London, England, boasts an incredible array of sights, landmarks, activities, and events, making it a whirlwind to plan a trip to this vibrant city. In some ways, this is a good thing because you will never run out of things to see, regardless of the season you visit London. On the other hand, it complicates the planning process and makes it difficult to narrow down your preferences. To address this issue, we have compiled a list of recommendations for London, focusing not on the sights and activities, but on the various seasons in London during which you might visit. Thinking of things this way makes it more straightforward to sift through the possibilities and determine at least one thing you must do when you visit. Here’s a must-do for the seasons in London.
How do you explore different seasons of London?
1. In Winter, see a show in London. Visiting London during the winter, you’ll likely want to seek out some indoor attractions you can enjoy while staying warm because the weather outside can be pretty 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 may have seen in a previous piece on things to do in New York that Travel Crusade recommended seeing a show on Broadway as a top priority. This was not just because Broadway shows are so entertaining, but also because they’re an indelible part of what makes New York City unique. 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 city in New York’s league, in terms of live theatre, is London.
You can find theatres around London and one-off attractions, such as the functioning replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. However, the part of the city that 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 cosy setting. There aren’t many more appealing ways to spend a cold night in the British capital!
2. In the Spring season, 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 significant events, the Grand National at Anfield, is slightly farther from the capital (in the Northwest near Liverpool). Still, 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. Instead, you can expect a more decadent experience that involves a little more participation, notably through fashion. Race day fashion is a well-established concept in the UK, and while each occasion is unique, the general idea remains constant: dress fashionably while incorporating your personal style. Ultimately, the fashion of the spectators is part of the fun and a sort of show unto itself.
You might also want to plan for the option to bet on the major 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 it’s an excellent way to make the races more thrilling, allowing them to get attached to the action and cheer on their chosen horses.
3. In the summer season in London, attend the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Not to harp on sports too much, but like the significant 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 the most prestigious. 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 ambience you 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, regarded by many as the greatest tennis player in history and celebrated as a celebrity figure even beyond the sport. Expatbets, in its piece on the best tennis players in history, details that Federer has won Wimbledon eight times – more than he’s won any other Grand Slam tournament. Naturally, such a legend performing so well for so long at this event has only further elevated the tournament’s prestige.
The Federer factor also makes these next few years an ideal time to target Wimbledon for your summer travel plans. Although he has performed remarkably well into the later stages of his career, Federer likely only has a few more years left, making now the time to see the grass-court great in action. Tickets are not cheap, so securing them early is essential. But if you can do so, Wimbledon will provide you with an unforgettable summer experience in London. Even if you can’t see Federer, you’ll witness world-class tennis among cheerful fans in a beautiful, legendary venue.
4. Autumn is, however, the time for festivals in many major cities worldwide, and London is no exception. There are festivals for films, food, drink, arts and culture, as well as music and literature, throughout this season, if not in London, then around the UK more broadly. However, the Oktoberfest celebration is one of our top recommendations for a central London autumn trip. Although it may not be entirely Munich, this traditional autumn celebration bears some resemblance in certain respects.
We should clarify that there isn’t necessarily a single Oktoberfest event in London that takes centre stage. This past autumn, for instance. The Resident pointed to various festivals on specific dates and at particular venues during different seasons in London. You’ll be able to find the most highly recommended party or the one that appeals to you the most, and set yourself up for an authentic, wildly fun Oktoberfest experience. We can’t think of many better things this season than heading out with some travel buddies, perhaps dressing in German garb, and sampling delicious brews and foods amid a fun-loving crowd.
Do you have any questions about what to do when visiting London during different seasons?