London is always buzzing with interesting things to see and do, but 2025 is shaping up to be an especially exciting year. If you’re looking for inspiration to plan a trip, this is the perfect time. There are so many events on the calendar, from blockbuster art exhibitions to incredible theater productions, floral wonders and foodie delights. Many of these popular events require early booking, so don’t wait to plan your next London trip. Below, we’ve curated a list of highlights to inspire you – there’s truly something for everyone!
London’s Design Museum has an outstanding 2025 schedule planned. (Credit: Design Museum/ Gravity Road)
Museum & Art Highlights
London’s museums and galleries will showcase an incredible lineup of exhibitions in 2025. Here are some of the shows we’re looking especially looking forward to this year:
- Barbie (until February 23, 2025) and The World of Tim Burton (through April 21, 2025) at the Design Museum – Dive into the cultural impact of Barbie, a global icon, or explore the fantastical world of Tim Burton through rare artwork, props and insights into his creative process. Both exhibits have been drawing large crowds, so advance booking is highly recommended.
- V&A East Storehouse Opening (May 2025) – The V&A is expanding its presence with this state-of-the-art storehouse in East London. It will offer behind-the-scenes access to over 250,000 objects and be an exciting new destination for design lovers.
- Making Egypt at the Young V&A – Designed for families, this interactive exhibition will immerse young visitors in ancient Egyptian life through hands-on activities and fascinating artifacts.
- Charles Dickens Museum Centenary Celebrations (February 5 – June 29, 2025) – Celebrate 100 years of this beloved museum with a special exhibition exploring Dickens’ enduring influence on literature and culture.
- Kensington Palace: Dress Codes (Opening March 13, 2025) – This captivating exhibition delves into the hidden language of fashion, exploring how clothing communicates power, status and identity through history.
- Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300-1350 at The National Gallery (March 8 – June 22, 2025) – Immerse yourself in the beauty of early Italian art with masterpieces from Siena’s golden age, featuring works rarely seen outside Italy.
- Cartier at the V&A (Opening April 12, 2025) – A dazzling retrospective of Cartier’s iconic jewelry, watches and design innovations. This exhibition is expected to be a blockbuster, so book early to secure your spot.
- Wes Anderson at the Design Museum (Opening November 21, 2025) – Celebrate the quirky genius of Wes Anderson with an immersive exhibition featuring set designs, props and photography from his films. A treat for cinephiles and design enthusiasts alike!
Theater Must-Sees
London’s world-renowned theater scene will once again bring a stellar selection of productions to the stages of the West End in 2025. Here are just a selection of some of the incredible shows you won’t want to miss:
- Richard II at the Bridge Theatre (February 10 – May 10, 2025) – See Jonathan Bailey, from Wicked and Bridgerton, bring his commanding presence to Shakespeare’s noted political drama in this highly anticipated production.
- The Seagull at the Barbican (February 26 – April 5, 2025) – Cate Blanchett stars in Chekhov’s poignant masterpiece about love, ambition and heartbreak. A rare opportunity to see this acclaimed actress on the London stage!
- The Great Gatsby Musical at the London Coliseum (April 11 – September 7, 2025) – Transport yourself to the roaring ’20s with this glittering musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. Direct from Broadway, this production is a must for fans of jazz-age glamour.
- Clueless at the Trafalgar Theatre (February 15 – June 24, 2025) – The iconic ’90s rom-com comes to life in this witty, fun-filled musical. Fans of Cher and her fabulous wardrobe won’t want to miss it!
- Here We Are (April 23 – June 28, 2025) – This posthumously produced work by the legendary composer Stephen Sondheim is an intimate exploration of love, loss and connection. Making its UK debut!
- Disney’s Hercules (June 6, 2025 – January 10, 2026) – Featuring unforgettable songs and dazzling stage effects, this adaptation promises to bring new life to the beloved animated classic.
- 101 Dalmatians The Musical (July 18 – August 30, 2025) – A family-friendly production filled with charm, adventure and a whole lot of spots!
See what’s on, search upcoming shows and easily book your London theater tickets in advance here.
See the streets of Chelsea in bloom during the Chelsea Flower Show.
Floral Extravaganzas
London is especially charming in the springtime, especially for floral enthusiasts, as the city comes alive with vibrant blooms and unforgettable flower-themed events during the Chelsea Flower Show. Our vacation rentals in Chelsea offer the perfect home base, just a short stroll from the heart of the action. These events and accommodations are in high demand, so be sure to book early to secure your springtime escape!
- Chelsea Flower Show (May 20-24, 2025) – The world’s most prestigious flower show returns with gorgeous displays, cutting-edge garden designs and horticultural excellence. Tickets sell out fast, so book early for this quintessentially British event.
- Flowers – Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture at the Saatchi Gallery (February 12 – May 5, 2025) – Explore the power of flowers in art, design and culture through this vibrant exhibition, perfectly timed to coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show.
Take a day trip to Bath to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday!
Music, Foodie & Culture Events Not to Miss
From cutting-edge festivals to historic celebrations and events for foodies, London will delight in diverse ways in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or love delving into new cultural experiences, mark your calendars for these unique events:
- SXSW London (June 2-7, 2025) – Be part of history as London hosts the first-ever international edition of this iconic festival, blending music, film and tech.
- Guinness Microbrewery in Old Brewer’s Yard, Covent Garden – Discover the art of brewing at Guinness’ exciting new London venture, combining tradition with innovation in the heart of the city. While an exact launch date hasn’t been announced yet, we’ll be keeping out eyes open for this fun to addition to Covent Garden.
- Taste of London Food Festival (June 18-22, 2025) – Savor the city’s best cuisine at this beloved festival in Regent’s Park, featuring top chefs, tastings and pop-up restaurants.
- Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in Bath – 2025 is the perfect time to take a Day Trip to Bath to celebrate Austen’s 250th birthday with special events and exhibitions. While you’re there, enjoy a stroll through town to see filming locations from the hit Regency-era series Bridgerton.
