Notting Hill Carnival (August)

The carnival takes place annually in Notting Hill, London, England each August, over two days (Sunday and the following bank holiday). It has a very Caribbean undertone and it’s good fun for the whole family. Allot of people show up for this event so, I suggest you get there early and travel by tube.

London Oxford Cambridge rowing race (March)

This race has taken place every year since 1829 and now attracts around 250,000 spectators every year. The four-and-a-quarter mile course runs along the Thames from Putney to Mortlake and takes around 16 to 18 minutes . The 3 best spots to watch the race from is: Putney Bridge, Putney Embankment(the start), Hammersmith and Barnes (mid of race) or Duke’s Meadows and Chriswick Bridge (at the finish).

Alternatively, you could watch the varsity football match at Craven Cottage first and then watch the start of the race at the Craven Cottage Riverside Terrace. They have a big screen TV there, so you will be able to see the end of the race.

London Marathon (April)

This happens in 2 weeks time on the 13 April. The course of the Flora London Marathon is fast and flat, and basically runs along the River Thames on the south side and then the north side after crossing the river by the Tower Bridge. On the way from the start in Greenwich/Blackheath to Woolwich, marathoners will pass a number of famous London landmarks such as the Tower of London, London eye and the Royal Artillery Barracks. The London marathon is a traditional marathon in that it stretches over 42.195 km (26 miles and 385 yards).

The London Marathon stands out, in that, a large amount of money is raised, for charities, during the event. Although professional athletes also compete in the Marathon, it is dominated by amateur runners.

Chelsea Flower Show (May)

Please note all tickets must be purchased in advance.

To get there you want to take the tube to Sloan Square station and then walk from there, the venue address is Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London SW3. I recommend getting there early before the crowds hit. Now here is a tip, buy the official show catalog then sit down and plan your day.

Wimbledon (June-July)

Worlds biggest tennis tournament in Wimbledon, London.

Sovereign’s birthday and Trooping The Colour (June)

This is the celebrations around the queen’s birthday. It takes place outside Buckingham Palace and by the Victoria Memorial as well as in Pall Mall and Green Park. The parade is done by the military and includes bands uniforms and horses.

BFI London Film Festival (October)

The festival is started and ended with Gala events. The ending event has an awards ceremony. The films are frequently started with speeches by the director, producers and actors then ended with a question and answer session. That really changes the movie viewing experience. Both regular and IMAX movies are shown during the festival.

The films are more of the arty type, so if you don’t like to think, this is not for you.

Guy Fawkes Night (5 November)

“Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot…”

Guy Fawkes is the celebration of a foiled plot by Catholic fundamentalists to blow up parliament and the King. Firework displays are held all over London around the date. I will post the display venues closer to November.