With Christmas and New Year a dim and distant memory maybe it’s time for a cheeky city break to while away the time as the last dregs of the winter months see themselves out. With February half term fast approaching this could be the perfect time for a sneaky visit to London before the arrival of the spring and summer tourists.
As well as the normal tourist attractions such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds and of course the Natural History Museum, here are some other fabulous less-known events taking place in London this February that may take your fancy.
Kew Gardens – Orchid Festival
‘A spectacular carnival of dazzling Brazilian colours’ if you’ve never been to Kew Gardens this amazing display of Brazil’s plant life and habitants could be just the thing to lure you in. The Princess of Wales Conservatory will be filled with a mass of tropical colour using beautiful and exquisite orchids and bromeliads as well as many other tropical plants from around the world. Open from 6th February to 6th March 2016 prices per adult (if booked online) are from £14. Visit the website for more information.
Chinese New Year
Starting on Monday 8th February, London really is the second best place to be in the world to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The main parade will be held on Sunday 14th February from 10am until 6pm starting in Trafalgar Square. At 12pm firecrackers will mark the start of the stage performances which will include acrobats, dragon and flying lion dances with the grand finale taking place at 5.20pm to finish off the celebrations of the start of the Year of the Monkey.
Valentine’s Day
There is so much to do in London for Valentine’s Day! For something a little different, if you love star gazing why not visit The Royal Observatory. Once again they are hosting an evening of romantic events where you gaze through the 18-tonne Victorian telescope standing on the Prime Meridian of the world whilst sipping a glass of bubbly! And if you’re planning a romantic meal book a table at Smith & Wollensky in The Adelphi Building, where you can enjoy a sumptuous Valentine’s menu of champagne, caviar, smoked salmon and a 14oz Rib-Eye steak!
The London Bike Show
For the bike enthusiasts amongst you a visit to The London Bike Show is an absolute must! Starting on Thursday 11th February through to Sunday 14th February this show features all kinds of bikes including road bikes, mountain bikes, BMX bikes and commuter bikes! You can meet top cyclists and coaches to discuss how you can get fitter or use your bike better as well as peruse the 200 exhibitor stands for the latest equipment, clothing and gadgets. You can also view stunt demos in the pop-up velodrome from the awesome Extreme Action Sports Tour who will once again show their incredible skills, control and balance and of course their nerves of steel! The show takes place alongside The Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show, Triathlon Show and the London International Dive Show, giving you access to a whole range of sporting events with just one ticket.