The city of London, England is known for so many different sights, landmarks, activities, and events that it can start you spinning if you try to plan a trip there. In some ways, this is a good thing, because there will never be a shortage of things to see if you visit during any of the seasons in London. On the other hand, it complicates the planning process and makes it difficult to narrow down your preferences. To get around this issue, we decided to write up a different kind of list of London recommendations, focusing not on the sights and activities, but on the different seasons in London during which you might visit. Thinking of things this way, it’s easier to sift through the possibilities and determine at least one thing you simply have to do when you visit. Here’s a must-do for the seasons in London.

In Winter – See A Show In London

Visiting London during the winter you’ll likely want to seek out some indoor attractions that you can enjoy while staying warm because the weather outside can be quite chilly for much of the season. And while there are plenty of options in this regard, we can’t think of a more charming one than checking out the theatre scene.

You might have seen in a previous piece on things to do in New York that Travel Crusade recommended seeing a show on Broadway as an important priority. This was not just because Broadway shows are so entertaining, but also because they’re such an indelible part of what makes New York City special. As far as we’re concerned, the Broadway theatres are, in fact, about as good as it gets for live stage plays and musicals. However, it may be that the only other city in New York’s league where live theatre is concerned is in fact London.

You can find theatres of all kinds around London, as well as one-off attractions like the functioning replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. However, the part of the city that really gives Broadway a run for its money is the West End Theatre District. You can plan on finding an incredible show to see at a venue like the Savoy Theatre, Garrick Theatre, or the Apollo Theatre, and then ducking into a nearby pub for a nightcap and a cozy setting. There aren’t many more appealing ways to spend a cold night in the British capital!

In Spring season in London – Attend A Horse Racing Festival

The spring season in London famously brings about some of the biggest horse racing festivals in the world. One of the major events, the Grand National at Anfield, is a little bit farther from the capital (in the Northwest year Liverpool), but two others are close enough to enjoy while visiting London: the Cheltenham Festival, just a lovely drive across the Cotswolds west of London, and the Royal Ascot, which is effectively within the extended capital.

If you attend one of these racing festivals while in London though, rest assured you shouldn’t just plan on going to see a world-class horse race. Rather, you should count on a richer experience that involves a little more participation on your own part – most notably through fashion! Race day fashion is a known concept in the UK, and while each occasion is different, the general idea is constant: dress fashionably, but with plenty of personal expressions! Ultimately, the fashion of the spectators is part of the fun and a sort of show unto itself.

You might also plan on at least having the option to bet on the big races. This is a common practice throughout the UK, and while you certainly don’t have to wager if you don’t want to, it is – somewhat like fashion – part of the fun. Many find that it’s an excellent way to make the races more thrilling, as it allows them to get attached to the action and cheer on their chosen horses.

In Summer season in London – Attend The Wimbledon Tennis Championships

Not to harp on sports too much, but like the major spring horse races, the Wimbledon Championships are as much a cultural event as a sporting one. Wimbledon is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments on the tennis calendar and is widely considered to be the most prestigious of the bunch. It’s the oldest professional tournament in the world, and arguably the most unique, with everything from the players’ mandated all-white outfits to the meticulously kept grass courts creating an ambiance you just don’t get at other events.

To modern fans and casual observers alike, Wimbledon is also known as a sort of unofficial “home” tournament for Roger Federer – thought of by many as the best tennis player in history, and beloved as a celebrity figure even beyond tennis. Expatbets in its piece on the best tennis players in history, detailed that Federer has won Wimbledon eight times – more than he’s won any other Grand Slam tournament. And naturally, such a legend performing so well for so long at this even has only further elevated the tournament’s prestige.

The Federer factor also makes these next few years a particularly good time to target Wimbledon for your summer travel. Though he’s performed remarkably well into the later stages of his career, Federer likely only has a few more years left in him, making now the time to see the grass-court great in action. Tickets are not cheap, and it’s important to look into securing them early. But if you can do so, Wimbledon will provide you with an unforgettable summer experience in London. Even if you aren’t able to see Federer, you’ll witness world-class tennis among cheerful fans and in a beautiful, legendary venue.

In Autumn – Take In Oktoberfest

Autumn is however the time for festivals in a lot of major cities around the world, and London is no exception. There are festivals for films, food, and drink, for arts and culture, and even for music or literature throughout this season, if not in London then around the UK more broadly. However, the Oktoberfest celebration is one of our major London recommendations for an autumn trip. It may not quite be Munich, but in some respects, this traditional autumn celebration isn’t far off.

We should clarify that there isn’t necessarily a single Oktoberfest event in London that takes center stage. This past autumn for instance. The Resident pointed to various festivals on certain dates and at particular venues during different seasons in London. You’ll be able to find the party that is most highly recommended, or which most appeals to you, and set yourself up for an authentic, wildly fun Oktoberfest experience. We can’t think of many better things to do during this season than heading out with some travel buddies, perhaps dressing in German garb, and sampling delicious brews and foods in the midst of a fun-loving crowd.

Do you have any questions regarding what to do if you plan a visit during the different seasons in London?