15 things to see and do in London around King Charles’ coronation

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On May 6, the coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, will take place at London's Westminster Abbey.

No doubt millions will watch on TV at home, with countless people descending on the United Kingdom capital for the rare event. A coronation hasn't taken place in the U.K. since Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953.

However, London is no stranger to royal pomp. You can expect to see a whole host of regal celebrations over the coronation weekend, as evidenced by the Platinum Jubilee festivities in June 2022. The late Queen's 70-year reign was celebrated over a long weekend with street parties, Royal Air Force flyovers, a major concert at Buckingham Palace and an extra day off work for the masses.

If you're traveling to London for the king's coronation, you're probably looking forward to experiencing the tradition, excitement and sense of occasion of it all. But what other royal family-related things can you do or see?

Here are a few suggestions to keep your itinerary packed.

Admire the coronation venue: Westminster Abbey

visit london for king's coronation

Westminster Abbey is the epicenter of the coronation tradition. Constructed as a Benedictine monastery more than a thousand years ago, the awe-inspiring church has served as the backdrop for crowning reigning monarchs for hundreds of years.

In 1066, William the Conqueror was the first monarch to be coronated there. King Charles' coronation ceremony is the 40th to grace its nave, so the abbey has big plans on Saturday, May 6.

There doesn't appear to be any information out yet about gathering outside the abbey or the surrounding area during the day, so keep your eyes peeled, particularly on the royal family's website .

The abbey will be closed to visitors and worshippers from April 25 (it will reopen on May 8). However, you can admire its architecture from the outside during your visit. Outside of these dates, the abbey is typically open to the public. So, if you're keen to visit on a different date, check out the latest visitor information on opening hours, tickets and prices on Westminster Abbey's website .

Line The Mall for the procession

visit london for king's coronation

The Mall is a wide, tree-lined procession route in St. James's Park that leads to Buckingham Palace. It was the brainchild of Charles II back in 1660 and will once again be a focal point during King Charles III's coronation on May 6.

King Charles and queen consort Camilla are expected to travel along The Mall through Admiralty Arch to the abbey, with a larger coronation procession featuring other members of the royal family on the way back. Well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse of the king — and perhaps the ornate Gold State Coach, too — will likely gather along The Mall.

It's hard to state just how busy it can be. Royal super fans often camp out for hours, if not a whole night, before a royal event to secure a prime vantage point. Plan ahead and keep an eye out for official signs or guidance if you're hoping to join the crowds. If that all sounds too hectic, you can enjoy a picturesque stroll down The Mall toward the palace at another time during your London visit.

Attempt to see Buckingham Palace balcony

visit london for king's coronation

Another major moment during the coronation will be when King Charles steps out onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Royal occasions have been marked here for decades — with the royal family stepping out to celebrate weddings, wartime victories, coronations and annual Trooping the Colour birthday parades.

Again, you must be seriously dedicated to secure a spot close enough to see it in person. However, on a typical day (i.e., not May 6), it's possible to view Buckingham Palace's exterior through bars for free, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (daily at 11 a.m. in summer) for free and take a guided tour of parts of the palace — featuring the Throne Room, the 19 State Rooms, the Grand Staircase and the Palace Gardens.

For the tour, you must pay and pre-book your tickets, and you'll receive a timed slot. Check opening times and prices, or book via Buckingham Palace's website .

Attend the Royal Albert Hall Coronation Prom

visit london for king's coronation

If you're into classical music and Christian worship, the evening of the coronation will be marked at the Royal Albert Hall with a concert by the 100-member All Souls Orchestra and The Coronation Prom Massed Choir, alongside performers from across the Commonwealth.

Expect to hear "royal anthems and overtures by Elgar, Holst, Handel and John Williams," according to the official description of the event. At the time of writing, tickets were still available. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit the Royal Albert Hall website . The event will also be broadcast online, so you could watch from the comfort of your hotel.

Look out for 'Lighting up the Nation'

On Sunday, May 7, celebrations are set to shift from London to nearby Windsor, Berkshire, for the Coronation Concert — though there may yet be a role for London.

"The centerpiece of the Coronation Concert, 'Lighting up the Nation,' will see the country join together in celebration as iconic locations across the United Kingdom are lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays and illuminations," the royal family's website says.

There are plenty of iconic London locations that spring to mind, such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Big Ben. However, it'd be a total guess to say where to go to witness any illuminations or when to arrive, as additional details about "Lighting up the Nation" have not been revealed yet. A useful source for checking updates is, naturally, the royal family website .

Meet the king himself … in wax form at Madame Tussauds London

A travel tale for the ages: I went to London for the coronation and wound up meeting the king. Alas, Charles will presumably be pretty busy. So, if you want a guaranteed audience with His Majesty, your best bet is to meet the wax version of him at the iconic tourist attraction Madame Tussauds London.

You'll meet a slightly younger version of the king, admittedly. Also, the life-size wax figure won't be able to shake your hand (that would truly be terrifying).

On the plus side, you'll get to snap a selfie with the wax versions of the queen consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Additionally, you can head to the Awards Party section for a look at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were shuffled out of the regal section in 2021 .

Tour the Tower of London

visit london for king's coronation

A trip to the Tower of London hundreds of years ago may have meant imprisonment — or a grisly execution. Thankfully, in 2023, a visit is far less grim. You can see inside its buildings, the battlements and grounds outside, watch the famous black ravens in action and, of course, marvel at the priceless crown jewels. The latter have been housed in the tower since the 1660s.

The tower is closed May 6 for the coronation, as the crown jewels play a starring role. The coronation regalia, the sacred objects used during the coronation ceremony, includes the solid gold St. Edward's Crown (weighing a hefty 4.8 pounds), with which the king will be crowned, plus the bejeweled orb and sceptre. The Imperial State Crown is also worn by the monarch while departing Westminster Abbey.

That said, it does appear the tower is open on dates around the coronation. If you'd like to visit, check out the official Tower of London website for more information.

Go statue-spotting between St. James's Park and Palace

visit london for king's coronation

A visit to St. James's Park, away from the coronation chaos, should also be on your London to-do list. It's known for its vibrant flower beds, a lake (usually home to a group of free-roaming pelicans) and the Duck Island nature reserve.

The area is also worth exploring if you're interested in the British royal family, as there are several statues of note in the vicinity. Bronze depictions of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth — who were Charles' grandparents — are on the north side of The Mall.

A short walk away on Marlborough Road is a unique memorial in the art nouveau and Gothic styles that pays homage to Queen Alexandra – Charles' great-great-grandmother. It's opposite lesser-known St. James's Palace.

Though the palace is closed to the public, you can have a peek at the exterior and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony here. Green Park is also nearby.

Visit Kensington Palace's new exhibit: 'Crown to Couture'

Love royalty? Celebrity? And crucially: fashion? Consider checking out Kensington Palace's largest-ever exhibition: "Crown to Couture."

The exhibit is open from April 5 to Oct. 29, 2023. It will feature a range of iconic outfits, from a Lizzo look worn at the Met Gala in 2022 to the silver tissue gown rocked at court back in the days of Charles II — sometime in the mid- to late 1600s.

Kensington Palace — which has been home to many royals over the years, including the Prince and Princess of Wales — does have other exhibits. They include one devoted to Queen Victoria's childhood, as well as tours of various state apartments, galleries and gardens. But remember, the palace is closed on May 6 for the coronation. For visitor information, see the official website .

See the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park

visit london for king's coronation

The king and queen consort are the focus of the coronation. However, some royal fans may also want to remember the late Diana, Princess of Wales, while visiting London. The Diana Memorial Fountain in leafy Hyde Park is perhaps one of the best places to do that.

Notably, it's free, unlike Kensington Palace, where a Diana statue resides in the Sunken Garden and can be viewed from a distance via Cradle Walk.

Hyde Park's oval-shaped fountain, which is more of a flowing stream, symbolizes the late princess' openness. It was unveiled in 2004 by the late queen, who called it a "highly original memorial which captures something of the essence of a remarkable human being."

Visitors are invited to sit on the fountain's edge and even dip their toes in the water .

Catch a movie at the Prince Charles Cinema

visit london for king's coronation

This iconic independent cinema in London's West End, a stone's throw away from Leicester Square, has nothing to do with royalty — except for its name. Originally opened as the Prince Charles Theatre in 1962, the name stuck by the time it became a cinema in 1991.

Perhaps it would seem a bit odd to go to the cinema on your holiday, but who doesn't love a night at the movies? The program at the Prince Charles is always eclectic, featuring old classics, cult favorites and select new releases. The venue even puts on singalong events for musicals such as "Grease." If nothing else, you might want to snap a quick photo of its marquee to mark your visit.

There aren't many places in London specifically named after the king. However, there are plenty of pubs named "The Prince of Wales," his former title, if you like the novelty. You can find them in Highgate, Brixton and Kensington.

Take a daytrip to regal Windsor

visit london for king's coronation

Windsor isn't technically in London. However, it's easily accessible.

The Berkshire town is roughly 50 minutes away from London Paddington Railway Station by train. It has long been connected to the royal family, as the 900-year-old Windsor Castle is in the town center. It'll certainly be bouncing on May 7, as 10,000 ticket holders (selected by ballot) will descend on the grounds for the Coronation Concert.

If travel dates allow, a regal daytrip here is a must. Windsor Castle typically allows visitors, and among its highlights are the historic and ceremonial State Rooms, its extensive art collection, the Moat Room (home to a model of the castle as it was in the year 1377) and St George's Chapel, the burial place of 11 former monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II and Henry VIII. You can find out opening days and ticket information on its official website .

Travelers can also explore Windsor Great Park, accessing The Long Walk, The Savill Garden (featuring a gorgeous rose garden) and Virginia Water Lake, plus an equestrian statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II on horseback. Want kitschy royal souvenirs to remember the day? Windsor's numerous gift shops will have you covered.

Learn at the Guards Museum and Household Cavalry Museum

visit london for king's coronation

If what draws you to the British royal family is the pageantry, you'll probably be intrigued by the Guards Museum near Buckingham Palace and the Household Cavalry Museum on the edge of St James's Park in Whitehall.

The former is a small venue that encapsulates the history of the five regiments of Foot Guards (in other words, those who guard the palace and wear those red tunics and tall bearskin caps).

The latter is a "living museum" that documents the jobs done by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, who protect the king during ceremonial events. Here, you can see troops tending the horses they ride, as well as an 11 a.m. weekday Changing of the King's Life Guard outside on Horse Guards Parade.

All of these guards form part of the Household Division of the British Army. For information on opening times and how to visit, check out the Guards Museum and Household Cavalry Museum websites .

Visit St Paul's Cathedral

visit london for king's coronation

At least four different churches have been built on this site. The original church dedicated to St. Paul was constructed in A.D. 604, while the current version was constructed between 1675 and 1711. The cathedral also has historic tethers to royalty — from Elizabeth I's visit and George III's Jubilee celebrations to the reigning king, who wed Princess Diana here in 1981.

Services take place at St Paul's every day and are free to attend. Sightseers can opt for a ticket, which grants access to the cathedral floor, the crypt and the two galleries in the dome. If you tour the dome, prepare yourself for a truly jaw-dropping view of central London.

For more information on the free services, opening times for sightseeing and tickets, visit the St Paul's Cathedral website .

Step back in time at Kew Palace

visit london for king's coronation

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in Richmond is a nature lover's dream destination. There's a nice surprise for royal fans, too. The bright orange Kew Palace opens on April 3 (it's currently closed for winter).

Formerly known as the Dutch House, it became the countryside summer home of George III, who reigned mostly in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Also in the gardens is Queen Charlotte's cottage, his wife's idyllic getaway pad. It's believed that the family kept many exotic animals here in a nearby paddock — including the now-extinct quagga (similar to a zebra) and England's first kangaroos.

For opening hours and ticket information, visit the Kew Gardens website .

Bottom line

Royal points of interest are plentiful in London, so it's time to plan.

For the coronation, make sure to keep an eye out for official information on the timings of the coronation and how to gather safely in central London. Be on the lookout for other unofficial events — at local pubs and official street parties — that spring up closer to the time.

As for attractions, visit the abovementioned websites for up-to-date information on opening times and tickets. Keep in mind that Monday, May 8, is a bank holiday all over the U.K., too.

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Best things to do in London during the coronation

Here’s our pick of the best activities if you’re visiting the capital in may.

visit london for king's coronation

O n Saturday, May 6, 2023, King Charles III will be crowned at Westminster Abbey alongside Queen Camilla as part of a three-day celebration, which includes a bank holiday on Monday, May 8. Millions of people are expected to participate in the long weekend of events, which will include official pageantry such as the royal processions to and from Buckingham Palace, and community initiatives organised by royal fans. For those in London, there will be plenty of ways to get involved whether you want to be in the crowd or away from the masses. Here are our picks of some of the best things to do during the long weekend.

Main photo: the Golden Jubilee Bridge and the London Eye could be illuminated again as part of “Light Up the Nation” (Getty Images)

The King and Queen (Getty Images)

1. See the royal processions

On the day of the coronation, two processions will take place between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Before the coronation ceremony, Charles and Camilla will travel from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in what’s officially called the King’s Procession. Then on their return after the service, they will be joined by other senior royals in the Coronation Procession. An appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace will conclude the official activities of the day.

The King’s Procession will follow a route that starts from Buckingham Palace, passing The Mall, Admiralty Arch, King Charles I Island, Whitehall, Parliament Street, Parliament Square and Broad Sanctuary, before finishing at Westminster Abbey. The Coronation Procession will travel on the same route but in reverse.

• Where can I stay to see King Charles III’s coronation? The hotels to book

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The Great Fountain Garden at Hampton Court Palace (Alamy)

2. Visit a royal attraction

You can spend weeks in London visiting all of the attractions that have a royal connection but there are some highlights.

Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace and the Tower of London are the obvious stops, but these will all be closed on coronation day. The same is true for museums and galleries linked to the royals, such as the Queen’s Gallery and the Household Cavalry Museum. The one exception is Hampton Court Palace — although the palace will be closed on May 6, its gardens will remain open. So if you’re planning to visit any of these, aim for a day or two on either side of coronation day.

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The Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens (Alamy)

3. Picnic in a royal park

St James’s Park and Green Park will both be extremely busy on coronation day but it may still be possible to find a spot further away from the main action to lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy the atmosphere. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are great alternatives and are vastly more spacious. Pack your own picnic or, for a treat, check hotels in the area — for big celebrations, many will create special hampers that visitors can reserve and pick up.

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Afternoon tea at the Goring

4. Go for a regal afternoon tea

If crowds are not your thing, opt for an afternoon tea instead. London has no shortage of luxurious experiences, but the Goring hotel stands out among the crowd. Just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace and a favourite with royals, the hotel will be serving a coronation-themed version of its classic afternoon tea. On the menu are coronation chicken sandwiches, scones decorated with the King’s profile, and royal-themed sweets and pastries.

As an alternative, try the Rubens at the Palace which, as its name suggests, is right opposite Buckingham Palace. Its afternoon tea is always royal-themed and is inspired by the royal orchard. For the coronation weekend, it has curated two special afternoon tea menus featuring multiple courses that will include some British classics.

• Best places for afternoon tea in London

Battersea Power Station lit up at night (Getty Images)

5. See London illuminated

One of the official planned events during the coronation weekend is “Light Up the Nation”, where landmarks around the country will be illuminated with the help of projections, lasers and drones. The lighting will take place on Sunday, May 7, as part of the Coronation Concert in Windsor.

The list of landmarks hasn’t been revealed yet. However, some of the contenders — and where illuminations usually take place — include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and Battersea Power Station.

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A waxwork of the Prince of Wales at Madame Tussauds (Getty Images)

6. Get a selfie with a royal

You might not be able to wiggle your way to the front of the crowds on coronation day but there is one place where you can be certain of securing a royal selfie — Madame Tussauds. All of the senior royals feature in its extensive wax work collection, and you can get pretty close for photos. That said, around the coronation, you may find that there are longer than average queues.

• Who will attend King Charles’s coronation?

Fortnum & Mason (Alamy)

7. Shop for souvenirs

Lots of retailers are already selling coronation memorabilia, including the official Royal Collection Shop. If mugs or plates aren’t your thing, how about picking up something worthwhile from one of the royal warrant holders? These businesses are known for their quality and regularly supply the royal household.

Some of the most gift-friendly options include Fortnum & Mason for food and drink, Berry Bros & Rudd for fine wines, Floris for bespoke perfumes and Smythson for stationery.

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Westminster Abbey’s coronation exhibition (Dean & Chapter of Westminster)

8. See the coronation exhibition

Westminster Abbey has announced a series of events to celebrate the coronation, some of which have already sold out. While you won’t have an opportunity to walk on the Cosmati pavement, where the Coronation Chair will be placed on May 6, you can still visit the coronation exhibition at the Chapter House. Entry to the exhibition is included in the entry price to the Abbey, and you can see historic illustrations and photographs that showcase the pomp and ceremony behind the coronation traditions. Note that Westminster Abbey will be closed between April 25 and May 8 in preparation for the coronation, and the exhibition will be up between April 11 and September 30, 2023.

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9. Go on a river cruise

Cruising down the Thames is always a great way to see London — but it’s even better if you want to avoid the crowds on the streets during the coronation. Between April 17 and May 8, City Cruises will be dressing their boats in bunting to celebrate the coronation, while onboard commentary will give first-timers an insight into the buildings that line the riverfront, from Westminster Abbey to the Tower of London. There’s the option to hop off if you want, or stay on board and enjoy one of the coronation-themed afternoon teas or dinners.

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Hotel Café Royal

10. Splash out on a weekend break

With May 8 designated a bank holiday, the coronation weekend is the perfect excuse to extend your trip in London. And for those thinking about splashing out, a few hotels are offering special coronation packages.

Strand Palace hotel has the “Stay Like A King” package for £845, which includes a two-night stay for two in a deluxe king room. Buffet breakfast, complimentary minibar and a bottle of champagne are also included in the price. Dukes London is putting on the indulgent “Royal Connoisseur Experience” for stays between April 1 and December 20. The £2,345 package includes two nights for two in an executive room, plus breakfast with Exmoor caviar and champagne, traditional cream tea, four-course dinner, and luxury turndown service.

• How to watch the King’s coronation

For the ultimate in extravagance, go for Hotel Café Royal’s “Crown Jewels Experience”, available between April 1 and October 1. For a grand £12,995, you’ll stay for a night in the hotel’s two-bedroom royal suite and enjoy in-suite breakfast the morning after. Then it’s onto the Tower of London in a chauffeur-driven limousine, where you’ll enjoy a tour with a Yeoman Warder and a private viewing of the crown jewels.

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Get yourself crowned in the Coronation Capsule on the London Eye

11. Take a coronation photo — on the London Eye

The London Eye has created a special Coronation Capsule, which will be open to the public between April 29 and May 8. The idea is that you hop in for the usual rotation with views of London, including of Westminster Abbey, and, while inside, pretend you’re having your own coronation. To that end, the capsule features a replica of the Coronation Chair, and replicas of the Crown Jewels are available as props. Tickets for the capsule cost £60 per person and include a glass of champagne (or soft drink) plus fast-track boarding.

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The Connaught will throw a street party for the coronation (Alamy)

12. Go to a public street party

Don’t have a neighbourhood street party to go to? No problem. Businesses around the city are clubbing together to host their own. Grovesnor Square will be hosting a free garden party on May 6 and 7 with picnic benches, wine bars and live performances. The Connaught hotel is throwing a street party on May 7 and south of the river Battersea Power Station is planning a weekend of activities.

• King Charles’s coronation: when is the bank holiday and what are the plans?

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Everything You Need to Know if Visiting London During the Coronation

King Charles’ coronation has been on the horizon since Queen Elizabeth sadly passed away in September last year, who reigned for a whopping 70 years and 214 days. Three days of patriotic festivities will take place around the city to commemorate this momentous occasion, starting on 6th of May. Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about visiting London during the Coronation. Get your flags at the ready.

Photography of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, taken in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. The photograph was taken by Hugo Burnand.

Image Courtesy of The Royal Family (📸 Hugo Burnand)

So, what actually is the Coronation?

First things first, what exactly is a coronation? To put it bluntly, it’s when a monarch is crowned King or Queen while someone places a crown on their head. It’s a symbolic ceremony that has remained pretty much the same for around a thousand years.  It’ll be conducted by the ArchBishop of Canterbury, who will present King Charles (sitting on King Edward’s chair dating back to 1296) with an assortment of royal ceremonial objects in front of, well, basically, the entire world. The crown will be physically placed on his head, and he’ll be handed things like the Crown Jewels  – head to the Tower of London if you want to see the jewels for yourself). 

The Coronation will take place in Westminster Abbey , which has been the regal setting for Coronations for the past 900 years. Once the crowning has taken place, a little later, the updated Royal Family will perch on Buckingham Palace’s famous balcony and wave to all of the well-wishers surrounding the palace.

It’ll be busy, but the city is built for it

Although plenty of people are expected to be in and around London over the Coronation weekend, the city is built for busyness, so it shouldn’t put you off visiting London during the Coronation. It’s expected to be chock-a-block with people looking to raise a glass and celebrate the new monarch, which means the vibes will be great, and heaps of activities will take place across the weekend.

The King and Queen Consort Camilla will travel to Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace, so there will be many people lining the streets between the two places in hopes of catching a glimpse of the new King and seeing the royal processions first-hand. Some will also wait by Victoria Memorial to see the Royals wave from the Buckingham Palace balcony after the ceremony. 

Central London pictured with heavy crowds and the famous London buses.

Will public transport be disrupted during the Coronation?

We couldn’t write a guide to visiting London during the Coronation without including a chunky paragraph on London’s public transport, could we? Although Transport for London hasn’t made any announcements about disruption to public transportation over the weekend, there will likely be some hold-ups. Although public transport will be running, it’s best to leave yourself ample time to get to and from your destination, and if you can, travel by foot as much as possible. 

Last year’s jubilee celebrations came with closures and disruptions at certain stations across the city, including Hyde Park Corner, St James’s Park, Green Park, Charing Cross and Westminster. There will likely be a similar situation at the Coronation this year.

If you’re travelling by car or coach, you’ll probably face some hold-ups with traffic. However, there’s no reason to cancel your trip, as the city is well-built for such events, and procedures and structures will be in place to help deal with it. Again, make sure you leave yourself enough time to get from A to B and travel by train or foot if possible.

If you have plans outside of the Coronation activities, keep in mind that events may be delayed or rescheduled, so keep a close eye on your plans to ensure everything is going ahead as it should.

And if you need to get somewhere important like the airport, consider scheduling a pre-booked taxi to ensure you don’t get into trouble trying to call an Uber.

King Charles III seated at the table smiling while enjoying some afternoon tea with the public.

Image Courtesy of The Royal Family

What to expect when visiting London during the Coronation

Westminster Abbey is right at the beating heart of the action, as it’s been Britain’s coronation site since William the Conqueror was crowned king in 1066. The ceremony commences on Saturday 6th May, when King Charles III will begin the procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. It won’t be available for the public to see in person, but it can be viewed on big screens around central London, such as at Mayfair’s Coronation Garden Party . You’ll find big screens with deck chairs for watching the ceremony, food and drink stalls and plenty of patriotic energy. The best bit? It’s free to attend. 

If you’re hoping to watch the procession first-hand, secure a spot along the procession route between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. You can also wait at Victoria Memorial to see the Royals wave from the Buckingham Palace balcony at the end of the ceremony.

On Sunday, 7th May, everyone is encouraged to participate in The Coronation Big Lunch , where neighbours and communities are asked to rally together to socialise and share food. That could mean attending a full-blown street party or simply enjoying a cup of tea with a neighbour. To find out which street parties are happening near you, all you need to do is head to the government’s interactive map of coronation events and type in the postcode of the area you’re hoping to find one in/near.

That evening, there will also be a Coronation Concert staged on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle, featuring a line-up of musical legends. Although the public ballot to attend has now closed, you can enjoy watching it on screens around the city since it’ll be broadcast across The BBC. There’s been no announcement so far regarding who’ll be gracing the stage regarding celeb artists, but you’ll see performances from The Coronation Choir, comprising singers from around the UK, including NHS choirs, refugees, LGBTQ+ and deaf signing choirs.

On Monday, 8th May, the country has also been treated to a bank holiday to mark the occasion in history, but instead of sitting back and relaxing, everyone will be encouraged to participate in ‘ The Big Help Out ’. This charitable initiative proposed by the new King and Queen asks everyone around the country to participate in local and national charity projects.

Picture of the Ritz ballroom filled with extravagant decorations and people dancing.

Image Courtesy of The Ritz

What else is happening around the city over the Coronation weekend?

To round off our guide to everything you need to know about visiting London during the Coronation, here are a handful of other events around the city that don’t involve standing outside Westminster Abbey hoping to catch a glimpse of the new King.

Pubs around the city have been permitted to extend their licensing hours, especially for this weekend to celebrate the new King. Check out our guide to gorgeous London pubs to decide which one you’d like to celebrate in. 

You could keep it quintessentially British and go for afternoon tea at The Reubens at the Palace . They’re hosting a jubilant Coronation-themed afternoon tea to commemorate the occasion, where they’ll serve a selection of homemade cakes and sweet treats alongside dainty finger sandwiches and a variety of teas by PMD Tea – P.M.David Silva & Sons, who are renowned for serving some of the world’s most sought-after teas.

If you want to be extra fancy, head to The Ritz’s grand Coronation ball, which includes a champagne and canapé Reception, a five-course dinner with wine pairing, performances from The BBC Big Band and a dance floor entertained by the sound of a vintage swing band.

Next, have a read of our list of things to do in London on Coronation weekend (coming next week).

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Collage featuring Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

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Jessica Dellow is an East Londoner who loves to travel the world and eat her way around the city. When she's not eating, cooking or hanging out in the local pub, you’ll probably find her walking one of her BorrowMyDoggy dogs in Victoria Park with a coffee in hand.

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  1. 15 things to see and do in London around King Charles’ coronation

    It was the brainchild of Charles II back in 1660 and will once again be a focal point during King Charles III's coronation on May 6. King Charles and queen consort Camilla are expected to travel along The Mall through Admiralty Arch to the abbey, with a larger coronation procession featuring other members of the royal family on the way back ...

  2. Visit London During King Charles’ Coronation: What To Know

    King Charles III will have his official coronation on 6 May 2023 in London. Here's everything you need to know to visit London, either to avoid or to join the crowds and to make the most of a long ...

  3. What travelers heading to London for the coronation need to

    A two night stay is still available from May 6-8 for an average of £822 (about $1,026) per night. Stay May 5-7, checking out the day after the coronation, however, and it’s £575 ($718) per ...

  4. Best things to do in London during the coronation

    3. Picnic in a royal park. St James’s Park and Green Park will both be extremely busy on coronation day but it may still be possible to find a spot further away from the main action to lay out a ...

  5. Everything You Need to Know if Visiting London During the

    What to expect when visiting London during the Coronation. Westminster Abbey is right at the beating heart of the action, as it’s been Britain’s coronation site since William the Conqueror was crowned king in 1066. The ceremony commences on Saturday 6th May, when King Charles III will begin the procession from Buckingham Palace to ...