May in London

Some locals feel that May in London is the city’s most beautiful month, bursting with flowers and often, some brilliant sunshine.

Just before high season officially begins, find an amazing deal on a flight and hotel room and head outside to explore the whole city in its splendor!

For May temperatures and suggestions about what to pack, see London Weather.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

May Day
Monday, 2 May 2011

Whitsun
Monday, 30 May 2011

More on Public Holidays in London

HOLIDAYS

Mother’s Day
Sunday, 8 May 2011

EVENTS

Punch & Judy Covent Garden May Fayre
Sunday, 8 May 2011
The annual celebration of Mr. Punch’s birthday in St Paul’s Church Gardens brings together Punch & Judy shows from across the UK.

Kensington Dollshouse Festival
Friday, 13 May – Sunday, 15 May 2011
Held at Kensington Town Hall, this is the world’s top international dolls house and craft miniatures show. Various workshops and special events will be held alongside 175 exhibiting craftspeople.

FA Cup Final
Saturday, 14 May 2011
This championship football game, played at Wembley Stadium, is the biggest club tournament in the world.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Thursday, 19 May – Saturday, 10 September, 2011
An annual schedule of plays performed at the outdoor stage in Regent’s Park. The first play of the season, Lord of the Flies, runs from 19 May – 18 June. Tickets for the show can be purchased online.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Tuesday, 24 May – Saturday 28 May 2011
The world’s premier horticultural show, this annual event is held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea and features elaborate live displays from the most accomplished garden designers on Earth. (In celebration of the show, many of Chelsea’s shops arrange ornate floral displays in their windows.) Tickets for the show can be purchased online.

Mind Body Spirit Festival
Wednesday, 25 May – Monday, 30 May 2011
A London event since 1977, this unique festival of lectures, music and art celebrates spirituality and self-empowerment. Held at the Royal Horticultural Halls near Victoria Station.

London’s ComicCon/MCM Expo
Friday, 27 May – Sunday, 29 May 2011
Held at the Excel-London Royal Victoria Dock, this celebration of all things geeky and fantastic features panels of sci-fi genre celebrities, Steampunk and anime costume events, and much more. Tickets can be purchased online.

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Photo credit: Allan Harris