Discover What’s on this May in London

May in London is packed with unmissable experiences, and staying with Blue Orchid Hospitality means the best of the city right at your door. From exhibitions and sporting highlights to local activities, here's your guide to what's happening on your doorstep this month.

At the Tea Table: Exploring Britain’s National Drink

5 - 29 May

Discover how tea shaped British life, culture, and global trade through a beautifully curated temporary exhibition in collaboration with the Chitra Collection. Enhance your visit with a lunchtime talk on 14 May and a lively Museum Late on 21 May, with tea tastings, expert talks and curator-led tours as part of London Craft Week.

Location: Bank of England Museum at Bartholomew Lane, EC2R 8AH about 10 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

For more information visit here.

Trafalgar: Battle & Aftermath

7 May

Join military historian Paul O’Keeffe for an engaging talk exploring the dramatic aftermath of the Battle of Trafalgar. Blending history and storytelling, the evening revisits key moments of 1806, from Nelson’s state funeral to theatrical re-enactments and enduring historical mysteries.

Location: Dr Johnson’s House at 17 Gough Square, EC4A 3DE about 20 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

For more information visit here.

Family Days at Guildhall Art Gallery

9 May and 27 May

Enjoy twice the family fun at Guildhall Art Gallery this May. Second Saturday (9 May) offers relaxed, drop in creative activities, storytelling, and play inspired by the Gallery’s collections, while the Half Term Family Day (27 May) transforms the whole building with hands on arts, crafts, and performances for children and their grown ups.

Location: Guildhall Art Gallery at Guildhall Yard, EC2V 5AE about 15 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

For more information visit here.

St Bride Foundation Wayzgoose 2026

10 May, 11:00am – 4:00pm

An annual celebration of all things letterpress, the Wayzgoose brings together printers, designers, and makers for an ink filled day of stalls, workshops, and demonstrations. Explore historic presses, try letterpress printing, and celebrate the craft while supporting the St Bride Foundation’s Library and Workshop.

Location: St Bride Foundation at 14 Bride Lane and Fleet Street, EC4Y 8EQ about 15 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

For more information visit here.

Pickleball at New Street Square

Bookings Open on 11 May

New Street Square is set to become the home of pickleball this summer, and the excitement is just getting started. The pickleball court is fully equipped, outdoors and wheelchair-accessible, and welcoming players of all abilities. From casual games with friends to standout corporate events, the court has something for every occasion. Bookings are set to go live in May, so watch this space and be ready to grab your spot in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

Location: New Street Square, EC4A 3BF about 20 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

Keep an eye out on the London Sports Festival page here for the New Street Square pickleball booking link.

Gabriel Chaile in Conversation

14 May, 5:00 - 6:30pm

Accompanying his new commission Archaeology of Memory, join Gabriel Chaile and the exhibition’s curator Carolina Jozami, as they speak to the key questions in the work, inviting conversations around the memory making and retentive potential of cultural artefacts, the agency of objects, and ways of knowing and relating to each across time and place.

Location: Whitechapel Gallery at 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX about 10 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

For more information visit here.

Rooftop Yoga at The Skyline London

16 May, 9:30am to 11:00am

Experience the ultimate rejuvenation with rooftop yoga and brunch, with a breath-taking panoramic view of Tower of London, the River Thames and Tower Bridge. These classes are designed to help you connect with your body, breath and mind, and to create a sense of inner peace and harmony that you can carry with you throughout your day.

Conclude your yoga practice with a relaxing and nutritious brunch, perfect for socialising, enjoying delicious food, and sharing your experiences with others. Connect with fellow yogis, unwind, and create lasting memories.

Location: The Skyline London at 100 Minories London EC3N 1LA at Tower Suites.

Book your spot today.

Lost Amsterdam: The Hidden Histories of Looted Art

21 May, 7:00 – 8:30pm

An interactive talk with Christie’s Restitution Team exploring the hidden histories of art looted during the Second World War. Through real stories of Jewish collectors and dealers in Amsterdam, the event traces loss, displacement, and the long path to restitution and recovery.

Location: The Dutch Centre at 7 Austin Friars, EC2N 2HA about 15 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

For more information visit here.

Journey Through DoodleLand: A Mr Doodle Draw-Along

26 May, 11:00am-12:30pm & 2:00pm-3:30pm

During the family workshop, Mr Doodle will discuss his artistic influences, take part in a Q&A, and demonstrate a live “draw along,” offering a unique real-time glimpse into his extraordinary imagination. Materials will be provided and participants will come out of the session with their own doodles.

This workshop is aimed at children aged 7 and up. Please note that participating adults must book and pay for their own space. Non-participating adults are encouraged to purchase a Museum ticket and enjoy the exhibitions while their child takes part.

Location: The Cartoon Museum at 63 Wells Street, W1T 3PZ about 30 minutes from the Wellington Hotel.

For more information visit here.

Relaxed Hours: Veronica Ryan

26 May 2026, 11:00am – 6:00pm

An all-day quiet viewing of their current exhibition, Veronica Ryan: Multiple Conversations. Visitors are welcome to pay what they can, and their Relaxed Hours are suitable for anyone disabled, neurodivergent or with additional sensory needs. They are also welcoming early years families.

Location: Whitechapel Gallery at 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX about 10 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

For more information visit here.

Taster 3x3 Basketball

26 May, 1:00pm – 7:00pm

London Sports Festival is bringing the energy of 3x3 basketball to the city this May, uniting workers, residents and visitors in a celebration of the world's fastest growing urban sport. Mark your calendars for 26 May, this unmissable one-day event promises something for everyone - from competitive play and corporate challenges to free wheelchair basketball taster sessions and pay-and-play options for private use.

Enjoy this one-day event with free giveaways and an electric atmosphere, the perfect opportunity to experience the fast-paced excitement of 3x3 basketball while connecting with a vibrant community ahead of what's set to be a landmark summer of sport in London. Bookings are now open.

Location: Paternoster Square, EC4M 7DX about 15 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

To book your spot visit here.

Encounters: Giacometti × Lynda Benglis

Now - 31 May

A major exhibition bringing together works by Alberto Giacometti and contemporary artist Lynda Benglis for the first time. Spanning generations and sculptural approaches, the exhibition creates new dialogues between Giacometti’s iconic figures and Benglis’s dynamic, expressive forms.

Location: Barbican Art Gallery at Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS about 20 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

For more information visit here.

Padel Table Tennis at St Paul’s Cathedral Churchyard

Now - 4 June, 8:00am to 8:00pm

Padel table tennis has taken over the breathtaking St Paul's Cathedral Churchyard and the result is something truly special. This magnificent historic landmark is now the proud home of one of London's most talked-about emerging sports. Play off the walls, soak up the incredible atmosphere with friends and be completely hooked on a fresh and exciting twist on a much-loved classic, all against one of the most iconic skylines the city has to offer.

Up to 4 players per session. All equipment provided.

Location: St. Paul’s Cathedral Churchyard, EC4M 8AD about 15 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

To book your spot visit here.

Padel at Hay’s Galleria

Now - 23 August, 6:00am - 10:00pm

Set within the iconic and beautiful Hay's Galleria on the Riverside, this fantastic covered court is open and ready to welcome players of all abilities. Brand new to the sport or a seasoned pro, it doesn't matter, everyone is encouraged to come and play. Evening sessions are available with brilliant lighting for a top-quality experience after dark. Equipment is provided and the venue is wheelchair-accessible.

Also, a Rise and Rally offer is now available for those interested in playing padel on either Saturday or Sunday mornings from 6:00am to 8:00am. Over a 30% discount will be added at checkout.

Location: Hay's Galleria at 1 Battle Bridge Lane, SE1 2HD about 15 minutes from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

To book your spot visit here.

Padel at Tower Hill Terrace

Now - 25 October, 8:00am to 8:45pm

One of London's most breathtaking outdoor padel courts is up and calling your name. Set against the legendary backdrop of the Tower of London at Tower Hill Terrace, there's no better place to kick off your morning, catch up with colleagues after work, or spend a lively and active weekend. Whether you're stepping onto a padel court for the very first time or you're a confident, seasoned player, everyone is welcome to come and play. The venue is fully wheelchair-accessible, and evening sessions are on offer too with brilliant lighting ensuring an unforgettable experience after dark.

Location: Tower Hill Terrace, EC3N 4EE about a 5-minute walk from Tower Suites and Tower Residences hotel.

To book your spot visit here.