Fun Things to Do in London in Spring

Explore London during Spring

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in London, as the weather starts to warm up, flowers begin to bloom, and the city becomes a hive of activity. From quirky markets to scenic walks, there are plenty of things to do in London in spring that are sure to put a smile on your face. Here are some of our top picks:

1. Visit Columbia Road Flower Market in London’s East End

If you’re looking for a burst of colour and a lively atmosphere, then the Columbia Road Flower Market is the place to be. Every Sunday, this street in East London transforms into a vibrant flower market, where you can pick up everything from tulips to roses to exotic plants. It’s a great place to take a stroll and soak up the springtime vibes, and there are plenty of cute cafes and boutiques to explore in the surrounding streets.

Columbia Road Flower Market is a popular outdoor flower market located in the East End of London, England. The market is open every Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm and is known for its colourful stalls and wide variety of flowers and plants.

The market has a long history, dating back to the 19th century when it was originally established to serve the needs of the local Jewish population. Over the years, the market has grown in popularity and has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

At Columbia Road Flower Market, visitors can browse through a wide selection of flowers and plants, including roses, orchids, lilies, and many more. The market also features a range of garden accessories, such as pots, planters, and gardening tools.

In addition to the flowers and plants, the market is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, with street performers, musicians, and food vendors adding to the festive atmosphere. The surrounding area is also home to a range of independent shops and cafes, making it a great place to spend a Sunday morning or afternoon.

2. Take a walk in Kew Gardens, West London

Spring is the perfect time to visit Kew Gardens, as the gardens start to come to life with blooming flowers and budding trees. Kew Gardens, also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, is a large botanical garden located in Kew, a suburb of London, England. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important botanical institutions in the world.

Kew Gardens covers an area of 326 acres and contains over 50,000 different plant species from all over the world, and really is a must bucket list thing to do in London in spring. Some of the highlights of the garden include the Palm House, a large Victorian glasshouse that houses tropical plants, the Temperate House, which is the largest surviving Victorian glasshouse in the world, and the Princess of Wales Conservatory, which features a range of different climate zones and houses plants from various regions of the world.

The garden also contains a number of important research facilities, including the Herbarium, which houses over 7 million plant specimens, and the Jodrell Laboratory, which conducts research on plant genetics and conservation.

Kew Gardens is also a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. In addition to the various plant collections and research facilities, the garden also features a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including concerts, art installations, and guided tours.

3. Go on a Street Art Tour through Camden, Brixton or Shoreditch

London is known for its incredible street art scene, and spring is a great time to explore the city’s vibrant murals and graffiti, with many neighbourhoods featuring colourful and creative murals, graffiti, and installations. There are several street art tours available, which take you around some of the city’s most colourful neighbourhoods, including Shoreditch, Brixton, and Camden. You’ll discover works by famous street artists like Banksy, Thierry Noir,and Shepard Fairey, as well as up-and-coming talents. Exploring the ever changing scene of street art in London is really one of those things to do in London that never gets old or boring!

Shoreditch, located in the East End of London, is home to some of the city’s most famous street art. Visitors can wander the streets to see works by artists such as Banksy, Stik, and Roa, as well as newer artists and emerging talent. Many of the pieces change frequently, with new works appearing regularly.

Camden, located in North London, is another popular area for street art. The streets around Camden Market feature a range of colourful murals and graffiti, often with political or social messages.

Brixton, located in South London, has a long history of street art and is home to a range of murals and installations, many of which celebrate the area’s multicultural heritage.

In addition to these areas, London also hosts a number of street art festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Meeting of Styles festival in Shoreditch, which attracts street artists from all over the world to create new works in the area. The city also has a number of street art tours and guides available for visitors who want to explore the scene in more detail.

4. Attend the London Coffee Festival in East London

If you’re a coffee lover, then the London Coffee Festival is a must-visit event in spring. This annual festival takes place in the Old Truman Brewery in East London and brings together some of the best coffee roasters, baristas, and coffee shops from around the world. You can sample a range of different brews, attend workshops and talks, and even take part in coffee competitions. The London Coffee Festival is an annual event that celebrates all things coffee. It takes place over several days in London and attracts coffee lovers, baristas, and industry professionals from around the world.

5. Explore the Camden Market in trendy North London

Camden Market is one of the most iconic markets in London, with a huge range of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewellery. It’s a great place to spend a lazy spring afternoon, browsing the unique wares and soaking up the bohemian atmosphere. Make sure you stop by the food stalls too, as you’ll find an array of international cuisine to satisfy your appetite. Camden Market is a popular shopping and entertainment destination located in the Camden Town neighbourhood of London, England. It is one of the largest and most diverse markets in the city, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The market consists of several different sections, each with its own unique character and selection of stalls. These include:

• Camden Lock Market: This is the original market and is located near the Regent’s Canal. It features a wide range of stalls selling vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs.
• Stables Market: This is the largest section of the market and is located in a series of former stables and warehouses. It features over 700 stalls selling everything from vintage clothing and antiques to street food and artisanal products.
• Camden Canal Market: This is the newest section of the market and is located on the waterfront. It features a selection of food stalls, clothing boutiques, and live music performances.

In addition to shopping, Camden Market is also known for its vibrant street food scene, with dozens of food stalls and trucks offering a wide range of cuisines from around the world. The market also features several bars and music venues, making it a popular nightlife destination.

Overall, Camden Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique shopping and dining experience in London. With its eclectic mix of stalls, food options, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant market.

6. Take a stroll through Hampstead Heath in North London

Hampstead Heath is one of London’s largest and most beautiful parks, with acres of green space to explore. It is located in North London and is a popular neighbourhood for locals and expats alike. With easy transport links into Central London and great connections to Angel and Camden this area is also sought after for leisure travellers visiting London in spring.

In particular, Hampstead Heath Park comes alive in spring, with blooming flowers and trees. Follow one of the several scenic walking trails through the extensive greenery, have a picnic or exercise. Make sure you climb up to Parliament Hill for breath-taking views of the city skyline.

7. Visit the Chelsea Physic Garden in Central London

The Chelsea Physic Garden is a hidden gem in the heart of Chelsea, London. It is the second-oldest botanical garden in England and was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries as a teaching garden for their apprentices.

The garden covers 4 acres and contains over 5,000 different plants, including medicinal, edible, and ornamental species. It is arranged in several sections, including a medicinal garden, a rock garden, a pond rockery, a herb garden, and a woodland garden. The garden also features several greenhouses, including a tropical house, a fernery, and a succulent house.

One of the highlights of the garden is its collection of rare and endangered plants, including several species that are extinct in the wild. The garden also has a fascinating history, having been used to study plants for their medicinal properties for centuries. Many of the plants in the garden have played important roles in the development of modern medicine.

The Chelsea Physic Garden is also home to several events throughout the year, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures on topics related to botany and horticulture. There is also a café on site, serving refreshments and light meals made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Overall, the Chelsea Physic Garden is a beautiful and fascinating destination for anyone interested in botany, horticulture, or simply looking for a peaceful escape in the heart of London.

8. Attend the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is an annual rowing race that takes place on the River Thames in London, England. The race is between the men’s and women’s rowing teams from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, and it has been held annually since 1856 (with a few exceptions due to World Wars and extreme weather conditions).

The Boat Race course is a 4.2-mile (6.8-kilometer) stretch of the Thames River between Putney and Mortlake in southwest London. The race typically takes place on the last Sunday in March or the first Sunday in April, and it is watched by millions of people around the world.

The race is a test of endurance, skill, and strategy, with both teams rowing at a high speed and battling for the lead. The race lasts for around 20 minutes and is a true spectacle, with thousands of spectators lining the river banks and bridges to cheer on their team.

The Boat Race is a major event in the sporting calendar in the UK and is steeped in tradition. The teams are easily recognizable by their distinctive colours – Oxford in dark blue and Cambridge in light blue – and the race is preceded by a ceremonial weigh-in, where the crews weigh in to ensure they meet the minimum weight requirements.

In addition to the main Boat Race event, there are also races for the women’s and men’s reserve crews – known as the Women’s Boat Race and the Men’s Boat Race – which are held on the same day as the main race.

Overall, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is a highlight of the British sporting calendar and a true spectacle of skill, endurance, and tradition.

9. Explore the South Bank of London

London’s Southbank is a vibrant and bustling area located on the southern bank of the River Thames. There’s always plenty to see and do here, no matter what time of year it is. Here are some of the top attractions and events happening between March and April:

1. Visit the London Eye: The London Eye is an iconic landmark on the Southbank and provides stunning panoramic views of the city. It is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world and is a must-visit attraction in London.
2. Explore the Southbank Centre: The Southbank Centre is a hub for arts and culture, offering a wide range of events, exhibitions, and performances. From concerts and theatre shows to art exhibitions and talks, there’s always something going on at this vibrant cultural hub.
3. Walk along the Thames: One of the best ways to experience the Southbank is by taking a walk along the River Thames. You’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline, as well as a range of street performers and artists.
4. Visit the Tate Modern: The Tate Modern is one of the world’s most famous art galleries and is located on the Southbank. The gallery showcases a wide range of modern and contemporary art, including works by famous artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney.
5. Explore the Imperial War Museum: The Imperial War Museum is located on the Southbank and offers a fascinating insight into the history of warfare. From World War I and II to modern-day conflicts, the museum’s exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of war on the world.