.30pm

Watch — or take part in — the Tweed Run

BOARD GAME CAFE: Kingston's Rose Theatre hosts a free day of tabletop gaming in the Rose Cafe, featuring a massive collection of over 150 board and card games. Run by Shakes and Ladders, the Board Game Cafe is open to all ages and skill levels, from families looking for a Saturday activity to students wanting to try out new party games. The cafe's open throughout the day, serving paninis, flatbreads and cakes. FREE, 11am-4pm

MEDICAL MENAGERIE: The Wellcome Collection hosts Medical Menagerie, a drop-in session exploring the historical relationship between humans and animals, through archival materials. Inspired by medieval bestiaries, the event covers everything from the symbolism of unicorns to the role of fruit flies in scientific discovery, and offers visitors the chance to craft their own zine. FREE, 11.30am-3.30pm

VAISAKHI ON THE SQUARE: Trafalgar Square hosts Vaisakhi on the Square 2026, a large-scale celebration of Sikh culture and the founding of the Khalsa. The family-friendly afternoon features vibrant performances and martial arts displays, alongside the tradition of Langar, where visitors can share free vegetarian treats and Indian tea. FREE, 12pm-6pm

WIND IN THE WILLOWS: Explore the stretch of the Thames that Sir David Attenborough calls his favourite place on the planet with this Wind in the Willows walking tour from Richmond to Twickenham. Led by Laura Agustín of Footprints of London, the route takes in the Tudor gatehouse of Richmond Palace, the wildflowers of Marble Hill Park and the rock/blues history of Eel Pie Island. 1pm-4.30pm

SPRING FESTIVAL: Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene's hosts the Loved & Wanted Spring Festival, a free afternoon of community-focused activities in Paddington. The family-friendly line-up includes storytelling for little ones, a clothes swap, face painting and greening activities, with free tea and cake for all visitors. FREE, 2pm–5pm

THE BLINKING BUZZARDS: The Cinema Museum hosts the quarterly meeting of the Blinking Buzzards, the UK Buster Keaton Society, a dedicated gathering for fans of the silent film icon. This session features a screening of the 1932 comedy Speak Easily, starring Keaton as a shy professor alongside Jimmy Durante, plus a curated selection of shorts and rarities. 4pm–7pm

THE WEST END TENORS: Leading men from some of the world’s most iconic musicals join forces for a powerhouse vocal performance at Greenwich Theatre. The cast of The West End Tenors features stars from Les Misérables, Mamma Mia and The Phantom of the Opera, performing a repertoire of stage and film triumphs. Having previously played arenas across Europe and the BBC Proms, the group now brings their first UK tour to the capital for a single evening. 7.30pm

Rio Cinema kicks off its 50th anniversary season. Image: Rio Cinema via CC BY-SA 3.0

GO YOUR OWN WAY: Kingston’s Rose Theatre hosts Go Your Own Way - The Fleetwood Mac Legacy, a West End-born tribute to the legendary Grammy-winning rock group. An acclaimed ensemble of musicians recreates the live energy of the iconic Rumours-era line-up, performing hits including Dreams, Everywhere, Rhiannon and The Chain. 7.30pm

FOC IT UP!: Kemah Bob brings the fiercely unapologetic FOC IT UP! Comedy Club to Soho Theatre for a night of high-energy stand-up. The mixed bill celebrates the perspectives of comedians of colour who aren’t cis-men, featuring a line-up including Kyrah Gray, Kate Cheka and Dre Spisto. 8pm

RIO FOREVER: Dalston’s historic Rio Cinema kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Doc’n Roll: Sports Banger x Jeremy Deller, a special night of film, music and Hackney’s creative spirit. Curated in collaboration with artist Jeremy Deller and the Sports Banger collective, the one-off party celebrates radical DIY culture and grassroots subculture through a community-selected programme of films. 8pm

DALISO CHAPONDA: Britain’s Got Talent finalist Daliso Chaponda brings his new stand-up show, Topical Storm, to Blackheath Halls. The performance moves beyond the daily headlines to interrogate the nature of news itself, exploring how fake news and polarising reporting affect modern society. Expect a sharp-witted evening of one-liners and satirical storytelling from a comedian who's appeared on shows including Radio 4's News Quiz and Have I Got News For You. 8pm

WEST AFRICAN RHYTHMS: King's Cross venue Jamboree hosts an evening of high-energy Ghanaian fusion with Okailey + Mouad Neghma. Led by master drummer Abass Dodoo, the ensemble blends traditional Ga melodies and polyrhythms with Afro-rock and jazz, even reimagining classics by Ginger Baker and Cream. Support comes from Moroccan multi-instrumentalist Mouad Neghma, who performs a contemporary mix of Gnawa music, blues and sounds from other parts of the world. 9pm

Sunday 19 April

The Garden Museum is an apt venue for a Spring Plant Fair. Image: Matt From London

SLT WARDROBE SEWING BEE: The South London Theatre hosts a sociable SLT Wardrobe Sewing Bee at its Old Fire Station venue in West Norwood. Volunteers of all skill levels are invited to help maintain the theatre's extensive costume collection by carrying out running repairs, with a focus on hand-sewing projects. Note that while learners are welcome, you must be an SLT member to participate in the session. 10am-12pm

SPRING PLANT FAIR: Browse and buy garden plants from expert growers hailing from all over the country at the Garden Museum's Spring Plant Fair. Great Dixter Nursery in East Sussex and Beth Chatto Garden in Essex are among the organisations taking part, with a programme of talks and workshops happening throughout the day. 19 April 2026

OPEN GARDENS: Highgate’s OmVed Gardens hosts an Open Gardens Fundraiser for the North London Hospice as part of the Good to Grow week. Visitors can explore the regenerative kitchen gardens and meadow at their own pace or join a guided tour with the gardening team, plus chai, cake and a raffle. 11am

ROMAN LONDON: Qualified City of London Guides lead a two-hour Roman London Guided Walk starting from the City Information Centre. The tour reveals the ancient city of Londinium hidden beneath modern streets, featuring a visit to a Roman bathhouse garden, the temple to Mithras and the 1,800-year-old original City wall.  11am

YARD SALE: The Museum of the Home in Hoxton returns with its much-loved Yard Sale, transforming the Grade I-listed site into a bustling market of unique treasures. Browse an eclectic mix of homewares, studio clear-out bargains and one-of-a-kind designs from local makers including KCHossack Pottery and Laura von Behr Vintage. 11am-4pm

ST GEORGE'S DAY: Trafalgar Square hosts the Mayor of London’s free, family-friendly St George's Day festival celebrating English culture and heritage. The vibrant afternoon features a main stage with live music and dance, alongside creative workshops, crafts and a variety of street food stalls. FREE, 12pm-6pm

Celebrate St George's Day in Trafalgar Square. Photo: GLA

BLACK IS… BLACK AIN'T: The Horse Hospital in Bloomsbury hosts a screening of Marlon Riggs' final film, Black Is… Black Ain't, as part of its underground queer cinema series. The feature explores the rich diversity of Black identities through a mix of personal testimony and commentary from figures like Angela Davis, preceded by anarchic short films from video artist Tom Rubnitz. 1pm-4pm

NICOLA BENEDETTI PLAYS ELGAR: Superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the Philharmonia at the Royal Festival Hall for a performance of Elgar's tempestuous and tender Violin Concerto. Conducted by Cristian Măcelaru, the programme also features Debussy's La Mer and the suite from Cécile Chaminade’s 1888 ballet Callirhoë. A free insights talk with Benedetti takes place in the Clore Ballroom following the main concert. 3pm

A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS: Lawrence Academy stages A Night at the Musicals at the Millfield Theatre in Edmonton. The showcase features students performing iconic songs and scenes from West End favourites including Les Misérables, The Lion King and Sister Act. It's a high-energy journey through musical theatre history that highlights the talent of the academy's young performers. 4pm-6pm

ALBUM RELEASE PARTY: Camden’s legendary independent venue the Fiddler's Elbow hosts a high-energy night of live music to celebrate the launch of As It Ever Was. The InSect headline the evening, supported by Social Youth Cult and Blinded By Passion, for a showcase of the local independent scene. 7pm-11pm

TONY ANN: Canadian pianist and composer Tony Ann brings his viral contemporary piano music to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for a one-off concert. Known for blending classical precision with modern emotion, the JUNO Award nominee has amassed over a billion views online and recently featured on Lang Lang's latest album. Support for the evening comes from Van Toan and Louisiana Bloom. 7.30pm

Peter Blake's west London studio will be recreated at nearby Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery

Peter Blake — the artist who'll forever be best-known for masterminding the cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band*— may be 93 years old, but he's still hard at work in his west London studio.

It's off-limits to the public, but from later this year, there'll be a chance to have a nose around, thanks to a recreation of Blake's Hammersmith studio, inside Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery in Ealing.

Some of the works on display will reference William Hogarth, who had a studio not far from where Peter Blake's is, and whose works hang in Pitzhanger's permanent collection.

The facsimile studio forms the centrepiece of Peter Blake: In the Studio (running 25 November 2026-4 April 2027), an exhibition spanning seven decades of the Pop Artist's paintings, sculptures, collages, album covers and works on paper — and revealing his deep fascination with popular culture and British and American cultural life.

Some of the pieces will relate to Blake's connection to the local area, for instance, collages inspired by (and referencing) works by the 18th century Chiswick-based satirist, William Hogarth. There will also be references to the Ealing Club (where The Rolling Stones and The Who played early gigs) and the world renowned Ealing Studios.

Blake's recreated studio will allow unprecedented insight into the artist's creative environment, and feature aspects of the eclectic memorabilia he collects (the 2015 Tate video above gives you an idea of what you might encounter).

Another living Pop Artist, David Hockney has a free show on at the Serpentine right now, and will take over Tate Modern's Turbine Hall in 2027.

Peter Blake: In the Studio, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, 25 November 2026-4 April 2027. Entry included with general ticket.

*Which he did alongside his then-wife Jann Howarth.

They don't make 'em like they used to. Image: London Transport Museum

Dream of travelling to a bygone London? This May you can do just that, thanks to a series of heritage rides on a 1938 Tube train.

The burgundy-hued art deco style stock — consisting of four carriages, and replete with wooden frames windows, sleek light fittings, and a sumptuous red and green cut and loop wool moquette — is running on sections of the Piccadilly line across the early May bank holiday.

The journeys take place between Northfields and the Heathrow Loop (Saturday 2 May 2026), Cockfosters to Northfields (Sunday 3 and Monday 4 May 2026) and Northfields to Cockfosters (also Sunday 3 and Monday 4 May 2026). There are multiple trips on each day, each with a time slot.

The stock has been lovingly restored. Image: London Transport Museum

Though you can't reserve individual seats, carriages are divvied into 'Gold', 'Silver' and 'Bronze'. (Fitting, if coincidental, given that early London Underground trains were indeed split into classes.)

In all, over 1,100 of these 1938 cars were built — with some still in use in London up until 1988. A handful were recycled on the Isle of Wight's Island Line, but in 2020 these were replaced with 'new' (aka 1980s) London Underground stock.

Nowadays, you can admire these beauts in museums and depots, but you get a chance to ride them a few times a year.

As usual spaces are going fast. Image: London Transport Museum

Unfortunately these heritage rides are very much NOT at 1938 prices: adult tickets start at £25, going up to £30, though there are concession rates for kids. As usual spaces are going fast.

If you're looking for a thriftier heritage Tube experience, you can always hop on the Bakerloo line, the stock of which which is way over half a century old.

Heritage Tube rides, 2-4 May 2026.

Free things to do in London this week.

Unseen Winnie the Pooh sketches go on display.

See inside a rather special Map Room

The Royal Geographical Society opens the Map Room in its Kensington HQ for a special talk from artist Hormazd Narielwalla, and the Society's Cartographic Collections Manager, Dr Katherine Parker. Hear them discuss the artworks and artefacts kept in the room, and their historical and creative significance.

13 April.

Bag yourself a free ice cream

The annual Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day takes place on Tuesday 14 April, when you can get free, unlimited(!) ice cream from the Soho store (74 Wardour Street). Simply turn up during opening hours (1pm-10pm) and join the queue to claim a free scoop of ice cream in a flavour of your choice. Still got room for another scoop after that? Join the queue again to try a different flavour — there's no limit to the number of times you can do that (though expect fairly long queues).

14 April.

Celebrate Earth Day at Somerset House

Earth Day — an annual, international event promoting the protection of our environment — falls on 22 April, but Somerset House marks the occasion this week, with an Earth Day Weekender.

Some (though not all) of the events on the programme are free, including a chance to see the creative climate-focused work taking place within the Somerset House resident community; and a drop-in screen-printing workshop using compost specially made on site.

It's also a chance to get a last look at the Serpentine Currents sculpture on display in the courtyard. It's shaped like a sea snake and displays ocean data from the British coastline on its LED surface.

16-18 April.

See the latest free display at the British Museum

Allegory on Life and Death, Joris Hoefnagel and Jacob Hoefnagel, 1598 © The Trustees of the British Museum

Head to Room 90 in the British Museum from Thursday this week to view free display, Early Netherlandish drawings, which celebrates the time when Netherlandish drawings became an art form in their own right, one which is now rare.

See 110 works by renowned artists in Rogier van der Weyden, Lucas van Leyden, Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Hendrick Goltzius, as well as workshops copies which give an insight into the working practices of early Netherlandish artists in the running of their studios and the training of their pupils.

16 April-20 September.

See an exhibition on Yorùbá spirituality

British-Nigerian artist Angie Aniwura and British painter Lucy SM Johnston have collaborated to create the exhibition Iya Beji: Mother of Twins. Six artworks reflect Aniwura's exploration of Yorùbá spirituality, following experiences with a hysterectomy, followed by breast cancer. Call in at Unit G19, The Sidings at Waterloo station.

17-21 April.

View unseen Winnie the Pooh sketches

Rare books specialist Peter Harrington holds an exhibition of Winnie the Pooh sketches in its Mayfair gallery.

Where It All Began marks the centenary of the publication of the beloved children's book, showcasing previously unseen preliminary sketches by E. H. Shepard, which have been revealed by the Shepard family for the first time. The early sketches reveal scenes from the original 1926 book that were never developed into finished illustrations, and are presented alongside other notable Pooh material and collectable children's books.

17-27 April.

Explore London's huge new museum

One of our cultural highlights of 2026 is the new V&A East, which opens its doors this Saturday. What'll be the largest V&A outpost is located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with a focus on multiculturalism. Two free and permanent 'Why we make' galleries will offer up examples of creativity "from a range of countries, cultures and times". Temporary exhibitions will also feature, starting with The Music is Black: A British Story. Entry is free, with a charge for special exhibitions — although it's likely to be very busy for the first few weeks.

The V&A East is not to be confused with the V&A East Storehouse and its David Bowie Centre, both also free and located nearby.

From 18 April.

The V&A East opens on 18 April. © Hufton+Crow

Watch a pack of stylish cyclists sauntering through town

Style meets cycling as the Tweed Run meanders through London's streets and parks on Saturday, with cyclists competing in categories including best-dressed individuals, finest moustaches and most elegantly adorned bicycles. Stops for tea, a picnic and a celebratory cocktail are built into the schedule. How sophisticated.

There's a charge to take part in the 12-mile route, but spectating is free. Location details will be published on the Tweed Run website on the day. Worth getting dressed up for, we reckon.

18 April.

Get to know the sounds of Hounslow

Watermans Art Centre hosts Sounds of Hounslow — Transit Tonalities in Situ, a free exhibition of voices, memories, personal histories and shared experiences of the local area. Hear everything from air traffic from nearby Heathrow, to the local resident parakeets at this one-day event, which invites you to pause and consider familiar sounds in new ways.

18 April.

Celebrate Vaisakhi in Trafalgar Square

Vaisakhi — the Sikh and Punjabi cultural festival — takes place on 14 April this year, but London's main celebration returns to Trafalgar Square this weekend. The free festival features live entertainment and performances, martial arts demonstrations, a showcase of Sikh art, plus food and drink stalls.

18 April.

...then return the following day for St George's celebrations

23 April is St George's Day, a celebration of the patron saint of England (plus Catalonia, Ethiopia and various other regions). London's free St George's Day Festival takes place in Trafalgar Square a couple of days before (19 April 2026), with live music and performers, family activities and refreshments.

19 April.

And in the latest £5 pint news...

The £5 London pint is fast vanishing (especially the more central you are) but it can still be found. Long Arm Brewery & Tap Room in Shoreditch serves a range of lagers, hazy IPAs, stouts and more for just a fiver a pint. What's more, you don't have to wait for happy hour: those prices are baked in for whichever time of the day or evening you call in — seven days a week.

Rooftop Cinema Club (formerly Rooftop Film Club) is back in Peckham for summer 2026

It wouldn't be summer in London without a flood of pop-up outdoor cinemas and rooftop film screenings. Whether you're hankering for classic flicks or the newest releases, check out where you can get your al fresco film fix in summer 2026.

Rooftop Cinema Club (formerly Rooftop Film Club) London: Peckham and Stratford

King of the summer cinema scene, Rooftop Film Club has had a rebrand for 2026, to become Rooftop Cinema Club. What hasn't changed is its remit to bring movie screenings to rooftops in Peckham (Bussey Building) and Stratford (Roof East).

RCC's winning formula involves mixing classics and perennial favourites (The Notebook, 10 Things I Hate About You, Pulp Fiction) with new releases (Wicked: For Good, Rental Family). Interstellar is screened to coincide with the rare Blue Moon on 31 May. Additionally, TV Watch Parties take place monthly, beginning with a Gossip Girl binge sesh in May, where three high-drama episodes are shown back to back. Take your place on the Met steps for that one...

There are well-stocked bars and carefully-selected food vendors (pizza plus a decent cocktail and beer menu in Peckham, and a selection of traders at Roof East in Stratford).

Both venues offer an LED screen, so films can be shown during the day as well as at sundown. This means more family-friendly daytime screenings at weekends and during school holidays. Both venues have a limited number of wheelchair spaces available, so make sure you book yours in advance if you need one.

Rooftop Cinema Club 2026. From 30 April at Bussey Building (Peckham) and 7 May at Roof East (Stratford). Schedules and tickets are released around a month at a time.

The open air picturehouse at Eltham Park South

New venture The Open Air Picture House makes its debut at the Eltham Park South Cafe with a family-friendly screening of Mrs Doubtfire on the Saturday of the early May bank holiday weekend. Food and drink will be available to buy on site, and the film is shown on a huge screen in the park.

The Open Air Picture House at Eltham Park South Cafe, 2 May 2026.

Adventure Cinema 2026: Kew Gardens

Sing along at an open-air Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza at Kew Gardens this summer

Touring outdoor movie screen Adventure Cinema rattles around the UK at a whiplash-inducing rate, swinging through more than 50 locations from Perth to Plymouth and, happily for Londoners, making a midsummer pitstop at Kew Gardens.

It's a fairly standard outdoor cinema set-up — bring your own picnic chair or blanket (unless you've splashed out for premium tickets) to watch classic films in verdant surroundings. The Kew programme includes the following films:

• Wicked For Good
• Dirty Dancing
• Encanto Sing-A-Long
• Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza (with an ABBA disco and fancy dress)
• The Gruffalo/Stick Man (kid-friendly animation double bill)
• Pride & Prejudice (2005 film starring Keira Knightley)
• Jurassic Park

Hot food and snacks and a bar are available on site, though picnics are also welcome.

Adventure Cinema 2026. UK tour begins in May, but it comes to Kew Gardens 18-21 June 2026.

Lower Marsh Lates, Waterloo

Lower Marsh closes to traffic for free film screenings this summer

Sing along to beloved musical films at open-air screenings while Lower Marsh in Waterloo is closed to traffic. Lower Marsh Lates usually take place on a few dates across the summer, but only one has been announced so far: Cool Runnings on 25 June.

Local businesses offer food and drink deals throughout the evening, and the screening is free entry (you'll want to get down there in plenty of time to grab yourself a deckchair). Keep an eye on the We Are Waterloo website for other screenings when they're announced.

Lower Marsh Lates, FREE, 25 June 2026

Vauxhall Summer Screens 2026 at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

For the 13th year, pop-up outdoor cinema Summer Screen comes to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, showing four films across four Tuesday evenings. The screenings are free (though donations are welcome) with food vendors and bars popping up on site. Otherwise, pack a picnic and blanket to watch Zootropolis (7 July), Cool Runnings (14 July), Clueless (21 July) and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (28 July).

Vauxhall Summer Screens 2026, 7-28 July 2026

The below events happened in London last summer. We're very much hoping they'll be back for summer 2026, and will update this page as soon as we know more.

Summer Screens at Canary Wharf

Films were shown around the sporting fixtures schedule in Canary Wharf in 2025 - here's hoping for the same in 2026

Sports fixtures such as Wimbledon are shown at Summer Screens in Canary Wharf, along with a selection of films, all free to watch. The large screen pops up in Canada Square Park, with deckchairs and floor space available on a first come, first served basis. Keep an eye on the website for the 2026 schedule when announced.

Summer Screens at Canary Wharf. Free.

Summer by the River

There's more than just cinema on the programme at Summer by the River

Annual open-air festival Summer By The River usually plays out at London Bridge City (the stretch of South Bank between London Bridge and Tower Bridge). Among the many entertainment options are occasional free film screenings, predominantly (but not entirely) with a family-friendly angle (think Mufasa: The Lion King, Paddington in Peru, Despicable Me 4, Wicked Singalong, Moana 2, Ghostbusters).

Last year was free entry on a first-come, first-served basis, with pop-up bars and food stalls nearby.

Summer by the River.

Free film screenings at BST Hyde Park Open House

Cinema in the sunshine... lovely! Photo: Becan Rickard-Elliott

BST Hyde Park is a huge music festival with some serious impressive headliners, taking place across three weekends in June and July. But in the weekdays between the concerts, the festival site opens to everyone, whether you have a concert ticket or not, for free events and activities.

BST Open House usually includes daily outdoor cinema screenings, as well as Wimbledon matches. Last year saw: The Garfield Movie, Thelma, The Goonies, Wicked Singalong, The Fall Guy, Fly Me To The Moon, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and Dune Part Two. Street food stalls and pop-up bars open throughout, and seating is on the grass, on a first come, first served basis.

BST Hyde Park Open House, selected dates.

Everyman on the Canal, King's Cross

The steps alongside the canal at Granary Square are home to Everyman on the Canal, an open-air cinema screen offering free screenings of popular and cult classic films. Yinka Ilori MBE was involved in designing 2025's screen.

Everyman on the Canal. Free.

Barbican Outdoor Cinema

Over 11 nights in 2025, Barbican screened films in its open air Sculpture Court, surrounded by the estate's Brutalist architecture, with food stalls and bars popping up alongside. Think more cult classics than new releases (Dune, Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr Fox, early Studio Ghibli work Grave of the Fireflies, and Babymother, widely considered to be the first Black British musical).

Barbican Outdoor Cinema.

Also look out for...

The following venues have hosted outdoor cinemas in previous years. Nothing announced yet, but keep an eye on their websites. We'll add more details to this article when we get them:

• Merchant Square in Paddington (usually offers free weekly screenings through the summer)
• Lyric Square Hammersmith (free film screenings as part of the Summer Festival)

Trackside Transformation: The Evolution of British Mainline Stations 1923-1947 is a new book that digs into the station architecture of the 'Big Four' — Great Western Railway, London Midland and Scottish Railway, London and North Eastern Railway, and Southern Railway — between the 1920s-40s.

Here, author Daniel Wright heads south to discover the gorgeous interwar stations built apart from those on the London Underground.

Tolworth station (1939). Image: Philip Butler

When speaking of railway stations in London from the 1920s and 1930s, most would no doubt think of the remarkable work of Charles Holden for the Underground.

Revered in period, and celebrated ever since, his estate of stations from 1923-1947 revolutionised the approach to modern architecture in Britain and left an enduring legacy on the capital's streets.

However, the Underground wasn't the only company building striking stations in London at the time. South of the Thames one of the four national railway firms was designing its own take on the modern British railway station.

Bromley North station (1925-6). Image: Philip Butler

Between the two World Wars, railway commuting in London boomed. The creation of new lines and the rebuilding existing stations to meet the demand occurred at a dizzying pace. Development north of the Thames was the domain of the Underground and Metropolitan railways, but south of the river, it was the Southern Railway which operated and expanded a dense network of mainline commuter routes.

Byfleet & New Haw station (1927). Image: Philip Butler

One of the 'Big Four' railway companies created in 1923 by government legislation, the Southern was responsible for all the mainline rail routes operating from the capital out to the south coast, from Kent to Devon. However, it was also building a significant commuter business for itself in London's suburbs by electrifying its lines to introduce faster and more frequent services, replicating the Underground's service offer, but on the surface. That meant bigger and better stations where existing buildings couldn't cope with increasing passenger numbers.

Surbiton station (1937). Image: Philip Butler

At first, these new stations were designed in a polite neo-classical style, like the charming survivor at Bromley North (1926). This wasn't to last, and within a few years the Southern was being influenced by the same international design trends as the Underground, with its chief architect James Robb Scott designing a collection of modernist/art deco mainline stations in south London. Though much less well known now than those of the Underground, they nevertheless have a lot to offer and when newly built rivalled their Underground cousins in the design and architecture stakes.

Wimbledon station (1929). Image: Philip Butler

The most famous is undoubtedly Surbiton (1937) with its lofty booking hall restored and lit by bronze uplighters, as well as other surviving features like its dramatic clock tower. Recent restoration work at Richmond (also 1937) makes the case for that station too, with stylish 1930s glass signage uncovered and restored, complemented by replica art deco light fittings and an original sign returned from the London Transport Museum in the booking hall.

Chessington North station (1939). Image: Philip Butler

While these two are undeniably celebrated examples of Southern's work, it was the vast number of lesser-known examples built, and the fact that no comprehensive book on the subject existed, that led photographer Philip Butler and myself to create their book Trackside Transformation – The Evolution of British Mainline Stations 1923-1947.

Waddon station ticket hall (1937). Image: Philip Butler

Perhaps one reason Scott's mainline stations are less famous than Holden's Tube stations is that the Big Four's bosses simply weren't as interested in architecture and architects as Underground CEO Frank Pick was. While Pick was promoting his marvellous new stations, the Southern focussed more on publicising the services it offered.

Carshalton Beeches station (1925). Image: Philip Butler

That lesser interest was compounded by nationalisation of the mainline railways in 1948, privatisation in the 1990s which saw stations passing between short-lived franchises, and now re-nationalisation, meaning that their value and 'brand' hasn't always been recognised by their various owners, and maintenance has been inconsistent. Many original features have been lost over the years, more so than at the inter-war Tube stations.
One of the Southern's very first Streamline stations, Wimbledon Chase (1929), has been allowed to deteriorate so much that there are plans to demolish and replace it with a block of flats. Built on the Southern's brand new Wimbledon-Sutton line, which saw off attempts to extend the District and Northern lines to Sutton, its architecture was a clear response to the challenge posed by the more limited Northern line extension to nearby Morden, which included stations by Holden. For now, it is — just — possible to appreciate Wimbledon Chase's mould-breaking concave frontage and the 1920s tiling inside.

Richmond station (1937). Image: Philip Butler

Nevertheless, there are plenty of surviving Southern Railway stations in London's southern suburbs that still possess much kerb appeal, with period features there for those with a keen eye. While completing the project, Philip found himself particularly taken by a later batch of four stations on the Chessington branch line, completed between 1938 and 1939. Each one has a streamlined art deco station building, and the platforms are sheltered by dramatic curved canopies. Unique on the mainline railway network, they were originally lit by rows of circular glass lenses. The lenses are still there but painted over awaiting restoration to their original art deco glory.

Tolworth station (1939). Image: Philip Butler

I, meanwhile, have a soft spot for Waddon (1937). Beneath garish commercial signage is a striking Modernist building which can hold its own against any inter-war Tube station. Little-noticed today, it is a hidden gem of the sort that Trackside Transformation aims to bring to a new audience. Trackside Transformation profiles over 100 stations built or rebuilt by the Big Four nationwide which survive, often unrecognised, to this day. Philip's photographs capture the characters of the range of the stations, from cottage-like stations in suburban and rural locations to art deco giants in city centres, while my pen portraits add historical context.

Trackside Transformation: The Evolution of British Mainline Stations 1923-1947, by Daniel Wright and Philip Butler, published by Art Deco Magpie Publishing.

What's going on at Elephant and Castle? The south London district — once known as the 'Piccadilly Circus of south London' — underwent dramatic development following heavy bombing during the Second World War, and now it's morphing in major ways once more. Here's the lowdown.

Why is so much redevelopment going on at Elephant and Castle?

Elephant and Castle is barely recognisable from a few years ago. So what's changed? Image: TfL

It's fair to say Elephant and Castle has been under-appreciated in recent decades; not exactly gone to seed, but certainly not looked after as well as it could have been. But here's the thing: it's in a prime spot — easy walking/busing distance to central London/London Bridge, and incredibly well connected, on two Tube lines and National Rail.

In 2004, Elephant and Castle was identified in the Mayor's London Plan as an Opportunity Area (OA) — a key location for potential growth — and earmarked for major redevelopment. Over 20 years and £4bn later, big changes have occurred, with more just around the corner.

What's been demolished at Elephant and Castle?

Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre was demolished in 2021. Image: Matt Brown/Londonist

🐘 Elephant and Castle roundabout — the area's much-hated/altogether hairy interchange — was turned into a traffic light controlled junction in 2010. Pedestrian subways beneath it were filled in.

🐘 The Heygate Estate — a 1970s brutalist estate that housed 3,000 people, and was famous for appearing in the Michael Caine film Harry Brown — was demolished in stages between 2011 and 2014.

🐘  Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre —  the 1960s mall, which housed some excellent Colombian restaurants and bars, but became something of a 'Marmite' landmark in later years — was demolished in 2021.

🐘 The Artworks — a compact community of prefab pop-ups — existed from 2014-2017, replaced by a section of Elephant Park (see later on).

🐘 UAL's London College of Communication, which stands across from the Northern line Underground entrance, next to the Metropolitan Tabernacle Baptist Church, is set for demolition as part of the 'West Site' redevelopment, although at time of writing, it's still intact.

🐘 Mercato Metropolitano — the semi-bohemian assemblage of food stalls/bars on Newington Causeway — will be demolished to make way for 900 Berkeley Homes, but remains open until the end of 2026. Until then, the wheat beers at German Kraft are still flowing.

What's being built in Elephant and Castle?

The Elephant — a hub of residential and retail — is expected to open later in 2026. Image: The Elephant

🐘 Elephant Central (Phase 1 of the regeneration plan) incorporates 374 homes and 278 student homes on New Kent Road. Owned and operated by Get Living, it's been up and running since 2017. It's also home to a few restaurants, including one of our faves, Murger Han.

🐘 Elephant Central overlooks Castle Square, home to a handful of independent traders, and a weekend market. It's also now where you'll now find the iconic pink elephant that once stood above the entrance of the shopping centre.

🐘 One The Elephant and the Castle Centre, a leisure centre for the area, opened back in 2016, across the road from where the shopping centre stood.

Urban Elephant festival taking place in Castle Square. Image: Castle Square

🐘  Much of the former Heygate Estate has been supplanted with Elephant Park, incorporating 3,000 new homes and 50 retail outlets — plus restaurants, cafes and a public park (which even has its own summertime play fountains).

🐘 Billed as a 'brand new town centre' for Elephant and Castle, The Elephant (Phase 2 of the regeneration plan) is going up in place of the demolished shopping centre. It'll comprise 485 new rental homes, and a slew of retail/restaurants including Latin food market DistriAndina, M&S, Blank Street Coffee and health cafe Jungle Berry, plus a cinema. It's touted to open late 2026. Its name is a nod to the affectionate pseudonym the area's garnered over the years.

🐘  UAL's London College of Communication site will be turned into 507 homes, and almost the same again in student accommodation. That'll be Phase 3, the final phase of the area's major redevelopment. The London College of Communication itself will move into The Elephant, a site that will also showcase public exhibitions.

What's happening at Elephant and Castle Tube station?

Elephant and Castle Underground station will have a new entrance by late 2027. Image: TfL

For many years, Elephant and Castle Tube station has struggled along, with passengers having to use antiquated lifts (or otherwise the stairs) to access its Northern and Bakerloo line platforms. TfL reckons that, without intervention, by 2031, some 2,000 passengers would be overflowing out of the station at peak time.

Something IS being done. A brand new ticket hall entrance is being built for the Northern line, with new escalators, lifts and passenger tunnels. These will be folded into The Elephant development. Works are expected to be completed in late 2027.

The station has been 'safeguarded' for a Bakerloo line extension, hoped to happen at some point. If and when that happens, the Bakerloo line would also be accessible via a new ticket hall. You can swot up plenty more on all that here.

Is there anything left of the old Elephant and Castle?

Leslie Green's Bakerloo line Tube station is staying put. Image: Londonist

It's fair to say that someone returning to Elephant and Castle for the first time in six or seven years might fail to recognise much of it. However, some landmarks cling on:

🐘 The 1906 Bakerloo line building, designed by Leslie Green, remains, and will continue to operate with lifts only for the foreseeable future.

🐘 The arches beneath the rail lines running alongside Elephant Road are not going anywhere, and still house some great Colombian restaurants, should you be seeking some old-school Elephant action.

Image: Matt Brown

🐘 The stainless steel cube that is simultaneously a Michael Faraday memorial/Aphex Twin rumour/electrical substation is staying put. Although whether you classify that as the 'old' Elephant and Castle is up to you.

🐘 And, of course, the fabled pink elephant still stands proud. Find it round the back, in the modern Castle Square.

This feature first appeared in April 2025 on Londonist: Time Machine, our much-praised history newsletter. To be the first to read new history features like this, sign up for free here.

Image: Matt Brown

I was sucked in by the wicker work.

This gravestone, in Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke Newington, is not like the others. It stands in isolation, protruding from a wicker basket. Why?

Closer inspection reveals all. This is the grave of somebody who spent a good deal of time in baskets. A famous balloonist. Or, rather, a balloonist who had been famous. Margaret Graham was once a household name, but who now remembers this aeronautical pioneer?

Image: Matt Brown

IN MEMORIAM
MARGARET GRAHAM
1804-1864
CELEBRATED AERONAUT
-AND-
FIRST BRITISH WOMAN
TO FLY SOLO
IN 1826
BURIED NEARBY
WIFE OF AERONAUT AND CHEMIST
GEORGE GRAHAM 1784-1867

I was intrigued. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by such a headstone? The first British woman to fly solo? Why had I never heard of her?

In fact, I had heard of her. A while back, I wrote a feature about Rosine Simonet, the brave 14-year-old who became the first woman (well, girl) ever to fly in England, as a passenger in a balloon launch from Barbican in 1785. Margaret Graham was a footnote in that story. I’d forgotten all about her until I stumbled across this gravestone.

Margaret Graham, I’ve since learned, was a remarkable woman. Not only was she the first woman to pilot a balloon in Britain, but she did so in her early 20s. She played an equal role with her husband in managing their balloon flights, and she even engaged in what we’d now call PR, spinning her aerial adventures to an eager press.

This is her story…

Alone over Islington

Mark the date: 28 June 1826. This would be the occasion on which a woman first flew alone through the skies of London. It was not the most reassuring of days to make a solo flight. Thunderstorms had troubled the  region, and the wind remained blustery. No balloonist would take off in these conditions today.

Margaret Graham, however, was a plucky 22-year-old with no fear. She’d made several balloon flights by this point, accompanying her husband George in a hydrogen balloon. A lovely sketch of the couple can be viewed here, though I’m unable to ascertain the copyright status.

The pair had narrowly cheated death a few months earlier, when they’d ditched their craft in the English Channel near Plymouth. Undeterred, Margaret was back for more. Adverts were placed in the press, to attract a paying audience to White Conduit Gardens, close to present-day Chapel Market in Islington. This was never intended to be a solo flight. Graham was to be accompanied by Miss Jane Stocks. Aged around 20, Stocks was also a veteran of several balloon flights, including one in 1824 in which the pilot was killed during a crash landing.

From the Morning Herald, 27 June 1826, via the British Newspaper Archive

The present balloon ascent was being sold on its novelty: this would be the first time that an all-female crew had flown from British soil. We might draw comparisons with the recent all-woman spaceflight of Katy Perry et al. However, Margaret Graham would need to use considerable skill to pilot her hydrogen balloon, whereas the millionaire space-hoppers were simply passengers.

As it happened, Miss Stocks turned up 20 minutes late to the gathering. She’d supposedly lost track of the time while taking tea with friends. By now, the balloon had been sitting around full of hydrogen for longer than anticipated. The brisk wind had caused it to oscillate, and lose its expensive gas. The diminished balloon could now only carry the weight of one occupant, and the tardy Miss Stocks was dismissed.

And so it was that Margaret Graham ascended into the heavens alone, with a strong south-westerly wind to carry her over Islington.

We should note at this point that Graham was not the first lady to fly solo. That honour goes to Jeanne Labrosse, who achieved the feat in France as early as 1799 (coupled with the first parachute landing by a woman). Nor was she the first woman to fly in Britain. As we’ve seen, that honour went to the 14-year-old Rosine Simonet, who took to the skies over the Barbican in the company of Jean-Pierre Blanchard in 1785.

Graham was, however, the first woman to fly over British soil without company. This also made her Britain’s first female pilot, more than 80 years before Hilda Hewlett became the first woman to gain a pilot’s licence (for aeroplanes).

As flights go, it was a mere hop. You might walk it in an hour. Yet it was filled with incident right from the take-off. Graham’s under-inflated balloon struggled to clear the adjacent trees. She had to drop much of her ballast to avoid snagging. And this was only the beginning of her problems, as she later told the press:

“The car became entangled with the coping of a house, but, by pushing my foot against it, it was disengaged, and I then passed down a street, the car being as low as the second floor windows, and the monstrous machine, swaying from one side of the way to the other. I now anticipated immediate death.”

The embattled pilot threw out all her remaining ballast and eventually lifted above the rooftops. The wind carried her north-eastwards, over Liverpool Road and Upper Street, after which she tracked north-eastwards alongside what is now Essex Road (then Lower Street). All the while, her husband followed behind in a horse and cart. Here’s a period map (Greenwood, 1828) which I’ve annotated to show the route:

Click or tap for larger version. The route east of Islington church is speculative

I can’t be sure, but I suspect the street Graham describes travelling along was Richard Street, now Ritchie Street, immediately east of the gardens. It lines up with the reported trajectory.

After clearing the early streets, Graham passed alongside Islington Church (St Mary’s). Here, a crowd of people had ascended the spire to get a prime view. “[They] hailed me as I passed,” Graham tells us, “many attempting to shake me by the hand”. Rather wonderfully, it’s possible to climb the spire today, courtesy of tours put on by Islington Guided Walks. This is the view you get:

View from the steeple of St Mary’s Islington. I was 197 years too late to shake Margaret Graham’s hand. Image: Matt Brown

Graham describes the “delightful” view, which included St Paul’s and every other church spire in the City. Sadly, that’s been lost to us from this vantage, as a wall of skyscrapers overwhelms the old Wren skyline.

After passing Islington church, Graham crossed the New River, where a “great number of persons… huzzaed”. She travelled about a mile up Essex Road towards Newington Green, where she made a premature landing:

“When I got near Mr. Barr's nursery [shown on the map above], a gust of wind passed over the top of the balloon, which caused it instantly to descend, and in a very short time I touched the earth, falling amongst some beans in a garden. The balloon immediately ascended again, and passed through a tree, and descended in an adjoining field, when, to my delight, the first person that caught hold of the car was my husband.”

And so the very first solo flight by a woman in Britain concluded. This was not to be the end of the peril, however. Mr Graham subsequently got into dispute with a group of bricklayers, who’d offered to convey the balloon to the nearby Green Man pub in exchange for beer. It seems that the labourers damaged both the balloon and the pub when they didn’t get as much beer as they’d expected. The Green Man’s landlord then took Mr Graham to court over liabilities. It would not be the last time that the Grahams would find themselves in legal difficulties.

The ups and downs of an aeronaut

Margaret Graham would go on to make hundreds of further ascents. Flying became a career, at a time when few women had such a thing. Among many successes, she made the first female balloon ascent at night, rising by moonlight from Vauxhall Gardens in 1850. Remarkably, the Grahams found time to have at least 10 children, most of whom lived into adulthood. The family dwelt at various addresses across London, including Poland Street in Soho, Newington in Walworth, King Street in St James’s and Eastcheap in the City.

Ballooning was a hazardous enterprise, and Graham came close to death on many occasions. In 1836, for example, she was seriously injured after falling from the basket near Doddinghurst in Essex. The aeronaut estimated her drop at 1,000 feet. That’s over 300 metres, or a similar height to the Shard, and seems unlikely. She was left insensible for two weeks, but somehow made a full recovery. The following year she was once again thrown from the basket, along with her husband, after colliding with Reigate suspension bridge. The pair fell 50 feet (15 metres) but landed on a sloping bank and escaped serious injury. Then, in 1850, she came close to immolation after a naked flame ignited the balloon’s gas supply shortly after a landing near Edmonton. Graham escaped with only minor burns (pencil sketch here).

1851 found Mrs Graham making a number of ascents with her husband around the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. On one occasion, her balloon careered into the Crystal Palace, snapping flag poles. The incident could have been far more serious. The balloon’s grappling hooks came dangerously close to snagging the building’s frame, which may well have caused a collapse. Thousands of people were inside the glass structure at the time. In a parallel universe somewhere, the Great Crystal Palace Ballooning Catastrophe of 1851 is a tragic landmark in national history.

Graham might have survived her various scrapes, but her balloon escapades would prove fatal for at least one other person. On 28 June 1838, Graham and a Captain Currie ascended from Green Park, as part of the celebrations marking Queen Victoria’s Coronation. While hovering over Mayfair, a sudden gust caused the balloon to descend rapidly. It crashed down on a house in Marylebone Lane near Wigmore Street. Graham and Currie were unhurt, but falling debris struck a man called John Fley (age 26) on the head. He later died from his injuries.

Graham’s final flights came in 1854. She then seems to have fallen into some legal difficulties and, eventually, poverty. Having survived so many high-profile scrapes, she slowly deflated into obscurity. Her pauper’s burial in 1864 was in an unmarked grave in Stoke Newington, a short walk from the landing point of her first solo flight. And there she lay for 150 years, one of the country’s most celebrated aeronauts, almost entirely forgotten.

No longer. In 2022, the new headstone was unveiled close to the site of Graham’s previously unmarked grave. It came after a successful campaign by the Abney Park Trust and author Sharon Wright, who’d researched the story for her book The Lost History of the Lady Aeronauts. “It’s taken 158 years to get Mrs Graham a gravestone, said Wright at the time, “but it’s never too late to celebrate women who make history”. May Margaret Graham ascend once more into the the starry firmament of great Londoners.

To find Margaret Graham’s grave, visit Abney Park cemetery in Stoke Newington, and consult the information boards at either entrance. The cemetery contains many other notable graves worth seeking out, with full information given on-site.

Warning: This article contains images of nudity.

The World Naked Bike Ride is back on London's streets for 2026!

The World Naked Bike Ride returns to London for 2026, meaning hundreds of nude cyclists will be out and about on two wheels one Sunday in June.

The event takes place in more than 200 cities around the world, and has been a London fixture since 2004. While it's all good fun, the World Naked Bike Ride has a serious message too, acting as a memorable but peaceful message with the following aims:

• Protest against the global dependency on oil
• Curb car culture
• Obtain real rights for cyclists
• Demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on city streets
• Celebrate body freedom

The key word here is "peaceful" — organisers are at pains to ask everyone taking part to behave legally and respectfully.

When is the London nude bike ride 2026?

Cycle through central London without your clothes

The World Naked Bike Ride 2026 takes place in London on Sunday 14 June. That's a big change this year: For the first time, the event is taking place on a Sunday instead of a Saturday. Organisers said:

In recent years, the Saturday has become increasingly busy with more traffic, events, road closures, road works, diversions, crane operations, crowds, protests, counter-protests, police lockdowns, and, of course, the Trooping of the Colour. In 2024 we had to rearrange almost everything to avoid the clashes and closures. In 2025 we managed to stick to the plan, but it was hard work

Can anyone take part in the London Naked Bike Ride 2026?

The nude bike ride passes London's famous sights

Yes, anyone's welcome, as long as you are physically capable of cycling the route, you behave respectfully, and are willing to get at least a little bit naked.

'Be as bare as you dare' is the dress code for the event. Happy to let it all hang out? Crack on! (So to speak.) Want to keep your underwear on to protect your modesty? Absolutely fine. Want to don a mask, a headpiece or some sort of fancy dress as a disguise? You do you! However, for safety reasons it's recommended that everyone wears shoes (and a helmet is a jolly good idea too). Body paint, bike decorations, flags, banners and the like are also welcome, as long as they don't interfere with anyone's safety.

Oh, and if it's a remotely sunny day, sun cream is advisable. There are some places that should never, ever get sunburnt.

London World Naked Bike Ride route 2026

Don't forget your suncream!

There are several main London routes for the World Naked Bike Ride, including an accessible route for anyone who can't manage the full length of the other routes. All routes have a different starting point (and time) as follows:

• Clapham Junction
• Croydon
• Deptford
• Hackney Wick
• Kew Bridge
• Regent's Park
• Tower Hill
• Wellington Arch
• Accessible route, beginning near Waterloo station and the London Eye

All routes converge around Westminster Bridge for a grand finale near Wellington Arch at around 5.30pm, with more than 1,000 riders expected. If you're not taking part yourself but are planning on spectating, please do so respectfully, particularly with regards to taking photos of individual riders.

After this, there's an official after party for riders in Cannon Street — it's a ticketed event, aiming to raise money for the World Naked Bike Ride. Although everyone involved does so voluntarily, there are costs involved, such as radio equipment, insurance and road closure fees. Details for the 2025 after-party, including location, are currently TBC.

The World Naked Bike Ride 2026 takes place in London on Sunday 14 June 2026. It's free to take part — just turn up at the start of one of the routes with your bike... and little else.

You can see (NSFW) photos from previous rides here and here.

All images supplied by the World Naked Bike Ride.

Guided tours of the Roman bathhouse for 2026 have been announced. Image: City of London Corporation

One of the most fascinating finds from the ancient city of Londinium has reopened to visitors.

Billingsgate Roman House and Baths in the City of London — an extraordinary subterranean find on Lower Thames Street dating back to around AD 150 — is available to visit on guided tours on Saturdays from April until November.

Rediscovered by chance in the mid 19th century, these are the ruins of a private house and adjoining baths which would've been used by particularly wealthy inhabitants of Londinium. Bathers could move between the cold room (frigidarium), warm room (tepidarium), and hot room (caldarium) of the baths (sounds lovely, although the tepidarium experience would sometimes involve some painful hair-plucking.) All have been revealed by excavations.

A chance to glimpse a portion of Londinium. Image: City of London Corporation

The Roman remains were uncovered in 1848, as construction workers dug the foundations for what would become the Coal Exchange on Lower Thames Street. At the time, the Illustrated London News hailed it "A discovery of the greatest interest to the London antiquary." Today, an office block sits atop the ancient ruins.

Tickets for Saturday slots are now on sale, costing £16.96 for adults and £11.55 for children (14 years and younger) and concessions, including booking fee.

The Roman ruins were chanced upon in 1848. Image: City of London Corporation

The ruins are not to be confused with the 'Roman Bath' in Surrey Street near Temple, which is not actually Roman at all.

In February 2022, two stunning Roman mosaics were revealed on a site near London Bridge, at what was once possibly a 'mansio' — an upmarket inn across the water from Londinium.

Billingsgate Roman House and Baths guided tours, April-November 2026.

Pearly kings and queens will join revellers in Trafalgar Square in April. Image: GLA

"Celebrate everything brilliant about England and being English".

That's the clarion call for the annual St George's Day celebrations, taking place in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 19 April 2026.

2026 marks the 19th year of these Trafalgar Square celebrations. Image: GLA

For the 19th year, the St George's Cross bunting will fly for these celebrations, which are free for all to enjoy. Entertainment includes:

• Comedy impressionist and classically-trained singer Jess Robinson hosting the main stage, where the likes of singers Vincent Burke and Emzae, poet Zita Holbourne, and Cockney sing-a-long legend Tom Carradine will perform;
• A bicycle tea party acrobatic juggling show by Circo Rum Ba Ba roaming the square all afternoon;
• A chance to meet the Pearly Kings and Queens;

Plus crazy golf, a cricket activity hosted by the English Cricket Board, and cooking demos by 2025 Masterchef winner Harry Maguire. If that makes you peckish, several food and drink stalls will pitch up on the Square to keep everyone fed and watered.

St George's Day itself falls on Thursday 23 April this year. Check out our roundup of events on and around the day.

St George's Day 2026, Trafalgar Square, Sunday 19 April 2026, 12pm-6pm, free.

The previous day, London's Vaisakhi festival takes place, also in Trafalgar Square.

The National Gallery is extending — both in physical space, and artistic remit. Here's what you need to know about Project Domani.

Project Domani will see a £750m extension of London's National Gallery. Image: Kin Creatives

What is Project Domani?

Project Domani (Domani is Italian for 'tomorrow') is a planned £750m extension of the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square — the most significant transformation of the Gallery since its formation 200 years ago. In September 2025, the National Gallery launched a competition for a new wing, to be built on the site of St Vincent House, to the immediate north of the Sainsbury Wing. The site — purchased decades ago by the Gallery, with a view to building on it one day — currently houses office space and a hotel.

65 Project Domani submissions were received from architects, which included heavyweights such as Norman Foster and Renzo Piano. The final design was selected in April 2026.

What's the winning National Gallery extension design?

Kengo Kuma and Associates (designers of 2019's Japan National Stadium), along with BDP and MICA were overall winners of the competition.

Mock-ups of their design show a contemporary style building featuring Portland stone (sympathetic with much of the rest of the building), with striking vertical ridging and fins. The ground floor will feature vaults and arches (again, a nod to the original gallery architecture), while an upper floor gallery will have a more geometric feel.

The new wing will landscaped with garden spaces outside the entrance, and feature a garden roof terrace, accessible to the public — and certain to be popular with them too.

The new wing's architects Kengo Kuma and Associates designed Japan's national stadium. Image: Natsuko Aoyama

Didn't the National Gallery just have a big revamp?

In May 2025, the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing reopened with a 'once in a lifetime' rehang of its collection, with an enlarged entrance foyer, although this wasn't a new extension per se.

The Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery was opened in 1991, to house the gallery's early Renaissance paintings. It was built following an infamous speech made by then-Prince Charles in 1984, in which he decried proposals for an extension by architect Peter Ahrends, as "a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend". Ahrends' plans were subsequently spiked. In 2024, a note from the Sainsbury Wing's donor, the late John Sainsbury, was discovered inside one of its false columns, stating his (posthumous) 'absolute delight' that whoever had discovered this note was presumably in the midst of demolishing these 'unnecessary' features.

The National Portrait Gallery (next door neighbour of the National Gallery, but a separate institution) reopened in 2023, following a major revamp.

The National Gallery is 200 years old. Image: Selim Karadayı

Which artworks will be on display in the new National Gallery extension?

None of the artists or paintings that'll be on display have been revealed. Many might not have even been acquired yet. However, the National Gallery has confirmed that the new wing will exhibit paintings beyond 1900, which, as a rule, has been the cut-off date for paintings it shows (though there have been a handful of exceptions). Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, has previously described it as "slightly frustrating to reach 1900 and then not go on." The move into modernism will make the National Gallery the only museum in the world which exclusively displays paintings, in which visitors can view the entire history of painting in the Western tradition.

A roof garden overlooking Trafalgar Square is sure to be a winner with the public and plaudits. Image: Kin Creatives

Doesn't the Tate deal with the modern art in this town?

Yes, in fact, a deal was in place between Tate and the National Gallery, confirming that the latter wouldn't get involved with paintings post-1900. ("It is, frankly, a facile date to choose," opined the art critic Will Gompertz, in 2016.) However, the National Gallery has now reneged on that deal — something that's set to shake up London's art scene. Though the Guardian points out that Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, officially welcomed the announcement saying it looked forward to working closely with the National Gallery to "further the national collection as a whole", behind the scenes it's likely that Tate feels uneasy.

When will the National Gallery's new wing open?

That's not confirmed, although some sources suggest the early 2030s.

London's free Vaisakhi Festival takes place in April 2026. Image: Maureen Barlin, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Vaisakhi Festival — a celebration of Sikh and Punjabi culture — returns to Trafalgar Square in April 2026.

The festival marks the founding of the Sikh community, the Khalsa in 1699, making it one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar — celebrated in events worldwide.

London's official Vaisakhi celebrations — on Saturday 18 April 2026 — take the form of a whole afternoon of free entertainment, open to everyone. Vaisakhi itself falls on Tuesday 14 April 2026.

Image: Maureen Barlin, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

In the spirit of Langar (the community kitchen of a gurdwara), free vegetarian treats and traditional Indian tea will be available to everyone. Beyond that, expect live performances, kirtan devotional music, talks, cultural exhibitions and martial arts, all showcasing the rich traditions of Sikh culture. Highlights include:

• Demonstrations of the traditional martial art Gatka, accompanied by powerful drumming from The Dhol Academy;
• Performances by singer-songwriter Kaka Mohanwalia, founder of community-led music charity Dharam Seva Records, which aims to educate and inspire through music, often tackling themes related to the Sikh faith;
• A children's marquee, with free arts and craft activities for younger visitors;
• A main stage hosted by broadcaster Shani Dhanda, and content creator and curator Beant Singh Dhillon

Vaisakhi on the Square festival 2026, Trafalgar Square, 18 April 2026, 12pm-6pm. It's free to attend.

The following day, London's free St George's Day festival also takes place in Trafalgar Square.

Everyone's welcome at the free canal festival. Photo: garryknight

More than 100 boats moor up in Little Venice this early May bank holiday, for a celebration of London's waterways.

The IWA Canalway Cavalcade takes place the same weekend each year, with historic, residential and working narrowboats among the vessels making an appearance, along with cruisers and widebeams.

Many boats are decked out in bunting and other colourful decorations, while live entertainment whips up a festival vibe on and around the Pool of Little Venice, the triangle of water behind Paddington station.

Photo: garryknight

No boat? No problem! There's plenty happening on dry land for those without sea (well, canal) legs. Live music is going on all weekend, along with food stalls and an ale bar to keep everyone well refreshed, and traders selling crafts, canal-ware and clothing. It's a family-friendly gathering, with plenty to keep children entertained.

The Canalway Cavalcade takes place in Little Venice. Photo: garryknight

On the water, there's a pageant of decorated boats, and — our favourite — an illuminated boats parade (9pm Sunday), allowing the owners to show off their vessels. Think Christmas, on the canal. In May.

In short, if you're looking for something free and family-friendly to do over the first May bank holiday weekend, head to Little Venice for one of London's most vibrant annual events.

The IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2026 takes place 2-4 May 2026 (10am-6pm Saturday, 10am-6pm and 9pm-10.30pm Sunday, and 10am-5pm Monday). It's free to visit, and open to all (on foot — mooring bookings are at full capacity for that weekend). Find it in the Pool of Little Venice.

The lowdown on the planned Beam Park station in east London.

Beam Park itself is well under way, but work on the proposed station is yet to commence. Image: MRSC via CC BY-SA 4.0

Where is Beam Park?

Beam Park is a new development of around 4,000 houses, being built in the east London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, and Havering. "Homes for local people" runs its League of Gentlemen-esque tagline. 50% of these homes will be 'affordable', i.e. Shared Ownership, while 30% of the development (some of which is built on land formerly used by Ford) will be publicly accessible green space. Plans also feature two primary schools. All told, it's a pretty significant development, and a designated Housing Zone.

Why is it called Beam Park?

The name comes from the River Beam, which forms a section of the boundary between the two afore-mentioned boroughs. It's actually better known as the River Rom, but then 'Rom Park' doesn't sound quite so aspirational.

Beam Park should eventually gets its own c2c station. Image: London Less Travelled via CC BY 2.0

What is Beam Park station?

Beam Park sits — and the new station would be built — between Dagenham Dock and Rainham on the c2c railway, which runs in/out of Fenchurch Street. Given that it's essentially a brand new neighbourhood, with many thousands of new residents (and potentially many more thousands of homes to come in the area), it rightly warrants its own railway station. But planning hasn't been straightforward, and at time of writing (April 2026) construction has not commenced.

Is Beam Park station actually happening then?

Plans for a Beam Park station have been mooted since 2002, so to say that progress has been sluggish would be an understatement. In 2021, with plans for Beam Park station in their advanced stages, the Department for Transport (DfT) got nervy about its financial viability, and refused it funding. There's a nice little exchange about this in the minutes from a 2024 London Assembly meeting between the Conservative Andrew Boff, and Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan:

Andrew Boff AM (Chair): ... Who has caused the delay?

Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London): The previous Government.

Andrew Boff AM (Chair): Funny that.

Khan himself is behind the project, saying "A new station at Beam Park is essential for unlocking thousands of new homes in the area." He pledged £32m in 2020 — money which is yet to be used.

In March 2026, there was a breakthrough when the Government announced final approval of the project, with housing minister Matthew Pennycook saying "a new Beam Park rail station could be accommodated within the existing rail network". Of course, now it's been so long, costs of building the station will have risen.

When will Beam Park station open?

That remains unclear. No schedule has been published, and the Government green light is still contingent on how the project will be funded. Until this time, there will be some degree of trepidation from developers, who will want to ensure the homes they build will be suitably well connected to central London, and in the other direction, Essex.

Hole Park is one of the best spots for bluebells in the south-east

Being a native wildflower, bluebells can pop up almost anywhere. But if it's lilac-hued carpets of blooms you're seeking this spring, read on for some of our favourite places to see masses of bluebells in London and nearby.

When is bluebell season in London?

April into May is peak bluebell season (9 April is the average flowering date, according to the Woodland Trust), though exact dates depend on factors such as the weather — a milder winter means earlier bluebells. Once they're out, you've got a fortnight or so to see them at their finest.

Can I pick bluebells?

No, please don't. Native English bluebells are a protected species, meaning it's prohibited to dig up or remove a plant or bulb from the countryside.

Be careful not to trample on them either; sticking to footpaths is best. Once trampled, a bluebell plant can take four-six years to recover and flower again. The National Trust offers advice on how to admire the flowers without damaging them.

Bluebells are extremely delicate. Photo: Diana Parkhouse via Unsplash

Bluebells in Richmond Park

Although better known for its azaleas (which also flower around this time), Richmond Park's Isabella Plantation has a decent bluebell population too — one of the footpaths is named Bluebell Walk. Head for the wilder fringes of the managed garden and into the woodland to get the best glimpses.

Bluebells in Highgate Wood

In north London, the ancient woodland of Highgate Wood is one of the best options for bluebell bothering; the City of London Corporation, which manages the space, has marked the bluebell areas on its official map of the wood. Head for the north corner of the park, and enter via the Cranley Gate or Bridge Gate to be closest to the action (nearest stations are Highgate and East Finchley).

Bluebells in Oxleas Wood, Eltham

Bluebells in Oxleas Wood. Photo: Marathon via creative commons

The ancient woodland of Oxleas Wood is home to many surprises, not least a whopping great castle and a very good cafe. But in late spring, bluebells take centre stage, as the forest is carpeted in them. The area is on the Green Chain Walk, so can be incorporated into a wider spring exploration of the area, or enjoyed alone (or as part of a visit to the aforementioned castle). London Wildlife Trust sometimes runs bluebell walks at Oxleas Wood during flowering season too.

Bluebells in Wanstead Park

Photo: The wub via creative commons

The Chalet Wood area of Wanstead Park is home to sufficient bluebells to have inspired this beautiful poster, designed by local artist Helen Rowe.

Bark footpaths are laid among the trees, making it easy to wander past the bluebells and photograph them without the risk of trampling. Wanstead Wildlife has more information on the measures being taken to care for and cultivate the bluebells.

Bluebells at Hole Park Gardens, Kent

Hole Park is carpeted with bluebells each year

A bit further afield, the 15-acre Hole Park Gardens in Kent is known for having one of the best bluebell displays in the southeast. Keep an eye on their bluebell barometer — which appears on the site every year in early April — to check on the progress of this year's carpet of bluebells. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Bluebells at Emmetts Garden, Kent

Photo: Michael Garlick via creative commons

National Trust property Emmetts Garden — a spit from the London-Kent border — has thousands of bluebells blanketing a hillside, to the extent that it's been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Rhododendrons, tulips and daffodils are also prevalent at Emmetts, making it a vibrant spot for a spring day out, though the car park and cafe tend to get busy at weekends. Dogs are welcome here too. Nearby Chartwell, former home of Winston Churchill, also performs well on the bluebell front, and again, dogs are welcome.

Bluebells at Riverhill Himalayan Garden, Sevenoaks, Kent

Riverhill Himalayan Garden is replete with bluebells. Photo: Londonist

The main reason for visiting this hillside garden is the views from the top (and the intense calf workout on the way up). But for a couple of weeks each year, the bluebells are what people are here to see.

The sloped woodland is home to thousands — dappled with sunlight as it streams through the tree canopy overhead. Footpaths wend their way through the woodland, meaning you can get up close to the bluebells without stepping off the paths. One more thing; this particular woodland is home to a part-time yeti* — you've been warned.

A bluebell-inspired craft fair usually runs alongside the bluebell festival, with artworks, homewares and gifts on a bluebell theme; check the website for this year's dates. Dogs on leads welcome.

(*Weekends and school holidays only)

Bluebells at Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex

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Sheffield Park and Garden is another National Trust property replete with bluebells in the spring. The sizeable estate has several bluebell clusters, in the manicured gardens, growing wild in the woods, and out in the East Park, where dog walkers are welcome.

London's cemeteries and cemetery parks are also bluebell hotspots. Though they don't appear in the same numbers as they do at other places on this list, they do spring up prettily among the gravestones and tombs. Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is a particular favourite with bluebell hunters. National Trust properties are also replete with bluebells.

Revel Puck Circus rolls into town

SPRING FLOWERS: London's in full bloom in April, with the spring flowers at their perkiest. We know the best cherry blossom spots, where to seek out daffodils, the finest places to find bluebells, and where to surround yourself with incandescent tulips. The end of April is usually the start of wisteria season too.

CUCKOO'S NEST: Clint Dyer directs a new staging of Ken Kesey's novel One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest at The Old Vic, starring Aaron Pierre and Giles Terera. It's a story of rebellion, colonialism and social structures, set inside a psychiatric facility. 1 April-23 May 2026

REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: A Glimmer Daze Gambit, a tented touring show by Revel Puck Circus, pitches up at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, offering a celebration of hope, arrival and community for the whole family via acrobatics, clowning and general chaos. 2-12 April 2026

TEENAGE SHE-DEVIL: A new comedy-horror rock musical about wallflower Nancy Nelson, who is transformed into a revenge‑seeking rocker by the Devil, I Was A Teenage She-Devil stars Aoife Haakenson, Sean Arkless and Jacob Birch, and opens at The Other Palace. 2-26 April 2026

Vogue Rites features in Roundhouse Three Sixty

EASTER WEEKEND: Good Friday falls on 3 April this year, with Easter Monday on 6 April. If you're lucky enough to have part (or all) of the weekend off, browse our guide to the best Easter weekend events in London, from bunny hunts to live performances, an Easter trail and more. We've also got some bank holiday weekend ideas — bookmark that one now, as there are two more bank holidays in May! 3-6 April 2026

TULIP FESTIVAL: Over 100,000 bulbs bring a riot of colour to the gardens of Hampton Court Palace for its annual Tulip Festival — one of the UK's largest displays of planted tulips. Wander through the formal gardens and historic courtyards, and see 'floating' bowls in the Great Fountain and a free style of planting in the kitchen gardens. Find other places to see tulip displays in and around London. From 3 April 2026

EASTER HOLIDAYS: Hand-in-hand with Easter weekend comes the Easter holidays, when London schools close for around two weeks. Looking for ways to keep kids or teenagers entertained? Our Easter holidays guide includes family-friendly events, exhibitions, shows and days out — and has some ideas for free things to do too.

2026 BOAT RACES: The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Races take place on the Saturday of Easter weekend 2026. They'll be broadcast on TV as usual, but if you're keen to see them in person, get down there early to grab your spot by the river. Preferably a pub garden. FREE to watch, 4 April 2026

HEART WALL: Kit Withington's play Heart Wall follows Franky as buried family secrets and grief surface in a familiar pub setting, when she returns to her former local for the first time in years. See it at the Bush Theatre. 4 April-16 May 2026

MIDNIGHT IN THE TOYSHOP: Take the family to see Midnight in the Toyshop, open for a limited run at St. Martin's Theatre. Toys Belle Ballerina, Rebel Racer and Grumble the Dinosaur spring to life and try to save their shop from tech entrepreneur Peyton Pixel, in a one‑hour musical adventure with songs and dances. 7-12 April 2026

Have a laugh at Hoopla Improv Fest

ELIXIR FESTIVAL: Aiming to reshape perceptions around dancing and age, Sadler's Wells' Elxir Festival consists of films, talks and workshops, including Kontakthof – Echoes of '78 where past and present collide, and a bold double bill from Sadler's Wells' very own Company of Elders that redefines age and movement. 7-12 April 2026

ROUNDHOUSE THREE SIXTY: Roundhouse Three Sixty (formerly known as In The Round) is back at Camden Roundhouse. Running throughout the month across the entire site, the programme features music, spoken word, theatre, visual arts, podcasts and club nights — all celebrating unapologetic and boundary-pushing artists. Imogen Heap, Kae Tempest and Vogue Rites feature, and the legendary Roundhouse Poetry Slam is back. 8-29 April 2026

LONDON SOUNDTRACK FESTIVAL: The music used in films, TV and video games is celebrated at the London Soundtrack Festival, a weekend of concerts, screenings and masterclasses across several venues. Highlights include a concert of the music from Downton Abbey and a screening of Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, with an introduction by the film's composer Julian Nott. 9-12 April 2026

HOOPLA IMPROV FEST: Comedy theatre Hoopla Improv celebrates its 20th anniversary with a festival running over several weeks. Shows include Impropera, an opera made up on the spot, and Special Delivery, the UK's longest-running POC improv comedy show. From 10 April 2026

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style includes the late monarch's christening gown. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust

QUEEN ELIZABETH'S STYLE: Clothing worn by Queen Elizabeth II through all 10 decades of her life goes on display in a special exhibition at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style showcases 200 items, many on display for the first time, including her christening robe, bridesmaid dress, wedding dress, coronation dress and the ensemble worn for the wedding of Princess Margaret. 10 April-18 October 2026

WORLD'S GREATEST LOVER: X Factor winners Matt Terry and Dalton Harris star alongside Jaymi Hensley and Joaquin Pedro Valdes in new pop‑rock musical World's Greatest Lover at The Other Palace. Legendary romancers Romeo, Casanova, Cyrano de Bergerac and the Marquis de Sade join forces for one night to discover the truth about love. 12 April-7 June 2026

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Celebrities unfiltered, in new live event series

One stage. No script. No safety net. That's the set-up for intriguing new conversation series On A Roll, which brings famous faces to the stage for a night of unguarded conversation with TV producer John Lloyd.

It kicks off with Michael Palin on 27 April, when Lloyd attempts to dig deep enough to find a dark side to "the nicest person in showbiz". Hear the travel journalist and Monty Python star discussing where his career has taken him, and what it's like to be him.

Then on 4 May, comedian and presenter Sandi Toksvig swaps the QI host chair for the On A Roll hot seat, chatting to Lloyd — who, coincidentally, created QI — with no rehearsed patter, and no subject off the table. Expect warmth, wit and the kind of conversation you wish you could eavesdrop on at a dinner party. Get a 10% discount on tickets for the Sandi Toksvig show using discount code STLW10 when you book online.

Michael Palin | On A Roll – Lightly Toasted by John Lloyd is on 27 April, and Sandi Toksvig | On A Roll - Sauced Up by John Lloyd is on 4 May, both at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, with tickets available now.

TANGO AFTER DARK: World Tango Champion Germán Cornejo brings his company to the Peacock Theatre for Tango After Dark, a staging of Argentine tango featuring 10 dancers, a five-piece live orchestra and two singers performing the music of Astor Piazzolla. Keep an eye on the website for this one; at time of writing, the Peacock Theatre has closed for essential building works, but currently it appears this performance is going ahead. 14-18 April 2026

BRITISH SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS: There are six days of action at the London Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park, at the British Swimming Championships. Tickets are available for the public to watch both heats and finals, with swimming and para-swimming event schedules running concurrently, and the event playing a role in team selection for the world championships. 14-19 April 2026

Aurora Orchestra is part of Multitudes Festival. Image: Andy Paradise T/AS Paradise Photo

SALON PRIVE: Luxury car event Salon Privé London returns to the Royal Hospital Chelsea for a three-day showcase of high-end cars. Expect global premieres, supercar and hypercar displays, club features from Porsche Club GB, Lotus Drivers Club and Maserati Club UK, and an SCC supercar showcase. 16-18 April 2026

EARTH DAY WEEKENDER: Somerset House hosts an Earth Day Weekender across its Strand site, with workshops, artist-led tours and activations led by Somerset House Residents. Full programme TBC at time of writing. 16-19 April 2026

MULTITUDES FESTIVAL: After a successful debut last year, Southbank Centre hosts multi-arts festival Multitudes again, in which orchestras collaborate with artists across theatre, dance and visual art to reimagine what classical performance can be. 2026 highlights include a new one‑man show from poet Inua Ellams with a score by Laura Mvula, and an immersive soundscape synced to light art by Squidsoup. 16-30 April 2026

PLEASE PLEASE ME: Musical Please Please Me, opening at the Kiln Theatre, follows Brian Epstein’s discovery of The Beatles and the consequences of their meteoric rise, focusing on Epstein's role as the group's manager and his private struggles. It charts the early days at the Cavern Club and the pressures behind the fame. 16 April-29 May 2026

On yer bike! Photo: Tweed Run

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION: One of our favourite photography shows every year, the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition returns to Somerset House, showcasing 300 images taken all over the world in the past year, spanning portraiture, documentary photography, architecture, sports and more. 17 April-4 May 2026

TWEED RUN: Style meets cycling as the Tweed Run meanders through London's streets and parks, with cyclists competing in categories including best-dressed individuals, finest moustaches and most elegantly adorned bicycles. Stops for tea, a picnic and a celebratory cocktail are built into the schedule. How sophisticated. 18 April 2026

V&A EAST OPENS: One of our cultural highlights of 2026 is the opening of the new V&A East. What'll be the largest V&A outpost is located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with a focus on multiculturalism. Two free and permanent 'Why we make' galleries will offer up examples of creativity "from a range of countries, cultures and times". Temporary exhibitions will also feature, starting with The Music is Black: A British Story. FREE (charge for some exhibitions), from 18 April 2026

VAISAKHI FESTIVAL: Vaisakhi — the Sikh and Punjabi cultural festival — takes place on 14 April this year, but London's main celebration returns to Trafalgar Square the following weekend. The free festival features live entertainment and performances, martial arts demonstrations, a showcase of Sikh art, plus food and drink stalls. FREE, 18 April 2026

Pour Choices Wine Fair comes to Hackney

WINE FAIR: Taking place at Hackney Bridge, Pour Choices Wine Fair showcases UK producers of sustainable, low‑intervention wine alongside beer and cider, local food, workshops and music. Meet growers and winemakers, taste natural wines and attend short practical sessions and discussions. 18 April 2026

CHARITY COMEDY: Sara Barron, Mags McHugh, Johnny CT, Callum Mackenzie, Sallyann Fellowes and MC Sion James are the comedians taking part in a charity comedy fundraiser at Totteridge Cricket Club. Proceeds to to Cherry Lodge Cancer Care. 18 April 2026

CLASSIC CAR BOOT SALE: Pre-1990 vehicles including cars, campervans, hot rods, scooters, caravans, motorbikes and custom bicycles park up in King's Cross for the Classic Car Boot Sale — a weekend of shopping, eating and dancing. Browse and buy vintage clothing and homewares. Full details TBC at time of writing. 18-19 April 2026

HISTFEST: Two days of talks and conversations at the British Library and online form HistFest 2026 covering topics from Ancient Athens and reinterpretations of Cleopatra to histories of motherhood and 20th= century queer life. Speakers include Professor Michael Scott, Saara El-Arifi, Dr Wanda Wyporska, Lucy Inglis and Sir Michael Palin. 18-19 April 2026

WAYNE MCGREGOR: Choreographer Wayne McGregor brings together three ballets at the Royal Opera House, including YUGEN and UNTITLED (2023), alongside a brand-new world premiere. 18 April-6 May 2026

Johnny CT is among the performers at a charity comedy fundraiser

SPRING PLANT FAIR: Browse and buy garden plants from expert growers hailing from all over the country at the Garden Museum's Spring Plant Fair. Great Dixter Nursery in East Sussex and Beth Chatto Garden in Essex are among the organisations taking part, with a programme of talks and workshops happening throughout the day. 19 April 2026

ST GEORGE'S DAY: 23 April is St George's Day, a celebration of the patron saint of England (plus Catalonia, Ethiopia and various other regions). London's free St George's Day Festival takes place in Trafalgar Square a couple of days before (19 April 2026), with live music and performers, family activities and refreshments. FREE, 19/23 April 2026

LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL: La Linea Latin music festival shimmies into several venues around central London. It opens with Portuguese singer Sara Correia performing live at Barbican to launch her new album. Browse the full programme. 20 April-6 May 2026

LETTERS LIVE: The Royal Albert Hall hosts a special Earth Day edition of Letters Live, in support of Greenpeace. The event brings together actors and public figures to read out and perform written correspondence from across the globe, though the exact line-up isn't revealed in advance. 22 April 2026

Sara Correia kickstarts La Linea Latin music festival. Image: João Portugal

DON QUIXOTE: Spanish sunshine, vivacious comedy and spectacular dance are on show in Carlos Acosta’s Don Quixote ballet at Sadler's Wells, as famous knight the Don sets out on a quest to track down his true love, and finds himself embroiled in an unlikely adventure. Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia perform in this first revival of Acosta's production since 2022 — a fantastic show for fans of Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. 23-25 April 2026 (sponsor)

NORTH LONDON BOOK FESTIVAL: One of London's newest literary festivals, the North London Book Fest returns to Alexandra Palace with events for all ages. Tessa Hadley, Ben Aaronovitch, Rachel Parris and Laura Bates are among the names confirmed, with plenty more TBC. 23-26 April 2026

BRICK LANE JAZZ FESTIVAL: The Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns for a weekend of live music. Headline acts include American multi-instrumentalist Kwame Yeboah, jazz keys player Charlie Stacey and south London producer Footshooter. 23-26 April 2026

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: Shakespeare's Globe opens a new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A company of amateur performers prepare a wedding‑night play that spills into a moonlit world of lovers, fairies and mischief, accompanied by music by Jim Fortune. 23 April-29 August 2026

Kyran Thrax stars in Category Is: Macbeth

CATEGORY IS: MACBETH: See Shakespeare's tragedy reworked in a queer clubland setting, in Category Is: Macbeth at The Emerald Theatre, starring RuPaul’s Drag Race winners Ginger Johnson (Macbeth) and Kyran Thrax (Lady Macbeth) alongside a cast of drag performers. The production uses 1980s British synth-pop and club visuals to examine power, persecution and survival under police scrutiny. Expect strobe lighting and stylised violence. 24 April-28 May 2026

RALPH FIENNES: David Hare's new play Grace Pervades stars Ralph Fiennes as Sir Henry Irving and Miranda Raison as Ellen Terry, charting their theatrical partnership and its effect on Victorian theatre. It comes to Theatre Royal Haymarket following a sell-out run at Theatre Royal Bath. 24 April-11 July 2026

BOOKS IN THE PARK: Literary festival Books in the Park returns to Beckenham Place Park with author talks from Ruth Ware, Paul Sinha and others, along with writing workshops, family sessions, a pop-up bookshop (Beckenham Bookshop) and a Food & Farmers Market. Simon Goddard and Alexander Larman present a special event marking David Bowie's legacy, and many activities are free to enter while individual events are ticketed. 25 April 2026

THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND: Based on a memoir and film of the same name, the true story of William Kamkwamba is told in new musical The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, at Soho Place. William designs and builds a windmill to make his Malawi village's broken water pump work again, and saves the local area from drought. 25 April-18 July 2026

Skate 50 opens at Southbank Centre. Image: Undercroft Skate Space, 1989 © Tim Leighton Boyce/Curtis McCann, Southbank. Images courtesy The Read and Destroy Archive.

LONDON MARATHON 2026: It's the time of year when thousands of runners pound the streets in London — many in bizarre costumes — to raise money for fantastic causes. This year's London Marathon follows the usual route and format. Even if you're not watching or taking part, be aware of widespread road closures, bus diversions and the like, on and around the route. 26 April 2026

THE KARATE KID: Before it arrives in the West End, musical The Karate Kid has a short run at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Based on the film of the same name, it tells of the powerful bond between new kid Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches him that karate isn't about fighting, but balance, dignity and respect. (And waxing cars.) 28 April-9 May 2026

EALING BOOK FESTIVAL: The third Ealing Book Festival runs across the borough with a programme of talks, readings, a local authors' showcase, family sessions and guided walks. International and UK names on the bill include William Boyd, Jung Chang, Anthony Horowitz, Robert Macfarlane and Blake Morrison, with additional appearances from Dan Cruickshank, Andrew Graham‑Dixon, Mary Portas and others. 29 April-3 May 2026

SKATE 50:The Undercroft Skate Space at Southbank Centre is 50 this year, and the centre is hosting a special exhibition to celebrate. Skate 50 showcases documentary photographs and films of the space through the decades, as well as contributions from sound artist Beatrice Dillon and animator Sofia Negri. 30 April-21 June 2026

London exhibitions and shows closing in April 2026

Last chance to see Ursula's backstory in Unfortunate

A few things are closing this month too. April 2026 is your last chance to see:

UNFORTUNATE: A satirical musical about Disney’s Ursula, Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch mixes pop songwriting and adult humour, playing at The Other Palace. Until 5 April 2026

DEEP AZURE: The UK premiere of Chadwick Boseman's lyrical hip‑hop theatre piece Deep Azure is staged in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. It follows Azure after the police killing of her fiancé. Until 11 April 2026

MARIA AND ROSETTA: A stage portrait of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, starring Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu with live musicians, Maria and Rosetta follows Rosetta’s boundary‑breaking gospel and early rock and roll performances in 1946 Mississippi. It's on at Soho Place. Until 11 April 2026

Last chance to see The Tempest at Shakespeare's Globe

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Last chance to see musical take on Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre, starring Caden Braunch as Marty McFly and Brian Conley as Doc Brown, as a souped-up DeLorean transports them between time periods. Until 12 April 2026

THE SINGH TWINS: The Shirley Sherwood Gallery at Kew Gardens hosts visual exhibition The Singh Twins, featuring fabric light boxes detailing how plants such as cotton, spices and dyes played a pivotal role in colonial expansion. Until 12 April 2026

THE TEMPEST: Tim Crouch directs a candlelit staging of Shakespeare’s The Tempest at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, telling the story of Prospero, Miranda, Caliban and Ariel, four lost souls stranded on an island with no hope of escape. Until 12 April 2026

ALICE IN WONDERLAND: This Easter retelling of Lewis Carroll's timeless classic brings Alice to Riverside Studios with colourful sets, striking costumes, puppetry and an original score. Expect familiar characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts in a family-friendly production aimed at children aged five and over. Until 12 April 2026

The Museum of Edible Earth closes at the end of April. Photo by vog.photo.

HAROLD FRY: Following a sold-out run at the Chichester Festival Theatre, musical The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is at Theatre Royal Haymarket, telling the story of a walk from Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed and the personal journey that followed. Until 18 April 2026

BROKEN GLASS: Arthur Miller's rarely staged drama Broken Glass is at the Young Vic. Set in 1938 Brooklyn, it follows Sylvia Gellburg as her conviction about violent attacks on Jewish communities strains her marriage. Until 18 April 2026

BEYOND BURMA: Marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, National Army Museum exhibition Beyond Burma brings together rarely seen weapons, medals, uniforms and personal accounts from British, Indian, Burmese and African troops who served in the Far East. Until 19 April 2026

SERPENTINE CURRENTS: Dana‑Fiona Armour's Serpentine Currents courtyard installation is a three-part illuminated sculpture modelled from a 3D scan of the endangered sea snake Aipysurus fuscus, its mesh LED surface animated using historic and predictive ocean data. FREE, until 26 April 2026. Also closing at Somerset House on the same day is the Museum of Edible Earth, an exhibition about the practice of eating earth for health, ritual and culinary benefit. Until 26 April 2026

SUMMERFOLK: Maxim Gorky's Summerfolk is revived in a new adaptation at the National Theatre. Set in a Russian seaside resort in 1905, the play follows Varvara and a group of privileged holidaymakers as tensions rise beneath the surface. Until 29 April 2026

All weekend

Boy Blue give two performacnes as part of Roundhouse Three Sixty this weekend. Photo: Camilla Greenwell

BRIXTON CHAMBER ORCHESTRA: Brixton Chamber Orchestra takes its full 30-piece ensemble, with guest players, out into three Southwark estates for a weekend of free community concerts. Shows include All Saints Hall in Surrey Square and Jessie Duffett Hall, Wyndham Road on Saturday; and an outdoor performance near the Canterbury Arms on Penrose Maddock Way on Sunday. FREE, 11-12 April 2026

BAROQUE AND ROLL: Handel Hendrix House in Mayfair stages regular paired performances: baroque music on harpsichord and period instruments in Handel's dining room, and 1960s blues and guitar sets in Jimi Hendrix's bedroom. Included with general admission. 11-12 April 2026

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Fire up the DeLorean for one last chance to see this musical take on Back to the Future at the Adelphi Theatre, starring Caden Brauch as Marty McFly and Brian Conley as Doc Brown, transported through time by the seriously souped-up car. Until 12 April 2026

THE SINGH TWINS: The Shirley Sherwood Gallery at Kew Gardens hosts visual exhibition The Singh Twins until Sunday, featuring fabric light boxes detailing how plants such as cotton, spices and dyes played a pivotal role in colonial expansion. Until 12 April 2026

THE TEMPEST: Tim Crouch directs a candlelit staging of Shakespeare’s The Tempest at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, telling the story of Prospero, Miranda, Caliban and Ariel, four lost souls stranded on an island with no hope of escape. Until 12 April 2026

Last chance to see Back to the Future in the West End.

REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: Head inside the big top pitches in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the final days of A Glimmer Daze Gambit, a touring show of contemporary circus by Revel Puck Circus. Be amazed by acrobatics, clowning and general chaos, starring grassroots London based and international circus artists from Argentina, the USA, Ethiopia and Canada. Until 12 April 2026

MIDNIGHT IN THE TOYSHOP: Take the family to see Midnight in the Toyshop, bringing its limited run at St. Martin's Theatre to a close. Toys Belle Ballerina, Rebel Racer and Grumble the Dinosaur spring to life as they try to save their shop from tech entrepreneur Peyton Pixel, in a one‑hour musical adventure with songs and dances. 7-12 April 2026

ELIXIR FESTIVAL: Aiming to reshape perceptions around dancing and age, Sadler's Wells' Elixir Festival consists of films, talks and workshops, including a movement workshop for over-60s led by artist Beatrice Libonati, and a free performance of Pina Bausch's iconic Nelken Line, both taking place this Sunday. 7-27 April 2026

ROUNDHOUSE THREE SIXTY: Roundhouse Three Sixty (formerly known as In The Round) is back at Camden Roundhouse. It runs throughout the month across the entire site, but highlights this weekend include hip-hop production Cycles by Boy Blue, accompanied by a seven-piece live band, as well as an exhibition asking whether the London music community is gone, or just evolving. 8-29 April 2026

QUEEN ELIZABETH'S STYLE: Clothing worn by Queen Elizabeth II through all 10 decades of her life goes on display in a special exhibition at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style showcases 200 items, many on display for the first time, including her christening robe, bridesmaid dress, wedding dress, coronation dress and the ensemble worn for the wedding of Princess Margaret. 10 April-18 October 2026

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Raw, close-up opera in east London

See Strauss' most intense opera up close in an unexpected east London setting this weekend.

Fringe opera company Regents Opera brings Salome to York Hall in Bethnal Green for just six performances. Arena staging pulls the audience into the action, for an incredibly visceral experience. The fast-paced, 90-minute show has no interval, keeping things moving and building pressure from the first moment to the last.

Olivier-nominated playwright Mark Ravenhill's new production sets the action in a surreal east London underworld, making the most of the work's decadence and ferocity, with stylised staging and a bold visual world drawing you inside the drama. Lust and violence combine for a grisly, seductive live sensory experience — and with just six performances available across two weeks, tickets will be in high demand.

Salome is at York Hall on 10, 11, 18, 19, 21 and 23 April. Tickets from £20.

Saturday 11 April

Some of the UK's best breakdancers perform in Shoreditch. Photo: James North, Red Bull Content Pool

MINISTRY OF SOUND GAMES: Fitness meets clubbing at Ministry of Sound Games, a music-led fitness competition for pairs, consisting of five back-to-back workout zones with DJs and a different genre in each, followed by an after-party. 10am

LONDON GUARDS: The National Army Museum hosts a day celebrating the London Guards — the reserve battalion combining companies from the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots and Irish Guards — giving visitors a chance to meet serving members. Hear from Lieutenant Colonel Russell Lewis MC, commanding officer of the London Guards, and take part in other special activities. FREE, 10am-4pm

JACQUELINE WILSON: Author Dame Jacqueline Wilson reads from her Hetty Feather books — about a young girl who is left at the Foundling Hospital as a baby — and will sign copies at the Foundling Museum for its annual Hetty Feather Day. Tickets also include a drop-in art workshop and entry to the museum. 11am

The Britten Sinfonia performs Tales From The Circus

CHURCHILL'S SPY: The latest event in the Imperial War Museum's Meet The Author series sees children's author Sufiya Ahmed appearing at the museum shop to talk about her books chronicling the adventures of Rosie Raja and her spy father. FREE, 11am-3pm

HORNIMAN SPRING FAIR: Live music, dancing, circus skills workshops, children's games and a craft corner are all part of the fun at the Horniman Spring Fair, taking place in the grounds of the south London museum. Ticket holders can also get reduced-price entry to the Butterfly House on the day. 11am-4pm

FAMILY CONCERT: The Britten Sinfonia combines live music, animation and storytelling with a circus performer in an adaptation of children's book Leon and the Place Between by Angela McAllister. The performance, at Big Penny Social, is aimed at younger audiences but suitable for all. 11.30am-12.20pm

LIVE DISSECTION: Professor of Evolutionary Biology Ben Garrod and vet Jess French lead a live animal dissection at the Royal Institution, with anatomy explained across two demonstration sessions and an extended interval of hands-on activities. (The animal featured in the dissection died of old age and has been donated for the purpose of education.) 1pm-5pm

MARIA AND ROSETTA: A stage portrait of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Marie Knight, starring Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu with live musicians, Maria and Rosetta follows Rosetta’s boundary‑breaking gospel and early rock 'n' roll performances in 1946 Mississippi. Today's your last chance to see it, at Soho Place. 2.30pm/7.30pm

See Midgitte Bardot in action at Southbank Centre. Photo: Holly Revell

RED BULL BREAKDANCING: Red Bull brings its breakdancing competition the UK Cypher to Shoreditch Town Hall for a day of breaking. Dancers compete for the UK title and a chance to represent the country at the World Final in Toronto later this year. Programme includes a live-band, 2v2 battle and the main 1v1 Cypher featuring 16 top b-boys and eight b-girls. 4.30pm

BLACKSTAGE PRESENTS RECLAMATION: Blackstage Pole brings together pole dancers of colour —  especially those who are LGBTQIA+, disabled, plus-sized and/or sex workers — and supporting performers for an evening at the Clapham Grand, followed by an afterparty. The theme this year is Reclamation: of the community's art, spaces and bodies. 6.30pm

THE CLOWN OPERA: Family-friendly show The Clown Opera is at the Museum of Comedy, about a Maestro and two cleaners whose mishaps reveal a lost operatic work, mixing music, physical comedy and imagination, for ages seven+. 7pm

MIDGITTE BARDOT: Tamm Reynolds appears as alter ego Midgitte Bardot at Southbank Centre, in a new show that mixes musical theatre, movement, live art and drag. The piece, Shooting From Below, explores power dynamics and absurdist social commentary. 7.45pm

PICASSO AND DINNER: Join a conservator‑led evening exploring Picasso's collages, with a talk by Charity Fox, who discusses her conservation research and hands-on replication of Picasso's techniques. Ticket also includes a visit to the Theatre Picasso exhibition and a French bistro‑style dinner in Tate Modern’s L6 Restaurant, which is accompanied by a short talk by acclaimed wine writer David Williams. 6pm-10.30pm

Sunday 12 April

Head to Stratford for the Giant London Flea.

WORLD'S GREATEST LOVER: X Factor winners Matt Terry and Dalton Harris star alongside Jaymi Hensley and Joaquin Pedro Valdes in new pop‑rock musical World's Greatest Lover, opening today at The Other Palace. Legendary romancers Romeo, Casanova, Cyrano de Bergerac and the Marquis de Sade join forces for one night to discover the truth about love. 12 April-7 June 2026

GIANT LONDON FLEA: A one‑day market at Here East's International Press Centre, the Giant London Flea hosts traders selling vintage clothing, antiques, homewares and collectibles, with food stalls and pop‑ups nearby. 10am-5pm

DRINK, DEATH AND DEBAUCHERY: Guide Bridget Chandler leads a two‑hour walk through the West End — St Giles, Seven Dials and Covent Garden — tracing the 18th century gin craze, William Hogarth’s Gin Lane, gallows, plague pits and sites linked to prostitution. Meet at the Dominion Theatre, and end at the Foundling Museum (tour includes museum entry). 11am

VINTAGE FAIR: Frock Me! brings more than 60 vintage dealers to Chelsea Old Town Hall on King's Road, offering curated clothing, jewellery and textiles from Victorian-era pieces to pre-loved designer labels. Frock Me! fairs are popular with designers and costume buyers as well as the public. 11am-5.30pm

CHARLES DICKENS: Mansel David presents a one-man adaptation of Dickens' theatrical episodes from Nicholas Nickleby, at Wilderness Kitchen in Clerkenwell. The solo performance portrays a cast of Dickensian characters in a two-hour dramatic reading, with a chance to add a two-course Sunday roast to your ticket. 3pm

London Soundtrack Festival comes to a close.

CRAZY GINGER CABBIE: Social media star Crazy Ginger Cabbie — real name Aaron — stars in an afternoon of laughs at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green, joined on stage by other performers... and members of the audience. 3.30pm-5.30pm

ALL AND NOTHING: Directed by Liao I‑Ling, feature documentary All And Nothing traces the life of Chinese conceptual artist Li Yuan‑Chia from post‑war Taiwan to 1950s Milan, swinging sixties London, and finally to the LYC Gallery he established in rural Cumbria near Hadrian’s Wall. The film includes interviews with artists who showed at LYC, plus locals and friends who knew Li. The film's on at Bertha DocHouse in Bloomsbury. 4pm

RACHEL PORTMAN: The London Soundtrack Festival comes to a close with an evening dedicated to Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman, at Cadogan Hall. She was the first woman to win an Academy Award for Original Score, for Emma (1996), and she reflects on her career so far with chats, film clips and live music performances. 6.30pm

SUNDAY CONCERT: The Paddington Trio — Tuulia Hero (violin), Patrick Moriarty (cello) and Stephanie Tang (piano) — perform a programme including Andrea Tarrodi's Trio No.1 'Akacia', Ravel's Trio in A minor and Schubert's Trio in E flat D.929, at Conway Hall in Holborn. 6.30pm-8.30pm

2026 marks 75 years since the Royal Festival Hall opened on London's South Bank — or to be more precise, a stretch of industrialised marshland. A new book, Royal Festival Hall: A Living Icon, celebrates the cultural institution — and from it, we've selected some photos of the Hall's construction.

Architect Leslie Martin (far right) explains a model of the RFH during construction. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

"What this country needs is a tonic.
a clean white box from the future to brighten a blackened city
with foyers where people can really meet people
and stairs that sweep in and out of filtered sun."

So begins Erica Hesketh's 2024 poem Centrepiece. In fact, that very tonic first appeared 75 years ago, as the Royal Festival Hall; as the historian Dan Cruickshank puts it: "a tangible expression of a burning desire to create a better society after the destruction inflicted on London during the Second World War."

The roof during construction. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

OK, so the RFH might not have quite been a 'clean white box'. The conductor-composer Sir Thomas Beeching even ranted to the Liverpool Echo on the building's unveiling in 1951: "In the course of a long life I have seen very many important buildings in this country and I question whether in 350 years there has ever been erected on the soil of this grand old country a more repellant, a more unattractive — unattractive is an understatement — a more ugly and more monstrous structure."

A visit from Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) in May 1950. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

But time is a great healer, and most Londoners would concede now that the RFH is an integral cog in not only the South Bank's landscape, but that of London's rich culture. In the book's foreword, Cruickshank describes the Hall as "a place of myth and imagination as well as of tangible fact... palatial, but open to all — a palace for the people."

The exterior of the RFH during construction. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

Cruickshank also recalls the impression it had on him in its early years: "I still remember how mighty its presence seemed to me at the time."

Indeed, as a post-war Londoner, it must've been quite something to see this brutalist 2,700-seat concert hall slowly rise on the riverbank. Certainly it was quite a job to make it a reality. Not only was the proposed site surrounded by busy rail lines, it was on industrialised marshland which had to be drained, before a new river frontage was built in front of it. Few concert halls of its size had been constructed before; what's more, space was extremely tight.

The 2,700-seat auditorium before it had any seats at all. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

The architects Robert Matthew and Leslie Martin were called on to make it happen. "The solution to these problems," write Eleanor Jolliffe and Sandy Rattray in Royal Festival Hall: A Living Icon, "was to raise the auditorium as an 'egg' within the box of the outer envelope of the building. This provided a degree of sound isolation, further improved by giving the 'egg' two layers of concrete 25 centimetres thick and two sets of doors at each entrance."

A rare early colour photo of the Belvedere Road façade.Image: Southbank Centre Archive

While the architects were inspired by Gothenburg's concert hall, Finsbury Health Centre, which had been built in 1938, was perhaps an even greater influence; the Twentieth Century Society still insist it's "arguably modern architecture's most important single achievement in England in the first half of the 20th century".

This temporary 'Grasshopper' canopy over the entrance to the ballroom was designed by Trevor Dannatt. Image: Southbank Centre Archive

If the Royal Festival Hall's exterior was a statement, then the interior of its concert hall was a statement and a half: "The internal walls, stage canopy and floor were clad in elm, sycamore and birch, with a lower section to the side walls of teak ribs with air gaps, often referred to as 'Copenhagen knuckle'." the book tells us.

As for the 'floating' boxes — something straight out of a sci-fi movie, albeit one with a healthy budget — the great Le Corbusier once called them "a joke, but a good one".

The Hall as it looks today. © Edmund Sumner.

Ian Nairn was similarly pithy: "An extraordinary building," he smirked, "It nonplussed everyone when it was built, and after fifteen years public feeling still seems to be just as equivocal and disturbed... In a hundred years' time, after a concert, people will still leave out of key with its cerebral relentlessness."

Whether your opinion of the Royal Festival Hall veers towards that of Nairn or Cruickshank, three quarters of a century on, it continues to be not only an architectural talking point, but the kind of landmark building that people will happily write (and buy) entire books about.

Royal Festival Hall: A Living Icon edited by Eleanor Jolliffe and Sandy Rattray and with a foreword by Dan Cruickshank and photography by Edmund Sumner, published by Merrell Publishers on 16 April 2026.

We featured this book because we know it's the kind of thing our readers will enjoy. By buying it via links in this article, Londonist may earn a commission from Bookshop.org — which also helps support independent bookshops.

Make a free day of it! Fellow flower festival Belgravia in Bloom takes place over the same days, in the neighbourhood next door.

Sloane Square is the centre of the Chelsea in Bloom action. Photo: Londonist

Dozens of floral installations take over the streets of Chelsea this spring... and we're not talking about the Chelsea Flower Show.

Floral festival Chelsea in Bloom is back for its 21st year, and this time the theme is Out Of This World, promising an "intergalactic wonderland of floral displays inspired by space travel, astrology and spiritual symbolism".

Shops, restaurants, bars and hotels each display their own take on the cosmic theme, created by professional florists, with 125 local businesses expected to take part. From our own experience, wear comfy shoes if you're planning to visit them all in one go, as you'll certainly get your steps in.

Last year had a fashion theme. Photo: Londonist

The route includes six large-scale floral art installations,  including a Zodiac-inspired constellation at Sloane Square; a UFO hovering over Pavilion Road; a lunar landscape at Duke of York Square; and a 4m dragon and Pegasus on Sloane Street. Meanwhile, on the King’s Road, an enormous floral globe honours Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, which falls in May.

Claiming to be London's largest free flower festival, Chelsea in Bloom runs at the same time as the nearby Chelsea Flower Show, but unlike Chelsea it's free. Walking tours and rickshaw rides of Chelsea in Bloom (also free) will be available from Sloane Square — keep an eye on the website for updates and details, as well as a map when it becomes available.

Large-scale installations like this one will appear again for 2026. Photo: Chelsea in Bloom

Like what you see? The public can vote for the People’s Champion installation; online voting is open from 5pm on Monday 18 May until midnight on Thursday 21 May 2026.

Chelsea in Bloom 2026 takes place 18-24 May. Keep an eye on the website for further details. Check out the photos of last year's fashion-themed Chelsea in Bloom for an idea of what to expect.

Image: Matt Brown

Who are the three naked blue men who climb a wall on Borough High Street?

It's hard to look upwards on Borough High Street. The pavements are so busy and narrow that a glance toward the rooftops can be a risky undertaking. Yet those who do might have spotted one of London's more peculiar sculptures.

Three cobalt-blue figures, each clutching a golden musical instrument, climb up the side of Maya House, 124-138 Borough High Street. It's Spider-man meets Brassed Off, via Avatar. But nothing to do with the Blue Man Group.

Image: Matt Brown

The azure trio were placed on the wall in March 2007, "to make a 1970s building look better," according to the building's owner Isaac Ella. They're the work of Israeli artist Ofra Zimbalista (1939-2014), and collectively known as 'Walls and Trumpets'. A quick Google image search reveals that Zimbalista had a bit of a thing for striking blue sculptures.

The fibreglass figures were cast from life. Three models were asked to strike the desired pose, then smothered in plaster-of-Paris. One hopes they were paid well.

The view from the Blue Maid. Image: Will Noble

An excellent place to view this eccentric artwork is the pub just opposite. This old but recently reopened (and excellent) drinking spot is appropriately called the Blue Maid. Perhaps, then, the owners of Maya House commissioned the dazzling blue artwork as a 'response' to the historic pub across the road, which was traditionally painted blue.

Free things to do in London this week.

Olga Regina's Memory of a New City is open in Whitechapel

Swoon at the final week of this love-laced exhibition

Last chance to see the National Archives' current Love Letters exhibition. On display at its Kew HQ are letters, poems, drawings — and even wills — telling love stories dating back 500 years. Royalty, politicians, public figures and unknown figures feature, across tales of devotion, longing, sacrifice, heartache and passion.

Until 12 April.

See What Was, What Is, What Could Be

The QYAC Quilt (2023). Image: Gavin Li

Camberwell Space celebrates seven years of Queer Youth Art Collective (QYAC), the UK's only national LGBTQIA+ youth service dedicated to the arts, with free exhibition, What Was, What Is, What Could Be. Among the retrospective pieces on display are The QYAC Quilt (2023) a collective textile work reflecting on the legacy of the AIDS Quilt; a collaboratively produced Recipe Book (2024); and Deck of Many Things (2025), an oracle deck created by 49 queer artists.

Until 22 April (gallery closed 11 April).

View a new exhibition on life in Tower Hamlets

Artist Olga Regina's solo exhibition Memory of a New City explores the layered identity of Canary Wharf and London’s Docklands, capturing moments where everyday life intersects with something slightly unexpected in London's financial district. View the exhibition at Brady Arts & Community Centre in Whitechapel.

Until 25 April (closed Easter Monday).

Witness the Easter Monday Chair Lifting

Image: Blackheath Morris Men

If you're in the Greenwich area on Easter Monday, look out for people being paraded through town on a florally-festooned chair, held aloft. The Chair Lifting by the Blackheath Morris Men is one of those quirky annual events which London does so well. Find the Morris Men at landmarks around Greenwich between 12pm and 4pm, where they'll be dancing, interspersed with lifting women (with their permission) onto the special chair, which they then carry on their shoulders.

6 April.

Play some croquet

You needn't be posh (or indeed the Queen of Hearts) in order to play croquet. In fact, if you show up at Enfield Croquet Club this Tuesday or Saturday, you can try out the easygoing activity for free. Perhaps this is the stress-buster of a sport you need in your life this summer...

7 and 11 April.

Check out the free events at Elixir Festival

Dance powerhouse Sadler's Wells launches Elixir Festival this week, a programme of events aiming to reshape perceptions around dancing and age. Though most events are ticketed, there are a few freebies on the programme, including flamenco, ska and rock dance taster classes on Tuesday, an Indian Bollywood dance class on Wednesday, and a chance to hear from choreographer Meryl Tankard and dancers from Kontakthof – Echoes of '78 on Sunday. Head to Sadler's Wells East on Sunday afternoon for a free performance of Pina Bausch's Nelken Line, and see an intergenerational line of dancers following a path from the venue and through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park before returning to the Sadler's Wells East Dance Floor.

Browse the full programme.

7-27 April.

Get a free Greggs and a cocktail... in a VHS store

A bit to unpack here, but in short, to launch its latest 'trilogy' treat, Greggs is opening a pop-up 90s-style 'video store' on 15 Bateman Street in Soho. For one day only (3.30pm-9pm on 8 April), you're invited to step inside, munch on the new offering, twinned with a cocktail/mocktail. Each experience takes around 20 minutes. As always with these things, best to get there early.

8 April.

Browse the Alternative Book Fair

Panels, talks and an Indie Press Fair are part of The Alternative Book Fair at Islington Central Library, which aims to bring the world of publishing and literature to a wider audience. Browse stalls from independent publishers such as Galley Beggar, Rough Trade and Indie Novella, and hear from authors including the Booker Prize-longlisted Natasha Brown. Everything is free entry.

8-11 April 2026.

Learn about the Science of Surgery

The UCL Hawkes Institute opens Charles Bell House (Fitzrovia) for a public day of demonstrations and lab tours on Friday, aimed at children age five+ and their families. Try tabletop exhibits, see live demonstrations of surgical equipment, control a surgical robot and experience simulated key‑hole surgery, with researchers on hand to explain their work.

10 April.

Get to know the London Guards

Head to the National Army Museum in Chelsea on Saturday for a day celebrating the London Guards — the reserve battalion combining companies from the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots and Irish Guards — giving visitors a chance to meet serving members. Hear from Lieutenant Colonel Russell Lewis MC, commanding officer of the London Guards, and take part in other special activities.

11 April.

Catch the Brixton Chamber Orchestra on their spring tour

Across two days, the Brixton Chamber Orchestra and special guests give a series of free, live orchestral performances taking place on Southwark estates. Expect a hybrid of pop, classical, jazz, urban and even disco with professional and amateur musicians performing together. See them at Walworth Living Room on the Aylesbury and Kingslake Estates (Saturday, 3pm), Jessie Duffett Hall on the Wyndham & Comber Estate (Saturday, 7pm), or near the Canterbury Arms on the Brandon Estate (Sunday, 3pm).

The Sunday concert is open-air, so will only take place weather permitting.

11-12 April.

View a free exhibition on the London music industry

As part of Roundhouse Three Sixty Festival, which launches this week, the Camden venue opens free exhibition, From Soundboy to Streaming: Collective and Individual Joy, in collaboration with the soon-to-open Museum of Youth Culture.

Photographs, gig posters, videos, tickets and zines submitted by the public are on display, asking whether the London music community has disappeared, or is merely undergoing change.

11-25 April.

Chat about community spaces

The Story Sanctuary in Sanderstead hosts a community table talk on Sunday afternoon, inviting students from the MA Architecture course at Central St Martins, along with mobile workshop, Emmie, The « … », in an easygoing exploration of what community means to us. Expect crafting, refreshments, and plenty of good chat.

12 April.

London can be a grey place but, argues Matt Brown, things are gradually brightening up.

Here's a London crowd in 2017, attempting to exit Aldgate underground station. What do you notice?

Image: Matt Brown

Almost every person in that photograph is wearing black, or else a very dark shade of blue. You'd perhaps expect this in the City, with its high proportion of suits, but similar scene play out across London, particularly during the cooler months. The Londoner's winter plumage is overwhelmingly black.

Our buildings, too, are usually monochrome. Much of central London is built in Portland stone, concrete or plate glass. When brick intrudes, it's often the dark brown of Georgian and Victorian terraces. All very stately and smart, and to many people's tastes.

London does flirt with colour, of course, even if it seldom embraces it. Think of all those red buses, phone kiosks, post boxes and the like, which have become icons of the city, along with the red, white and blue of the Tube. The biggest icon of them all, Tower Bridge, was once an uninspiring brown; since Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, its hues are blues. It joined the striking red of Blackfriars Bridge and the peculiar green-yellow combo of Southwark Bridge.

Some interior beams on Tower Bridge are maintained in the original brown colour. Exterior metalwork now appears in two shades of blue. Images: Matt Brown

And, very occasionally, our traditional housing stock has its colourful moments. We've all seen (and probably Instagrammed) that row on Portobello Road, but small pockets can be found elsewhere:

Colourful houses on Kelly Street (Kentish Town) and Chalcot Crescent (Primrose Hill). Images: Matt Brown

Such places seem very popular. They must be photographed dozens of times a day (admittedly, the Primrose Hill one also has Paddington Bear connections). If such streets are so universally admired, why don't more posh people paint their terraces this way? Probably because they don't want hoards of photographers on their doorstep, which is fair enough.

These exceptions notwithstanding, London's historic buildings have rarely flaunted much colour. Until recent times, they were typically grey or even black, caked in layers of soot from the 'Big Smoke' of a million hearths and factories. Look how grubby St Paul's was in the 1950s.

With the advent of Clean Air Acts in the 1960s, the city was gradually cleaned up, yet it remained a place of muted colour. Then a few exceptions began to creep in, such as the funky rubber paving in Carnaby Street from 1973 and the rich mix of Neal's Yard in Covent Garden. The first big wave of colour came in the 1980s, with the arrival of postmodern architecture. Here we saw the use of big, bold colour, not just on a building's facade, but also in its services.

Three colourful postmodern buildings. Top-left, Tidal Basin pumping station near City Hall. Bottom-left, ventilation pipes of 88 Wood Street. Right, the Bagpuss hues of Number 1 Poultry. Images: Matt Brown

Richard Rogers, in particular, was a champion of primary colour. Most of his buildings feature bright reds, blues and yellows on ventilation pipes, support frames and lift machinery. It's all over town, from the cranes on top of the Lloyd's building to the 'tent poles' of the O2 dome.  

Les Nouvelles Couleurs

Recent years have seen a notable rise in colourfulness, never witnessed in the capital before. The charge was led by Renzo Piano's Central St Giles development, completed in 2010. This wasn't so much as splash of colour as a defibrillator shock of energy.

Image: Matt Brown

I have to admit, I was a little sceptical at first. It felt a bit too much. Over time, though, I've come to really admire the building (or, rather, the architect) for trying something different and injecting new wavelengths into a samey streetscape. I'd never advocate for such chromatic bombshells everywhere but, as a one-off, it wins my approval.

Image: Matt Brown

Central St Giles remains the most audacious use of colour in the central London streetscape. It has, however, been joined by countless further examples across the city. Many new residential developments and office blocks, when not cladding themselves in fake brickwork, now opt for colourful outer shells. We see this not just in the centre, but also the suburbs.

The Palestra Building on Blackfriars Road weaves in some bright colours. Image: Matt Brown

Colourful balconies in Barking Town Centre. Image: Matt Brown

It's not hard to find further examples of new-builds piling on the colours, but we're also seeing plenty of vibrant facelifts on older buildings. Leading the way here is the singular example of Camille Walala, whose patterned wraps and paintwork have transformed more than a few pockets of London.

Walala's work on Leyton High Road (two left images), Old Street (top-right), and famously on the bridge to the Elizabeth line in Canary Wharf (bottom-right). Images: Matt Brown

Yinka Ilori, too, has brightened our city with colourful street crossings, murals, bridges, and other joyous interventions. At Canary Wharf, where the blue skies were long-ago filched by high-rise, at least the street level is bathed in colour thanks to Adam Nathaniel Furman's 'Click Your Heels Together Three Times':

Image: Matt Brown

Most of London's central bridges now glow fetchingly by night, thanks to the Illuminated River programme. Multistorey, multicolour murals decorate the sides of the Megaro Hotel on Euston Road and the NYX hotel on Southampton Row. LGBTQ initiatives have added their own rainbows of love to the streets of London.

And then we have 'that tunnel' at King's Cross, which has brought so much joy to so many passers-by.

Image: Matt Brown

Such examples (and there are dozens more) do not quite add up to a revolution, but they are, perhaps, a groundswell. Colour is on the rise. It's more acceptable on the streets than ever before, and I'm here for it. More of this kind of thing, please. Much more.

Of course, there is a backlash. Post any of these images on Facebook and you're guaranteed comments like"What an eyesore!" and "It looks childish."

Fair enough, some people really do have a negative reaction to bright colours and we should, on the whole, respect their needs for a coherent, calm, consistent streetscape. But we should also find space for playfulness. What, after all, is wrong with a bit of childishness? About a quarter of Londoners and visitors are children. Shouldn't the built environment serve them, too? And who said bright colours have to be the preserve of children anyway? That's just stuffy British tradition.

So bring on the full colour wheel. Turn our grey spaces pink and yellow and cyan. Let's find a new and optimistic palette for London. And let's start by swapping our winter coats for something a little cheerier.

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A Double Decker In Stained Glass

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This feature first appeared in March 2025 on Londonist: Time Machine, our much-praised history newsletter. To be the first to read new history features like this, sign up for free here.

A trio of figures catch the eye in a stained-glass window. They could be the Three Magi pointing to the crescent moon. But look again. Those are not turbans, but ladies’ hats. And in place of gold, frankincense and myrrh, one of the women carries a tote of fish.

Image: Matt Brown

The three ladies — one of whom is clearly based on Ena Sharples from Coronation Street — are not on their way to adore the Holy Child. Their thoughts are more with the omnibus than the omnipotent…

Image: Matt Brown

This remarkable stained glass window can be found inside Christ Church Southwark, a 1950s rebuild just off Blackfriars Road. Its details are delicious. The bus is clearly a classic Routemaster, a beloved design that can still be spotted on the roads of London today (albeit not in regular service). Its roof is painted white to reflect sunlight and reduce heat. The bus stop carries three route numbers, 4, 45 and 63. During the 1950s, all three routes would have stopped outside the church (the 63 still does).

This is just one of 10 distinctive windows in the nave of Christ Church, designed in the late 1950s by Frederick Cole and Kenneth Bunton, working for Wippell and Co. If you look carefully, you can see Bunton’s name immortalised on one of the shop fascias.

Image: Matt Brown

The remaining windows show various scenes from Southwark life, past and present (i.e. as was, in 1959-60). They include familiar buildings. The window shown below, for example, features a depiction of Bankside Power Station, now Tate Modern:

Image: Matt Brown

Behind the power station we can, of course, see the dome of St Paul’s. But look behind the chimney. The tallest of the salmon-coloured structures is, I think, the Faraday Building, constructed in the 1930s as a telephone exchange. Power and communications are also referenced in the larger section of the window, which shows an engineer monitoring a bank of dials, with three telephones in the foreground and electricity pylons out of the window.

Here’s another one for you:

Image: Matt Brown

The main image shows a lady and two children in 18th century garb. Behind her, we can see typical housing of the period, along with the previous tower of Christ Church (destroyed in the Second World War). The lower panel, meanwhile, depicts the housing estate of Nelson Square, a little south of the church. This was completed in 1958, just before the windows were installed. The housing estate remains today. The boy and girl featured in the upper panel would be as delighted as my daughter if they could see the playground hidden away inside the square — worth a diversion if you’re on Bankside with children.

Not all the windows have aged so well…

Image: Matt Brown

Here we see what must be London’s only stained glass window to depict a filing cabinet. The more central feature, though, is the secretary taking dictation from her boss. The body language here shouts volumes. The lady slumps; the man stands confident and pointing. It is an image of subservience. Further clerical work can be seen below. The desks look empty to modern eyes; where are the computers?

I’ve shown just a third of the main windows above. The rest are also of interest, and feature numerous local trades including bakers, printers, watermen and brewers. Do go have a look for yourself!

The church includes a second set of smaller stained-glass windows in the northern aisle, installed by John Lawson in 1984 to mark the rebuilt church’s 25th anniversary. These, too, have a local flavour. This one’s my favourite:

Image: Matt Brown

How many stained glass windows feature shopping trollies? This one, as the text suggests, highlights the supermarket Sainsbury’s, whose headquarters were on the corner of Blackfriars Road and Stamford Street until a move to Holborn in 2001. The building shown to the bottom-left has since been demolished. The same fate has now befallen Sampson House (bottom-right). This brutalist office block beside Blackfriars Bridge was home to a Lloyds Bank processing centre for many years. It’s now a big hole in the ground, awaiting redevelopment as part of the Bankside Yards project.

One final example depicts two Southwark buildings that do still stand:

Image: Matt Brown

On the left is Sea Containers House. This bulky building is today a hotel and restaurant complex, but was previously a nexus of container shipping operations. The right panel shows the Kirkaldy Testing Works on Southwark Street. This was a place where construction materials, such as steel bars, were tested for their strength. It operates today as the Kirkaldy Testing Museum. Its most famous feature, suggested on the window, is its pediment, which reads FACTS NOT OPINIONS.

Christ Church Southwark. Image: Matt Brown

The grounds of Christ Church Southwark are also worth attention. Round the back, we find a curious memory of things past. In 1941, the previous church was reduced to rubble by enemy action. During the conflagration, a wooden cross fell from the church steeple, scorching its own impression onto the grass below. The seared turf was covered over with stone, leaving a poignant reminder of the destruction of war.

Image: Matt Brown

In the background, we can see a pointy-roofed drinking fountain. This was donated by the philanthropist John Passmore Edwards in 1900. It was recently restored and brought back to water by the Heritage of London Trust, who kindly invited me along to the ribbon cutting. It was during this visit that I was able to view the stained glass within the church, and thereby write this article. So we began with a double-decker, and we end with a double thank-you!

If you enjoyed this feature, you might also like my previous article on other unusual stained glass around London.

Venture out to Severndroog Castle. Photo: Londonist

Done everything central London has to offer, or just fancy venturing a bit further afield for your next day out?

These are our favourite places to visit in outer London, from lesser-known museums to sprawling parks — and several of them are free!

We've even included a map so you can see what's near you, or which of these attractions are close to each other, so you can hit up two or three in a day.

Things to do in north London

Myddelton House Gardens, Enfield

We once described Myddelton House Gardens as "London's architectural dumping ground", and meant it in the most delightful way possible. Here you'll find: the former route of the New River; part of the old London Bridge; the old Enfield Market Cross; paving stones from Clerkenwell; and a pine tree from the Vatican, among many other fascinating oddities. And that's before we get to the plants and flowers. Best seen in wisteria season. FREE.

Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, Enfield

London's "other transport museum", Whitewebbs nudges up against the M25 in London's garden centre hinterland. It's packed to the rafters of its five-floor museum building plus several outdoor buildings, including a replica fire station, auto jumble shop and a model railway inside an original carriage. Among vehicles on display are "Wendy", a 1939 ambulance, fire engines dating back to the 18th century, plus bicycles, tractors, cars and war memorabilia. Note it has very limited opening hours (Tuesday, and the last Sunday of the month).

Forty Hall, Enfield

Jacobean manor house Forty Hall houses a permanent exhibition about the building, and the families who lived here from its construction in 1629 until it became a public museum in 1951. The 270-acre estate surrounding the house is also open to the public, encompassing a walled garden, children's play area, pleasure grounds, farm shop, woodland and a heritage trail. FREE.

Note: Forty Hall, Myddelton House Gardens and Whitewebbs are all very close to each other, so could be visited in a single day.

Forty Hall sits at London's northern tip. Photo: Peter O'Connor by CC BY-SA 2.0

RAF Museum, Hendon

Walk under the wings of a Lancaster bomber and clamber aboard a Chinook helicopter at the RAF Museum, cluttered with more than 100 aircraft across six hangars. Plus kids will be kept entertained with the likes of a hands-on air traffic control display. The time will fly by. FREE.

Stephens House and Gardens, Finchley

For anyone who cares a jot, London has a little-known Museum of Ink (also known as the Stephen Collection — open by appointment only), located within Stephens House and Gardens, once home to ink magnate Henry Stephens. The house isn't open to the public, but the grounds are, where you'll find woodlands, bothy gardens, a bog garden and a bench statue dedicated to Spike Milligan.

Headstone Manor Museum, Pinner

Local Harrow history is the focus of the Headstone Manor Museum, which has objects spanning archaeological artefacts, fine art and natural history items, all on display inside a manor house dating from 1310 —  the only completely moated manor house in Greater London. FREE.

Don't miss the cafe at Headstone Manor. Photo: Matt Brown/Londonist

Heath Robinson Museum, Pinner

The work of local artist and illustrator William Heath Robinson — famous for his crackpot imagined contraptions — is on display at Pinner's Heath Robinson Museum. Original artwork books, photographs, film and digital media feature in the permanent display, telling Robinson's story from art school in the 1890s through to the Second World War. A programme of seasonal exhibitions showcases the work of other illustrators too.

Epping Forest

On the north-east London/Essex border, Epping Forest offers 12 miles of ancient woodland to explore on an arboreal day out. Over the Essex side, the star exhibit at the Epping Forest District Museum is a woolly mammoth's tusk, along with other objects revealing local history. Back inside the M25, Epping Forest visitor centres at High Beech and Chingford offer a gateway to the forest, manned by knowledgeable volunteers with maps and the like available. The latter is right next to Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, a timber-framed house built for Henry VIII.

Walthamstow Wetlands

An internationally important wildlife reserve which doubles up as a reservoir supplying water to 3.5 million people, Walthamstow Wetlands feels a whole world away from central London. Reality: it's less than 15 minutes walk from Tottenham Hale station. Put your walking boots on and follow one of several trails around the reservoirs, looking out for species including common toads, kingfishers and even peregrine falcons as you go.

Things to do in south London

Explore a warren of manmade caves beneath south London's streets. Photo: Londonist

Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst

22 miles of manmade caves run beneath the streets of south-east London, an underground world where Doctor Who was once filmed, and Jimi Hendrix played twice. The caverns were originally chalk and flint mines, and Chislehurst Caves came into use as ammunitions storage and bomb shelters during the Second World War. These days, the caves can only be visited on a lamp-lit guided tour. Wrap up warm — it gets chilly down here, even in the height of summer!

Eltham Palace, Eltham

Medieval meets art deco mansion at English Heritage property Eltham Palace. Visit the Great Hall, built in the 1470s, and the only surviving part of the medieval royal palace where Henry VIII spent his childhood. Then wander through to the glamorous 1930s mansion built next door, including a wood-lined dining room, gold-plated bathroom and a wartime bunker. Impressive grounds too, encompassing a moat crossed by London's oldest working bridge, a rose garden, rock garden and playground.

Severndroog Castle, Eltham

London's little-known gothic castle (more of a folly, really), tucked away in woodland, with views over seven counties on a clear day, Severndroog Castle invites visitors to climb the 87 stairs to the rooftop viewing platform. You might even glimpse Windsor Castle.

Horniman Museum, Forest Hill

Not by any means little-known, but worth venturing to Zone 3 for, Forest Hill's Horniman Museum offers natural history and global culture galleries, an aquarium and butterfly house, and temporary exhibitions... and that's just inside. The grounds are perched atop a hill offering incredible views of the London skyline. A great one for families.

Down House. Image: Robert Scarth via CC BY-SA 2.0

One of London's most southerly attractions must surely be Down House, the former home of naturalist Charles Darwin where he developed his ideas of evolution by natural selection. Now owned by English Heritage, it is both a period home, with the downstairs decked out as it would have been in Darwin's day, and a museum dedicated to his work. The gardens are magnificent too, still in bloom with (largely) the same species recorded in Darwin's notebooks.

RAF Biggin Hill Museum

A short hop from Down House (and even further south) is the RAF Biggin Hill Museum, a former fighter station turned into a small gallery space telling the stories of pilots and ground crew who worked out of Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain. Next door is the St George's RAF Chapel of Remembrance.

Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Beckenham

Located within the Bethlem Royal Hospital, a psychiatric hospital which had several homes before ending up in Beckenham, is the Bethlem Museum of the Mind. Through temporary exhibitions and permanent displays, it shares the experiences and achievements of people with mental health problems. FREE.

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Tour

For two weeks of the year, the eyes of the sporting world are on SW19 as Centre Court and surrounds ricochet with the thwacks and grunts of the world's best tennis players battling it out at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The other 50 weeks of the year, the AELTC (or Wimbledon, as it's better known) invites the public inside to visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Famous trophies, tennis outfits dating back to the Victorian era, and equipment donated by some famous faces are on display. Tours of the museum and grounds are also available.

Sewing Machine Museum, Tooting

Just one Saturday afternoon a month, one of London's most niche museums opens its doors. The Sewing Machine Museum is a private collection of hundreds of the machines, including one which once belonged to Queen Victoria's daughter.

A palm house? In south-east London? Photo: Londonist

Avery Hill Winter Gardens, Eltham

London's second largest winter gardens (after Kew), Avery Hill consists of three interlinked glass domes, and is open year-round, offering a welcome oasis of warmth, and greenery in the form of Canarian palm trees and cactus plants, throughout the colder months. FREE.

Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich

While central London has its own behemoth art galleries, Dulwich Picture Gallery claims to have been the world's first purpose built public art gallery, established back in 1811, and is still home to a seriously impressive collection today. Works by Rubens, Gainsborough, Canaletto and Anthony van Dyck hang on the walls of a building designed by Sir John Soane, joined by a regularly changing programme of exhibitions championing both historic and contemporary artworks. The charming Dulwich Village is worth a wander if you've never been before (we can personally vouch for Rocca Di Papa Italian restaurant as an excellent lunch spot) and the Gallery is right across the road from Dulwich Park for all your picnicking, boating and general stretching-of-leg needs afterwards.

Brixton Windmill

For more than 200 years, Brixton Windmill has been in situ, now located between Brixton and Clapham South stations. It opens to the public on selected weekends throughout the summer, offering short guided tours where you can see the original equipment in action.

Also in south London is Wimbledon Windmill and Museum, open selected dates March-October. Outside these dates, you can see the sails being turned every five weeks.

Things to do in east London

"Cathedral of sewage" is no exaggeration. Image: Crossness

God's Own Junkyard, Walthamstow

Head to an unassuming industrial estate on the outskirts of central Walthamstow for London's neon paradise. God's Own Junkyard is packed full of glowing, psychedelic signs collected from film sets and photo shoots, fairgrounds and retro displays, all calling out for your eyeballs' attention. You won't know where to look. Extra points for the excellently-named Rolling Scones Cafe on site. Note God's Own Junkyard only opens Friday-Sundays, and sometimes not even then if closed for private events, so check before you travel. FREE.

Crossness Pumping Station, Abbey Wood

How nice can a sewage pumping station actually be? Absolutely magnificent in the case of Crossness Pumping Station, alternatively known as the "cathedral on the marshes", or engineer Joseph Bazalgette's "cathedral of sewage".  Open days run throughout the year, inviting you inside to learn how it all works. It has its own narrow-gauge railway too, and on certain open days, a vintage Routemaster bus offers visitors free rides to and from Abbey Wood station.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford

While still home to some of the 2012 venues, including the Aquatics Centre, London Stadium and Copper Box Arena, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park transitioned surprisingly seamlessly into an enjoyable and useful outdoor space, open to everyone for free. It abuts Hackney Marshes to the north, which itself joins with Walthamstow Marshes — meaning you can wander for miles if you're so inclined. Prefer to stay closer to the action? The QEOP perfectly toes the line between enough greenery that you feel wholesome after a quick wander, but sufficient paved paths that you needn't worry about mud. It's also home to the ArcelorMittal Orbit and its Helix slide.

The David Bowie Centre is part of the V&A East Storehouse. Photo: Londonist

V&A Museums, Stratford

Stratford has undergone something of a cultural boom in recent years, as new venues including the V&A East Storehouse and its David Bowie Centre open in the Queen Elizabeth Park, to be joined by the V&A East in April 2026. Entry to all is FREE (charge for some exhibitions) and booking is recommended. Dance theatre Sadler's Wells East has also opened nearby, offering regular performances and workshops along with its own restaurant and bar.

Dr Who Museum, Upton Park

Well-known among Whovians, and of occasional interest to others, is East Ham's The Who Shop, a passion project of an emporium run by wife and husband team Alexandra and Kevan, selling all manner of Dr Who memorabilia. Less well-known is The Who Shop Museum, located on the same site and open by appointment. Step through the TARDIS to view more than 120 props, costumes and artefacts from the world of Doctor Who, Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures and K9, dating back to 1964. It's a small space, with visiting time limited to 25 minutes, so it's not a full day out, but something to bear in mind if you're in the area.

Upminster Tithe Barn and the Museum of Nostalgia

London's oldest thatched building, Upminster Tithe Barn, nudges up against the M25 on the London-Essex border. The structure itself dates back to 1450 — though it's had a new roof in recent years — but it took on a new purpose in 1976 when it opened as an agricultural museum. It began with a tractor, and other pieces of agricultural machinery but has since expanded to house other domestic and craft items, including washing machines, vacuum cleaners, woodworking tools and printing ephemera. Keep an eye on the website for occasional open days.

Things to do in west London

Get lost in the Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze. Photo: Londonist

Hanwell Zoo and Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze

Londoners of a certain vintage might remember the "Bunny Park", now known as Hanwell Zoo. You won't find lions or tigers in this corner of west London, but flamingos, capybara, monkeys and lemurs are among the species who do reside here. A few steps away from the zoo's entrance is the FREE Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze, a labyrinth made from 2,000 yew trees, with a viewing platform as its centre.

Pitzhanger Manor, Ealing

If you've enjoyed central London's Sir John Soane's Museum, head west to the architect's country home, Pitzhanger Manor, and its adjoining art gallery. Before opening to the public in 2019, the building was restored to as it would have been in Soane's time, and houses regular exhibitions (Grayson Perry and Rana Begum are among the well-known artists who've exhibited here in recent years). Parts of 2026 Channel 4 TV series Secret Genius were filmed at Pitzhanger, and it's right next door to Walpole Park with its playground, cafe and lake.

Ace Cafe, Stonebridge

Though you can admire the array of shiny chassis and the choir of purring engines to your heart's content, the legendary Ace Cafe isn't just an experience for petrolheads; order a chilli burger and a knickerbocker glory and boogie the evening away to Eddie Cochran on the jukebox.

Start your engines for a visit to the Ace Cafe. Photo: Londonist

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden

Also known as Neasden Temple. A hand-carved marble masterpiece, this is the biggest Hindu temple outside India — and a sight to behold. The building is open to the public to peruse, and sometimes there's a guide on hand to lead you round. For the full experience though, attend one of the traditional Hindu prayer ceremonies. Remember, this is a place of worship and there's a strict dress code.

The Musical Museum, Brentford

Self-playing pianos and violins, pipe organs, music boxes, gramophones, keyboards and synthesizers are among the instruments on display at west London's Musical Museum, which doubles up as a concert venue. Crowning glory is the Mighty Wurlitzer Cinema organ, originally used to accompany silent films (indeed the museum still hosts occasional screenings). The on site cafe offers fab views over the Thames.

London Museum of Water and Steam, Brentford

An Italianate brick tower close to Kew Bridge station signals the London Museum of Water and Steam, which occupies the former Kew Bridge Waterworks. The museum tells the history of London's water supply in an accessible, family-friendly way, with a huge collection of pumping engines available to view. Most importantly in our opinion: The museum has its own miniature steam locomotive which offers rides through the grounds on selected weekends.

The Water Museum and Musical Museum are almost next door to each other, so could easily both be visited in a single day. Kew Gardens (below) is a further 10-minute stroll away.

Kew Gardens, Kew

Not a secret, but an absolute shoo-in if you're looking for a day out in west London and the weather's not too shabby. The sprawling grounds of Kew Gardens encompass: three large glasshouses packed with tropical plants; two lakes; a treetop walkway; a royal palace; a pagoda; woodlands; two art galleries; various restaurants and cafes... and that's barely scratching the surface.

Syon Park, Brentford

Syon House is the London home of the Duke of Northumberland, and it's open to the public for part of the year. Visitors can enter rooms including the Great Hall, State Dining Room and Long Gallery. The house is surrounded by Syon Park, home to the Great Conservatory, gardens, parkland, meadows and an Arboretum, as well as a garden centre and cafe.

The Lion Gate, Syon Park. Image: Jim Osley via CC BY-SA 2.0

Hobbledown Heath, Hounslow

One of London's best attractions for families has got to be Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow. It's part adventure playground, part zoo, with indoor and outdoor play areas. There's also zorbing, archery and other activities — should be enough to wear out even the most energetic of kids.

Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge

76 steps beneath the streets of Uxbridge, surrounded by a new housing estate, is the Battle of Britain Bunker, an underground space which remained secret throughout the Second World War. It acted as Fighter Command No.11's Group Operations Room, from where RAF movements were directed, and enemy planes were tracked. Historic maps remain in situ today, and can be seen on a tour of the bunker (recommended age seven+). There's also a cafe and shop on site, and a ground level exhibition for anyone unable to make the descent. Full info here.

Hampton Court Palace is a full-blown day out. Image: Colin Smith via CC BY-SA 2.0

Hampton Court Palace

By no means unknown, but absolutely worthy of a visit is Henry VIII's former home, Hampton Court Palace. Now in the care of Historic Royal Palaces, the redbrick beauty is surrounded by manicured gardens and sprawling parkland, along with a famous maze and a top-notch children's playground. You could easily spend the best part of a day here.

London Wetland Centre, Barnes

Much like Walthamstow Wetlands (above), the WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes is first and foremost a haven for wildlife, with six hides dotted around the place for birdwatchers to make use of. It's not just birds though: the reserve is home to water voles, dragonflies, frogs, butterflies — even otters and lizards. There's a cafe and shop on site, and many of the paths are wheelchair accessible. Regular events include bat walks, pond dipping sessions, wildlife photography courses and school holiday trails for kids.

Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham

The Gallery at Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham might just be the most opulent room in London: we audibly gasped when we first set foot inside, important portraits hanging on its rich red walls, the intricate gold-scalloped ceiling competing with the wooden chequerboard floor for attention. The rest of Sir Horace Walpole's Gothic Revival building is also incredibly ornate: its whitewashed exterior replete with twisting chimneys and turrets, its interior packed with ornate decorations and gilded gold trims, and a charming mismatch of decorative stained glass windows.

Stroll along the Thames

On a budget? Keen to make the most of some rare good weather? Follow our 2.5 mile walking route along the Thames from Richmond to Twickenham, via weird statuary, secret gardens and two flooding pubs.

Freshly updated for 2026.

You've got to laugh. No really, when there are so many incredible comedy venues in London, you really do. Here's our guide to the funniest venues, club nights, festivals and more across the capital.

Massive names like Stephen Merchant show up to play Top Secret Comedy Club.

The best live comedy in London

Here are — in our humble opinion — the GOAT London comedy clubs; venues bringing the creme de la creme of mirthmakers, consistently. Lots are naturally in the West End, but there's plenty going on further afield.

Angel Comedy Club @ Camden Head and Bill Murray, Angel (daily)
Ever come across a snaking queue in Angel? It's either for the Breakfast Club or Angel Comedy Club — held at the Camden Head. Upstairs in this unassuming boozer, you'll find free stand-up every freaking night of the week, with RAW comedy nights (Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs and Sun) and more honed shows (Fri and Sat), interspersed with WIPs from mahoosive names like Dylan Moran and Simon Amstell. You can catch anything between three to six consecutive shows at the Camden Head each night. Truly the daddy/mummy/legal guardian of the free comedy circuit.

Angel Comedy Club also oversees the nearby Bill Murray — a regular pocket-sized laughter emporium. Multiple shows are hosted here every day of the week, with frequent surprise appearances from VIPs. Just remember, legally it's named after Charles I's whipping boy, not that Groundhog Day chap. Angel Comedy Club

Leicester Square Theatre on a quiet night. Image: Leicester Square Theatre

Leicester Square Theatre, Soho (daily)
Swaggering old 400-seater favoured by the likes of Stewart Lee, Sh!t-faced Shakespeare and seasoned podcasters such as Richard Herring. What it lacks in atmos, it makes up for in true star quality (and it has, like, four bars). Also home to the annual Sketch Off! final. Leicester Square Theatre

Comedy Store, Soho (daily)
London's answer to NYC's Comedy Cellar; everyone from Robin Williams to French & Saunders to Bill Hicks have trodden the boards here. Home to the Comedy Store Players, and the infamously brutal King Gong nights. In short: legendary. Comedy Store

Top Secret Comedy Club, Covent Garden (daily)
They don't announce all the acts in advance, hence the name. That's some savvy marketing in a biz where you might not actually know who your headliner is till the last second. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised though; Top Secret Comedy Club has hosted the ilk of Trevor Noah and Katherine Ryan. Top Secret Comedy Club

Soho Theatre, Soho (most days)
Frenetic six-days-a-week comedy/theatre mecca, where anyone who is anyone gigs, and which is famous for giving birth to Fleabag (you might have heard of it). Have roared at Kieran Hodgson, the Delightful Sausage, Richard Gadd, Hannah Gadsby and countless others at Soho Theatre. The catch? Tickets are not all that cheap — even the standing ones. Soho Theatre

Natalie Palamides performs at the exquisite Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Image: Harry Elletson

Soho Theatre Walthamstow (most days)
Soho Theatre's second venue — inside a 960-seat former art deco cinema — got off to one helluva start when it opened in 2025, with Natalie Palamides' tear-inducingly funny WEER. Since then, it's shown it need not fret about filling all those seats, filling it out with barnstorming sets from Jordan Gray, Lucy Beaumont, plus regular outings from Neon Nights With Ed Gamble. Soho Theatre Walthamstow

Big Belly @ Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club London, South Bank (most days)
Barely pausing for breath, Big Belly (formerly Vauxhall Comedy Club) puts on a cavalcade of razor-witted young acts (Patrick Spicer, Alex Kealy, Lou Taylor, Sikisa) most days, with tickets at a very fair price. Note: these days the venue's on the South Bank. Big Belly

Weirdos performing at the Museum of Comedy. Not being rude, that's the name of the act. Image: Museum of Comedy

Museum of Comedy, Bloomsbury (most days)
Yes, it really is a museum — they've got Tommy Cooper's handmade magic tricks and everything. There's also a pint-sized stage in this 72-seater crypt venue, putting on stand-up, sketch and cabaret. God-tier comedians like Alexei Sayle and Frank Skinner do WIPs here too. Museum of Comedy

Backyard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green (most days)
'West End Shows at East End Prices' runs the motto. Feast on new acts as well as established ones. This place also home to the London Alcohol-Free Comedy Club. And yes, the venue looks like its been made out of old pallets — got a problem with that? Backyard Comedy Club

Good Ship Comedy @ the Thieves, Battersea; @ Swimmer at the Grafton, Holloway Road; @ the Honor Oak, Forest Hill; @ the Old Fire Station, West Norwood (a lot of the time)
No longer anchored in Kilburn, Good Ship Comedy plies its route across four London venues, delivering a shipment of seriously good comedians: think Catherine Bohart, Paul Sinha and Jessica Fostekew. Good Ship Comedy

Top Secret Comedy Club: you don't always know who's going to be on, but you'll rarely be disappointed.

Pleasance London, Islington (a lot of the time)
Warehouse venue that's an offshoot of the famous Edinburgh Pleasance. Theatre and wrestling aside, there's a steady stream of stand-up: expect to catch comics like Ania Magliano, Celya AB and Max & Ivan warming up for August in Auld Reekie. Pleasance London

Soho Comedy Factory, Soho (a lot of the time)
Giggles galore at this intimate venue that sometimes gives the bigger Soho venues a run for their money. You won't always know who's playing though. Soho Comedy Factory

Always Be Comedy @ the Tommyfield, Kennington and @ the Trafalgar, Chelsea (Monday-Friday)
James Gill's prolific club night frequents the Tommyfield in Kennington, and has recently landed in a second venue, in Chelsea. Gill's Filofax is packed with stand-up blue bloods: Nick Mohammed, Joe Lycett, Nish Kumar, Aisling Bea, Kevin Bridges, Michael McIntyre... Expect unexpected cameos from some of the biggest names in the game. Lots of class upcomers, too. Always Be Comedy

Huge comedians in a modest size pub room at Always Be Comedy. Image: James Gill

99 Club, Soho (Tuesday-Sunday)
Stellar triple bills six days a week (think Catherine Bohart, Laura Lexx, Ivo Graham) in a snug West End subterranean venue. 99 Club

Gits & Shiggles @ Half Moon, Putney (every other Tuesday)
The backroom of this smashing Fuller's boozer in an affluent part of London is better known for its music, but this bi-weekly comedy fest is a who's who. We have giggled at Ahir Shah, Rosie Holt and Abandoman here. (Also expect lots of gags about how posh/minted everyone in Putney is.) Gits & Shiggles

Up The Creek brings the brick wall realness. Image: Charles Alley/Up the Creek

Camden Comedy Club @ Camden Head, Camden (Tuesday-Sunday)
All the greats start their careers upstairs in pubs; chances are the Camden Head was one of them. For as little as four quid a pop, watch new material and WIPs from established comics, plus a raft of newer funny peeps making a name for themselves. Camden Comedy Club

Up The Creek, Greenwich (Thursday-Sunday)
Quality latter-week laughs in front of a brick wall, so you can pretend you're in NYC. Comedians are as hot as they come: think Jon Robbins, Amy Gledhill, Ahir Shah. Home of the infamous Blackout nights, where performers do a tight five, the twist being the audience can choose to ditch them after just two mins. They pour their own beer too (the venue, not the comedians). Up The Creek

Downstairs at the King's Head, Muswell Hill (Thursday and Saturday)
Unassuming basement venue riddled with comedians, with a Try Out Night on Thursdays, and more established acts on Saturdays (think Arthur Smith, Shazia Mirza). Downstairs at the King's Head

Hackney's MOTH club brings gold curtain and top comedian realness. Image: Claire Haigh

Knock2Bag Comedy @ MOTH Club, Hackney (Wednesday and occasional Thursdays and Saturdays)
A voguish working men's club turned music venue is home to Knock2Bag's glittering comedy nights (and that ain't just the golden curtains). The ilk of Bridget Christie, Sheeps, Tom Basden and Lolly Adefope await. Sign up to the mailing list for the occasional chance of free tickets. MOTH Club

Live at the Chapel @ Union Chapel, Highbury & Islington (once in a while)
A religious experience for comedy disciples in more way than one; the stunning church setting plays host to a ludicrously talented set of comedians. Have rolled around in the (literal) aisles laughing at Tim Key, Mae Martin, Reginald D Hunter and countless others here. Live at the Chapel

More great comedy in London

We've only just begun. Here are scores more of splendid comedy happenings across the capital.

Tim Renkow at free Monday night show, Jester Jesters. Image: Jonathan Hearn

Comedy Cabin, Hoxton (a lot of the time)
Queer comedy nights, French comedy nights... the Comedy Cabin has it all, so long as it's funny. The cosy cellar bar puts on a high frequency of shows, and it's often only a few quid to get in. Comedy Cabin

Happy Mondays @ Amersham Arms, New Cross (Monday)
The backroom of a pub, a pint, and a slew of high-class comics for a reasonable fee can elevate your Monday night from silently sobbing in front of Happy Valley, to crying with laughter and tricking yourself into thinking it must be at least Wednesday. Happy Mondays

Jester Jesters @ Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon (Monday)
Throw caution to the wind with a Monday night on the tiles, or more specifically, at the Betsey Trotwood, and Jester Jesters. Upcoming stand-ups (sometimes sketch and character comedians too) vie for giggles, as they perform a litmus test on newly-penned material. Tickets are very cheap. Jester Jesters

Outside the Box Comedy Club @ Fighting Cocks, Kingston (Monday)
Robin Williams once played this west London showcase apparently, though that must've been a while ago now. That said, they still have some very good (living) comedians: think Nick Helm, Sara Pascoe and Ellie Taylor. Outside the Box Comedy Club

Fool & Co @ the Albany, Fitzrovia (Monday)
Marketed as "luxuriant comedy" Fool & Co's weekly Monday nights are nonetheless affordable; not only are some shows a trifling fiver, but they sometimes do a 2-for-1 on these tickets! Recent comedians have included the much-vaunted Ruby Carr and QI Elf Joe Mayo. Fool & Co

Punchlines @ the Cornershop Bar, Shoreditch (Monday)
Gary Michaels — a man with 20+ years experience on the circuit — takes the helm at this night where wannabe stars of tomorrow brave the mic. Expect a real pick 'n' mix. Punchlines

Ivory Arch Comedy @ Ivory Arch Comedy, Elephant & Castle (Monday)
A south London railway arch creates an intimate space in which to watch freshman comedians play with newly-cooked-up gags. Ivory Arch Comedy

LOLipops Live Comedy @ the Distillers, Hammersmith and @ the White Hart, Southwark (Monday and Tuesday, plus some Thursdays and Fridays)
New acts on two Tuesday shows in Hammersmith and in Southwark, inc. new acts/material plus Neurospicy Comedy. Shows with established comics headlining on some Thursdays and Fridays. LOLipops Live Comedy

Comedy Bandits @ Railway Tavern, Clapham (Monday, Wednesday and once a month on Friday)
Newish, but nonetheless gifted, stand-ups stiffen the sinews and summon up the blood, to perform free shows at this Clapham boozer on Monday and Wednesdays. Monthly Fridays showcase more established acts, which they'll (rightly) charge you for. Comedy Bandits

Comedy Virgins @ Cavendish Arms, Stockwell (Monday-Wednesday)
A slew of acts take to the stage for five mins at a time in a bid to win your laugher/applause/respect. Given the sheer amount, some are inevitably better than others, but it all moves so fast that hardly matters. Ultimately, you'll choose who was funniest of all. Two shows a night, so six in all. Comedy Virgins

Romesh Ranganathan plays the Boat Show, the only regular comedy night we know of that floats.

2nd Row Comedy @ Piehole Shoreditch (Tuesday)
When you think about it, there really ought to be more free comedy shows where you can see circa eight acts AND score a decent pie. As if that weren't appealing enough, 2nd Row Comedy also offers 'free exit' as well as free entry; big if true. 2nd Row Comedy

Hot Comedy @ Hot Toddy's, Camden (Tuesday)
Cheap comedy once a week at (from what we can fathom) is a nice little stage inside a Belushi's. Hot Comedy

Free Comedy @ Hoxley & Porter, Highbury & Islington (Tuesday)
Catch weekly bouts of comedy from (usually lesser-known) comics with some good food and drink deals to boot. Free Comedy

Hood Rat Comedy @ Rumba, Soho (Tuesday)
Free comedy from fresh comedians, plus beers from £2.50 a pop. That's a cheap laugh we can get on board with! Hood Rat Comedy

The Queer Comedy Club, Archway (Tuesday-Saturday)
Billing itself as 'the UK's First LGBTQ+ Comedy Club', this is a safe space for queer performers and audience members, with a 'Raw' Monday show (free), a 'Not Totally Queer' Tuesday show (free), plus a paid-for 'Big Thursday Show', where you get proper polished/star name comedians. There are occasional Saturday shows too. Queer allies are welcome. The Queer Comedy Club

Comedy Incorporated @ Signature Brew, Haggerston (Tuesday), @ The Railway, Putney (Wednesday), @ The Gipsy Queen, Kentish Town (Thursday), @ The Wheatsheaf, Tooting Bec (Thursday)
Plenty of chances to catch this laid-back affair, taking place four times across London every week. There's no crowd work (phew), no heckling (phew on the comedians' behalf) — just a heap of freshly worked out material. It's free and you can just show up. Like we say, proper chilled. Comedy Incorporated

Rose & Crown, Kentish Town (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Bucketloads of comedy gratis at this plucky north London boozer: Shtick (Wednesday and Sundays) and Freedom Fridge (Thursdays). Rose & Crown

The Rose & Crown in Kentish Town offers free comedy regularly. Image: Sunday Shtick

Comedy In Your Eye @ Camden Eye, Camden (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
With tickets as cheap as £3 a pop, this is a thrifty way to catch grassroots comedy in north London — and some pretty big acts as well. Comedy In Your Eye

JK Comedy Club @ Spice of Life, Soho (Tuesday)
You know it's a proper comedy show when they've got a brick wall behind the comedians. For the markedly un-princely sum of £5, you get to enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy every Tuesday. JK Comedy Club

Armpit Comedy @ the Clapham North, Clapham (Tuesday or Wednesday, every two weeks)
A frankly ludicrous number of comedians i.e. nine are packed into every Armpit Comedy show, so even if you don't get out to another comedy show this year you've still seen more comedians than most. Armpit Comedy

Chippy Tea @ Aces & Eights, Tufnell Park (Tuesdays, every other month)
Midlands double act Bab present a female/LGBTQ+-forward show bringing 'the hottest chips out the air fryer'. Said chips are a salty mix of stand-up, sketch and character comedy. Acts have included Joz Norris, Freya Parker and, of course, Bab themselves. Chippy Tea

Slap and Giggle Comedy @ Coin Laundry, Exmouth Market; @ Little Yellow Door, Notting Hill; @ Never For Ever, Gospel Oak; @ Greenwich Theatre (some Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Prolific comedy slingers Slap and Giggle put on up-and-coming comics in various corners of London, having them rattle out two-and-a-half hours of free laughs every other week. Slap and Giggle Comedy

City Comedy Club @ Trapeze Bar, Shoreditch (Wednesday-Sunday)
Tickets range from £5 to £12 depending which night of the week you go. They also do bottomless wings, drinks and laughs for £55. City Comedy Club

Comedy duo Bab host Chippy Tea at Aces & Eights.

It's Comedy @ Spit & Sawdust, Elephant & Castle (Wednesday)
Big laughs in a small room with an invisible entrance fee — that's It's Comedy, which showcases two comedians each Wednesday, with shorter support sets from others. It's Comedy

Laugh Train Home @ the Thieves, Battersea (Wednesday)
So much going on in the Thieves — karaoke, quizzes, arcade car games... and Laugh Train Home, which presents a real roulette of comedians: we've seen tumbleweed, we have also seen unadulterated genius. Always worth taking the rough with the smooth here. Laugh Train Home

Comedy at the Old Crown, New Oxford Street (Wednesday)
Established acts mingle with the newbies at this super central weekly evening that often packs out. Comedy at the Old Crown

The Laugh Bath @ the Endeavour, Deptford (Wednesday)
Up and coming comics serve as a warm-up for a more established headliner. There's also a 'Rubber Duck Award for Cleanest Comedian' — presumably the least sweary one? The Laugh Bath

Elgin's Marvels Comedy Club @ the Elgin, Maida Vale (every other Wednesday)
The posh areas of London like a laugh too, at least every other Wednesday. Expect newer acts, and no entrance fee. Elgin's Marvels Comedy Club

Rip It Up Comedy @ Wood Street Bear, Wood Street (every other Wednesday)
"London’s most indie comedy night" showcases up and coming comics with no entrance fee. Rip It Up Comedy

Instant Laughs, Sydenham and Mitcham (one Wednesday or Thursday a month)
South London rings out with laughter prompted by a set from five stand-ups. Some of these shows are BYOB. Instant Laughs

How to Be a Strong Woman in One Hour @ The Coach House, Piccadilly (Thursday)
Once a week since July 2025, Monica Hsueh has taken over the Coach House for 60 minutes, performing a show that's becoming renowned for its honest storytelling and audience Q&A. Feel-good, non-cynical stuff. How to Be a Strong Woman in One Hour

Rye Lane Ruckus @ Eagle Eats Bakery, Peckham (Thursday)
What is presumably the best-smelling comedy club in London, Rye Lane Ruckus mixes established and emerging acts... in a bakery. It's free (the cakes are not). Rye Lane Ruckus

The Comedy Industrial Complex @ Pub on the Park, Hackney (Thursday)
Stand-up with a difference, as apparently much of this is topical comedy/satire. (They also promise "story tellers and just plain wacky bafoonery"). The Comedy Industrial Complex

NewsRevue @ Canal Cafe Theatre, Little Venice (Thursday-Saturday)
Proudly declaring itself the world's longest running live comedy show, we could hardly leave NewsRevue off this list. Songs and sketches galore are mashed into this 60-minute run down of topical news, playing three days a week. Given the state of the planet right now, it's a wonder they can keep up. If this is REALLY up your street you can buy an annual pass for £99. NewsRevue

Comedy Carnival, Covent Garden, Camden, Clapham & Leicester Square (Thursday-Saturday)
A chain of comedy nights in London venues, Comedy Carnival has been going almost 20 years. With its meal package options, it's a solid shout for work outings, birthdays etc. Comedy Carnival

The Stand Up Club @ Zebrano, Soho; @ Two Bridges, London Bridge; @ the Antelope, Tooting (Thursday-Saturday)
Take your pick from several venues for these shows, with an ever-swelling roster of talent, performing in threes or fours. The Stand Up Club

Live Next to the Apollo @ Riverside Studios, Hammersmith (Thursday and Friday)
A few mins around the corner from where they record the most famous/mainstream stand-up show on TV, Live Next to the Apollo brings twice-weekly laughs to discerning comedy fans, with acts including the likes of Eric Rushton, Dee Allum and Kuan-wen Huang. What's more, they regularly stage acts who've performed at Live at the Apollo itself. It's just that here, you get to enjoy them in a far more intimate space. Live Next to the Apollo

Quintessentially Comedy @ Quinn's, Camden (every other Thursday)
Friendly new act/material night MCed by Dave Lynch. Quintessentially Comedy

Comedy Rumblings, Charlton, Leytonstone and Blackheath (Thursdays, once or twice a month)
One to keep your eyes peeled for: the venues and dates seems to shift around somewhat, but whenever/wherever it is, it's a Thursday. Comedy Rumblings

Free Me Abeg, the Brookmill, Greenwich (some Thursdays)
Damiete MCs this semi-regular bout of stand-up from on-the-up comedians. Free Me Abeg

Boat Show Comedy @ Tattershall Castle, Westminster (Friday and Saturday)
One of few comedy nights we know which is bobbing about on the blinkin' Thames. It rocks with laughter too, thanks to Friday and Saturday nights feat. *chef's kiss* lineups (think improv rapper Abandoman, and Live at The Apollo's Cally Beaton). Tattershall Castle

Comedy Club Shoreditch @ Bistrot Walluc (Friday and Saturday)
The Friday night offering from the busy London Comedy Group, Comedy Club Shoreditch ushers you into Bistrot Walluc for free comedy, and (not free) fondue. Comedy Club Shoreditch

Comedy Oxygen @ the Trinity, Borough (Friday)
Pro comics try out new bits, while newer ones dip their toe into the circuit. Comedy Oxygen

Clapham Comedy Cave @ Lit Bar, Clapham (Friday)
Squish into the bowels of the Lit Bar every Friday for a showcase of comedians — many who'll you'll recognise from Comedy Central, Channel 4, BBC Comedy, Dave et al. Clapham Comedy Cave

Crack Comedy @ the Grey Horse Kingston (Friday, Sunday and some Mondays) and The Shed, Wimbledon (Saturday)
Raucous shows with circa four slick acts apiece. Stars of Live at the Apollo come to warm up here. Crack Comedy

Stephen K Amos does his thing at Banana Cabaret, Balham.

Headliners Comedy Club @ George, IV Chiswick (Friday and Saturday)
Weekly Friday and Saturday stand-up outing at Chiswick's George IV; as the name hints, the star acts tends to be a pretty big deal in the comedy world (Troy Hawke, Ed Byrne, that kind of big deal). Headliners Comedy Club

South Kensington Comedy Club @ Hoop and Toy, South Kensington (Friday and Saturday)
Cram into this 60-seater upstairs venue for an intimate comedy night, with plenty of cameos from comedians you'll recognise off the telly. South Kensington Comedy Club

Banana Cabaret @ the Bedford, Balham (Friday and Saturday) CLOSING FOR GOOD IN MAY 2026
Nigh-on four decades of this fruity comedy show — on Fri and Sat at the sprawling Bedford pub (the main space is a cracking miniature Roundhouse of a thing). Impeccable array of talent: Luisa Omielan, Sarah Kendall, Jeff Innocent, Stephen K Amos. Sold. Banana Cabaret

Bearcat Comedy Club @ Turk's Head, Twickenham (Saturday)
Nathan Caton, Tony Law, Fin Taylor and Adam Bloom have all done this Saturday gig lately. Bearcat Comedy Club

Candlemaker Comedy @ the Candlemaker, Battersea (Sunday)
New acts and new material are given a public airing for a couple of hours every Sunday evening. Candlemaker Comedy

Free Comedy @ Brewhouse & Kitchen, Highbury (Sunday)
A 90-minute blast of free comedy might be just what the doctor ordered ahead of Monday morning. Free Comedy

The OM Comedy Club @ North Nineteen, Upper Holloway (first and third Sunday of the month)
Not many places are slinging free comedy on a Sunday, but this place almost makes up for the deficit, platforming 10+ acts in one fell swoop. Chris Ali comperes. The OM Comedy Club

Tall Tales & Cocktails @ Camden Comedy Club, Camden and @ The Glitch, Waterloo (some Sundays)
The finest raconteurs on the comedy circuit spin side-splitting yarns in an intimate setting. Something a bit different from the usual stand-up. Tall Tales & Cocktails

Collywobblers Comedy Club, various venues (regular)
Sion James invariably MCs this comedy night, which springs up in various locations in the south of the city, including Brockley Brewery, Mondo Brewery and Streatham Common's Railway Tavern. It's from the people who bring us Happy Mondays (see above), so you know you're in safe mitts. Collywobblers Comedy Club

"If the same voices keep telling the jokes, the rest of us become the punchlines." - Fran Ayala Rock, from Bitches in Stitches

Silly Goose @ the Trinity, Borough (semi-regular)
Comedians attempt to make you honk with laughter at this welcoming comedy night, established by Maddie and Will. Recent appearances include Sam Campbell and Sara Barron. Silly Goose

Nice N' Spiky Comedy Club, various venues (semi-regular)
Nice N' Spiky's been going over 20 years, with many performers going on to become A-listers (Judi Love, Stephen Merchant, Dane Baptiste.) Venues include the Lower Third in Soho and Signature Brew in Walthamstow. Nice N' Spiky Comedy Club

Bitches in Stitches @ Hoxton Cabin, Hoxton (occasional)
"When women are forced to fight over a token five minutes on male-heavy lineups, there's little room to truly grow. So I say: Let's build our own stage." So said Fran Ayala Rock, and build a stage she certainly did. While stand-up comedy remains a male-heavy industry, Bitches in Stitches proudly platforms all-female/non-binary comedy nights "for the sisters, the allies, the mischief-makers, and anyone who likes their comedy served with a side of cvnt." Bitches in Stitches

FOC It Up!, various venues (occasional)
Another comedy night that flies in the face of CIS white men, FOC It Up! champions femmes of colo(u)r — with acts like Kemah Bob, Kudzanayi Chiwawa and Kate Cheka delivering the goods at venues including Soho Theatre and Queer Comedy Club. FOC It Up!

Arabs Are Not Funny! @ Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington (occasional)
Big names from the Arab community and beyond (think Janine Harouni, Farah Sharp, Esther Manito) play the Elgar Room of the Royal Albert Hall. Arabs Are Not Funny!

Watch sketch comedy in London

While stand-up comedians stalk every street corner in this metropolis, sketch comedy is a more elusive beast. Like, really quite hard to find. Honestly though, if you know where we can find more of it on a regular basis, let us know.

Soho Theatre has no shortage of sketch comedy, unlike, er, most of the rest of London.

Soho Theatre, Soho (most of the time)
For a consistent freshet of sketch comedy — from Crybabies to Norris and Parker — it's got to be good old Soho Theatre (see top of this article). You might end up watching it in the boiling hot attic room, or the cavernous main auditorium but there's always lashings of it, and it's invariably very, very good. Soho Theatre

NewsRevue, Canal Cafe Theatre, Little Venice (Thursday-Saturday)
(See above)

Sketch Off! (January-spring)
An unrelenting binge of sketch and character hijinks with many many heats, which start simmering away at the Museum of Comedy (see all-time best comedy venues, above) in the early months of the year, and gradually heat up into an explosive final at Leicester Square Theatre in the spring. Names like Crizards and Muriel have been there, done that. Sketch Off!

Improv comedy in London

And yes! Though improv comedy isn't everyone's cup of tea, others go gaga for it, and it's nowhere near as illusive as sketch. Here are some of the main regular shows making it up as they go along.

St Doctor's Hospital is an ongoing improvised medical comedy at The Free Association. Image: Gareth O'Connor

Hoopla Improv @ the Miller, London Bridge (most days)
You can hardly miss this improv theatre located above the excellent Miller pub near London Bridge; its name is slathered in huge letters outside the building. Here, Hoopla Improv run classes and workshops — as well as shows most days of the week. Depending when you go, you could be watching complete newbies, utter pros and anything in between. Hoopla Improv

Duck Duck Goose @ Hope & Anchor, Brixton (Monday)
Every Monday night, this small room in a south London pub comes alive with improv-ers acting out strange scenarios that you've told 'em to create. Tickets are free, but it's recommended you reserve in advance. Duck Duck Goose

You can hardly miss this one. Image: Hoopla Improv

The Free Association, Southwark (Thursday-Sunday)
For those looking to make it (up) in the improv game, The Free Association and its range of classes and workshops may well be where they might head. Their new Southwark venue is also where improv fans can enjoy a conveyor belt of improv shows, including improvised medical drama St Doctor's Hospital. The Free Association

Comedy Store Players @ Comedy Store, Leicester Square (Sunday)
It's that club again. The Comedy Store Players are the bee's knees when it comes to improv. The great Paul Merton did this gig for many years, and some of his peers carry on in this rotating-cast weekly outing, with newer blood including Cariad Lloyd and Ruth Bratt. Comedy Store Players

Shoot from the Hip regularly do improv on a Sunday. Image: Scott Rylander

Shoot from the Hip @ the Bill Murray, Islington; @ the Albany, Great Portland Street (semi-regular)

According to their website, a Londonist reviewer once called Shoot from the Hip "the finest improv you'll find in the city", so there you go. This peripatetic setup can be found in and around London, including the Bill Murray and Leicester Square Theatre. Shoot from the Hip

Other great places to watch comedy in London

Phil Wang performs at 21Soho, a relatively new venue already proving its comedy chops.

21Soho, Soho
A relative newcomer seriously pulling its weight, with acts like Frank Skinner and Drunk Women Solving Crime strutting their stuff in this bougie space. 21 Soho

Aces & Eights, Tufnell Park
Pint-sized cellar venue putting on some cracking WIPs and new material nights. Aces & Eights

Bloomsbury Theatre, Soho
Some quality headliners on in this pro space; think John Kearns, Lucy Beaumont. Bloomsbury Theatre

EartH, Hackney
Gorge grand old former cinema hosts lots of music acts, but also a steady stream of comedians. EartH

Surely one of London's most intimate comedy spaces, at the Glitch. Image: Londonist

Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith
Live at the Apollo is indeed filmed here. Other blockbuster stand-up shows come here too. Eventim Apollo

Fairfield Halls, Croydon
The Southbank Centre of the, er, south. Massive comics play big shows here: Harry Hill, Jon Richardson, Rhod Gilbert. They're liakle to crack a joke at Croydon's expense, too. Fairfield Halls

The Glitch, Waterloo
Super lil Cafe with a subterranean cellar space that's so small we've seen comedians refer to it as a 'corridor'. The Glitch

Hackney Empire: Sizeable theatre which big comedians (think Josh Widdecombe, Michelle de Swarte) often play. Hackney Empire

The O2, North Greenwich
You've might've heard of it. Hosts superstar names like Peter Kay, Steve Coogan and Flight of the Conchords. You need more than a tight five to play this place — more like a tight two hours. The O2

Comedy in a brewery? Count me in. Image: Signature Brew

Pub theatres like the Tabard (Chiswick), Etcetera Theatre (Camden) and Old Red Lion (Angel) often have comedy plays, and sometimes stand-up, too. Lots more pub theatres in our guide here.

Radio and TV recordings for shows including HIGNFY and Graham Norton. Read more about getting free tickets with our guide.

Rosemary Branch, Islington
Catch various WIPS and comedy plays in this canalside pub theatre. Rosemary Branch

Signature Brew, Walthamstow
Lashings of fresh beer make the comedy even funnier at the various sessions held in this Blackhorse Beer Mile brewery. Signature Brew

The impressive space at Woolwich Works. Image: Paul Gilbey

Shirker's Rest, New Cross
Magnificent micropub with an upstairs space where they sometimes host intimate comedy nights. Shirker's Rest

Three Hounds, Beckenham
This fave Londonist bottle/beer shop has a cosy downstairs space that puts on occasional stand-up sets. Three Hounds

Woolwich Works, Woolwich
Occasional comedy nights, including Arabs Are Not Funny, are held in this stunning listed warehouse building, formerly part of the Royal Arsenal. They also host Bring Your Own Baby comedy sets (to be clear, your baby doesn't need to prepare a tight five, you can just bring them to watch). Woolwich Works

London comedy festivals

London is one big comedy festival IMHO, so there's no need for anything as blockbuster as the Edinburgh Fringe here. There is, though, a scattering of events you should know about.

You never quite know what you'll find at the Camden Fringe, but a lot of it is funny.

Rosebuds Festival (January-February)
A new-for-2025 comedy festival at Clapham's Bread & Roses theatre, which packs 20 promising stand-up, sketch and character acts into six days. It returned in 2026 so we can officially say it's established. Rosebuds

Sketch Off!, Museum of Comedy and Leicester Square Theatre (January-early spring)
If you adore sketch, then boy, is this going to ruffle your truffles. See the sketch section above for more details. Sketch Off!

Sketchfest (March)
Where's all this sketch comedy coming from all of a sudden?! What we think is the resurrection of an old festival, Sketchfest surfaced for two weeks in spring 2026, with shows at the Hen and Chickens, and the Canal Café Theatre. Sketchfest

Ealing Comedy Festival (July)
Al fresco comedy in the splendid Walpole Park. Previous acts have included Shaparak Khorsandi, Josh Widdecombe and Ed Byrne. Nothing to do with those black and white Ealing films as far as we know. We're waiting to see if it returns in 2026. Ealing Comedy Festival

Roundhouse Comedy Festival (August)
Debuting in 2023, this big name, one-venue festival — feat. the likes of James Acaster, Katherine Ryan, Ed Gamble, Nish Kumar and Rose Matafeo — then sunk without a trace. It is, however, back for 2026, and we hope will now resurface yearly. Roundhouse Comedy Festival

Camden Fringe (August)
The closest London comes to Edinburgh, with hundreds of shows sprinkled across north London's theatres and pubs. Plenty of comedy in the mix every year, from stand-up to sketch to clowning. Camden Fringe

Drag nights in London

A genre unto itself, there's no doubt a lot of drag is aimed to make you giggle your pants off. This is not a comprehensive roundup of places to watch it, just a pick of some of the best:

• Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Vauxhall: drag on tap at this GOAT LGBTQ+ pub.
• Two Brewers, Clapham: Drag-laced hijinx seven days a week, from Monday Madness to Power of Four.
• Dalston Superstore, Dalston: Partay central, and home to a legendary drag brunch.
• CellarDoor, Covent Garden: Smoosh up with revellers in these erstwhile toilets to watch drag-doused debauchery.
• Their Majesties, Croydon: Monthly mayhem in a pub from Asifa Lahore and Shepherd's Bush.
• Zebrano, Soho: Home of the Drag Brunchette, hosted by The Royal Highness, Queen B*tch of Soho.

Queera Lynn, sometimes to be found at Camden Cabaret.

Oh gawd, we missed somewhere didn't we? While it's impossible to make this a comprehensive list of comedy in London, if you think we've omitted something that needs to be on here, email will@londonist.com

This is a sponsored article on behalf of the Imperial War Museum.

You're probably familiar with the Imperial War Museum's facade, with its gorgeous copper dome and formidable naval guns, set within a south London park... but have you ever been inside?

The free museum is packed with things to see and do across five floors, from personal stories and objects including letters, medals and toys, to exhibitions and videos — all telling the stories of ordinary people's experiences of war. It covers the First and Second World Wars, and conflicts that have happened since. Take a look:

Think it's all planes and guns? Think again — history sits alongside culture and art. With so much to see, it's hard to know where to look (though you can't miss the planes suspended from the ceiling!).

IWM London displays many artworks and holds regular exhibitions and events too. Right now, London itself is in the spotlight, in Beauty and Destruction: Wartime London in Art, a free exhibition telling the story of London during the Second World War, as witnessed by artists.

Take a break at the on site café, and browse the museum shops, including a bookstore. It's recommended you leave at least three hours for your visit. Or pop back again, to view it in smaller chunks — it's free to visit, so you can return as many times as you like. And if you're just here for the planes and the tanks? That's perfectly fine too!

IWM London is located close to Waterloo, Lambeth North and Elephant and Castle stations, and on plenty of bus routes. Free, no booking required.

Looking for somewhere to have a good laugh? We've just updated our roundup of comedy nights in London, featuring MOTH Club, and many, many other venues.

The glittery gold curtain is staying (along with the rest of the club). Image: Londonist

The closure of independent venues in London is a constant (and frankly, exhausting) threat, so it's always refreshing to see a positive news story — and right now, we've got one.

MOTH Club — the ex-servicemen's members club in Hackney Central, known for its live music, and Knock2Bag comedy nights starring the likes of Sam Campbell, Sheeps, Rosie Jones and many other great comedians — was fighting for its future recently, owing to two proposals to build residential blocks directly overlooking the club. This, believed, MOTH Club, would lead to all kinds of noise and disturbance complaints from the new residents — prompting possible limitations, or even closure.

Now, it's been revealed that the first planning application has been refused — a sensible decision that's surely been swayed by the many artists, audiences, local residents and industry stakeholders signing and sharing a petition, as well as lobbying from the likes of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and the Music Venue Trust.

"This is incredibly welcome news and a defining moment for London’s nightlife." Image: Londonist

"This is a huge win," said MOTH Club to its Instagram followers, "We couldn’t have done it without your support."

Added Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association: "This is incredibly welcome news and a defining moment for London's nightlife. Moth Club is more than just a venue, it is a cultural institution, a platform for emerging talent, and a vital community hub. What we've seen is people power in action, a collective voice that simply could not be ignored."

But the fight, says MOTH Club, is not over; the second planning application is still in progress. "We need to keep spreading the word and make sure our venue continues to be a home for live music, comedy and grassroots culture," says the club.

At Londonist, we've also got our eye on developments at another wonderful London venue, the 'Traf' pub in Wimbledon (it features in our list of 100 best London pubs), which is currently trying to obtain the leasehold from developers. A community meeting regarding this takes place on 15 April 2026.

Meanwhile, TheatreShip in Canary Wharf is also under threat from a skyscraper development, though the planning decision has been deferred after appeals from fans of the venue.

Got a whole bank holiday weekend stretching out ahead of you? Photo: Fas Khan via Unsplash

Long bank holiday weekend ahead of you, and looking for things to do in London to fill the time?

Take a gander at our suggestions below for activities in the capital and beyond, whatever the weather and whatever your budget.

Note: it's worth double checking opening hours; they sometimes do odd things (or places close completely) over bank holiday weekends. Check public transport too, as bank hols are a favourite time for engineering works.

Cultural bank holiday ideas in London

Do a Black History Walks guided tour

WALKING TOURS: Stretch your legs while learning something new about London on a walking tour. They're not just for tourists, y'know, and can cover extremely niche and little-known areas of London's geography and history. Among our favourite tours are Look Up London, Black History Walks, Derelict London and Footprints of London.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES: Find out about the latest exhibitions in London's museums and galleries, and read our latest reviews, here. Been to all the well-known museums and galleries, and looking for somewhere new to explore? Here's our guide to cheaper, quieter, smaller and lesser-known alternatives to London's big venues. Starting from scratch? Our guide to exploring London's museums and galleries will see you right.

FAMOUS PEOPLE'S HOUSES: Fancy a snoop around? Here's how to get inside the houses of famous people in London. No, we're not talking about the latest pop stars or actors, but rather, the former homes of historical figures such as Charles Dickens, Van Gogh and fictional sleuth Sherlock Holmes.

CINEMA: Whether you're in the mood for the latest blockbuster, or something a little more arthouse, London's independent cinemas are flourishing. These are our favourite indie cinemas to kick back in and soak up a movie. It's more important than ever to support these wonderful venues!

COMEDY: London's one of the funniest places in the world: have a giggle at one of these comedy venues, whether you're after stand-up, sketch or improv. On a budget? Our guide to free and cheap comedy'll have you laughing without crying over an empty wallet.

Bank holiday walking routes in London

Wander through the pocket parks of the Square Mile

POCKET PARKS: The City of London tends to be fairly sleepy at weekends (though that's changing post-pandemic), making it an excellent time to follow this walking route through the Square Mile's pocket parks — small, green spaces squeezed in between the buildings, bristling with nature and history.

WEEKEND WALKS: Our weekend walks are aimed at both casual strollers and super-keen hikers, ranging from two to 10 miles in length, and taking in parks, rivers, canals, windmills and more. From Hayes, to Richmond, to Hampstead, to the Lea Valley — as well as Royal Parks — we've got all corners of London covered. See the full list and pick a route.

A STROLL TO KENT: You can travel all the way from London to Kent coast on this walking route, which passes nature reserves and marshes, forts and wartime pillboxes — and the gargantuan QEII Bridge at Dartford. Just a warning before you set off — it's 47 miles long. Maybe spread it out across the bank holiday weekend. Similarly, the Essex section of the English Coastal Path is easily reachable from London.

Explore the great outdoors this bank holiday

Get close to nature in the River Lee Country Park

GREEN SPACES: Looking for somewhere to kick back in the sun with a book, meet friends for a picnic, or just be around nature for a while? You need our guide to London's green spaces. It covers parks and commons across the capital. Make this bank holiday weekend the one you discover somewhere new.

BOATING: If splashing about on London's waterways tickles your oar, get yourself down to your nearest boating lake. Parks across the capital have rowboats and pedalos available to hire — just pick your co-sailor carefully, or you'll be doing all the work yourself.

COUNTRY PARK: Mere metres from the Overground terminus at Cheshunt, River Lee Country Park is a 1,000 acre oasis, ideal for immersing yourself firmly in nature. Fish, dragonflies and butterflies are among the wildlife to be spotted at various times of year, with lakes, marshland and mature trees to navigate, plus sculptures and artworks. Admission is free.

BOTANICAL GARDENS: For fresh air interspersed with flowers and plants, make your way to one of London's best gardens for a day out. Sprawling botanical gardens, tropical hothouses, cottage gardens and walled enclaves alongside the Thames all feature.

SECRET GARDENS: Want to see a little corner of London you've never got to before? These little gardens should give you some inspiration. Take your book, pack a picnic and bask in the greenery.

CYCLE ROUTES: If you want to get a bit further under your own steam, why not try one of these cycle routes.

Sporting pursuits

Swim in the London 2012 Olympics pool

SWIMMING: Looking for somewhere to get a few laps in? Plunge into our pick of London's best indoor swimming pools, from an Olympic pool to a former church.

OUTDOOR SWIMMING: If the weather's on your side, splash your way into one of London's refreshing lidos and outdoor swimming pools. On particularly warm bank holiday weekends, you might need to book in advance.

ICE SKATING: Ice skating's not just for Christmas — the capital has a few indoor ice rinks which offer public sessions year round, from Ally Pally up north to Streatham down south — plus one slap-bang in central London.

CLIMBING: The only way is up, at London's best climbing centres. Bouldering, top-rope climbing and lead climbing are all possible in the capital, with routes available for absolute beginners and more advanced climbers.

HORSE RIDING: You might be surprised quite how centrally you can try your hand at horse riding in London — lessons are available in Hyde Park, as well as Beckton, Richmond, Ealing and several other places in between.

WINTER SPORTS: Fancy giving skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or curling a go? You'll be needing our guide to trying out winter sports in London. Just be aware that they may not all be available year round.

ROLLER SKATING: Whether you're on your way to being a pro, or roller skating is on your bucket list, why not get your skates on this bank holiday! We've written a guide to roller skating in London featuring the best places to do it, where to buy skates, and plenty more.

HIGH ADRENALINE ADVENTURES: Bit of a daredevil? Up for a skydive, abseil or speedboat ride? Pick from these high-adrenaline days out.

Where to eat and drink in London over the bank holiday

Find your nearest boozer in our pub guide. Image: Shutterstock

PUB: We flippin' love a pub, which is why we've pulled together many of our favourite London boozers into this pub guide. Search for pubs by area or by what it does best — fireplace, pub quiz, pool table, dog-friendly — you name it. We also carried out some extremely hard research to compile our list of the 100 best pubs in London. Phew — we need a drink after that...

ROOFTOP BARS: Sun peeking out from behind the bank holiday clouds? Head up high to one of the capital's best rooftop bars. From sleek sipping spots among the skyscrapers to more casual bars offering views with your booze, you'll find terraces all over town.

COCKTAILS: If it's more sophisticated supping you're after, try one of London's best cocktail bars, spread out across town from Dalston, Bethnal Green and Peckham to Covent Garden and Soho. Make ours a dry martini. No, a daiquiri. Hold up, a mint julep. Actually, make ours all three.

SUNDAY ROASTS: Because nothing says super-duper bank holiday weekend like a cracking Sunday roast — think fluffy spuds, towering Yorkshires and waves of gravy. These are our favourites from venues all across town, and if you're veggie or vegan, we've got you covered too.

AFTERNOON TEA: A 'special occasion' staple... and we absolutely class bank holidays as special occasions. We're particularly partial to a themed afternoon tea, with fashion, literature, and even London itself on the menu. No passport required for these international afternoon teas, inspired by destinations such as China, India, Sri Lanka and Mexico. Dining as a family? Increasing numbers of places serve family-friendly afternoon teas with special menus for younger diners. No need to miss out if funds are tight either, as these budget-friendly afternoon teas all come in at under £35 per person.

Family-friendly fun for the bank holiday

Find a playground in central London

PLAYGROUNDS: "I want to go on the sliiiiide". If that's a refrain overly familiar to you, you'll want to bookmark our map of playgrounds in central London. A multitude of swings, slides and roundabouts are tucked away in the city centre. We've even had our mini Londonists test some out.

FREE MAZE: Ever been to the Brent Lodge Park Millennium Maze? The labyrinth is constructed of 2,000 yew trees, has been around for more than two decades, and is free to visit. It's a 10-minute walk from Hanwell station on the Elizabeth line, and there's a free playground, plus Hanwell Zoo (small entry fee) next door.

TEENAGERS: Teenagers can be tricky to entertain. Fear not — we've got 25 ideas for days out in London with teens, from sports to street art to shopping.

CRAZY GOLF: Tee off en famille at these family-friendly places to play crazy golf. Dinosaurs, dragons, whales and more dinosaurs (lots of dinosaurs) feature on the novelty nine- (and 18-) holers.

KING'S CROSS: Perhaps you're on your way to catch a train out of town, or to meet family or friends arriving here. Either way, if you find yourself in the King's Cross/St Pancras (or even Euston) area and need to keep the tiddlies happy, pick one of these 16 things to do with kids near King's Cross station.

FAIRY WOOD: I do believe in fairies, I do, I do! How could you not, when there's a fairy wood right here in London? Enough said.

RAINY DAY: This is England, and more often that not, bank holiday = rain. Doesn't mean you need to spend the day at home with Peppa Pig on repeat though. Here are our tips for things to do with kids on a rainy day in London.

ANIMALS: From city farms to wildlife reserves, London is a great place to see animals — often for free. We've mapped London's best animal spotting locations.

CAVES: Deep below Chislehurst in southeast London, 22 miles of manmade caves wait to be explored. Even in the height of summer, it's worth wrapping up warm for a visit, as it gets nippy down below.

Free and cheap things to do

Thrills: God's Own Junkyard is full of 'em. Photo: Laura Reynolds/Londonist

102 OF THEM: London's expensive: fact. Or at least, it is if you don't know about these 102 free things to do in the city, from museums and galleries to gardens and kids' activities.

Particular favourites of ours for a budget-friendly bank holiday weekend include:

BARBICAN CONSERVATORY: A glasshouse bursting with tropical plants (and terrapins!) within a brutalist housing estate in the City of London. Rather special.

GOD'S OWN JUNKYARD: London's own answer to Las Vegas, a Walthamstow warehouse packed to the rafters with neon signs of all shapes and sizes. Some are a bit... saucy. There's also a cafe-bar inside, if the trip to the end of the Victoria line has left you parched.

Easy day trips and weekend breaks from London

When the sun comes out, you'll be begging for Mersea. Photo: Londonist

We love London, but occasionally the world beyond the M25 beckons. That's why we've launched our Beyond London section with day trip ideas ranging from quaint villages to seaside towns, little-known museums and lakeside walks. You'll also find weekend guides to cities including Bristol, York and Lisbon. Overwhelmed with choice? Let us help you out with some of our favourites:

CASTLES: Who doesn't love a castle? Turrets, battlements, suits of armour... the works. Pick from these 15 beautiful castles in Kent (hello, Hever), five historic castles in Essex, or eight charming castles in Sussex (including the Hogwarts-esque Herstmonceux). Yeah, we really, really like castles.

SEASIDE: The sun in your eyes, the sand in your shoes, a cheeky seagull after your '99. Smashing. Pick between seaside towns in Kent, Essex or Sussex for your next seafaring escape from London. Brighton and Mersea Island are particular favourites.

QUIRKY MUSEUMS: They'll open a museum about anything these days... If you've visited the big-hitters and fancy something a little more off-piste, may we suggest one of these 19 fantastically niche and quirky museums near London. Teapots, sea shells, dog collars and Winnie the Pooh all feature.

MODEL VILLAGE: A mere hop outside the M25 is Bekonscot Model Village, an absolute gem of a place that's almost a century old. Pretend to be a giant as you stomp past replicas of Tube stations and London Zoo. A more charming day out you'll struggle to find.

Shopping in London

Downstairs at You Don't Bring Me Flowers. Photo: Londonist

Got a few quid burning a hole in your pocket, or want to spend your extra bank holiday free time having a mooch around the shops? These are some of our favourites:

CRAFTS: Knitting, sewing, jewellery-making, calligraphy and paper crafts are among the hobbies covered by our favourite craft shops in London. Whether you need a new ball of wool for your latest project, or advice for a complete beginner, find somewhere you can get it.

BOOKS: If you ask us, bank holidays were made for reading — ideally in the sun in the park, but we'll settle for over a pint in the pub if that's what the weather dictates. Either way, you'll be in need of reading material, which these independent London bookshops all have by the shelf load. (Get further inspiration from our roundup of the best London novels, and the best non-fiction books.)

SECOND HAND BOOKS: Whether for environmental or financial reasons (or just because you love that old book smell), we've got pre-loved books covered too, with our guide to shopping for second hand books in London.

CHOCOLATES: It's a bank holiday, and you deserve a sweet treat. So head to one of London's best chocolate shops — they range from historic boutiques, to the store which inspired Roald Dahl, to the modern shop which invented salted caramel (to who we give thanks on a daily basis).

FLOWERS: Brighten up your home with a cheeky trip to your local florist — these are our favourites across town.

Staying at home

Think you know the tube? Prove it with these quizzes. Image: Shutterstock

If weather's stopped play, or you just need a chilled, restorative weekend without leaving the house, that's not a problem.

PUZZLES AND QUIZZES: Get those little grey cells going with our collection of quizzes about London. From history and transport trivia to emoji, picture and anagram rounds, they're great for keeping you occupied, or going head-to-head with family and friends. Just keep it civil, eh?

Matt Brown with his latest book

BOOKS: Need a new read? Might we point you in the direction of our own books, Londonist Mapped and Londonist Drinks. We pooled our knowledge about the best of London, combined it with some truly talented artists and cartographers and ended up with a couple of rather lovely tomes.

Londonist Editor-at-Large Matt Brown has also been fairly busy writing books, including the mythbusting Everything You Know About London Is Wrong, Atlas of Imagined Places, and his latest tome The Boroughs of London.

Plus, there's Routemasters of the Universe by Londonist contributor Harry Rosehill, and Londonist Editor Will Noble's deep-dive into Croydonopolis: A Journey to the Greatest City That Never Was.

Phew. That little lot should see you through the weekend, right?

By buying books via links in this article, Londonist may earn a commission from Bookshop.org — which also helps support independent bookshops.

Look closely - that's tomato-flavoured candy floss... apparently 😉

It's 1 April, meaning pranks galore, as companies and institutions everywhere hop on the annual April Fools' bandwagon. Here are some of the best jokes we've spotted in London this year — we'll add to it as more hijinx are revealed.

Candy floss pizza at Zizzi

Italian restaurant chain Zizzi — whose London locations include Strand, Victoria, Canary Wharf and Wembley — claims to be serving up a new candy floss pizza from today, adding "You'd be a fool not to try it!"

The Quattro Pomodoro Candy Floss Pizza features a tomato base, topped with a unique tomato-flavoured candy floss that melts into a sweet glaze that coats the pizza. The vibrant red candy floss topper is placed directly onto the hot pizza just before serving.

In other pizza-flavoured "news" coming out today:

• Indy pizzeria Fatto a Mano launches dough-less pizza, which sees the base removed, leaving just the crust and the toppings. It is, it says, a response to "evolving consumer habits, with increasing numbers of diners seeking lighter options".
• Tinned fruit brand Dole announces the launch of a tinned Hawaiian pizza, which "comes sealed in a tin, designed for maximum convenience and practicality, so Hawaiian pizza fans can enjoy the controversial classic whenever they like". Sounds... Dole-lightful.

Royal Albert Hall gets down with the kids

The Royal Albert Hall — which has offered up many an excellent April Fool's prank in the past — could soon ring with cries of kidz catchphrase "Six Seeeeeeven". It claims to be realigning its target audience, going after Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences with upcoming events such as Doomscrolling in Concert, An Evening of Ragebait, Aura Farming and Brainrot Fest.

James O'Follipar (👀), CEO of the Royal Albert Hall, said: "There's always more we can do to bring in new audiences. We want to be a place where people can Snapchat a twerk; the home of six-seven. To us, ragebait, brainrot and yapping aren't just words — they're central to everything we do."

The Heathrow Express "Training Train"

Passengers can now pack in a 15-minute workout on the way to Heathrow, as the Heathrow Express service teams up with PureGym to launch the "Training Train". Available from 1 April (naturally), the new service transforms the 15-minute Heathrow Express journey from Paddington into a high-energy fitness experience with a set of travel-inspired exercises, from "overhead locker lifts" and "luggage lunges" to "duty-free curls", "passport pocket squats" and "gate sprint drills".

(Perhaps the funniest bit of this is the disclaimer tucked away at the bottom of the press release: "Any references to PureGym workouts or exercise on board are fictional and part of the April Fools' concept. Passengers should not attempt these activities on Heathrow Express services.")

The Gillette "Close Shave" Water Park

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Instagram account @londonsuburbia slides in with the news that planning permission has been granted to install a number of "extreme water slides" on the roof of the Old Gilette Factory on the Great West Road in Isleworth. Attractions will be  “carefully named to honour the heritage of our glorious Art Deco razor blade factory”, including the LubriStrip Rapids™, the ProGlide UltraMax Descent™, the SmoothCore™ UltraSlide Pro+, and the fearsome SkinGuard360™ Velocity Run. Ouch.

Reverse Stand Up at Angel Comedy

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If you get nervous enough sitting on the front row at a comedy show, Reverse Stand Up will have you quaking in your boots. Angel Comedy — slingers of daily stand-up shows in north London — announced its new policy on 1 April, in which audience members will be chosen at random to perform a three-five-minute set ahead of the real comedians taking to the stage. It's all in the name of 'experiencing the spotlight, navigating silence and reconsidering heckling offences'. And fear not; you will be judged 'firmly but fairly'. Hmm, any good dramas on at the theatre?

Croydon plans a waterpark with its own whale

At last, Croydon's half-deserted Whitgift Shopping Centre has found a use for some of its empty units, claims Your Local Guardian. Namely adding in winding slides, indoor lagoons and a central wave pool — to create what developers are calling a 'fully immersive aquatic high street'. Just imagine drifting past shop windows, as part of a 'submerged retail trail' — ingenious! The live whale, 'Whitgift Wally' would pull in extra punters too, although before you get too excited, swimming with him is strictly prohibited. Spoil sports.

Watches for dogs by Olivia Burton

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London-based watch and jewellery brand Olivia Burton has announced its "Paw o'clock edit" on Instagram. Details are light, but it's accompanied by a series of photos of dogs wearing watches as dog collars.

River Thames perfume by Secret London

An article published on Secret London this morning claims that "You can now buy a perfume that smells like the River Thames", going on to claim that "The new London startup has captured the essence of the Thames and bottled it up for everyone to enjoy". The CEO of that startup? Joe King.

Smells very similar to City Cruises' prank last year. This year, the river tour company has stuck to the theme with Scratch & Sniff Cruise Cards, along you to smell each landmark as you pass it on the water.

The Simmons hotel

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Cocktail bar mini-chain Simmons announces the launch of its first hotel, opening in Soho in 2028. Highlights include private overnight karaoke rooms, teapot cocktail room service, and recovery kits available on request.

IKEA's meatball lollipop

IKEA have announced a "world-first" collab that brings their legendary meatballs to a stick, in the form of a meatball lollipop, complete with a tangy lingonberry finish. "No assembly required" reads the tagline...

The blue water of Bluewater

Just over the border from London in Kent, Bluewater shopping centre is unveiling its glowing blue lake, formed by the introduction of bioluminescent algae earlier this year. The spectacle, it says, is similar to naturally existing bioluminescent lakes in Australia and the Caribbean, and is best viewed at sunset.

If the above have made you chuckle, remind yourself of the best London April Fool's jokes from previous years:

• 2025
• 2022
• 2019
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014

Pssst! We wrote this article especially for 1 April 2026.

Soon set to be filled with cars rather than people: Leicester Square. Image: Daniel from Glasgow, United Kingdom via CC BY 2.0

Leicester Square will reopen to cars, buses and other proper vehicles by September.

The surprise announcement follows recent news that Oxford Circus is to be partially pedestrianised by September. "In order to take the strain from the closure of what is a major London artery," says Phoebe Palter from the London Roads Authority, "we've deemed it necessary to re-divert some traffic to nearby areas."

While all four sides of Leicester Square are resurfaced to accommodate vehicles, the Official London Theatre Ticket Booth will be painted green and used as a cabbie's shelter, and the central gardens "sympathetically transformed into a mass docking station for 500 Lime Bikes". There are also suggestions the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square could become a drive-through cinema.

Meanwhile, Westminster Council are looking at ways to retain a small plaza in front of the M&Ms store, noting the importance of this cultural institution to the local area.

M&M's World. One of many cultural jewels on Leicester Square. Image: Matt Brown

Nearby Trafalgar Square is also being considered for similar 'unpedestrianisation', reinstalling the road that once ran directly in front of the National Gallery, while the bookish Cecil Court could be turned into a dedicated highway for electric e-scooters. The rolling project will be partly funded by the taxpayer, with sponsorship from Lime Bikes and Cerithium Oil making up the rest.

Fully pedestrianised since 1987, Leicester Square is a magnet for visitors looking to indulge in London's foodie scene (both the McDonald's and Gregg's here are well above average size), or to glimpse red carpet appearances at glitzy film premieres for movies which have included Alvin and the Chipmunks, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, and groundbreaking psychodrama Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.

A trio of red, white and blue Mini Coopers will be added to the Square. Image: Romain Coatmelec

The area's cinema heritage has long been celebrated by a series of statues; to coincide with the new through-route for traffic, a trio of red, white and blue Mini Coopers will be added to the Square, representing the iconic cars from The Italian Job (they'll be the models from the superior 2003 remake).

Though proposals for Leicester Square's unpedestrianisation have already prompted ire from local heritage groups, many motorists will view the news as a small victory. In particular, London's rickshaw operators — who've had a tough time of it lately — will be buoyed. Due to historical byways, they will be able to use Leicester Square with impunity, with no restrictions on speed, fares or how loud they blast out 'Last Christmas', even though it's only late September.

Last year, a ban on Leicester Square's buskers was enforced, a move that, in hindsight, was the first step in clearing the way for traffic. Expect to hear the pneumatic drills get to work at 12pm today, 1 April.

When the sun's out, it's time to get high. Head for London's best rooftop bars and lofty terraces. We've rounded up the best for 2026. If you're reading this in spring/early summer, make sure your sky bar of choice has opened for the season.

When you're looking down on the Gherkin, you know you're high up. Image: Sushisamba

Rooftop bars in central London

1 Leicester Square, Leicester Square

A modern take on art deco glam, 1 Leicester Square's rooftop bar pours elixirs like the Pineapple Prohibition and Roaring 20s, which are best enjoyed out on the terrace, admiring the dashing deco of the 1937 Odeon down in the Square. There's also a 'Speakeasy Salad' which sadly appears to contain no booze.

1 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA

Alto by San Carlo, Oxford Street

Selfridges' citrus grove of a sky sanctum places the emphasis on seasonal Italian produce and fresh ingredients. The elevated (in all senses of the word) garden setting can be enjoyed with fizz in hand on the al fresco sun terrace, and perhaps a few bruschette smothered in tomatoes, garlic and basil.

Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB

Alto has a distinctly citrusy vibe.

Aqua Spirit, Regent Street

This slick cocktail sanctuary floating high above Regent Street, and crowning the Aqua Kyoto restaurant, is in a prime position for post-retail recuperation. The views over Oxford Street and the West End are as appealing as the Japanese bar food and Asian-accented drinks list (check out the 'Sushi' cocktail, made with Suntory and sparkling tea). No bookings are taken for the terrace, except if you're having lunch. Note the smart casual dress code: no sportswear or flip flops.

Aqua Spirit, 5th floor, 240 Regent Street, W1B 3BR

Gaucho, Piccadilly

During the sunnier months, visitors to this high-end, meat-heavy restaurant can enjoy pre- or post-dinner drinks on the romantic roof terrace, complete with fireplace and pillows. Wind, rain and chilly temperatures sometimes cause it to close, so it's worth calling before making a special trip.

Gaucho Piccadilly, 25 Swallow Street, W1B 4QR

Ham Yard Hotel, Piccadilly Circus

OK, this gorgeous cottage garden in the clouds is only open to hotel guests or under private hire, but it's still worth knowing about. If you've got a birthday celebration or company event on the cards, why not strong-arm the organisers into having it here.

Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, W1D 7DT

We're toot-ally onboard with Flute. Image: Flute

Flute, Soho

While Soho's speakeasy game is strong, the area's not so hot on rooftop bars. Flute — named for a 19th century flute-maker who lived on this street — is a nifty one to have up your sleeve: the glittering art deco/maximalist seventh-floor bar of the Broadwick hotel is special in its own right, but it also has a dainty outdoor terrace, where you can nestle among the pot plants with a cocktail and feel rather smug in your little lofty pocket park. Reserving a table is a good idea.

Flute, 7th floor, 20 Broadwick Street, Broadwick Soho, W1F 8HT

The Lane, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Much of the al fresco scene around Covent Garden resides at ground level, but the newish roof terrace at The Lane (part of the Theatre Royal) is an exception. Sip cocktails and champagne from the plant-potted terrace, while gazing out over the billboards of Theatreland and decide which show you want to see next.

The Lane, Drury Lane Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF

Catch some rays opposite Victoria station. Image: Market Halls Victoria

London Bridge Rooftop

OK, it might not be as lofty as the neighbouring Shard, but the views from London Bridge Rooftop are pretty tasty all the same — taking in Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge station, and, er, the Shard. As well as spritzes, prosecco and the like, they also do bottomless brunches (and darts, which frankly sounds like a lethal combo).

London Bridge Rooftop, Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX

Market Halls, Victoria

Step out the front of Victoria station (taking care not to get mown down by a bus or taxi) and there in front of you is Market Halls, with its sweeping rooftop terrace. The views aren't all that (unless you happen to be a bus spotter) but you can get a drink, plus all manner of street grub is available from the building's vendors. Think of it as an upscale, upsized, up-priced version of the Wetherspoons terrace in Victoria station.

Market Halls, Victoria, 191 Victoria Street, SW1E 5NE

Tune into stunning views at Radio Rooftop. Image: Radio Rooftop

The Nest, Fitzrovia

While the much-loved Heights bar — where many a boozy Beeb meeting was held back in the day — is long dead and buried, the Nest now rules the roost. It's a different vibe alright: the Heights would never bother itself with rattan pendant lighting, mid-century lounge chairs and hundreds of dangling houseplants. But the central London views haven't changed — and can only really be outdone in this area if you wangle a trip up the BT Tower. Dogs are welcome to take to the woof roof on Sundays.

The Nest, 14-15 Langham Place W1B 2QS

Radio Rooftop Bar, Aldwych

Set atop the ME London hotel, Radio Bar — so called because it's on the site of the old Marconi House — has a striking interior feat. coral reef wallpaper from Adam Ellis Studio, marble surfaces and exotic dried palms. All very la-di-da. But naturally it's the panoramic views you'll be ogling, classic cocktail in hand. Reservations are recommended, and no sportswear or trainers are permitted.

Radio Rooftop Bar, 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA

Things looking rosy at the Dilly. Image: The Dilly Image: The Dilly

The Rooftop, Trafalgar Square

Get a God complex as you watch the hustle of Trafalgar Square from this swish bar on top of The Trafalgar St James Hotel. You can also get a good gawp at Nelson from up here. The Rooftop is glamorous, and the prices reflect it — there's a stiff minimum spend, on a sliding scale contingent on the day/time.

The Rooftop, The Trafalgar Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS  

Setlist @ Somerset House, Strand

Is it a rooftop? Is it not a rooftop? No matter: Somerset House gets an inclusion here on location alone — perched as it is above the treetops of Victoria Embankment. The terrace reopened afresh as Setlist in 2025 — serving cocktails like the Somerset Spritz (Lilet Blanc, Suze, Somerset cider) and the Setlist Spritz (Lillet Rose, raspberries, Double Dutch, pomegranate and basil). There are also pop-ups from female chefs, DJs and a 50m-long covered pavilion filled with art.

Setlist @ Somerset House Terrace Bar, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA

Live the Poppins-esque London rooftop dream. Image: Yasmin

Terrace at the Dilly, Piccadilly

An exclusive little spot among the columns of the grand hotel, overlooking Piccadilly itself. The kind of place you order a glass of Château La Gordonne rosé and French light bites to go with. Afternoon tea is served early PM, daily.

Terrace at the Dilly, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH

Yasmin, Soho

Istanbul-inspired sharing plates and sundowner cocktails are the name of the game at Yasmin, a wrap-around terrace, which may not feature the rizziest views in town, but gives urban/verdant chic — and the sense you're living the Poppins-esque London rooftop dream. The dishes, from exec chef Tom Cenci, are upmarket and uplifting (hello baharat duck skewer with orange & saffron mayo), as are drinks like the Golden Hour and the Mirage Martini.

Yasmin, Soho, 1 Warwick Street, W1B 5LR

Rooftop bars in the City of London

Drinks overlooking the City at Aviary.

Angler, Moorgate

Planted with lavender, herbs and olive trees, this rooftop terrace at South Place Hotel brings a little piece of Provence to Moorgate. Call by for a drink (Tuesday-Friday, 12pm-8.30pm), or look out for the hotel's regular rooftop parties and events.

Angler, South Place Hotel, 3 South Place, EC2M 2AF

Aviary, Moorgate

On the cusp of the City and Shoreditch, find Aviary perched on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Hotel on Finsbury Square. Come for raw seafood on the rocks and cocktails, served up with a large spacious terrace, igloos and killer city skyline views. They do sky-high roasts now too.

Aviary Roof Terrace, 10th Floor Montcalm Royal London House, 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX

The Culpeper with its British woodland-inspired rooftop. Image: The Culpepper

Coq d'Argent, Bank

Set atop the postmodern, Bagpuss-esque erection that is One Poultry, Coq d'Argent is a hard and fast favourite among City slickers. Its playfully designed rooftop terrace — complete with fake grass — is a real suntrap, while a large drinks list spans just about everything from beers and wines to spirits and cocktails. Walk-ins only.

Coq d'Argent, No.1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ

The Culpeper, Commercial Street

With its refreshed, British woodland-inspired rooftop, the Culpeper is a genuine oasis in the concrete jungle — a canopy of silver birch, hazel, and apple trees with an edible understorey of mint and wild strawberries. Some of the plants wind up in the cocktails, including the strawberry white negroni, sweet cicely sour, and woodruff spritz. It's a fitting tribute to the 17th century botanist, Nicholas Culpeper, after which it's named.

The Culpeper, 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP

If you like ogling skyscrapers, you've found your bar. Image: Florattica

Florattica, The Minories

Picking a theme and running with it, this sky bar near Aldgate is a riot of dried flowers hovering cloud-like above (also very floral) bar furniture. Like the decor, cocktails tends towards the flowery and fruity. Stonking City views from the terrace; raise a glass to all that glass.

Florattica, 11-15 Minories, EC3N 1AX

Sunny Peruvian vibes in Shoreditch. Image: Llama Inn

Jin Bo Law, Aldgate

Up on the 14th floor of Hotel Saint, right next to Aldgate station, Jin Bo Law has some of the best views over the City of London, including close encounters with ancient church spires. The balcony runs the length of this Asian-style cocktail bar. They also do an afternoon tea, one to bear in mind for special occasions.

Jin Bo Law, Hotel Saint, 9 Aldgate High Street, EC3N 1AH

Llama Inn, Old Street

Temperate weather and pisco sours were made to go together, so when the sun's got his hat on, make for this Peruvian rooftop bar in Shoreditch, sink into the comfy banquettes and wait for the inevitable rainstorm. If, by some miracle, it stays dry, treat yourself to some braised beef empanadas to celebrate.

Llama Inn, 1 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH

You'd be mad(ison) not to be wowed by this view. Image: Madison Image: Madison

Madison, St Paul's

A breathtaking view of St Paul's dome is the pièce de résistance at this restaurant and bar, where champagne and wines get big billing on an extensive bar menu, starring signature spritzes. The food menu has a New York-inspired slant; think fried chicken waffles, and soft baked choc chip cookies.

Madison, Rooftop terrace, 1 New Change, EC4M 9AF

Sabine, Godliman Street

Sophisticated cocktails (like the Lyra, made with coconut & condensed-milk clarified with Aba pisco) and dainty bites await at this City rooftop oasis. But be honest, you're here for the postcard views of St Paul's. (A second location, in Holborn, is set to open spring 2026.)

Sabine, 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ

If you squint, you can just about make out St Paul's... Image: Sabine

Savage Garden, Tower Hill

Situated on the 12th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Savage Garden actually comprises two terraces, with views of everything from Tower Bridge to the nearby neo-gothic Minster Building. A tad more casual than many other City rooftops.

Savage Garden, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF

Sky Garden, Fenchurch Street

The Sky Garden — set on the 35th and 36th floors of the corpulent Walkie-Talkie building — is kind of a roof terrace. Open early till late daily, there's access to the al fresco strip, while the rest of the space is sufficiently glass-clad and greenery-filled to do a similar job. There are two bars, and two restaurants to choose from. For drinks, Sky Pod Bar is the livelier of the two, with live music nights. More sophisticated vibes are found at City Garden. Booking ahead is essential.

The Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF

There are two bars inside the Sky Garden. Image: Sky Garden

Sushisamba, Liverpool Street

The highest roof terrace in London, on floor 38 of the Heron Tower, Sushisamba has high prices to match but soaring views that make up for it. The lift ride up there is worth a go in itself any time of day (deep breath if you're scared of heights), but if you can, visit of an evening, nab a seat around the fire pit and sink a Samba Sour or two.

Sushisamba, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY

Wagtail, Monument

Though hedge fund folk might descend on Wagtail to cheers their latest bonus over dinner in The Cupola, you can pop into the rooftop bar for a cheeky house cocktail, while admiring the juxtaposition of the 17th century Monument to the Great Fire jostling against glassy additions like the Shard and Walkie-Talkie.

Wagtail, 68 King William Street, EC4N 7HR

Rooftop bars overlooking the South Bank

Knot a bad little spot: 12th Knot.

12th Knot, South Bank

Sea Containers' riverside bar 12th Knot is terrace-top rather than full-blown rooftop, but the views down the river are spectacular, and cocktails, such as the Golden Hour and High Tide are thoughtfully curated, and not too stiffly priced. Walk-ins are welcome. Dress code is smart/casual.

12th Knot, 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD

Forza Taps, National Theatre

One of our favourite places to hang out (we're writing this from here right now), the National Theatre also boasts an upper storey, Forza Wine, which — from springtime each year — hosts outside terrace Forza Taps. Overlooking the Thames from the brutalist balconies, you can sip on spritzes/frizzante and nosh on mini skewer kebabs served with crisps and pickles. There are few better spots to drink on the South Bank when it's sunny, Forza record.

Forza Taps, National Theatre, SE1 9PX

Forza Wine's Forza Taps. What's with all the Forzas? Forza habit I guess. Image: Forza Taps

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, South Bank

Ascend the brutalist yellow stairs to discover a roof garden home to over 200 wild native plants, and rather excellent views across the river towards that-there north London. The Roof Garden Bar & Kitchen will fix you up with BBQ dishes and a G&T. It's not open Mondays.

Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX (open April-October)

Rooftop bars in Canary Wharf

We could get used to a specialist gin bar, live jazz and daybeds. Photo: Bōkan

Boisdale, Canary Wharf

This tartan-clad, whisky-loaded bar comes with a great little rooftop bar too. Bring your colleagues, whip out the company credit card and settle in for a night watching the sun go down, with a dram in hand.

Boisdale, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT

Bōkan, Canary Wharf

Considering the amount of teetering skyscrapers round here (and suits with cash to splash), it's surprising there aren't more snazzy, vertigo-inducing bars opening up in this part of town. Maybe Bōkan hails a rooftop revolution for Canary Wharf. There's a restaurant and bar on the 37th and 38th floors of the Novotel, but up on the 39th floor you'll find all the outdoor terrace action with specialist gin bar, live jazz and daybeds.

Bōkan, 37th, 38th & 39th Floor, Novotel Canary Wharf, 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP

Rooftop bars in east London

Feel like you're on cloud 9. Image: cloudM

Boundary Rooftop, Shoreditch

You could do worse than pass time in Shoreditch with drinks and Mediterranean nibbles on the Boundary rooftop. It does require a certain level of financial investment, and note that being a fairly squat building in an area devoid of interesting features, the views from on top aren't the of the sock-blowing-off calibre. The revamped space now comes with a heated glass orangery meaning it's open all day every day, regardless of the weather.

Boundary Rooftop, 2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7DD

Café Mission, Shoreditch

When (or should that be if) the sun's too much to bear, retreat to the shade of one of the parasols on Café Mission's rooftop, and knock back a reviving spicy mango smoothie/prawn tempura sando. As well as a solid range of brunch/lunch options, there's wine, spritzes and cocktails to keep you lingering longer

Café Mission, Fashion Street, E1 6PX

Knock back a reviving spicy mango smoothie at Café Mission. Image: Café Mission

cloudM, Tower of London

There's something of a shared workspace vibe about cloudM, but what it might lack in panache, it makes up for with spectacular views of the Tower of London (which it faces off with). There's also a tea-inspired cocktail menu from Bombay Sapphire, so all-in-all, a good shout for passing Anglophiles.

cloudM, 40 Trinity Square, EC3N 4DJ

Kaso at One Hundred Shoreditch, Shoreditch

Channeling heady Med summers, this is the place to sink fiery, harissa-spiked margs while hoeing lamb fritters and counting the high-rises/church towers on the horizon. DJs spin hip-hop, 90s jams and R&B edits every Friday and Saturday.

Kaso at One Hundred Shoreditch, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ

Channeling heady Med summers at Kaso. Image: One Hundred Shoreditch

Netil360, Bethnal Green

Like many place in east London, Netil360 feels more mainstream than it used to — for example, it's no longer BYOB. But it's still a top place to do a bit of remote 'working', or just hang out with a natty wine (hate that phrase), slice of pizza and watch the skeletons of gasholders against the sunset.

Netil360, 1 Westgate Street, Bethnal Green, E8 3RL

Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch

The roof of the Queen of Hoxton is open all year round with quirky seasonal transformations keeping Londoners on their toes. Expect bunting, DJs, wigwams and the chance to snoop on the poor suckers working late at the offices that overlook.

Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX

Red Lion, Hoxton

Relaxed or rammed depending on the weather — and open seven days a week — the Red Lion's no frills roof terrace is there for you whenever you fancy an open-air drink. Warning: it's one heck of a suntrap. Bring the factor 50.

Red Lion, 41 Hoxton Street, N1 6NH

A playground in the sky. Image: Roof East.

Roof East, Stratford

A loosely-termed 'adult adventure playground' atop a multi-storey car park in Stratford. It's pretty packed up there with lawn bowls, Birdies Crazy Golf Club and Rooftop Cinema Club getting involved, along with London's highest baseball batting cage. Sustenance comes in the form of a range of street food vendors and a selection of cocktail bars.

Roof East, Stratford multi-storey car park, Great Eastern Way, E15 1XE

Shoreditch House, Shoreditch

Suck up to a member and get on up to London's most exclusive sky high bar. This east London warehouse-turned hip private members' club is worth trying to blag your way into somehow — if nothing else for the rooftop pool/bragging rights.

Shoreditch House, 1 Ebor Street, E1 6AW

Rooftop bars in north London

Chill out in King's Cross. Photo: Big Chill

Abbey Tavern, Kentish Town

This boozer's biggest draw is its pretty wood-decked, fairy-light-strewn roof terrace/beers garden which comes with loads of seating, if not the most scenic views. Where better to enjoy its pub kitchen wares of burgers and Sunday roasts than al fresco and on high?

Abbey Tavern 124 Kentish Town Road, NW1 9QB

Big Chill, King's Cross

A couple of minutes from King's Cross station you'll find the Big Chill bar — and on the top of that, its buzzing rooftop terrace. It's a laid back affair, just a few picnic tables, and far more people milling around with a pint in hand. The cocktail menu's extensive, the food is Chick 'n' Sours, and weekends are for dancing, thanks to the resident DJs Thursday through to Saturday.

Big Chill, 257-259 Pentonville Road, N1 9NL

The Castle, Angel

This Youngs gastropub on Pentonville Road is perfectly pleasant inside, but come a sunny day or a temperate evening its spacious roof terrace is prime real estate — even if the views of Pentonville Road aren't all overly scenic.

The Castle, 54 Pentonville Road, N1 9HF

Anyone got the time? Image: The Standard

The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

This legendary Irish pub tucked away behind Finsbury Park deserves a spot on this list despite it technically being a beer garden. Why? The multi-level oasis sprawls across four levels of decking, taking the form of a glorified tree house, with elevated views and bountiful greenery make it a strong rival to many of the bars on this list. No bookings, so on sunny days you'll need to stake your claim early.

Faltering Fullback, 19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, N4 3HB

The Rooftop, King's Cross

Adorning the top of brutalist-chic hotel the Standard, this rooftop hangout has what must be the best view of St Pancras Renaissance; it virtually rubs shoulders with the glorious redbrick clocktower — and you can happily while away a couple of hours sinking spiced margaritas in a honeysuckle-cloaked booth. St Panc/King's Cross aren't the only things you can spy from up here; the near-360 panorama also gives you glimpses of St Paul's, the Shard, the Emirates stadium and even the ArcelorMittal Orbit. There are New York-inspired pizza slices, and DJs crank things up in the height of summer.

The Rooftop, The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG

Rooftop bars in south London

Frank's. Nuff said. Image: Londonist

Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham

A spring/summer makeover has turned this space into a plant-filled suntrap; and a mighty fine place to admire sunsets over London. Pizza, sour cherry negronis — plus Rooftop Cinema Club's residency — makes the Bussey a very fun place to be in the summer.

Bussey Rooftop Bar, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Circe's, Waterloo

From Margarita Mondays through to Spritz Sundays, this rooftop offering knows how to pull in the punters. Throw in a long cocktail list, ABBA-themed brunches and Mediterranean platters, and you've got yourself a worthy contender to a night out on the nearby South Bank.

Circe's, Mercury House, 117 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL

CLF Art Lounge & Roof Garden, Peckham

Relocating for spring 2026, the CLF Art Lounge — complete with rooftop terrace — will sit atop Mountview, near Peckham Library. This might be THE bar opening of south London for the year; can't wait to see.

CLF Art Lounge & Roof Garden, 120 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JT

Imbibe next to an architectural icon. Image: JOIA Rooftop

Frank's, Peckham

Frank's is a paradigm of the south London rooftop bar. This expansive bar and grill atop a multi-storey car park in Peckham has become a regular fixture of a London summer. Expect hot wings, charred aubergine and lamb kebabs; Campari-based potions; and scenic views of the City and across south London. There's more seating these days, too, thank god.

Frank's, 10th Floor, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Freight Brixton, Brixton

The team behind Manchester's Freight Island have expanded southward for this rooftop venture, set to be scheduled to the gills with live music, food festivals, sports screenings and more, from 7 May 2026. It is also, so they say, 'London's largest rooftop'. If it is truly vaster than, say, Frank's (above), this will be one MAMMOTH outdoor space — and a shoo-in for summering south Londoners who like their rooftop action large.

Freight Brixton, 33 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PB

JOIA Rooftop, Battersea Power Station

With the power station district now full steam ahead, a rooftop bar here was inevitable: JOIA Rooftop perches on the 16th floor of art'otel, offering summery sips like marg slushies, alongside Iberian/Portuguese-style snacks (tuna skewers, octopus on brioche). But it's all about rubbing shoulders with those celeb chimneys, especially now you can watch people sticking out the top.

JOIA Rooftop, Battersea Power Station, 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ

A taste of Mexico in SW9. Image: Pergola Brixton

Pergola Brixton, Brixton

Bringing a taste of Mexico to SW9, Pergola Brixton sets the scene with cabana style seating, cactus evergreens and wicker upholstery. Once you've settled in, there are sparkling palomas, tequila colada slushies and blood orange & peach sangrias (not badly priced either) — while grub can be ordered in from nearby Jalisco.

Pergola Brixton, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS

Seabird, Southwark

This stretch of Southwark doesn't boast too many towering buildings, which means the rooftop terrace at Seabird — the seafood restaurant and bar on floor 14 of The Hoxton Southwark — gives you a rare view down over south London, trains lacing in and out of Waterloo, skyscrapers on the horizon. The restaurant's floor to ceiling windows mean you get a great view even from inside, but on a sunny day the terrace itself is a beaut — lots of palm fronds, fairy lights and rattan chairs to go with your dirty martini and skyline views.

Seabird at The Hoxton Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY

Rooftop bars in west London

Taking the theatre bar to the next level. Image: Lyric Hammersmith

The Alexandra, Wimbledon

OK, technically this is south-west rather than west-west London, but it only requires a short hop over the Thames to make the most of this charming pub's rooftop bar. The Loft terrace comes with a burger shack and outdoor bar, from which it pours a selection of beers. Low-key, it's still reliably packed on a sunny summer's day.

The Alexandra, 33 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7NE

Lyric Bar, Hammersmith

The bar at the Lyric Theatre is open to all, whether you have a theatre ticket or not, and my, does it offer a real boost to west London's somewhat lacklustre rooftop options. With plenty of planters and foliage, along with views across low-level west London, it feels comparatively undramatic compared to many of the bars on this list. Ironic, given this is a theatre.

Lyric Bar, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL

What the Sonnys rooftop lacks in loftiness it makes up for with river views.

Skylark Roof Garden, Paddington

Striped patio furniture and planters overspilling with herbs and wild grasses set the summery scene for Skylark — a place where an afternoon will fly by, sharing a blueberry lemonade margarita pitcher with pals, and watching trains snake their way in and out of Paddington station. Saturdays bring 'Primadonna', with Mediterranean platters, signature cocktails and DJs.

Skylark Roof Garden, 10th floor, 4 Kingdom Street, W2 6BD

Sonnys Rooftop Bar, Kingston

Admittedly not the loftiest rooftop bar on this list, Sonnys does provide a heck of a ringside seat over the Thames, especially if you can nab one of the stools at the front. Sip sundowners while watching row boats glide past, and be safe in the knowledge this spot is fully covered and heated.

Sonnys Rooftop Bar, Riverside Walk, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1QN

Original article by Ben O' Norum. Updated by Will Noble.

Luke Jerram's Moon installation, here on show at London Museum Docklands, but it's been exhibited at various locations. Image: Matt Brown

London's lunar legacy explored.

Humans are returning to the Moon. NASA's Artemis II mission will mark the first time we've left Earth's orbit since 1972, and includes the first woman (Christina Koch) and first person of colour (Victor Glover) ever to fly around the Moon.

London has many surprising connections to the Moon, including unexpected memorials and even an early design for a lunar lander. Let's see what's out there...

Moon rock

We're lucky enough to have a few actual piece of Moon right here in London.

Moon rock is precious and scarce on planet Earth. Just 381 kg were brought back by the six Apollo missions, supplemented with much smaller amounts from Soviet and Chinese probes. Add to this about 370 meteorites thought to come from the Moon, and it still adds up to not very much.

Fragments of our neighbour can be found in the Natural History Museum (alongside a Union Flag taken to the Moon on Apollo 17), as well as the one pictured in the Science Museum's new space gallery.

Other Apollo relics

Apollo 10 command module. Image: Matt Brown

The Science Museum also holds a space capsule that flew humans around the Moon. The Apollo 10 Command Module was used on the 1969 'dress rehearsal', shortly before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's historic landing. We're very lucky to have such an historic space vehicle in London.

Neil Armstrong's comms equipment. Image: Matt Brown

The same gallery holds a few other Apollo keepsakes, including Neil Armstrong's emergency radio and other comms gear. You'll also find a prototype for a miniature nuclear reactor, designed for use on a future Moon base.

Lunar craters

There are at least 70 Londoners on the Moon. Well... craters named after prominent Londoners. These include Geoffrey Chaucer, optician John Dolland, computer pioneer Charles Babbage and astronomer Mary Somerville. We've covered this in a previous article, including links to their position on the lunar map.

Astronaut trees

Image: Matt Brown

Next time you walk along the western side of Kennington Road, pay close attention to the trunks of the plane trees. Many contain labels bearing the name of an Apollo astronaut. The labels have been up there for decades. The leading theory is that the labels were placed there by the British Interplanetary Society, located nearby. Speaking of which...

The British Interplanetary Society

Image: Matt Brown

The British Interplanetary Society was an advocate of Lunar missions long before NASA existed. This wonderful members' organisation in Vauxhall drew up plans for the conquest of the Moon in the 1930s. These included a lunar lander not entirely dissimilar to the ones used by the Apollo missions three decades later.

A lunar lander, designed in London in the 1930s. Image: Matt Brown

The society is still going strong today. It possesses a large library of books relating to space exploration, and puts on regular events, often with a lunar theme.

Lunar namesakes

London contains various places named after our natural satellite. One of the streets leading from Piccadilly into Mayfair is called Half Moon Street. If memory serves, this was briefly home to space tourism company Virgin Galactic. The street is eclipsed — in name if not history — by a short residential row in Islington called Moon Street.

Half Moon Street was named after an old tavern, and many watering holes have celestial names to this day. Most famous, if only because of its prominent location in Leicester Square, is the Moon Under Water. It's a name adopted by several Wetherspoons pubs, all taking their lead from George Orwell, who wrote an essay about his ideal pub under that name.

A now-defunct Wetherspoons on Whitehall (not The Mall), whose hanging sign featured the chain's boss, Tim Martin. Image: Matt Brown

London also contains a handful of Half Moon pubs, the pick of which has to be the landmark boozer in Herne Hill. It's also a hotel, and each of its boutique bedrooms is named after one of the 12 moonwalkers.

Keith Moon

Image: Matt Brown

OK... nothing to do with the actual Moon. But The Who drummer led a very London life... and death. His talents are remembered with a heritage plaque on the site of the Marquee Club in Soho (above). His death in Mayfair is not memorialised, but it is well remembered. Moon died at in a flat at 9 Curzon Place aged 32. This was the same flat where Mama Cass Elliot of the Mamas and the Papas died a few years earlier... also aged 32. It was also just metres from the aforementioned Half Moon Street.