The shortest month of the year has brought its A-game. There’s romance, Fashion Week, LGBTQ+ History Month, stacks of pancakes and brighter days. London has something to offer for everyone this February. Embrace the charm of the season with our curated list of the best things to do in the capital.
Kew Orchid Festival
This year’s Kew Orchid Festival pays homage to the natural beauty and biodiversity of Madagascar, a place boasting 14,000 plants found nowhere else on Earth.
Keep an eye out for plant-carved sculptures depicting native animals like giraffe weevils and ring-tailed lemurs. And that’s not all – the fun extends into the night with after-hours events featuring live Madagascan music, food, cocktails, talks, and light displays.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
On Sunday, 11th February, London will take to the streets to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Drawing thousands of joyous attendees each year, the West End will transform from 10 am. Beyond the parade, you can make your way to Trafalgar Square, where free stage shows await. Marvel at martial arts displays, lose yourself in traditional dances, and groove to the beats of Chinese pop performances.
Families, don’t miss out – head to the specially designated family zone in Leicester Square. Engage in activities ranging from arts and crafts to dressing up, ensuring a day filled with fun for everyone.
Battersea Light Festival
Battersea’s free light trail concludes on February 25th. But there’s still time to discover seven mesmerizing light art installations crafted by both British and international artists, with several making their debut in the UK or London. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Power Station, these installations promise a sensory feast, shining both inside and outside the venue.
Be sure not to miss the live weeknight performances on the ‘Light Piano 1.5’ installation, adding a unique touch to your experience.
LGBTQ+ History Month
This annual celebration is the perfect antidote to winter gloom – if you can’t wait until summer for the main Pride parades and festivals, you can visit Queer Britain, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum. You’ll find a collection that spans over 100 years.
Alternatively, take a Queer tour at the National Portrait Gallery. Mark your calendars for February 16, and get ready to join the fabulous drag artist Timberlina for an irreverent and entertaining exploration of the gallery’s treasures. The highlight of this unique tour is the spotlight on Thomas Stewart’s 1792 portrait of the Chevalier d’Eon, a groundbreaking piece recognized as the earliest painted portrait of a trans person in the gallery’s esteemed collection.
Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re flying solo, newly coupled up, or have been with your other half for decades, get some last-minute inspiration and eat and drink your way around this edible city. The abundance of culinary choices across London is deliciously endless.
London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week will take place from 18th – 22nd February. The hybrid digital-physical schedule will continue to incorporate catwalk shows, presentations, appointments, and events throughout London, as well as digital content available online.
Pancake Race
Gear up for a flippin’ good time on Tuesday, February 13th, at 1 pm to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the legendary Lamb Tavern pancake race!
Prizes are up for grabs for everyone involved, and your name is engraved in history on the golden frying pan for the winning team. To sweeten the deal, they’ll be serving up free pancakes on the day – but once they’re gone, they’re gone!