Why London in May is a secret worth sharing

Published: July 18, 2024

March is a good time to head to London's parks

Whisper it quietly – London in May feels a lot like the more popular summer months to come. Daylight hours stretch from 5:30AM until 8:30PM, temperatures nudge towards 20°C, and rain showers seem to lessen by the day.

It means May in London is all about getting outside. Visit the likes of Borough Market and you’ll soon have more than enough goodies for a picnic in a Royal Park. Then cruise along the Thames for picturesque scenes of London’s historic skyline or meet the residents of London Zoo in their outdoor paddocks. These are just some of the great al fresco attractions that await visitors to the British capital in May.

Wild beasts (and where to see them)

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Choose to stay in southwest London and you may be a little early for Wimbledon fortnight but you will have the chance to soak up the sun in Richmond Park thanks to the improving weather in London in May.

The largest of London’s parks at 1000 hectares and a Site of Special Scientific Interest to boot, this former royal hunting ground still provides a habitat for several hundred fallow deer whilst King Henry’s Mound offers vistas reaching St Paul’s Cathedral.

But it’s fashionable Chelsea that's the center of attention in May, when the Chelsea Flower Show takes over the grounds of the borough’s Royal Hospital – a home for military veterans. An annual event par excellence since 1912, attracting senior royals and a smorgasbord of A-list celebrities, this is much more than a garden show, occupying hours of television and pages of newspaper coverage.

Further north, Regent’s Park is home to animals as diverse as penguins and tigers, being the site of ZSL London Zoo. A filming location in the first Harry Potter movie and a major conservation project, the zoo looks after around 20,000 animals, from leaf-cutter ants to less numerous pygmy hippos.

All the world’s a stage

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The zoo isn’t the only reason to visit Regent’s Park, whose Open Air Theater kicks off its season of performances as the calendar hits May. Amphitheater style in form, weather conditions mean no performance is the same twice for the 1240 audience members who’ve come to enjoy the show.

The South Bank’s Globe Theater also sees its actors hit the reproduction Elizabethan stage come May, though if you don’t make it to a performance of Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet, it’s still possible to head behind the scenes with a Globe Theater Tour.

Don’t forget that London is home to the West End, perhaps second only to New York’s Broadway for the quality of its shows. Its 38 theaters are packed out on a nightly basis with the latest in musicals, comedies and plays, whilst Hollywood blockbusters can be enjoyed in the comfort of the Curzon Soho Cinema.

Explore London’s top shopping destinations

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Dating back to at least 1276, Borough Market would have been known to Shakespeare and his troupe of actors, albeit in a slightly different form than the market takes today. Back then, and until the early 2000s, it served as a wholesale and retail vegetable market. It was then transformed to become a hub for curries rather than carrots and top-notch pies rather than pineapples as the street food craze took hold.

Combining everything from food stalls to antiques and bric-a-brac, Portobello Road offers something different each day of the week (excluding Sundays when traders are given the day off but the stores lining the street are still open). The main day for antiques is Saturday, when a bit of friendly haggling may well get you that souvenir of your trip for a bargain price.

The other big name in shopping has to be Oxford Street. This broad central London thoroughfare will be able to scratch any shopping itch, since there’s around 300 stores including most of the big names and a fair few flagship stores too.

Discovery the importance of sea power to British history

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Say ‘flagship’ to a sailor and they’ll probably point you in the direction of HMS Belfast, the Royal Navy’s command vessel for the D Day landings in World War Two. Now a museum ship moored between London and Tower Bridge, visitors are able to explore nine decks to discover what life was like on the high seas in peace and war time.

Belfast is just one of a series of things to do in London in May visible on Thames City Cruises alongside the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and Tate Modern. Four piers dotted along the river allow you to hop-on and hop-off as you choose, with the full journey occupying the historic stretch of the river from Westminster Pier to Greenwich, a part of London bursting with attractions.

Among them are the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Meridian, from where the world takes its timings. The orange ball on the top of the observatory continues to drop at precisely 1PM each day, connected to an atomic clock – the most accurate timepieces in existence.

But the naval links don’t stop there. As well as the scientific treasures awaiting in the National Maritime Museum, including objects used by Captain Cook in his ‘discovery’ of Australia, visitors to Greenwich can also step aboard the fastest tea clipper that ever set sail – the Cutty Sark. Compare the life of sailors onboard to that of HMS Belfast built just 70 years later, or soak in the atmosphere with a traditional afternoon tea in sublime surroundings.

Unleash the secret of London in May!

Thanks to relatively stable weather conditions you won’t have to worry too much about what to wear in London in May. Instead, you can concentrate on enjoying all that London has to offer. Travel with Go City, and you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing you’re getting substantial savings on admission compared to turning up at ticket gates on the day!

Ian Packham

Go City Travel Expert

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Explore The Shard's Neighborhood For Free: Top Picks Revealed

So you’ve ticked The Shard off your London must-see list and snapped those impressive skyline photos—but what next? The surrounding neighborhood brims with local character and no-cost experiences for anyone who likes their adventures wallet-friendly. From riverside promenades and tucked-away gardens to intriguing museums and quirky street art, there’s a hidden world waiting just beyond The Shard’s shadow. We’ve rounded up the best free things to do nearby, perfect for travelers who love an authentic city vibe (and saving those pounds for the next pastry or pint). Get ready to soak up history, culture, and views—no ticket required. Our favourite free things to do near The Shard: Potter’s Fields Park Borough Market Wandering Southwark Cathedral Hay’s Galleria Thames Riverside Walk The Old Operating Theatre Museum (lobby & exterior) Crossbones Graveyard White Cube Bermondsey St. George the Martyr Church Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel Potter’s Fields Park If you fancy fresh air with a proper view, Potter’s Fields Park is the perfect patch of green. Located right between The Shard and Tower Bridge, this riverside spot is everyone’s go-to picnic area or sun-tanning base. It’s the park where Londoners unwind, watch boats cruise by, and catch up with friends—no entrance fee, no fuss. Grab your sandwich from a nearby deli and find a spot on the grass, where views of the Thames and iconic Tower Bridge elevate every bite. In spring, the flower beds burst into colour, while summer brings all manner of pop-up entertainment, from open-air film nights to dance performances. It’s often just buzzing enough to feel lively, but there’s always a quiet patch for a quick nap or some people-watching. You’ll spot fitness classes, families with kids, and selfie-takers all sharing the same riverside magic—this is a bit of real London life right by The Shard. Borough Market Wandering Just a couple of minutes stroll from The Shard, Borough Market pulses with legendary London energy. Now, while shopping and snacking cost money, exploring the sights, sounds, and (let’s be honest) smells is completely free. You’ll wander through Victorian arches soaked in foodie history, passing cheese stalls that look straight out of a British film set, piles of colourful produce, and the occasional stallholder giving away flamboyant samples (fingers crossed for cheese or olives). The market’s lively hum mixes up chatter from locals, camera-toting tourists, and chefs from nearby eateries on their lunch break. Soak up the aromas, spot some of London’s oldest street signage, and see if you can find the market cat. If you’re lucky, you might catch a culinary demonstration or a spot of acoustic music out front—sometimes the “food theatre” is even open for public events. Even just window-shopping rounds here count as pure entertainment. Hay’s Galleria Rain or shine, Hay’s Galleria is one of the city’s most picturesque enclosed spaces—think iron-and-glass curves, riverside breeze, and plenty of places to explore. Originally a Victorian wharf, today it’s filled with striking public art, including the epic Navigators sculpture that looks like something from a Jules Verne novel. Wander through the covered walkways for free and watch the fountains dance. Window-shop at the quirky little kiosks or soak up views over the Thames from the riverside terrace. During holidays, twinkling lights and seasonal decorations transform the galleria into a magical retreat. When buskers show up, it’s basically a free concert under the glass roof. Thames Riverside Walk Nothing says “London experience” like a stroll along the Thames Path. Head east or west from The Shard and you get an ever-changing backdrop: gleaming glass towers, historic brick warehouses, bobbing boats, and dramatic bridges. Stop to admire Tower Bridge’s engineering up close, watch skateboarders at the Southbank Centre, or spot City Hall’s glassy curves next door. Handy signposts point out historical landmarks along the way. Bring your camera—golden hour here is always special, and there’s plenty of space to lean on the railings, people-watch, and pretend you’re in a spy movie. The best part? It’s always open and always free. The Old Operating Theatre Museum (Lobby & Exterior) Inside, there’s a fee for the full museum, but you can pop into the entryway of one of London’s oddest history spots for free, and admire the centuries-old herb garret exterior from the curb. The Old Operating Theatre Museum sits in the church tower of St Thomas’—literally round the corner from The Shard—and its quirky spiral staircase has enticed curious passersby for generations. Take a peek at the preserved facade and the tiny apothecary shop in the entry; pick up a free pamphlet on medical history before you go. Even if you don’t head up, standing beneath the high windows and stone tower is worth a short detour. White Cube Bermondsey Big-name contemporary artists, award-winning architecture, and a cool, gallery-chic vibe—all with zero admission? Yes please. White Cube is tucked down Bermondsey Street, a 10-minute walk from The Shard, and it’s always free to visit. This vast, minimalist space rotates exhibitions from emerging and global stars (think Yayoi Kusama or Damien Hirst), but even if modern art isn’t your usual cup of tea, the sheer scale and creativity on display can surprise you. The gallery staff are friendly if you fancy a chat, and the vibe is relaxed—you can spend 5 minutes or an hour, and nobody rushes you. St. George the Martyr Church Nestled on Borough High Street, St. George the Martyr is another historic gem that welcomes visitors for free exploration. Charles Dickens put this 18th-century church on the literary map in “Little Dorrit”, and its Georgian façade remains a tranquil counterpoint to city bustle. Step inside for a breather, admire the ornate stained glass and elegant wooden pews, or linger in the small, sun-drenched garden out front. A real sanctuary for a quiet moment—and often a hub for free community music events and choral recitals if your timing’s good. Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel Feeling creative? The Leake Street Tunnel, near Waterloo and an easy stroll from The Shard along the riverside, is London’s largest legal graffiti wall. Every inch of brick is layered with artworks, slogans, and wild bursts of colour, refreshed by artists daily. The tunnel thrums with energy and photo ops galore. It’s all constantly changing—so even if you’ve been before, you’ll spot something new. Sometimes you might catch a street artist at work or find impromptu performances spilling out from the vaults. Best of all, it’s all free, and the ever-evolving display makes this one of London’s most vibrant urban art spaces. Ready for Free Fun Near The Shard? London’s tallest skyscraper may steal the skyline, but there’s so much to discover just outside its doors that won’t dent your budget. Take your pick from peaceful parks, dramatic riverside walks, hidden pieces of history, and eye-popping art spaces. Life near The Shard runs at its own pace—sometimes tranquil, sometimes buzzing, always inviting. With these picks on your list, you’re set for a day (or two) of free discoveries—all just a stroll away from one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Happy exploring! Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Madame Tussauds, and how to celebrate Pride in the city. Step up your sightseeing with Go City® 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 Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!

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Free Fun Near London Eye: Explore Without Spending a Penny

Standing beneath the London Eye, it’s easy to get swept up in London’s energy—and yes, you might worry your wallet could take off faster than a capsule! But here’s some good news: this buzzing area is packed with experiences that don’t cost a thing. Whether you’re a history buff, people-watcher, or just want to soak up riverside vibes, we’ve uncovered vibrant culture, stunning views, leafy escapes, and those quirks that make London unforgettable—all for free. Ready to wander beyond the ticket queues and see what the South Bank (and beyond) really has to offer? Let’s fill your day with London Eye neighbor gems that your budget will love. Our favorite free things to do near the London Eye include: South Bank Walks Tate Modern Jubilee Gardens The National Theatre Foyer BFI Southbank Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel The Palace of Westminster (from the outside) Covent Garden Street Performers St James’s Park Gabriel’s Wharf and Riverside Murals South Bank Walks If you’re after atmosphere, the South Bank always delivers. Start right at the London Eye and wander east along the Thames. You’ll pass buskers, pop-up food stalls, book markets beneath Waterloo Bridge, and open-air art installations. The river views are ace: catch locals whizzing by on roller skates, violinists with sweeping soundtracks, and families soaking up city life. The path is flat and accessible, with ever-changing street theatre, pop-up exhibitions, and snapshots of classic London landmarks on both banks. Golden hour here—especially with the London skyline glowing across the water—simply can’t be beat. Jubilee Gardens A patch of green in the middle of city buzz, Jubilee Gardens is tailor-made for picnics, sunbathing, or just kicking back after a morning on your feet. Sunflowers, fountains, and sweeping lawns give you loads of space to relax—and the views of the Eye looming overhead make every selfie pop. There’s a children’s playground for families, plenty of benches for people-watching, and on weekends, the park hosts local events and entertainers. Bonus: it’s an ideal stop to refuel with a supermarket meal deal! The National Theatre Foyer Pop inside the National Theatre (no ticket required!) and you’ll find public spaces filled with changing art displays, comfy chairs, and riverside views. Free WiFi and plenty of quiet corners make this a local’s favourite for reading or people-watching. Check out pop-up exhibitions, seasonal flower displays, and on some days, you might even stumble into a lunchtime classical concert or a rehearsal happening in the lobby. It’s creative, cosseting, and right at the heart of London’s cultural buzz. BFI Southbank Film buffs, this one’s for you. The British Film Institute’s riverside home opens its stylish lounge, film posters and memorabilia displays, and media mediatheque archive for free visitors every day. Curl up in a mid-century chair and watch rare British films or newsreels in the mediatheque or browse fascinating archives along the foyer walls. The buzz is creative and relaxed, a great hideout for appraising movie history—especially handy on a rainy London day. The Palace of Westminster (From the Outside) Sure, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament need no introduction, but have you truly soaked in their grandeur from across the river? Wander to Westminster Bridge (mere minutes from the London Eye) for the very best photo ops. Often, you’ll find street musicians playing dramatic anthems in the background, as red buses whoosh past and seagulls wheel overhead. You don’t need a tour or a ticket to enjoy some of London’s most famous views for absolutely nothing. Covent Garden Street Performers A delightful 15-minute stroll from the London Eye brings you to Covent Garden—a hub of free entertainment every day of the week. The historic piazza buzzes with magicians, musicians, living statues, and theatrical performers (juggling flaming torches is just the warm-up). The atmosphere is vibrant and cheeky: expect laughter, gasps, and the occasional magic trick right in front of you. Street entertainers have been thrilling crowds here for centuries, and the tradition is alive and kicking. Pull up a spot on the cobbles and enjoy a truly “London” spectacle. St James’s Park Stretch your legs with a scenic wander through St James’s Park, one of London’s oldest and most beautiful green spaces—less than 15 minutes’ walk from the Eye. Think sweeping flower beds, swans gliding across the lake, and, of course, views of Buckingham Palace at one end. The unusual pelicans (a gift from a Russian ambassador hundreds of years ago!) are always a crowd-pleaser. The park’s wide avenues and peaceful gardens offer a much-needed escape from city clamor without ever leaving the center. Gabriel’s Wharf and Riverside Murals Tucked along the South Bank’s river walk, Gabriel’s Wharf is a pocket-sized haven for art lovers and explorers. Follow the trail of eye-catching murals and witty signage, then enjoy the quirky vibe at the wharf itself—free riverside seating, lively outdoor sculptures, and lovely people-watching. It’s a little oasis of creativity, and while the indie shops and cafes do tempt you, the experience—and the riverside murals—come at no charge. And there you have it—ten ways to fill your itinerary, see fresh sides of London, and keep your spending on the fun side of sensible. Happy exploring! Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to the London Eye, and learn even more about Southbank. Step up your sightseeing with Go City® 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 Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!

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Where to stay in London

London is increasingly becoming a 24/7 city. With Night Tubes, 24-hour buses, and museums that don’t close on Mondays like in much of Europe, there’s always somewhere new to explore. At the same time, it’s a big place, with over 30 boroughs, or neighborhoods. Each can then be subdivided into smaller districts, many packed with hotels and Airbnbs, making it even harder to decide where to stay in London. If you’re wondering which neighborhoods in London are popular to stay in, stay tuned for the only guide you’ll ever need! Including… Best overall areas to look at Top tourist spots Long weekend retreats Coolest locales And more! And those were our picks of the best places to stay in London! If you liked the above and want even more London goodness, why not discover yet more reasons to visit London in October and get the lowdown on cool things to do in Covent Garden? Step up your sightseeing with Go City® 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 Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!

Ian Packham

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