With the cold of winter past, there are few places in the world more enjoyable than London in the spring. And this spring will be a particularly memorable one with the first Royal Wedding in the capital since Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s in 1981. But there are so many other reasons to visit London.
London’s patron saint, St. George, the legendary slayer of dragons, has a national holiday celebrated on April 23rd. In Trafalgar Square you can party like an Englishman with the official St. George’s Day celebration with music, food, and performers in period dress. April 23rd is also the day celebrated as William Shakespeare’s birthday, with events held honoring the Bard at the carefully historically recreated Globe Theater in Southwark.
As mentioned, the major event of the spring – and the biggest even in London in decades – will be Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding on April 29 at Westminster Abbey. While you’ll probably not be able to score an invite without some royal lineage, you can still watch the newlyweds parade from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace, but arrive early as London is expecting record crowds. You can visit the site of the wedding as the over 900-year old Abbey offers an audio tour or by attending a free Evensong.
Often lost in the busy city are the numerous parks which make for a memorable relaxing day and an oasis from the fast-paced city. Spring is the ideal time to visit them, as color returns to the parks and Londoners go out for leisurely strolls. For a unique experience, rent a rowboat in Hyde Park and paddle along the Serpentine.
For music lovers, it doesn’t get any better than seeing Eric Clapton, London’s arguably greatest guitarist ever at London’s most famous music venue, the Royal Albert Hall. Located in Knightsbridge, the Royal Albert Hall opened in 1871 and has played host to every kind of musician and famously featured in The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life.” There will be multiple chances to see the legendary Cream guitarist as he plays “Layla” and other hits at his residency from May 17-24 in his hometown.
Spring is also a particularly good time to be in London as Wembley Stadium hosts the Champions League Final on May 28. For the football (soccer) crazed nation, this is Europe’s version of the Super Bowl, as Europe’s two best soccer teams play for the championship. If you can’t get one of the 90,000 seats to the game, just about every pub in the city will be showing the big game.
London in the springtime is a unique time in the vibrant city. These London apartments will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
You can rent a huge two bedroom duplex (LN-984) in the heart of London’ Soho neighborhood, well within walking distances to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.
This beautiful modern two bedroom apartment in Hampstead, London (LN-362) is a short Tube ride to Wembley Stadium and to Central London.
What’s your favorite event in London in the spring?
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