London is set in its own ways. It may be counted among the tourist destinations to hit in Europe, but there is nothing about London that will seem familiar to you if you have never been to the United Kingdom. A metropolis in its own right, London is so much more than just a capital city. It has an old soul that is rapidly disappearing from the face of our planet. It knows its roots and would much rather reminisce about them than look at the obsessions of the world. Once in London, you will see how it is possible to be modern and seize every moment while being nestled in the lull of the past. In May, London opens its doors to warmer weather and a bigger audience.
What makes London in May Special?
Pleasant weather dominates the other selling points for a tour of London in May. London’s coldest months can be quite brutal, and therefore the month of May is possibly the time you should be looking to visit the city. London in May is a visual treat bar none. Spring is in full flow, and even though it can be a bit unseemly to witness rain in Spring, the generous splash of colors in the numerous London parks are not to be missed. Given the weather and outdoor conditions, Londoners generally perk up during May. And since half the life London has is rendered by the locals, May represents one of the best times to spend in London.
The locals are friendly and polite, which adds a new spin on your trip. Finally, London in May is buzzing. Apart from numerous art and craft exhibitions, London also becomes a melting pot of different cultures and interests. You will not spend a dull day in London in May.
London in May : Weather
Weather in London at any time of the year is infamously wet. In May, it rains for an average of 15 days in the city. There is no snowing, however. The average temperature in May remains between 18°C and 10°C. The days are pleasant and the nights are on the cooler side. The best thing about the May weather in London is the complete lack of fog.
Visiting London in May : Things to do
1
Tower of London
The Tower of London remains at the top of the most recommended London attractions. The city of London is defined by its history, and this sprawling monument is a crown jewel of the city. Be it the impressive White Tower or the expansive jewel collection, the Tower of London represents the history of the city. In May, the Tower of London is crowded, yet worth queueing up for.
May Timings
Tue - Sat - 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sun - Mon - 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB,
UK
Getting There ›
5% Cashback + Upto 10% off on tickets
5% Cashback + Upto 10% off on tickets
5% Cashback + Upto 10% off on tickets
Includes free guided tour of Tower of London
2
The Shard
The Shard represents the glamorous side of London. Settling right beside the Thames, this quirky structure never lets you take your eyes off it. Just like the name suggests, the building looks like a shard of glass and houses a high-end hotel, office area, shopping complex, and residential quarters within itself. However, come May, you should check out the viewing decks in the building, which offer an unparalleled perspective of London.
May Timings
Daily 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG,
UK
Getting There ›
3
Westminster Abbey
The Westminster Abbey is known for its exemplary preservation of Gothic architecture. During its heydays, the structure used to be huge, but now its glory is limited to the western facade. Each hall provides you with a unique opportunity of exploring the glorious past of Britain. Look out for special exhibitions that pop up during the high season of May.
May Timings
Mon - Fri - 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sat - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday - Open for services
Timings are subject to change regularly; visit the official website for confirmation.
20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA,
UK
Getting There ›
4
Stonehenge - Day Trip
Stonehenge is a British cultural and heritage landmark and is situated a small distance off London. The Stonehenge comprises of independently erected stone blocks, each weighing up to 25 tons. It is said that this used to be a burial ground, and many myths have come about revolving around that. In May, the attraction is a bit packed, but still quite pleasant as the structure is in an outdoor setting.
May Timings
Daily - 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Amesbury, Salisbury SP4 7DE,
UK
Getting There ›
Explore Stonehenge, Exhibition Centre and areas in the vicinity
Choose from a list of options
Includes Transfers from/to London
Relish a 12-hour tour in an A/C coach.
5
West End Theatre
London is a hub of art as well, and West End Theatre bears a bulk of the responsibility of reminding the visitors about the same. West End is the London equivalent of Broadway. Numerous fabled musicals and plays have made their way to the West End, and it is absolutely mandatory for anyone who admires performance art to experience a show. You will be lucky to witness a number of new shows if you find yourself here in May this year.
40 Bloomsbury Way Lower Ground Floor, London WC1A 2SE,
UK
Getting There ›
6
River Thames Cruise
May brings out a very beautiful color in London along with a feeling of warmth in the air. Enjoy the weather to the fullest on one of the river cruises on the Thames. Gorge on the offering of the snack bars on board the ships as you witness the gorgeous banks of the river. The trip from Westminster to Greenwich Pier provides a great perspective of London.
Pipers Island, Bridge St, Reading RG4 8AH,
UK
Getting There ›
7
Thorpe Park Resort
If an adrenaline rush is what you are looking for, Thorpe Park Resort is the place for you. The theme park has carved a place for itself in the itineraries of thrill seekers in the area. With as many as 30 rides of varying levels of thrill, the park is suitable for visitors of all ages. A clear May morning may be the best time to enjoy the park and its offerings.
May Timings
Check the official site for up to date information.
Staines Rd, Chertsey KT16 8PN,
UK
Getting There ›
8
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is one of the places that the city of London is quite proud of. With a vast array of national and international figures appearing in their hyper-realistic wax version in the museum, it is justifiably one of the most popular attractions in the city. Even with a swell in the number of visitors in May, Madame Tussauds bars you from coming up with any excuse to miss it.
Marylebone Rd, Marylebone, London NW1 5LR,
UK
Getting There ›
9
London Stadium Tour
The city of London loves sports. It is home to a number of historically relevant sporting arenas. Visit the Wimbledon Museum, or head over to one of the major football stadiums in the city. The Wembley Stadium, Stamford Bridge, the Emirates Stadium, London Stadium are all legendary venues in their own right. You may also choose to make a day trip out of visiting Liverpool FC’s Anfield.
London,
UK
Getting There ›
10
Warner Bros. Studio - Harry Potter Tour
Take a trip down memory lane with the magical world of Harry Potter. Just a few kilometers from the main city is the meticulously planned Warner Bros. Studio which has stored many of sets and props used during the making of the wildly popular film series. You will even see the costumes designed for the series carefully preserved in the studio. Even with the crowd, feel free to take your time to explore the entire studio.
Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden WD25 7LR,
UK
Getting There ›
London in May : Events to Look Out For
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
May 21 - 25, 2019
Experience the best in gardening at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. Held every Spring, this is perhaps the most famous flower and landscape garden show in the world. The first show was held way back in 1912 and since then, it has become one of the marquee events in London.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
May 30 - July 14, 2019
The most significant event in the cricketing calendar begins in May at the historical Kennington Oval. The top ten sides in the world will battle it out at the homeland of the sport itself. Cricket is quite popular in England, and this event is bound to attract a lot of attention all over the world. Grab this opportunity to obtain an unparalleled sporting arena experience.
State Opening of Parliament
TBC
The State Opening of Parliament is an event that takes place in London to formally mark the beginning of a Parliament session. The elaborate event is aimed at celebrating the history and the culture of the nation. The State Opening of Parliament is marked by an address from the throne by the Queen. It is held at the House of Lords chamber.
Museums at Night
TBC
Every year, museums in London open their doors after regular hours to let in new visitors. Generally, entry is free of cost in most museums. This is done to acquaint more and more people with history and cultural heritage. At some places, there are special ticketed events as well. This is a biannual event that is held all across Europe and Asia.
Photo London
May 16 - 19, 2019
Photo London brings together some of the greatest photographers in London and the world to contribute to a fair that exhibits the very best creative talents. It is the premier photography event in the UK and sees museums and galleries take part in it. If you are into discovering the best of the world around you visually, this event is recommended for you.
London Craft Week
May 8 - 12, 2019
This annual London event is known to showcase the best in the world of craftsmanship. The event sees the participation of a few masters of the craft along with some unknown up-and-coming names. There are workshops that let you discover the background and history of the craft as well. London Craft Week celebrates authenticity, imagination, individuality, passion, and skill.
London in May : 5-day Itinerary
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
London in May : Essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT+1
Country Code+44
Socket Type G
CurrencyPound (£, GBP)
London Weather in May
Weather in London in the month of May rarely goes beyond 25°C and rarely drops below 4°C. The average temperature is around 15°C. May is springtime in London, yet there is a fair bit of rain. On sunny days, the weather is warm with a slight breeze.
Where to Stay in London during May
London is used to the high tourist season, so there is no dearth of accommodation in the city. In May, you may not find any additional discount on hotel rates. However, there are sufficient places to stay that will fit into your budget. Decide on your itinerary and then choose the place you want to stay at, depending on what all you want to cover.
- 5 & 4-star Hotels - The Connaught, Hotel 41, The Goring
- Mid-Range Hotels - The Montague on The Gardens, Park Grand London Kensington, The Chesterfield Mayfair
- Budget Stays - The Hide London, Premier Inn London City (Aldgate) Hotel, Hotel Moonlight
What to Pack for Visiting London in May
London’s weather is infamous for being unpredictable. Do not take a chance with it and pack plenty of light clothes for warm days. However, the city is never too warm to leave behind a scarf. You should also pack umbrellas, waterproof coats, and boots for the inevitable rainy days.
Getting Around London in May
The city of London is quite busy and thus requires an elaborate transport network. To facilitate that, the city is divided into 32 boroughs. The Tube railway network connects almost all of these boroughs and is used extensively by the locals. Local trains are also reliable and connect the boroughs that are not frequented by the Tube.
Driverless trains serve East and Southeast London. The trademark double-decker buses of London also ply across the city and can be availed for a comprehensive tour of the city. If you are looking for a more touristy way to get around the city, the waterways are always an option.
Must-Try Dishes While Visiting London in May
Think about where you are. It is a no-brainer that you should start your day with a traditional English breakfast. It is an elaborate platter that comprises toast, sausages, eggs, mushrooms, blood pudding, mashed potatoes, and other vegetables. Have an English Breakfast at either The Breakfast Club or Hawksmoor Guildhall to experience the best of it.
This recognizable English essential is now making its way to all cafes and pubs around the world. Fish and chips in London are generally seen with a number of personalizations depending on where it is being served. Most often, it is served with mashed peas with a dash of salt, pepper, and vinegar. Find the best Fish and chips at Poppie’s and Rock & Sole Plaice.
This is a London classic. Even though it is quite heavy and filling, it is believed to be healthy since it is baked and not fried. Consisting of steak covered in pate inside puff pastry, this flaky delicacy is served across most restaurants in the city. Some have come up with alternative versions of it with sausages and salmon replacing the beef. The best Beef Wellington is served at Hawksmoor.
Don’t let the name confuse you. Yorkshire pudding is no dessert. This is a classic British dish that is served with a number of accompaniments. A batter is fried and then soaked in gravy. This is served with spiced vegetables. On the side is a roast of beef, pork, chicken, duck, or turkey. The best Yorkshire Pudding can be had at Joanna’s and Mr. Fogg’s Tavern.
You didn’t think that you will come to London and leave without having a cup of tea, did you? Londoners love their tea, be it in the morning or in the afternoon. A traditional English household serves tea along with a light snack like scones, biscuits, or muffins. Head along to The Ampersand Hotel or Aqua Shard for the best tea in the city.
Tips for Visiting London in May
- Get a Visitor Oyster Card upon arriving in London. It lets you avail the transport networks of the city along with free entry to a few attractions.
- Take some time out of your schedule to visit the numerous parks in the city on a clear day to experience the Spring in London.
- Head out on a day trip outside the city limits to avoid the crowd in the high season of May.
- Make sure you already have the reservations before you visit London in May since most of the attractions are extremely popular to make spot bookings.
Explore London by Months
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Ready To Visit London in May?
Here are some helpful links to make your trip to London in May a smooth sail:
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