What’s on in May in London and the South West

By May, spring is well under way. The need for coats and brollies lessens as the days get warmer and sunnier, and this year, there are three bank holidays to enjoy! 

It’s a big month for Britain. From the King’s Coronation and the women’s FA Cup Final, to the Chelsea Flower Show and more, we’ve put together a guide to the top events and best things to do in London and the South West this May. Read on to get all the details, learn the best ways to get to where you need to go, and find out how to save money on some of your spring trips.

The Royal Coronation

The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey in London on 6 May. King Charles III will be crowned Head of the Church of England alongside Queen Consort, Camilla. 

There are plenty of unmissable events happening around London and in the South West. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the most of the day. It includes details on the coronation concert, service and procession, light projection and illuminations show, and more. 

Get there with SWR

Let South Western Railway take you to the celebrations, including to coronation hotspot, London. Waterloo station is a short walk away from the capital’s coronation action. 

The Women’s FA Cup Final

The Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final is just around the corner. Watch the biggest fixture in the domestic women’s football season, as Manchester United take on Chelsea on 14 May at Wembley Stadium. Tickets start from £20-25 for adults and £5 for kids, or you could get group tickets. 


While you’re there, why not enjoy some of Wembley’s hot spots for food and drink? Try BOXPARK Wembley where you’ll be spoilt for choice with the likes of delicious street food, burgers, pizza and authentic Caribbean dishes. If pub grub is more your style head to The White Horse Pub in Arena Square. There’s plenty on offer in the area. Check this page to see what tickles your fancy. 

Get there with SWR

From Waterloo station hop on a Bakerloo line tube towards Harrow & Wealdstone. Get off at Wembley Park and walk for just over 10 minutes to the stadium. 

Chelsea Flower Show 2023 (with a royal twist…)

Head to the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show between 23-27 May to be dazzled by colourful flowers and innovative garden designs. 

The flower show draws in a global crowd and you’ll see the very best garden designs from around the world. Plus, it’s a great place to indulge in food and drinks in the sunshine like champagne, three-course meals, seafood platters and afternoon tea.

This year’s a special one as the show will commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth ll, while celebrating the coronation and reign of King Charles III. The flower show will include  ‘A Garden of Royal Reflection and Celebration’ designed by Dave Green which will feature the Queen’s favourite fell pony, Emma. Members of the royal family are regular attendees of the show, so keep a look out for the royals while you’re there! 

Plan your day and grab your tickets. 

Get there with SWR

From Waterloo station, catch the 211 bus from Waterloo Station stop B to Chelsea Old Town Hall. Walk 15 minutes to Royal Chelsea Hospital where you’ll find the flower show. 

Have some bank holiday fun!

Bank holidays are the perfect excuse to get out and about with family and friends. We’ve noted some things you can do to make the May bank holidays super fun-filled and action packed. If you travel with us you can enjoy money-off activities with SWR Rewards. There’s loads to do; here’s a snippet of what’s on offer. 

For the kids

There's lots to do with the kids over the bank holidays. There’s also a half-term break at the end of the month so it’s wise to start planning for these days off now. 

You could head to the West End for a theatre show, or enjoy thrilling activities including 22% off family entry at Flip Out indoor trampolining park, or head to Thorpe Park. Search for other London and South West attractions to enjoy with the kids, and see if you can get money off your trip. If you’re on a budget, see our free things to do in London this spring guide. 

Food and drink 

Unwind, and wine and dine this bank holiday. There are heaps of noteworthy spots to eat and drink worth mentioning. Here’s a taster of some great places to try.

If you want a fancy day out in the capital, try a  luxurious afternoon tea on the Thames for 2 in London, and get 22% off when you travel with SWR. 

If you're after lunch or dinner spots with decent veggie options head to the likes of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza in St Pauls and get 20% off with SWR Rewards. Meat-lovers - book a table at Sophie’s Steakhouse, and get 20% off food. 

Take a look at our guide to British food gems in the south west for more inspo. 

Fancy a boozy night out on the town? Book Alcotraz for a prison cocktail experience, and get 15% off. If a quieter, educational drinking experience is more your vibe head to Fullers Griffin Brewery to sample beers and ciders, and learn about the brewing process. 

Check out our food and drink rewards page for more savings options. 

Wholesome bank holiday activities

You could get down to Portsmouth or the Isle of White and ride a Beryl Bike down scenic routes. Get 25% off any Beryl Bike bundle when you journey with us. There are loads of places to cycle in London and the South West. We’ve put together a handy little guide to help you decide where to ride on two-wheels. If you’d rather take a stroll, visit one of the South West’s beautiful wildflower gardens.

If you simply want to relax and be pampered, you could go for a spa day with a 25 minute treatment and get 22% off 2-for-one. 

Weekend getaways 

If you fancy a bank holiday weekend staycation, why not head to London or a South West destination? We’ve put together some guides to help you make the most of your mini-break, which include the best places to experience and how to get there. See our guides to spending 48 hours in these hotspots:

- London
- Surrey 
- Weymouth 
- Windsor 
- Winchester
- Exeter
- Portsmouth 

We’ve also put together a guide to help you plan the perfect romantic getaway, and one on 10 great family weekend breaks. Take a look at hotels across the South West on our rewards page to get money off your stay. 

Head to a museum 

18 May is International Museum Day! If you’re after a free activity, check out some of the free museums in London, including:

- Natural History Museum
- British Museum 
- Science Museum
- Tate Modern
- National Gallery

We’ve also got some offers including a 2-for-one deal at the London Transport Museum. There are plenty of options outside of the city, too. See our guide to the best virtual museum tours in the best virtual museum tours in the South West.

Tomb Raider immersive event 

A Tomb Raider immersive experience has arrived in London. Escape a sinking ship, brave zip lines and climb through the jungle in a live adventure as you try to beat the baddies. The action-packed experience includes live actors and characters from the Tomb Raider franchise. Enjoy the 90’s nostalgia, and head to the bar after to grab a drink. Buy your tickets. 

Get there with SWR

Hop on the northern line from Waterloo station towards Edgware. Get off at Camden station and walk 6 minutes to Camden Stables Market, Lower Basement & Upper Basement Atrium, London NW1 8AH.

Book with us directly to save some extra cash

Discover cheap train tickets with us by going off-peak. Get a Railcard to save even more and if you’re journeying with a group go for GroupSave.