Things to Do in London This Weekend (20–22 March 2026)
If you're looking for things to do in London this weekend Friday 20 March to Sunday 22 March 2026 the city has a busy calendar filled with exhibitions, sporting events, cultural experiences, and seasonal attractions. Late March is when London begins to transition into spring, meaning major indoor events are still running while outdoor events start returning to the calendar.
From a historic rowing race on the Thames to one of the UK's biggest home and design exhibitions, plus festivals, theater and markets, here are real events and experiences happening across London this weekend.
Watch the Head of the River Race on the Thames (Saturday)
One of the most iconic sporting events taking place this weekend is the Head of the River Race, which is traditionally held in March along the River Thames.
This famous rowing event attracts hundreds of crews from universities, rowing clubs and international teams. The race follows the famous Boat Race course between Mortlake and Putney Bridge, covering around 4.25 miles along the Thames.
Spectators usually gather along the riverbanks to watch the race unfold. Some of the best viewing spots include:
the riverside paths near Hammersmith Bridge
the embankment near Putney Bridge
pubs and cafés along the Thames in west London
The atmosphere around the race is lively, especially if the weather is clear. It's one of the best outdoor sporting events to experience in London before the busy summer sports calendar begins.
Visit the Ideal Home Show at Olympia London
Another major event happening during this weekend is the Ideal Home Show, which takes place every spring at Olympia London.
Running throughout March, the exhibition is one of the largest home and lifestyle events in the UK.
Visitors can explore:
interior design inspiration
home renovation ideas
kitchen and garden innovations
technology for modern homes
cooking demonstrations from well-known chefs
There are also workshops and talks where designers and industry experts share advice about home improvement projects.
Even if you're not renovating your home, the show is interesting to explore because of its creative displays and interactive experiences.
Explore the Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens
If you enjoy nature and photography, this weekend is a good time to visit the Kew Gardens Orchid Festival at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The annual orchid festival transforms the Princess of Wales Conservatory into a colourful tropical display featuring thousands of orchids.
Visitors can walk through themed botanical installations inspired by global ecosystems and landscapes. The displays are carefully designed with vibrant flowers, waterfalls and tropical plants.
March is typically the final part of the festival, making this weekend a good opportunity to see it before it closes for the season.
Kew Gardens itself is also a beautiful place to visit in early spring as the first blossoms begin to appear around the grounds.
See a West End Theatre Production
The weekend is also a great time to see a theatre performance in the famous West End.
London's theatre district hosts dozens of productions running every week, ranging from classic musicals to modern stage shows.
Some of the most popular productions playing in March include:
Hamilton
The Lion King
Les Misérables
The Phantom of the Opera
The theatres around Leicester Square and Covent Garden are especially busy on Friday and Saturday evenings.
If you're planning a spontaneous theatre night, you can often find discounted same-day tickets at the ticket booths in Leicester Square.
Seeing a West End show remains one of the most classic London weekend experiences.
Visit Major Art Exhibitions Across the City
London is known for its world-class museums and galleries, many of which host special exhibitions throughout March.
Some of the best places to visit this weekend include:
Tate Modern
National Gallery
Victoria and Albert Museum
These galleries feature collections spanning centuries of art history, including contemporary installations and famous masterpieces.
The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, houses works by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet and Leonardo da Vinci.
Meanwhile, the Victoria and Albert Museum showcases art, fashion and design collections from around the world.
If the weather is chilly or rainy, visiting a museum is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a few hours in London.
Explore Columbia Road Flower Market (Sunday)
Sunday mornings in London are famous for the colourful Columbia Road Flower Market in East London.
Every Sunday, the street fills with traders selling:
fresh flowers
house plants
herbs and garden plants
Because spring is approaching, the market becomes particularly lively in March as seasonal flowers begin to appear.
Visitors often arrive early to browse the stalls before heading to nearby cafés and bakeries.
The surrounding streets also have independent shops, art galleries and small restaurants, making it a fun neighbourhood to explore on a Sunday.
Discover Street Food at Borough Market
Another popular weekend destination is Borough Market, one of the oldest food markets in London.
Located near London Bridge, the market attracts both locals and visitors looking for high-quality food.
You can find:
international street food
artisan bread and pastries
fresh produce
cheeses and cured meats
The market is especially busy on Saturdays when visitors explore the stalls and nearby restaurants.
It's one of the best places in London to experience the city's diverse food culture.
Walk Along the South Bank
If you prefer something more relaxed, taking a walk along the South Bank is one of the most scenic ways to spend a weekend afternoon.
The riverside path begins near the London Eye and continues past theatres, galleries and street performers.
As you walk along the river you’ll pass famous landmarks including:
St Paul's Cathedral
Shakespeare's Globe
Tower Bridge
The area is particularly beautiful in the evening as the city lights reflect across the Thames.
Final Thoughts
London weekends rarely feel quiet, and the weekend of 20–22 March 2026 offers a wide variety of experiences.
From watching rowing teams compete in the Head of the River Race, to exploring the Ideal Home Show, visiting the Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens, or enjoying theatre, markets and riverside walks, there is something happening in nearly every part of the city.
One of the best things about London is that every neighbourhood offers a different atmosphere from the historic streets of central London to the creative markets of East London.
Whether you're planning a full weekend itinerary or simply looking for something interesting to do for a few hours, London always has something worth discovering.
London’s event calendar changes every week with new festivals, exhibitions and performances happening throughout the city.
For more guides, travel tips and updates on what’s happening around the capital, keep visiting Londonyaar.com
👉 And if you're wondering what to do in London next weekend, check back soon there’s always something new happening in the city.