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5x Things To Do This May 2026 Bank Holiday Weekend

What to do on a Bank Holiday Weekend? The May bank holidays are some of the most eagerly awaited weekends of the year — a perfect excuse for Londoners to break free from the work routine, soak up the city’s best offerings, and make the most of that extra day off. And with the promise of (hopefully) milder spring weather, blooming parks, rooftop drinks and outdoor markets, there’s no better time to plan your weekend adventures.


If you’re wondering what to do this May bank holiday weekend in London, we’ve got you covered. From creative workshops to flower-filled walks and cultural pop-ups, here’s a guide to five of the best things to do over the long weekend — including an unmissable painting experience at Art Play London.


Things To Do This May 2025 Bank Holiday Weekend

1️⃣ Immerse Yourself in Unguided Painting at Art Play London

When: Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th May 2026

Where: Art Play, Chelsea or Shoreditch venues

Price: From £28pp

Book: Freeflow Sat & Sun Unguided Painting


If you’re craving a relaxing, creative activity this bank holiday weekend, Art Play London’s Freeflow Unguided Painting sessions are the perfect pick. Hosted in their stylish Chelsea studio, this unique experience invites you to unleash your inner artist in a welcoming, unpressured environment.


Unlike a traditional paint class, there’s no formal instruction — just you, your canvas, and a palette of vibrant colours to play with. Whether you want to work from a reference image, paint your favourite memory, or simply let your brush lead the way, it’s your time to create.


The vibe is friendly and informal, making it ideal for:

  • Solo visitors looking for a mindful activity

  • Couples on a creative date

  • Groups of friends after a laid-back, Instagram-worthy outing


Why it’s a must: It’s the ultimate feel-good activity for creatives and novices alike — and a refreshing alternative to the typical bank holiday boozy brunch.


May bank holiday weekend London 2025

2️⃣ Wander Through Columbia Road Flower Market

When: Sunday 4th May 2026

Where: Columbia Road, East London

Price: Free (unless you can resist the peonies)

One of London’s most iconic weekend experiences, Columbia Road Flower Market is a sensory delight and the perfect excuse to embrace the spirit of spring. Every Sunday, this charming East London street transforms into a riot of colour, with traders selling everything from towering foxgloves and fragrant roses to potted herbs and houseplants.

Expect bustling crowds, the scent of fresh blooms in the air, and the familiar sound of stallholders bellowing out bargain deals on armfuls of tulips and hydrangeas.


After picking up a bunch (or three) of flowers, dip into the surrounding independent boutiques, vintage shops, and coffee spots. Laxeiro, a cosy Spanish restaurant nearby, serves up excellent tapas and sangria if you fancy extending your East End wander.


Why it’s a must: Columbia Road in full bloom is a proper London tradition — and one that’s best enjoyed in the spring sunshine of a bank holiday.


things to do in London bank holiday

3️⃣ Rooftop Cocktails at Pergola Paddington

When: Open daily

Where: 5 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central, London W2

Price: Free entry — food and drink individually priced

There’s nothing quite like sipping a cocktail under the open sky, and Pergola Paddington is one of the city’s best outdoor drinking spots. Tucked away behind Paddington Station, this leafy, multi-level venue comes alive during bank holidays, with live DJs, street food stalls and plenty of Aperol-fuelled energy.


The venue features a retractable roof (handy for unpredictable May weather) and is decked out with floral installations, fairy lights, and communal benches — perfect for big group get-togethers or casual date nights.


Food traders change regularly but you’ll usually find everything from loaded burgers to bao buns and vegan small plates. Drinks-wise, expect summery spritzes, frozen margaritas, and an impressive craft beer list.


Why it’s a must: It’s effortlessly cool, great for group vibes, and a proper Londoner’s way to celebrate a long weekend.


London weekend activities May 2025

4️⃣ Catch the May Bank Holiday Pop-Ups at Southbank Centre

When: Friday 2nd – Monday 5th May 2026

Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1

Price: Free entry, some ticketed events

Southbank Centre is always a top spot for riverside strolls, but it truly comes into its own on bank holiday weekends. Throughout May, expect pop-up food markets, street performers, and special events spanning music, art, and performance.

For the 2026 bank holiday, highlights include:

  • A weekend-long independent book fair

  • Open-air DJ sets on the Riverside Terrace

  • The return of Underbelly Festival with cabaret, comedy, and immersive shows

  • A craft beer and street food market showcasing London’s best microbreweries


You can grab a craft ale, soak up the riverside views, and watch impromptu busker performances as the sun sets over the Thames.


Why it’s a must: It offers that classic London mix of culture, food, drink and unbeatable riverside atmosphere — and most of it’s free.


creative activities London 2025

5️⃣ Explore Chelsea in Bloom 2026

When: Monday 19th – Sunday 25th May 2026

Where: Various locations, Chelsea

Price: Free

Okay, technically this overlaps with the second May bank holiday weekend, but it’s too beautiful not to mention if you’re in London around then. Chelsea in Bloom is an annual floral art trail where local boutiques, restaurants, and hotels create extravagant flower displays on their shopfronts to celebrate the Chelsea Flower Show.


Think towering peony arches, wild floral sculptures, and whimsical installations — all completely free to view as you wander the streets of Chelsea. The 2026 theme is rumoured to be Garden Dreams, promising otherworldly, nature-inspired designs.

Start on Sloane Square, pick up a trail map, and weave your way through Pavilion Road, King’s Road, and Duke of York Square.


Combine it with a stop at Art Play London for a Freeflow Painting Session (it’s literally minutes away) and you’ve got the makings of a perfect, flower-filled Chelsea day out.


Why it’s a must: It’s one of London’s prettiest, feel-good outdoor art events — and it’s entirely free.


Bonus Ideas if You’re Staying Local

If you’re not venturing far or the weather looks dubious, here are a few honourable mentions worth considering:

  • Hire a GoBoat on Regent’s Canal — Pack a picnic and captain your own eco-friendly electric boat from Paddington to Little Venice.

  • Visit Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens — A secret-feeling garden escape ideal for sunny afternoons.

  • Browse Borough Market’s spring specials — Think English asparagus, fresh crab, and sourdough doughnuts.

  • Take a Sunday Roast river cruise — Yes, it’s a thing, with epic skyline views along the Thames.

  • Book a cinema date at Everyman King’s Cross — Plush armchairs, cocktails, and cult classics on screen.


Final Thoughts: Make This Bank Holiday Count

Whether you’re in the mood for painting and prosecco, riverside cocktails, flower markets or open-air gigs, London’s May 2026 bank holiday weekend is shaping up to be one to remember.

And if you’re seeking a mindful, creative escape from the crowds? Head straight for Art Play London’s Freeflow Unguided Painting Sessions — because sometimes, the best way to spend a long weekend is with a brush in one hand and a glass of something chilled in the other.

Happy bank holidaying, London.

Apr 28

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