What to do in London in February and March 2019

What to see and do in London in February and March 2019

Thinking of visiting London during February and March 2019? Don’t let the winter cold put you off! The vibrant city is just as alive during the winter as it is in the summer, and we’ve put together a list of events happening across London in February and March 2019 so you can make the most of your time in the British capital! Need to book some cheap accomodation before you set off? Check out our best low-cost hostels in London this winter!

A few tips before you arrive: British schools have their half-term holiday in February so events and attractions to be busier than usual. The UK weather is usually pretty cold over these months, so make sure you wrap up warm! Finally, don’t forget that Valentines Day is celebrated nationwide on the 14th of February, and the great British Pancake Day falls on the Tuesday 5th of March this year, so make sure you stop at a cafe for a lemon and sugar pancake if you’re visiting around then!

Chinese New Year (5th February 2019)

The Chinese New Year is a big event in London, seeing as the city is home to its own Chinatown. This year the New Year is celebrated on the 5th of February, and you can expect to see a lot going on around Chinatown and the West End. Expect parades, performances and an incredible Pyrotechnics display. Of course, this is also the best time to visit Chinatown itself and try the authentic Chinese cuisine on offer and visit the incredible shops too. If you’re looking for accomodation nearby then we recommend the SoHostel in the nearby fashionable area of Soho (with a 9.5/10 rating from our guests!) or the Generator Hostel London from the trusted Generator Chain, which offers chic rooms in the West End, with guests telling us that it's ‘Cheap, clean very very fun, amazing staff and close to the centre of the city!’.

Credit: Flickr/Paul

Condo (12th January - 9th February 2019)

Condo, taking its name from the word 'condominium', is a citywide arts festival which advertises itself as a collaborative exhibition hosted by 52 galleries across 11 spaces in London, running from the 12th of January to the 9th of February 2019. Visiting galleries take up 1-month residences in host galleries or in some of London's top art spaces, and it's a great opportunity to see some new upcoming artists and some incredible collaborations! Check out the official website to download the map tour.

Credits: www.condocomplex.org

Canary Ward Ice Rink (until February 16th 2019).

A lot of skating rinks across London are open around the Christmas period, but Canary Warf Ice Rink is the only rink open right up to the 16th of February 2019! Enjoy some open-air skating under the stars in the 1200 sqm rink seven days a week. Oh, there is a 40 metre LED screen with 8,000 lights as a backdrop too, so you are sure to get some awesome pictures too! Prices range from £16.95 for Adult/Teens to Early bird offers of £9.95 if you book in advance! Lucky for you, we also have the perfect hostel in the Canary Ward area called Via Limehouse, just 10 minutes away from the rink!

Credits: www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

Visit the Orchids festival at Kew Gardens (8th of February to 11th of March)

Kew Gardens is a historic botanical garden in South-west London and is worth a visit all year round. However, the 23rd Orchid Festival runs between the 8th of February and the 11th of March, Learn about the orchid plant and escape the grey winter to be immersed in a sea of colourful orchid plants. This year the festival is dedicated to Colombia, with orchid-laden displays laid out along a curated route. Kew Gardens station is on the district tube line, so we recommend staying at St.Christopher's Inn Hammersmith which is just a few stops down the line.

Credits:@isierose_boyd

Visit the Videogames exhibition at the V&A Museum (until the 24th February 2019)

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, so it's always worth a visit, whatever time of year you're in London! But, anyone visiting before the 24th of February 2019 is in for a special treat: the museum is currently holding an exhibition called Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt - where, according to the museum's website, visitors can 'Explore the design and culture of contemporary video games'. South Kensington is known as the 'Museum District' of London, so while you're there you can also visit the Natural History Museum and Science Museum (for free!). Luckily for you, we have two great hostels nearby - Acacia Hostel and Meininger Hotel London Hyde Park.

St Patrick's Day Celebrations (March 17th 2019)

Even though it's not a public holiday in the Uk, the British sure celebrate St Patrick's day and make their Irish cousins proud. This year, most of the events are taking place on March 17th. At the centre of the celebrations is the St. Patrick's Day Parade, which sets off at around midday from Picadilly and winds its way down a 1.5-mile (2.4km) route through some of London's most iconic landmarks. Expect flamboyant floats, marching bands and pageantry. Once you've seen the parade you can head to the St.Patrick's Day Festival in Trafalgar Square, held between 12 pm and 6 pm. Listen to some traditional Irish music, visit the craft stalls and tuck into some modern and traditional Irish cuisine. If you want to be in the Trafalgar square area then we suggest staying near Waterloo station at the London Waterloo Hostel.

Credits:www.london.gov.uk

Take part in London Beer Week (12th to the 18th of March 2019)

Take part in the Annual London Beer Week, and join one of the many events happening all over the city. Held between the 12th and the 18th of March 2019 in various bars, pubs and bottle shops across the city but it is predominately found around Shoreditch, including the famous The Old Truman Brewery. Wristbands cost just £10 and allow you to taste some speciality beers for just £3! Find out more about the Beer Festival on the official website. If you're into your cocktails rather than beer then we suggest you check out our self-guided Gin and Tonic tour of London, where we put the 'Great Time into G&T!

Of course, there are plenty of things to do and see in London all year round, but if you're stuck for some cheap ideas you can check out our guide to FREE things to do and see in London too!

Don't fancy British cuisine? Check out our guide on how to eat like an Italian in London,

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