How to Spend a Perfect Spring Weekend in London: A Guide from Strand Palace
As London awakens from its winter slumber, spring transforms the city into a sensory delight. Cherry blossoms line the streets, daffodils brighten the parks, and café terraces hum with cheerful conversation. From our prime location in Covent Garden, Strand Palace offers the perfect base for a springtime weekend, whether you’re seeking culture, cuisine, or simply a refreshing change of pace.
Here’s our handpicked itinerary for experiencing the best of London this season.
Friday Evening: Covent Garden Charm
After checking into your room at Strand Palace, start your weekend with dinner at Haxells Restaurant & Bar. Choose to dine indoors or, if the weather allows, enjoy your meal al fresco, ideal for soaking up the early evening buzz of Covent Garden.
Post-dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, where soft street lighting, live music, and street performances set the tone for a magical evening. For world-class drinks and dining just steps away, explore local favourites like Dishoom, The Ivy Market Grill, Barrafina, and The Alchemist.
Saturday: From Masterpieces to The Mall
Fuel your day with a full English breakfast (or a lighter option) at Haxells. If you’re unsure where to go next, visit our Locations Page for tailored ideas.
If you’re visiting during Photo London (16–19 May) or the Chelsea Flower Show (20–25 May), don’t miss these vibrant celebrations of art and horticulture.
Begin your cultural journey at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, and Monet. Arriving in the morning helps you beat the crowds and enjoy the artworks in peace.
Next, stroll down The Mall, with Union Jacks fluttering overhead, and enter St James’s Park—a springtime paradise of tulips, magnolias, and cherry trees surrounding the lake.
In the evening, the West End beckons. From dazzling musicals to intimate plays, world-class theatre is just minutes from Strand Palace. Need help choosing? Our team is happy to assist with recommendations or bookings.
Prefer a taste of theatre without the show? Join us at the Tea Palace Parlour for a MAMMA MIA! Afternoon Tea, inspired by the hit production at the nearby Novello Theatre.
Afterwards, unwind with a post-show cocktail at The Gin Palace and Cocktail Bar, the perfect end to a lively Saturday.
Sunday: Riverside Wanders & Hidden Gems
Sundays in London are unhurried, inviting you to explore at your own pace. After a relaxed breakfast, cross Waterloo Bridge and wander along the South Bank, a local favourite for its riverside views and street culture.
Sample global flavours at the Southbank Centre Food Market, browse bookstalls and handmade crafts, and continue eastward toward Borough Market—a haven for food lovers.
En route, stop for photos outside the Globe Theatre, or step into Tate Modern for a dose of contemporary art. Craving more green space? Visit the Sky Garden for panoramic views or hop to Greenwich Park for a peaceful afternoon escape.
If you’re lucky with the weather, some of London’s best rooftop bars come alive in spring. Head to Radio Rooftop, Aqua Spirit, Seabird, or Queen of Hoxton for skyline views and cocktails—insider picks even locals love.
Before returning to collect your bags, take a final detour to Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard, hidden gems just behind Covent Garden. With their colourful façades, indie boutiques, and tucked-away cafés, they’re ideal for a final flat white or herbal tea (and a perfect photo or two).
Discover even more local favourites and seasonal finds with our mobile concierge app.
Spring at Strand Palace
At Strand Palace, we’re more than just a place to stay. We’re your home in the heart of London—with culture, cuisine, and charm right on your doorstep.
We look forward to welcoming you this spring!