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guide to london in May 2025

The start of early summer is amongst us

May in London is when warm weather starts to creep in and exciting events begin. If you are visiting London for the first time make sure to take down the most interesting things to do in London in May.

In addition, there are cultural activities you may participate in and vibrant floral displays you can enjoy all across the city.

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The Tower Bridge in London

10 best things to do in may

Changing of the guards takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11 am, and lasts about 30 minutes. It is held daily during spring and summer.
On a day excursion from London, explore Oxford and the historic stone villages of the Cotswolds in the comfort of a small group tour.
The only place in London where Platform Nine and Three Quarters was used for the filming of the Harry Potter series. Visit King's Cross station in London.
London is great to see the iconic sights with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour on a double-decker bus. Option to choose one of the multi-day passes.
You can see Conan Doyle's famous detective in the beer garden of this iconic Sherlock Holmes Victorian pub in St James's. Classic comfort foods are served alongside cask ales.
Shrek's Adventure Tour by DreamWorks. Meet the characters of Far Far Away on this hilarious interactive and immersive walkthrough experience.
If you love to explore London Neighbourhood we suggest Notting Hill where you can see many rainbow-coloured homes giving the area its appeal.
Take the opportunity to take part in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the Trafalgar Square Eid Festival.
Join a private walking tour in the footsteps of Winston Churchill. During World War II, visit the underground bunkers and learn about life in Britain.
Spring is well underway with warm weather and some delightful sunshine. Enjoy the beautiful Kew Gardens, Buckingham Palace Gardens and Kensington Palace Gardens.

Weather in london in may

As the weather warms up and the daylight hours lengthen, May is an ideal month for touring this fantastic city's historical attractions and strolling its streets. This month, the temperature changed by around three degrees from the beginning to the end. Make sure you pack an umbrella and cover for rainy days, and you won't be disappointed. Check out our full guide to the weather in May.

top tours in london

There is no doubt that London is well known for its excellent selection of tours, which give you the feeling that you are going on an exciting trip when you are in the city. Have a look at our suggestions.

Madame Tussauds, London Eye & SEA LIFE Combo Ticket

Save 40% on three of London's most renowned sights with a single pass. A 360° rotating panorama of the city can be enjoyed from the London Eye, along with Madame Tussauds and the beautiful underwater world at Sea Life. A three-month validity period is included after the first activation.

Book Your Tickets From Here

Tower of London Early Access Tour with Beefeater

With this tour, you will be able to see the beauty of the Crown Jewels before the vast crowds of tourists arrive. You will see historic orbs, swords, rings, crowns and sceptres used in royal ceremonies. Historically, these elite guardsmen guarded the Crown Jewels and cared for tower inmates.

Book Your Tickets Here

first-time visitor travel questions

Every visitor has questions about travelling to a new destination. We have put together the most popular questions and dedicated guides for each.

bank holidays in may

Early May Bank Holiday: Monday 6th May 2024
Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 27th May 2024

Additional Holiday This Month

Summer Half Term: Towards the end of May and beginning June, schools start their summer holidays, meaning that the city will get more busy.

events in london in may

London is a vibrant city with a variety of events taking place throughout the year, including in May. Some popular events in May include the Chelsea Flower Show, a renowned horticultural event showcasing stunning floral displays and gardening inspiration.

The Chelsea Flower Show

Discover cutting-edge garden design, new plants and ideas for your gardens at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. This is the place you can't miss seeing how crazy the Londoners are about flowers and gardens showcasing beautiful gardens, wonderful floral displays, and infinite shopping opportunities.

Event Date: Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th May 2025

Chelsea in Bloom

Parallel to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Chelsea in Bloom transforms its streets into a floral paradise. A free festival that features beautiful flower arrangements, art installations, and garden creations is held every year. Take a stroll through the quaint streets and admire the stunning views.

Event Dates: TBA for 2025

The Women's FA Cup Final

A prestigious athletic event, the Women's FA Cup Final, is the highlight of women's football at Wembley Stadium. Every year, spectators from around the world gather in London to witness this prestigious final. Watch the beautiful game at its best and experience its excitement and skill.

Event Date: TBA for 2025

Belgravia in Bloom festival

Each spring, London's affluent Belgravia area is transformed into a flowery haven by Belgravia in Bloom. A lively festival honouring nature in the refined city, this lively festival features eye-catching exhibits, engaging installations, and garden walks. Celebrate spring with treats and flowers fit for a celebration.

Event Dates: Back in May 2025 - Date to be confirmed

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

A vibrant annual event that celebrates gardening, horticulture, and spring, the RHS Malvern Spring Festival is held in London every year. For gardening enthusiasts and families alike, the RHS Malvern Spring Festival offers an inspiring start to the gardening season with its spectacular displays and friendly atmosphere.

Event Dates: Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th May 2025

London Craft Week

A weeklong celebration of London's inventiveness and artisan heritage is celebrated each year during London Artisan Week. In addition to speeches, seminars, demonstrations, and displays, this annual event showcases a wide range of craftsmanship. Experience London's craftsmanship right in the heart of the city.

Event Dates: Monday 12th to Sunday 18th May 2025

London Coffee Festival

The London Coffee Festival is a lively celebration of London's thriving coffee culture. This annual event offers a sensory journey through the world of coffee, with tastings, interactive demonstrations, and educational workshops. Join us to explore the latest trends, meet industry experts, and indulge in the finest brews from around the globe.

Event Dates: Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th May 2025

Best theatre shows in london

A visit to the West End theatre would not be complete without seeing one of London's most famous areas. If you're planning to visit London, be sure to check out the most anticipated shows.

pretty Woman

If you enjoyed Julia Roberts's and Richard Gere's movie Pretty Woman, there is a great chance that you will enjoy the stage show. A classic tale of an unusual romance between two people from utterly unrelated backgrounds.

Book Your Seat For the Pretty Woman Show

Les Misérables

There is no doubt that Les Misérables continues to draw new audiences in London nearly 40 years after. The story is based on Jean Valjean who served 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child.

Book Your Les Misérables Seat

It is a great idea to book your tickets and seats as early as possible to find the perfect ones.

The Play That Goes Wrong – Duchess Theatre
The Book of Mormon – Prince of Wales Theatre
Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical – Lyric Theatre

Don’t miss out on the best shows in London. Discover them all here.

best tourist tours in london

Consider leaving London for a day trip. Two of the top tourism trips have been selected by us. London is well-known for the wide range of tours it provides; this is your chance to embark on an enjoyable, fascinating journey.

From London: Luxury Paris full-day trip

See some of the most iconic landmarks in the "City of Lights" with a Eurostar trip from London. Tour the Eiffel Tower, have lunch, and cruise the Seine River.

Book Your Paris Tour Here

London: full-day Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford tour

A full day of English heritage is in store for you as you visit the magnificent Windsor Castle, the mysterious Stonehenge and the beautiful city of Oxford, which was founded by the Romans.

Book Your Half-Day Tour Here

fun Adventure experiences in London

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway to this vibrant city or you're a regular visitor, this is the opportunity for you to take an adventure tour different from what you normally do.

Soho Music and Historic Pubs Experience

On this tour, you will be invited to visit four distinct historic pubs in the renowned Soho neighbourhood in London, which was frequented by legends such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Mozart, Jimi Hendrix, Casanova, David Bowie, Marilyn Monroe, among others.

Book Your Entry Ticket

Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner

Experience the renowned Hard Rock Café in London's Mayfair neighbourhood with preferred seating. During your meal, you will be able to choose from two different traditional American specialities. Be sure to pick up some genuine souvenirs.

Get Your Tickets Now

tourist attractions in london

Make the most of this wonderful opportunity to create unforgettable memories during your visit to London. The chances are that you have dreamed of visiting several iconic locations for a long time. Have a look at our suggestions.

National Gallery London

The National Gallery in London displays European paintings from 1260 to 1920, one of the world's best art galleries. Located in Trafalgar Square it displays the art of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, van Gogh and several other artists.

Hyde Park In London

Hyde Park is the largest royal park in the UK. Past the main Buckingham Palace entrance, in the heart of London. Its expansive grassland draws both locals and visitors to its recreation facilities, kid-friendly play areas, large water areas, and resting spots.

Related Page: 15 Things To Do Around London For Free

where to stay in london in may

You must take into account several factors while selecting your lodging, including the area, your spending limit, and the hotel services you choose. Additionally, read the evaluations to get a sense of how welcoming and respectable the hotel is.

Check out Booking.com for the best rates or check out the best neighbourhoods where to stay in London.

This concludes London in May. We hope that this information has given you a better insight into what to do in London during this month. For more about things to do in London, check out our month-by-month page. Also, check out our guide to London in April and London in June.

frequently asked questions about may in london

Is May in London a good time to visit?

May could be a pleasant time to visit if you like the mild weather. During this time London starts to go into its tourist season so some crowds are expected. Expect to see prices surging for all types of holiday expenses.

How expensive is London in May?

Due to the increase in visitor arrivals, expect higher accommodation and airfare prices throughout the month.

As London is known for being fairly expensive, everything from the excellent restaurants to the well-organized transportation to the world-class museums and entertainment remains year-round.

How busy is London in May?

May is expected to increase the number of visitors visiting London. Expect to see more visiting tourists in the highly populated districts because the weather is milder and the days are longer to enjoy the beauty of the city outdoors.

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Photo sources

Lyceum Theatre - Paul the Archivist, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shakespeare's Pub - Philafrenzy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hard Rock Café - Photo by Krzysztof Hepner on Unsplash