What is the weather like in London in April?

Expect cool to mild days, usually around 9–15°C in April in <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="https://" id="ElIldv3h" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6824795b138ac74af881f3ef" text="London" uid="www.london-tickets.co.uk" lang="en" />. Mornings and evenings still need a jacket, and short showers are common.

Does it rain every day in April?

No, but you should plan as if at least one part of your trip will involve a passing shower. London's April rain is often brief rather than day-ruining.

Is April a good time to visit London?

Yes. It is one of the better balance months for weather, daylight, crowds, and price, especially outside Easter weekend.

How crowded is London in April?

Most of the month is moderate. Crowds rise over Easter Bank Holiday weekend and again on London Marathon weekend.

What should I pack for London in April?

Bring layers, a light waterproof, comfortable closed shoes, and one warmer layer for evenings. A small umbrella helps, but a rain jacket helps more.

Are attractions open over Easter?

Most major attractions stay open, but they get busier. Some smaller businesses may close or shorten hours on holiday dates.

Should I book London attractions in advance in April?

Yes for the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, skyline viewpoints, and weekend theatre. Midweek indoor museums are easier to do spontaneously.

Is the London Marathon a problem for sightseeing?

Only if you ignore it. On April 26, 2026, roads close and some areas get packed. If you plan around the route, it is actually a fun day to be in the city.

Is April warm enough for river cruises and walking tours?

Yes. April is one of the nicer months for both because you get longer daylight and cooler air for walking.

What are the best free things to do in London in April?

Walk St James's Park, the South Bank, and Greenwich, then use free museums like the National Gallery and Tate Modern as weather backups.

Is April good for families?

Yes. Parks, playgrounds, river walks, theatre, and big-name attractions all work well, and the weather is usually manageable for mixed indoor-outdoor days.

Is April good for couples?

Very much so. Spring flowers, longer evenings, river walks, and dinner cruises all land well this month without the harder logistics of peak summer.

Are hotel prices high in April?

They are reasonable by London standards for much of the month, but Easter and Marathon weekend can push central rates up noticeably.

What food is seasonal in London in April?

Look for hot cross buns around Easter, spring roast menus, and the first British asparagus later in the month.

Is London walkable in April?

Yes. Central London is especially good for walking in April because the temperatures are comfortable and daylight lasts long enough to keep your day flexible.

London in April: Weather, crowds, top events, and things to do

April in London is a study in contrasts: tulips peak in Kew and Kensington Gardens, while Easter brings crowds and public holidays. Temperatures climb to 9–15°C (48–59°F), with sunrise around 6:15am and sunset after 8pm. The London Marathon closes roads and fills the city with runners. Showers are common, but sunshine is on the rise. It's a great month for flower lovers and outdoor markets—just plan for busy weekends and bring a rain layer.

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London in April at a glance

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Weather

Maximum temperature: 15°C

Minimum temperature: 9°C

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Daylight

Around 14 hours 5 minutes of daylight

Sunrise: 6:15am

Sunset: 8:20pm

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Key events

London Craft Week, Vaisakhi Celebrations, Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, St George's Day Celebrations

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Crowds

Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.

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What to pack

Light rain jacket, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, layers, sunglasses, reusable water bottle.

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Seasonal treats

Hot cross buns, spring lamb, asparagus, Persian saffron ice cream, Borough Market cheeseboards, afternoon tea

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How April compares with March and May

Category	March	April	May
Weather	7–12°C, early spring, brisk evenings	9–15°C, milder, mixed sun and showers	12–18°C, longer bright days, most comfortable walking weather
Crowds	Low to moderate	Moderate, with spikes over Easter and Marathon weekend	Moderate to high on Bank Holiday weekends
Atmosphere	First daffodils, lighter than winter	Parks wake up, blossom and tulips peak	Full spring mode, terraces and gardens properly busy
Key events	St Patrick's Day, BFI Flare, Boat Race	Easter weekend, Vaisakhi, St George's Day, London Marathon	Chelsea Flower Show, FA Cup Final, Chelsea in Bloom
Public holidays	None in most years, apart from movable religious dates	Good Friday and Easter Monday	Early May Bank Holiday and late May Bank Holiday
Budget	Good shoulder-season value	Still good value, except holiday weekends	Rates rise, especially around flower show and Bank Holidays
Best for	Quiet museums, early spring walkers	Balanced city breaks, park time, mixed indoor-outdoor plans	Garden lovers, longer evening plans, spring events
Book early?	Only for major events and weekends	Yes for Easter, Marathon weekend, and popular West End shows	Yes for Chelsea Flower Show week and sunny weekend stays
Transport tips	Smooth most days	Check road closures on April 26, 2026; Easter can mean busier trains	Bank Holiday rail engineering works are more common

Plan ahead: Must-visit experiences for London in April

Top things to do in London in April

🌷 St James's Park and the royal guard route

Why this month: The flowerbeds look sharp, the trees leaf out, and standing outside for the ceremony is far easier in 12°C than in January.
Best time: 9am–11am
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead for guided spots
Crowds: High around Buckingham Palace on ceremony mornings
Follow the royal route through spring colour, then settle into a better viewing position before the bands arrive.
Don't miss: The quieter Horse Guards option on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Experience match: Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Go guided if you want fewer guesswork moments.

🌤 Ride the London Eye on a clear April afternoon

Why this month: Longer daylight and cleaner spring light often give you better skyline detail than hazy midsummer.
Best time: 4pm–6pm
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead, earlier for Easter weekend
Crowds: Moderate on weekdays, high at sunset and on holidays
The 30-min rotation gives you a full scan of Westminster, the river bends, and the city skyline without summer heat.
Don't miss: The late-afternoon light on Parliament and the South Bank
Experience match: London Eye Admission Tickets or London Eye Fast-Track Tickets if queues are part of your personal nightmare.

🏛 Walk through Westminster Abbey before lunch

Why this month: April's mild mornings make the Westminster area pleasant on foot, and you can still duck indoors before mid-day crowds build.
Best time: Opening hour
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead, earlier for Easter week
Crowds: Moderate, rising fast after 11am
Stone, stained glass, royal tombs, and the Coronation Chair all land better when you're not shuffling shoulder to shoulder.
Don't miss: Poets' Corner while it's still quiet enough to actually read the memorials
Insider tip: Westminster Abbey Tickets. First-entry slots are the smartest move in April.

🎨 Use a rainy spell on Frameless London

Why this month: April showers are real, and this is one of the easiest same-day pivots when the sky turns unreliable.
Best time: Late morning or early evening
Book by: A few days ahead, or sooner for weekend evenings
Crowds: Moderate
Four immersive galleries let you stay inside famous paintings rather than just look at them from a polite museum distance.
Don't miss: The larger projection rooms when the soundtrack swells and the floor seems to move with the walls
Insider tip: Frameless London: Immersive Art Experience Tickets. Morning slots feel calmer than post-lunch sessions.

🍽 Take a Thames dinner cruise as sunset shifts later

Why this month: April gives you evening light without peak-summer prices, and the city still feels crisp rather than sticky.
Best time: Sunset into early evening
Book by: 2–3 weeks ahead for Friday and Saturday sailings
Crowds: Moderate
River views, welcome drinks, and a long glide past Westminster and Tower Bridge make this an easy spring date-night call.
Don't miss: The change in skyline colour between daylight and lit-up bridges
Insider tip: Thames River Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views and Drinks. Dress smart casual and arrive early at the pier.

🌿 Chase tulips and blossom at Kew Gardens

Why this month: April is one of London's best flower months, especially for tulips, magnolias, and fresh spring colour.
Best time: 10am–1pm
Book by: 3–7 days ahead for warm weekends
Crowds: Moderate
Kew is big enough to absorb people, and the plantings feel properly seasonal rather than generic-park pretty.
Don't miss: Long spring borders and the wider sweep of colour near the formal gardens
Insider tip: Go on a weekday if you can; weekend trains to Kew get busier once the forecast turns sunny.

🏃 Soak up London Marathon weekend

Why this month: This is the one April event that changes the whole city, especially along the Thames corridor.
Best time: Morning to early afternoon on race day
Book by: 3–4 weeks ahead for route-side brunches and hotels
Crowds: High on April 26, 2026
Spectating is free, the city noise is different, and whole neighbourhoods turn into cheering points and snack stations.
Don't miss: The energy near Tower Bridge and the late-race push around Westminster
Insider tip: Don't try to cross the route casually. Pick one side of the river and stay there until after your viewing window.

🥯 Spend a cool morning in Brick Lane and Spitalfields

Why this month: April is ideal walking weather for East London's market-and-coffee rhythm, with fewer overheated crowds than summer.
Best time: 9am–1pm
Book by: No booking needed
Crowds: Moderate, higher on Sundays
Start with salt beef bagels, drift through vintage stalls, and use the mild weather to keep moving between stops.
Don't miss: Old Spitalfields for covered browsing if a shower moves in
Insider tip: Go early for the shortest bagel lines, then work outward toward the street art while the pavements are still clear.

Offbeat experiences in April

Two Temple Place winter exhibition

Location: 2 Temple Pl, London WC2R 3BD
When: Through April 2026
A neo-Gothic riverside house opens its seasonal exhibition run before slipping back into its quieter office life.
Tip: Go on a weekday afternoon, then walk the Embankment while the light is still clean.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Location: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
When: Every Sunday in April, 8am–3pm
April is when the market shifts from early bulbs into armfuls of spring stems, herbs, and outdoor plants.
Tip: Arrive before 9am if you want space to browse without being nudged along by the crowd.

Billingsgate Fish Market

Location: Trafalgar Way, London E14 5ST
When: Tuesday–Saturday in April, from 4am
This is London at its least posed: forklifts, crates, shouted prices, and people buying seafood before sunrise.
Tip: Wear shoes you do not mind sacrificing to wet concrete and fish scales.

Crystal Palace dinosaurs at first light

Location: Crystal Palace Park Rd, London SE26 6PT
When: Any clear morning in April, before 10am
The Victorian dinosaur sculptures look better in cool spring light than they do in hard summer sun.
Tip: Pair it with coffee from Crystal Palace triangle afterwards; the park itself wakes up slowly.

Crossness Pumping Station open day

Location: Belvedere Rd, Abbey Wood, London SE2 9AQ
When: Open-day Sundays in April
Ornate ironwork and a former sewage pumping station is a very London combination, and a memorable one.
Tip: Check the month's open-day calendar before you travel out; this is not an everyday walk-in stop.

Postman's Park at lunch hour

Location: King Edward St, London EC1A 7BT
When: Weekdays in April, 12pm–2pm
A small garden near the Barbican hides G.F. Watts' memorial to ordinary heroism, and April gives it softer colour.
Tip: Read the plaques slowly. This is not a box-tick stop, it's a pause.

Festivals and events in London this April 2026

London Craft Week

Dates:April 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:London

Citywide open studios and craft exhibitions focused on making traditions. It is best for design-minded travellers. Popular workshops book out.

Vaisakhi Celebrations

Dates:April 13, 2026 to April 14, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Trafalgar-Platz

Sikh New Year events at Trafalgar Square with a devotional procession (nagar kirtan) and festival programming. Expect family crowds and food stalls.

Mela London

Dates:April 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Alexandra-Palast

A South Asian culture festival at Alexandra Palace with music, dance, and food stalls. It brings north London out. Buy tickets early if required.

Easter Bank Holiday Weekend

Dates:April 3, 2026 to April 6, 2026
Event type:Local events
Location:London

Good Friday to Easter Monday is a UK public holiday stretch with extra museum programming, outdoor events, and seasonal markets. Expect crowding in central zones.

St George's Day Celebrations

Dates:April 23, 2026
Event type:Cultural event
Location:Trafalgar-Platz

England’s patron saint day is marked with events at Trafalgar Square and across London. Expect music and public programming. It is easy to combine with West End plans.

London Marathon

Dates:April 26, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Einkaufszentrum

A World Marathon Major with 50,000 runners from Greenwich to The Mall. Roads close across Zones 1–2. Plan travel and viewing points in advance.

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Planning your April visit

Lead time	What to book	Why & when	Seasonal price change
2–4 months ahead	Easter weekend hotel, Marathon weekend hotel	By late January for April 3–6 and April 24–26, central rooms tighten first	Easter and Marathon windows: +15–30% vs mid-April weekday base
3–6 weeks ahead	London Eye Admission Tickets	Book by mid-March for sunset slots and Saturday evenings	Sunset and weekend slots: +10–20% vs weekday midday
2–4 weeks ahead	Westminster Abbey Tickets	Book by early April for school-holiday mornings and Easter spillover days	Easter week and weekend mornings: +5–15% vs midweek
1–2 weeks ahead	Churchill War Rooms Entry Ticket with Audio Guide	April weather changes fast, so indoor backup plans fill once rain enters the forecast	Usually stable; wet weekend demand can push prime times +5–10%
5–10 days ahead	Thames Sightseeing Cruise with Flexible Time and Departure Pier	Book once the forecast firms up; clear-sky demand matters more than the calendar	Sunny weekend mornings: +5–15% vs cloudy weekdays
2–3 weeks ahead	ABBA Voyage	April city-break traffic keeps Friday–Sunday performances busy	Fri–Sun theatre pricing often sits +10–25% above quieter midweek dates

April highlights for different travellers

Families with kids

Must experience: Matilda The Musical or The Lion King for a weather-proof afternoon that still feels like a treat.
Better in April: Parks, playgrounds, and museums are easier to combine before summer school-holiday crush really lands.

Couples

Must experience: Thames River Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views and Drinks for later daylight, bridge lights, and zero route-planning effort.
Better in April: You get spring evenings and blossom walks without June's hotel pricing.

Art and culture lovers

Must experience: Frameless London plus Westminster or the National Gallery on the same day.
Better in April: Mild walking weather makes museum-hopping less of a slog between stops.

Solo travelers

Must experience: Westminster Abbey Tickets followed by a riverside walk and a flexible Thames cruise.
Better in April: Longer daylight makes central London feel especially easy to navigate alone.

Shopping enthusiasts

Must experience: Easter food halls, flower-market Sundays, and vintage browsing in the East End.
Better in April: Spring stock arrives before May crowds start stripping the best sizes and colours.

Friends groups

Must experience: ABBA Voyage or a West End comedy night, then late drinks in Soho or Shoreditch.
Better in April: You can still find group bookings without full summer premiums.

Foodies

Must experience: Borough Market, hot cross buns, and the first British asparagus appearing late in the month.
Better in April: Seasonal menus shift into spring, but restaurant reservations are still manageable.

Adventure seekers

Must experience: London Marathon weekend spectating, brisk city walks, and skyline views in changing weather.
Better in April: Cool air makes long walking days and open-top viewpoints more comfortable.

London in April: Your perfect 3-day itinerary

Morning: Start at Westminster Abbey on the first timed entry. April mornings are cool enough for a brisk walk from St James's Park without arriving sweaty or frazzled.
Breakfast: Grab coffee and a pastry near Victoria or St James's before queues build. If you want something bigger, go for a Full English at a proper cafe rather than a hotel buffet.
Midday: Walk through St James's Park toward Buckingham Palace. If your day lines up, watch the guard ceremony or the Horse Guards version. April is ideal for this because you can stand outside comfortably and the park's flowerbeds actually look alive.
Lunch: Head to the South Bank by Tube or bus. Eat at Borough Market if you're happy to zigzag between stalls, or keep it simple with fish and chips and a pint nearby.
Afternoon: Take a spin on the London Eye. Late afternoon works well in April because the light stays kind for longer and the skyline often looks cleaner than in high summer haze.
Evening: Walk the river to Waterloo or Blackfriars, depending on energy. For dinner, pick a riverside table or lean fully into theatre-night mode with a pre-show set menu in Covent Garden. End with a West End show such as Wicked, Hamilton, or The Play That Goes Wrong.

Morning: Be at the Tower of London close to opening. This is still the best way to see the Crown Jewels before the line thickens. April weekday mornings are one of the smarter windows, especially outside Easter.
Breakfast: Keep it quick, coffee and something portable near Tower Hill, because the first hour inside the Tower is worth protecting.
Midday: Cross into Tower Bridge and walk the high glass walkway. If the weather turns, the indoor Engine Rooms save the stop from feeling too exposed.
Lunch: Move toward Spitalfields or Brick Lane. Order a salt beef bagel, dim sum in Soho later if you prefer, or go for curry if you're hungry enough for a sit-down meal. Brick Lane works especially well in April because walking between murals, market stalls, and bakeries still feels easy in a jacket.
Afternoon: Use your energy level to choose between two moods: Churchill War Rooms if you want deeper history, or Frameless London if a shower starts chasing you. Both are strong second-half-of-day options because they do not rely on the forecast behaving.
Evening: Finish with a Thames Sightseeing Cruise if light holds, or go east for drinks and dinner in Shoreditch. If your group likes music and tech-driven spectacle, this is a good night for ABBA Voyage.

Morning: Go west to Kew Gardens or north to a long spring walk on Hampstead Heath, depending on whether you want formal planting or open views. April is prime time for colour, and this is the day that shows London is not only stone, traffic, and queue management.
Breakfast: If you're heading to Kew, keep breakfast near your station and travel light. If you're going to Hampstead side, a bakery stop and coffee to-go makes more sense than a full sit-down meal.
Midday: Return toward central London and take it slower. Covent Garden is good for light shopping and people-watching; Soho is better if lunch is your main event.
Lunch: Book somewhere that leans into spring produce. Late-April asparagus, seasonal greens, and lighter menus begin showing up more often now. If you want something classic, order a Sunday roast if your trip hits a Sunday.
Afternoon: Use this slot for anything you missed: The View from The Shard Tickets, Madame Tussauds London, or an Arsenal FC Stadium Tour with Audio Guide if your trip needs a sport detour.
Evening: End with something specifically London. That could be a jazz set, a comedy room, or dinner followed by a last walk across the South Bank while the river is still carrying the last of the daylight.

Best day trips from London in April

Windsor Castle

Travel time: About 35 min by rail from Paddington, plus transfer depending on route
April is a strong month for Windsor because castle interiors pair well with mild walking weather around the town and river.

Oxford

Travel time: About 55 min by rail from Paddington
College quads and long street walks feel much better in spring, and you avoid the hotter, busier summer coach traffic.

Cambridge

Travel time: About 50 min by rail from King's Cross
April is good for chapel visits, riverside walking, and early punting season before exam-term intensity fully kicks in.

Warwick Castle

Travel time: Around 1.5–2 hr depending on rail or tour option
Experience match: Warwick Castle Entry Tickets. April gives you castle interiors plus grounds without peak-school-summer pressure.

What to eat in London in April: Seasonal delicacies

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Seasonal Asparagus [British asparagus]

April’s late-month asparagus season begins, so look for asparagus menus. Order as a starter, with butter.

Where to get: London

Persian Saffron Ice Cream (Bastani) [saffron ice cream]

April warms up, so bastani with rosewater and pistachio fits. Try mid-afternoon, after museum time.

Where to get: London

Afternoon Tea [tea with sandwiches and scones]

April spring light suits scones, sandwiches and pastries at tea time. Book for 3–5pm slots.

Where to get: London

Nasi Lemak [Malaysian coconut rice]

April walking days suit coconut rice with sambal and anchovies. Eat at lunch, add extra sambal.

Where to get: London

Brick Lane Bagels [East London bagels]

April’s longer days suit a salt beef bagel between markets. Go early, and carry it for a park sit.

Where to get: London

Go shopping in London in April

When: Through Easter weekend, April 3–6, 2026
Where: 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
Go here for chocolate eggs, biscuits, and gift tins rather than everyday groceries. Start on the food floors first; the decorative displays pull crowds fast.

When: Every Sunday in April
Where: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
April is the month for spring stems, potted herbs, and balcony-ready plants. Bring cash as backup, and buy late only if you are bargain-hunting.

When: Thursday–Saturday in April, busiest around April 2–4, 2026
Where: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Best for cheese, small-batch chutneys, pastries, and edible gifts. Enter from the Southwark Street side early if you want calmer browsing.

When: Saturdays in April
Where: Portobello Rd, London W11
April is a smart month to look for lighter jackets, scarves, tableware, and home pieces before tourist-heavy summer Saturdays thicken up.

Pro tips for visiting London in April

• Book London Marathon viewing spots or plan alternative routes, as major roads in Zones 1–2 close on race day.
• Head to Kew Gardens or Kensington Gardens early for peak tulip displays and manageable crowds.
• Reserve Chelsea Flower Show tickets months in advance; April is too late for best availability.
• Go early to Easter markets and public gardens during the holiday weekend, as they fill quickly.
• Choose indoor attractions on rainy days—museums and galleries are less crowded in the afternoons.
• Avoid driving or taking buses near marathon and Easter event routes due to closures and delays.
• Skip small business visits on Good Friday and Easter Monday, as many are closed or have reduced hours.
• Book restaurant terraces in Covent Garden for spring dining; reservations fill up fast on sunny weekends.

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Frequently asked questions about visiting London in April

Expect cool to mild days, usually around 9–15°C in April in London. Mornings and evenings still need a jacket, and short showers are common.

London in April: Weather, crowds, top events, and things to do

London in April at a glance

How April compares with March and May

Plan ahead: Must-visit experiences for London in April

London Eye Entry Tickets

Top things to do in London in April

🌷 St James's Park and the royal guard route

🌤 Ride the London Eye on a clear April afternoon

🏛 Walk through Westminster Abbey before lunch

🎨 Use a rainy spell on Frameless London

🍽 Take a Thames dinner cruise as sunset shifts later

🌿 Chase tulips and blossom at Kew Gardens

🏃 Soak up London Marathon weekend

🥯 Spend a cool morning in Brick Lane and Spitalfields

Offbeat experiences in April

Two Temple Place winter exhibition

Columbia Road Flower Market

Billingsgate Fish Market

Crystal Palace dinosaurs at first light

Crossness Pumping Station open day

Postman's Park at lunch hour

Festivals and events in London this April 2026

London Craft Week

Vaisakhi Celebrations

Mela London

Easter Bank Holiday Weekend

St George's Day Celebrations

London Marathon

Planning your April visit

April highlights for different travellers

Families with kids

Couples

Art and culture lovers

Solo travelers

Shopping enthusiasts

Friends groups

Foodies

Adventure seekers

London in April: Your perfect 3-day itinerary

Best day trips from London in April

Windsor Castle

Oxford

Cambridge

Warwick Castle

What to eat in London in April: Seasonal delicacies

Seasonal Asparagus [British asparagus]

Persian Saffron Ice Cream (Bastani) [saffron ice cream]

Afternoon Tea [tea with sandwiches and scones]

Nasi Lemak [Malaysian coconut rice]

Brick Lane Bagels [East London bagels]

Go shopping in London in April

Pro tips for visiting London in April

Frequently asked questions about visiting London in April

What is the weather like in London in April?

Does it rain every day in April?

Is April a good time to visit London?

How crowded is London in April?

What should I pack for London in April?

Are attractions open over Easter?

Should I book London attractions in advance in April?

Is the London Marathon a problem for sightseeing?

Is April warm enough for river cruises and walking tours?

What are the best free things to do in London in April?

Is April good for families?

Is April good for couples?

Are hotel prices high in April?

What food is seasonal in London in April?

Is London walkable in April?

🌿 Chase tulips and blossom at Kew Gardens

🏃 Soak up London Marathon weekend

🥯 Spend a cool morning in Brick Lane and Spitalfields

Two Temple Place winter exhibition

Columbia Road Flower Market

Billingsgate Fish Market

Crystal Palace dinosaurs at first light

Crossness Pumping Station open day

Postman's Park at lunch hour

Shopping enthusiasts

Foodies

Adventure seekers