19 Magnificent Things To Do In London in May

May is a fantastic month to visit London. Spring has finally arrived! With milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and a good amount of sunshine, it’s a lovely time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions, such as parks, gardens, and riverside areas, without the extreme heat or cold of winter or summer.

London is beginning to buzz with many outdoor events during May. Enjoy the Chelsea Flower Show, open air theatre in Regents Park, an urban fete and guided walks in the park among the many events taking place.

As the days lengthen in May, there’s more time to explore the city’s attractions and landmarks. Compared to the peak tourist season in summer, May tends to be slightly less crowded, making it easier to visit popular attractions and landmarks without long queues or overcrowding.

Of course there’s always a danger of rain in London in any month which means indoor activities are just as important and there are plenty of those too. Visit the lego brick exhibition, the Paddington Bear exhibition or visit one of London’s many museums.

With two bank holidays and a kids’s school half term holidays there is lots of events and activities for kids and children to.

In this guide, find out 19 of the best things to do in London in May 2025. 

There are many events happening across London between 5th and 8th may to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE day. 

On Monday 5th May, a grand military procession will take place from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, featuring over 1,000 UK service members, including Ukrainian troops and veterans. The event will culminate in a flypast showcasing historic and modern aircraft, including the Red Arrows.

You can watch the procession from the Mall, although it will be very busy. Find out more here. 

On Tuesday 6th May, the Tower of London will unveil a display of 30,000 ceramic poppies, reminiscent of the 2014 “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” installation, to honor those who lost their lives in the war.

The opening has been planned to coincide with VE day on 8th May. It will remain open until 11th November 2025.

Find out more.

Be Inspired at the Chelsea Flower Show

The world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, organized by the Royal Horticultural Society takes place between 20th and 24th May 2025 in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Wander through the show gardens and explore floral marquees. Experience the finest in garden design, enjoy stunning displays, and find plenty of inspiration for your own green spaces.

Find out more at the RHS website

Enjoy open-air performances against the backdrop of the greenery in Regents Park. The 2025 open air theatre season has a varied programme. In May, you can enjoy a performance of Shucked, a musical comedy  (from 10th May to 24th June).

Book your tickets here.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, 18th May 2025, from 11 am until late. Bring your family and a picnic blanket or you friends and some dancing shoes. Find out more

Step into the world of Paddington Bear at the Paddington Bear Experiences located at County Hall.

Embark on a fascinating adventure in Paddington’s World and help Paddington and the Brown Family prepare for a very special occasion; the Marmalade Day Festival.

May is a great month for a game of mini golf, especially when it’s free. Designed by artists Craig and Karl, this colourful course located at Canary Wharf is free! Clubs and balls are provided. Visit between 12pm and 6pm for a game with family or friends.

Find out more.

Travel back in time during May half term (24th May to 1st June) at the The Royal Airforce Museum for Second World War Week. Discover all about the RAF and life during the 1940s, culminating in a D-Day Weekend. The museum and event is free. Book tickets in advance.

This London Transport Museum is for people of all ages and showcases history of London transport through the age. There’s always lots of activities for families. Kids will especially love climbing on some of the buses and the play areas.

During May half term there are extra activities for children. They include bunting making workshops, interactive storytelling, singing and an active led gallery tour. 

As May is the 80th anniversary of VE day, there are also family activities exploring how London transport played a key role in keeping London moving during the second world war.  

Find out more.

With lighter evenings, more sunshine, blossom still on some of the trees and flowers in full bloom, May is a glorious month to visit one of London’s amazing Royal parks. Here is a quick round up of where to go and what’s on.

Hyde Park – Perhaps the most famous of all the Royal Parks, Hyde Park covers a vast area of central London. It features the Serpentine Lake, where visitors can enjoy boating in May.

Greenwich Park – is the home to the Royal Observatory which is perhaps its most famous feature. It’s here that the Prime Meridian Line, dividing the eastern and western hemispheres of the Earth, is marked. Visitors can also enjoy lovely views of the River Thames and the Canary Wharf skyline. In addition there are some beautiful gardens, lots of places to picnic and a playground for the kids.

Regent’s Park is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, including the stunning Queen Mary’s Gardens. It’s also home to London Zoo and offers open-air theatre performances during the summer months (see above)

Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London and famous for its deer herds and expansive grasslands. Enjoy walking, cycling, or horse riding through its picturesque landscapes.

St James’ Park is located right next to Buckingham Palace. It’s lake is home to a variety of bird species including pelicans which are fed at 2pm on most days. There’s a playground for kids too.

Also keep an eye out for guided nature walks and family-friendly discovery days on the Royal Park’s what’s on page May’s activities include nature play, nature roadshows, bat walks, tree walks and lots more. 

There’s always tons going on at Shakespeare’s Globe and May is no exception.

There are some brilliant plays to see including Much Ado about Nothing and Richard III.

In addition there are a wide variety of tours of the Globe including a Pride themed tour and a family friendly Ghost and Goul tour.

There are also plenty of family events for kids over the May half term holidays. They include a Midsummer Night’s dream storytelling and family workshops.  Find out more here.

Witness the Majestic Changing of the Guard Ceremony

As the weather is getting warmer, May is another good month to go and see one of London’s most famous traditions, the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Held outside Buckingham Palace, the ritual showcases the British monarchy’s ceremonial guards.

It takes place at 11:00 AM on set days during the month. Get there early to secure a prime viewing spot along the palace gates or the nearby Victoria Memorial.

May is one of the best times to visit Kew Gardens. From colorful tulips and daffodils to fragrant roses and rhododendrons, the gardens are filled with color. Explore the Waterlily House, the Alpine Garden, and the Princess of Wales Conservatory to see a diverse range of flowering plants in bloom.

One of the highlights of visiting Kew Gardens in May is strolling along Cherry Blossom Avenue, a picturesque pathway lined with cherry trees in bloom. Keep an eye on Instagram to see when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

If you’re unlucky enough to get rain, Kew’s iconic glasshouses offer some shelter. See the Temperate House and the Palm House, which are home to an extraordinary collection of plants from around the world including towering palms, lush ferns, and tropical orchids.

One of my favourite things to do at Kew is a stroll along the Treetop Walkway. This elevated walkway offers lovely views of the gardens. See the canopy from a unique perspective.

London Craft week is an annual event which showcases the work of master craftsmen and emerging talents. This year it takes place between 12th and 18th May. 

If you’re interested in crafts it’s a treat – choose from a range exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations. The variety of crafts is outstanding and includes a millinery workshop, a riviere rugs showcase, soft ceramics exhibiton and a brush making workshop  

Find the full programme of events here. 

The Horniman Museum and Gardens has free entry and is located in Forest Hill, South London (a short train ride away from the ciy centre).

It houses a diverse range of collections. Highlights include anthropology collections featuring objects from cultures around the world, including ceremonial masks, textiles and religious artifacts. There are also natural history collections, an array of musical instruments from African drums to European string instruments, a butterfly house* and an aquarium*, (*an extra charge is required for some exhibits).

Exhibitions taking place in May include a robot zoo, where you can discover the mechanisms that give animals their amazing abilities through the display of robotic animals. (Runs until 2 November)

The Florence Nightingale Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Florence Nightingale, the nurse and social reformer known as the “Lady with the Lamp.” Located in London, near St Thomas’ Hospital where Nightingale trained and worked, the museum offers an insight into her remarkable contributions to nursing, healthcare, and public health.

See personal items that belonged to Florence Nightingale, including her nursing cap, shawl, and writing desk. Read from the collection of letters, diaries, and documents that she wrote.

To celebrate international nursing weekend on 10th and 11th May 2025, you can meet Miss Nightingale.

Find out how Miss Nightingale became known as the “Lady with the Lamp”, how she became a nurse, why she went to the Crimea and how she improved the conditions for the soldiers and nurses. Hear her story in her own words and you can even sing her ‘Happy Birthday’!

The Horrible History, Terrible Thames Tours are boat rides on the River Thames which are popular with families with kids. 

Climb aboard and prepare to hear the horrible history one of the most famous rivers in the world. See the sites along the River Thames and hear fun, educational facts.

Ideal for the whole family – even the oldies will probably learn stuff they didn’t already know.

Book your ticket here.

The National Army Museum in Chelsea, London is free and dedicated to the history and heritage of the British Army. Embark on an immersive journey through centuries of military history.

In May, there are there are plenty of fascinating talks and events happening. They include a VE celebration dance on 10th May to celebrate 80 years since VE day. 

On certain days duuring May half term, kids can take part in themed activities . Design a magazine cover, taking inspiration from “solidier” the offical magazine of the British Army. There’s also a free family friendly tour where you can explore the impact of posters used by the Army

Dinosaurs have been spotted in King’s Cross! Can you find them all on this fun  Kings Cross Family Trail.

Families can particpate in the trail from 2nd May 2025 to 30th September. 

The trail starts and ends at Lightroom in Lewis Cubitt Square. Head there first to pick up your map. Lightroom is open at 10am every day, closing at 5.30pm on Sunday to Wednesday, and 7.30pm Thursday to Saturday.

What’s the Weather Like In May in London

In May it’s springtime in London with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours than the previous months of the year. Although, it’s worth noting weather conditions in London vary from year to year.

Average daytime temperatures in May typically range from around 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F).
However, temperatures can occasionally reach higher, with some days seeing highs in the low to mid-20s°C (70s°F).
Night time temperatures are cooler, ranging from around 5°C (41°F) to 10°C (50°F), so it’s advisable to bring layers if you’re out in the evenings.

May is one of the sunnier months in London, with an average of around 7 hours of sunshine per day.
The days continue to get longer, with sunset occurring later in the evening, providing lots of opportunity for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

While May is generally a drier month compared to the winter and early spring months, occasional showers are still possible.
On average, London receives around 50mm (2 inches) of rainfall spread over approximately 10 days in May.
It’s always a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat, especially if you’re planning to spend extended periods outdoors.

Winds in London during May are typically light to moderate, although breezier conditions can occur at times.
Wind speeds tend to be milder compared to the winter months

May in London often sees a mix of sunny spells, cloudy days, and occasional showers.
The weather can be quite changeable, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast regularly, especially if you have outdoor plans.
May marks the start of the transition to warmer weather in London, with the city gradually coming to life with blossoming flowers and lush greenery.

Overall, May is a pleasant time to visit London, with mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and the chance to enjoy outdoor activities and events across the city. Whether you’re exploring parks and gardens, attending outdoor festivals, or simply strolling along the Thames, London in May offers plenty of opportunities to embrace the springtime atmosphere.

Pin Me For Later

You May Also Like…