London always has something going on, whether you visit in the height of Summer or the depths of Winter. February can seem like a bit of a dull month, given that the excitement of Christmas and New Years starts winding down and the realities of the real world starts to hit. But there is no reason not to explore London like you would during these high-intensity months like December, as when February rolls around you will find there is loads happening in London. This is a line-up that will have you on your desktop or mobiles guaranteeing your room at Lancaster Gate hotels sooner than you can say “booked”. From Valentine’s Day events to beer festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Valentine’s Day
Though Valentine’s Day is not the only thing happening in February by any means, it is certainly a highlight in this month of love. So, when Valentine’s Day comes this February, make sure you are enjoying one of the incredible events London has to offer, regardless of whether it is with your loved one or just your friends – they are suitable for everyone.
Valentine’s Day Comedy at Comedy Carnival in Leicester Square is taking place under cupid’s approving eye from 8pm to 10pm. There are many important parts of relationships, but the ability to have a good laugh is critical. The Comedy Carnival offers stand-up comedy year-round which is themed this Valentine’s Day. A glass of prosecco and a three-course meal all come as part of the package – now that’s a date night to remember.
Address: 36 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EP
Book tickets now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/valentines-day-comedy-in-leicester-square-tickets-76957254219
As Shakespeare said, “If music be the food of love, play on!” So, Valentine in Paris is a classical music concert that will play on your heartstrings in the Southbank Center’s Royal Festival Hall. Between London Philharmonic Orchestra and music by Ravel and Saint-Saëns, the musicality of love has never been so beautiful and heartwarming.
Address: Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Book tickets now: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/114791-valentine-paris-2020
Musicals
Is it really a trip to London if it doesn’t involve a show in London’s world-famous theatre district, The West End? Thankfully, no matter what time of year you are visiting The Big Smoke, there is always a show on. However, you are particularly lucky if you are visiting this February because the spread of talent is skyhigh. Head to any of these three musicals and get a feel for why nobody visits Premier Club Rewards London hotels without making time for a show.
The well-reviewed, much-adored 9 to 5: The Musical, the fabulous Dolly Parton’s musical showing at The Savoy theatre is on throughout February and should be at the top of your priorities. Book for early February, because the famed David Hasselhoff is performing the role of Franklin Hart Jr. until the 8th of the month.
Address: Savoy Ct, London WC2R 0ET
Book tickets now: www.thesavoytheatre.com/ninetofive
Bringing Simba, Timone and Pumba to life on the stage of The Lyceum theatre near The Strand is the world-famous favourite, The Lion King. The show has been a roaring success throughout 2019 and will continue to be a triumphant success throughout the month of February, so if that is when you are making the most of London discount hotels, you are in luck.
Address: 21 Wellington St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7RQ
Book tickets now: www.thelionking.co.uk/london/
Mary Poppins has been one of the Prince Edward theatre’s most successful musicals yet. Receiving one five star after another, this really is completely unmissable this February in London. It goes without saying that you have to see a musical when staying in London, especially given the proximity of Grand Royale London Hyde Park to the West End. If you can only see one show this February, the critics suggest Mary Poppins should be the one.
Address: Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4HS
Book tickets now: www.marypoppinsonstage.co.uk/
Exhibitions
London is unique because of many things, from its awe-inspiring architecture to the plethora of restaurants on every corner. However, something that makes the city an incredibly special place to visit is the number of free museums across the city offering thoroughly educational yet utterly entertaining exhibitions for people of every taste. Though some of these events listed for February require paid tickets, they are worth every penny.
Visiting the Natural History Museum when visiting London is essential – especially when you are staying at Park Grand London Kensington, because it is right on your doorstep in South Kensington. Visiting it in February, though, is even more pertinent than any other time because of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is on. The best of wildlife photography from the last year is displayed until the end of May, and is the perfect activity for a cold February afternoon. Enjoy 100 light box displays and appreciate the utter majesty of the natural world.
Address:The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
Book tickets now: www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year.html
The Science Museum, another Kensington gem, has a fantastic exhibition on until 23 February: Top Secret: From Ciphers to Cyber Security. This February, learn about the world of codebreaking, ciphers and secret communications – a fascinating look into the world of humanity in relation to the gadgets we use to survive.
Address: Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Book tickets now: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/top-secret
The V&A Museum is known for exhibitions that delve into all elements of life, from the cultural to the historical. The epitome of this is the exhibition on throughout February: Into the Blue – the origin and revival of pools, swimming baths and lidos. Historic pools are undergoing restoration and architects are designing inventive new places to swim, and the V&A are documenting the whole thing.
Address: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL
Book tickets now: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/top-secret
Music
London is an absolute hotspot for music, and there are a number of great concerts set for February that are worth grabbing tickets for while they are still available. There are small, intimate gigs to attend – like Walthamstow Jazz Festival as an example. However, there are also some really big names.
An icon in pop musical history: Madonna. She will be performing a series of concerts at The London Palladium from 27 January until 16 February – the perfect Valentine’s date, perhaps? Listening to the classics like Vogue and Papa Don’t Preach, this concert is set to be one for the record books.
Address: 8 Argyll St, Soho, London W1F 7TF
Book tickets now: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/madonna/
The Jonas Brothers will be performing their new album, Happiness Begins, at the O2 on 2 February, so fans of this musical family who have watched them go from young teenagers on Disney Channel to international superstars can enjoy their music from one of London’s finest music venues. The response to the concert has been so positive that an additional date has been added, however this will take place at Wembley’s SSE Arena on 3 February.
Address: O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0DX & The SSE Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, London HA9 0AA
Book tickets now: https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/jonas-brothers & https://www.ssearena.co.uk/events/detail/jonas-brothers
Literary
The world of books never sleeps, and the literary scene is buzzing this February in London. From Shakespeare’s Globe on the River Thames to Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios in Watford, you could spend days and days exploring all the bookish features of this city, which was home to inspiring authors like Virginia Woolf, George Orwell and many more (including those writing today).
Alongside museums commemorating literary masterminds like Charles Dickens, as well as literary figures like Sherlock Holmes, there are a number of outstanding book-y events at Waterstones book stores around the city. On 6 February, at the Gower Street Waterstones, The Mercies is being launched by its debut author Kiran Millwood Hargrave, and friend and fellow writer of Kiran, Julia Armfield. Kiran will discuss The Mercies, her first adult novel with Julia, author of the The Sunday Times / University of Warwick Young Writer of the Year Award shortlisted book, Salt Slow. Both London-based authors offer insight into what it means to be a writer in London today, like so many have done before and will hopefully continue to do.
Address: 82 Gower St, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 6EQ
Book tickets now: https://www.waterstones.com/events/launching-the-mercies-with-kiran-millwood-hargrave-and-julia-armfield/london-gower-street
Poetry @ 3 is a recurring poetry event on the first Thursday of the month, every month – so this February’s edition will be on the 6th, meaning that if you are more inclined to read your own poetry then attend the literary event at Waterstones Gower Street, then this is for you. It takes place at London’s favourite poetry hub, The Poetry Cafe in Covent Garden, known for its delicious vegetarian menu, its regular poetry events and its writing workshops. Poetry @ 3 is hosted by the Poetry Society’s Paul McGrane, and the event encourages poets from far and wide to come and read in open mic sessions. It takes place from 3pm to 5pm: all literary lovers welcome.
Address: 22 Betterton St, London WC2H 9BX
More information: https://poetrysociety.org.uk/events/category/the-poetry-cafe/
Word on the Water is one of London’s quirkiest bookshops – what makes it so special is that it is a barge on Regent’s Canal. The floating book haven hosts literary events throughout the year and this February, the romance of poetry will be in the air at the Free Poetry & Music for Valentine’s! event, where Giovanna Iorio combines poetry, photography and prose in her works.
Address: Regent’s Canal Towpath, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BZ
Festivals
Lightopia Festival London takes place throughout February at Chiswick House and Gardens. This is one of London’s most beautiful festivals – a true tribute to the beauty of light through interactive shows and exhibitions. There is a lantern trail, a water show, live music, crafts, food and drink and much more, all in this truly beautiful part of London. Group tickets make it a worthwhile experience for the whole family and can be found online.
Address: Burlington Ln, Chiswick, London W4 2RP
Book tickets now: www.lightopiafestival.com/london/
BrewLDN is being launched in February at The Old Truman Brewery over the last weekend in February. It is an independent beer festival showcasing over 150 of the world’s very best brewers. Combine this beer extravaganza with some tasty street food and live music and you are in for a great time this February.
Address: 91 Brick Ln, Spitalfields, London E1 6QR
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brewldn-tickets-72483107927
Walthamstow Jazz Festival is also taking place at The Old Truman Brewery, and it promises to be an absolute treat on the ears and a fabulous February festival to add to your agenda. The musical acts will take place across two venues, with the main stage in the new Truman’s Brewhouse on Priestley Way. There is food, drink, cocktails and anything else you could want to enjoy alongside stellar jazz performances. The line up includes: U-God, Ishmael Ensemble, Soccer96, Laura Jurd, Fat White Family, Evan Parker, Binker Golding, Kinkajous, Yakul, Pouya Eshaei presents: Parasang, Ebi Soda, Skwid Ink, Hippo, Jasmine, Poly-Ritmo, None More Records Soundsystem and Seb Rochford.
Address: 91 Brick Ln, Spitalfields, London E1 6QR
Book tickets now: https://www.jorlio.com/Events/Details/Walthamstow-Jazz-Festival-2020
The month of February may be shorter than others, but that does not mean there are any shortages of things to do. In fact, this list is physical proof that February is arguably one of the busiest months of the year. So pick any combination of these events and you are bound to have a wonderful time in London this February.
