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Guys and Dolls, Bridge Theatre, 2023
Photo: Manuel Harlan

15 Best May Bank Holiday Events In London 2023: Top Things To Do

Make the most of those sweet three days off

Rosie Hewitson
Alex Sims
Written by
Rosie Hewitson
&
Alex Sims
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Don’t be fooled into thinking summer starts on June 21. We know what’s what and the summer fun really begins with the final May Bank Holiday, a time when we all silently agree to kiss goodbye to our sleeves and ditch our coats at the first whisper of sunshine. 

We’ve been spoiled with bank holidays this month, but consider these three days off work your chance to reacquaint yourself with summer in the city. Finally, the sun is out, it’s warm enough to sit outside for longer than five minutes so whether it’s hanging out in some of the capital’s best beer gardens, cooling off with some outdoor swimming, dining out in a fabulous alfresco restaurant, exploring London’s lush green spaces or browsing one of the city’s bustling markets

Check out our guide to the best events and things to do across London for the Bank Holiday weekend falling betweeen Saturday April 27 to Monday May 29 2023. 

RECOMMENDED: Read our full guide to the bank holiday in London

15 awesome May bank holiday events in London

  • Sport and fitness
  • Royal Docks

If you’re at the stage of open-water swimming where you now have a wetsuit in your wardrobe, you might be ready to register with the National Open Water Coaching Association, which provides safety bands and access to swim at specific locations. One of those locations is the London Royal Docks, a scenic spot that has set courses for casual swimmers. Whatever you do, do not forget that wetsuit, temperatures at the Docks can be less than 10°C, even in summer. London Royal Docks. Session days vary. £8 per swim + £12 annual membership fee. Find out how to register here

Sink some holes at Puttshack crazy golf
  • Bars and pubs
  • Sports bars
  • Bank

Bank holidays were made for activities you can do with a drink in hand. Enter Puttshack, a high-tech mini-golf course where the scores are totted up digitally, so no cheating, you hear! It's virtually impossible and you’ll be well supplied from the on-site bar. The gagetry extends to the obstacles too, which include beer pong holes, hazards and give you extra points for technique. Feeling hungry after all that balling? Grab yourself some food from the restaurant. 

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  • Bars and pubs

From swanky skyscrapers to casual warehouse hangouts and hidden pub terraces, London has a real crush on a rooftop bar. To enjoy a heatwave high, we are blessed with all kinds of rooftops which offer a winning combination of wicked city views and perfect drinks. So take your pick from stylish Shoreditch, buzzing Soho and Covent Garden, trendy Peckham and more – it’s time to soak up those sunsets, with rooftop bar season now upon us.

  • Things to do

Is it warm enough to swim outdoors yet? Well, kinda? The end of May marks the crossover between the period where only the truly hardcore swim outside, and the period where hobbyists in impractical swimwear flood London's watering holes. It's the perfect time to test your nerve, before the crowds descend.

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  • Attractions
  • Farms
  • Surrey Quays

When it comes to baby animals to cuddle up to in spring, tiny lambs are obviously the GOAT. Surrey Docks Farm, a sweet little site right next to the Thames with its own blacksmithery, puts on lamb-feeding sessions almost every day during the season. You’ll have to book your slot a week in advance in case the little guys need a rest (they’re pretty tiny after all).

Not floating your boat? See what else is going on

Bank holiday in London
  • Things to do

If lying in bed with a box set was your initial bank holiday plan, scrap it – there’s too much going on to stay indoors.

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