Best Things to Do in London this April

Discover exciting activities for an unforgettable April in London.

Published: April 1, 2025

April in London is a time of blooming flowers and lively festivities, offering a wonderful array of activities to explore. From colourful gardens to vibrant cultural events, there’s something to capture the imagination of every visitor. We’ve curated a list of must-see attractions and experiences to make your April trip to London truly special. Let’s dive into the exciting things happening in this vibrant city during the fresh month of April.

Boat Race on the Thames

Experience the thrill of the annual Boat Race on the Thames, where Oxford and Cambridge universities compete in a historic rowing challenge. Join spectators along the riverbank to cheer on the teams, enjoying the lively atmosphere and friendly rivalry. The race’s tradition and excitement create an engaging event that captures the spirit of competition. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or simply seeking a fun outing, the Boat Race promises energy and entertainment.

Hampton Court Palace

Step back in time at Hampton Court Palace, a majestic residence offering a fascinating glimpse into Tudor history. Explore the stunning State Apartments, wander through the expansive gardens, and experience the interactive exhibits. The palace’s rich stories and grand architecture provide an immersive journey through history. Hampton Court Palace’s perfect blend of elegance and intrigue makes it a must-visit for history lovers and curious explorers.

RHS Garden Wisley

Discover the seasonal beauty of RHS Garden Wisley, where carefully curated plant displays delight the senses. The gardens showcase a variety of early spring blooms, creating a kaleidoscope of colours and fragrances. Explore the magnificent Glasshouse, home to exotic plants from around the world. The peaceful pathways and diverse landscapes offer a soothing escape into nature. RHS Garden Wisley’s dedication to horticulture and design ensures a vibrant and inspiring experience.

Chelsea Physic Garden

Explore the enchanting Chelsea Physic Garden, home to an impressive collection of medicinal plants and herbs. As spring unfolds, the garden comes alive with vibrant blooms and lush greenery. Wander through the beautiful landscapes, learning about the history of plant-based medicine in this captivating oasis. The tranquil environment provides a peaceful retreat, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a moment of relaxation. Chelsea Physic Garden’s blend of natural beauty and educational value makes it a delightful escape.

London Marathon

Cheer on runners at the London Marathon, one of the most iconic road races in the world. As athletes traverse the city’s streets, join enthusiastic spectators to support their efforts. The marathon’s vibrant energy and community spirit create an inspiring and exhilarating atmosphere. Whether watching from a vibrant corner or volunteering at a station, the London Marathon provides a day of joy, achievement, and connection.

St. James’s Park

Enjoy the awakening of spring in St. James’s Park, one of London's most picturesque green spaces. As the season unfolds, the park bursts with colourful flowers and lively wildlife. Take a leisurely walk around the lake or enjoy a picnic amidst the vibrant settings. The park’s serene beauty and central location make it a perfect retreat for relaxation and enjoyment. St. James’s Park’s charming landscapes and tranquil ambiance provide a refreshing escape in the heart of London.

The British Library

Delve into the treasures of The British Library, home to an astonishing collection of literary and historical artifacts. Explore exhibitions featuring rare manuscripts, maps, and more, offering a window into the world of literature and knowledge. The library’s architectural grandeur and thoughtful displays provide a fascinating journey through history and culture. The British Library’s blend of learning and exploration makes it a captivating destination for scholars and curious minds.

The View from The Shard

Ascend to the heights of The Shard for stunning panoramic views of London. Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you gaze out over the city skyline from the viewing platform. The elegant design and sweeping sights create a memorable backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments. Whether by day or at night, The Shard offers a unique perspective of London’s bustling landscape, ensuring a remarkable experience for all visitors.

Covent Garden’s Easter Market

Celebrate Easter with a visit to Covent Garden’s Easter Market, featuring delightful stalls filled with artisanal treats and festive crafts. The lively atmosphere and vibrant decorations add a joyful touch to the market experience. Enjoy live performances and indulge in Easter-themed treats as you explore this charming district. Covent Garden’s blend of creativity, shopping, and entertainment ensures an engaging and festive outing.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Step into the world of Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre, where the Bard’s timeless plays come to life. Attend a performance in the open-air venue or join a guided tour to explore the theatre’s rich history. The captivating atmosphere and traditional productions transport audiences to Elizabethan England. Whether you’re a literature enthusiast or a casual theatregoer, Shakespeare’s Globe offers an enchanting cultural adventure.

Southbank Centre

Discover the vibrant cultural hub of the Southbank Centre, offering a diverse array of events and exhibitions. From live music and dance performances to thought-provoking art displays, there’s something to inspire every visitor. The centre’s lively atmosphere and stunning riverside location create an exciting backdrop for cultural exploration. Whether attending a concert or browsing an exhibition, the Southbank Centre ensures a memorable experience.

Kew Gardens

Explore the natural wonders of Kew Gardens, where springtime blooms create a breathtaking display of colour. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, discovering rare and exotic plants from around the world. The iconic Palm House and tranquil waterlily ponds offer serene settings for relaxation and enjoyment. Kew Gardens’ dedication to horticulture and conservation ensures a refreshing and inspiring visit.

The National Gallery

Discover the masterpieces at The National Gallery, showcasing a remarkable collection of art from renowned artists. Wander through galleries featuring works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Turner, each piece telling its own story. The elegant setting and diverse exhibitions invite appreciation and reflection. Whether an art lover or a curious explorer, The National Gallery provides a rewarding cultural experience.

Camden Market

Immerse yourself in the eclectic energy of Camden Market, a bustling hub of creativity and culture. Browse stalls offering vintage fashion, unique crafts, and global street food. The vibrant atmosphere and innovative offerings create a dynamic shopping and dining experience. Camden Market’s individuality and flair guarantee an exciting and colourful visit, perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind finds.

The Royal Observatory Greenwich

Venture into the universe at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, home to the Prime Meridian and fascinating astronomical exhibits. Explore the history of timekeeping and navigation, engaging with interactive displays and captivating planetarium shows. The observatory’s stunning hilltop location provides striking views of London. The blend of science, history, and scenery ensures a captivating visit for astronomy enthusiasts and explorers alike.

Borough Market

Delight in culinary exploration at Borough Market, a vibrant destination for food lovers offering a diverse range of fresh products and street food. Sample gourmet cheeses, artisan bread, and global flavours amid a bustling and lively setting. With its enticing aromas and lively energy, Borough Market promises a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or seeking a satisfying culinary treat, this market provides a memorable experience.

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

We’ll give you the best route to check off all your must-sees, museums, landmarks and more

Create my own Generate my trip

BETA

Sky Garden

Enjoy a garden escape high above the city at the Sky Garden, offering panoramic views of London’s skyline. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens and soak in the serene atmosphere. Enjoy a refreshing drink while admiring the mesmerizing scenery. Sky Garden’s combination of greenery and vistas provides a peaceful and uplifting retreat, perfect for unwinding amidst the clouds.

For more, check out 10 of London’s best hidden gems, and explore the city’s wonderful park life!

Step up your sightseeing with The London Pass®.

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems, and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.

See more, do more, and experience more with The London Pass® - just choose a pass to get started!

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Discover {{destinationFullName}} itineraries

Continue reading

Blog

10 Shakespeare Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon 'em." Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, William Shakespeare is arguably the greatest playwright of all time. Generations of schoolchildren have - sometimes begrudgingly - studied his plays. Theatre lovers around the world turn out to see them come alive. But what do we actually know about his life? Check out some interesting Shakespeare facts we bet you didn't know. And if you can't read, or simply hate reading, why not go see for yourself at the Globe? Crazy Wordplay According to the folks at the Oxford English Dictionary, Shakespeare introduced almost 3,000 new words to the English language. As well as completely original words, he changed nouns into verbs and verbs into adjectives. Through combining existing words in new ways, as well as by adding prefixes and suffixes, he also gave new meanings to existing vocabulary. In fact, the term ‘box office’ was coined at the Globe theatre. Presumably, their ticket office was a box, or box-shaped. Sounds comfortable. Translations Through The Nations Shakespeare’s plays have been translated into dozens of languages and performed around the world. There's even Shakespeare in Klingon. Surely as beautiful as originally intended. Famous translators include Catherine the Great, who translated The Merry Wives of Windsor into Russian. Thanks, Catherine, you truly were great. And the first president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, translated two plays into Swahili. Plague Poetry An outbreak of the plague in Europe closed all of London’s theatres between 1592 and 1594. Since there was little demand for new plays, Shakespeare instead turned to poetry, writing many of his much-loved sonnets during this time. Turns out the plague was responsible for at least one good thing. Not sure if that outweighs all the...plagueness. But it's something! Names In The Stars Several moons orbiting Uranus are named after characters from Shakespeare plays. The likes of Titania, Oberon and Puck are plucked from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And Ariel and Miranda from The Tempest. So there you go. Bet you didn't know that fact, did you? No. You did not. Birds Of A Feather The first starlings were imported into the US in 1890 by Eugene Schiffelin. Schiffelin was such a Shakespeare fan that he imported all birds mentioned in his plays. Well, at least the ones that didn't already exist in the United States, at least. From Playwright to Copyright Copyright didn’t exist in Shakespeare’s time, so scripts had to be carefully guarded. Actors often only got their lines once the play was in progress, courtesy of lots of careful cues. In fact, many of Shakespeare’s plays weren’t formally published during his lifetime. Perhaps they banned ink, quills and parchment from the audience, too? Otherwise, any old clever clogs would simply take notes and get rich. Shakespeare Or Shakespear..? No list of Shakespeare facts would be complete without some questions regarding the name. The first English dictionary was published in 1604 and only contained 2,449 words (none beginning with the letters W, X or Y). During most of Shakespeare’s lifetime, spelling was not standardised - he even signed his name inconsistently. In fact, there are no records of him ever having spelt it "William Shakespeare", as we do today. Stirred, not Shaken? No, that sounds silly. Lend Me Your Quotes Shakespeare is the second most quoted writer in the English language. Unsurprisingly, only the Bible is more popular. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, Shakespeare wrote close to a tenth of the most quoted lines ever written or spoken in English. “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” Will-i-Learn Over a million visitors come to the Stratford-upon-Avon theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company each year. This is in addition to 530,000 children and young people who take part in the Company’s education work. Globe Today, Gone Tomorrow The Globe Theatre in London is built near the site of the original Tudor building. That's because it sadly burned down in 1613. Like the original theatre, it has three levels of seating as well as the ‘pit’. The original theatregoers who paid just a penny to stand and watch a performance were called ‘groundlings’ or, in summer, ‘stinkards’. Lovely... Love the Bard and all things theatrical? Be sure to pop by Shakespeare’s Globe for an incredible behind-the-scenes look and tour of the iconic playhouse. A reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse built in 1599, Shakespeare’s Globe is a timber frame building with an open-air stage, maintaining the authentic feel of Shakespeare’s time.

Dom Bewley

Blog

The Best Football Pubs in West London

Now that the Premier League season is up and running again (will it ever end?), we thought we’d give you a rundown of the best West London pubs where you can catch games this season. From small neighbourhood boozer with welcoming atmospheres, to bigger sports-oriented bars with more screens than the HQ in The Truman Show, this list has it all. So, the best football pubs in West London, coming up. Including... A multi-award winning sports pub A Chelsea classic And a Bavarian-themed boozer Famous Three Kings, Fulham Voted UK Sports Pub of the Year in 2016, 2017 and 2018, the Famous Three Kings is where many searches for the best football pubs in West London start. Often, it’s where the search for the best Football pubs in West London ends. It’s a perfect venue to watch football, with a cheery and lively atmosphere and a wealth of HD TVs and pulldown screens. It’s the positioning of the screens that makes it so well-suited for sports-watching though, with screens high up on the walls and round every corner. There are loads of different seating and standing areas, so you never feel like you’re stuck with an immovable mass of people between you and the bar. When it comes to drinks, they’ve got an especially good selection of gins to go with the massive amounts of craft beer they pump out. So if you feel like mixing things up...you could do worse than turning up at the Famous Three Kings for a night on the G&T’s. They have regular drinks deals on each week too. The food menu is a dream for those coming in a group...there’s a hell of a lot of choice. They’ve got separate burger and pizza menus with a lotta, lotta toppings to choose from. And they do a whole range of mains, including gooey Mac and Cheese, Katsu Chicken and a number of mouth-watering pies. 171 North End Road, Fulham, London W14 9NL The Cross Keys, Hammersmith A good looking pub with a great atmosphere, The Cross Keys has long been a popular place to watch the footy (and rugby, but that’s for another article) when match day comes around. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, with a small but pretty entrance allowing it to blend in with the style of this rarefied neighbourhood. There’s a large TV showing the football, and a lot of different seating areas to choose from. The good size beer garden is a particular treat. It’s well-known for having friendly, attentive staff, and a pleasant set of locals. So don’t expect to leave The Cross Keys without having thoroughly set the world to rights. As a Fuller’s pub, you know the menu is going to focus on pub classics and that the food is going to be reliably tasty and affordable (particularly for this swanky part of town). 57 Black Lion Lane, Hammersmith, London W6 9BG The Sporting Page, Chelsea This is a fun and welcoming place to watch a game, and very popular with the locals. It’s also a nice place to hang out if you’re looking at a full program of games on a Sunday, because of its fine setting and excellent food menu. Grab some snacks before the game: The Sporting Page has a great set of freshly made bar bites, including delicious chorizo scotch eggs, calamari and chicken goujons. Drinks-wise, they have a wide selection of draught beers and an extensive wine list. Sometimes wine is nice with football. You don’t have to miss so much of the game in the loo. They’ve got a good number of TVs and a big screen, so you’ll be hard pushed to get a bad view in this place. Rumour has it Mick Jagger was a regular here in the 70s, and the place still has some sprinkle of celebrity in the air. It attracts a nice mix of football-crazy locals, families and well-to-do folk looking for a reliably good pub lunch. They’ve got a fabulous sun terrace too, for when extra time’s nearly over, you’ve bitten your nails down to the quick and you just can’t watch the shootout. 6 Camera Place, Chelsea London SW10 0BH The Kings Arms, Ealing OK, so this is more of a rugby pub, but it’s a great place to watch association football on the weekends. It’s a lovely neighbourhood boozer with a good choice of beers and pleasant atmosphere. It’s a very family-friendly place too, with good kids menus offering a large selection of little bites for the little ones. Their fajitas are something special too. On Sundays, The Kings Arms really comes into its own, with a great Sunday Lunch menu and all the football action you could need. It isn’t a ‘cram them in and let them fight amongst themselves’ kind of place, either. It’s got a few rooms and some nice outdoor areas which really eases the flow, even at the busiest of times. And, if you think you’ll need to bed down immediately following a tense game, they even have hotel rooms onsite. 55 The Grove, Ealing, London W5 5DX Octoberfest Pub, Fulham Say hello to the wildcard. Or, actually, say “Hallo!” This is one of the funnest and most unusual football pubs in West London, that’s for sure. It’s Oktoberfest-themed, and boasts the largest selection of German beers in the UK. Yep, there are over 60 imported German beauties available here. They’ve got a superb menu of Bavarian delicacies to choose from, including pretzels, bratwurst and schnitzels. You’ll need something to soak up all the alcohol once you’re doing guzzling from one of their massive beer steins, full to the brim with ice cold German beer. When it comes to sport, they show pretty much anything that’s on, with two giant pull-down screens and a number of widescreen TVs to plop down in front of. It’s the home of the official Bayern Munich UK Fan Club too. 678-680 Fulham Road, London SW6 5SA So that's where to go when the game's on in West London. But where do you go for a little bit of history with your pint? Here is where.

Matthew Pearson

Blog

London's Oldest Pubs: Sipping History

The great British tradition of sipping a pint in an old, old pub is one every tourist should try. And there's no better place to commune with one's pint than in London's oldest pubs. Pubs are deeply intertwined with British culture. For centuries, they've been popular places for social gatherings and central to neighbourhood life. So it's no surprise then that some pubs are among the oldest buildings in the city. They are still points in fast-moving London endless spin. From famous literary hangouts to more notorious gathering places, here's a list of London's oldest pubs. Featuring: The George Inn Spaniards Inn The Angel The George Inn This old stalwart has been a favourite watering hole for some of London's most famous faces for centuries. Charles Dickens used to relax here after a day of writing. It's no surprise then that it's popular with literary sorts. Rebuilt after the Fire of London in 1676, it continues to be a local favourite and has plenty of outdoor seating for those long summer nights. Address: The George Inn, London Bridge, SE1 1NH The Lamb and Flag Set up in 1772 and located in the heart of Covent Garden, The Lamb and Flag is one of the newer pubs on this list. But it has an equally as fascinating history. Back in the day, this pub was well known for its rowdy customers and was the site of many bare-knuckled prize fights. It has cleaned up its act in recent years and its historical detailing makes it a popular place with tourists. It used to be nicknamed 'The Bucket of Blood'. Whisper that fact in someone's ear and - hey presto! - a free seat. Address: 33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB Cittie of Yorke This Grade II-listed historical building has been a favourite with locals and travelers since 1420. It was initially an inn, but transformed into a pub in 1645. With multiple bars and grand decor, it's an atmospheric spot for drinks on High Holborn. It's also a Sam Smiths pub. And if you know what that means, you know to keep it to yourself (it's cheap. Sorry, Secret Society of Central Sam Smiths Pubs members, it's my job). Address: 22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BN Ye Old Mitre Tales tell that Queen Elizabeth I once danced around this pub's cherry tree, which survives at its entrance to this day. While it can be a little tricky to find, it's a great example of a traditional English pub and dates back to 1772, though another pub had stood on the same location from 1546. Perfect for a quiet drink in the colder months, their coal fires and impressive Tudor details will keep you warm as you slip into a deep reverie. Address: 1 Ely Pl, London EC1N 6SJ Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese This sprawling Fleet Street pub features frequently in London tourist guides. And it's with good reason. Built in 1538 and then later rebuilt in 1667 following the Fire of London, it's one of London's oldest pubs. It has a number of rooms with distinctive characters, from the Victorian entranceway to the cellar room that's thought to have been part of a monastery which once stood here. Another Dickens favourite, other former patrons include Mark Twain, Alfred Tennyson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Address: 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU Spaniards Inn Shrouded in mystery and intrigue, some of London's most important literary figures have passed through the Spaniards Inn's front door, along with a number of notorious characters. Established in 1585, it has been both a place of great beauty and great darkness - John Keats is said to have written his poem Ode to a Nightingale here, while famous highwayman Dick Turpin seen drinking at the bar. Nowadays, they do a lovely Sunday lunch. Address: Spaniards Rd, Hampstead, London NW3 7JJ The Angel First built by 15th-century Benedictine monks, this historical pub had a facelift in the 19th century and has a diverse mix of patrons ranging from locals to Thames pub journeymen and journeywomen. Its picturesque Thames setting and Sam Smiths Brewery add to its charms. Oh, and it's got some very pleasing British pub grub too. Address: 101 Bermondsey Wall E, London SE16 4NB Know of another golden oldie to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below. Now you've done the historical ones, how about a pint outside?

Megan Hills

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.