Planning a trip to London? Be sure to check out the Bank Holidays, also known as public holidays, which occur throughout the year. These are days when banks close, and most Londoners enjoy a day off. While schools are also closed, most London attractions remain open, except during specific holidays like Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Bank Holidays in London: What’s Open and What to Do
London’s Bank Holidays offer a unique experience, with a slightly different atmosphere compared to regular days. Christmas Day stands out as the only day when London truly feels quiet, with most businesses and transportation services shut down. This can be a peaceful experience for some, but it’s crucial to consider the impact on your travel plans if you’re visiting during the festive season.
For the rest of the year, however, London’s pulse remains steady, with shops, restaurants, and attractions open for business during Bank Holidays. Tourist hotspots like Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Chinatown, and Covent Garden retain their usual vibrancy, making it hard to tell that it’s a holiday.
Bank Holidays in 2023: Enjoy a Celebration-Filled Year in London
2023 brings a special bonus for London visitors – an extra Bank Holiday to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in May! Here’s a breakdown of all the Bank Holidays in London throughout 2023 and the festivities they bring:
January 2023: New Year’s Day Parade
New Year’s Day is celebrated with a spectacular New Year’s Parade that marches through Central London. It’s the perfect way to start the year if you’re in town, and tickets are available for guaranteed prime viewing.
Although January 1st falls on a Sunday in 2023, the public holiday is moved to Monday, January 2nd. While shops and businesses outside of London will close, Central London remains bustling with open shops and restaurants.
April 2023: Easter Weekend Delights
Good Friday, falling on April 7th, 2023, and Easter Monday, on April 10th, 2023, bring a lively atmosphere to London. Shops, attractions, museums, and restaurants are open throughout the weekend, including Good Friday and Easter Monday. While most shops will close on Easter Sunday, smaller convenience stores will stay open.
The British Museum, however, closes earlier on Good Friday at 6 pm, unlike its usual 8:30 pm closing time.
May 2023: A Royal Celebration and a Festive Festival
Early May Bank Holiday falls on Monday, May 1st, 2023, with Central London’s shops, attractions, museums, and restaurants operating as usual. The Little Venice Festival coincides with this Bank Holiday weekend, offering a delightful blend of music, food stalls, and events over three days in the charming Little Venice area.
King Charles III’s Coronation takes place on Saturday, May 6th, and the UK has been granted an extra Bank Holiday to celebrate on Monday, May 8th. The weekend will be filled with celebratory events across the country.
August 2023: Summer’s End and Carnival Fun
Summer Bank Holiday falls on Monday, August 28th, 2023, marking the end of summer. While some Londoners might head to the beach, the famous Carnival of Notting Hill takes place, injecting the city with vibrant energy.
December 2023: A Quiet Christmas and Boxing Day Sales
Christmas Day, December 25th, 2023, brings London to a standstill, with most shops closed and public transport at a halt. Boxing Day, December 26th, however, provides an exciting opportunity, as major Christmas sales usually begin on this day. Central London will be alive with open stores and attractions.
Tips for Navigating London During Bank Holidays
Public transport during Bank Holidays often operates on a reduced schedule, but it’s generally frequent enough that you’ll barely notice the difference. Christmas Day is the only exception, with all London public transport services shut down.
For the most up-to-date information on any planned works, closures, and schedules, visit Transport for London’s official website: www.tfl.gov.uk
London’s Bank Holidays offer a unique perspective on the city’s rhythm, providing a chance to experience a different side of London while still enjoying its vibrant attractions, shops, and restaurants. With an extra Bank Holiday to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023, it’s sure to be a year full of unforgettable experiences in London.
