Might is a bumper month for holidays and occasions already after which they go and throw a half time period into the combo! As all the time, there are many issues to do in London for the Might half time period and we’ve picked the most effective of the bunch.
This 12 months, the Might half-term for most colleges in London runs from Monday 29 Might to Friday 2 June.
If you’re within the metropolis outdoors of half time period, don’t miss our choose of the greatest issues taking place London in Might, together with a number of enjoyable Coronation occasions and actions for the entire household to take pleasure in.
Get your diaries out, it’s going to be a busy week!
Science Fiction: Voyage to the Fringe of Creativeness
This well-liked exhibition on the Science Museum was as a result of shut originally of the month but it surely’s been such successful that it’s now working till August.
Might half time period is the right time to blast off into house on this distinctive story-led exhibition that examines visions of the longer term by science and science fiction. Encounter genuine objects from science fiction movies, TV collection and literature in addition to scientific objects which have formed trendy life.
The place: The Science Museum
When: Till 20 August 2023
Spring Household Pageant at ZSL London Zoo
Have a good time the Zoo springing into life with a competition programme of animal talks, vibrant arts and crafts, interactive gameshows, music, workshops and myriad different spring-inspired actions.
Step into the Tulip Tent, take it simple within the Lilac Lounge (created particularly for infants), launch your internal designer within the Daisy Den, construct the right animal-inspired shelter in Foxglove Fortress – and extra!
When: 27 Might – 4 June
The place: London Zoo; included in ticket admission. Tickets should be booked prematurely.
Brigit’s Bakery King Charles III Coronation Bus Tour
Brigit’s Bakery are well-known for his or her afternoon teas on board a basic double-decker routemaster bus. To rejoice the King’s Coronation they are going to be adorning their buses with flags, crowns and different royal decorations to make it possible for households rejoice in royal model
Official London Tour Guides will share every thing they learn about King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Coronation as you tour London’s essential sights in central London together with Large Ben, The Homes of Parliament, Westminster Abbey,
When: Till 31 Might.
The place: Departing from Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Sq.; Costs grownup from £45pp, youngsters from £35 per baby.
Time Travellers in Hyde Park
Journey again by time by The Royal Park’s historical past with enjoyable drop-in occasions going down on Tuesday thirtieth, Wednesday thirty first Might and Thursday 1st June. Actions embody making a plant print with Hapa zome, designing a park of the longer term, attempting to grasp calligraphy and assembly Queen Victoria.
When: 30 Might – 1 June 2023
The place: The LookOut in Hyde Park; free. Register your curiosity prematurely
Restoration on the Tower of London
Charles is being topped King…however which Charles are we speaking about? Step again in time on the Tower of London to 1661 and find out how preparations had been made for Charles II’s coronation procession.
Uncover the elaborate plans and degree of element that went into remodeling London into this historic occasion – not least as a result of England has been with out a monarchy for 10 years.
When: Till 21 July
Where: The Tower of London; included in palace admission
Story Seekers: Throwback Video games
Adventurers wished on the Imperial Struggle Museum! Head over to the IWM this Might half time period and use your wits and creativeness to assist discover the museum’s collections and discover connections. Uncover actual objects and find out how kids stored themselves busy in the course of the Second World Struggle when – gasp! – there have been no electronics to maintain them busy!
Additionally going down this half time period on 30 Might is the museum’s We Had been There Household Day. Households are invited to drop in and meet IWM’s veterans and eyewitnesses of battle to listen to firsthand accounts on the impression of warfare on folks’s lives.
When: Story Seekers takes place 27 Might – 4 June. We Had been There takes place on 30 Might.
The place: Imperial Struggle Museum; Free occasion with common admission.
Horrible Histories at Hampton Courtroom Palace
Barmy Britain is again on stage at Hampton Courtroom Palace this Might half time period. Meet the loopy characters and impolite rulers from Britain’s barmy previous together with King Henry I, William the Conqueror and Henry VIII.
Hour-long performances happen outdoors on the East Entrance of Hampton Courtroom Palace twice each day (hold your fingers crossed for sunshine!)
When: 27 Might – 3 June; 12pm and 3pm. Performances on 31 Might will likely be British Signal Language interpreted.
The place: Hampton Courtroom Palace; Tickets don’t embody palace admission. Grownup/baby £15/9
Coronation occasions at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is busy this month what with internet hosting a coronation and all however they’ve nonetheless organised some enjoyable issues for households to do on this Might half time period.
On 27 Might they’re internet hosting a coronation celebration backyard social gathering with oodles of free actions from crown making and story telling to a treasure hunt and extra.
Going down over the half time period holidays is a each day coronation crown making workshop impressed by the Crown Jewels used on the Coronation of The King and The Queen.
When: The coronation social gathering takes place on 27 Might. Coronation crown making takes place 29 Might – 3 June
The place: Westminster Abbey; included in admission
Brick Dinos on the Horniman Museum
Don’t miss this family-friendly occasion the place among the largest beasts to ever stroll the earth have been created in miniature kind by artist Warren Elsmore and his staff.
The exhibition additionally options hardly ever seen specimens from the Horniman’s shops, and a spread of hands-on actions for kids to take pleasure in together with construct your personal dinosaur and digging for fossils.
When: Till 29 October, 2023. Superior reserving beneficial.
The place: Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ
Superb Georgians at The Queens Gallery
Get pleasure from a day match for a King or Queen on the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace this Might half time period. Going down on June 1 and2, Superb Georgians – A Coronation Celebration.
Storytellers will share tales of coronations previous and current with half-hour classes working within the Millar Studying Room at 12:30pm, 1.30pm and a couple of.30pm.
When: 1 and a couple of June
The place: The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
The Gruffalo on the Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre is all the time an excellent day trip in the course of the faculty holidays. This Might half time period they’ve received a calendar of occasions on supply together with The One & All the things Household Path that explores the world’s languages and the individuals who converse them, a curious pleasant shape-shifter named toooB, a musical mime efficiency, and an exquisite adaptation of The Gruffalo.
When: Numerous dates, test web site for particulars
The place: The Southbank Centre on the South Financial institution.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave
Hallyu! The Korean Wave on the V&A has been working since final September however in case you haven’t seen it but then it’s an excellent choice for older youngsters this half time period. The exhibition showcases the vibrant and dynamic well-liked tradition of South Korea from Gangnam Fashion and Squid Recreation to the unimaginable recognition of Okay-Pop bands.
The place: V&A Museum, Cromwell Street, London, SW7 2RL
When: Till 25 June, 2023
Making Maps on the Nationwide Maritime Museum
Go on a journey this Might half time period to the Nationwide Maritime Museum and uncover their assortment of maps and the way sailors as soon as navigated internationally.
Numerous free, themed drop in occasions happen together with Mapping Journeys, the place kids are invited to create their very own passport and stamps; From the Desert to the Sea, which introduces youngsters to the kamal, the traditional device utilized by Arabs to navigate utilizing the celebs; Treasure Maps, impressed by the legends of pirates and buried treasure; Mapping Monsters and plenty of extra.
When: 27 Might – 4 June between 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
The place: Nationwide Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF
Dive In at Sea Life London Aquarium
Dive into the Sea Life Aquarium this half time period and are available nose to nose with Large Sand Tiger Sharks, tiny clownfish and the colony of cute Gentoo penguins. You may study extra about these creatures (and others) with one of many common keeper talks.
On the lookout for extra to do? Mix a visit to Sea Life with a go to to Shrek’s Adventure subsequent door.
When: 29 Might – 4 June
The place: Sea Life Aquarium, County Corridor, Westminster Bridge Street, SE1 7PB
Youngsters Rule! At Eltham Palace and Gardens
Are you prepared for a proper royal knees-up? Then scoot over to Eltham Place and Gardens to rejoice King Charles III’s coronation with loads of family-friendly hands-on actions set within the 12 months 1937 and the coronation of King George VI.
When: 27 Might – 4 June
The place: Eltham Palace and Gardens, Courtroom Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP; included in palace admission
Ai Wei Wei’s Lego Sculpture on the Design Museum
The most effective issues to do in London in Might is at London’s Design Museum. Chinese language artist Ai WeiWei has a significant new present at that features an infinite piece made solely from LEGO.
Titled Water Lilies #1, the piece is a homage to Impressionist painter Claude Monet and is a reconstruction of his well-known water lilies piece, constructed solely from 650,000 LEGO bricks in 22 colors.
When: Till 30 July 2023
The place: The Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington Excessive Road, Kensington, W8 6AG
Superb structure at St Paul’s Cathedral
Uncover how St Paul’s Cathedral was designed and constructed with this enjoyable household occasion that celebrates the achievements of Sir Christopher Wren. The occasion is a part of the Wren 300, a collection of actions and occasions held to mark 300 years because the architect’s demise and burial at St. Paul’s.
When: 27 Might, 10am – 3pm
Deal with: St Paul’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Crown to Couture at Kensington Palace
The Crown to Couture exhibition opened on 5 April and is the largest ever staged on the Palace. On show are some 200 objects together with Woman Gaga’s luminous inexperienced MTV Awards costume, the Thom Browne costume worn by Lizzo on the 2022 Met Gala and the world-famous Silver Tissue Robe worn on the court docket of Charles II.
It’s the right place to take fashion-forward older kids and teenagers!
Don’t overlook to take pleasure in Kensington Gardens whilst you’re there.
When: Till October 23
The place: Kensington Palace
Household workshops on the V&A Museum
As all the time, the V&A Museum are working a collection of enjoyable occasions over the Might faculty holidays. These embody designing wall artwork, storytelling tales from the Caribbean, creating a bit of video artwork, and designing and making your personal Korean masks impressed by The Korean Wave exhibition.
When: Numerous dates over half-term, test web site for particulars.
The place: The V&A Museum, Cromwell Street, SW7 2RL
Household enjoyable on the Cutty Sark
Sail the excessive seas on board the Cutty Sark this half time period with a handful of enjoyable household actions to select from. Choose up a household path or backpack and uncover extra concerning the tales and folks from the long-lasting tea clipper’s historical past. Meet among the among the colourful characters who sailed on board, create a winch and check out your hand at shifting cargo or have a go on the ‘Sailor Silhouette’ exercise.
When you’ve carried out all that, attempt the Cutty Sark Rig Climb Expertise and climb up the rigging as sailors as soon as did a few years in the past.
When: Numerous dates, test web site for particulars
The place: Cutty Sark, Greenwich; free with entry to the ship
Drawing with wolves on the Nationwide Gallery
Be part of artist and wildlife fanatics Jennie Webber or Laura Cuppage as you create drawings of the wolf look-a-like British Lupine canine.
Impressed by the gallery’s Saint Francis of Assisi exhibition and the story of how St Francis tamed a wolf that was terrorising the Umbrian metropolis of Gubbio. This family-friendly occasion is the prospect for youths – and their mother and father – to attract collectively utilizing a spread of supplies, instruments and methods.
When: 30 Might, 31 Might, 1 June at 11am – 12pm and 12.30pm – 1.30pm. Reserving important.
The place: The Nationwide Gallery, Trafalgar Sq. London WC2N 5DN
Households Drawn Collectively at The Queen’s Home, Greenwich
This Might half time period The Queen’s Home are working a free drop-in session exploring the collaborative course of between father and son that defines the work of the Dutch painters the Van de Veldes.
Willem van de Velde the Elder and his son Willem van de Velde the Youthful arrived in London in 1672. Each had been celebrated artists: Van de Velde the Elder was famed for his extremely correct drawings of ships and maritime life whereas his son was identified for his work that captured the many moods of the ocean.
On this free occasion on the Queen’s Home, adults and kids are invited to work collectively to create their personal piece of household paintings.
When: 3 June 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
The place: The Queen’s Home, Romney Rd, Better, London SE10 9NF
Household enjoyable at Acton Depot
The London Transport Museum’s depot in Motion for seven days of household enjoyable and the prospect to make your very personal board sport.
Youngsters should look out for challenges, characters, autos and objects to gather all through their stick with a particular spot the color problem for youthful kids.
The Acton Depot is dwelling to 200 years of transport historical past with trams, buses, trains, indicators and extra all on show.
The London Transport Miniature Railway will likely be in motion too.
When: Might half time period
The place: 118-120 Museum Means, Gunnersbury Ln, Acton, W3 9BQ
Pageant of Curiosity on the London Transport Museum
Head to the London Transport Museum in Covent Backyard for a collection of enjoyable half-term actions which might be going down as a part of their Pageant of Curiosity.
Be taught all concerning the individuals who constructed the world’s first underground railway to resolve the issue of London’s busy streets and the engineers who designed the bridges and cable vehicles to move folks over the River Thames.
There’s a STEAM-inspired household path across the museum’s galleries, storytelling classes, and a ‘Failure is your buddy’ workshop the place households will find out how engineers are trialling inexperienced options to local weather change.
When: 27 Might – 4 June, all day
The place: London Transport Museum, Covent Backyard WC2E 7BB
Pinocchio at The Outdated Working Theatre
Going down at The Outdated Working Theatre, one among London’s most uncommon museums, is a efficiency of the kids’s basic Pinocchio. That is no odd efficiency, nonetheless, Pinocchio will likely be delivered to life by the Magical Paper Theatre Firm.
Observe the adventures of the mischievous puppet on his quest to turn into an actual boy with paper and wood characters in a Victorian Paper Theatre.
There are two exhibits, every lasting 45minutes. Afterwards you’ll have the prospect to go searching the museum.
When: 31 Might at 12pm and 2pm.
The place: The Outdated Working Theatre, 9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
Titanosaur: Life because the Greatest Dinosaur
The Pure Historical past Museum is an excellent place to go to with youngsters at any time (to not point out one among London’s prime sights) however this new exhibition is a should!
Titanosaur: Life because the Greatest Dinosaur explores the world of the magnificent titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum, one of many largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. Find out how he discovered meals, stored cool and stayed secure on this journey from tiny egg to towering creature.
In case you have time, pop subsequent door to the Science Museum when you’ve completed stopping for lunch alongside the way in which.
When: Till January 2024
The place: The Pure Historical past Museum
Blooming Manufacturers on the Museum of Manufacturers
Participate in some botanical-themed actions this half time period on the Museum of Manufacturers. Uncover the museum’s unimaginable Time Tunnel with a Blooming Manufacturers Household Hunt after which create your personal recycled flowers within the drop-in craft exercise.
Better of all, youngsters go free from 27 Might – 4 June.
When: 27 Might – 4 June
The place: The Museum of Manufacturers, 111-117 Lancaster Rd, W11 1QT
Household Home Tour: Smelly London! on the Charles Dickens Museum
Step into the previous dwelling of celebrated writer Charles Dickens and study all about Victorian London…and its smells.
From the stench of sewage and coal smoke to the soap-filled washhouse, London was a really smelly place!
This hour-long sensory tour permits households to step again in time and expertise what life was actually like within the peak of the Victorian period.
When: 31 Might – 2 June at 11am, 1pm and 2pm; e book tickets prematurely (ticket value £10 per individual)
The place: The Charles Dickens Museum, 48-49 Doughty St, WC1N 2LX
Half Time period workshops on the Cartoon Museum
Assume you’ve received an excellent comedian in you? Head to the Cartoon Museum this half time period and discover out!
The museum are working a lot of totally different workshops for youths exploring the fantastic world of comics. Create a comic book strip, discover the multiverse by comedian or make a mini comedian booklet to take dwelling and spectacular your folks with.
There’s additionally a workshop exploring the fundamentals of drawing Japanese Manga.
When: Numerous dates over half time period, see web site for particulars. Superior reserving important.
The place: The Cartoon Museum, 63 Wells St, W1A 3AE
Adventures in Pompei on the Sir John Soane’s Museum
Uncover the ties between the historic Roman metropolis of Pompeii and Sir John Soane on this half-term workshop aimed toward kids aged 7-10 years previous.
Find out how Pompeii was destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted on 24 August 79 AD and the way, many 100s of years later, Sir John Soane visited the location as a part of his Grand Tour.
Construct mini-models of town, bake your personal Roman loaves and extra on this fun-filled workshop.
When: 31 Might 11am – 3pm. Guide tickets prematurely (£10)
The place: Sir John Soane’s Museum, 14 Lincoln’s Inn Fields
The Followers Strike Again
A should for any Star Wars fan is that this new exhibition going down in South Kensington. The Followers Strike Again – a Star Wars fan exhibition invitations all Jedi Knights, Jedi Masters and Palawan to go to and marvel on the a whole lot of collectibles on show. There’s additionally loads of official merchandise plus loads of interactive picture ops and VR experiences (over 14s solely). Might the Fourth be with you!
When: Opens 19 April – 18 June, 2023
Worth: £20.50/13.50 Grownup / Youngster (aged 4 – 12)
The place: 81 Outdated Brompton Street, SW7 3LD, London, SW7 3LD
Animals Artwork, Science and Sound on the British Library
This fascinating new exhibition on the British Library showcasing the artwork, science and sound recordings collected by explorers documenting the animal world.
Hearken to the mournful tune of the final residing residing Kauaʻi ʻōʻō, recorded in 1983 and declared extinct in 2000, learn the primary scientific description of a duck-billed platypus, as soon as considered so weird it should be a hoax, and uncover enjoyable info alongside the way in which. Do you know, for instance, that the primary {photograph} of a stay big squid was solely revealed in 2005?
When: 21 April – 28 August, 2023
Worth: £16/8 Grownup / Youngster (Beneath 11s go free)
The Wander Mission at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens has 5 new trails by the Gardens for guests to discover. Every of the paths is made up of invites from artists, musicians, and environmental protectors to encourage guests to really feel, hear, transfer and suppose otherwise in nature.
The Adventurers path takes you on the Treetop Walkway; the Wanderers path explores the lakeside; on the Protectors path, visitors discover the chances of a sustainable future close to the Temperate Home; the Dreamers path focuses on the transformative energy of nature close to the Palm Home: and the Time Travellers path takes guests close to the Redwood Grove.
Select one path or attempt all of them!
When: 27 Might – 3 September
The place: Start line Victoria Gate, Kew Gardens
Persia and Greece: household artwork and tales on the British Museum
To rejoice the brand new exhibition on the British Museum, Luxurious and energy: Persia to Greece, the museum are internet hosting two days of crafts and storytelling celebrating the artwork and tradition of Historical Greece and Persia.
Create a wall of legendary animals, make an expensive artwork piece to take dwelling and take heed to a storyteller inform historic tales.
When: 1 – 1 June, 11am – 4pm. Free however you’re suggested to e book a free timed ticket
The place: The British Museum
Household workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe
All of the world’s a stage at Shakespeare’s Globe and you may participate in one of many enjoyable household workshops being held this Might half time period.
Workshops are divided by age with one thing for everybody. Youngsters aged 3-5 can are invited to convey the enjoyable and musical world of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night time to life; whereas older youngsters can select between a Romeo and Juliet workshop or A Midsummer Night time’s Dream.
A household sword preventing demonstration takes place beginning on 3 June and a brand new Ghosts & Ghouls Household tour is being launched on 24 Might (till 31 October). Plus there’ the standard household Globe Theatre guided tour and many extra enjoyable actions too!
When: Verify web site for particulars
The place: Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Stroll, SE1 9DT
Might Half Time period on the Postal Museum
Some very hungry creatures have been noticed on the Postal Museum, some useful and different much less so. Get to know the animals that decision the museum dwelling in a collection of artful actions utilizing recycled and re-used supplies.
Workshops embody Munching Moths, Bothersome Beetles, Spider Guardians, and Snail Mail.
The actions are included with a museum ticket and are drop-in. They’re greatest studied for youths aged 5-11.
When: 30 Might – 3 June, 11am – 4pm
The place: The Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Pl, WC1X 0DA
Household Actions on the Chelsea Physic Backyard
The Chelsea Physic Backyard all the time run enjoyable household occasions and this Might half time period vacation isn’t any exception. Select from a spread of hands-on actions to maintain kids entertained.
Participate in a chocolate workshop, make funky botanical soaps, study vibrant vegetation and make your personal paint from them, study concerning the historical past of beekeeping and extra.
When: Numerous dates over half time period, test web site for particulars. Guide tickets prematurely.
The place: Chelsea Physic Backyard, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 4HS
Drawn to Water on the London Wetland Centre
Discover London’s wetlands by the eyes of illustrator Quentin Blake. Acquire an illustrated information crammed along with his charming illustrations and uncover the fantastic wetland world – new seasonal trails will likely be launched later in the summertime.
There are artwork and illustration actions galore together with nature-inspired artistic challenges, artwork workshops, and artful competitions.
Don’t miss the charcoal making and drawing workshop going down on 27 and 28 Might, 3 and 4 June.
When: 18 Might – 10 September with some particular actions going down over the half time period
The place: London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth Stroll, SW13 9WT
