King Charles III’s Coronation: The Best Things To Do In London

The UK is entering a new era with the coronation of King Charles III in May - the first male monarch since the 1950s - and it’s safe to say that this has been one of the most anticipated events in the British calendar for 2023.

So for clients eager to visit the UK and experience a unique time for this must-visit destination, then there’s no better month than this May, as London especially will be abundant with celebratory events, activities and decorations to commemorate this era of change. Not to mention it's a perfect way to make the most of the UK’s extra day off on the Monday after the coronation.

While coronation is taking place on Saturday May 6th 2023, there is much more besides the processions and coronation ceremony for guests of London and the popular surrounding areas. So we’ve created a list of some of the best things to do if you’re in need of a little inspiration for clients looking to visit the UK this May!

The Best Things To Do In London

Watch the royal procession

Before the ceremony on May 6th, the royal procession will journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey for the King's Procession, and then the return journey will see them joined by other royals in the Coronation Procession. The streets of London all the way along both of these procession routes will be very crowded, but should your clients wish to try for a glimpse of the UK’s new king, this is one of the best ways to do so! Previous royal processions have travelled past and through tourist hot-spot locations such as Parliament Square, Whitehall, the Horse Guards Parade, The Mall and Constitution Hill. 

Visit the royal attractions

Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace are all stunning royal attractions that many visitors would be remiss to skip on a visit to the capital around the coronation! Though most of these will be closed on May 6th for the coronation itself, regular visiting hours are in place the days either side of this event. 

Why not suggest a ‘royal’ tour to your clients, offering them the chance to soak up the sights with a private tour discovering Royal London’s most popular landmarks; it’s the perfect way to spend a visit to the UK during the coronation! Seeing St Pauls with the Changing of the Guard is a must for lovers of British history, too.

Many of these experiences can be booked with our expansive portfolio! With a wide range of ancillaries including in-destination activities and transfers to make your clients' experience that much more enjoyable and seamless, our exclusive portfolio makes it easier than ever to offer your clients their perfect getaway. 

Experience the London Eye, the London Dungeons, and Madame Tussauds

London has many iconic landmarks, but some have a well-earned reputation for being quintessential and therefore unmissable for your clients. Give them a chance to get the full London sightseeing experience with a London Eye river experience, cruising past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; or recommend the novel Madame Tussauds for a chance to rub shoulders with A-list celebrities and public figures. The famous London Dungeons even has a new virtual reality experience, perfect for tech and history lovers alike!

Find the locations for the ‘Lighting up the Nation’ event

During the continued celebrations after the coronation itself, the ‘Lighting up the Nation’ event will see iconic locations around London and the wider UK lit up with lasers, projections, drone displays and light illuminations! 

Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea 

For travellers looking for that iconic British experience - minus the jostling crowds - then a delicious afternoon tea, or cream tea as it’s also known, is the perfect thing. Some ideal locations include Harrods, The Goring Hotel, Fortnum and Mason, the Ritz and the Savoy.

But for a more quirky way to see the city, why not suggest a ride on a vintage afternoon tea bus for a unique way to enjoy panoramic views of London while enjoying a luxurious afternoon tea. It’s certainly an experience to write home about!

Picnic in one of London’s parks

St. James’s and Green Park are perfect spots to enjoy some of the most iconic sights in London, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and The Albert Memorial. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are much more spacious however, with plenty of room for a picturesque afternoon watching the city go by.

Soak up some art and culture 

From the British museum, the Tate Modern and the National Gallery near Trafalgar Square, to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert, London is certainly not short on museums filled to the brim with art and culture to suit all tastes. Alternatively, let your clients pick and choose with great value London attraction passes for a flexible way to explore the city. 

Bonus Recommendations: Activities Outside of London

Enjoy the sights of regal Windsor

While technically not in London, what could be more perfect for clients’ visit to the UK over the coronation period than a trip to Royal Berkshire country to see Windsor! As well as being home to the 900-year-old Windsor Castle - one of the several homes of the royal family - this idyllic regal location is only an hour from Paddington station! Windsor Castle is hosting the official Coronation Concert on May 7th, but is typically open to visitors and offers stunning art collections, its historical State Rooms and St. George’s Chapel - the resting place of famous monarchs like Queen Elizabeth II and Henry VIII.

If your clients have space in their travel plans for a day trip to this beautiful city, why not recommend a Windsor Castle tour with transfers included for a stress-free way to experience this gorgeous location.

Explore Oxford and the Cotswolds 

For travellers looking for a truly quintessential experience of the English countryside in one of the most postcard-worthy areas, a relaxed day out exploring the stunning city of Oxford is a must! Offer your clients the chance to enjoy the historic sights of its iconic universities, follow in the footsteps of its famous students like CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, and soak in the unchanged beauty of its cobbled streets and historical squares.