Springtime is most likely many Londoners' favorite season. Since the British capital—and the rest of Great Britain, for that matter—is infamous for its dreary autumns, harsh winters, and intense summers, spring is practically the best time of the year. But what truly makes springtime such a great season in London? The warm temperature? The blossoming flowers? While all of those are undeniably great, London offers something more during springtime. There are exciting events and fascinating traditions, not to mention important holidays too! Here are five of them you ought to know about.
Rest During The Bank Holidays
Although the UK has
many holidays, specifically bank holidays, all throughout the year, spring is the season that has the most number of them. There's Good Friday (every March or April), Easter Monday (every March or April), Early May Bank Holiday (every May), and Spring Bank Holiday (every May or early June). That's four separate days where you don't have to go to school or work and simply rest, spend time with family, or have fun. And the fact that the weather is that much warmer, allowing you to go to more places than when it was too cold during winter.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Have Fun at The Spring Festivals
Springtime also offers a ton of festivals here in London. And many of them are free too! A good example is the
New Cross and Deptford Free Film Festival, which is often held around April to early May. This event offers a mix of indoor and outdoor movie screenings, both for new and classical films. Without having to pay a single cent, you can go on a movie date with your special someone. There's also the
Underbelly Festival in Cavendish Square in the South Bank of London. Featuring awesome acrobatic performances, this is an event that will blow your mind in more ways than one!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Eat Outdoors
Another notable spring festival in London is the Urban Food Fest, which happens in one of
London's most popular neighborhoods, Shoreditch, every year. Just as its name says, this event is all about satisfying the foodie in your, offering up the many flavors of the city in one culinary oasis. From traditional British cuisine to foreign dishes and delicacies, your taste buds will have the trip of their lives during this springtime festival. And what better way to spend time under the sun than with good food and good company?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See The Cherry Blossoms
Stereotypically speaking, springtime is all about the blossoming flowers, isn't it? And as much of an industrial hub London has become over the years, there are still many places within this city where flowers bloom and grow. But among the many flourishing florae that spring helps sprout out, none are arguably more fascinating to see than the cherry blossoms. These delicate pink flowers bloom in various parts of the British capital such as Greenwich Park, the Kensington Gardens, and near St Paul’s Cathedral, to name a few. They provide London with a gentle pinkish glow to make all your hearts flutter.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See The Famous Boat Race
London in springtime isn't complete without its iconic boat race on the Thames River! Year after year, many of
the city's top universities partake in this traditional race that's watched by thousands of spectators. It's quite a sight seeing all those students and young professionals row their boats as if their lives are dependent on it. Well, their lives might not be dependent on it, but their pride sure is! This annual race has been a competitive tradition among university students in London. So much so that participants train hard months prior to the event.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Katie Chan
Spring transforms London into a totally new and vibrant city. If you thought the British capital was always so dreary, think again! Springtime in London proves that there's a lot to look forward to in this popular destination.
