18 unmissable things to do this May

things to do uk

by Leighanne Bent |
Updated on

May? Boy oh boy - we did not see that one coming. Time might be flying and you might feel like the only thing you have to show for 2019 is an empty bank balance, but we’re here to give you a silver lining. We've scouted out the 18 best things to do this May across the United Kingdom, and they’re more than worth the dent in your wallet. From drinking cocktails on a floating canal bar to cooking up a BBQ feast along the Thames, you won’t regret filling your diary with these epic goings-on.

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Things To Do In May - Heatworld

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CREDIT: Madison London

Have a cocktail with a view at Madison London

Situated in the beating heart of the city, Madison London boasts an illustrious panoramic view and one of London's most renowned cocktail experiences. This Spring, Madison is shaking things up and curating the future of mixology through its brand new cocktail menu designed by newly appointed Bar Manager and Mixologist, Eduard Balan. Forget 'shaken, not stirred' and think maceration, clarification and percolation!

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CREDIT: Getty

Snap the most photographic floral experience on the London Eye at A Gardener’s Eye

The London Eye creates the most photographic floral experience on Saturday 18th May ahead of the official launch of the Royal Chelsea Flower Show. Find out more about how you can experience a unique garden whilst taking in the iconic view of London, soaring 135m over the heart of the city here.

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CREDIT: Aperol Spritz

Celebrate the 100th birthday of the Aperol Spritz in London

Aperol Spritz is turning 100 and has never looked better. Kicking off the birthday celebrations in London on May 23rd, The Aperol Big Birthday Social will run over nine days at the Shoreditch Electric Light Station from May 23rd-May 26th and again from May 29th to June the 1st, marking the milestone birthday in true Italian style.

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Try Vegan Afternoon Tea at by CHLOE.

We're obsessed with by CHLOE.'s Afternoon Tea which features a delicious platter of plant-based tea sandwiches and colourful cakes (think red velvet cupcakes and rainbow star scones) which taste as good as they look. The afternoon tea is priced at £20 per person and is available every weekend from 2:30pm to 6:00pm. See you there, yeah?

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CREDIT: 100 Wardour Street

Get arty with 100 Wardour Street's new cocktail menu

From the magic of Madonna, to the dazzling delusion of Dali and wonder of Warhol, 100 Wardour St celebrates the innovation, imagination and inner turmoil of the world's finest creative figures with a brand new cocktail menu.Created by Bar Manager Marco Sangion and Head Mixologist Federico Pasian, this audacious menu launches on 15th April and blends together the spirit and passion of these creative icons through mind-blowing mixology. Following in the footsteps of these legends, 100 Wardour St will begin with cherished, conventional cocktail ingredients then proceed to distort and disfigure them into a pioneering concoction of intrepid flavour combinations. It's a farewell for Margaritas, and a new dawn for 'Por Diego' - tequila, Aperol, lime and sweet chilli sauce as fiery as Frida.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

BBQ A Fancy Feast Beside The Thames - London

You have the apron, but you lack the skills. BBQing is harder than it looks, and if you're hell bent on having a nice one this month, make tracks to The BBQ Club. This riverside pop-up will see you getting stuck into six courses, all of which you'll have a hand in cooking. You'll have a timer to know when to turn what, and because BBQing is thirsty work - a bar to keep you happy and hydrated.

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CREDIT: Getty

Watch Courtney Act: Under the Covers at Underbelly Festival

Courtney has been under the covers with many, but not usually in front of a live audience. It's time to get tucked in with all your favourite songs that have been covered in one way or another by all your favourite artists. Lay back and enjoy the caress of those romantic satin sheets as she strips some songs down and flips others on their back to show you just how gender fluid and genre fluid a great song can be!The sweet dreams Courtney spins will leave you pillow fighting and pillow biting.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

Brunch With Bottomless Bubbles - Brighton

Is there a month that goes by where we don't think of bottomless brunch? Probably not. Patterns in Brighton have just released the news about their bottomless brunch, and it's quite the looker. Get ready for two hours of non-stop prosecco, bloody marys and mimosas and a unique brunch dish from Lucky Beach. Costing £29 with a view of the seafront, you're onto a weekend winner with this boozy spectacle.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

Drink Cocktails in a Tropical Rum Shack - London

Desperately want to go to the Caribbean but you're totally broke? You don't need to buy an expensive flight fare, silly. You can just hop on the tube to Camden. York and Albany have plonked a tropical rum shack in their intimate courtyard and it's sure to whizz you away to tropical climes. It has a £29 price tag per person but you'll be treated to a Light 'N' Breezy cocktail upon arrival, and a selection of Caribbean-inspired dishes.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

Swing a Hole in One At A Cool New Crazy Golf Course - Liverpool

Swinging has taken on a whole new meaning in Liverpool, and it's all thanks to Junkyard Golf. This crazy golf course is newly opened, bringing with it nine different holes to maneuver your golf ball across. Decorated with broken car parts, jungle quirks and creepy clowns, it's a great shout for date night, and you'll also be glad to know that the cocktails here are just as Instagrammable as the interiors.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

Get Tickets to a Bottomless Margarita Festival - Manchester

Remember that episode of Friends - the one where Ross is 'fine' and drinks more margaritas than you can shake a bag of limes at? The tequila-laced cocktail might not have helped him out with that Joey and Rachel situation, but we're still massive fans of the classic concoction. And if you are too, you should get a ticket to Margarita Rumble. Taking place in Manchester, this festival promises bottomless margaritas and a chance to vote for your favourite sip of the day.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

Lounge on Day Beds at a Pop-Up Beach - London

Fulham Beach is back, and this year the beach paradise has been given a jungle twist with dangerously comfortable day beds, cute as hell huts and colourful cabanas, where you sip cocktails and feel the sand in between your toes. But wait - there's more. Entry to the pop-up is £5, and you can experience bottomless brunch, cinema screenings, beer pong and mini golf, depending on what day you decide to pay it a visit.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

Crack Codes In Exchange For Cocktails - London

A Sherlock Holmes-themed bar has come to London but it's not your regular kind of watering hole. The Mind Palace will see you going up against Moriarty's right-hand man, solving three different cases, in a bid to win booze. With a complimentary welcome drink and a beverage if you make it to the end of the game, it's the perfect excuse to text into your Whatsapp group and gather your gang.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

Hop Aboard a Floating Bar - London

Whatever floats your boat? Alfred Le Roy is a bright blue canal boat that will take you on a two-hour mini voyage down the River Lea and like any good canal boat, it will have a bar stocked with boozy beverages. This cute little experience will only set you back £10, and even if the weather doesn't play ball, it's fully sheltered so you don't have to panic about getting your hair wet when running to the bar for another glass of Pinot.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

Try London’s Most Immersive Experience - London

The Murdér Express is pulling in to Pedley Street Station once again but this time around it's carrying the world's most valuable diamond (think The Titanic necklace, but five times the value). Encouraging you to help solve some brutal murders as you tuck into five delicious dishes from Masterchef winner Laurence Henry, it's defo one for the bucket list.

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CREDIT: Design My Night

Time Travel to 1920’s NYC - London

Secrets; we were never the best at keeping them. Which is why we're going to let you in on this one. The Lost Love Speakeasy is rolling into town this May and it promises a night of glitz and glamour worthy of the roaring '20's. Only problem is, you have to secure your tickets in a secret sale drop, which is why you need to keep a keen eye out on DesignMyNight. Promising an immersive night in NYC with an incredible story line and incredible food, there's no way you're to miss it.

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CREDIT: Magic Radio

Have A Ball At Magic at the Musicals - London

On Friday 10th May, Magic Radio is bringing back its glittering musical concert to London's West End. Expect to see a 60 piece orchestra and performances from the cast of Disney's Aladdin, Jesus Christ Superstar, SCHOOL OF ROCK and Come From Away to name but a few.

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CREDIT: Brides Do Good

Say 'I Do' To A Sustainable Wedding Gown - London

Ethically minded brides-to-be, head down to Brides Do Good's pop-up store in Bicester Village until 28th May to browse some pre-loved dresses that are perfect for your wedding day. Up to two thirds of funds raised from Brides Do Good sales are invested into charity programmes that empower young girls and ensure safe access to quality education for vulnerable children. So you can't really go wrong, can you?

For more information on what’s on in London, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.

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