Spring in London 2026: Events, Weather & Travel Tips

Spring in London is nothing short of magical — the city shakes off its winter grey with blooming parks, outdoor markets, riverside walks, and a packed calendar of events. From the first crocuses in Hyde Park to the grandeur of the Chelsea Flower Show, March to May 2026 is one of the best times to experience the British capital. The weather is warming, the days are lengthening, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived.

This guide covers everything you need to plan a spring visit to London: weather expectations, top events, the best parks and gardens, practical tips, and where to find the most beautiful spring scenery. Do not forget to apply for your UK ETA before you book — most visa-free visitors need one, and since 25 February 2026 airlines will not let you board without it.

UK ETA factor	Detail	Cost / Time 2026	For travellers
Application fee	UK Home Office	£20	Direct via gov.uk
Processing time	Standard online	3 business days	Apply 5-7 days ahead
Validity	Multiple entry	2 years or passport expiry	Whichever comes first
Maximum stay	Per entry	6 months	Unlimited entries
Passport requirements	Valid passport (chip not required)	Valid for your whole stay	Check expiry

London Spring Weather: What to Expect

Spring in London runs from March to May, with average highs rising from 11°C in March to 18°C in May and 8–11 rainy days a month.

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Rain Days	Daylight
March	11°C (52°F)	4°C (39°F)	11 days	11-13 hours
April	14°C (57°F)	6°C (43°F)	9 days	13-15 hours
May	18°C (64°F)	9°C (48°F)	8 days	15-16 hours

Spring weather in London is notoriously unpredictable. A sunny morning can turn to showers by lunchtime. The golden rule: always carry a light waterproof jacket and dress in layers. Mornings and evenings are cool, but midday sun in May can feel genuinely warm.

Top Spring Events in London 2026

March Events

• St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival (around 17 March) — Trafalgar Square hosts London’s biggest Irish celebration with live music, dance, and food stalls.
• Mothering Sunday — special afternoon teas across London’s finest hotels and restaurants.
• London Book Fair — for literary enthusiasts, held at Olympia London.

April Events

• London Marathon — one of the world’s most famous running events. Even spectators enjoy the electric atmosphere along the 26.2-mile route through Greenwich, Tower Bridge, and The Mall.
• Easter Weekend — Easter egg hunts in parks, special services at St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and seasonal markets.
• Shakespeare’s Globe Season Opens — outdoor theatre returns to the South Bank for the season.

May Events

• Chelsea Flower Show (late May) — the world’s most prestigious garden show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Tickets sell out quickly — book months in advance.
• Bank Holiday Weekends — early May and late May bank holidays bring street parties, festivals, and extended opening hours at attractions.
• FA Cup Final — held at Wembley Stadium, drawing football fans from across the country.
• Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre — season begins with performances under the stars.

Best Parks and Gardens in Spring

London’s parks are the undisputed stars of spring. Here are the best places to enjoy seasonal blooms:

• Kew Gardens — the Royal Botanic Gardens showcase millions of spring flowers, including carpets of bluebells and the famous Magnolia Walk. Spring is arguably Kew’s most beautiful season.
• Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens — daffodils line the Serpentine, and the Italian Gardens provide a stunning backdrop for spring strolls.
• St James’s Park — London’s oldest Royal Park, with views of Buckingham Palace framed by cherry blossoms. The resident pelicans are fed daily at 2:30 PM.
• Regent’s Park — Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens begin blooming in May. The park’s Avenue Gardens feature formal flower beds at their spring best.
• Greenwich Park — cherry blossom avenue with panoramic views over the Thames, the Old Royal Naval College, and the City of London skyline.
• Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays) — East London’s famous flower market is at its most vibrant in spring, selling everything from tulips to potted herbs.

Free Spring Activities in London

Spring in London does not have to break the bank. These activities are completely free:

• Walk along the South Bank — from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, passing the London Eye, National Theatre, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe.
• Visit the British Museum — free entry year-round, but spring means shorter queues than summer. See our free museums London guide.
• Explore Borough Market — London’s oldest food market is free to wander (and free to sample if vendors are generous).
• Watch the Changing of the Guard — at Buckingham Palace, free to watch from The Mall. Frequency increases in spring.
• Stroll through Hampstead Heath — rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and panoramic city views from Parliament Hill.
• Browse Brick Lane — Sunday markets, street art, vintage shops, and some of London’s best curry houses.

Where to Stay in Spring

Spring is shoulder season (except Easter and bank holidays), so prices are generally lower than summer peak. Good areas to stay:

• South Kensington — near Hyde Park, Natural History Museum, and V&A. Great for spring park walks.
• Southwark / Bankside — along the Thames, close to Tate Modern and Borough Market.
• Greenwich — slightly quieter and more affordable, with beautiful spring parkland and river connections to central London.
• Bloomsbury — central location near the British Museum and Regent’s Park, with mid-range hotel options.

For detailed accommodation comparisons, check our budget hotels London guide and Airbnb vs hotel comparison.

Getting Around London in Spring

Spring is ideal for walking — the mild temperatures and long daylight hours make it comfortable to explore on foot. For longer distances:

• Tube (Underground) — the fastest way to cross London. Use contactless payment or an Oyster card.
• Thames Clippers — river buses offer scenic travel between Greenwich, the O2, Tower of London, Westminster, and more. See our Thames Clippers guide.
• Buses — London’s iconic red double-deckers offer great views from the upper deck. Routes 11 and 24 pass many landmarks.
• Santander Cycles — London’s bike-share scheme is perfect for spring park rides. Stations throughout central London.

Practical Tips for Spring Visitors

• Layer up: Start the day with a jacket, peel off by midday, add layers again by evening.
• Carry an umbrella: April showers are real. A compact umbrella fits easily in a daypack.
• Book ahead for Easter and bank holidays: These periods see higher demand for hotels and popular attractions.
• Check for road closures: Events like the London Marathon close major roads for hours. Plan alternative routes.
• Pack allergy medication: UK pollen season starts in March. If you suffer from hay fever, bring antihistamines.
• Clocks spring forward: In late March, the UK moves to British Summer Time (BST, GMT+1). You lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of evening daylight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spring a good time to visit London with children?

Excellent. Parks are beautiful, outdoor attractions are open, and queues are shorter than summer. School holidays (Easter, half-term) offer special children’s events. See our family museums guide.

When do cherry blossoms bloom in London?

Cherry blossoms typically peak in mid-to-late April in London, though this varies by year and variety. Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, and Kew Gardens are the best spots.

Do I need a UK ETA to visit London in spring 2026?

Yes. Most visitors who do not need a visa must have an approved ETA, and since 25 February 2026 it has been fully enforced: without one, your airline will not let you board. Apply via the official GOV.UK website before your trip.

Start Planning Your Spring London Trip

Spring offers London at its most refreshing — the city wakes up from winter with flowers, festivals, and lengthening days while avoiding the summer tourist crush. With pleasant weather, affordable shoulder-season prices, and an incredible calendar of events, March to May might just be the perfect time to discover or rediscover London. Check our London itinerary planning guide to build your perfect spring schedule.

Practical UK travel preparation guide

Effective UK travel preparation begins with understanding the ETA requirement, which now applies to most visitors who do not need a visa to come to the UK. Apply for your UK ETA in good time before departure — most decisions arrive within one working day, but it can take up to 3 working days. Make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay — the UK ETA is linked to the passport you applied with and stops being valid if you renew your passport.

For payment via the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK, you can use a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The fee is set in pounds sterling (£20), but the UK ETA app shows the price in your local currency and lets you choose which currency to pay in. Keep your approval email for reference — but you won’t need to show it, as your ETA is electronically linked to your passport. All airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet, check it electronically through the UK government’s system (Ryanair during mandatory online check-in), so you only need to show your passport.

For local transport in the UK, the smartest approach is using contactless payment with Visa/Mastercard or an Oyster Card. London Underground, buses, DLR, and suburban trains accept all these methods with daily price capping. For longer journeys, book Advance fares as early as possible through the train company’s website or a ticketing app — they are usually much cheaper than tickets bought on the day. Prices vary significantly between operators, so it is worth comparing.

British culture and etiquette for international visitors

British politeness is legendary and may surprise visitors from more direct cultures. “Sorry”, “Please” and “Thank you” are used constantly — even without obvious reason. Expect “How are you?” to be a politeness phrase rather than a serious question — answer simply with “Fine thanks, you?” British humour is dry and ironic, often self-deprecating. Tipping is not mandatory, but around 10-12.5% is customary in restaurants if a service charge has not already been added. In most pubs, you order at the bar and pay immediately — table service is less common. Queues are sacred — pushing past someone is the worst social faux pas in the UK.

For families visiting the UK, there are abundant cultural experiences. London offers British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern — all free. The Tower of London charges admission, with reduced prices for children aged 5-15, and Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms open to visitors in summer — check current prices and book on the official websites. For West End musicals, book through TodayTix app for the best last-minute prices. Pub culture is central — many traditional pubs serve food at lunchtime and in the evening. Children are welcome in many pubs during the day and early evening, although each pub sets its own rules.

Frequently asked questions about UK travel

How long does the UK ETA application take?

Most applicants get a decision within one working day — often within minutes — but it can take up to 3 working days. Apply in good time before departure, as there is no way to pay for a faster decision. Filling out the form itself takes only 10 minutes when you have your passport, payment card and a photo of your face ready.

What does UK ETA cost in 2026?

UK ETA costs £20 per person from 8 April 2026. There are no extra fees if you apply directly via gov.uk or the official UK ETA app. Be aware that third-party websites add their own service fees on top of the £20 — these are optional, and the Home Office warns that other websites may charge more than the official fee.

How many times can I travel with the same ETA?

UK ETA is a multiple-entry permission valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first). You can travel in and out as often as you wish during the validity period, with up to 6 months stay per entry. This means you can use the same ETA for weekend trips, summer holidays, and business travel without applying again.

Do children need UK ETA?

Yes, all visitors regardless of age need their own UK ETA. For children under 18, a parent can apply on their behalf via the same online portal — create a separate application per child with their passport details. Children also pay £20, making it expensive for large families.

What happens if my application is rejected?

If your UK ETA is refused, you receive an email explaining the decision. Refusals can be based on, for example, prior immigration breaches or doubts about the purpose of your visit. You cannot appeal, but you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa via UK Visas and Immigration instead. There is no rule that you must wait 6 months before applying again, and if your application was rejected as invalid (for example because of a photo problem), you can simply submit a new ETA application.

Can I work on UK ETA?

No. UK ETA is for visits such as tourism, seeing family and friends, permitted business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations), short-term study of up to 6 months and transit. Working in the UK requires a proper work visa (Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, etc.). Breaking the conditions of your visit — e.g., working without authorisation — can lead to removal from the UK, refusal of future applications and a re-entry ban of up to 10 years.