With the ‘great recession’ now in full swing, you wouldn’t be blamed for wanting to hide indoors and avoid the May bank holiday altogether. But take advantage of your council tax and join in the many free and cheap events happening all over London that weekend.
Beside the Lido
The famous Lido in London’s Hyde Park opens on May 1st this year, just in time for the long, balmy May Day weekend. For the brave you can swim in the roped off area of the Serpentine and there’s a paddling pool for the children. A minimal fee of £3.75 gets you the hire of a sun lounger and access to the special children’s playground, allowing you to while away the day in the sun without the kids getting bored!
Great Gardens
If you're a fan of the Chelsea Flower show and love designer gardens then enjoy them for free with The Great London Garden Trail, devised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and book publisher Dorling Kindersley. All gardens fall within zones 1-3 and entry is free between 12 p.m.-4 p.m. bank holiday Monday. There is a wealth of variation in size and style from Great Ormond Street Hospital through to the Kings Road. Get involved beforehand by researching each of the gardens with their handy website.
Ramble on
Check out the greener side of life in and around London with walks organised by the Metropolitan Walkers. Organised as part of Slow Down London they are running a leisurely walk on each day of the bank holiday weekend each with a distance of about six to eight miles. A few of the walks include a pub stop so check first if you are taking children. Dogs though are welcome on any of the walks—whether they have a beer at the pub though is up to you! Walks are free you just need to turn up with suitable footwear, some water and a few pounds to spend at the pub.
Tudor Times
The British Library opens its doors to the public this May Day with a celebration of all things Tudor. Set up to mimic May Day as it would have been experienced, first hand by Henry VIII, this is a fun day for both kids and adults alike. Have a go with crossbows and swords, play at Tudor sports and dance around the May pole. Beware dads, they’re even on the look out for Henry VIII lookalikes—so you may get conscripted! (Entry is free of charge Monday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.).
A windmill in London!
One of the more unusual places to visit, Upminster Windmill is over 200 years old and opens its doors to the public for free on Saturday and Sunday. The tours runs between 2-5 p.m. so be sure not to miss out.
Picture perfect
Free gallery talks at the National Portrait Gallery this weekend aim at inspiring people to get in touch with the gallery’s featured artists, Richter and Constable—by inviting visitors to paint a picture from a photograph inspired by one of these two great artists. The session, called Head to Head, is completely free and runs on the Sunday between 1-4 p.m.
Happy days
If purchasing a few delectable delicacies is your idea of a perfect day out then look no further than the Slow Food Market on the South Bank. Cheese, game and cider brandy from Somerset are just some of the delicious produce on offer. All produce is Fairtrade, environmentally friendly and animal welfare assured so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Just take it easy on the cider brandy if you’re planning on crossing the bridge afterwards!
Have You Got Talent?
Find your inner Susan Boyle this bank holiday with a series of vocal classes being held inside the South Bank Centre. Wake-Up, Warm-Up starts at 10 a.m. and involves a selection of warm-ups used by singers to improve posture, breathing and relaxation. If this inspires you to further activity then you can try out your vocal prowess with the Choral Masterclasses that are running throughout the day on the Monday. And if you haven’t collapsed after all of that then there’s still the Out Ballroom Live! dancing classes and the Beatboxing class at 5.30p.m. All classes are free and more information can be found at www.southbankcentre.co.uk.
When the Sun Shines
Further away from the City the May Merrie festival is being held in the historic market town of Kingston this May Day. Expect a carnival atmosphere with hands-on activities and sticky candy floss in good supply for the kids. More details can be found here.
Go Wild in Twickenham
The Orleans Park Gallery in Twickenham is running a Springtime Safari for young children between 2-5 p.m. on Sunday. Entry is free and kids can get their hands dirty with craft activities and clay making, whilst for the more knowledge-thirsty, local wildlife experts will be there to answer questions and help out spotting the creatures on the Wildlife Safari. Located by the riverside in Twickenham.
