20 Best Things to Do in London in March 2026 (Events, Markets & Hidden Gems)
March is when London quietly starts waking up again.
The heavy winter mood begins to lift. Parks show the first signs of spring. Outdoor markets get busier. And the city calendar starts filling up with events that actually make it worth leaving the house.
If you’re wondering whether March is a good time to be in London the short answer is yes.
It’s one of those sweet-spot months where:
the crowds aren’t fully summer-level yet
the weather is improving (slowly… this is still London)
and there’s a genuinely good mix of indoor and outdoor things to do
So if you’re planning your month properly, here are 20 of the best things to do in London in March 2026 from seasonal events to easy local favourites.
1. See the Ramadan Lights in the West End
If you’re in London in early March, the Ramadan Lights around Coventry Street and Piccadilly Circus are still one of the most atmospheric evening walks.
Thousands of LED lights illuminate the street, creating one of central London’s most photogenic seasonal displays.
Best time: after sunset
Best for: evening walk + photos
2. Catch the Tail End of London Fashion Week Buzz
While the main shows finish in late February, early March often still carries residual fashion energy in central London especially around Soho and the Strand.
You may still notice:
fashion pop-ups
well-dressed crowds
retail displays following Fashion Week
Best for: casual central London wander
3. Look for Early Spring Blooms in London Parks
March is when London’s parks begin their slow seasonal shift.
You won’t get full blossom season yet, but you will start seeing:
early daffodils
crocuses
fresh green patches returning
Best parks to check:
Hyde Park
Regent’s Park
St James’s Park
Best time: late morning on dry days
4. Visit Borough Market on a Busy Spring Weekend
Borough Market is lively year-round, but March weekends bring a noticeable energy boost as the weather improves.
Expect:
strong street food variety
seasonal produce
busy but manageable crowds
Best time to go: before 1 pm on Saturdays
5. Book a West End Show Before Peak Tourist Season
March is a smart time to see a West End musical or play before Easter crowds build.
You’ll often find:
better seat availability
occasional midweek deals
slightly calmer theatre crowds
Best for: evening indoor plan
6. Explore a Free Major Museum
London’s big museums are perfect for those unpredictable March weather days.
Reliable free options include:
British Museum
National Gallery
Tate Modern
Even a 60–90 minute visit works well.
7. Do a Late-Night Dessert Run
As evenings get slightly milder, late dessert cafés start filling up again — especially in central London and Edgware Road.
Trending picks in London right now include:
pistachio desserts
kunafa
milk cakes
specialty hot chocolates
Best time: after 8 pm
8. Walk the South Bank at Golden Hour
March light hits differently along the Thames.
The South Bank becomes especially good for:
sunset walks
casual street performers
relaxed weekend atmosphere
Best window: around sunset on clear days
9. Browse Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields is one of the safest all-weather market options in London.
In March, it’s ideal because:
it’s partly covered
food stalls stay busy
independent sellers rotate regularly
Best time: late morning to early afternoon
10. Café Hop in Soho
March is prime time to start slow café hopping again without full summer crowds.
Watch for trending drinks like:
pistachio lattes
iced matcha
specialty chai
Best time: weekday afternoons
11. Experience London’s Ramadan Evening Food Scene
With Ramadan expected to run through much of March 2026 (subject to moon sighting), certain areas of London take on a very different evening rhythm.
Most atmospheric areas:
Edgware Road
Whitechapel
parts of East London
Best time: around iftar and later evening
12. Visit London Design Week Events (Early March)
London Design Week typically takes place in March at the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour, bringing interiors showcases and creative installations.
Some elements are trade-focused, but parts of the area atmosphere are still interesting to explore.
Best for: design lovers
13. Take a Slow Walk Through Notting Hill
March is a lovely shoulder season for Notting Hill walks.
You get:
colourful houses without peak crowds
calmer Portobello Road stretches
better photo conditions
Best time: weekday mornings
14. Try a New Halal Restaurant in Central London
March evenings especially during Ramadan are one of the best times to explore London’s halal food scene.
Central London options continue expanding, particularly around:
Soho
Marble Arch
Paddington
15. Still Time for Cosy Winter Drinks
Even though spring is approaching, March evenings in London can still feel cold.
This is prime time for:
thick hot chocolate
karak chai
specialty teas
Cosy drink season isn’t over yet.
16. Explore Shoreditch Street Art
Dry March days are great for a casual Shoreditch walk.
You’ll find:
rotating murals
independent cafés
vintage shops
weekend creative energy
17. Visit a Historic Pub on a Chilly Evening
March is still perfect pub weather.
Look for:
fireplaces still in use
slightly quieter midweek evenings
seasonal menus transitioning toward spring
18. Catch Sunset from Primrose Hill
On clear March evenings, Primrose Hill gives one of the best skyline views in London.
Best time: just before sunset
Best on: dry, crisp days
19. Watch for Limited-Run Exhibitions
March is a strong month for temporary exhibitions across London galleries and museums.
These change frequently, so it’s worth checking what’s currently running during your visit.
20. Plan Ahead for the April & Easter Season
One of the smartest March moves?
Use this month to book ahead for:
Easter weekend
spring attractions
popular restaurants
London gets noticeably busier from late March onward.
Final Thought
March in London is a quiet transition month and that’s exactly why it works so well.
You get the early signs of spring.
The city starts stretching awake again.
And the crowds haven’t fully arrived yet.
Plan it right, and March might be one of the most underrated months to enjoy London properly.
London changes fast especially as the seasons shift.
If you want simple, actually useful London guides (without the fluff), keep checking back with Londonyaar.com for the latest monthly plans, food spots, and what’s genuinely worth your time in the city.
And if this helped you plan your March in London, share it with someone who’s already counting down to spring.