London

What's on in London

April/May/June

It’s time to get into the festive spirit with a raft of special events celebrating HM The Queen’s 60-year reign. The highlight is the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June, a waterborne procession of over 1,000 boats of all types and sizes, led by Her Majesty and members of the royal family in a magnificent royal barge, festooned with flowers from the Queen’s own gardens.

Before that, you can enjoy special events and exhibitions around the city, including Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames (27 April-9 September) at the National Maritime Museum. Guest curated by historian David Starkey, the exhibition brings together nearly 400 beautiful, fascinating and often unique objects that explore the Thames’ role through history as a “royal river”.

In Greenwich, make sure to visit the Cutty Sark, which finally reopens on 26 April following a devastating fire in 2007. And just reopened is another London stalwart. Following a £12 million transformation, Kensington Palace now boasts redesigned visitor routes, new gardens, a shop, café and terrace.

Not sure whether to wear a hat for the festivities? Selfridges’ pop-up Tiara Shop (from 4 May) could provide the answer. Here you’ll find sparkling pieces ranging in price from a mere fiver to over £50,000.

Festival of Britain

Cantina


8 May-30 September

The Australian grunge-circus troupe headlines The London Wonderground, a new, five-month long festival of cabaret, music and sideshow at the Southbank Centre. Performed inside a dazzling Spiegeltent, the show offers a blend of glamorous vaudeville, magic, dance and acrobatics. londonwonderground.co.uk

What the Butler Saw

What the Butler Saw

16 May-25 August

Award-winning actor/comedian Omid Djalili stars at the Vaudeville Theatre in Joe Orton’s full-throttle comedy, in which a psychoanalyst finds himself hiding his secretary from his wife while dealing with her blackmailing lover, a meddling government inspector and an inquisitive policeman. whatthebutlersawtheplay.com

Back2Black

Back2Black

29 June-1 July

For the first time ever, the three-day music festival leaves its Brazilian homeland to take place in London’s Old Billingsgate. Hosted by Gilberto Gil, it will feature a strong emphasis on UK African connections and a heady mix of samba, jazz, funk, blues, rock, reggae, rhythm and blues, dub and hip hop. barbican.org.uk

5 things to see and do in London

5 things to see and do in London

  1. Serpentine Gallery Pavilion

    Each year, a new summer pavilion is erected next to the Gallery in Kensington Gardens, giving celebrated architects the chance to stretch their creative muscles. This year the honour goes to Herzog & de Meuron in partnership with Ai Weiwei, the design team responsible for the spectacular Beijing National Stadium (1 June-14 October).

  2. Hampton Court Palace

    With Diamond Jubilee fever abounding, it’s the perfect time to visit this spectacular royal residence. Henry VIII’s former riverside home includes massive kitchens, the medieval Great Hall and beautiful Chapel Royal. Try your luck in the famous maze and take a look at the spectacularly recreated Tudor fountain that may now flow with water but originally spouted wine.

  3. Kew Gardens

    Throughout April you can join a Blossom and Bloom walking tour to marvel at the glorious spring colour produced by over five million bulbs. And don’t miss a special Royal Kew guided tour (1 May-8 June), timed to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which traces the regal connections enjoyed by the gardens.

  4. Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre

    A magical experience for theatregoers of all ages, held in an outdoor amphitheatre at the heart of the park. This year the programme offers Ragtime The Musical and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (in repertory from 18 May-8 September). Indulge in the pre-performance barbecue or buffet, pre-order a picnic or simply bring your own hamper to spread out on the picnic lawn.

  5. London Duck Tours

    These fun, quirky tours are conducted aboard amphibious, former DUKW boat-trucks, which means they can travel on land and then plunge into the river. For 007 fans, the James Bond Tour is a must. Passengers are taken to key Bond locations, including where Ian Fleming lived, Q worked and James bought his boxer shorts. Along the way, a guide regales you with fascinating tales about MI5 and MI6.

Near the station

The London 2012 Shop, Unit 2A, St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, NW1 2QP

The London 2012 Shop, Unit 2A, St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, NW1 2QP

Stock up on official Olympic merchandise, including Adidas clothing, mascot toys and figurines, homeware items, collectable coins and pins, books and guides and bestsellers such as the Routemaster bus die-cast model.

Sourced Market, St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, NW1 2QP

Sourced Market, St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, NW1 2QP

The first farmers' and produce market to be located in a train station, Sourced makes seasonal and regional delights, such as Neal's Yard Dairy cheese, Ginger Pig hams and Secrett's Farm fruit and veg, readily available to busy travellers.

Drink, Shop & Do, 9 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX

Drink, Shop & Do, 9 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX

Eye up 1950s dresses, vintage tea sets and new products from emerging designers while nibbling on finger sandwiches and quaffing speciality tea at this quirky café/shop. Workshops in crafty pastimes (the “do” part) are also on the menu.

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