Investigate the genius of Christopher Wren and his ever-enquiring mind in this new exhibition at St Paul's Cathedral - said to be Wren's masterpiece.
As the weather starts to warm up, there are tons of things to see & do in the City of London this March. Whether you’re a first-time tourist, a local City worker or a seasoned resident, the City has a range of experiences to choose from including concerts in ornate halls and a first chance to see the freshly-designed King Charles polymer banknotes before they officially enter circulation.
The City will also be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, International Women’s Day and Holi.
Here are just some of the brilliant things to see & do this month.
1. Catch a mesmerizing concert in the City
From lunchtime concerts to evenings filled with beautiful symphonies, immerse yourself in incredible music this month and get yourself booked into one of these concerts in the City.
- Lunchtime Concert at the ornate Goldsmiths’ Hall (26 March): Experience the incredible Soprano Caroline Taylor and internationally acclaimed collaborative pianist Roger Vignoles recital “Secrets and Sighs” in Goldsmiths’ Hall, one of London’s hidden architectural treasures.
- Performance of Maurice Greene’s oratorio Jeptha in Middle Temple Hall (11 March): Maurice Greene was Master of the King’s Musick from 1735 until his death in 1755. Jephtha was written at the height of Greene's powers in 1737, and first performed a hair's breadth from the Temple – in the Apollo Room at the Devil’s Tavern on Fleet Street! Almost 300 years on, a superb cast conducted by Christian Curnyn give a concert performance of this great oratorio in the splendid surroundings of Middle Temple Hall.
Photo credit: Victoria Cadisch
2. Discover a new exhibition
Whether you’re an art lover, photography enthusiast or history obsessed the City of London has tons of fascinating exhibitions and museums to explore every month. Here are just some of the ones we would recommend exploring this March.
- New exhibition at Barbican Curve by Soufiane Ababri (13 March – 30 June): Moroccan-born artist Soufiane Ababri will transform The Curve for his first solo exhibition at a major UK institution. Ababri’s drawings and performances are inspired by real and fictitious encounters, drawing on the artist’s own hybrid identity as a gay Arab man; as well as his diverse knowledge of film, music, and history. He's exhibited in institutions worldwide with solo and group shows across Paris, Berlin, London and Los Angeles. The exhibition is free to visit.
- New exhibition ‘Future of Money’ at the Bank of England Museum (28 February 2024 – 1 September 2025): A new free exhibition at the Bank of England Museum will take a tantalising look into the future - and the quickly evolving present - of money. Among the highlights of this new exhibition will be a first chance to see the freshly-designed King Charles polymer banknotes (£5, £10, £20 and £50) before they officially enter circulation later in 2024. There will also be lunchtime curator tours of the exhibition (various dates) and a Museum Late (21 March).
- Take a Curator Tour of one of the Barbican’s latest exhibitions ‘Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art’: Join the curators Lottie Johnson, Diego Chocano and Wells Fray Smith to explore works in this major group exhibition and find out more about the artists who, using textiles, fibres and thread, challenge power structures and reimagine the world. Tours are happening on the 14 March, 28 March and 29 March from 6.30 – 8pm. Tickets cost £18.
- Rossetti’s “very best picture” returns to Guildhall Art Gallery: While not a new exhibition to explore, Guildhall Art Gallery is excited to be welcoming back Rossetti’s ‘La Ghirlandata’. Described by the Pre-Raphaelite artist and poet as “my very best picture” it is one of Guildhall Art Gallery's most popular paintings. It will be back on display on Friday 8 March, after being featured in Tate Britain's ‘The Rossettis’ exhibitions in London and Delaware Art Museum.
Soufiane Ababri, Bedwork, 2023
© Soufiane Ababri
Photo: Rebecca Fanuele
3. Commemorate Women’s History Month and International Women's Day
March marks Women’s History Month as well as International Women’s Day, and there are plenty of educational and celebrational events taking place across the City of London over the entire month that are the perfect way to mark the occasions.
- Learn about the incredible life of Welsh Singer Shirley Bassey (21 March): This month in Gresham College one of their fascinating lectures will be on the acclaimed Black Welsh singer, Shirley Bassey, known widely for her movie songs, successful albums and popular television specials. The lecture will explore her professional achievements as well as her personal tragedy and the highly critical (and gendered) reputation of her professional behaviour in the media. This event is free to attend.
- Attend a Temple Bar Talk “Where are the women architects?” (4 March): In spite of the significant number of women choosing to study architecture as undergraduates, once qualified, women remain in the minority. This talk will explores how architecture can attract, recruit and retain women as well as how women can find ways to thrive within it.
- International Women’s Day Special at Savage Garden (8 March): Indulge in a selection of three expertly crafted cocktails at rooftop bar Savage Garden, each inspired by the remarkable contributions of three influential women in UK history. These cocktails will be elegantly designed to reflect the symbolic colours of International Women's Day - purple, green, and white and will only be available on 8 March.
- Second Saturday Family Activities at Guildhall Art Gallery (9 March): This month Guildhall Art Gallery will be welcoming back La Ghirlandata, one of their most loved paintings, after her year out at exhibitions. To celebrate her return as well as International Women's Day, their Second Saturday event will start the day with storytelling, and then you are invited to create your own 'garlanded' artwork and hear about inspiring women on their pick-and-mix family art tour.
- 'City of Women' Outdoor Performance (7 March): The project 'City of Women' seeks to amplify the voices of women in history who have broken the mould in the City of London over the last 500 years, and those who continue to do so. Under the theme 'Inspire Inclusion’ their performances on 7 March will demonstrate the importance of fostering diversity, equity and empowerment of women and will be interspersed with words of these women at the Finale in Paternoster Square.
- Celebrating City Women: Celebrating City Women is a campaign that seeks to recognise the remarkable women connected to the City. Featuring interviews with historians, artists and curators – among others – they take you back in time to discover the stories of some truly remarkable women who subverted gender norms in their era. Watch the series on YouTube.
4. Treat your mum to an unforgettable day out
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, falling on 10 March this year, and we have rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate. From spa days to delicious dining experiences, here are just a few of the ways that you can treat your mum to an unforgettable day out in the City of London.
- A relaxing day at the Spa: If you’re looking to treat your mum to a little TLC, there is nothing better than a relaxing day spent at the spa indulging in a few hours of pampering. From the Heavenly spa at the Westin City of London to the Roman inspired spa at the Four Seasons London, Ten Trinity Square, the City of London has an array of heavenly spas to choose from. Read our guide to some of the best spas in the City.
- A special Afternoon Tea: Your spoiled with your choice of settings for a memorable afternoon tea in the City. From sky-high views to grander, more historic venues, the City is home to some of the most luxurious afternoon tea locations to take your mum this Mother’s Day. Pick one that you know your mum will really love by reading our guide to 6 of the most special afternoon tea spots in the City.
- A delicious Mother’s Day Roast Dinner: Get the family together for a 28-day dry aged roast sirloin with all the trimmings for £35pp, including a glass of house wine at The Lampery.
- A memorable Mother’s Day brunch: Treat your mum to a memorable day filled with beautiful food and warm ambience with a delicious 3-course meal and a glass of prosecco or wine for £49 per person at Eastway Brasserie, London Liverpool Street.
Millie’s Lounge at The Ned
5. Explore these incredible 20ft-high rainbow-coloured arcs
Don’t miss the chance to see the spectacular Elysian Arcs and marvel at five over 20ft-high, rainbow-coloured arcs at The Leadenhall Building. Elysian Arcs is a free outdoor immersive light and sound installation created by award-winning design studio, Atelier Sisu.
The installation is open for all to experience from 10am-8pm daily until Friday 15 March.
6. Indulge in some delicious food at the Ivy Asia
With its vibrant and playful interiors coupled with its theatrical drinks and cocktails, The Ivy Asia at One New Change is an unforgettable experience made even more special in the City of London with its panoramic views of one of London's most famous landmarks, St Paul's Cathedral.
The Celebrations of the Year of the Dragon are continuing at The Ivy Asia until 10 March, where you can indulge in an exciting new Dim Sum menu. Available on weekdays between 11.30am - 4.30pm, brimming with sensational dishes worthy of the mighty and noble dragon.
7. Watch the Grand Prix at the F1® Arcade
A fan of the Grand Prix™? F1® Arcade is the best place to watch Grand Prix™ in London on their huge TV screens, complete with live commentary. You can even dive into the driver's seat and challenge your friends to determine who’s the better driver.
Enjoy food, drinks, and socialising while cheering your friends on the track and watching the Grand Prix™.
8. Last month to visit the delicious Bar Laurel in Leadenhall Market
Recreating the electric vibrancy of Calle Laurel, Bar Laurel, a pop-up by restaurant La Viña in Leadenhall Market, will be serving up delicious food inspired by the region until the end of March.
Offering tapas, pinchos and ‘raciones’ accompanied with delicious riojas and cervezas for an unforgettable and slightly different dining experience.
During the day pop in to visit El Bocadillo at Bar Laurel, a cafe and bar serving breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is available until 12pm, and includes a delicious offering of croissants, churros, and pan au chocolate. Get any pastry and a hot drink for just £6. From 12 – 5pm, indulge in a lunch range of “Bocadillos” – Spanish sandwiches.
9. Explore the City where some of the world’s most famous literary figures used to live and socialise.
Have you ever wondered where literary greats such as Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, Dr Johnson and Samuel Pepys used to live and socialise? Or perhaps, after immersing yourself in classics like Pride & Prejudice, Oliver Twist, Mary Poppins or A Tale of Two Cities, you've harboured a desire to step into the settings where your favourite characters roamed. The City of London is the backdrop to many of the most iconic novels and it is no wonder when their authors spent so much of their time here.
This World Book Day, here are a few places we recommend you explore:
- Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street: Over the past 355 years Ye Old Cheshire Cheese has been frequented by many prominent literary figures including Dr Samuel Johnson, Mark Twain, W.B. Yeats and Charles Dickens, who even featured it in his novel A Tale of Two Cities. The Chop Room in Ye Old Cheshire Cheese is the traditional dining room where you can find a long oaken table at which Dr. Johnson, Oliver Goldsmith, Charles Dickens and others have dined over the years. Dr Samuel Johnson, the author of the modem dictionary, lived a few steps away and his chair is in the pub. You can also combine your visit to this historic pub with a visit to Dr. Johnsons House.
- Newgate Prison: Newgate Prison stood on the corner of Old Bailey and Newgate street from 1188 to 1902. It was burnt down in the Gordon Riots in 1780, described by Charles Dickens in Barnaby Rudge, and then rebuilt between 1780 and 1783. Dickens set several memorable trials scenes here: Fagin in Oliver Twist, Magwitch in Great Expectations, Charles Darnay in A Tale of Two Cities.
- Guildhall: Built between 1411 and 1440 by John Croxton, and, having survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz, it is the only secular stone structure dating from before 1666 still standing in the City. Guildhall is the setting for the trial of breach of promise in Charles Dickens Pickwich Papers.
- Cheapside: In the Nineteenth Century Cheapside was an enormously important shopping area and it is still a busy thoroughfare today. Cheapside figures throughout the history of English literature and makes numerous appearances in Dickens writing. It also appears in Pride & Prejudice as Elizabeth Bennet’s uncle and aunt, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, resided in Gracechurch Street, not far from Cheapside but Mr Bingley’s sister bitingly accuses them of living in Cheapside.
If you want to discover more there are walking tours that you can take about Charles Dickens, Dr Johnson, and Shakespeare in the City.
10. Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the City
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the City with some Irish classics at Vintry & Mercer. Expect hearty yet refined cooking and, of course, plenty of Guinness inspired dishes including Guinness bread, smoked salmon with caviar, slow braised beef shin and Guinness pie, and a rich Guinness chocolate cake, finishing with the option of a boozy Irish coffee.
Whether you’re seeking a cosy spot to enjoy a pint or craving some authentic Irish comfort food, The Lamb Tavern and the Golden Goose in the iconic Leadenhall Market are also two perfect locations to celebrate St Patrick’s Day this year.
© Vintry & Mercer
11. Join Open Iftar at Guildhall on 28 March
With Ramadan around the corner, Guildhall are hosting an Open Iftar event with the Ramadan Tent Project.
Iftar is the meal that Muslims eat to break their fast at sunset. This year Open Iftar’s theme is Heritage: Past, Present and Future. The theme is all about honouring the incredible stories, traditions and legacies that make British Muslim Heritage so vibrant.
The Ramadan Tent Project is an award-winning charity that brings communities together and spreads the spirit of Ramadan through various initiatives. Their mission is to turn strangers into friends, and that is why their events are open to people of all faith backgrounds and none.
12. Celebrate Holi at Cinnamon Kitchen’s Festival Of Colours
Holi Festival traditionally marks the start of spring in India, as well as the triumph of good over evil, and is one of the country's most widely celebrated festivals. Back for its seventh year running, House of Holi makes its return to Cinnamon Kitchen in Devonshire Square from 15 March – 25 March where you will be able to take part in thirty minutes of paint-pelting fun with friends, family and colleagues to mark the Indian festival of colour.
13. One for the film buffs - Oscars week, ScreenTalks & Live Events at The Barbican Cinema
In March, Barbican Cinemas hosts an abundance of international and local filmmakers, poets and curators, in lively and fascinating conversation and introductions across an array of subjects.
Plus, for Award enthusiasts, their ever-popular Oscars Week (8 - 14 March) returns to the Barbican Cinema for another year, the only venue in the UK to collaborate with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and screen 16 Academy Award nominated feature films and shorts.
14. Tuck into a delicious bubbles brunch at The Lampery
A brand new brunch experience awaits you at The Lampery this month where you can choose from a selection of tasty brunch dishes including Eggs Royale, Chorizo Hash, the Moving Mountains Plant Burger, French Toast and mouthwatering Blueberry Pancakes. And for just £20 per person sip on free-flowing prosecco for the first hour.
To celebrate the launch they are also offering an exclusive 20% off until 24 March (excluding 10 March).
Brunch is available Saturdays & Sundays, 12 – 4pm. Advance booking required. Offer ends 24 March. Excludes 10 March.
15. Get the gang together for an immersive experience they won’t want to miss
Overdue a catch-up with friends and can’t seem to get everyone to agree on a date to meet-up? As soon as they hear you are planning a visit to Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds Immersive Experience your guaranteed to have everyone locked in. With your group you will experience what it might be like when those little green men from Mars decide to takeover London in this combination of live action, multisensory effects and virtual reality.
The story is brought to life via a cast including real-life West End actors, VR effects and holograms, creating moments that some reviewers describe as “genuinely creepy”.
Find more immersive experiences in the City.
16. See the City in bloom
The City is starting to come into full bloom this month, with cherry blossoms popping up in some of the beautiful gardens in the City. Two of our favourite places to find cherry blossoms are outside St Pauls Cathedral and in Aldgate Square with the stunning St Botolph without Aldgate Church in the background.
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil picnic spot or somewhere for quiet contemplation, here are some of the City’s greenest spaces to seek out.
