Our recommendations for stuff happening in March

We’re back with the March edition of “Free Fun in London,” bringing you the best free activities to enjoy this month. With the hope of leaving the cold weather behind we’re excited to include more outdoor activities in this edition.

Art & Culture

• The Serpentine exhibition 'David Hockney: A year in Normandie and some other thoughts about painting'. One of the most influential artists of our time, David Hockney invites viewers to slow down and notice the extraordinary within the everyday in his first exhibition at Serpentine. Created specifically for this presentation, Hockney’s new paintings extend his lifelong fascination with the act of looking, affirming his belief that simple beauty is worth celebrating.

Outdoor Activities

• Hampton Court Palace Gardens are open for free on 14-15 March no ticket needed! Stroll through the Great Fountain Garden and other historic spaces from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Just keep in mind you’ll need to cover your travel costs to get there, as the palace is outside central London.
• The Hill Garden and Pergola. Once the private garden of a grand manor house, it now welcomes visitors to wander its raised walkways wrapped in climbing plants and enjoy sweeping views over West Heath. Though some areas may be temporarily inaccessible due to essential maintenance, the Pergola’s romantic, timeworn charm remains a major draw. Open daily and free to visit, it’s an ideal place for a quiet stroll, photography, or simply soaking up the serene atmosphere.

Educational

• Gresham College has been providing free public lectures since 1597. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge or support your studies, these lectures are delivered by some of the world’s leading academics and experts, providing high quality content at no cost.  

Special Events

• Celebrate Irish culture with a lively parade, music, dance, and food. St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival It’s a fun-filled day for everyone. Expect a green multitude in the heart of the City of London, the parade will start at Hyde Park and end at Whitehall. Trafalgar Square will host the main festival activities. 15 March 2026. 
• The Head of the River Race (HOTRR) an exciting annual rowing event, this year’s event is the 100th anniversary race and is set for Saturday 28th March 2026. The race covers the same course as the famous Oxford V Cambridge boat race, but the other way around. It’s a great way to enjoy the riverside and cheer on the teams. The best viewing locations are The best viewing locations is the riverbank between Putney and Hammersmith.

Viewing Platforms

• Horizon 22 (London’s highest viewing platform) located on Level 58, our viewing platform offers 300-degree views of London, showcasing its most iconic landmarks. It only takes 41 seconds for one of the two high-speed lifts to take you to the viewing platform, travelling at up to eight metres per second.

As you plan your March outings, don’t forget that the clocks move forward by one hour on 29 March, marking the start of longer, lighter evenings, perfect for enjoying London’s springtime events and outdoor spaces. That’s all for our March edition! We hope you find plenty of fun activities to enjoy this month.