Top 50 Things to Do in London in March 2026 – Best Places, Events & Festivals
March 2026 Key Events & Activities – 50 Top Thing to Do and See in London
March in London is a vibrant tapestry of cultural events and blooming beauty, making it an ideal time for travellers to immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic atmosphere. For those seeking affordable and social accommodations, London Backpackers youth hostel in Hendon offers the perfect base to explore the city’s March festivities.
Stay at London Backpackers in Hendon
Situated just a short walk from Hendon Central Underground Station, London Backpackers provides easy access to the Northern Line, ensuring swift connections to central London and beyond. This lively youth hostel is renowned for its vibrant social scene, making it an excellent choice for solo travellers and groups alike. Guests can enjoy high-speed fibre broadband, cosy communal areas, and a friendly atmosphere that fosters connections among travellers.
1. Affordable Art Fair at Battersea Power Station
Event date: 4-8 March 2026
Event timings: Includes late-night events with live DJs
Location: Battersea Park
About event: Art enthusiasts will delight in this event showcasing a diverse range of contemporary artworks from both emerging and established artists. Visitors can explore thousands of original pieces and participate in hands-on workshops.
Cost: Prices starting from £100
2. St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Event date: 17 March 2026
Event timings: Not specified
Location: Central London (Parade) and various pubs/venues city-wide
About event: London comes alive with Irish spirit for St. Patrick’s Day. The city hosts a variety of events, including a vibrant parade, live music performances, and cultural showcases. Many pubs offer special menus and entertainment for an authentic Irish experience.
Cost: Varies by venue
3. The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
Event date: 04th April 2026
Event timings: Not specified
Location: River Thames (Putney Bridge and various banks)
About event: A quintessentially British tradition and historic rowing competition between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It attracts spectators from around the world to cheer on the teams.
Cost: Free to watch from the riverbanks
4. Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens
Event date: Feb-Mar 2026
Event timings: Not specified
Location: Kew Gardens
About event: Nature lovers should not miss the Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens. This annual festival transforms the gardens into a tropical paradise, showcasing a stunning array of orchid species in elaborate displays. It’s a visual feast celebrating the beauty and diversity of these exquisite flowers.
Cost: Requires garden admission
5. International Women’s Day at Southbank Centre
Event date: 8 March 2026
Event timings: All day
Location: Southbank Centre
About event: Part of the WOW Festival, the Clore Ballroom hosts free performances, debates, and marketplace stalls. It’s a lively celebration of women’s creativity and voices, with some ticketed talks alongside free community events.
Cost: Free (some paid sessions)
6. Global Recycling Day
Event date: 18 March 2026
Event timings: All day
Location: Nationwide (UK). Activities are localized across schools, council offices, and virtual platforms. Key “hubs” often include London, Manchester, and Bristol
About event: Global Recycling Day is a UK-founded initiative held on 18 March to promote the “Seventh Resource”- recyclables as a vital global asset. Led by the London-based Global Recycling Foundation, it encourages UK communities and businesses to support the circular economy and honor local “Recycling Heroes.”
Cost: Free
7. BFI Flare LGBTQIA+ Film Festival
Event date: 18–29 March 2026
Event timings: Festival schedule
Location: BFI Southbank
About event: Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this festival showcases international LGBTQIA+ cinema. Expect premieres, panel discussions, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts film lovers from around the world.
Cost: Paid (£10–£20)
8. London Book Fair
Event date: 10–12 March 2026
Event timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX, UK.
About event: A major international publishing and media trade fair bringing together authors, publishers, agents, and book lovers from around the world. Expect exhibitions, author talks, industry panels, and networking opportunities with people from across the book and media sectors.
Cost: Free for qualified industry professionals (publishers, agents, etc.) if pre-registered.
9. The Photography and Video Show
Event date: 14–17 March 2026
Event timings: Exhibition hours
Location: Excel London
About event: The UK’s largest event for content creators, featuring 250+ brands and 500+ talks. It’s a hub for photographers, videographers, and influencers to explore new gear and ideas.
Cost: Paid
Nature and Outdoor Experiences
10. Spring Blossoms in Greenwich Park
Event date: Mid-March 2026
Event timings: Daytime
Location: Near Ranger’s House, Greenwich Park
About event: The Cherry Blossom Tunnel reaches peak bloom in March, creating a stunning pink canopy. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and a peaceful walk for visitors.
Cost: Free
11. Daffodils in St. James’s Park
Event date: March 2026
Event timings: Daytime
Location: Near Duck Island Cottage, St. James’s Park
About event: Over a million daffodils bloom across the Royal Parks. The area near Duck Island Cottage offers postcard-worthy views with the London Eye in the background.
Cost: Free
12. Columbia Road Flower Market
Event date: Every Sunday in March 2026
Event timings: From 8:00 AM
Location: Columbia Road, East London
About event: A bustling flower market filled with colorful displays and lively cockney sellers. It’s a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and scents.
Cost: Free
13. Richmond Park
Event date: 10-25th March 2026
Event timings: Daytime
Location: Richmond
About event: London’s largest Royal Park feels like countryside. In March, deer begin shedding their antlers, making it a unique time to visit.
Cost: Free
Museums & Galleries
14. The British Museum
Event date: Year-round
Event timings: Standard Museum hours
Location: Great Russell Street
About event: Home to treasures like the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles. Entry is free, but timed slots must be booked online to guarantee access.
Cost: Free
15. The National Gallery
Event date: 12 March
Event timings: Standard hours, plus Friday Lates
Location: Trafalgar Square
About event: Houses over 2,300 paintings, including masterpieces by Van Gogh and Da Vinci. Friday evenings offer a relaxed atmosphere.
Cost: Free
16. Tate Modern
Event date: Year-round
Event timings: Standard Museum hours
Location: Bankside
About event: Famous for Turbine Hall installations and panoramic views from the Blavatnik Building. It’s a must for modern art lovers.
Cost: Free
17. Natural History Museum
Event date: Year-round
Event timings: Standard Museum hours
Location: South Kensington
About event: Features “Hope,” the 25-meter blue whale skeleton, and family-friendly galleries like “First Animals.”
Cost: Free
18. Science Museum
Event date: 8th March
Event timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: South Kensington
About event: Highlights include the Apollo 10 command module and the “Making the Modern World” exhibit.
Cost: Free
19. V&A Museum
Event date: 6th March
Event timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: South Kensington
About event: The world’s leading art and design museum. Don’t miss the Cast Courts and fashion galleries showcasing British style.
Cost: Free
20. Museum of London Docklands
Event date: 1st March
Event timings: Standard Museum hours
Location: West India Quay
About event: Explores London’s river, trade, and slavery history in a historic warehouse setting.
Cost: Free
21. The Queen’s House, Greenwich
Event date: 27th March
Event timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Greenwich
About event: A masterpiece of 17th-century architecture, featuring the Tulip Stairs and maritime art collections.
Cost: Free
22. The Barbican Conservatory
Event date: 1st March
Event timings: Limited hours
Location: Barbican Centre
About event: A hidden tropical oasis with exotic plants. Free tickets must be booked in advance.
Cost: Free
23. God’s Own Junkyard
Event date: 7th March
Event timings: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Walthamstow
About event: A psychedelic neon gallery filled with dazzling signs. Free to wander, though professional cameras aren’t allowed.
Cost: Free
Theatre & Entertainment
24. The Devil Wears Prada (Dominion Theatre)
Event date: 10th March
Event timings: 7:30 PM
Location: Dominion Theatre
About event: Musical adaptation starring Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly. Note: she will not perform on 16 March.
Cost: From £25
25. SIX (Vaudeville Theatre)
Event date: 3rd March
Event timings: 75 minutes per show
Location: Vaudeville Theatre
About event: A pop-concert style musical featuring the six wives of Henry VIII. High-energy and hugely popular.
Cost: Paid
26. Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre)
Event date: 14th March
Event timings: 2:30 PM (Matinee) and 7:30 PM (Evening)
Location: Cambridge Theatre
About event: Beloved family musical with Day Seat lottery tickets available for £25–£30.
Cost: £25–£30
27. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre)
Event date: 13th March
Event timings: Two-part play (Part One: 2:00 PM | Part Two: 7:00 PM)
Location: Palace Theatre
About event: A continuation of the Harry Potter saga, staged in two parts. Can be seen in one day or over two nights.
Cost: Paid
28. Witness for the Prosecution (London County Hall)
Event date: 8th March
Event timings: 3:00 PM
Location: London County Hall
About event: Immersive Agatha Christie play staged in a historic council chamber.
Cost: Paid
29. Oliver! The Musical (Gielgud Theatre)
Event date: 17th March
Event timings: 7:30 PM
Location: Gielgud Theatre
About event: Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of the Lionel Bart classic, featuring hits like “Food Glorious Food.”
Cost: Paid
Historic & Iconic Attractions
30. Changing of the Guard
Event date: Multiple dates in March 2026
Event timings: 11:00 AM (arrive by 10:15 AM)
Location: Buckingham Palace
About event: The Changing of the Guard is one of London’s most iconic ceremonies, showcasing the precision and pageantry of the Queen’s Guard. Dressed in full regalia, the guards march to military music as they hand over duties. Arriving early ensures a prime viewing spot at the railings, as crowds gather quickly for this free spectacle.
Cost: Free
31. Hampton Court Palace
Event date: March 1–31
Event timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Hampton Court, Richmond upon Thames
About event: Hampton Court Palace offers a journey back to Tudor times. Visitors can explore Henry VIII’s vast kitchens, the magnificent Great Hall, and wander through the famous hedge Maze. The palace also features stunning gardens and baroque architecture, making it a perfect blend of history and beauty.
Cost: £27–£30
32. The Royal Mews
Event date: March 5
Event timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Buckingham Palace, London
About event: The Royal Mews houses the state vehicles used by the monarchy, including the dazzling Gold State Coach. Visitors can also see working stables and learn about the royal horses. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the ceremonial and practical side of royal transport.
Cost: £17
33. Windsor Castle Day Trip
Event date: March 1 – March 31, 2026 (Excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Event timings: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Location: Windsor (40 minutes from London by train)
About event: Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, serving as one of the King’s official residences. Highlights include the opulent State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel (resting place of monarchs), and the beautiful castle grounds. A day trip offers a rich blend of history, architecture, and royal tradition.
Cost: £30
34. The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Event date: March 1 – March 31, 2026
Event timings: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 221B Baker Street, London
About event: Dedicated to the world’s most famous fictional detective, this museum recreates the Victorian-era home of Sherlock Holmes. Visitors can explore rooms filled with period furnishings, wax figures, and memorabilia from Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. It’s a must-visit for fans of mystery and literature.
Cost: Paid
35. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Event date: March 7 – 10, 2026.
Event timings: Starts 7:00 PM
Location: Whitechapel, East London
About event: This guided walking tour takes visitors through the streets of Whitechapel, where the infamous Jack the Ripper murders occurred in 1888. Expert guides share chilling stories, historical context, and theories about the identity of the killer. It’s a fascinating mix of history and mystery.
Cost: Paid
36. The Postal Museum & Mail Rail
Event date:
- March 1: Mail Rail Science Day.
- March 22: Community Open Day & Audio-Described Tour.
- March 28: Postal Worker Tunnel WalkEvent timings: Standard Museum hours
Location: Phoenix Place, London
About event: The Postal Museum explores 500 years of Britain’s postal history, from iconic stamps to wartime communication. A highlight is the Mail Rail, a miniature underground train that once carried letters beneath London, now open for visitors to ride. It’s an engaging experience for all ages.
Cost: Paid
37. Twist Museum
Event date: March 1 – March 31, 2026
Event timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday – Thursday); 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Friday – Saturday); 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sunday)
Location: Oxford Street, London
About event: Twist Museum is an immersive, interactive space dedicated to illusions and perception. Visitors can step into mind-bending rooms, optical puzzles, and interactive exhibits that challenge how we see the world. It’s both educational and entertaining, making it ideal for families and curious minds.
Cost: Paid
38. The Bubbly Show by Searcys
Event date: 6–7 March 2026
Event timings: Daytime sessions
Location: (10-11) Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s
About event: A sophisticated two-day celebration of champagne and sparkling wine held in a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse. Guests can sample over 120 cuvées from 40 different producers.
Cost: Paid (Tickets from £85)
39. Mothering Sunday Afternoon Tea
Event date: 15 March 2026
Event timings: Various sittings
Location: Botanica at the Bedford Hotel or various tea rooms
About event: Mother’s Day in the UK is celebrated on the 15th. It’s the busiest day of the year for Afternoon Tea. Many venues offer special menus with spring-themed pastries and floral arrangements.
Cost: Paid (Tickets from £95)
40. The 100th Head of the River Race
Event date: 28 March 2026
Event timings: Afternoon (based on tide)
Location: River Thames (Mortlake to Putney)
About event: Marking its centenary in 2026, this is one of the world’s largest rowing events. Over 400 crews from across the globe compete on the Championship Course. Putney Bridge is the best spot to catch the finish-line atmosphere.
Cost: Free
41. Ancient Grease (Immersive Musical)
Event date: 4 March 2026
Event timings: Evening performances
Location: The Vaults, Waterloo
About event: A brand-new immersive musical parody that blends Greek mythology with the aesthetics of the iconic movie musical Grease. Expect “Gods and glamour” in London’s most famous underground tunnels.
Cost: Paid
Music & Performance
42. Monet: The Musical
Event date: 14 March 2026
Event timings: 2:30 PM (Matinee) and 7:30 PM (Evening)
Location: Charing Cross Theatre
About event: A powerful new musical production inspired by the life and letters of the Impressionist master, Claude Monet. It explores his artistic struggles and the inspiration behind his famous water lilies.
Cost: Paid
43. UFC Fight Night: London
Event date: 21 March 2026
Event timings: Evening
Location: O2 Arena, Greenwich
About event: High-octane mixed martial arts return to the capital. This major sporting event features top-tier international fighters and a massive, electric crowd at the O2.
Cost: Paid
44. Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
Event date: 28 March 2026
Event timings: 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM
Location: The Great Hall – Bart’s North Wing
About event: Experience the hits of Taylor Swift performed by a string quartet in a stunning historical hall illuminated by thousands of flickering candles.
Cost: Paid: (£25–£45)
45. Alice in Wonderland – New Adaptation
Event date: 27 March 2026
Event timings: 2:00 PM (Matinee) and 7:30 PM (Evening)
Location: Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
About event: A dazzling new theatrical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic, using modern technology and physical theatre to bring Wonderland to life for a limited spring run.
Cost: Paid
Art, Culture & Quirky Finds
46. Elsa Schiaparelli Exhibition
Event date: 21 March 2026
Event timings: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Location: V&A South Kensington
About event: A major retrospective of the avant-garde fashion designer who defined the 1930s. The exhibit features her surrealist collaborations with Salvador Dalí and contemporary designs by Daniel Roseberry.
Cost: Paid
47. Sara Pascoe: I Am A Strange Gloop
Event date: 1 March 2026
Event timings: 7:30 PM
Location: London Palladium
About event: One of the UK’s most beloved comedians performs her brand-new stand-up show for one night only at the historic Palladium to kick off the month.
Cost: Paid
48. John Proctor is the Villain
Event date: 20 March 2026
Event timings: Evening performances
Location: Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square
About event: The UK debut of Kimberley Belflower’s hit play. It’s a pop-soundtracked, contemporary look at The Crucible through the lens of a high school classroom.
Cost: Paid
49. 5 Seconds of Summer: Live
Event date: 31 March 2026
Event timings: 7:00 PM
Location: O2 Arena or OVO Wembley (check final venue)
About event: The global pop-rock sensations return to London to perform tracks from their newest record, “Everyone’s a Star,” to a sold-out crowd.
Cost: Paid
50. Marie Antoinette Style (Final Week)
Event date: March 16 – March 22, 2026
Event timings: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM (Note: Friday 20 March open until 10:00 PM).
Location: V&A South Kensington
About event: Your last chance to see this blockbuster exhibition before it closes. It explores the lasting fashion influence of the French Queen through 250 years of art and design.
Cost: Paid (Booking essential)
Exploring London from Hendon
Staying at London Backpackers in Hendon offers the advantage of excellent transport links. With Hendon Central Station on the Northern Line just minutes away, guests can easily access key areas of the city, including Camden Town, known for its eclectic markets and vibrant music scene, and the West End, famous for its theatres and nightlife.
In summary, March in London is brimming with cultural events and natural beauty. By choosing London Backpackers in Hendon as your home base, you’ll be perfectly positioned to experience all that the city has to offer, while enjoying a social and affordable stay.
