Guildhall Library is holding a series of talks, walks, and literary viewings throughout 2025 to celebrate 600 years since it was founded.
Spring has officially arrived and with the weather starting to warm up, April is one of the best times to visit the City of London.
From marvelling at flowers starting to bloom to exploring 2,000-year-old history, here are just some of the fantastic things to see & do this April.
1. Visit one of Roman London’s most fascinating remains
Beneath the curious old pathways of the City of London lies Billingsgate Roman House and Baths, a rich piece of Roman history surviving 2,000 years of building, fires and bombings and are one of Roman London’s most fascinating remains. First built around A.D. 150 then extended a hundred years later, it was occupied right through to the end of Roman London in the early 5th century A.D.
Public tours of the ruins take place on Saturdays between April and November and advance booking is required. Tours will start this year from Saturday 5 April.
Billingsgate Roman House and Bath.
2. Evelyn De Morgan returns to Guildhall Art Gallery in a new exhibition (4 April 2025 to 4 January 2026)
One of the most remarkable artists of her generation, Evelyn De Morgan, returns to Guildhall Art Gallery 100 years after her work was first showcased in the Gallery. The exciting exhibition premieres two newly restored artworks and visitors will be able to immerse themselves in De Morgan’s artistic process, career, and the cultural influences that shaped her work.
Entry to the exhibition is “pay what you can”.
Storm Spirits. Evelyn De Morgan Foundation.
3. Gain an insight into an artist’s creative process at Crane Court Gallery (Until 11 April)
For a sculpture to come to life in bronze, a team of artisans must come together, each with their own specialism refined over years, to realise the vision of the artist.
Alongside artworks covering a range of mediums, Crane Court Gallery’s latest exhibition presents visual references, studies and elements of process crucial to the creation of the finished articles.
Promo image by one of the artists featured in the exhibition at Crane Court Gallery
4. Visit ‘Black Sound London’ at the Barbican Music Library (until 19 July)
Explore over 100 years of British black music in Black Sound London, a free, interactive exhibition tracing its journey from the underground to the mainstream.
Celebrating the cultural significance of British black music, the exhibition features key moments from 1919’s Southern Syncopated Orchestra to modern-day artists like Central Cee and Fuse ODG. Discover records, photos, posters, and films showcasing the rise of black music in the UK.
Barbican Lakeside Terrace. Photo Credit: Max Colson
5. Explore these gardens to soak up a bit of spring sun
If you’re looking to soak up the spring sun, why not dine al fresco on the sunken lawn at Festival Garden next to St Paul’s Cathedral, step into a secret garden in church ruins at St Dunstan in the East or visit an indoor tropical oasis at the Barbican Conservatory.
This month you will be able to see City Gardens and green spaces bursting with colourful flowers including perfect pink cherry blossom in Aldgate Square and other locations (early April); creamy-pink magnolias in St Mary Aldermanbury Garden (early April), and bright red and pink tea peonies in Cleary Garden (from mid April). With 180 green spaces across the City, there’s a wide range of places to explore and relax.
Cleary Garden © City of London Corporation
6. Find fun and engaging activities to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays
Keep the whole family entertained this month in the City of London with a range of fun activities to get involved in.
Explore Dr Johnson's incredible House of Words (5 April): Play word games and see how good you are at writing with a quill and ink while dressing up in 18th century costumes and following a treasure hunt trail throughout house.
Become a master builder for the day (8 and 9 April): Join a workshop led by an expert builder and works as a team to contribute to the creation of a giant Roman Bucklersbury Mosaic while learning more about Roman life in Londinium.
Explore nature and art (12 April): Guildhall Art Gallery’s next Second Saturday will be celebrating Spring by exploring nature in their collection, with a range of fun and creative activities including the chance to make your own garden collage with botanical prints as well as storytime sessions.
Kids eat free at Cento Alla Torre (5 to 21 April): This Easter, enjoy a delightful family dining experience at Cento Alla Torre, offering authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of London. From 5 to 21 April, kids eat free with every adult main course ordered.* Use code "EASTERKIDS25" when booking.
*Max 2 complimentary kids’ meals per adult, drinks not included.
Promotional image for the Family Fun Day at Dr Johnson's House.
7. Explore the City while cheering on the runners in the London Landmarks Half Marathon (6 April)
London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM) will be returning on Sunday 6 April for its 8th edition, with over 18,500 runners taking part. The event is incredibly special as it is organised by Tommy’s the baby charity, and is a 100% not-for-profit event partnering with 500+ charities. On the day there will be local music and dance acts, historical activations, free guided history tours as well as themed charity cheer stations.
Here are just some of the brilliant activations happening on the day:
- In Guildhall Yard, prepare yourself for gladiator fighting, centurion drilling and plenty of fun celebrating Londinium life at a Roman Reception. Plus, don’t miss your chance to grab a selfie with a gladiator. You can also combine this with a free visit to London’s Roman Amphitheatre, the well-preserved Roman ruins in which crowds would once have gathered to watch gladiatorial combats - entrance is via the Guildhall Art Gallery.
- In London's Roman Amphitheatre you have the chance to meet their expert archaeologist to find out everything you ever wanted to know about the Romans, and get your hands on some genuine Roman objects, found in London’s Roman Amphitheatre. Dr Andrew Lane will be on hand to answer your questions and give a unique insight into Londinium in the place where the gladiators once fought! Drop-in sessions @ 10.30 to 11.30am and 12.30 to 1.30pm.
- Listen to live music on the Queen Stage (Queen Street/Queen Victoria Street) and King Stage (King Edward Street) from London Gay Men's Choir, London City Singers and lots more!
- Join a family-friendly and free guided tour on the theme ‘Fabulous Beasts and Other City Animals’ with the City of London Guides.
If you are cheering on your friends or family this year and searching for places to eat there are a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars for all tastes in the City including Zizzi, Pizza Express, Boom Bap Burger and more.
Roman reception at Guildhall Yard during London Landmarks Half Marathon in 2023.
8. Discover a new art-trail of colourful eggs (24 March to 27 April 2025)
From 24 March to 27 April 2025, everyone is invited to find the scattered 2ft egg sculptures as part of a free-to-view trail across iconic locations and landmarks.
The egg sculptures have been crafted by artists and designers from across the world, blending creativity with a meaningful cause.
With 18 eggs to find across the City of London, it is the perfect way to spend the day exploring the City.
The Big Egg Hunt 2025.
9. Attend a lunchtime concert at Mercer’s Hall (17 April)
Join City Music Foundation for the next in their series of lunchtime concerts at City of London Livery Halls. Artists ‘Duo Melus’ will be performing at the Mercers’ Hall on Thursday 17 April.
Promotional image for CMF Lunchtime Concert Series: Duo Melus
10. See Hamlet: Teatro La Plaza at the Barbican Theatre (24 to 27 April)
A joyful and enigmatic reinvention of Shakespeare's tragedy that explores what it's like to 'be' in a world that often excludes you, performed by a powerful cast of actors with Down's Syndrome.
The enchanting production is told with playfulness, humour and fighting spirit, weaving together traditional text with personal anecdotes from each of the eight performers.
Promotional image for Hamlet at the Barbican.
11. Learn about Mr Nicholas Culpeper, the ‘lay’ herbalist and revolutionary (28 April)
This year’s Spring Lecture at Apothecaries Hall from The Friends of the Collections will explore the life of Mr Nicholas Culpeper: a ‘lay’ herbalist known by many historians for his translational work that started the movement to democratise medicine, making its contents accessible to ordinary people and fuelling a revolution in early modern medicine.
Promotional image for Mr Nicholas Culpeper: ‘lay’ herbalist and revolutionary
12. See Krapp’s Last Tape at the Barbican Theatre (30 April to 3 May)
Samuel Beckett's solo masterpiece about memory, loneliness and lost love is coming to the Barbican this month. Described as one of Beckett's greatest dramatic achievements, the work's introspective narrative and sharp wit offer a compelling reflection on our own journeys of self-discovery and the inevitable march of time.
Photo Credit: Lee Mawdsley
13. Discover Passion Fruit, a self-love story about finding yourself and staying true to your roots (30 April to 3 May)
Brimming with joyful movement, brutal honesty and tender insight, this coming-of-age comedy-drama follows the life of Romeo, a Black, Gay, British-Jamaican boy growing up in North London.
Photo credit: Max Colson
14. A new food hall from BOXPARK is opening in this City this month (10 April)
BOXHALL City, a new food hall from BOXPARK, is opening on 10 April at Metropolitan Arcade near Liverpool Street station.
Expect to see a mix of emerging and established food and drink brands, as well as a new rooftop bar, in a restored Edwardian heritage arcade designed by Macaulay Sinclair.
CGI of BOXHALL City, a new food hall from BOXPARK.
15. Attend the Andaz London Wedding Show (5 April)
Bringing together the finest wedding vendors to help you craft the day of your dreams, you will be able to explore stunning wedding inspirations, meet industry-leading professionals, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of love and celebration.
Wedding show hosted at the Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street, Credit to @joasis_photography
16. Join A free lunchtime tours at the Bank of England Museum (3 and 24 April)
Join the Bank of England museum for a free 20 minute lunchtime tour of their exhibition, The Future of Money.
17. Join a fascinating and free lunchtime talk at the London Centre (every Friday)
Join NLA for a free lunchtime talk every Friday from 12:30 to 1pm at The London Centre to learn about London’s historical and physical development.
Free lunchtime talks take place every Friday at the London Centre.
18. Visit the Garden at 120
At 15 storeys up, The Garden at 120 offers exceptional 360-degree views of the City and greater London. The Garden was designed by German landscape architects Latz + Partner and is home to 85 Italian wisteria trees, over 30 fruit trees and a 200ft-long flowing water feature.
Photo Credit: City of London Corporation
19. Enjoy a champagne brunch or dinner showcase at The Royal Exchange
Spend a luxurious Saturday at the Royal Exchange where you can pick from Engel's Champagne Brunch, relaxing in elegance throughout the afternoon with Kiani Tea's Afternoon Tea (a Persian spin on a British classic) or as evening falls, savouring Chef Dana's haute cuisine at the Jang Saturday Dinner.
If a Sunday Roast is more to your tase, live it up with The Libertine's legendary Sunday Roast before exploring the Exchange's luxury boutiques or indulging in a treat from the delicious Buns From Home.
Jang at The Royal Exchange.
20. Declutter and Donate at a ‘Give and Take’ Day (12 April)
It is spring cleaning season and what better inspiration to clear out your unused items, than heading to a ‘Give and Take Day’ at Portsoken Community Centre. Donate clothes, shoes, toys, books, kitchenware, and small electrical items and take the time to browse through the donations to see if you want to pick up something new.
This event is a fantastic way to declutter, reduce waste, and support your community.
Previous Give and Take Day at Portsoken Community Centre.
21. Have brunch in the clouds at Lucky Cat Bishopsgate by Gordon Ramsay
Step into a world of unparallelled views and exquisite dining with brunch at Lucky Cat Bishopsgate by Gordon Ramsay, a contemporary reimagining of Tokyo’s 1930s kissas and Shanghai’s drinking dens.
Designed to share, the brunch menu features a selection of expertly crafted dishes, including bottomless bao buns, hand-crafted sushi platters, and XO egg fried rice, all created with precision and passion. To complete your experience, indulge in their iconic Lucky Lollies, a sweet and playful finish to your meal.
Lucky Cat Bishopsgate by Gordon Ramsay.
22. See the National Open Youth Orchestra (27 April)
Experience the emotionally charged performances of one of the most exciting youth orchestras in the world.
Fifteen brilliant young disabled and non-disabled musicians invite you into a musical universe without barriers, performing beautiful new pieces commissioned for the orchestra’s thrilling mix of acoustic and electronic instruments, including the Clarion.
This relaxed performance is suitable for all, including neurodivergent and disabled audiences, and families.
Promotional image from Guildhall School of Music & Drama for their event National Open Youth Orchestra: Ring Out! No more barriers, just great music
23. Experience sunset at The Ivy Asia, the perfect golden hour experience (Mon to Fri, 4 to 6pm)
As the days grow longer and golden hour shines a little brighter, The Ivy Asia has unveiled ‘Sunset at The Ivy Asia’, an all-new happy hour experience designed to bring vibrant flavours and irresistible drink deals to weekdays.
The exclusive offer is available Monday to Friday from 4pm to 6pm, featuring a selection of delicious small plates for just £5 each, alongside handcrafted cocktails, sparkling wines and beers starting from £4.50 per glass. The Ivy Asia can be found in One New Change.
© The Ivy Asia
24. A new display has opened at The Heritage Gallery about City Bridge Foundation
The Heritage Gallery is located within Guildhall Art Gallery and until September you will be able to see a display about the history of City Bridge Foundation. There will be a small document granting a shop to London Bridge in c.1215 by Alice as well as a pen and wash map on parchment surveyed and made by William Leybourn.
25. Celebrate Turner 250 at Guildhall Art Gallery
To mark the 250th anniversary of Turner’s birth (23 April 1775), Guildhall Art Gallery are exhibiting his watercolour, 'View at Hythe, Kent' from their collection, for the first time in 20 years. Created in 1824, it depicts a view from a cliff top in Hythe, Kent, with infantrymen hauling a cannon uphill and a defensive gun emplacement in the foreground.
The watercolour forms part of their Wakefield Collection. Charles Cheers Wakefield, who was Lord Mayor of London in 1915, supported the Guildhall Art Gallery from 1911 onwards through subscriptions and commissions.
View at Hythe, Kent (1824) by Joseph Mallord William Turner on display at Guildhall Art Gallery.
