Spring events in London and nearby areas
1. Kew Orchids
A great early-season option, Orchids at Kew Gardens runs from 7 February to 8 March 2026 in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. The 2026 edition is inspired by China’s biodiversity and marks the festival’s 30th anniversary, making it one of the most visually striking seasonal events in London before the main spring rush begins.
2. The Boat Race
One of London’s classic spring sporting spectacles, The Boat Race takes place on Saturday 4 April 2026 along the Thames from Putney to Mortlake. The official timetable lists the women’s race at 14:21 and the men’s race at 15:21, and because it is watched from the riverside, it is also one of the city’s best free spring events.
3. Ideal Home Show
If your audience is interested in interiors, renovation, gardens or lifestyle events, the Ideal Home Show is a strong spring inclusion. It runs at Olympia London from 10 to 19 April 2026 and positions itself as a major showcase for home design, DIY, décor and garden inspiration.
4. London Marathon
The TCS London Marathon takes place on Sunday 26 April 2026 and remains one of the capital’s most famous annual events. The official event overview confirms the date, while Visit London lists the start at Blackheath and the finish on The Mall. Even for non-runners, it is a huge citywide spectator event and one of the best weekends to experience London’s atmosphere.
5. Royal Windsor Horse Show
For a spring day trip just outside London, Royal Windsor Horse Show runs from 14 to 17 May 2026 in the private grounds of Windsor Castle. The official site describes it as the only time each year the private grounds are open to the public for the event, with top-level equestrian competition and entertainment.
6. RHS Chelsea Flower Show
A flagship event of the London spring calendar, RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 19 to 23 May 2026 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. It is one of the biggest and most prestigious flower shows in the world, and for many visitors it is the defining London event of late spring.
7. FA Cup Final and Women’s FA Cup Final
Visit London’s 2026 events calendar lists the FA Cup Final on 16 May and the Women’s FA Cup Final on 31 May at Wembley, giving football fans two major reasons to visit the capital during spring. These fixtures also pair well with a wider London weekend because of Wembley’s transport links and the broader May events calendar in the city.
8. Blenheim Palace spring events
If you want to broaden the “surrounding areas” angle beyond Greater London, Blenheim Palace has a useful spring line-up for day trips from the capital. Its official events page lists Easter at Blenheim Palace from 3 to 6 April 2026, a Jousting Tournament from 2 to 4 May, and the Blenheim Palace Food Festival from 23 to 25 May.