How to Make the Most of Your Trip to London in May
London is hands-down one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Beautiful gardens, marvellous architecture, busy streets, stunning towers and other iconic sites will truly make you fall in love with this gorgeous city. If you are planning a vacation in London, then we insist you to visit in May this year.
What is so special about London in May?
The pleasant weather is perhaps the reason most travellers choose to visit London in May as the colder months can be quite harsh. Lush green parks, bright sunshine on most days and colourful flowers in full bloom make London look magical.
Besides famous landmarks, May is a great time to visit London as the city typically hosts various festivals celebrating different aspects of music, culture and food to keep you engaged. If you are wondering what to do in London England in May, here are some events to look out for and things to do in London in May.
1. Chelsea Flower Show
One of the major attractions of London in May is the flower show season when the city blooms with floral. There is nothing quite like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – a five-day event that marks the beginning of London’s summer season. The Great Pavilion in the show exhibits over 100 prize-winning flowers, including bonsai trees and cacti.
There are also Show Gardens – another major attraction, showcasing some of the most innovative gardens in the world from top gardeners and architects. The Chelsea Flower Show is being held every year at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, so don’t miss visiting this show if you are planning a trip to London in May. The dazzling gardens will be open for display from May 20 – 24.
If you wish to explore more of these green surroundings and enjoy floral displays, head over to places such as:
- St. James’ Park
- Greenwich Park
- Regent’s Park
- Kensington Garden
2. Paradox Museum
If you are travelling to London, but not planning to visit Paradox Museum, you are missing out on one of the world’s most immersive experiences. The museum features over 50 mind-bending visual effects and optical illusions to keep you and your family entertained for at least 90 minutes. Some illusions are for you to observe, while others you can experience by stepping right into it.
This museum offers a unique blend of entertainment and education, allowing you and your kids to understand scientific concepts interactively. If you are visiting in May, then you can have a more relaxed experience as there will be fewer crowds compared to extreme summer months like June or July. Some highlights of this museum are:
- Zero Gravity
- Paradox Sofa
- Camouflage Room
- Reversed Room
- Paradox Tunnel
- Infinity Well
3. West End Shows
Delve into London’s dazzling theatrical shows, featuring a plethora of musical, comedy, Shakespeare and drama at the West End. We have put together a number of shows that are playing in the West End only this summer.
| Event Name | Date | Venue | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| An Oak Tree | May 6 – May 24 | Young Vic | The play is performed by Tim Crouch paired with another guest actor who hasn’t seen the show before, to explore the spontaneity of performance. |
| The Crucible | May 8 – July 12 | Shakespeare Globe | The play created by Arthur Miller circles around a witch hunt that took place in 17th century Salem. |
| Mrs. Warren’s Profession | May 10 – August 16 | Garrick Theatre | The play by George Bernard Shaw revolves around a daughter who finds out her mother paid for her education by running a prostitution business. |
| Bat Out of Hell | May 21 – June 7 | Peacock Theatre | Enjoy a rock musical celebration based on the music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf. |
| Fiddler on the Roof | May 24 – July 19 | Barbican Centre | A well-known musical show that tells the story of a milkman and his daughters as they deal with changing times and tradition. |
4. MCM Comic Con
MCM Comic Con is the UK’s most celebrated pop culture event that gives visitors an opportunity to meet their favourite film stars, TV actors and gaming voice artists. The event also features a range of art and literature from independent creators. Some of the popular guests coming to MCM Comic Con London this year are Karan Ashley, Mark Brooks, Aaron Dismuke, Lauren Landa, Kyle Starks, Aaron Campbell, and Alison Sampson, amongst many.
Besides meeting your favourite character, you can enjoy a range of activities and experiences, such as live action role play, exclusive premieres, comic book writing workshops and cosplay. The event is going to be held at Excel London from May 23 to 25.
5. Foodies Festival
If you call yourself a foodie, you certainly don’t want to miss out on London’s biggest food festival. This festival will take place from May 24 – 26 at Syon Park in London, where local street food vendors, expert chefs, artisan producers, and food & drink producers come together to promote regional cuisine. It gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy a feast on a variety of culinary activities, tasty food, sumptuous drinks and live music.
Here is what you can experience at the London Foodies Festival 2025.
- Chefs Theatre - There will be Michelin-starred chefs and MasterChef champions cooking their signature dishes in Chefs Theatre, while giving you their secret cooking tips.
- Live Music Stage – Enjoy soothing music while iconic artists perform live during the festival.
- Drinks Theatre – Taste a vast array of new champagnes, wines and cocktails.
- Baking Theatre – Learn to bake with renowned bakers, such as Great British Bake Off stars.
- Cook School – Get a chance to learn new cooking skills and techniques, and can also take away the dish you have prepared.
- Kids’ Cookery – Let your kids get involved in learning some fun cooking and understand the basics of cooking.
These are just some of the major events that are happening in London in May. There are many more things to do in the UK going on throughout the year and catering to a wide range of interests.
FAQs
How is the weather in London in May?
The weather in London is mild in May, so walking around to take in the sights is easier and more comfortable. There may be some light rain showers, but mainly it is pleasant and ideal for taking walking tours. The average temperature in London England in May is 13 degrees C.
What clothes to pack for London in May?
London in May will have longer daylight hours and pleasant temperatures, so it is advisable to pack accordingly. Here is a list of items to pack if you are visiting London in May.
- Casual clothes, such as trousers and jeans for exploring
- Dressier attire and party clothes for evening outs
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Light jacket or cardigan for layering
- Rain jacket or umbrella for rainy days
- T-shirts for warmer days
- Sunglasses or sunscreen for eye and skin protection
What are the must-see attractions of London?
Besides popular events happening in May, there are also major attractions, such as The London Eye, The British Museum, The Tower of London, National Gallery, Kew Gardens, Thames River Cruise and Harry Potter Studio Tour that are open throughout the year.
Do I need to make an advanced ticket booking?
Definitely, for popular shows and events, booking tickets in advance is a must. However, some museums and parks, such as Victoria and Albert Museum, National History Museum and Hyde Park have no entry fee and are free for everyone to explore.
What transportation options are available to get around London?
Using public transport, such as buses and the London Underground subway stations, is ideal to get around, but if you really want to explore every tiny bit of London, we recommend opting for walking tours.
Is May a busy tourist month in London?
Not really. London is relatively less crowded than peak summer months – June and July.
