Disclosure: I may earn a small commission from the companies or products mentioned in this post.
The big day is almost here. The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will certainly be the biggest event to take place in the UK in 2023, and probably for many years to come.
Whether you’re a royalist or not, the Coronation bank holiday weekend in London is going to be an exciting time to be in the British capital.
Huge street parties and special events will take over the city for three whole days, while many Coronation events will continue to run throughout the entire month.
So if you’re looking for the best things to do in London for the King’s Coronation, I’ll be keeping this post up to date will all of the best events and activities taking place in the capital from the 6th to 8th of May.
Join a Coronation Big Lunch Street Party
Organized by the Eden Project, The Big Lunch is an annual event that takes place around the UK each summer. It aims to bring together communities and encourage people to enjoy a fun lunch with their neighbours.
And this year, in honour of the King’s Coronation, the charity is encouraging people to host a Coronation Big Lunch on Sunday 7th May. This can be anything from a cup of tea with a neighbour to a big street party to celebrate the coronation.
You can check this map to see if there’s a Coronation Big Lunch happening near you. Or download the party pack here and organize your own very own Big Lunch.
Watch ‘Lighting Up The Nation’
Last summer, the Queen’s Jubilee had beacons. This year, the King’s Coronation has its own special nighttime event called ‘Lighting Up The Nation’.
On the evening of Sunday 7th May, iconic landmarks all across the UK will be lit up using projections, lasers, drone displays, and illuminations.
You can watch the event live on the BBC as part of the Coronation Concert at Windsor Palace. Or if you’re out and about in London, catch the spectacular event in real life at one of the locations.
The list of London landmarks that will be featured in the event hasn’t yet been released. But I’d take a good guess that Big Ben, the London Eye, and Battersea Power Station are strong contenders.
Coronation Afternoon Tea on a Red London Bus
Bridget’s Bakery’s afternoon tea bus tour is one of the most quintessentially British experiences in London. In this unique dining experience, you can step onboard a classic red Routemaster bus and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea while taking in many of London’s most iconic sites.
BBakery regularly offers themed afternoon teas to celebrate holidays and special occasions. And the King’s Coronation is no exception.
From 24th April to 31st May 2023 you can enjoy a Coronation bus tour around London’s many royal sites while enjoying a delicious afternoon tea onboard.
The afternoon tea menu has been specially curated by the Royal Butler, Grant Harrold, to make sure that it’s fit for a King. While the bus itself will be decorated with flags, crowns, and coronation decorations galore.
Coronation Afternoon Tea at a Luxury Hotel
BBakery isn’t the only place in London hosting a special Coronation afternoon tea. Many of London’s luxury hotels are also putting on royal high teas to celebrate the special occasion.
Some London hotels offering Coronation afternoon teas are:
Rubens at the Palace also offers a special deal that includes a royal tour of London followed by a regal afternoon tea overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace.
Save this post as more London Coronation events will be added as soon as they’re announced!
Emily is a born and raised London girl, starting life in the north of the capital then moving down to Fulham in the south west. She has a masters degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London and now works as a freelance travel writer, digital marketer and VA, splitting her life between London and travelling the world.
Find me on: Instagram
