Here are the best coronation events and things to do with family and friends in London to commemorate King Charles’ ascension to the throne.

1 The Lanesborough's Royal Photo Exhibition

Step inside one of London's most prestigious hotels to take a look at a small yet perfectly formed exhibition celebrating the royal family. Found in the Great Hall the exhibition is by Getty Images' Royal Photographer Chris Jackson and features a handful of iconic snaps of not just King Charles and Queen Camilla, but of the late Queen Elizabeth, Kate Middleton and her husband heir too. Once you're done, pop into The Library for a cognac or tea. Dates: Running until May 12

Address: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge SW1X 7TA

Website: oetkercollection.com

2 Battersea Power Station Street Party

Under the power station’s mighty chimneys and amongst Union Jack-themed decorations, the precinct’s Coronation street party will be filled with family-friendly activities, live entertainment and the Coronation and associated festivities broadcast live on a big screen from 11am each day. Fun stuff includes ping pong tables by Bounce, Bus King Theatre and Miss Ballooniverse. Many of the power station’s food and drink vendors will be supplying themed-menus that will serve up far more than quiche, and quaffable Coronation cocktails too.

Dates: Saturday & Sunday May 6-7

Website: batterseapowerstation.co.uk

3 Covent Garden’s The Crown Jewels Garden

A quintessentially British pop-up for the royal festivities, the garden will host a live screening of the Coronation on May 6, alongside a programme of live music and entertainment such as piano singalongs. You’ll also find British beer, cider and gin as well as classic pub grub such as trifle, sausage rolls and ploughmans boards. Find it in Covent Garden’s East Piazza, surrounded by more than 4,000 Union Jacks, near the commissioned Coronation mural on the North Piazza.

Dates: April 21 – May 14

Website: coventgarden.london

 

4 Find a drink somewhere

The Coronation comes at perfect timing, with many alfresco bars, terraces and rooftops opening up right about now. Try Ally Pally's Terrace in North London for beers that come with live music, food trucks and impressive views, or Sabine in the City will launch its Royal Tea Terrace during the bank holiday. In partnership with Hendricks gin, this one comes with a stunning backdrop of St Pauls. But there are many more alfresco options too. 

5 Find a Coronation Big Lunch

The Coronation bank holiday is the long weekend for street parties. Mayfair and King’s Road Chelsea will each host a big celebratory bash, but there are literally thousands more on throughout the weekend. The Friends of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill (reservations required), will host one along the Broadwalk (May 7) as well as a bandstand concert (May 8), and a stretch of Gloucester Road will be closed off for family-friendly festivities too. Pack a picnic and head to Strand on the Green near Chiswick or head to Greenwich Yacht Club for a race in his Majesty’s honour.

 

6 Watch the Coronation On A Big Screen, Various Locations

Want to actually watch the ceremony? Lucky for you screening sites will be set up in several of London’s parks. Head to Holland Park (Ilchester Place W8 6LU) if you’re in Kensington and Chelsea way, Ealing’s official site is at Walpole Park (W5 5EQ) and Royal Greenwich Museums will have a screen set up outside of Queen's House. Also head to Hyde Park which has four screens set up near the Serpentine lake, Green Park has one screen at the Broad Walk, and find the St James Park screen at the Marlborough Gate. Big screen events are free and no need to book.  To see a map of planned street parties and events, visit  coronation.gov.uk

7 Royal Museums Greenwich

A royally fun day out for the family, always, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House is putting on a weekend of events and activities for everyone to enjoy. Have a picnic on the museum’s grounds while you watch the Coronation live on a big screen, kids workshops and free tours and walks around the museum. Also, on Monday, May 8, the Sea Cadets in Greenwich will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Boatswain’s Call Lesson. Not sure what this is either? Head to the lawns outside the Queen’s House at 4pm to find out.

Website: rmg.co.uk

8 Volunteer

The new King is encouraging everyone to partake in community service on Sunday, May 8. The Big Help Out initiative has been developed by the Scouts and the Royal Voluntary Service in honour of King Charles. While you may already volunteer or want to find an organisation to support independently, The Big Help Out has put together a handy list of registered opportunities for you to have a look at and join up with. Go to thebighelpout.org.uk to have a look at ways to volunteer.

9 Watch the procession

King Charles will be crowned on the morning of Saturday, May 6 at Westminster Abbey. While you’ve got slim chance of attending the actual ceremony, join the throng of well-wishers who will descend onto London’s streets as The King and Queen Consort travel from Buckingham Palace as part of The King’s Procession. Once departing the Royal HQ, the procession will travel along The Mall to Admiralty Arch before moving onto Whitehall and Parliament Street to Borad Sanctuary before arriving at the Abbey. The actual ceremony takes place at 11am, so arrive early to nab a prime viewing spot for the procession.

10 Explore the Royal Mews

What a fitting time to take a meander through the Royal Mews. Take a look at some of the stunning carriages used in coronation processions as well as learning about the ceremony’s history, before heading to the Livery Room for coronation arts and crafts sessions for families and children.

Tickets: £15/£9 adult/child

Address: Buckingham Palace

Website: rct.uk

11 Oxford Street Festivities

Aside from all the retail therapy and discounts, the longest high street in the world has put together a map for the Coronation weekend that will guide you through prosecco bars, afternoon teas, and festive activities and events like a Coronation concert, kids crown-making workshops and installations. Download the map at oxfordstreet.co.uk 

12 London Zoo

Celebrate the kings and queens of the animal kingdom during the Coronation weekend at the London Zoo. From the queen bee to the critically endangered lion kings, the Asiatic Bhanu, there is a world of animal royalty to discover. The packed family programme includes animal talks that very may well feature guest stars alongside crown making and face-painting. For the adults, a guided tour will take you through the zoo’s royal heritage. Activities are included withs zoo entry.

Dates: May 6-8

Tickets: From £27.73/£18.04 adult/child

Address: Regent’s Park NW1 4RY

Website: londonzoo.org

13 Afternoon Teas

There is a seemingly endless amount of Coronation-inspired afternoon teas, so why not indulge in a deeply British tradition while commemorating another one? Try The Lanesborough, Ochre, Petersham Nurseries, The Montague, The Rubens, Grosvenor House, The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, or The Dorchester for starters. Each of these resplendent places will host a special afternoon tea, rooted in British heritage, so think refined takes on tradition – Coronation chicken finger sandwiches, gin and Pimm’s infusions and cake. Vegans and people on gluten-free or halal diets just need not worry as most places cater for dietary requirements.

14 Chelsea Street Party

King’s Road will be pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Cheltenham Terrace for a day of festivities which includes a parade of more than 100 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, something called a stick pacing display from the Royal Hospital’s Chelsea Pensioners, a sustainable food champions market, live music and entertainment for the family throughout the day.

Date: Saturday, May 6

Time: 11am-5.30pm

 

15 Mayfair's Coronation Garden Party 

Inspired by the Highgrove estate gardens, you’ll find the party around Grosvenor Square surrounded by installations and events which will be held throughout the neighbourhood’s shops and restaurants like The Connaught Patisserie, The Barley Mow and Apricity. Tuck into food from the host of food stalls and a tipple from the Mr Foggs tequila truck or the sparkling wine bar at luxe picnic benches tablescaped by Lay London. The Coronation will be broadcast across big screens and a live brass band will set the mood.

Dates: May 6-7

Website: mayfairldn.com

16 Go on a Coronation Cruise

Take in iconic London sights from the Thames in a Coronation themed boat. Enjoy the ride with a glass of bubbles, go try an Afternoon Tea Cruise or a Dinner Cruise instead, that comes with a welcome drink on arrival, a three-hour cruise with dancing and live entertainment too.

Dates: April 17-May 8

Website: cityexperiences.com

17 Tower Bridge

A great one for families, Tower Bridge is putting on  drop in crafting sessions where children can make things like their own crown while admiring the bunting crafted by youngsters at Easter and now on display. In addition to this, you can explore the bridge’s high walkways, glass floors and Engine Rooms too, while taking in one of the best views of London

Dates: Saturday to Monday May 6-8

Tickets: From £12.30/£6.20

Address: Ticket office is located at the North West Tower

Website: towerbridge.org.uk