May Super Seven 2025

My curated guide of 7 things to see and do in London this month...

There is nothing like the joy of tulips, wisteria and blossom all over London to get me in the mood for my birthday month. It also is the only month in our calendar year to have two bank holidays - I think that is the perfect excuse to visit London.

Wisteria season in London

This month starts with the 80th anniversary VE Day celebrations. London streets are awash with union jacks ready for celebrations.

1. VE Day 80 | It is the 80th anniversary since the war in Europe ended and London is commemorating it in style. There is a lot going on in London for everyone to enjoy. I’ve written a separate blog post, however it is behind my paywall, as it has taken ages to pull together. It includes a flypast and lots of horses!
   VE Day 80 London 5 - 8 May 2025
   

   

   
   

2. The Tower of London Remembers | The poppies return to the Tower of London with a new, but smaller display than that of 2014, when 888,246 ceramic poppies cascaded around the Tower. Each poppy represented a British military fatality during WWI.
   
   Entry to The Tower of London from £35.80 concessions available.
   Tower of London, Tower Hill. 6 May - 11 November 2025.
   

3. London Craft Week 12-18 May 2025 | Have you booked something? I can’t bang on enough about how great this week is. Take a look at the programme and pick one or two things to do and be inspired by.
   London Craft Week 12-18 May 2025. All over London
   

4. Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party at The Garden Museum 14 May - 21 September 2025 | If ever there was a reason to visit this small gorgeous museum it will be for this exhibition. Cecil Beaton was an iconic photographer, designer and an accomplished artist. This exhibition will showcase the role flowers played in his creativity. Exhibition is designed by Luke Edward Hall. Booking essential.
   Cecil Beaton’s Garden Party 14 May - 21 September 2025. Garden Museum, Lambeth.
   

   

   Cecil Beaton, Clerkenwell Design Festival, Chelsea in Bloom

   
   

5. RHS Chelsea Flower Show 20 - 24 May 2025 | Flowers galore in and around Chelsea. Don’t despair if you haven’t got tickets to this quintessential British event, the surrounding areas have you covered.
   
   Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom will provide you with shop front floral displays that will take your breath away. I will link maps to both nearer the time when they are released.
   RHS Chelsea, Royal Hospital 20-24 May 2025

   

   Chelsea in Bloom

6. Tate Modern Birthday Weekender 9 - 12 May 2025 | I can’t believe Tate Modern is 25, but it is and they are celebrating in style over 4 days in May with two insane Lates. All the events are free, but booking is required for crowd controlled events. Don’t miss this one off event. It will be super cool. Be sure to check out the new Do Ho Suh : Walk The House exhibition that opened 1 May.
   Tate Modern 9-12 May 2025
   

7. Photo London 15 - 18 May 2025 | I look forward to this show each year. This is their tenth anniversary, and without a doubt you get to see the best selection of photography from visiting galleries all over the world. The Talk Programme is organised by Thames & Hudson and sells out so book soon. Don’t rush your visit is my one bit of advice. Ticketed
   Somerset House 15-18 May 2025
   

   

   Do Ho Suh at The Tate, Photo London, Barnes Fragrant Fair

The Extra’s

Canalway Cavalcade 3 - 5 May. This charming cavalcade in Little Venice celebrates everything on the water and its community over the bank holiday weekend. Boats are dressed up with flags and lights. Daily from 10am - 6pm. The Illuminated boat procession is on Sunday at 9pm. On Monday it closes down at 5pm.
Little Venice W9 2PF and W2 6NE.

Clerkenwell Design Week 20-22 May 2025 | Another fantastic design festival in East London, well worth visiting for cutting edge design installations in one of London’s most creative districts celebrating design and architecture. Free, but registration required.
Clerkenwell Design Week, Farringdon 20-22 May 2025

Barnes Fragrance Fair Saturday 17 May. I’m perfume obsessed and this little festival in Barnes just keeps growing, so I know I’m not alone. The Fair will have over 24 independent uk brands selling their scented wares, but more than that, it is free to attend. Workshops and talks require tickets. Booking essential.
Barnes Fragrance Fair, 17 May 2025.

If you’re interested in more specific recommendations—be it for family outings, romantic dates, or unique experiences—feel free to ask!