FeaturedGet ready to explore the City of London’s rich array of ancient and modern buildings for free during Open House Festival 2026.
12.09.2026
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20.09.2026
This article relates to March 2026. To find out about the latest events happening across the City now, you can view our What's On page to search by date and topic.
As the weather begins to warm up, the City of London welcomes you to explore a variety of experiences, whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to discover something new.
From ways to celebrate Ramadan, Mother's Day and Women's History Month to free concerts, exhibitions and fascinating walks, here are some of the brilliant things to see and do this March 2026 in the Square Mile.
1. Treat your mum to an unforgettable day out
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, falling on Sunday 15 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.
One option would be a delicious brunch at Lazy Ballerinas, including a glass of bubbles for everyone, in the heart of literary London. For a dining experience with live music, head to The Lampery for a Mother’s Day Roast, close to the Tower of London and the Seething Lane Garden.
If you’re searching for breathtaking views over iconic City landmarks, Mother’s Day at Coq d’Argent will provide you with a rooftop experience and classic French Cuisine.
Looking for a memorable afternoon tea in the City? Rake’s Café Bar is promising an indulgent Afternoon Tea filled with sweet treats, perfectly brewed teas, and a little sparkle. For other afternoon tea experiences, ranging from sky-high views to grander, more historic venues, follow our guide to seven of the most special afternoon tea spots in the City.
Afternoon tea at CORD by Le Cordon Bleu.
2. 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 (Thursday 5 March), 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. Dr Samuel Johnson, the author of the modern 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.
- Near the Old Bailey: 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, before demolition at the dawn of the 20th century. Dickens set several memorable trials scenes here: Fagin in Oliver Twist, Magwitch in Great Expectations, Charles Darnay in A Tale of Two Cities.
- Guildhall Yard: built between 1411 and 1440 by John Croxton, and, having survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz, Guildhall 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.
Another idea: follow the self-guided Literary Walking Trail to discover some of the fascinating literary connections in the City.
Dr Johnson's House © City of London Corporation
3. Celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day
March marks Women’s History Month as well as 115 years of International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March), and there is a choice 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.
Here are just a few of them:
International Women’s Day Walking Tour (Saturday 7 March): join the Migration Museum team this International Women’s Day for a walking tour to discover the incredible stories of the generations of migrant women that have lived, worked and left their mark on the streets of the City of London. The tour will last approximately 1.5 hours.
The Cheapside Choir (12 and 17 March): from the steps of The Royal Exchange (Thursday 12 March, 12-2pm) to marking the closing of the London Stock Exchange (Tuesday 17 March, 4-5pm) experience musical performances which will celebrate women throughout history and spread positivity in the ‘City of Women’.
Women of Spitalfields: Walking Tours (every Tuesday in March, 1-2pm): just outside the City of London boundary, this Women’s History Month, join Lianne’s lunchtime walking tour and learn about pioneering women with a connection to Spitalfields.
The Cheapside area is full of iconic views, here next to the Bank of England and the London Troops War Memorial © City of London Corporation
4. Learn something new with Gresham College lectures – all free!
The Death of Athenian Democracy? (12 March): this lecture by Gresham Professor of Rhetoric, Melissa Lane, will cover why the death of Athenian democracy is as difficult to date definitively as its birth.
The Universe’s 100th Birthday: Galactic Fireworks and Little Red Dots (18 March). 100 years ago this year, Edwin Hubble published the first conclusive evidence that there were galaxies beyond the Milky Way. This lecture, by Gresham College's Professor of Astronomy Chris Lintott, surveys the diversity of systems that we’ve found since, from giant and beautiful spirals to mysterious Little Red Dots.
Unauthorised Deepfakes and Digital Replicas (24 March): what is the impact of unauthorised deepfakes, and what's the need for educational, cultural and technological intervention? This lecture by Dr Hayleigh Bosher discusses the regulation of unauthorised deepfakes and explores the introduction of personality rights into laws across the UK as part of a wider solution including educational, cultural and technological intervention.
5. Attend a London Symphony Orchestra concert at the Barbican Centre
Kick-start your evening with a 60-minute Half Six Fix concert by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) on Wednesday 4 March.
Sit down for an epic, profound and otherworldly night with Bowler, Ligeti and Richard Strauss, again by the LSO (Thursday 5 March). Laura Bowler’s new work is a poetic meditation on colour, grief and the human spirit, inspired by award-winning author Han Kang’s The White Book. Ligeti’s Lontano will evoke the eerie atmosphere of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, and Strauss’ Zarathustra will end on an epic tone. Barbara Hannigan will be the vocal soloist for Bowler’s work the direct the LSO for the rest of the evening.
Soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan (credit: Marco Borggreve)
6. Open Iftar returns to Guildhall (Saturday 7 March)
Iftar is the sunset meal, enjoyed by fasting Muslims during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Open Iftar, hosted by the award-winning charity, Ramadan Tent Project, is returning to Guildhall this month, bringing communities together. The charity’s mission is to turn strangers into friends, and that is why their events are open to people of all faith backgrounds and none.
Open Iftar at Guildhall.
7. Try your hand at letter writing at Dr Johnson's House (Sunday 15 March)
Who would you write a letter to? In this fun letter hand-writing session at the historic home of Dr Johnson in the heart of the Fleet Street Quarter, you’ll learn the art of quill writing and letter folding.
The workshop will be led by Liz Ison, editor of A Literary Letter for Every Day of the Year, who will give a short talk on letter writing and what you might find in an 18th-century letter writing manual. Tea and biscuits included.
8. Get new perspectives with a free lunchtime talk at the London Centre (every Friday)
Explore London from new perspectives with a free architecture talk every Friday lunchtime at The London Centre. You will learn about London’s historical and physical development, brought to life through giant model of central London and The City of London model and accompanying exhibitions.
The models are used by a range of built environment professionals involved in the shaping of London, and anyone interested in the past, present and future of London’s ever-changing development.
9. Join the London Museum guides for these fascinating walks
Roman fort gate tours (Sunday 15 and 29 March): join this special tour of the remains of the West Gate of the Roman Fort of Londinium. Learn about its original use, its rediscovery after the Second World War and its preservation. Along the way, you'll step into a medieval tower garden to find out more about how Londinium was built and what life might have been like for Romans.
Walking London’s queer history (Saturday 21 March): walking through the City of London, your guide will uncover some hidden histories; queer struggle, queer joy, late-night trysts in St Paul's Cathedral and thieves in controversial clothing.
In & around Smithfield Market (Sunday 22 and Thursday 26 March): a guided tour through an area packed with medieval and Tudor history. Delve into the lives of past Londoners and explore the dissolution of the monasteries, the plague and public executions. You'll also hear stories of William Wallace, Henry VIII and even Sherlock Holmes.
10. Enjoy free and affordable classical music in the City
The London Symphony Orchestra organises their Free Friday Lunchtime Concert (13 March, 12.30pm) at LSO St Luke’s (Old Street), a bite-size, informal concert, featuring LSO Principal Viola Eivind Ringstad and Principal Cello David Cohen.
Recitals at St Lawrence Jewry: every Tuesday at 1pm in St Lawrence Jewry church, thenjoy a programme formed to create an invaluable platform for both professionals and conservatoire students to perform in a prestigious central London location. Entry is free (unless otherwise advertised) with a retiring collection to support the recital series.
Escape the everyday and let yourself be inspired at Guildhall School’s Chamber Music Festival, returning for a weekend of captivating and diverse performances from 20 to 22 March. Student-professor collaborations in the superb acoustics of the Milton Court Concert Hall bring together some of the most talented current Guildhall students and world-renowned chamber professors in works ranging from Mozart and Brahms to Shostakovich, Arvo Pärt and Beach. Half of the events are totally free, and ticketed concerts cost just £10.
Guildhall School’s Chamber Music Festival. Credit Paul Cochrane.
11. Visit these museums and galleries during their late tours
London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE (Thursday 5 March): discover Mark Manders’ new exhibition, ‘Room with All Existing Words’, through a tour led by an expert art guide. The tour will also include an exploration of the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras and Roman artefacts discovered on the site, which served as inspiration for Manders’ work.
Bank of England’s Museum (Thursday 19 March): have you ever wanted to hold a real gold bar? Or find out more about the well-guarded vaults hidden in the depths of the Bank of England? Join this late at the Bank of England’s Museum to uncover the glittering history of the Bank's responsibility as trusted gold custodians.
Room with All Existing Words by Dutch artist Mark Manders. Photo Marcus J Leith.
12. Rejuvenate with Rooftop Yoga and Brunch (Saturday 21 March)
Elevate your mornings with Rooftop Yoga and Brunch at The Skyline London. Suitable for all levels, these guided sessions promise rejuvenation against a backdrop of stunning city views, including Tower Bridge and the River Thames. Complete your morning with a wholesome brunch to fuel your day.
13. Join one of the fascinating walks and talks happening at Temple Bar
Temple Bar: Portal to the City’s Story (Thursday 26 March): embark on a captivating two-hour journey through the heart of the City of London. Join expert City of London guide Jonathan Wober of London On The Ground as he leads you on a curated circular walk that weaves its way through the City’s iconic streets and legendary landmarks.
The Great Reclamation: Radical Changes to London’s Streetscapes (Monday 30 March): landscape architect and Director at LDA Design, Sophie Thompson explores plans for softening London’s streetscapes, making them greener. From Knightsbridge to the City, ambitious plans are afoot in London to challenge traffic domination and severance, welcome families and tackle climate breakdown.
A rendition of Greyfriars Square, near St Paul's Cathedral, by LDA Design
14. Head to the Barbican for a fresh breath of culture
Encounters: Giacometti x Lynda Benglis. Works by contemporary artist Lynda Benglis and 20th century sculptor Alberto Giacometti are displayed together for the first time in this major new exhibition, the third in Encounters: Giacometti. Open Tuesday to Sunday, late hours on Thursday and Friday
Beatriz González: the first UK retrospective of the groundbreaking Colombian artist, whose bold work explores the power and impact of the images we encounter every day. Open Tuesday to Sunday, late hours on Thursday and Friday.
Barbican Architecture Tours: 90 minute tours that uncover the stories behind the Barbican, offering a unique perspective on how great architecture can shape culture. Tours planned daily, check for updated dates and times
Credit Max Colson
15. Daily Guided Walks by the City of London Guides
Join the official City of London Guides for fascinating themed tours every day of the week. The Guides try to make the walks as inclusive and accessible as possible.
Most of the daily walks start from the City Information Centre, just south of St Paul's Cathedral.
Find more details about the City guided walks in March.
16. Visit Mansion House, a Grade I listed Georgian mansion (Fridays)
Located in the vibrant heart of the City of London, Mansion House is residence and office of the Lady Mayor of the City of London, who serves as powerful ambassador for the City and UK’s financial and professional services.
While typically closed to the public, Grade I listed Georgian Mansion House opens its doors for exclusive guided tours to small, organised groups. Tours are operated on Friday 6, 13 and 27 March at 12pm.
The Egyptian Hall in Mansion House, City of London. Photo credit Matt Chung.
17. Head to Guildhall Art Gallery for its new exhibition
Step into the sensory world of London’s Tube in Guildhall Art Gallery's immersive exhibition by Jock McFadyen RA and Jem Finer of The Pogues.
The exhibition brings together Jock McFadyen’s large-scale Tube station paintings, revisiting his Underground series from the late 1990s, with a layered soundscape by Jem Finer, founding member of The Pogues, composed from field recordings on the Northern and Central lines.
Open daily. Admission: Pay What You Can.
18. Explore the Bishopsgate Institute archives collection
Bishopsgate Institute has provided access to its amazing Special Collections and Archives since opening in 1895 and is now home to incredible collections on London, activist, LGBTQ+ and other histories.
Tour of the General Collections (Wednesday 11 March): join Archives Manager Stef Dickers to hear stories of rampantly collecting Librarians, revolutionary minute books, Suffragettes, a Vicar's naughty scrapbooks and rather revelatory diaries from the 1950s.
Fighting Fascism: Exploring the archives (Saturday 21 March): anti-racist and anti-fascist collectives - such as Rock Against Racism, the Anti-Nazi League, School Kids Against the Nazis, and the Southall Youth Movement - formed in response to the growing threat of the National Front and other far-right organisations in the twentieth-century.
Archive tours at Bishopsgate Institute
19. Quiz time at the Paternoster Tavern (Tuesdays)
Every Tuesday, the Paternoster Tavern pub quiz, hosted by Lucky Cow Quiz Master, will put your general knowledge to the test with friends, £5 pints in hand, and plenty of friendly competition.
Teams of up to six are welcome. Entry is £2.50 per person and includes automatic entry into the raffle, with cash prizes of up to £200 up for grabs.
Paternoster Tavern, on Ludgate Hill, inside a beautifully restored Grade II listed building
20. Try some fun activities with the London Sports Festival
London Sports Festival is back! Organised and delivered by Central London Alliance, it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new to have fun with friends and colleagues.
Padel at Tower Hill Terrace: padel fans have a new destination: Tower Hill Terrace in front of the Tower of London. This stunning outdoor court is open for bookings, welcomes all abilities and is wheelchair accessible. Evening sessions are also available, with lighting ensuring a great experience after dark.
Padel Table Tennis at Tower Suites Walkway: a new up and coming sport, think table tennis but with additional opportunities to bounce the ball off the walls around you! Held outdoors, booking sessions range from 15 to 60 minutes and is suitable for up to 4 players. All required equipment will be provided for you.
