Who doesn’t love the springtime in England? Magnolia blossoms are everywhere, the daffodils are blooming, the crocuses are peeking up from the soil and the days are getting longer. And April is a wonderful month to see London, especially in our Hampstead neighbourhood, known for being green and leafy!
OK, you don’t really know what kind of weather to expect in London at this time of the year but that’s what pocket umbrellas are for, right? Anyway, the great thing about our city is that aside from the amazing green spaces (the Royal Parks are beautiful in April!) or checking out some of London’s best museums and galleries - really, there’s so much else to do if the sun isn’t shining.
There’s also street markets, trendy boutiques and fashionable department stores, not to mention the possibility of day trips outside London - after all, Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury and Brighton are all just a quick train ride away - as well as the fantastic theatre the city’s known for.
And that’s not even counting the ‘stand alone’ festivals the capital boasts. So happy springtime everyone and here are a few of ‘one off’ events we think you might want to check out, should you find yourself in our fine city this April…
1. BrewLdn Beer Festival
There are many things Britain is famous for and one of them is its traditional pint! For anyone that likes beer, cider (or even spirits and wine, for that matter) you’ve got to head down to the South Bank area, where the BrewLdn Festival is taking place.
The venue, named ‘Between the Bridges’, is right next to the London Eye, with fantastic views of the city and you’ll have the chance to try out all kinds of drinks (some are even alcohol-free), chat with owners of small craft breweries and distilleries, not to mention enjoy yummy street food (there are plenty of veggie and vegan options too) and tap your feet to some great live music.
Afterwards, take a stroll along the Thames, east towards the Tate Modern and St. Pauls Cathedral, or cross over a bridge and head to Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square or Soho for coffee, drinks and people-watching.
Pick up a ticket from BrewLdn and cheers!
BrewLdn Beer Festival - 25th-27th April 2024
Between the Bridges, The Queen’s WAlk, SE1 (Waterloo tube)
2. Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival
Gorgeous gardens, fascinating Tudor history and a famous maze that both adults and children alike will love await you at Hampton Court Palace this April. The Grade I listed building was, 500 years ago, and it’s been beautifully preserved - you can wander through the old Guards Chamber, visit the jousting area (it was the King’s favourite sport) and explore what was a typical Tudor kitchen.
Even better, between 15th April and 6th May, they are hosting the Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival, and the knowledgeable gardeners who work there say that there’s going to be an eruption of colour - they’ve planted 10,000 tulip bulbs which makes it one of the UK’s biggest displays of this flora.
So if you love flowers, if you’re a history nerd, or if you just want a fab day out, head west (it’s very close to leafy Richmond) and tip-toe through some tulips. The tulip display is included in the price of your ticket…
Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival, 15th April-6th May 2024
Hampton Court Way, Molesey, KT8 (train from Waterloo or river boat from Kew/Richmond)
3. Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Jazz aficionados this one's for you - spread across ten venues over three days at the end of April, East London’s coming alive with the Brick Lane Jazz Festival, showcasing artists who are really breaking into the music scene. And it’s not limited to trad jazz either - expect Latin, Tegga, Electronic, Hip Hop and Neo Soul beats too.And whilst you’re in the area, jumping between gigs, don’t forget to check out some of the area’s edgy street art, pop into the Whitechapel Gallery (they host free exhibitions) or wander round Spitalfields Market, where independent artists showcase their jewellery, clothing and household items.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival, 26th-28th April 2024
Brick Lane, London E1, Aldgate East and Whitechapel tubes
4. London Coffee Festival
One of our co-founders, Bernardo Stella, hails from Italy, and so as you can imagine he’s pretty serious about coffee. Indeed, one of the first things he taught his sons was how to make cappuccino (and one of them, who’s now our General Manager, has got the practice off to a fine art.
But if you aren’t in Hampstead, and up for one of La Gaffe’s legendary beverages, then don’t despair because the London Coffee Festival is back and if you’re a fan of caffeine, you’re going to be in heaven. Being held at the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane (just like the Jazz Festival above), From ‘the Lab’ (featuring debates and talks about coffee) to ‘Latte Bar’ (watch the pros make art creations in the milk froth) and the Tasting Room (no explanation needed) you won’t know where to go next!
And with over 250 artisan coffee makers, gourmet and street food stalls, interactive workshops, and fabulous coffee-based cocktails, this is a festival that promises to lift your spirits (as well as your energy levels!)
London Coffee Festival, 11-14th April 2024
Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 (Aldgate East/Whitechapel tubes)
5. ‘In the Round’ Festival
Last but not least on our festival list, we’re heading to our neck of the woods - north London - to the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm. Just two stops from Hampstead on the underground, this performing arts and concert venue is a Grade II listed building, formerly a railway engine shed, is hosting the seventh year of its ‘In the Round’ festival.
This year’s line-up looks pretty interesting, and features a very eclectic mix of established and emerging artists, with a special evening of tribute songs to Joni MItchell (who turns 80 this year!) With fabulous acoustics, there will be one-off performances, bespoke shows and even some surprise gigs! Beforehand, enjoy a stroll along the Regents Canal at Camden Lock or climb up the hill in Primrose Hill park and enjoy the view!
Finally, If you’re thinking of coming to London in April and looking for a place to stay, then why not stay with us at La Gaffe Hotel Hampstead, n our comfortable guest accommodation in the heart of north London’s leafy Hampstead neighbourhood?
We’re family-owned and family-run and promise a welcoming and personal experience, not to mention exceptional cappuccino and espresso at breakfast! Feel free to contact us at 020 7435-8965 or, for the best price for your room, go to our website and book directly.