What's On May

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.

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!

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

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

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

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 Greenwich 

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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