Things to do in London by season: winter, spring, summer
What to do in London in every season: green spaces in spring and summer, galleries in autumn, and the National Gallery and British Museum in winter.
London works in every season, but you don't need the same plan all year. Spring is a good excuse to look for blossom at Kew, summer leaves room for palace gardens, and the galleries give you somewhere to linger when you'd rather be inside. Here are four seasonal plans, with five places to choose from and the details that make a visit easier.
1. Spring: blossom at Kew Gardens
Kew gives a spring walk a bit of purpose: look for magnolias, then follow Cherry Walk beside the Temperate House. The gardens bring together living plant collections and big glasshouses, so there's more to see than blossom alone. Go to see what's growing rather than expecting every tree to flower at once.
Good to know
- Entry is paid, with better-value tickets available online. Check current prices on kew.org.
- Use Kew’s blossom guide and garden map to choose your route; flowering times depend on conditions.
- Check planned closures as well as garden hours: individual glasshouses and attractions may have different access arrangements. Parking is limited, so look at rail and bus options first.
2. Summer: gardens and the maze at Hampton Court Palace
Make this your main outing rather than another stop between central London sights. You can explore Henry VIII's palace, wander the gardens and try the hedge maze commissioned by William III around 1700. The mix of rooms and outdoor spaces lets you break up the day instead of spending it all in one setting.
Good to know
- Palace admission is paid and includes the gardens, maze and Magic Garden when open. Check current ticket options on hrp.org.uk.
- Check the date-specific opening calendar and route closures before booking; not every space is always accessible.
- The maze can close at short notice in adverse weather. Bring a waterproof layer and leave time for the palace interiors too.
3. Autumn: paintings at the National Gallery
When you'd prefer a gallery afternoon to another outdoor walk, head to Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery has paintings by Turner and Van Gogh among a collection that rewards looking slowly. Pick a few artists or rooms rather than trying to see everything in one visit.
Good to know
- General admission is free; some exhibitions are paid. A free advance ticket gives fast-track entry, and walk-up visits are also available.
- It opens daily, with late opening on Fridays. Check nationalgallery.org.uk for current hours and room closures.
- The entrance is through the Sainsbury Wing on Trafalgar Square.
4. Winter: the British Museum and National Gallery
Build a winter day around one collection, not a race through two museums. At the British Museum, you could focus on the Egyptian mummies or the objects from the Sutton Hoo ship burial; choose the National Gallery if paintings are more your thing. Both let you make a substantial indoor visit without paying for general admission.
Good to know
- Book a free British Museum entry slot in advance for priority entry during busy periods. Some exhibitions and events cost extra.
- The British Museum opens daily, with late opening on Fridays, but closes on 24–26 December. Check available galleries before travelling.
- The National Gallery closes on 24–26 December and 1 January. Check both venues’ holiday hours before planning a festive visit.
Quick tips
- Choose one substantial outdoor destination for a day: Kew and Hampton Court each deserve time of their own.
- Keep the National Gallery or British Museum as an alternative when an outdoor plan no longer appeals, but check entry availability first.
- Want company? Check upcoming events in London on Socroo below and find someone to go with.
Upcoming events
- Richard Bona Quartet Blue Note London, Saint Martin's Lane
- Shinedown: Dance, Kid, Dance Act II OVO Arena Wembley, Arena Square
- Cinderella (2026) Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, King Street, Hammersmith
- Kid Kapichi Outernet Live, Charing Cross Rd
- Cinderella (2026) Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, King Street, Hammersmith
- The Snowman Peacock Theatre London, Portugal St
- Cinderella (2026) Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, King Street, Hammersmith
- The Snowman Peacock Theatre London, Portugal St
- The Snowman Peacock Theatre London, Portugal St
- The Snowman Peacock Theatre London, Portugal St
- The Snowman Peacock Theatre London, Portugal St
- Cinderella (2026) Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, King Street, Hammersmith