Did you know that every year in May, major museums, historic properties, and heritage sites open their doors for the Museum at Night events across a broad spectrum of London venues? It is the perfect opportunity to explore heritage, history, and art after dark, enjoy live music in historic surroundings, take torch-lit tours, discover exhibitions, and try a plethora of free activities that come to life when the sun sets!
Some of the highlights include:
- Under the Sea Late(Horniman Museum and Gardens) – From 16 to 19 May, you get the chance to celebrate the magical ocean world with a unique coral reef-focused event.
- The May Fayre(Handel and Hendrix) – Come May 18 and enjoy a music-filled evening.
- Gothic Tales and Cocktails(Strawberry Hill House) – If you happen to be around on May 17th, you will be able to explore the house that inspired Horace Walpole to write what is regarded as the first gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto, in 1764!
- Friday Late: Swinging Sixties(London Transport Museum) – From 1960s-themes workshops and talks to curator tours, live poetry, and Flower Power cocktails, you relive an era that is much talked about (and cherished) for a number of reasons.
Image taken from: Museums at Night
But, if you are not much of a museum lover and prefer more action-packed activities, check out the following two events!
For Sports Fans
FA Cup Final(Wembley Stadium) – The biggest football competition will be hosted at London’s Wembley Stadium (May 19). If you are among the lucky ones that got a ticket to the final, prepare yourself for thrill-packed moments while witnessing a great moment of English football history right from the legendary stadium’s stands. But, even if you did not manage to get a hold of a ticket, you can still watch the climax of the competition live on TV. And, to spruce up the experience, try a traditional English pub, like The Spaniards Inn (Hampstead), Lamb & Flag (Covent Garden), Prospect of Whitby (Wapping), and The Mayflower (Rotherhithe).
Imge taken from: Wembley Stadium
Zip Now London (Archbishop’s Park) – Ride on the fastest zip wire in a city (50 km per hour) and take an exciting ride through the skies of London. Adrenaline junkies loved it last summer but this year it is giving you an additional wire so a total of 3 people can ride at the same time! Not to mention the Mega Drop that will give freefall enthusiasts an extra reason to enjoy their ride. Besides taking your heart rate to the reds, you also get to lay eyes on superb views of the Big Ben, the Thames, and the Houses of Parliament. From May 22 to September 4.
Note: You may also take your child to Zip Now London for some family fun, provided he/she is, at least, eight years old and is, of course, supervised and accompanied by an adult.
For First-Time Visitors
Changing the Guard or Guard Mounting is a famous ceremony worth seeing when visiting London, where the Old Guard exchange duty with the New Guard. Weather permitting, it takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday outside Buckingham Palace at 10.45 am and the handover occurs fifteen minutes later at 11 am. The Old Guard forms up in the forecourt of the palace, waiting for the New Guard to arrive from Wellington Barracks. Dressed in traditional bearskin hats and red tunics, and accompanied by music, the Queen’s Guard takes on their new role.
The same ceremony also takes place at Windsor Castle at 11 am on certain days. For the full schedule of these ceremonies, check out the Household Division website.
Image taken from: Changing The Guard
Please your Eyes & Soul
Another beautiful spectacle is the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show (May 22-26), whose fab show gardens and vivid floral displays definitely steal impressions. You have the opportunity to savour delicious cocktails and food, live music, take part in workshops (always flower-inspired), discover how gardening can make you feel healthier and more content, admire unique gardens inspired by various climates and styles, and see some of the world’s best nurseries, to name a few!
image taken from: RHS
Tip: In honour of the show, you may also find many restaurants and hotels offering special menus and afternoon teas too!
For the Romantic Souls (and Lifestyle Lovers)
The most anticipated event of the year is about to take place. The royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is scheduled for Saturday 19th May 2018 at 12 noon, at St. George’s Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor Castle. If you are not one of the 2,640 members of the public that will be there to help the royal couple celebrate their union, you can still get a sneak peak of the Frogmore House, which will host a private evening party for a selected few following the lunchtime reception, after the wedding (5thto 7thJune) as part of the National Garden Scheme. Just take note that the tickets are sold out extremely quickly so get yours early.
Image taken from: WJLA
With so many events and things going on in the British capital at this time of the year, your hands are certainly kept full! Want to see and experience as many of these wonderful activities as possible? We can help!
Book your London Transfer Minicab car and driver now and let us show you around!