Your seasonal guide to interesting things to do in London

The UK’s bustling capital is a constant source of lively entertainment, culture and fun. Due to the vast list of interesting things to do in London, free magazines with a full range of listings have become popular throughout the city. London’s high octane pace continues from the start of spring to the depths of winter: whether you choose to visit with the crowds in summer or opt for off-peak season, the following guide should get you started with planning your visit.

Spring

Spring is a brilliant time to visit London. The city looks great at this time of year and it’s the beginning of the cultural calendar so you can be first in line for lots of exhibitions and show runs. You will also beat the summer crowds and enjoy the parks at their best.

The London Marathon kicks off London’s spring calendar in style in April, swiftly followed by the classic Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. After these two world-class universities have battled it out on the waters of the River Thames, the capital then gears up for the sounds of gunfire for the Queen’s Birthday Gun Salute at the end of April.

Other spring events to look out for include London Coffee Festival, the Canalway Cavalcade and Museums at Night http://www.culture24.org.uk/places-to-go/museums-at-night.

Summer

Despite the crowds, London is at its best during the summertime when the atmosphere is electric. You’ll often see vibrant scenes as you walk about the city as numerous pubs and cafes re-establish their beer gardens and outdoor tables. London’s famous parks, such as Hyde Park, St. James’ Park and Regents Park, are filled with chilled out tourists and residents and communities come to life.

London’s key summer events all make the most of the British sunshine. One of the most famous events in June is the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships which attract hundreds of thousands of fans every year. The world’s biggest flower show at Hampton Court takes place in early July. For traditional British events, you cannot beat the pomp and ceremony of the annual Trooping the Colour which marks the Sovereign’s birthday each year on a Saturday in June.

There are lots of open air festivals throughout the summer, such as Lovebox, and Notting Hill Carnival –one of the world’s largest street festivals – takes place over the August bank holiday weekend.

Autumn

While summer may be London’s busiest time of the year, a trip to the capital over the autumn months definitely won’t leave you disappointed. London is a hive of activity at this time of year and the temperatures are mild and perfect for city exploring.

Alongside a myriad of free events and one-off exhibitions, there are plenty of large festivals throughout London such as the massive Thames Festival throughout September which celebrates the city and its river and the BFI London Film Festival. The important Frieze Art Fair also takes place in October.

The biggest event of the season is Guy Fawkes Night. Hundreds of locations are also converted into party venues to celebrate bonfire night  on 5 November with incredible fireworks displays across the city.

Winter

As the night’s close in, London lights up. Along with winter’s cold snaps comes renewed festive cheer as Trafalgar Square’s huge Christmas tree is erected for another year and shops in Oxford Street and Knightsbridge set up their extravagant window displays. Visitors can also enjoy some more indoor treats in London’s top museums, art galleries and theatres – which often stage special exhibitions to coax in cold passersby.

It needs to be noted that there is plenty to do before the Christmas cheer is in full swing. Impromptu outdoor ice-skating rinks spring up around the UK’s capital at historic venues such as Marble Arch, Hyde Park and Somerset House. We recommend visiting a few Christmas markets around the city to stock up on presents early. Christmas at Kew, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and the Southbank Centre’s Festive Markets should all be marked as must-visits.

And last but definitely not least, New Year’s Eve in London is an unforgettable world class event.

From frost-bitten wonderlands in winter to breezy and colourful festivals in summer, the city of London certainly doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to entertainment. If you fancy travelling to the bright lights, there are guaranteed to be fantastic events happening whatever time of year you visit.