London in April: Weather, Events, and Things to Do

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April is a fantastic time to visit London, with spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or sci-fi enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in the bustling capital this month. From food festivals to art exhibitions and even intergalactic adventures, London has it all.

In this article, we’ll explore the best things to do in London in April, as well as provide practical tips for exploring the city during this time of year. So grab your calendar and get ready to plan your perfect London itinerary.

Key Takeaways

  • London offers a diverse range of activities for visitors in April, including food festivals, art exhibitions, and sci-fi events.
  • It’s an ideal time to explore the city, with spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner.
  • Visitors can make the most of their trip by planning ahead and taking advantage of practical tips for exploring London in April.

Things to Do in London in April

Bask in the Glory of Rave Culture

On the 1st of April, Islington will host a mini day-festival that celebrates British rave culture. This event will feature the best music from past, present, and future. The festival will be part party, part record fair, and part art exhibition. DJ’s Pete Cannon, Warlock, Choci, Louise Plus One, and Hughesee will be presiding over the decks with heaps of acts following them to mix over. Tickets are available for purchase.

See the Rosettis

From 6th April to 24th September, Tate Britain will feature a new exhibition of the Rossettis. This show will chart the works of the Rossetti generation of artists, a group that had a radical effect on the art world that can still be felt today. Visitors will be able to see the art that kicked off the Pre Raphaelite movement, as well as much of the art that defined it. It’s no small show either. Two records will be broken here: the show will be the largest collection of Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s work in two decades, and the largest of Elizabeth Siddal in 30 years.

Explore a Festival of South East Asian Art

Kakilang is a festival celebrating art from all around the very broad, and evidently very talented region of South East Asia. The festival is taking place all over the city and in a range of disciplines from photography to dance, music, and even a few digital art exhibitions. The festival will run until 22nd April.

Watch a Rock Opera on the Life of Tony Blair

From 15th April to 21st May 2023, Leicester Square Theatre will host a hilarious musical that follows the life of ex-prime minister Tony Blair. The Tony Blair Rock Opera is written by Harry Hill and Steve Brown. It was very well received when it opened at the Park Theatre Last Year. This stint at the Leicester Square Theatre kicks off the start of their UK tour.

Sample the Best of Sicily

From 20th to 23rd April, Angel will host Sicily Fest, a four-day celebration of Italy’s food-obsessed island. Sicilian chefs from all around London are coming out of the woodwork to cook up a storm. They’ll also be hosting masterclasses, shaking up cocktails, and holding wine-tasting events.

See the Best of Bowie at the Southbank

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Bowie’s hit album Aladdin Sane. To mark the momentous musical occasion, The Southbank Centre is holding a near-month long celebration of one of the man himself. It’s kicking off with art exhibitions centered around the iconic lightning bolt portrait by Brian Duffy, then delving into the influence the album has had on everything from fashion to queer culture. To top it all off, the string of celebrations will crescendo with a run of poetry nights and live performances where you can hear the album performed live and reimagined by the Nu Civilization Orchestra.

Check Out the Sony World Photography Awards

From 14th April to 1st May, Somerset House is once again home to one of the best events in London April 2023 – Sony’s World Photography Awards. The exhibition will showcase the outstanding work by the winners and shortlisted photographers in a number of categories – everything from landscape and portraiture to architecture is covered.

Break Out of a Kettle Chips Escape Room

From 14th to 16th April, Kettle Chips (as in crisps) are putting up an escape room in Shoreditch for a few days this month. London’s already got plenty of twists on the escape room challenge but it hasn’t yet got one where you have to solve puzzles and crack codes to get your hands on snacks. Word is there are two new, yet-to-be-released flavors to be found in the mysterious corridors of this admittedly novel way to get your hands on some munch.

Hit a Warehouse Party

On 15th April, some organizers are throwing a party that’s locking down a warehouse space on Leake Street, London’s legal graffiti tunnel. They’ve been doing this a while now, and they know what makes a party work. In this case, it’s a careful mix of DJs commanding the decks, some good-quality food, and people shaking up cocktails to loosen you up for the dance floor.

Shop for Vintage Goodies at the Classic Car Boot Sale

On 15th and 16th April, King’s Cross looks set to be jam-packed with vintage goods, retro homeware, and second-hand fashion, with the return of the Classic Car Boot Sale. Alongside an array of antiquities for you to peruse, expect a showcase of classic cars and tunes courtesy of live DJs, alongside plenty of street food and craft beer

Practical Tips for Exploring London in April

When exploring London in April, it is important to be prepared for the weather. While it may be slightly less cold than previous months, there is still a high chance of rain. It is recommended to pack an umbrella and bring a jacket to avoid getting caught in the rain.

Additionally, if you plan on dining out at new restaurant and bar openings, it is worth booking in advance. These spots tend to fill up quickly when they first open, and you don’t want your evening to be spoiled by being turned away. Nightjar is a popular spot that is known to fill up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead.