May 16-18: What to Do in London This Weekend

1. The Culpeper Rooftop Garden – A Green Escape in Spitalfields 🌿

If you’re after a city escape without actually leaving the city, head to The Culpeper in Spitalfields. Their rooftop garden has just reopened, and it’s a slice of British woodland paradise — think edible flowers, fresh herbs, silver birch trees, and panoramic views of London.

The pub offers a grill menu with fresh food and woodland-inspired cocktails. It’s great for sustainable dining too, as they grow their own herbs right on the rooftop. Expect it to be a bit busy — it’s a central London pub after all — but the views and atmosphere are absolutely worth it.

🕒 No booking needed, just show up.

📍 40 Commercial Street, E1 6LP

🚇 Nearest station: Aldgate East

💷 Prices are typical pub prices — affordable.

🌐 More info: https://www.theculpeper.com

2. Outdoor Swimming – Lidos & Ponds for Sunny Days 🏊‍♂️

With sunshine on the forecast, London’s outdoor swimming spots are calling. Whether you fancy a peaceful paddle or a full-body refresh, here are some of the best places for a dip:

Hampstead Heath Ponds – natural and iconic. £4.70 a swim.

🚇 Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak Overground.

Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park – £5.95 per session, or £4.30 off-peak, £7.50 for a full day.

🚇 Hyde Park Corner (or any Hyde Park–adjacent tube station).

Parliament Hill Lido – All-year-round swimming. £4.70 early/late, £8.20 during the day.

📍 Parliament Hill Fields, NW5 1LT

🚇 Gospel Oak

London Fields Lido, Hackney – Heated to 25°C, floodlit for night swims. £6 for non-members.

📍 London Fields West Side, E8 3EU

🚇 London Fields Overground

Tip: These spots get packed on sunny weekends, so arrive early.

🌐 General info on lidos: https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/londons-best-outdoor-swimming-pools

3. 2-Hour Sightseeing Walk – London’s Greatest Hits in One Go 👟

Short on time but want to take in London’s iconic sights? A Redditor mapped a brilliant 5-mile walking route that hits the city’s most famous landmarks in just 2 hours — if you don’t stop along the way.

You’ll start at Trafalgar Square, pass by Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, through Southbank, past Shakespeare’s Globe, and finish near the majestic Tower Bridge — the most photographed bridge in the world, apparently.

It’s ideal for first-timers or locals wanting to reconnect with London’s historic skyline.

💷 Free

🚇 Start at Charing Cross or Embankment

🌐 Route: https://www.reddit.com/r/london/comments/167kecy/london_sightseeing_walk_5_miles_2_hours_of_the/

4. Album Launch: Patch & The Giant – Live Indie-Folk 🎻

For music lovers, Patch & The Giant are celebrating the launch of their first album in eight years, titled Fragments. They’re an indie-folk quintet known for their vibrant festival performances — including Green Man and BoomTown Fair.

The show is hosted at the beautiful St John on Bethnal Green church and includes support from The Lost Cavalry. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday evening surrounded by good music and even better atmosphere.

🗓 Saturday only | 🕖 7pm–10.30pm

💷 Tickets: £15 — very affordable

📍 St John on Bethnal Green

🚇 Bethnal Green Station

🌐 Tickets: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/609671

5. Adams Antiques Fair – A Treasure Hunter’s Dream 🕰️

Looking to furnish your flat or just enjoy a stroll through the past? Adams Antiques Fair is back at the Royal Horticultural Halls this weekend, hosting over 130 dealers selling everything from vintage jewellery to decorative objects and collectables.

It’s a fantastic spot to find affordable, one-of-a-kind statement pieces and give old objects a new life. Arrive early — there are often queues before the doors open.

🗓 Sunday | 🕙 10am–4.30pm

💷 Admission: £5 (cash only at the door)

📍 Royal Horticultural Halls, 80 Vincent Square, SW1P 2PE

🚇 Victoria or St James’s Park

🌐 Tickets/info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/adams-antiques-fairs-at-the-royal-horticultural-halls-may-2025-tickets-1288098289659

6. Urban Village Fete – Creative Fun for All Ages 🎪

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Urban Village Fete, a free event packed with live music, dance, creative workshops, and street food.

Held on Greenwich Peninsula, this family-friendly day out also hosts talks on sustainability and sports. Some workshops charge a small fee, but general entry is completely free. Plus, it supports the charity War Child, so it’s fun with a purpose.

🗓 Sunday | 🕚 11am–7pm

💷 Free entry

📍 Greenwich Peninsula, Soames Walk, SE10 0SQ

🚇 North Greenwich

🌐 More info: https://www.urbanvillagefete.co.uk