Spring in London feels like a season of reinvention and excitement. As the days stretch longer, and the city shakes off its winter chill, parks explode with flowers in bloom, rooftop bars hum with activity, and outdoor festivals set the capital into a whirl. From floral extravagance and alfresco theatre, here are ten of the very best ways to do London in spring.

1. Marvel at the Chelsea Flower Show

Spring needs some floral flair, and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show serves it in style. Set in the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this world-famous display is where horticultural creativity collides with sheer spectacle — think avant-garde garden designs, show-stopping floral displays and plant varieties you didn’t even know existed.

Stroll through beautifully manicured gardens, talk to gardeners in the know and find inspiration for your own green space (even if that means making your windowsill a little more lush). Tickets are snatched up quickly, so make your reservations early if you want to soak up some floral light.

2. Experience Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

There’s a certain magic to theatre under the stars, and the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre really delivers. Set amid the park’s greenery, this outdoor venue hosts everything from Shakespearean classics to boisterous musicals, all with London’s skyline as a backdrop.

Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and hunker down for an evening where culture meets nature. The notoriously changeable British weather? That, however, is only part of the appeal.

3. Take a Boat Trip on the Thames

You can’t beat seeing London from the water, and the milder temperatures of spring make it the perfect time for a Thames river cruise. Drift by landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Shard and the Houses of Parliament, the city glimmering in dappled spring light.

From classic sightseeing tours to speedboat adventures, there’s a river experience for every mood. Prefer a slower pace? Self-hire boats in Little Venice or Richmond allow you to glide through some of London’s prettiest waterways at your own leisure.

4. Visit the Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival

For a floral fix beyond Chelsea, head to Hampton Court Palace, where springtime reveals 100,000 tulips in full bloom. The historic grounds burst into riotous colour with vibrant shows in the Great Fountain Garden and Privy Garden.

And it’s not only about the flowers — Henry VIII’s former home is full of history, with Tudor kitchens and grand Baroque apartments. It’s an outing that provides beauty, history and a bit of royal drama.

5. Stroll Through Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market transforms a sleepy East London street into a floral utopia every Sunday. The air is alive with the scents of fresh roses, eucalyptus and peonies, and market traders woo customers with their best sales pitches (listen for “Two for a fiver!” at least once).

Off of the blooms, the street is bracketed by freelance boutiques, classic shops and sepulchral cafés — ideal for a lazy Sunday morning meander. Get there early for the best bunches before the crowds descend.

6. See London’s Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

Spring in London brings cherry blossom season, and the capital’s parks are filled with delicate pink and white blooms. Here are some of the best places:

• Greenwich Park – Beautiful views from the top of a hill with flowering trees.
• Kew Gardens – A cherry walk that could have come straight out of Kyoto.
• Regent’s Park – Picture-perfect petals around Avenue Gardens.
• St James’s Park – A lovely park close to Buckingham Palace, perfect for a springtime walk.

Bring a picnic, a book and a camera, and spend a peaceful afternoon under the blossoms.

7. Attend the Southbank Centre’s Spring Events

Spring is when London’s cultural scene really bursts into life — and nowhere does it better than at the Southbank Centre. Set on the banks of the Thames, this landmark concert hall offers a steady stream of music, art exhibitions, literary festivals and open-air performances.

Be it classical music, spoken word poetry or contemporary art, there’s never not something going on. And the riverside setting makes it a day of it — grab a coffee, watch street performers or check out the South Bank book market.

8. Celebrate London’s Spring Festivals

London’s spring cultural calendar is packed with everything from food festivals to traditional heritage events. A few highlights:

• Vaisakhi Festival (April) – A multi-coloured Sikh festival in Trafalgar Square, full of live music, dance and mouth-watering street food.
• St George’s Day (April 23rd) – A celebration of England’s patron saint, with parades, medieval reenactments, and family-friendly activities.
• The London Coffee Festival (April) – A caffeine-lover dream featuring barista demos, tastings and local artisan roasters from around the city.

Each event is an opportunity to soak up London’s diverse energy — so be sure to see what’s happening while you’re visiting.

9. Watch a Film at an Outdoor Cinema

As warmer evenings arrive, London’s open air cinemas begin to spring up at picturesque places across the capital. Some top picks:

• Rooftop Film Club – Skyline views, deckchairs and cult classics.
• Luna Cinema – Open-air screenings at venues including Kensington Palace and Westminster Abbey.
• Backyard Cinema – The themed moviegoing experience, from tropical jungles to retro drive-ins.

Something is enchanting about “watching a movie under the stars, with a blanket wrapped around you and a glass of wine.”

10. Enjoy Rooftop Bars and Al Fresco Dining

There’s no denying that rooftop drinks with a view are an essential part of sunny spring days, and Londoners are quick to head up to the top floors of the capital at the first hint of sunshine. Here are a few very good places to find one:

• The Culpeper (Shoreditch) – A rustic rooftop garden with great cocktails.
• Skylight (Tobacco Dock) – A trendy hangout with panoramic views and DJ sets.
• Frank’s Café (Peckham) – Unbeatable sunset vibes over London’s skyline.

For a slower pace, head to a pub garden or riverside terrace, where you can linger over seasonal small plates and a crisp glass of wine.

Where to Stay in London This Spring

With so much to discover, choosing the right home base is everything. That’s where Veeve comes in.

Forget cookie-cutter hotels – Veeve has handpicked homes across London, from cosy townhouses in Notting Hill to stylish apartments in Covent Garden. Whether you’re on your own, with a partner, or with family, you’ll discover a space that feels like home – just a little bit more luxe.

So, why not wake up in a lovely London home, walk into the spring sunshine and live the city like a local?

Book your Veeve stay today and make this spring in London unforgettable.