March 28, 2024






Georgia Brown




Londoners, it’s officially May. Is your social schedule looking a little lacklustre? Has your date night inspiration dried up? Have you exhausted all avenues of what do to in London? We’ve compiled a list of the ultimate things to do in the city that are guaranteed to make you fall in love with the nation’s capital.


LOOK: 9 royal experience days to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee


MORE: Jubilee party decorations & essentials: Balloons, banners, flags & more


Whether you’re into fine dining with a view of the city’s stunning skyline, or hitting up the best of London’s sun-soaked beer gardens – we have got you covered.


Read on to discover the very best things to do in London for every budget, tried and tested by HELLO!‘s writers…


Best things to do in London in May


Take a picnic to Primrose Hill




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If May brings sunshine, why not enjoy a picnic on Primrose Hill and soak up the very best views of the city? Stay until sunset for some glorious alfresco views or brave the early morning to get there as the sun rises over the hill.


Your picnic – your rules. Covid may feel like a distant memory for some, but London in the summer can get incredibly busy. Set your own social distancing agenda and stick to your personal picnic blanket if you’re wary of busy spaces. Plus, you get the added benefit of enjoying your own delicious food without having to worry about queues or long wait times.


SEE: 16 of the best UK festivals 2022


Get ready for London’s first Asian food festival



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Calling all foodies! We’re so excited for Bon Appétit, London’s brand new Asian food festival set to tease the tastebuds and scintillate the senses. The brand new food festival takes place in the arches of the famed Leake Street tunnel, where you’ll discover the flavours of Asia as you taste a delicious selection of the incredible cuisine. With workshops, cooking demos, market stalls, and more, it’s the perfect day out for all the foodies out there. Leave your diary free May 20-22, for a truly delicious adventure awaits!


To book, get your tickets here.


Immerse yourself in Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s art experience




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If you were mesmerised by the enchanting immersive Van Gogh experience, you’ll be delighted to learn that Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s art will be lighting up London in a stunning exhibition this May. ‘Mexican Geniuses: A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience’ will be your chance to lose yourself in the great couple’s work. Over 300 art projections highlighting every detail of their paintings in bright, vivid clarity will be used to tell the story of their lives, loves, and art careers. It launched May 28 at Dock X in London, with tickets starting at £19.90.


To book, visit mexicangeniuses.com


Explore the best of Carnaby, London’s most vibrant destination



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Don’t let the tourist traps of Oxford Circus and Picadilly Circus put you off exploring the city’s vibrant Carnaby, an eclectic hub of global fashion brands, independent boutiques, funky foodie spots, art installations and more. The pedestrianised area of Soho is as colourful and vibrant as it is practical and convenient, loaded with an exciting rock n’ roll history of London’s swinging 60s. Not sure where to start? Scroll on to discover how best to spend your day in Carnaby…


Upgrade your piercing game at Metal Morphosis




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If spontaneity runs in your blood, you’ll love a trip to Metal Morphosis to add a new piercing to your collection. This is the most professional body and ear piercing service on the high street, offering only the finest quality metals and the most extensive range of piercing and fashion jewellery. Whether you’re a minimalist into mini studs or a maximalist queen looking to upgrade your ear party – Metal Morphosis is the place to do it.


Ugly Dumpling makes the ultimate lunch spot




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Have you ever heard of a cheeseburger dumpling? Neither had we, until we tried it and instantly ordered three more. This street food-turned-restaurant is home to many a twist on the humble Asian dumpling. From aromatic duck to fragrant pork belly, aubergine parmigiana and mushroom and truffle, Ugly Dumpling is the perfect place to indulge in traditional Asian classics – or try a Western fusion. Load up on sides like the legendary crispy Tempura Aubergine, summery Beetroot Rice Noodles and Crunchy Slaw as well as the delicious Seaweed and Pickled Cucumber Salad to keep you satisfied. Delish.


Shop from independent stores




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Carnaby is home to over 160 brands spanning fashion, beauty, lifestyle food and drink, so you’ll never be short of things to do. If you’re looking to update your wardrobe in true rock n’ roll style, head to ‘RS No. 9 Carnaby‘, an iconic store that features all of the hallmarks of The Rolling Stones and an exclusive fashion label with unique pieces. 


Dine alfresco at Carnaby’s iconic Kingly Court




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Kingly Court is a bustling hub of culinary delights tucked into Carnaby’s secret alfresco destination. Our favourite place to dine for dinner? Korean Dinner Party. The brains behind the menu are Ana Goncalves and Zijun who have created an eclectic mix of East-meets-West dishes, kitsch cocktails and craft beers with a niche record collection of Korean hip hop playing into the night – there’s nowhere else quite like KDP in Soho. Highlights include the mouth-watering slow cook 48-hour beef short riba and garlicky ‘chickn’ nuggets.


Carry on your night at Cahoots



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Cahoots is Soho’s underground home that transports guests back in time to post-war 1940s. Set inside an abandoned train station, the scoundrels of this station speakeasy serve up spiffing cocktails, jolly-good rations and live swinging entertainment seven days a week.


Visit a new digital museum



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The month of May marks National Share a Story Month and is the perfect time to celebrate the launch of former Blue Peter presenter Diane Louise Jordan’s new oral social history project, ‘The Making of Black Britain: a uniquely British story of nationality, identity, and belonging,’ which has formed a lifelong partnership with Google Arts & Culture. Marvel at the stunning imagery captured by 71-year-old Vanley Burke, a leading Black British photographer and artist whose iconic work has captured the evolving cultural landscape, pivotal moments of social change, and stimulated debate in the United Kingdom for over four decades.


Enjoy hearing interviews with iconic figures, and you are even invited to Tell Your Story – the idea is to capture the every day of everyone; every colour, class, and creed, across generations – the real people who make up Britain today in this exciting growing, and living online museum! “To be part of history, and shape the future, someone needs to hear your story and remember it.” Find out more here.


Take a cablecar flight across London



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Who would have thought we would be adding a TfL service to our ultimate guide for things to do in London? But trust us, this one is worth the trip *pun intended*.


Enjoy beautiful views of the Thames, London’s skyline, the Greenwich Peninsula, the Royal Docks and The O2 on the Emirates Air Line Cable Cars. Available every 10 minutes, with hitching a ride as simple as tapping your Oyster Card – this skyline adventure is the perfect way to see London’s skyline for a price that won’t cost you your staycation fund.


For more information, visit emiratesairline.co.uk


Cruise down Regent’s Canal on your own boat



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Ahoy there! GoBoat is the fun self-drive boating experience that takes you all along London’s stunning Regent’s Canal. Bring your own picnic and cruise along the river for up to three hours.


This family-friendly boating experience is the perfect way to see some of London’s best sights – you’ll even sail past London Zoo and catch a glimpse of some animals if you’re lucky. Hire a boat at sunset for the ultimate date night trip, or enjoy a floating picnic with friends. Dogs are welcome aboard too!


Now open 7 days a week, up to 8 people can climb aboard, so decide on your Captain and get booking.


To book, visit goboat.co.uk


 


Best luxury things to do in London in May


Treat yourself to a highly bespoke, targeted healing session by Renata Nunes




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This treatment combines Renata’s knowledge and refinement of Chinese Medicine with years of experience in Physiotherapy and can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.


It begins with an assessment of the client’s health, tongue and pulse inspection, which allows Renata to pinpoint the root of any underlying tension, and then pick the best tools to release it.


Conditions that Renata commonly treat with this treatment include Pregnancy Care, Postpartum Care, Digestive disorders, Anxiety/Stress, Insomnia, Migranes/Headaches, Menstrual Disorders, Musculoskeletal conditions, Fertility, Menopause symptoms.


To book, email [email protected]


Get a celebrity skin glow at EF Medispa Chelsea




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There’s a reason why celebrities and royals alike always look radiant on the red carpet. Their secret? Hydradermabrasion facials. The advanced Jet Facial is a cutting-edge hydradermabrasion treatment that exfoliates, cleanses and nourishes the skin combining the power of lymphatic drainage, pressured air and a bespoke blend of vitamins to target wrinkles, pigmentation and acne – and the post-facial skin glow truly is immense. We tried a Jet Hydradermabrasion facial at Chelsea’s EF Medispa, one of the UK’s leading medical spas and skin clinics, renowned for cutting edge, innovative face and body treatments.


Totally painless, surprisingly relaxing, and zero downtime, this facial resulted in a radiant, nourished complexion that left our skin feeling glowy n’ gorgeous for days after.


To book, visit EF Medispa Chelsea


Indulge with a heavenly facial at Radiance London




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Tucked away in the heart of Fitzrovia sits Radiance London, a luxury beauty salon and clinic with plenty of treatments to pick from. Indulge with the spa’s newest offering, the Radiance London x Decléor Ultimate Glow treatment, a ninety-minute face and body toning and firming massage. The bespoke treatment includes a thirty-minute expert sculpting massage to help contour the body, whilst Essential oils of Lemon, Peppermint and May Chang help to restore firmness and elasticity, leaving the skin texture refined.


Trust us, it’s totally worth it. The spa’s boutique appeal coupled with the Radiance team’s warm welcome and magic touch make for the ultimate spa outing. With clients including model Charli Howard, Cats star Frankie Hayward and high society sweetheart Clara Paget, the fact that the salon is a celebrity hotspot comes as no surprise. Whether you’re after a soothing massage, nail refresh, a heavenly facial, lash lift or more, Radiance has got you covered.


To book, visit radiancelondon.co.uk/treatments/


 


Best restaurants to visit in London in May


Indulge in an Italian Sunday feast at Pizzeria Mozza



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We think we may have just discovered the best pizzeria in London… Pizzeria Mozza is the Treehouse Hotel’s best kept secret, and their brand new Italian Sunday brunches need to be on your London bucket list.


From creamy, indulgent burrata to homemade meatballs al forno with herby garlic baguette, this is hearty Italian feasting at its best. Don’t miss the butterscotch budino Dolci, a seriously rich and irresistible dessert that pairs perfectly with a refreshing Pale Fox prosecco. Pizzeria Mozza x Pale Fox brunches offer guests Superiore by the glass, or an exclusive selection of Pale Fox cocktails such as the Galia Bellini (made with Pale Fox Superiore, homemade Citrus and Galia Melon Puree) or the Pear Spritz with (Creme de Poire, Mint cordial, lime and Pale Fox Superiore.) With a focus on fresh and zesty flavours to compliment Pale Fox’s signature floral notes, this fine wine elevates Pizzeria Mozza’s Mediterranean flavours for guests to enjoy pizza in a unique way, setting the scene for an unforgettable experience.


To book, visit treehousehotels.com


Grab a boozy brunch




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If you’re not already planning a stroll around Mayfair, you’ll want to after hearing about the new brunch menu at Manthan‘s. When we say brunch, it’s served from 12.30-5pm and includes a range of mouth-watering Indian sharing plates masterminded by critically acclaimed Chef Rohit Ghai. We’re talking chicken buttermilk with pink peppercorn, ginger and curry leaf and Kerala prawn curry served with dal Muradabadi, rice and Paratha, finished off with Malpua Rabri, a pancake with flavours of pistachio and saffron. Wondering where the booze comes into play? Order one of their delicious cocktails – we highly recommend the mango and date bellini for something fruity, or the Sangam with chai spice-infused white rum and tandoori pineapple for a unique flavour.


Go for an Instagrammable feast at Yeotown Queen’s Gardens



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Britain’s leading award-winning health and wellness retreat Yeotown is launching a second restaurant In London, following the opening of its sister restaurant Yeotown Sussex Gardens. Part of the new Inhabit Queen’s Gardens Hotel, Yeotown Queen’s Gardens is a gorgeous light-flooded relaxed space, serving a Californian-inspired menu. Guests can indulge on beautifully plated dishes such as Blue Spirulina Pancakes, Eggs Benedict on a Homemade Chia and Oat Muffin with Vegan Hollandaise, Rice Paper Vegetable Wraps, Beetroot and Carrot Falafel and the signature Yeotown Bounce Back Vegan Burger. Your summer dining (and Instagram!) is sorted!


Info: yeotown.com/yeotown-london/


Enjoy a Belgian feast in Kensington



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W/A Kensington Restaurant and Bar takes its name from its former owner, the Victorian aristocrat William Alexander, and offers a modern touch to classic Belgian dishes. A frequent traveller, William Alexander discovered Belgian beers on his way back from Asia and subsequently made a frequent stop in Belgium to sample more of the country’s delights. Executive Chef, Sofiane Kaced has drawn on his 20 years of culinary experience and fond love of travelling to create a refined and delicious Belgian menu that will appeal to curious foodies, travellers and locals alike. Choose their signature waffle chicken burger, mussels with a range of sauces, steak, and of course fluffy Belgian waffles!


Info: https://100queensgate.com/food-and-drink/william-alexander/


Visit Oxford Circus’ new hotspot




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HELLO! recently visited Amalfi, Oxford Circus’ new hotspot for Italian food lovers. The recently-opened restaurant, just a stone’s throw away from the tube, is split across two floors and boasts mosaic floor tiling, garden-themed décor and boho lighting, making it the perfect spot for a dinner date. The venue boasts an extensive menu with ample choice of classic Italian dishes, from hand-stretched sourdough pizzas to creamy pastas. For all your seafood lovers out there, the fish options are particularly enticing, from Fresh Maldon Rock Oysters as an entrée to Lobster Spaghetti. We feasted Mushroom and Truffle Rigatoni and the most mouthwatering Spaghetti Carbonara. If you’re the mood for a drink, the cocktail list is equally extensive and the Instagram-friendly interiors make it ideal for a post-work catch-up.


Book your table at amalfi.co.uk


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