The City of London is officially in full bloom, which makes it the perfect time to venture out and explore the amazing things to do outdoors.
Breathe in the sweet smell of flowers blooming while you stroll through the square mile this month. Londoners will be celebrating the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort in style; there’s also a half-term break to look forward to, so we’ve got activities for the kids all lined up, to help them make the most of it.
The city is buzzing with art exhibitions, performances, outdoor dining and more, which means there’s no excuse to stay home and miss out.
We’ll see you out there, preferably on a patio with a pint of something cold.
Celebrating Seven Decades of Quo at Barbican Centre
If you haven’t seen the Celebrating Seven Decades of Quo exhibition yet, you don’t want to miss it. The exhibition is closing on 22 May and is the first public exhibition dedicated to one of the biggest names in UK rock history: Status Quo. Featuring never-seen-before material the exhibition is all about the band’s history through their biggest hits and is a veritable treasure trove of memorabilia. To learn more about the exhibition, click here.
What’s on | Barbican
Silk Street Barbican EC2Y 8DS
Dine outside at Coppa Club
With the weather finally warming, we’re ready to head onto a riverside terrace with a pint of something cold in our hands. Head to the famous Coppa Club, with beach shacks, a surfboard swing and VW van bar. Sounds like the perfect island getaway in the heart of the square mile. Head there for brilliant views, food and drinks. And for more riverside dining spots in the City of London, click here.
Tower Bridge | London Restaurant & Bar | Coppa Club
3 Quays Walk EC3R 6AH
Free tango-fever classes
Tango-Fever dance school is returning to Spitalfields this year with free outdoor tango classes throughout the summer. The first free outdoor milonga will take place on 21 May at Bishops Square from 1pm to 5pm. There’s no need to book your slot, just show up (with or without a partner) and you can get moving and grooving in the sunshine.
Tango Dancing @ Spitalfields | Upcoming Events | Spitalfields Market E1
65 Brushfield Street E1 6AA
The Spitalfields Arts Market
Spitalfields Market always has loads going on, especially if you’re into the arts. Head to the Spitalfields Arts Market from 5 May to 7 May for everything from fine art to sculptures. The market is open from 10am to 5pm in Crispin Place. For the full City Matters guide to Spitalfields Market, click here.
May 2023 Arts Market Dates | Upcoming Events | Spitalfields Market E1
65 Brushfield Street E1 6AA
Things to do with the kids this half-term break
Country For Kids at the Royal Albert Hall
Singer-songwriter and producer, Alyssa Bonagura, is hosting a special event for young musicians in the Elgar Room this month. Country for Kids offers up a relaxed environment for kids to express themselves and make some noise. The event is recommended for ages 4 to 11 but babies and musicians of all ages are welcome.
Royalalberthall.co.uk
Kensington Gore, South Kensington, SW7 2AP
FUNharmonics Family Concert at Southbank Centre
Looking to have some interactive fun with the kiddos this month? On 13 May, there’s a concert for families coming to Southbank Centre by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Get ready for a mesmerising story inspired by Stravinsky’s masterpiece. The concert starts at noon at the Royal Festival Hall; tickets go from £16 to £24.
FUNharmonics Family Concert: Before the Firebird
Belvedere Road SE1 8XX
The Pearlies at Leadenhall Market
Looking to celebrate the Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort in the City of London? There’s a different kind of royal family headed to Leadenhall Market this month to mark the occasion. East London’s “The Pearlies” will be greeting visitors from 11am to 4pm on 5 May with traditional Pearly Cockney singalongs. There will also be music hall performances and free teas, coffees and cakes to enjoy. To learn more about The Pearlies at Leadenhall Market, click here.
Shop at Leadenhall Market – Explore our range of retailers
Gracechurch Street EC3V 1LT
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