Spring begins to stir in London this March, bringing with it a rich calendar of exhibitions, immersive experiences, concerts and culinary events. From ancient Egyptian treasures and surreal fashion retrospectives to candlelit concerts and hands-on cooking classes, the capital offers countless ways to fill the final weeks of winter with discovery. Whether you’re in the mood for culture, creativity or something deliciously unexpected, these are the best things to do in London this March.
1. Discover legendary treasures from Ancient Egypt
The largest touring exhibition ever dedicated to Ramses II arrives in London this month, bringing a remarkable collection of artefacts linked to one of Ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs. Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold gathers extraordinary historical treasures that rarely travel outside Egypt, including the coffin of Ramses II himself and the golden funerary mask of King Amenemope.
Set within a dramatic exhibition space designed to evoke the architecture of ancient tombs, the display allows visitors to explore objects that once formed part of Egypt’s royal funerary culture. Jewellery, sculptures and ceremonial artefacts offer a fascinating insight into the power, artistry and spiritual beliefs that defined the reign of Ramses the Great. With official backing from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the exhibition promises to be one of the most significant archaeological showcases to reach the UK in years.
Where: 2 Circus Road East, SW11 8DQ
Nearest station: Battersea Power Station
2. See some of Banksy’s best street art in a London-exclusive exhibition
Banksy’s provocative and instantly recognisable street art rarely appears together in one place, which makes the Banksy Limitless exhibition particularly compelling. This London-exclusive show gathers hundreds of works inspired by the anonymous artist’s most iconic creations, presenting them through immersive installations and large-scale displays.
Visitors can wander through reimagined environments inspired by Banksy’s world: including the striking Infinity Room and the playful reinterpretation of Cinderella’s carriage. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see many of the artist’s most famous works up close, while also exploring the social commentary and dark humour that have made Banksy one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
Where: Sussex Mansions
3. Learn the art of dim sum at Park Plaza’s masterclass
Food lovers can step into the kitchen at Chino Latino on the Southbank this spring to learn the delicate craft of dim sum making. Hosted by Head Chef Ederson, this two-hour masterclass teaches participants how to prepare classic Cantonese favourites such as Har Gau (crystal shrimp dumplings) and Siu Mai (open-faced pork and shrimp dumplings).
The session combines hands-on cooking with expert demonstrations using premium ingredients and traditional techniques. Once the dumplings are prepared, guests are invited to sit down and enjoy their creations overlooking the Thames. Participants also leave with recipe cards, allowing them to recreate the dishes at home for friends and family.
Where: Chino Latino, Park Plaza, Southbank
When: Saturdays until 31 May 2026
4. Experience radical fine dining at Kebab Queen
Hidden behind the glowing façade of a classic kebab shop in Covent Garden lies one of London’s most unconventional dining experiences. Kebab Queen is a 10-seat chef’s table where guests enjoy an immersive Levantine tasting menu served directly onto the counter; no plates, no barriers, no ceremony.
The concept, developed by restaurateurs Manu Canales, Ed Brunet and Stephen Tozer, is a bold reinterpretation of the kebab. Executive Chef Pamir Zeydan’s menu moves through inventive courses including mushroom cornetto, fermented tarhana soup, monkfish kebab and ox cheek manti, culminating in the signature Iskender kebab and delicate desserts.
The experience begins with a theatrical entrance: guests ring a doorbell, pass through the prep kitchen and emerge into an intimate cobalt-blue dining room hidden beneath Maison Bab. It is playful, inventive and unlike anything else in London’s restaurant scene.
Where: Covent Garden, London
5. Delight your senses at a candlelight concert
Imagine listening to a string quartet surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles inside some of London’s most beautiful historic venues. That’s exactly the atmosphere created by the Candlelight Concert series, which returns this March with a lineup of stunning performances.
Audiences can enjoy orchestral tributes to artists and composers ranging from Ed Sheeran and Coldplay to Hans Zimmer and The Beatles. The gentle glow of candlelight transforms each venue into an atmospheric concert hall, creating an intimate setting for music that feels both elegant and magical.
Highlights this month include performances at Southwark Cathedral and Central Hall Westminster.
6. Learn to cook restaurant dishes at KOKUM
Acclaimed Indian restaurant KOKUM is inviting diners into the kitchen for an immersive cooking masterclass this March. Led by Chef Sanjay Gour, who trained in Michelin-starred kitchens, the session teaches participants how to prepare some of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
Guests will learn techniques behind aromatic marinades, flavourful curries and traditional Indian cooking methods before sitting down to enjoy the dishes they’ve created. Each participant leaves with a goodie bag of essential ingredients and recipe cards to recreate the dishes at home.
Where: 58–60 East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AX
When: 14 March 2026
7. Hunt for golden bunnies at Hampton Court Palace
This Easter season, Hampton Court Palace is hosting a charming treasure hunt across its historic grounds. Visitors can search for twelve giant Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues hidden throughout the palace gardens.
Each bunny represents a fascinating figure from the palace’s 500-year history, turning the hunt into both a playful challenge and a miniature history lesson. Those who successfully find every statue will be rewarded with a chocolate treat at the end.
Where: Hampton Court Palace
When: 21 March – 12 April 2026
8. Step into Cleopatra’s world through immersive technology
A spectacular new exhibition opening this March invites visitors to explore the life of Cleopatra through cutting-edge immersive technology. Combining real artefacts with virtual reality, holograms and 5D experiences, the show recreates key moments from the life of Egypt’s legendary queen.
Visitors will journey through scenes depicting Cleopatra’s rise to power, her alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and the cultural splendour of Alexandria at the height of its influence. The blend of archaeology and digital storytelling creates a vivid portrait of one of history’s most fascinating rulers.
Where: ExCeL London Waterfront, Immerse LDN
When: 26 March – 9 July 2026
9. Explore spring events at the Old Royal Naval College
The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich will host a range of cultural events throughout March, offering visitors new ways to experience its magnificent historic buildings.
The programme begins with an atmospheric Murder Mystery evening that invites guests to explore the site after dark while solving a fictional crime. Later in the month, the Chapel will host a powerful concert celebrating its restored 235-year-old organ, while Mother’s Day afternoon tea provides a refined treat inside one of London’s most cinematic interiors.
Where: Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
10. Celebrate books at Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station launches a year-long literary programme this March titled A Station of Stories. The initiative celebrates the UK’s National Year of Reading with creative workshops, storytelling sessions and interactive activities.
The programme begins on World Book Day with a playful takeover by the beloved Mr Men and Little Miss characters. Families can join a live drawing session with illustrator Adam Hargreaves, search for hidden characters throughout the building in a treasure hunt, and take part in a weekend of reading-inspired activities.
Where: Battersea Power Station
When: From 5 March 2026
11. Delight in Schiaparelli’s surreal fashion at the V&A
The V&A opens a major retrospective dedicated to Elsa Schiaparelli, one of the most imaginative designers of the twentieth century. Her surrealist approach to fashion helped redefine haute couture in the 1930s, producing garments known for their dramatic silhouettes, unexpected materials and playful symbolism.
The exhibition traces the evolution of the house from its groundbreaking early collections to its contemporary revival under creative director Daniel Roseberry. Iconic designs worn by celebrities including Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid sit alongside archival pieces that reveal Schiaparelli’s enduring influence on modern fashion.
Where: V&A Museum, South Kensington
When: 21 March – 1 November 2026
12. Marvel at rare blooms at the Kew Orchid Festival
Each year the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens transforms into a breathtaking floral spectacle for the Orchid Festival. The 2026 edition celebrates the rich biodiversity of China, home to thousands of orchid varieties.
Visitors will discover elaborate botanical sculptures inspired by Chinese culture, including dragons, lanterns and traditional architecture crafted from vibrant blooms. Evening events add an extra layer of atmosphere with live music, dance performances and themed food.
Where: Kew Gardens
When: Until 8 March 2026
13. See David Hockney’s new exhibition at the Serpentine
A free exhibition dedicated to David Hockney opens this month at the Serpentine North Gallery. The show features a remarkable collection of works created in the artist’s Normandy studio, including pieces painted on his iPad during the pandemic.
Among the highlights is a 90-metre-long frieze inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the changing seasons in Hockney’s distinctive style. After exploring the gallery, visitors can wander through Kensington Gardens, making this one of London’s most enjoyable cultural outings of the month.
Where: Serpentine North Gallery, Kensington Gardens
When: 12 March – 23 August 2026
Price: Free
14. Discover Tracey Emin’s powerful retrospective at Tate Modern
Tate Modern presents a major exhibition charting the extraordinary career of Dame Tracey Emin. The show gathers more than 90 works spanning four decades, including painting, sculpture, textiles, photography and video.
At the heart of the exhibition is My Bed, the Turner Prize-nominated installation that famously captured Emin’s emotional vulnerability. Alongside it are deeply personal works exploring themes of identity, trauma, love and survival, including pieces reflecting her recent recovery from cancer.
Where: Tate Modern, Bankside
When: 27 February – 31 August 2026
15. Enter a magical world at the British Library’s Fairy Tales exhibition
Families and literature lovers will adore the British Library’s enchanting new exhibition Fairy Tales. The interactive display explores the origins and evolution of some of the world’s most beloved stories through manuscripts, illustrations, puppets and costumes.
Visitors journey through magical landscapes inspired by classics such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel. From cosy cottages to glittering royal palaces, the exhibition celebrates centuries of storytelling while inviting younger visitors to step inside the worlds of their favourite tales.
Where: British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB
When: 27 March – 23 August 2026
Price: From ÂŁ11.50
