Looking for things to do in London over the Platinum Jubilee weekend? This special four-day bank holiday weekend will take place from Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 5th June, with festivities and unique events planned throughout the capital.
2022 marks 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II being on the throne, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. From street parties to flower festivals, celebrations of this wonderful occasion are sure to be extravagant.
If you’re spending the Platinum Jubilee weekend in London, you can expect:
Read on as we help you plan the ultimate Platinum Jubilee celebration.
This year marks 70 years since the Queen ascended the throne. The 6th of February marks the Accession Day, and every year on this day, a Gun Salute takes place at one of the Royal Parks across London.
Date: 5th June 2022
Location: Buckingham Palace
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant is a grand spectacle that will celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign. It will combine elements such as carnival, costume, music and theatre to commemorate Her Majesty’s service to the country and dedication to the Commonwealth. The Pageant will be comprised of four events and will be completely free to watch.
Date: 2nd June 2022
Location: Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s Birthday Parade, Trooping of the Colour, occurs annually on the second Saturday of June. However, this year, it has been moved to the 2nd June to start the Jubilee celebrations. The parade will consist of over 1,400 parading soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses. It will begin at Buckingham Palace and move down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade.
The Queen’s Birthday Parade will be a magnificent display – not to be missed! You can watch some of the event for free by standing at the edge of St James’s Park or along The Mall.
Date: 2nd June to 31st July 2022
Location: British Museum
In celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the British Museum will be opening a very special exhibition about Mary Gillick. Mary Gillick (1881-1965) was a sculptor who designed the first coinage featuring Her Majesty. A cameo of Gillick’s original portrait of the Queen has been used on British commemorative stamps since 1966. The exhibition will look more closely at Gillick’s career, such as her training at the Royal College of Art and her specialisation in medallic art.
This exhibition is open to the general public. Tickets are required, and you can find out more information here.
Date: 1st June to 18th September 2022
Location: Tower of London
No Platinum Jubilee weekend would be complete without a visit to the Tower of London, where the spectacular ‘Superbloom’ display is being held. This unique display will celebrate the value of nature and centre around a moat completely filled with vibrant flowers. Visitors can stroll around a weaving path into the centre of the flowers.
‘Superbloom’ is open to the general public, and no booking is required. The display will run all the way until September, so don’t worry if you don’t have time to visit during the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
Date: 28th May to 5th June 2022
Location: London Zoo
Visiting London with the kids this Platinum Jubilee weekend? Head over to London Zoo, where you can enjoy Zoobilee – a day of animal-themed celebration. This fantastic event will consist of family-friendly activities and the opportunity to get up and close to over 15,000 animals.
Zoobilee tickets must be booked in advance. You can find out more information here.
Date: 2nd June 2022
Location: Buckingham Palace
This June, an eye-catching 21-metre ‘Tree of Trees’ sculpture will be put up outside Buckingham Palace. This sculpture will be composed of 350 British native tree saplings and will commemorate the one million trees planted for the Queen’s Canopy initiative. The ‘Tree of Trees’ was designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, who also designed the New Bus for London.
This brilliant sculpture will be free to visit.
Date: Available daily from 1st April 2022
Location: Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences
Enjoy afternoon tea with a twist this Platinum Jubilee weekend at Kona. Kona is situated only a five-minute walk from Buckingham Palace and sits within the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Hotel. This hotel has hostedthe Queen and other members of the Royal Family over the years, so it’s the perfect spot to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.Here, you can expect a ‘Gardens of Britain’ dessert and chocolate biscuit cake, among other delicious food.
Bookings need to be made in advance. You can find out more information here.
Date: 22nd July to 2nd October 2022
Location: Buckingham Palace
Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in style with a tour of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Marvel at the setting used for official ceremonial occasions and admire the paintings and sculptures on display here. The State Rooms become open to visitors a few weeks after the Platinum Jubilee weekend. Don’t miss out – book your tickets in advance.
Planning a trip to London this Platinum Jubilee weekend? Our Leonardo London Royal Hotels offer the perfect home away from home. With outstanding rooms and excellent restaurants, our London hotels promise total luxury. And with their central locations, you won’t be far from the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Our Tower Bridge Hotel, London City Hotel and St Paul’s Hotel all boast facilities to make your stay in the capital city as relaxing as possible.
