Top Things to Do in London This Spring 2026: Events, Exhibitions & Festivals
As the frost thaws and the cherry blossoms begin to dust the Royal Parks in pink, London is shaking off its winter slumber to reveal a spectacular spring line-up for 2026. Whether you are a local or a visitor, the city is buzzing with world-class art, floral extravaganzas, and high-octane sporting events.
Of course, the best way to truly immerse yourself in the capital’s vibrant culture is to feel confident in the local language. If you are looking to sharpen your communication skills while exploring the city, enrolling in one of the General English courses from Speak Up London is a fantastic way to enhance your stay and meet new friends from around the world.
From the return of the world’s most prestigious flower show to a once-in-a-generation fashion retrospective, here is your definitive guide to the best of London this spring.
🌸 Horticultural Highlights & Outdoor Festivals
Spring in London is synonymous with blooms. While the parks offer a free show, these ticketed events are the crown jewels of the season.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show (19–23 May): The undisputed heavyweight of the gardening world returns to the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Expect avant-garde “Show Gardens” and the breathtaking Great Pavilion.
Kew Gardens Orchid Festival (Until 8 March): If you catch the tail end of early spring, head to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for a stunning display of vibrant orchids and tropical plants.
St Patrick’s Day Festival (15 March): Trafalgar Square turns emerald green with a massive parade and free performances celebrating Irish culture.
Vaisakhi on the Square (18 April): A vibrant celebration of Sikh culture and heritage with traditional music, art, and delicious food in the heart of the city.
🖼️ Unmissable Art & Fashion Exhibitions
The 2026 exhibition calendar is particularly strong, featuring a mix of contemporary icons and historical deep dives.
The Blockbusters
- Tracey Emin at Tate Modern (Opening 27 Feb): A massive retrospective tracing the 40-year career of one of Britain’s most provocative artists.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A (From 28 March): This major retrospective explores the surrealist designs of Elsa Schiaparelli, from her 1930s masterpieces to modern-day haute couture.
Samurai at the British Museum (Until 4 May): A deep dive into the myth and reality of the Japanese samurai, featuring suits of armour and woodblock prints.
🎭 Theatre & West End Newcomers
London’s Theatreland is in its “Golden Era” this spring, with a mix of star-studded revivals and brand-new musicals.
Paddington The Musical (Savoy Theatre): The beloved bear makes his musical debut—a perfect treat for families and nostalgia-seekers alike.
Avenue Q (Shaftesbury Theatre): The cult-favourite puppet musical returns to London for a limited run starting in March.
My Neighbour Totoro (Gillian Lynne Theatre): The RSC’s record-breaking production returns—grab tickets early, as this sells out faster than a Catbus.
🏃 Sporting Spectacles
If you prefer your spring with a side of adrenaline, April and May offer some of the city’s biggest atmosphere-boosters.
London in the spring is a season of renewal and discovery. Whether you’re cheering on marathon runners or admiring the couture at the V&A, there is no better time to be in the city.
To get the most out of these experiences — from chatting with locals at the flower show to understanding the nuances of a West End play — consider boosting your fluency with a General English course at Speak Up London. Located in the heart of the city, it’s the perfect base to learn the language while you live the London life.
Happy exploring!
