The Houses of Parliament sits beside Westminster Bridge

Top places to visit in London in April

By Ian Packham

Although still firmly within the city’s shoulder period, with lower visitor numbers than at other times of year, many don’t realize what an attractive proposition London in April is. Fourteen hours of daylight combine with a busy diary of events to make it one of the most underrated times of year to discover London, regardless of if it’s your first or thirty-first time to the British capital.

Enjoy London’s outdoor spaces in a way not possible during the long winter months, whether that’s through joining the St George’s Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square, or wondering at the sunsets which dazzle the city at this time of year.

April weather in London

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Temperatures can be sluggish to get going at the start of April, with early mornings particularly bracing. Lows of 6°C aren’t uncommon overnight. However, mid to late afternoons can see temperatures of 13 – 15°C on the sunniest of days thanks to winds normally no stronger than a light breeze.

Roughly a third of April enjoys clear blue skies and bright sunshine. This averages out as 8 hours of sun per day, a full three hours more than in March. At the same time, daylight hours now extend from 6AM – 8PM.

During the remaining two thirds of the month, visitors should expect a mix of light cloud and short bouts of rain – April showers are very much a London thing. That said, April is officially the driest month of the year, with just 20 – 40 mm of rain recorded.

Packing layers is the key to remaining comfortable in London in April since weather conditions can change so quickly. Odd though it may sound, shorts, sweaters, umbrellas and sunglasses all make great additions to anyone’s luggage.

Tick off April’s cultural events

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When it comes to outdoor spaces, London’s include some of the most famous landmarks in the world. The River Thames is blessed by footpaths extending largely uninterrupted along both banks through London’s central neighborhoods, whilst the Statue of Eros at Piccadilly Circus has been a meeting point for decades.

Festivities, meanwhile, have traditionally focused around Trafalgar Square, built to mark Britain’s naval victory over Napoleon’s France and also the place where crowds gathered to celebrate the end of the Second World War.

In more recent years, it has come to host a variety of events, including April’s St George’s Day and Vaisakhi. It’s not a public holiday, but the nearest weekend to St George’s Day on April 23 sees the square taken over by performers, food stalls and children’s entertainment keen on celebrating the nation’s patron saint.

Just a few days before, the square echoes to the drumming and traditional music of the Punjab in honor of Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year and spring harvest festival. Around 30,000 revelers head to the square’s a range of related events, making it one of the largest festivals of its kind outside of Asia.

Churches and chocolate eggs

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April is – usually – also the month of the movable feast that is Easter. Attending a church service at one of the capital’s historic churches – Southwark Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral among them – shows the city and its people in a new light.

Many of London’s top attractions get in the spirit with special easter eggs hunts for children, including the likes of Chiswick House and Kitchen Garden and Kensington Palace. Both children and adults can also treat themselves with seasonal delights at one of London’s boutique chocolatiers.

If you ‘accidentally’ overindulge, there’s always the London Marathon – the UK’s largest mass participation sporting event. Even those without their running shoes can get involved – watch from the sidelines as around 40,000 runners battle their way to the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace after over 26 miles pounding the city’s sidewalks.

Scrutinize the stalls of London’s markets

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The combination of sunnier skies and longer hours of daylight brings our next suggestion of things to do in April in London right to the top of the bucket list for many. London’s plethora of indoor markets largely operate throughout the year, but April’s ever-improving weather makes their outdoor brethren all the more tempting.

The permanent porticoed stores of Covent Garden Market together form one of the more stylish places to shop, and has plenty of places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat in pleasant surroundings too. You certainly won’t go hungry at either the Southbank Centre’s weekend market of food pop-ups, nor at the dedicated stalls open daily at Borough Market just a short walk from London Bridge.

Antiques and Portobello Road have gone hand in hand since the late 1940s, with vintage and retro items joining the true antiques (items over 100 years old). Alfie’s Antiques Market in Marylebone is a good alternative if April’s showers take hold. It’s fourth floor café is one of the more unusual places to get a glimpse of the capital from on high.

Marvel at the summer sky

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The top spot for experiencing London’s spring sunsets has to be The View from The Shard, rising above the hotch-potch of London’s old and new. If time allows, you should also consider a sundowner at a rooftop bar.

Pergola Paddington Central has a fantastic ambience that only builds with the end of the working day. Exuding cool alongside its fair share of eccentricity is east London’s LGBT+ friendly Queen of Hoxton. Its roof space is open during summer and winter, changing its wild persona with the seasons. One month you’ll be in turn-of-the-century Paris and another in the lair of a Mexican wrestling team.

Save on attraction admission in London in April

Make the most of London’s April weather by exploring the city from high and low, near and far. But before you do, make sure you’ve downloaded the Go City app and taken advantage of the savings on attraction admission available with the Explorer Pass.

See the attractions you’ve always wanted to see, do away with those dreaded foreign credit card charges and save on admission. An A-list sighting aside, nothing could be more London.

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historical things to do in london
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Historical Things to do in London

Living in the present is pretty great. But do you ever think about what it was like to live in the past? Frilly sleeves, garish wigs, and opulent palaces do have their charm. While time travel is still not a thing, there's always the opportunity to visit old things that still exist. And look at them. Maybe even learn something about them too. And if you're a London resident, or visiting the city from further shores, you've an abundance of history to dive into. So, history buffs, crack out the monocle and read this handy digital parchment we've put together. You want historical things to do in London? We've got historical things to do in London! These are some of the best. Featuring: The Tower of London Westminster Abbey St Paul's Cathedral Hampton Court Palace The Cutty Sark and more! The London Bridge Experience Let's kick things off with something spooky. London has a rich history dating back thousands of years. And, of course, tragedy and evil have left their mark on the city during that time. From fires to plagues, serial killers, and strung-up monarchs, London's foundations are a little grim. Why not immerse yourself in all of it at the London Bridge Experience? Reprising the roles of London denizens from times past, a cast of colourful and informed actors will take you through some of the most chilling moments in London's history. And, if you dare, you can descend into the depths of the underground tombs. There, you'll meet a ghoulish cast of forgotten evil. They might even chase you, so be careful! There's even the kid-friendly Guardian Angel Experience, which tones down some of the scares. Shakespeare Globe Theatre Tour Speaking of historical things to do in London, why not visit the home of one of the world's most famous scribes? This accurate recreation of the 16th-century theatre is quite the sight. And, thanks to the well-informed guides, your visit will be chock full of Shakespearean information. Hear exciting stories about the building's history, the city in those times, and how the reconstruction came about. You'll learn about how the original's acoustics have been recreated, and get a chance to sit and ask questions once the tour is over. The Tower of London Off with their heads! Dramatics aside, you'll be off your head on wisdom after visiting one of London's historical jewels. The Tower of London is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, and for good reason. From its early days as a fortress, to its teenage years as a prison, there's a lot of history to unpack here. Come for the beheadings; stay for the Crown Jewels, which are kept safe inside. They're sure to dazzle you! Westminster Abbey Welcome to Britain's most famous abbey. Westminster Abbey has been the coronation location for kings and queens for nearly a thousand years. In fact, many royal festivities take place there, including weddings. Step inside the glorious gothic abbey and see what all the fuss is about. There's the Coronation Chair, where royals take their seats once said coronation takes place. It's one of the oldest pieces of furniture in England, dating back before the black death in the mid 14th century! You'll also find the tombs of both Charles Dickens and Darwin, Elizabeth I, and the Grave of the Unknown Warrior - a testament to the countless people who lost their lives during the Great War. Easily one of the most historical things to do in London. St Paul's Cathedral Next on our epic historical list of things to do in London is none other than St Paul's Cathedral. Known for its dome, it's one of London's most recognisable landmarks. And the good news is that it's just as striking on the inside too. The location of Charles and Diana's wedding back in the '80s, St Paul's is a visual feast. Be sure to check out the whispering gallery, where whispers curiously carry from any wall within the dome to the other side. And head down to the crypt to see the tombs of historical luminaries like Sir Christopher Wren. Hampton Court Palace The palace that can. Hampton Court Palace is an ode to Tudor opulence, having been Henry VIII's favourite hangout back in the 1500s. Here, he'd regularly boogie the night away, throwing shapes as his favourite musicians blasted era-appropriate jams. Probably. Regardless, the palace itself has been kept up remarkably well. Tour the halls to see luxurious paintings, tapestries, and enough gold to make Rumplestiltskin blush. Once you're done with the interior, venture outside to the fabulous palace gardens. Get lost in the maze, or spot deer and wild birds in Home Park. Hundreds of years ago, kings and queens walked in your footsteps. It doesn't get much more historic than that! Cutty Sark A cut above the rest. Hop aboard the last surviving tea clipper and be transported to a simpler time. Built during Queen Victoria's era, and tasked with transporting tea from China to the UK, it was known as the quickest ship on the seas. Ol' Vic clearly loved her tea. This globe-spanning vessel is now very much stationary, moored in Greenwich. So go there and see it. Through displays, artefacts, and restored quarters, you'll learn all about life on the ship. You can even touch it, if so inclined. Just, wash your hands first. The ship knows where they've been. Royal Albert Hall Tour And finally, London's most prestigious venue. The Royal Albert Hall is where the annual Proms take place, a globally-celebrated tribute to music and performance. Queen Vic's tribute to her late husband, it's definitely worth a visit! Go see the royal box and private suites used by the Queen when she visits. Check out the massive organ. Take the tour and learn about all the fascinating stories that took place beneath its giant dome. And that's our list of some of the best historical things to do in London! With a wealth of history at your fingertips, the city is the perfect place to get cultured and informed in equal measure.
Dom Bewley
adventurous things to do in london
Blog

Adventurous Things to do in London

Calling all daredevils among you! Are you tired of boring, normal activities? Are you sitting at home right now, staring at walls? Are you on your slog of a commute hoping a ninja will jump out and start doing ninja stuff? You sound like the sort that yearns for that sweet adrenaline. Well, never fear, because London has plenty of white knuckle adventures to sate your hunger. But where are they? Well, here. In this handy list, we made just for you. The stars have aligned, and adventure is nigh! These are the best adventurous things to do in London! Featuring: ArcelorMittal Orbit Sherlock Holmes: The Game The Crystal Maze Live Experience Helicopter Tours Thames Rockets and more! ArcelorMittal Orbit Instead of sliding into some unsuspecting person's DMs, put down the phone and try a real slide. Built during the 2012 Olympic Games, ArcelorMittal Orbit is a towering structure. Looming over the Olympic Park, it stands at a whopping 114.5m tall, it's quite the sight. If you have the stomach to climb the hundreds of stairs it takes to reach one of the viewing platforms, you'll be able to see the whole city. But why not take it one step further - step inside the world's tallest slide, and ride it all the way down to the bottom? Its twists and turns are sure to delight all the daredevils out there. Just, maybe leave lunch until after you're done. No one wants to clean up that. Sherlock: The Official Live Game Dare you tangle with the maniacal mastermind Moriarty himself? Well, you can now, at Sherlock: The Official Live Game! Part escape room, part immersive Sherlock experience, and part bar, this thrill ride will pit your team's wits against Sherlock's nemesis. Featuring real props and recreated environments from the BBC TV show, as well as exclusive clips from the cast, use key detective work and problem-solving to crack the case. Sherlock's busy, doing Sherlock things like being unnecessarily arrogant, so you're on your own this time! But don't dally; you only have 100 minutes to complete the tasks. If you don't, you die! Okay, probably not. But you will bring great shame to your house. Crystal Maze Experience Take a trip back to the bizarre but unique Nineties, replete with leopard print jackets, at the Crystal Maze Experience! Bring some friends and take on challenges in four unique zones. Use every ounce of mental and physical strength to complete challenges and get the crystals! Take too long, and you'll be locked inside forever! Or until your team gets you out. Whichever happens first. Then, you'll enter the crystal dome and flail about pathetically as you attempt to grab as many notes as possible. The winner, well, you'll have to find out what the victors win when you try it for yourself! Go Ape Do you ever wonder what life was like before, when our ancestors lived in the trees? Yes, evolution is real. Probably. And yes, you can relive your ancestral heritage at Go Ape! Suspended in safety, thanks to a key harness, you'll be free to tight-rope walk across a daring assault course in the sky. Then, when you've assaulted the course completely, ride down to terra firma in style on an exhilarating zip line! Feel the primal roar inside you grow. Know what it was like to live in trees. Maybe move into a treehouse with central heating. All this and more is waiting for you at the three Go Ape centres across London. Definitely one of the best things to do in London for the adventurous of you! Helicopter Tour Yes, there are even more adventurous things to do in London! If trees aren't high enough, how about you try a few hundred metres higher? Hop on a helicopter and take a tour of the city! See all the city's sights from a new angle. Get a bird's eye view of legendary London landmarks like Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye, and many more! Just like a bird! It might just be the best way to see the city you love. Or, at least, the city you tolerate. Bungee Jump at the O2 Have you ever jumped off a building and lived? Probably not. But what if I told you you could jump off an entire arena and survive. Well, that's exactly what you can do at the O2 Arena! Climb to the top, suit up, and plunge nearly 50m down! Feel the wind rush past your face. See the city rush towards you. But don't worry, you'll be safe. And you will love it. London Bridge Experience Feeling spooky? Do you thrive on horror movies? Are you the sort to look for the monster under your bed instead of cowering beneath the quilt? Well, have we got an experience for you. A London Bridge Experience! Dwelling beneath the eponymous bridge, you'll find spooky spectacle and daring delights alike. Revisit the city's ghoulish past, all 2000 years of it. The experience itself is an interactive theatre of pain and misery. Hear tales from London's residents throughout time. No, they're not paid actors; they're real historical people! Listen as they transport you back to some of London's most haunted historical moments. Revisit the horrors of the Great Fire, relive Jack the Ripper's reign of terror, and also the Romans were bad! Or, if you dare, delve into the tombs beneath the bridge. Supposedly, real ghosts and demons prowl the lower levels. Not paid actors. Will you live to tell the tale? Or will you be scared to death! Alternatively, if you have little ones with you, there's the kid-friendly Guardian Angel Tour. Expect the same stories with less spook and makeup. Thames Rockets And finally, if you prefer your adrenaline sun and sea-soaked, where better to get your fix than on a speedboat? Head to the Thames, put on your best life jacket, and prepare for a wave-crashing thrill ride of thrillingness! All thrills, no spills. Take a day trip around the city's shoreline, or try an evening ride with a complimentary drink at the end. Kick your weekend of thrills off with a boat ride you won't soon forget. And that's our list of the most adventurous things to do in London!
Dom Bewley

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