Your guide to all the best events in celebration of Charles III’s coronation. Here’s what’s on in London.
We’ve got a historic moment on our hands, folks. Let’s make it a historic weekend. But how? Well London has heaps of events going on to honour the Coronation of Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.
From dining out to getting sloshed at brunch, and from the opening of a Tesco pub to immersive exhibitions of last time we had a coronation, you’re not short of options.
Here’s a guide to the best.
All the Best Things to do on Coronation Weekend
Catch the Coronation Parade
Saturday 6th May
Of course, the biggest event of them all is the actual coronation ceremony itself. As well as the pomp and circumstance that surrounds it. That involves a parade in horse-drawn carriage from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, and back again.
You can grab seats along the route of the Coronation Procession – that’s mostly around the Mall and Whitehall – but you’ll have to arrive hella early. Alternatively you can watch it on a big screen in one of London’s royal parks.
We wrote a full guide of Coronation viewpoints and tips – you can read that below.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About the Coronation of Charles III
Indulge in an Afternoon Tea
Citywide
Multiple dates
Nothing says good old English tradition like the afternoon tea – the very cornerstone of polite English society.
Needless to say, with all the big events coming up, London has gone wild for afternoon tea. They’re coming in hot in all shapes and sizes. You can eat them in fancy hotels, quaff expensive champagne as you do. You’ll be able to watch the procession on tele as you spread jam across scones and tuck in to finger sandwiches.
You can even try one with a nordic twist. Read about our favourite coronation afternoon tea deals here.
Sip Cocktails at Radio Rooftop
The Strand
All weekend
Hotel ME knows that when the British get excited we like to drink, but in their usual style they plan for us to do it with a touch of class.
They’ve concocted two special coronation cocktails for the occasion. One, The King’s Speech is port, Glenfiddich 15 and a dash of truffle honey. The other, called Coronation, mixes champagne, vodka and cointreau with jasmine and hibiscus syrup.
These can be enjoyed alongside a plate of traditional nibbles like scotch eggs and lobster cocktails at their rooftop bar. See you there.
Smash Britpop Brunch at 100 Wardour Street
Sunday 7th May
Talk all you want about kings and queens. For most of us this weekend is about that extra bank holiday – a ripe excuse to get smashed on a Sunday sans consequences.
If that’s your vibe too then listen up: swanky Soho brunch spot, 100 Wardour Street, is throwing a Britpop brunch on the Sunday that should have your name all over it.
In their own show of national pride they’ll be laying down the best of British artists as you dine out on a three-course menu paired with Ciroc cocktails.
Hit the Tesco Pub
Farringdon
4th + 5th May
Yes. It is a real thing. Tesco is opening a pub. It’s only for the coronation weekend though, then they’ll go back to feeding the masses. Before you jaded postmodern masses call this some corporate money spinner/ad campaign, here them out:
Bank holidays are expensive, they say. The average person spends £136 (conservative by our estimates). Tesco wants to offer a cheap option and so have put together a menu of reasonably priced food that actually looks pretty good. Like, check out that prawn curry.
So what? The corporation is still cashing in. Nope. Actually they’re not. All the proceeds of this fine pop-up will be going to The Princes Trust, a charity set up by Charles III himself that helps young people get into jobs, education and training.
Treat Your Dog Like Royalty
7th May
We’re all too good at lavishing ourselves with indulgent brunches and glasses of champagne on a bank holiday weekend – but does man’s best friend ever get that kind of treatment?
M Canary Wharf is throwing a special doggy brunch where you can dine alongside your furry friend. You’ll both be getting three courses. You, a choice of steak and eggs, pancakes or shakshuka. Your pooch, jerky three-ways, biltong risotto and peanut butter cookies.
£5 from every ticket sold will go to the Dogs Trust, and of course all of the above food is dog friendly – just don’t go pouring that bloody mary into the dog bowl.
Drink Pimms on a Rooftop
Peckham, Tobacco Docks
6th + 7th May
Skylight never miss a chance to throw a good party. For the coronation weekend they’ll be throwing a few. Happening at both their Tobacco Docks and Peckham locations there’s plenty worth mulling over for the upcoming big weekend.
At Tobacco Docks on the Saturday you can knock back as much pimms as you like on a bottomless deal while being the first to dine out on their new spring menu of street-foody classics: think burgers, fries and Mexican bowls. Tickets here.
Then on Sunday at the Peckham location they’re throwing a classic brunch where they’ll be testing out their new BBQ and serving up the grub alongside a new mix of speciality gin cocktails. Tickets here.
Immerse Yourself in Royal Life
Marble Arch
29th April – 8th May
Immersive art space Frameless are opening a new segment of their much-talked-about and highly immersive shows. This one features none other than the late queen herself.
They’re essentially projecting footage of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. If you’ve been to Frameless already then you’ll know what that means: images blown to scale that makes you feel miniscule.
They’re also going to be knocking out afternoon teas from their cafe bar. That means you can grab one of those, post up in the coronation room and really soak in those royal vibes, glass of bubbly in hand.
Entry to the coronation exhibit is free with any Frameless ticket. You can buy those here.
Party at the King’s House
Saturday 6th + Sunday 7th
No, we’re not talking Buckingham Palace here. King’s House in Chelsea is putting on a good weekend of party events that should be on your radar.
First off the coronation ceremony will be screened on the Saturday morning while you enjoy a leisurely brunch and cocktails from their garden bar.
Then on Sunday they’re taking full advantage of the temporary change in licensing laws to throw a party until 2am. They’ve got DJs lined up and the party starts the moment Sunday brunch finishes (or during if you’re that kind of bruncher). Highlight of the party? Probably the free hog roast.
Watch the Pageantry at Battersea Power Station
6th May
If you can’t be bothered with the surely outrageous crowds gathering in Westminster to see the procession, Battersea Power Station is going to offer a rival option to the screens in Hyde Park that will also, no doubt, be busy as a bad day in hell.
They’ve got screens of their own going up and will be showing all the royal events from the comfort of their waterside location. It doesn’t stop there.
They’re getting in some live music acts to pick the mood up. Expect to see the likes of Elton John and the Spice Girls getting royal tribute acts up on stage while the drinks flow.
See Some Regal Cabaret
Holborn
5th – 7th May
If you prefer to celebrate to the sound of music and some pretty wild dance performances keep in mind the London Cabaret Club’s coronation special.
They’re calling it Kings and Queens and it’s an immersive cabaret show that involves a slap-up dinner alongside the entertainment. Said entertainment being a run down of the life and times of some of Britain’s most notable monarchs, from Queen Victoria to Henry the VII culminating, of course, with Charles III.
More information and tickets here
Cruise Along the Thames
Canary Wharf
Until the 8th May
For historic occasions sometimes we need to look back into the past. City Experiences are putting on a special coronation river cruise where you can do just that.
London’s history is very deeply connected to its chief waterway, meaning it’s the ideal place to take a tour down into London’s murky past and turn up all sorts of stories about its royal history.
Of course, no coronation boat tour would be complete without a fully stocked bar to take advantage of and their boats have exactly that, as well as activities to keep the kids busy while you raise a glass or two in Charles’ name.
Eat a Seven-Course Dinner
Westminster
4th + 5th May
The Rubens is so close to Buckingham Palace that they’re basically neighbours. No joke, this hotel actually overlooks the royal abode. Not a bad place to celebrate then, we hear you say.
You’re not wrong. The Rubens seems to know this too as they’ve set up a couple of dining events for the run up to the big weekend. One, on the 4th, pairs Lanson champagne with a menu created from the very finest of British produce.
The next day they’re then offering an Indian dinner – what could be more British? – that promises to be nothing less than a meal fit for a king.
Ride a 30s-Era Tube Train
Acton Town
29th + 30th April, + 1st May
In honour of the big day the London Transport Museum are putting together a very special day out. It involves a vintage tube train, a clear route all the way to Acton Town and some quirky celebrations to boot.
The train in question is a train restored to its original condition, as it would have been when it was in service back in the late 30s. You’ll be accompanied by an actor in full Royal Guard outfit who’ll recount his tales of the last coronation.
The line will run from Uxbridge to Acton Town where upon arrival you’ll be given a bit of light refreshment and a chance for some celebration.
Take a Royal Seat in the London Eye
Waterloo
Until 8th May
The London eye never misses an opportunity to get in the mood for a big event. For the coronation they’ve decked out some of their capsules to represent the very throne that Charles will be crowned in.
They’ve gone all out, putting down every detail of the Westminster Abbey scene right down to the chequered tile flooring and the wooden pews. Then once you’re sat in the throne you can put on a crown and hold the royal orb and sceptre.
You, looking royal hundreds of metres above London – not a bad one for the ‘gram.
Coronation Weekend: Practical Tips and Map
- London is going to be horrendously busy. This thing is gonna draw people into the city from all over the UK, and quite possibly the world. Scrap all plans for a ‘normal’ weekend in London between the 5th and the 7th May.
- Transport will take a major hit in that regard. Expect roads to be closed and the tube to be heaving.
- Pubs are open until 1am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Make the most of it, folks.
- If you’ve got other questions about where to see the ceremonies, when, where and why all the fuss, that haven’t been answered here. They’re in our non-events guide. You can find that here.
