London in Spring

Blossom, bright skies and a brilliant line-up of events

There’s an upshot to living with quite a bit of rain. At the first glimmer of spring, the joy of a Londoner is unparalleled. We become unrecognisable, bursting into spontaneous song, exchanging pleasantries with the ducks on the Serpentine and even making eye contact on the Underground. There is no city in the world quite like London in March, April and May and it would be an outrage for you to miss out on all it has to offer. 

Big John’s big recommendations

For those of you who know Big John, our Head Concierge, the change in season makes him almost insensible with delight. New theatre productions, exhibitions and events, particularly the kind that sell out, are what stirs his soul.

Here are his top suggestions for spring: 

If ever there were a bear made for the stage, it is Paddington. Tom Fletcher has written a wonderfully catchy score, and the production captures everything we adore about our favourite bear from Peru. Paddington, the Musical is charming, joyful and, rather like Paddington himself, impossible not to love.

Kinky Boots is an exuberant, uplifting musical full of eye-catching costumes and towering heels. With toe-tapping music by Cyndi Lauper, the story follows a struggling Northampton shoe factory and a dazzling drag performer named Lola.

Robert Icke’s interpretation of Romeo and Juliet breathes new life into this classic Shakespearean tale. Actors Noah Jupe (Hamnet) and Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) bring a youthful intensity and some silver screen magic to the intimate Harold Pinter Theatre.

Rachel Joyce’s much-loved novel comes to the stage. The Pilgrimage of Harold Fry tells the story of unassuming Harold Fry, who walks across England to visit a dying friend. Simply staged with a gentle folk-pop score, the play is both uplifting and affecting.

In Shadowlands, Hugh Bonneville plays the author CS Lewis, a staunchly Christian Oxford don who falls for the feisty American poet Joy Davidman, played by Maggie Siff.  These powerful actors bring tenderness, joy and heartache to their roles. 

Sondheim’s musicals might be considered excessive, but Into the Woods really is an intelligent theatrical masterpiece, which you can’t fail to be spellbound by. The director Jordan Fein skillfully weaves several fairytales together.

What could be more soothing than Seurat’s light-filled canvases at the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House? Running until the 17th May, the French artist’s seascapes are on show in his signature dotted style – a Neo-impressionist treat.  We’re also terrifically excited for a new exhibition at The King’s Gallery at our neighbours in Buckingham Palace, which opens on the 11th April. Queen Elizabeth II: A Life in Style promises a rare peek into the late Queen’s iconic looks through sketches, correspondence and decades worth of frocks. Don’t miss our Afternoon Tea, inspired by HRH’s dresses.

Nothing is too much trouble for Big John and our concierge team. To plan your personal itinerary ahead of your stay, please call us on +44 (0)20 7396 9000 or email [email protected].