1. Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London
London goes green like it’s auditioning for a Guinness ad. Expect a colourful parade, live music, Irish dancing, and a buzz that might just make you break into your own jig. It’s all good Craic!
This year the party kicks off early with the parade on Sunday, 15 March 2026 with St Patrick’s Day itself on Tuesday 17 March 2026, so you have plenty of excuses to keep the celebrations and practice splitting the G.
Pro tip: With a day of shenanigans and shimmies ahead, start strong with a Full English breakie at the Hotel, then hop on a bus or take a long walk to Trafalgar Square. A bit of bacon before the parade is like the luck of the Irish.
2. Watch the 100th Head of the River Race
Rowing fans (and casual spectators) won’t want to miss this one. Saturday 28 March 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Head of the River Race, a historic event that sees hundreds of crews racing along the Thames. Founded in 1926 by Steve Fairbairn, the Head of the River Race is one of the world’s biggest rowing events. It’s a true celebration of rowing, welcoming all levels from around the globe.
It’s completely free to watch, with fantastic viewing spots along the river, especially near Putney Bridge. Even if rowing isn’t usually your thing, the atmosphere makes it well worth the trip.
Getting there: From Russell Square, it’s around 40 minutes via the Piccadilly Line and a short walk. Don’t forget your camera and maybe a flask of tea (wink).
3. Treat Your Mother figure for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day in the UK lands on Sunday 15 March 2026, and London offers plenty of gentle, feel-good ways to celebrate. Try a simple “Culture & Cake” plan: a relaxed morning stroll through Russell Square, followed by something sweet and indulgent at Blooms coffee and pizza. The atmosphere here is very relaxing, great for a proper, hearty conversation.
For a special treat, book a Spring Afternoon Tea at Botanica, located in the Bedford Hotel. With views over the hotel’s private garden, it’s a calm and elegant spot that feels like a little luxury in the middle of the city, ideal for spoiling Mum. And yes, the clotted cream is very much encouraged.
If you are looking for something cute to do together, only 20 mins from Bedford Hotel, you can book a paint & sip session at Brush & Bubbles in their Covent Garden studio. All the materials are provided, all you need is your mum or a mum figure in your life.
March Spring Attractions in London
As spring edges closer, London starts to look especially good on camera. This is the month for fresh colour, open-air wandering and those “we should stop here” moments.
4. See the Spring Blooms in Bloomsbury & Beyond
Once you’ve eaten your weight in cake, it’s time to walk it off. March is when Bloomsbury and nearby parks start putting on a show. Cherry blossoms, daffodils, and magnolia trees pop up everywhere, giving your Instagram feed a head start on spring. Things to do in March in London, don’t get prettier than this.
5. Take in City Views
Longer daylight means more time for rooftop gazing, skyline selfies, and finding your favourite “London looks small from up here” spot. March weather is crisp enough for a clear view but mild enough that your camera won’t fog over (win-win).
- AMANO Rooftop Bar, Covent Garden
Slick, stylish, and right in the heart of Covent Garden, AMANO Rooftop Bar combines lively city vibes with some of the best views around. Think golden sunsets over London rooftops, a proper spot for both city-dwellers and visitors to feel a little high above it all.
La-Yam Rooftop is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The terrace offers panoramic city views. Pair the scenery with small plates, light bites, or a crisp cocktail for a proper springtime treat.
- 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, Oxford Street
Bright, buzzy, and full of energy, 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen is where city views meet street-level excitement. Located on top of John Lewis, look out over Oxford Street and beyond while enjoying a menu of hearty sharers, seasonal dishes, and cleverly crafted drinks.
Arts & Culture
Home to writers, thinkers, and artists, Bloomsbury lives and breathes culture. Historic squares, museums, bookshops, and galleries line every street.
6. Visit Free Museums and Galleries
London’s world-class museums don’t charge an entry fee, making them perfect for popping into between plans. From Bloomsbury, you’re never far from culture. Within a ten-minute walk, you can explore the British Museum, home to world-famous treasures from across the globe; the Wellcome Collection, known for its fascinating mix of medical history, science and contemporary art, and the Charles Dickens Museum, set inside the author’s former home.
You’ll also find the Cartoon Museum, celebrating British comics and caricature, the London Transport Museum, telling the story of the city’s iconic transport system, and the Foundling Museum, which shares the moving history of London’s first children’s charity alongside an impressive art collection.
Pro tip: The British Museum is just a two-minute walk from Morton Hotel and President Hotel.
7. Catch a Blockbuster Exhibition
March 2026 is shaping up to be a strong month for exhibitions. Highlights include Catherine Opie at the National Portrait Gallery (from 5 March) and David Hockney at the Serpentine (from 12 March), both offering a great excuse to duck inside and soak up some culture.
Fashion lovers should make a beeline for the V&A, where the major new exhibition Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art opens, exploring the house’s bold creativity and artistic influence.
It’s also a great time to visit the V&A if Marie Antoinette has been on your list, with the exhibition entering its final weeks and closing in March.
Pro tip: The coffee shop here is pretty good and there is usually someone playing the piano.
8. Wander London’s Best Markets
Markets in London are a feast for all the senses. Borough Market is perfect for foodies hunting seasonal treats, while Camden Market offers quirky vintage finds and street eats.
Getting there: From Russell Square, Camden is just 10 minutes on the Tube, and Borough is a quick bus ride. Great for anyone planning things to do in March London that mix browsing, eating, and people-watching.
If you are into international flavours, just around Tavistock Square gardens, you will find a true hidden gem Poppadom Indian Kitchen serves Anglo-Indian cuisine, from street food favourites to vibrant curries all very much authentic catering to more international tastebuds.
9. Enjoy Guided Tours
Bloomsbury is one of London’s most historically and culturally rich neighbourhoods, and guided tours are a fantastic way to explore it. From literary walks tracing the steps of Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group to historical tours of Georgian squares and hidden gardens, there’s plenty to discover. These tours combine fresh air, insight, and gentle exercise, making them a brilliant choice for anyone looking for things to do in London March.
10. Hidden Gems for Food & Drink
March sits right in that sweet spot between winter comfort and early spring freshness, and London’s food scene really leans into it. From cosy corners to buzzy spots great for an easy evening out, there’s no shortage of things to do in March for food lovers.
Poppadom Indian Kitchen, located in the Tavistock Hotel, is one of Bloomsbury’s top hidden gems. It’s packed with vibrant flavours, colourful small plates, street foods and comforting curries that are perfect for sharing or lingering over on a slower evening in a warm setting.
Heading to a show? Atrium Restaurant & Bar is ideal for relaxed pre-theatre dinners and drinks, offering a laid-back setting and crowd-pleasing menus just moments from London’s theatreland.
If you’re craving something bold and satisfying, Master Wei delivers Asian flavours that really hit the spot, comforting, flavour-forward and perfect after a day of exploring.
11. Indulge in British Pie Week
Speaking of British Food, the UK celebrates a weeklong pie week running from 2–8 March, for the love of pies in the country. While Bloomsbury has an array of pubs, The London Pub is the place for proper British pub food and pints starting from £5.80. The signature steak & ale pie paired with a local craft beer is the right kind of hearty, cosy fuel you need for a day exploring London.
12. Sip a Spring Afternoon Tea
Longer days in London = more excuses for afternoon tea. Treat yourself to delicate pastries, light sandwiches, and that quiet pause in your day. Botanica at the Bedford Hotel adds the perfect touch with a private garden view characterful enough to make you whisper, “I could stay here forever”.
For something more intimate, The Library Bar at Morton Hotel is a cosy alternative. Surrounded by literary touches and a relaxed, boutique feel, it’s ideal for a quieter tea, a thoughtful catch-up, or a calm moment tucked away from the bustle of the city.
Book a Hotel Stay in Bloomsbury
March is one of the best months to experience London, and staying in Bloomsbury keeps everything within easy reach. From leafy squares to museums, markets and theatres, it’s a neighbourhood that rewards slow wandering and spontaneous plans.
Choose from the lively energy of the Royal National Hotel, the calm, green surrounds of the Bedford Hotel, or one of our other Bloomsbury hotels, each offering a comfortable base for springtime in London.
Essential Traveller Info:
Good to Know: Clocks Change
British Summer Time begins on Sunday 29 March 2026, when the clocks go forward one hour. The bonus? Longer, lighter evenings, perfect for post-dinner walks back to the hotel.
See you soon in London!
Read our FAQS below
Is March a cheap month to visit London?
The answer is yes! During March, you can find desirable deals on shows, attractions and hotel stays. Enjoy the smaller crowds whilst shopping on Oxford Street or secure your spot on the London Eye without queuing too long.
How is the weather in London in March?
March weather in London is… let’s call it “mildly unpredictable”. Expect daytime highs around 12°C, with evenings dipping to about 6°C. Layers are your friend, walking shoes are highly recommended, and a waterproof coat is a must for those sudden showers.
Good news: if you do get caught in the London showers, receptions at all our hotels have umbrellas, so you can keep exploring like a true Londoner.
What’s Bloomsbury like in March?
From the nightlife of SoHo to the elegance of Fitzrovia, there are central London neighbourhoods which offer accommodation for visitors. But nothing quite beats beautiful Bloomsbury in Zone 1. With its cobbled streets lined with bookshops, bohemian cafes and boutiques, proximity to the British Museum, admirable academic institutions such as UCL, the winding paths in the neighbourhood’s 16 blossoming garden squares, farmer’s market every Thursday and train links from Euston, King’s Cross St Pancras and the Piccadilly Line from Russell Square station – feel at ease and stay connected with the Imperial London family of hotels based in Bloomsbury.