Spring has officially sprung in London, and while the weather is taking a little while to reflect it, we have pulled together a wide variety of exhibitions, shows, and experiences to enjoy in the capital, while you’re staying with Blue Orchid Hospitality.
Discover What’s on in London in April with a handpicked list below
Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London
From 12 April to 8 September 2024 discover a fresh perspective on London, its architecture and geography at this new exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery. This exhibition celebrates the work of multi-award-winning wood engraver Anne Desmet. Explore 150 artworks, including 41 London-themed prints created exclusively for this show, inspired by looking at a fragmented view of the world through a toy kaleidoscope. Admission is “Pay What You Can”. Website: www.thecityofldn.com/kaleidoscope
CUTE at Somerset House
Running until 14 April, CUTE is an exhibition that explores why we find things cute and the impact of cuteness on popular culture. From memes to art and music to fashion, you can find out how cuteness has such a stronghold on us. CUTE tickets cost £18.50. Book tickets here.
Guys & Dolls at Bridge Theatre
This legendary show is filled with hit songs, laughs, and romance. The seating is wrapped around the action while the immersive tickets transport you to the streets of Manhattan and the bars of Havana in the unlikeliest of love stories. Book tickets. Enjoy an evening on the town just moments from Tower Suites and Tower Residences by Blue Orchid Hospitality.
Hadestown at Lyric Theatre
The acclaimed Broadway made its long-awaited West End premiere in February 2024 at the Lyric Theatre. This is a memorable journey to the realm of shadows and return, weaving together two legendary tales of love – of the youthful visionaries Orpheus and Eurydice, and of King Hades and his queen, Persephone. Tickets are available from £24 throughout the summer. Book here. The Lyric Theatre is located not far from The Wellington hotel by Blue Orchid Hospitality, so you can plan a perfect London weekend, enjoying a stunning hotel stay together with an exciting theatre performance.
London Games Festival (LGF) at IET London: Savoy Place
Running from the 9 _ 25 April, the LGF is the world’s biggest celebration of video games and interactive entertainment. Vowing to make London the gaming capital of the world, the 16-day festival will focus on the three strands of gaming: Industry, talent and impact, and gameplay. With a selection of free and ticketed events, LGF is a must-attend. Book tickets here.
Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare’s Globe presents a new captivating play. After years of war, an idyllic Italian town is finally back in bloom. But young lovers Claudio and Hero, and sparring singletons Beatrice and Benedick, soon discover that all is not as it seems in their beautiful surrounds as they become entangled in a series of mischievous games, pranks and plots. Ekow Quartey and Amalia Vitale will star as Benedick and Beatrice in an Elizabeth-dress production which will transform the Globe Theatre into a luxurious paradise.Book tickets.
Richard III
Another hit by Shakespeare’s Globe. Artistic Director Michelle Terry once again teams up with director Elle While (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2023) to play the eponymous anti-hero as they explore the enduring allure and charisma of evil. Catch it in the Globe Theatre till 3 August. Book tickets
WOMEN IN REVOLT! Art and activism in the UK 1970-1990 at Tate Modern
If you couldn’t get enough of women’s history in International Women’s Month, don’t fear because the Tate Modern’s first of its kind ‘Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990’ exhibition is still running up until the 7th April. Listen and learn from unheard voices from the past with art from over 100feminist artists. Tickets are free for members and £17 for general admission. Book tickets here.
Just because Easter Sunday is over, it doesn’t mean that the celebrations don’t continue!
Easter Clay Workshop For Kids
A fun and creative session where your little ones can let their imagination run wild with clay and create morph figures. This workshop runs on Friday, 12 April and it is perfect for kids and parents to entertain during the Easter holidays. Book spaces here .
Paint Ukrainian Pysanky at Southwark Cathedral
The rich art of egg painting has been popular in Europe for many centuries. Learn from an expert in the ancient art of Ukrainian Easter Egg painting and discover more about Ukrainian culture and customs in the process. The 6-hour workshop is being held on Saturday, 20 April and tickets are £60. Book tickets here .
Aldgate Egg Hunt 2024
Join the annual free Easter egg hunt across Aldgate and crack the hidden clues to win free treats. Grab your colleagues, friends, family, or go it alone as you work to solve each clue and win free easter goodies! With 9 clues hidden across Aldgate, you’ll need to put on your thinking caps and get exploring. This year will also the return of Ally the Aldgate Bunny, everyone’s favourite Easter bunny. Keep an eye out for Ally and make sure to stop him for a photo as he hops around Aldgate! Running until 1st April 2024, starting at Aldgate Tap, Aldgate Square. Details: aldgateconnect.london/aldgateegghunt/
Family Package in Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hospitality
Have some Easter family fun with world heritage sites and iconic London landmarks right on your doorstep. Neighbouring the iconic Tower of London and just moments away from Tower Bridge, enjoy a stay in luxurious living with all the family this holiday. The Family package includes an overnight stay in luxury living for four people (two adults and two children), breakfast, goodie bags, authentic Italian dinner for four (kids eat for free), family pizza making class (advance booking required), 10% discount on all food and beverage outlets and spa. Details and booking: www.blueorchid.com
The Eastern City Egg-Stravaganza
Explore the City and receive a prize during the first ever Eastern City Business Improvement District Easter egg hunt. Participants are encouraged to pick up a map from the information point at Liverpool Street Station, where they will be guided to nine separate locations where bespoke eggs will be hidden in a unique spot. Free to participate and running until 4th April, daily, 12pm-8pm. Details: ecbid.co.uk/ec-eggstravaganza/
Kids Eat for FREE at Cento Alla Torre Restaurant
An amazing offer in an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of London. Enjoy timeless interiors and sensational views with your little ones. A paying adult must purchase at least one main meal and two kids can eat for free! Applies for children aged 12 and under. Valid for meals between 18th March and 12th April, 2024. Ts&Cs apply. Make a reservation: www.centoallatorre.com/
The Vegan Brasserie
When the spring season is on the roll, it’s a perfect time to try light and plant based dinning. The Vegan Brasserie menu brings flavours of appetising tapas, tantalising desserts and the very best vegan wines that offer an entirely new dimension to wine connoisseurs. Make a reservation:www.theveganbrasserie.com/
London Coffee Festival at the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane
Located in the hub of Shoreditch hipster culture, the London Coffee Festival celebrates London’s love of coffee and all things coffee-related. Take a latte art masterclass, listen to unique DJ sets and obviously, drink copious amounts of coffee. An unmissable experience for coffee lovers across London running between the 11-14 April. A standard weekday ticket admission is £60 with access to over 250 artisan coffee artists. Book tickets here
The London Landmarks Half Marathon 2024
On Sunday 7th April, create an unforgettable day and join LLHM as a supporter of esteemed runners. The LLHM is a closed road, central London run and is the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and City of Westminster and around iconic landmarks. The event is organised by baby charity, Tommy’s to benefit themselves and many other worthy causes. Over £43 million for charity has been raised to date since the first event in 2018. More information: llhm.co.uk/
TCS London Marathon
Every athlete’s dream is to run in the London Marathon, go and support the athletes making that dream a reality. The route passes by many iconic London landmarks including the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and ending triumphantly at Buckingham Palace. Show your support and see the runners along the route. The marathon will take place on Sunday, April 21. More information:www.tcslondonmarathon.com
Whatever you choose to experience this month, don’t miss out on the variety of adventures that spring has to offer in London.