What's On May
May is here, bringing blooms and brighter days along the Thames! 🌸 Explore exciting events and experiences waiting to be discovered.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Each year, the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show transforms London's elegant Chelsea neighbourhood into a haven for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of meticulously crafted garden designs, curated by renowned designers, alongside breath-taking floral displays that inspire wonder and admiration.
From exploring stunning show gardens to discovering rare and exotic plant species, every corner offers a feast for the senses. And don't miss the opportunity to stay ahead of gardening trends by perusing the wide array of horticultural products available for purchase, from innovative tools to sculptures and an abundance of vibrant plants.
Join in from 20 - 24 May for an unforgettable celebration of nature's beauty and creativity at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show!
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
Half-term Activities
Holiday to Space
Blast off with Ted and Plant on 29 May at the Royal Observatory Greenwich as they explore the Solar System in search of the perfect holiday spot, with a fun-filled morning that includes a planetarium show and an interactive workshop for young space adventurers.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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Ghosts & Ghouls Family Tour at Shakespeare’s Globe
From 10 May – 2 November, bring the family along for a spooky, fun-filled tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre! Discover the eerie ghosts, witches, and supernatural happenings from Shakespeare’s chilling plays, including Macbeth and Hamlet. Learn about grisly medical practices, mysterious creatures like the Thames River Monster, and the traditional ways to ward off evil spirits. Perfect for young thrill-seekers and history buffs alike!
Nearest pier: Bankside
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Moomin 80: The Door Is Always Open
Celebrate 80 years of the Moomins at the Southbank Centre from 27 May to 1 June 2025, as the iconic Moominhouse is brought to life on the Riverside Terrace with help from little builders. Inspired by Tove Jansson’s beloved stories of love, family and welcome, this joyful installation invites everyone to step into a world where the door is always open.
Nearest pier: London Eye (Waterloo)
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Chelsea Physic Garden
This half term, head to Chelsea Physic Garden for family-friendly fun, from chocolate-making workshops to bees and bugs explorations. Enjoy a relaxed garden walk and meet the mini creatures living there!
Be sure to check their What's On for specific event details and dates!
Nearest pier: Chelsea Harbour or Battersea Power Station
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Best riverside playgrounds
Join Emmy and Roma from bablands as they sail between London's best playgrounds aboard Uber Boat by Thames Clippers!
With a Family River Roamer children travel free! Get on board and start exploring
Nearest pier: various
Jurassic World: The Experience
Roaring into Battersea Power Station on 23 May 2025! Step through the iconic gates and into a land of towering T-Rexes, swift Velociraptors and thrilling, family-friendly adventure. Brought to life by global entertainment pioneers NEON, this immersive experience marks the launch of NEON at Battersea Power Station – a brand-new destination for next-level entertainment right next door. Get ready for roars, thrills and a truly Jurassic journey.
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
What's on at ExCeL
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf (then bus 241) or North Greenwich (and fly across on the IFS Cloud Cable Car)
Lots of exciting events are happening at ExCeL London this month – see below for details. The best way to get there? Hop on board with us! Plus, you can book a joint River Bus and cable car ticket for a great day out
MCM Comic Con Returns
Join in for an epic three-day celebration of pop culture as MCM London returns to Excel from 23 to 25 May! Get ready to meet your favourite anime, TV, and film stars, explore incredible art from independent creators, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of MCM. Whether you're a dedicated fan or just looking for a fun day out, there's something for everyone at the greatest show of the year.
Squid Game: The Experience
Get ready for Squid Game: The Experience at ImmerseLDN, opening on 26 May, located at the ExCeL London Waterfront. Tickets are now on sale for this immersive event where you’ll take on five thrilling challenges, including Red Light, Green Light and the Glass Bridge. After the games, explore a Korean-inspired night market and browse exclusive merchandise.
Buy tickets now
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition
Running at ExCeL London until 29 June 2025, this cutting-edge 90-minute experience brings ancient Egypt to life with an 8-metre-high immersive video mapping room, a 360° VR experience, and a world-premiere hologram of Tutankhamun’s mummification. Spanning 26,909 sq ft, it features original artefacts from 4000 B.C., curated replicas, interactive galleries, and even an AI photobooth to transform you into an ancient Egyptian. Don’t miss out!
Buy tickets now
Grand Designs Live
Experience the award-winning Grand Designs Live at ExCeL London, a premier event for home building and renovating enthusiasts, being held from 2 - 5 May.
Hosted by the renowned Kevin McCloud from the Grand Designs TV series, the show features diverse project areas including build, kitchens and bathrooms, gardens, interiors, and Green Living Live. Explore hundreds of exhibitors, discover the innovative show home, The Grand House, and attend free advice sessions and live theatre talks covering everything from home building essentials to adding the final touches.Â
Discover our River Guide
Discover more of London’s riverside with our River Guide! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s so much waiting for you along the Thames. Planning a family day out? Our Family Hop-on Hop-off tickets make it even easier – children go FREE!
A Riverside Treat for the Long Weekend
This May Bank Holiday, treat yourself to an elegant Afternoon Tea at Clipper Lounge EMB, the riverside café bar at Embankment Pier. Enjoy classic treats paired with champagne or a refreshing gin cocktail, all with stunning views of the Thames and city skyline – the perfect riverside indulgence for two.
Nearest pier: Embankment
Art Exhibitions this May
Pirates at the National Maritime Museum
On until 4 January 2026, Pirates at the National Maritime Museum dives into the myth and reality of pirate life. From pop culture icons like Captain Hook to the harsh truths behind the legends, this exhibition explores why these rebellious figures continue to capture our imagination.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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The Face Magazine:
Culture Shift
Now on until 18 May at the National Portrait Gallery, The Face: Culture Shift exhibition dives into the legacy of The Face magazine – the iconic style and youth culture publication that helped shape Britain’s creative scene and beyond.
Nearest pier: Embankment
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Secret 7"
Secret 7" is at NOW Gallery at Greenwich Peninsula until 1 June 2025, bringing together world-class musicians, artists, and collectors in support of War Child. Now in its ninth edition, the project features seven iconic tracks pressed onto 100 limited-edition 7" vinyl records, each with a unique sleeve designed by creatives worldwide. All 700 one-off artworks will be exhibited, with the designers' identities kept secret until every record is sold via an online auction.
Nearest pier: North GreenwichÂ
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Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet
On until 1 June at Tate Modern, Electric Dreams showcases how artists from the 1950s to the 1980s used technology, maths, and machinery to create immersive, sensory experiences. From op art to early digital works, this exhibition brings vintage tech art to life and reimagines how the future once looked.
Nearest pier: Bankside
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Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition 2025
Running until 5 May, explore over 300 captivating photographs by more than 60 photographers across the West and East wings of Somerset House. Prepare to be inspired, amused, and moved by this stunning exhibition, where each image tells a powerful story sure to spark conversation long after your visit.
Nearest pier: Embankment
Explore
Tate Modern turns 25
Join the celebrations from 9–12 May 2025 as Tate Modern marks its 25th anniversary with a packed weekend of events. Expect artist talks, live performances, DJ sets, interactive workshops, family activities, and a special trail of iconic works throughout the gallery. It’s a chance to explore the past, present and future of one of the UK’s most iconic art spaces.
Nearest pier: Bankside
Urban Village Fete
Get ready for an epic day out at Greenwich Peninsula's Urban Village Fete, returning bigger and better than ever! Save the date for Sunday, 18 May, from 11am till late, and prepare to soak up those summer vibes.
Groove to the beats of legendary DJ Gilles Peterson and sonic storyteller Jamz Supernova, promising a musical journey like no other. Indulge in a global culinary feast with London's finest street food offerings, explore interactive workshops for all ages, and ignite your creativity with inspiring talks and sessions. From thrilling canine circus acts to sports day games, there's non-stop fun for everyone. Whether you're planning a family picnic or a dance-filled day with friends, the Urban Village Fete is the ultimate party destination this year at Greenwich Peninsula.Â
Nearest pier: North Greenwich
Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta
After a few years of cancellations, the Lord Mayor’s Hot Air Balloon Regatta is set to return in 2025! Weather permitting, the balloons will take off on 11 May, with backup dates on 20 July and 27 July if needed. Watch as the colourful balloons soar over London’s iconic landmarks, from the London Eye to Tower Bridge and Tower of London. This annual event also supports a charitable initiative that has raised over £250,000 since 2015.
Nearest pier: VariousÂ
Parks and open spaces along our route
Now that spring is right around the corner, why not enjoy the blossoming trees and longer days at some of London's many green spaces?
Battersea Park
200-acres of open green space, floral gardens and a boating lake, Battersea Park lies on the south bank of the River Thames. The park has stunning river views, a children's zoo and an adventure playground that kids love!
Nearest pier: Battersea Power Station
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Greenwich Park
A short walk from Greenwich Pier, gorgeous Greenwich Park offers outstanding views of Canary Wharf and the City on a clear day. As one of London's largest Royal Parks, Greenwich Park offers a wide range of facilities and is home to the Royal Observatory and the Meridian line, as well as the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House.
Nearest pier: Greenwich
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Thames Barrier Park
One of London’s newest parks, Thames Barrier Park offers the best view from the land of London's impressive flood defence, the Thames Barrier. Discover the delights of this urban oasis and its most creative feature 'The Green Dock' that provides a wind-protected microclimate for a variety of plants and butterflies.
Nearest pier: Royal Wharf
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Mudchute Park and Farm
Llamas, in London?! Mudchute Park and Farm is located on the Isle of Dogs, a short walk from Masthouse Terrace Pier.
Set in 32 acres, the farm brings a touch of the countryside to Tower Hamlets and is home to pigs, sheep, cows, donkeys and chickens as well as llamas.
Nearest pier: Masthouse Terrace
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St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
A 6-minute walk from Tower Pier lies the former church of Saint Dunstan in the East. A truly unique place in London, this peaceful green oasis is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is set within the ruins of a Wren church which was bombed during the Blitz.
Nearest pier: Tower
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St James’s Park
The oldest of London's Royal Parks, St James's Park is at the heart of Westminster. The park's artificial lake, flowers, trees and birds will make you forget that you are actually in the heart of London. It has breathtaking views of Buckingham Palace but don't forget to say hello to the pelicans!
Nearest pier: Westminster
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Chelsea Physic Garden
Celebrating it's 350th anniversary, Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanical garden. An oasis in the city, the tranquil garden was established to supply medicinal plants for scientific study and was only opened to the public in the 1980s.
Nowadays visitors are welcomed to learn more about fauna from around the world. Please note the site is compact so booking in advance is essential.
Nearest pier: Cadogan
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Bishop's Park
Across Putney Bridge from Putney Pier lies Bishop’s Park which has been awarded Grade II status by English Heritage.
The park houses Fulham Palace, the historic home of the Bishops of London, a beautiful walled garden and an ornamental lake. Bordering the north bank of the River Thames, Bishop's Park provides one of the best views of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
Nearest pier: Putney
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