Things to Do in London in May

If you’re planning a trip to London, May is one of the best months to visit. The weather finally feels like spring. And thanks to longer daylight hours (with sunsets pushing 9.30pm) there’s more time to enjoy everything London offers.

In 2025, London kicks into high gear with iconic events like the Chelsea Flower Show, the launch of the Squid Game immersive experience and a new pirate exhibition that’s great for families and history lovers. Whether you’re after cultural days out, scenic pub gardens or memorable walking tours, this month delivers.

As always, I’ve rounded up the top afternoon teas worth booking in May, plus my favourite Candlelight Concerts for the month, including a few that regularly sell out. There’s also a curated list of day trips from London and a spotlight on pubs with brilliant views and relaxing beer gardens.

Be sure to book ahead, especially for popular attractions and tours around the bank holiday weekends. Below is your full guide to what’s on in London this May.

Planning a trip? There are exclusive discount codes this month, tons of funs things to do in London, plus expert tips to help you make the most of your visit. 

You’ll find Things to Do in London in May organised below by:

• What’s Coming Up/Discount Codes
• Candlelight Concerts
• Day Trips & Tours
• Theatre/New Shows
• Afternoon Teas
• Pubs with Beer Gardens & Views
• Exhibitions
• London Trip Planner
• Pinterest/Save for Later

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no additional cost to you and it helps support the Sunny in London blog.

Coming Up/On Sale Now

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Things to Do in London in May: Candlelight Concerts

I have attended several of these concerts and highly recommend them for date nights, special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries or just a fun night out! You can read more about my first experience at the Tribute to Coldplay. I’ve also attended the Tribute to Taylor Swift, Hans Zimmer Candlelight Concert and Christmas Movie Soundtracks.

Day Trips & Tours

May is always a great month to see London. The long days give you so much more time to get out and explore. The weather is usually fantastic, not too cold and not too hot. this makes it a perfect month for day trips. Just remember, train tickets are extortionate here, if not booked far enough in advance. I always use Trainline to book my tickets for anywhere in the UK.

Things to Do in London in May: Theatre

Afternoon Tea: Things to Do in London in May

May is a fun month for afternoon tea because many hotels and restaurants have a floral themed tea for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This month I selected a few new, fun and seasonal ones for you to try.

I had the opportunity to experience the Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea. It’s quite indulgent. However, you can wear jeans and dress casually because many people tour the Palace and gardens beforehand. I took the Tea Master’s recommendations for all of my selections and loved it!

If you’re looking for an afternoon tea in London that is delicious and in a beautiful setting, give this one a go! You may wish to sit indoors to avoid bees if the weather is super warm & sunny!

Things to Do in London in May: Exhibitions & Shows

MOCO MUSEUM

Robbie Williams’ art exhibition ‘Radical Honesty’ opens 2nd May-24th October 2025

SPACE: LIFE EXIST BEYOND EARTH

Touch a piece of Mars, wrap your hands around a fragment of the Moon and snap a selfie with the Allende meteorite. This is a new exhibition at the Natural History Museum from 16 May 2025-22 February 2026. Adult off-peak tickets begin at £14.

BELGRAVIA IN BLOOM

Get your fill of fabulous florals at the free Belgravia in Bloom festival, which will be taking place from 19th-26th May 2025.  Visitors can expect eye-popping floral displays and unique experiences across the neighbourhood. This year’s theme is ‘Seasons’ with installations reflecting spring, summer, autumn and winter. 

Tutankhamun

This exhibition features 360° projections, making it home to one of Europe’s largest immersive video mapping rooms. The world-premiere Hologram Room shows the full mummification process of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Tutankhamun has original ancient Egyptian artefacts and replicas directly from Cairo.

Pirates at the national maritime Museum

Heroic rascals or violent criminals? Discover the truth behind pirate life in this exhibition, open until 4 January 2026.

Titanic: echoes from the past

This immersive activity combines historical facts, fictional reconstructions and interactive storytelling. You’ll experience reconstructions in vivid detail, like the ship’s iconic Grand Staircase. Recover the lost film reels from this ill-fated voyage shot by the Titanic’s official filmmaker William Harbeck. You may want to watch my thoughts on this first to see if it’s for you.

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♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem

For similar activities, don’t miss this article on Immersive Experiences in London.

siam through the lens of john thomson

This free exhibition is located at the Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AW. It’s open 28th April-20th May, Monday-Friday 10am-5pm.

rhs chelsea flower show

This is one of the most popular annual events in London. You’ll see amazing garden designs, gorgeous floral displays and exclusive shopping.

Things to Do In London in May: Pubs for Views & Gardens

Londoners always love taking their pints outside. However, this is one of the most popular time of the year for Londoners to do it. So, you can anticipate pubs looking quite busy from the outside, especially after work hours on a sunny day.

Below is a list of pubs in London that we feel offer some of the best pub gardens and views in London. And don’t forget Mr Sunny recommends a new pub every week in our Sunny News email!

London Travel Planner