Best Of Londonist: 26 January-1 February 2026

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Last Updated 30 January 2026

Londonist Best Of Londonist: 26 January-1 February 2026

Your weekly roundup of Londonist news and features.

National Gallery Coming To Croydon... Sort Of

30 life-sized reproductions scattered across the borough.

Masterpiece artworks outdoors

The Crazy Clown Church Service That Happens Every February

Send in the clowns!

A clown chatting to people
Image: iStock/AmandaLewis

The Bayeux Tapestry Features Some Of The Earliest Images Of London

It shows Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster.

Part of the Bayeux tapestry

Laurence Olivier, A Victorian Photographer And Others To Get Blue Plaques In 2026

Nine names announced.

Laurence Olivier looking suave
Image: Allan Warren via creative commons

Where To Go Ice Skating In London All Year Round

Get your skates on for sessions, lessons and ice discos.

An ice disco
Image: Alexandra Palace

The Vikings Are Coming! Immersive, Historical Experience Invades London

Sign up now for pre-sale tickets. (sponsor)

People sitting in a long boat

This Month-Long Walking Tour Festival Leads You Through The London Of Shakespeare, Ackroyd And The Roaring Twenties

Literary Footprints returns in March.

Shakespeare, a martini and Cold Comfort Farm superimposed over a Tube map
Images: TfL/Ralf Roletschek via creative commons/fair use

Courtauld Institute To Expand With Two New Galleries

Contemporary spaces will open in 2029.

Mock up of new galleries at Somerset House
Image: Secchi Smith

Anatomy Of A Cartoon: March Of The Intellect, By William Heath

A touch of futurology from 1829.

A crazy cartoon packed with wacky inventions

Things To Do In London In February Half Term

Family-friendly school holiday activities for all budgets.

Stage performers with hula hoops
Image: Manuel Harlan

Go Unicorn Spotting In London

A quirky tour of London's horned horses.

Two unicorns atop a pediment

Art After Dark Is Back! Here's Everything You Need To Know

Late-night openings, live DJs, and large-scale public art. (sponsor)

Two men studying a painting of a whale

Barbican's Sculpture Court Getting A Glow-Up

Public consultation runs till 10 Feb.

A mock up of ramps at the Barbican
Image: Barbican

Details Of New 2026 Fourth Plinth Installation Revealed

Coming to Trafalgar Square later this year.

Sculpture of a Black woman in a blue dress

The East End Museum Where Lords And Ladies Mixed With Labourers

How Bethnal Green brought the classes together.

Black and white drawing of the Victorian Bethnal Green Museum

Looking Ahead: Things To Do In London This Week: 2-8 February 2026

Film festivals, history tours and a free photography exhibition.

A still from The Untold Story Of Ursula The Sea Witch