Magic is in the air in London this May: Peter Pan will be flying around Regent’s Park, the museums are coming to life in Museums at Night, and the wonder and awe of Wonderground launches for its summer season. For guests staying at one of our central London hotels, there’s plenty to get stuck into in the city this spring. Take a look at our favourite May events in London for a little city break inspiration.
Museums at Night
Museums at Night at the London Transport Museum © Gavin Brown Photography
With museums across the capital throwing open their doors after hours for Museums at Night, there has never been a better time to explore London’s top cultural institutions. Take advantage of a variety of themed nights (Friday Late: Mad Men at the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising is sure to be a popular attraction), events, activities, talks and lectures happening everywhere from the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum to Fulham Palace and the Charles Dickens Museum.
From 13th – 16th May 2015.
Alchemy
Dance performance at the Southbank Centre’s annual Alchemy festival © Southbank Centre
Alchemy, the Southbank Centre’s festival celebrating and showcasing the cultural connections between South Asia and the UK, is back for its sixth year with a full programme of events, from art and dance to literature, comedy and theatre. Some of the highlights include Bollywood star Shreya Ghoshal playing the Royal Albert Hall, a two-day residency from the Jaipur Literature Festival and the synchronised swimming and dance production Synchronised.
From 15th – 25th May 2015.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Yellow and white spring flowers © zudin/iStock/Thinkstock
A perennially popular event, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns to London in all its glory on 19th May. Held in the grounds of Chelsea Hospital (as it has been almost every year since 1913), the Chelsea Flower Show is a prestigious, colourful, sweet-smelling celebration of British horticulture. Go, get inspired, and get ready to wish you had as green a thumb as these gardening wizards.
From 19th – 23rd May 2015.
London Wonderground
London Wonderground at dusk © Fox Fotos
Abandon all (or some of) your inhibitions, all ye who enter here… London Wonderground at the Southbank Centre is a playground for children and adults alike. With its 60-metre high Star Flyer (the view stretches right across the capital), delicious eateries, fairground oddities, entertainment and more, the Wonderground is one of our favourite May events in London.
From 7th May – 27th September 2015.
The Alice Look
Alice in Wonderland printed cotton chintz © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Tumble down the rabbit hole and visit The Alice Look, an exhibition at the Museum of Childhood following the inspiration and evolution of Alice through fashion. The exhibition marks the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
From 2nd May – 1st November 2015.
The Pirates of Penzance
Pirates of Penzance at the London Coliseum © ENO
One of the highlight May events in London for theatre fans, the ENO’s production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera The Pirates of Penzance is coming to London’s Coliseum. With famed director and filmmaker Mike Leigh at the helm, the production is sure to be both wonderfully entertaining and a little eccentric.
From 9th May – 27th June 2015.
RAYNE Shoes for Stars
Vintage Rayne shoes from 1958 edition of Vogue © Rayne
With over 100 shoes on display, the Rayne exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum will satisfy even the most committed shoe fanatic. RAYNE Shoes for Stars will explore a century of designs from this British heritage brand – a favourite of both Hollywood stars and British royalty.
From 22nd May – 29th August 2015.
J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan
Wendy from J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan © Hugo Glendinning and Feast Creative
The opening of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a highly anticipated annual affair in London, and launching the summer season will be J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. A story of childhood, magic, and imagination (and suitable for ages 9 and up), this is one of our top May events in London and a great choice for family-friendly outings in the capital.
From 15th May – 14th June 2015.
Header image: London Wonderground © Fox Fotos
