After a 250-year absence, the ‘Dictionary Desk’ of celebrated 18th century writer Samuel Johnson makes a historic return to his former abode, Dr Johnson’s House in the City of London.
Whether you’re looking to keep the kids entertained during half-term, enjoy a night at the theatre, or celebrate Valentine’s Day with a memorable dinner or market visit, the City of London has something for everyone. From workshops for creative minds to live concerts and cultural events, February is bursting with activities to enjoy.
1. Step into a world of wonder at the Masonic Temple (Various dates, February to June)
Step into a world of wonder with an evening of mesmerising magic at the hidden Masonic Temple in Andaz Liverpool Street. This intimate venue provides an atmospheric backdrop for Tony Middleton ‘Sonic’, one of London’s top parlour magicians.
Known for the hit show The Magic Hour, Sonic will leave you astounded with mind-bending illusions, sleight of hand, and jaw-dropping feats of mentalism. A perfect night out for couples, friends, or anyone looking to experience something extraordinary.
Magic at the Temple at Andaz Liverpool Street.
2. Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas in the City
The City of London offers an ideal setting to orchestrate an unforgettable date. From the timeless charm of romantic restaurants to swoon-worthy views from rooftop venues here are a few ideas to get you started.
Searcys at The Gherkin (14 and 15 February): Celebrate love at dazzling heights with a dining experience at one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Searcys at The Gherkin offers a range of Valentine’s Day options, from a romantic afternoon tea featuring delectable treats to an elegant dinner paired with stunning panoramic views of the city. Elevate the romance with a cocktail at the bar as the city lights twinkle below.
Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange (14 February): Indulge in a magical Valentine’s evening with Fortnum’s specially curated four-course menu, accompanied by the soulful sounds of the Dee Quartet. Nestled within the grand surroundings of The Royal Exchange, this dinner promises to combine culinary excellence with a vibrant atmosphere.
Vinoteca City (14 February): For a relaxed yet indulgent evening, Vinoteca City is offering a special three-course Valentine’s menu complemented by their standout wine list and Valentine-themed cocktails. Perfect for date night, celebrating friendship, or simply treating yourself. Vinoteca City can be found in Bloomberg Arcade.
Romantic Escape at Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (Valid until 31 December 2025): Experience a luxurious Valentine’s retreat with a stay at Tower Suites, located near the iconic Tower of London. This special package includes a complimentary bottle of Champagne, a personalised patisserie-crafted cake, and a three-course candlelit dinner to round off your romantic evening.
Valentine’s Pop-Up Market at Leadenhall Market (8 February): Head to Leadenhall Market for the SoLo Craft Fair Valentine’s Pop-Up, where you’ll find unique, handmade gifts such as jewellery, artwork, and home accessories. This is a perfect opportunity to find thoughtful gifts for loved ones while supporting local makers. Don’t miss the Love Tarot Reading workshop, available from 12 to 3pm, for an intriguing glimpse into your romantic future.
Valentine's Market at Paternoster Square (13 and 14 February): The Paternoster Square Valentines Market is the perfect place for a lunchtime date or that last minute gift. Find a selection of artisan gifts,, jewellery, fresh flowers as well as delicious street food and a beautiful flower arch to snap a pic together.
Unplugged and Unmatched (14 February): This Valentine’s, if you're done with the apps, the endless swiping, and the ghosting, then Rakes Cafe Bar have the solution for you. Enjoy a night of exclusive cocktails with cheeky names like The Ghoster, The Narcissist, and The Cheater at this fun singles night in the City.
Valentine's in the City at Apex City: Treat your Valentine's or GALentine's this February with a stay in 4-star luxury hotel with a sumptuous breakfast, rose petals, tempting chocolates and sparkling prosecco.
Valentine's Day at Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant at The Royal Exchange.
3. LGBTQ+ History Month
Explore the City’s vibrant history and culture through activities that honour the contributions and stories of the LGBTQ+ community.
Walking London's Queer History (8, 15 and 28 Feb): Walking through the City of London, your guide will uncover some hidden histories: from Roman occupation to queer struggle, queer joy, late-night trysts in St Paul's Cathedral and thieves in controversial clothing.
Take an archive tour or visit Bishopsgate Institutes LGBTQIA+ Collections (6 to 27 February): See Bishopsgate Institute's LGBTQIA+ Collections and discover the stories they're home to. They are a treasure trove of LGBTQIA+ history with extensive archives holding cuttings, badges, and banners – and even a set of wizard’s robes.
Conservatory Takeover: Imagining Worlds (9 February): The Barbican Centre are hosting a day of creativity through words and imaginations, exploring what it is that gives us a sense of meaning, belonging and community. There will be readings by poets and writers Nikita Gill, Ariana Reines and So Mayer. The Big Dyke Bookclub, hosted by Sophie Crawford, will lead a drop in discussion of formative texts and queer speculative imaginaries.
4. Discover the architectural legacy of Christopher Wren
This February, celebrate the life and achievements of Sir Christopher Wren, one of Britain’s most celebrated architects, on the anniversary of his death in 1723. Most widely known for rebuilding St Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London in 1666, Wren’s visionary designs transformed the City of London.
Take a walking tour to discover his most iconic works, including the dome of St Stephen Walbrook, the Gothic spire of St Margaret Pattens, and The Monument, commemorating the Great Fire of London 1666.
Image © Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral. Graham Lacdao
5. Swing out and Shimmy Dance Classes (every Wednesday evening in 2025)
Unleash your inner dancer at Portsoken Community Centre with these lively classes that blend nostalgia and fun. Learn classic dances from the roaring 1920s, like the Shim Sham and Electric Slide, and get your groove on with upbeat jive, rockabilly, and even the 1960s Twist. These sessions are perfect for beginners and seasoned dancers alike, offering a delightful way to stay active and meet new people.
Swing Out and Shimmy Dance Classes promotional poster.
6. Immerse yourself in light and sound at 'Luminous’ by Luxmuralis at St Paul’s Cathedral (22 to 28 February)
Prepare to be dazzled as the interior of St Paul’s Cathedral is transformed into a kaleidoscope of light and sound. Luminous, an immersive art installation, weaves together the Cathedral’s history and architectural grandeur with breathtaking projections and music. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable date night, a family outing, or a solo escape, this sensory experience will leave a lasting impression.
Luminous by Luxmuralis Dome at St Paul's Cathedral.
7. Sip coffee at Dr Johnson’s House and step back in time (5 February)
Step into literary history with a visit to the historic home of Dr Samuel Johnson, author of the first comprehensive English dictionary in 1755. Enjoy a coffee and pastry while learning about Johnson’s life, his work, and the fascinating Georgian London of the 18th century. Dr Johnson is also famous for his love of London, not least when he observed, ‘when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’.
Dr Johnson's House © City of London Corporation
8. Create Valentine’s crafts at Guildhall Art Gallery (8 February)
Bring the whole family to Guildhall Art Gallery for a Valentine’s-themed Second Saturday. Craft your own Victorian-inspired collages, origami purses, and friendship poems. Kids will love the storytelling sessions, complete with costumes, soft play bricks, and a portable library. This interactive day of art and creativity is the perfect way to spend time together.
9. Keep the kids entertained with half-term adventures
Keep the kids entertained with these exciting and educational activities happening across the City this half-term.
Guildhall Art Gallery (19 February): Enjoy a creative family day exploring the Art of Stained Glass. Young artists can craft banners and floating window roundels inspired by the works of female glass artists past and present.
Tower of London (15 to 23 February): Uncover a thrilling family-friendly adventure as you help thwart the criminal mastermind, Colonel Blood, in a live costumed performance. The Tower of London sits just outside of the City of London boundary.
St Paul’s Cathedral (15 February): Participate in a free morning of crafts and games exploring themes of peace and reconciliation. Reflect on how small acts can lead to a big impact.
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE (18 February): Experience a creative family day inspired by their latest exhibition 0.1% by Jonathan Baldock. Explore the exhibition, visit the Temple of Mithras, and craft your own artwork.
Tower Bridge (18 February): Tower Bridge, which was built with 10,000 tonnes of steel by Sir William Arrol (born Feb 1839), is celebrating Arrol's birthday with a family event exploring steel’s magnetic properties, including a mini magnet-making activity. Tower Bridge sits just outside of the City of London boundary.
Half-term activities at St Paul's Cathedral. Credit St Paul's Cathedral/Graham Lacdao.
10. 0.1% by Jonathan Baldock opens at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE (30 January to 5 July 2025)
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE showcases a series of contemporary art commissions, responding and bringing fresh perspectives to the site’s archaeological history. Their newest installation is 0.1% by Jonathan Baldock which draws on the rich history of the Bloomberg site, home to the ruins of the Roman temple of Mithras, exploring myths, legends, gods, rituals, and their influence on our lives.
A new exhibition by Jonathan Baldock at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE. Credit Jason Alden.
11. Enjoy performances by the London Symphony Orchestra
Two not-to-be-missed performances from the London Symphony Orchestra this month:
Walker, Bernstein and Walton 1 (6 February): A masterful evening of music exploring themes of love and justice, featuring some of the most evocative orchestral works.
Maconchy, Walton and Vaughan Williams 1 (9 February): Celebrate the richness of British classical music with an inspiring program of symphonies and oceanic themes that stir the imagination.
London Symphony Orchestra. Photo credit John Davis.
12. Rejuvenate with Rooftop Yoga and Brunch (22 February)
Elevate your mornings with Rooftop Yoga and Brunch at The Skyline London. Suitable for all levels, these guided sessions promise rejuvenation against a backdrop of stunning city views, including Tower Bridge and the River Thames. Complete your morning with a wholesome brunch to fuel your day.
13. Experience a fresh perspective on Henry VIII (10 to 15 February)
Revisit the story of Henry VIII with fresh eyes in this bold reimagining by playwright Hannah Khalil, Shakespeare’s Globe Writer in Residence (2022). Centring the untold perspectives of the women in Henry's court, this fresh production of The Life of King Henry VIII: All is True explores explores themes of ambition, love, and resilience.
Promotional image for Henry VIII, adapted by Hannah Khalil at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
14. Step into Regency England with Mansfield Park (24, 26, 28 February and 3 March)
Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary with a London premiere of Jonathan Dove’s opera adaptation of Mansfield Park. Performed at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, this enchanting production brings Austen's characters to life through wit, charm, and a spirited score. A must-see for literature and opera enthusiasts alike.
Promotional image for Mansfield Park by Jonathan Dove at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
15. Unleash creativity at the Barbican this spring
This February, the Barbican Centre bursts into life with imaginative workshops, world-building talks, and artistic explorations. Perfect for creators, thinkers, and art enthusiasts alike.
Conservatory Takeover (9 February): A day of workshops and discussions celebrating creative world-building and speculative fiction. Don’t miss readings from poets like Nikita Gill or the Big Dyke Bookclub's queer literary discussions.
Writing Worlds (9 February): Learn from leading writers and artists how to reimagine worlds through storytelling and gaming, inspired by legends like Ursula K. Le Guin.
Home: Figure and Portrait Drawing Workshops (12 February to 16 April): Join artist Honey Williams in exploring themes of home and identity through figure and portrait drawing.
See what else is on at the Barbican Centre.
The Barbican Conservatory. Credit Max Colson.
16. Discover the secret lives of 18th-century libertine women
Discover the untold stories of 18th-century women who defied societal norms with historian Dr Julie Peakman. From celebrated courtesans to ostracized streetwalkers, explore the complex lives of women labelled as ‘libertines’ and their struggles against double standards.
The rake carouses in a tavern full of prostitutes. Engraving by Thomas Bowles 1735. Credit Dr Johnson's House.
17. Experience the sensory journey of 'Into Eternal Land' (30 January to 20 April 2025)
Take a sensory journey through The Curve at the Barbican with Indonesian artist Citra Sasmita. Reimagining Balinese traditions and mythology, her work challenges gender roles and confronts colonial legacies. Don’t miss this captivating blend of painting, embroidery, scent, and installation.
Installation view of Citra Sasmita, Ode to the Sun, Yeo Workshop, Singapore, 2020 © Citra Sasmita
