Where to Celebrate the Coronation in London?

If you’re slightly daunted by the prospect of entertaining the children on no less than THREE bank holidays this May (and just after the Easter holidays!), we’ve got you covered for things to do on the coronation weekend. Lasting from the 6th – 8th May, the bank holiday will be packed full of fun activities to enjoy with all the family. Here are our selection of things to do…

Join the procession

The procession will take place on the 6th May prior to the coronation which will happen at 11 am. Due to start at Buckingham Palace, the procession will head down The Mall before turning right around the corner of St James’s Park, through the Horse Guards Parade, down Parliament Street before ending at Westminster Abbey. The viewing areas will be open from 6 am on Saturday 6 May. 

Watch it on a big screen 

Big screens will be put up in public places across the UK to show the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort.

In London, screens broadcasting the BBC’s live feed will be placed down The Mall and in St James’s Park.

Official Coronation Screening Site – Kensington and Chelsea

Gather around Holland Park where there will be a big screen with live broadcasting the Coronation ceremony on Saturday 6th May and the Coronation Concert on Sunday 7th May.

Big screens will be available in public places across the UK to show the Coronation, giving you the opportunity to come together with your local community and celebrate this historic moment. This is a free and public event.

Location:Holland Park, Ilchester Place, London, W8 6LU.

Go to a street party… and take treats! 

In anticipation of the Coronation, Kensington and Chelsea Council removed fees for street parties so all residents can celebrate over the Saturday 6 to Monday 8 May bank holiday weekend. Perhaps your street aims to be one of the hosting streets?!

And why not take some fabulous Coronation treats? Biscuiteers have made some beautiful coronation biscuits which are available here; Hummingbird Bakery has a fabulous Coronation hamper and Lola’s Cupcakes are selling this magnificent cake.

Join a larger-scale party 

Many places around London will be holding big, ticketed events to mark this historic occasion. Get your tickets to Covent Garden’s party which is absolutely free. With live entertainment, activities, face painting, crown making, balloon modelling and a photobooth, there’s something for everyone in the family

Head to Mayfair’s free Coronation Garden Party in Grosvenor Square. Taking place from 6 to 7 May, this family-friendly party will see Grosvenor Square transformed into an enchanting garden wonderland to mark the crowning of King Charles III. There will be English sparkling wine; ice cream and beautiful floral installations.

And in Duke of York’s Square, everyone is invited to join the King’s Road for a day of extraordinary celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles. On the 6th May from 11am to 5.30 pm, the Square and the King’s Road, pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Cheltenham Terrace, will be coming together to mark this historic occasion. Entertainment will be laid on, there will be a ‘sustainable food champions’ market alongside the weekly Fine Food Market and pop-up bars and ice cream bicycles will provide opportunity for toasting the celebrations and a giant feasting table will ensure we can all come together for a very special Royal knees up.

Fun fit for a King!

Head to the London Eye where they will be celebrating the coronation with their unique Coronation Capsule with perfect views of the famous ancient religious building just across the river. You’ll have the chance to sit in a recreation of the 700-year-old Coronation Chair and hold replicas of the Crown Jewels – St. Edward’s Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb and the Sovereign’s Sceptre – to capture the perfect stately selfie floating 135m above breathtaking views of London.

Join Brigit’s Bakery on their Coronation Bus Tour. The afternoon tea bus will be running this special tour from 24 April to 31 May 2023. The bus will be embellished with flags, crowns, and coronation decorations which have generously been provided by Talking Tables. 

The Royal Butler, Grant Harrold, has curated a spectacular afternoon tea menu fit for a King and the tour route includes some of London’s top landmarks and they’ll be supplying fun facts about King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Coronation, all supplied to us by Majesty Magazine.

Book a Coronation Cruise down the Thames which will include a tour of many of London’s landmarks from a unique perspective. This also includes a complimentary activity book for the kids.

Enjoy a delicious meal in the Royal Borough

Visit Bluebird Chelsea for a lovely afternoon tea with Nyetimber where their Pastry Team has created a bespoke afternoon tea offering inspired by all things Royal.

The Goring’s talented pastry team have curated an exquisite menu to celebrate the English pastime with sandwiches ranging from Coronation chicken to Roast sirloin beef and the most fabulous cakes and fancies, this particular Afternoon Tea is a most regal affair. 

The Milestone Hotel will be offering an afternoon tea with beautiful views of Kensington Palace. Discover a delicious array of delicate finger sandwiches, warm freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and home-made preserves, and a selection of pastries including éclairs, tartlets, cupcakes, and macarons. Taste a vast collection of loose-leaf teas at your leisure in fine surroundings, or perhaps a glass of Lanson Champagne, holder of a Royal Warrant to the Court of England since 1900. 

Observe the street installations

Just like during the Jubilee last year, many places will be decking out their streets with beautiful street installations. Carnaby Street and Oxford Street will be participating. 

Get to know your Community 

Neighbours and communities across the United Kingdom are invited to share food and fun together at Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday 7th May 2023, in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. From a cup of tea with a neighbour to a street party, a Coronation Big Lunch brings the celebrations to your neighbourhood and is a great way to get to know your community a little better.

Thousands of events are expected to take place in every corner of the United Kingdom this May as people take to their streets, gardens, parks and community spaces to join the Coronation celebrations and mark this historic occasion. Free downloadable resources are available here.

Download an activity pack

The government has also put together a fun activity pack that can be downloaded here which will wile away a bit of time for the children.

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