10 reasons to visit London in 2015
London is a lively city year in and year out, every season bringing with it new openings, events, and activities.
2015 is set to be no different, so whether you’re planning a first time visit or a return to a city you know and love, here are 10 reasons why you should plan a visit this year.
1. Peruse the V&A’s new galleries
Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL
The Europe 1600-1800 Galleries have just opened their doors at London’s V&A Museum. The project has involved the transformation of seven galleries into a fresh new space in which over 1,000 pieces of 17th and 18th century art and design are displayed. What’s more, admission is free, so there’s no excuse not to take a peek!
2. Get to know Sherlock Holmes
Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
Baker Street’s most famous character and his life in Victorian London will be explored in depth at this special exhibition entitled “Sherlock Holmes: The man who never lived and will never die.” Open now until April 12, 2015.
A new budget-friendly Z Hotel is coming to Shoreditch at The Bower mixed-use complex. Photo: Courtesy of The Bower
3. Chic city sleeps on a budget
Z Shoreditch, 136-144 City Road EC1V 2RL
Z Hotels’ cool mix of modern design and affordable room rates is the ideal combo for travelers on a budget who don’t want to scrimp on comfort and style. So we’re super excited about the opening of the new Z Hotel in Shoreditch in March 2015, which is set to follow the boutique-budget mantra of its three other London properties, offering 107 stylish compact rooms in one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods. The hotel will be located in the new multi-use complex called The Bower Old Street.
4. 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta
British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB
To celebrate 800 years since the granting of the Magna Carta, the British Library is running a series of events between March 13 and September 1, 2015. The charter was originally issued by King John of England to try and make peace with rebel barons, but over the past 800 years it has come to symbolize the foundation of modern day democracy. The main exhibition, Law, Legacy and Liberty, should be booked in advance and tickets cost £12.
Related: 7 things to do in London that won’t cost you a dime
Keep an eye out for Shaun the Sheep sculptures around London this year. Photo: Dave Pearce
5. Shaun the Sheep arrives in London
Shaun in the City, Multiple locations
Wallace and Gromit fans will be in their element following the “Shaun the Sheep Trail” which sees over 100 “Shauns” placed in locations around central London to celebrate the launch of Shaun’s very own movie, and the Chinese Year of the Sheep between March 28 and May 25, 2015. If you miss the London trail, you can catch it in Bristol over the summer.
Les Enfants Terribles will take you “Underground” at Waterloo Station.
6. Immersive theater at its best
Alice’s Adventures Underground, Leake Street SE1 7NN
Forward thinking theatre company, Les Enfants Terribles, are back in the capital this year with an immersive theatre production of “Alice’s Adventures Underground” that is sure to be out of this world. Held at the Vaults underneath Waterloo station between April 2 and May 31, guests will make a simple choice at the start of their evening; “Eat Me” or “Drink Me”, and from then on their evening will unfurl in different directions as they journey through Wonderland.
Help Hampton Court Palace celebrate its 500th anniversary! Photo: Nightblue
7. Hampton Court Palace turns 500
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesley, KT8 9AU
To celebrate 500 years since construction began on this beloved palace, a number of exciting events will be taking place, including a sleepover on March 21 and a huge party over Easter weekend (April 3 – 5) with live Tudor and Baroque music, traditional food, and a spectacular son et lumiere show.
8. The Lyric Theatre reopens with a bang
Lyric Hammersmith, King Street, Lyric Square W6 0QL
Pies at the ready—the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith will reopen its doors this spring after refurbishment for an oh-so-exciting run of “Bugsy Malone”, the first professional theater production of this family-friendly classic in over a decade. Performances from April 11 until August 1, 2015.
9. Ode to Damien Hirst
Newport Street, SE1 6AY (website still to launch)
Scheduled to open in May 2015, the enormous Newport Street Gallery will fill a whopping five buildings with Damien Hirst’s private contemporary art collection, housing over 2,000 pieces in total, including original works by Banksy and Francis Bacon. Even better news for modern art lovers? This exciting exhibit will offer free entry.
Wembley Stadium will be hosting World Cup Ruby this year. Photo: Ben Sutherland
10. Rugby World Cup kicks off in London
Wembley, Twickenham and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium
From September 18 through October 31, 2015, Rugby fans can rejoice as the World Cup arrives. Matches will be played at different venues across the UK, three of which are in London, where the semifinal and final will also be played. If you can’t get tickets, then don’t despair, because London’s pubs will be even more lively than usual on match days.
About the author
Thanks and I will visit London in next month to watch rugby world cup 2015.