Rowing: The Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race
Dates: |
26 March 2011 |
Venue: | |
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames is one of the world's longest running sports events, and one of the most popular on the London sports calendar. In 2010, Cambridge won the 156th Boat Race, taking their overall tally to 80 races won against Oxford's 75.
Can Oxford claw back the title in 2011 to help close the gap? Come and join the fun on the banks of the Thames between Mortlake and Putney and cheer on the rowers.
Where To Watch The Boat Race in London
As one of the few free sporting spectacles in London, The Boat Race creates a festival atmosphere on the banks of the River Thames. You can find a place to watch on either side of the river along the full length of the course, but particular areas to note are:
Boat Race in the Park Events
This year, there'll be special Boat Race in the Park events from 12-6pm at Bishop's Park in Fulham and Furnivall Gardens in Hammersmith. The riverside parks will offer a great view of the race, along with big screens, beer tents, food, family fun and live music.
Rowing: Head of the River Race
Dates: |
2 April 2011 |
Venue: | |
London's Head of the River Race is one of the city's longest running sporting traditions.
This spring, 400 crews from around the globe will take to the waters of London's famous river Thames to compete in this historic boating event.
Head of the River: London's Historic Boat Race
The Head of the River Race (HORR) was started in 1926 by Cambridge and Tideway oarsman, Steve Fairbairn. It was conceived as a way for crews to practice long rows during winter, in preparation for the summer regatta.
The annual event now sees hundreds of boats, each manned by eight men, row over the 4.25 mile (6.8km) championship course from Mortlake to Putney.
A Global Event in London
It is customary for the previous year's winner to start first. They are followed at 10-second intervals by other crews in finishing order and finally, the new entries start in alphabetical order.
This year's race starts at 4pm.
The race sees crews from all over the world competing, from Australia to Austria.
Head of the River Race: Fun for All
The event is a great way for Londoners and visitors alike to celebrate the start of spring as they cheer on teams along London's picturesque River Thames.
Don't forget to pack your Pimm's and arrive early to grab a good viewing spot!
Mother's Day 2011
Dates: |
3 April 2011 |
Venue: | Various venues |
Say thank you to your mum and spend an unforgettable Mother's Day in London.
We've got it covered from pampering to gifts, special lunches to West End shows. Go ahead and spoil your mum. She deserves it!
Share the magic of a musical with your mum. Choose from the
Top 10 London Musicals or one of the many other world-class productions now on. See the
London theatre guide for details of current shows and theatre ticket booking.
Top tip: Check performance dates and times as not all productions have Sunday shows. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days of the week so it's a good idea to book well in advance.
Theatre Breaks combining hotel and theatre tickets can be great value.
Running: Virgin London Marathon 2011
Dates: |
17 April 2011 |
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Venue: | Various venues |
Be part of this year's London Marathon. Whether you run, walk or cheer from the sidelines, this is a London sporting institution you won't want to miss.
The Virgin London Marathon 2010
Every year, approximately 30,000 people run the 26.2 mile (42.2km) marathon through the streets of London.
Some run for personal achievement, some to raise money for their favourite charity. Many run in outrageous fancy-dress. These have included apples, giant trees, and even an Angel of the North!
London Marathon: From Beginners to Professionals
The Virgin London Marathon is open to all abilities, from beginners who walk the course to professional athletes.
The route runs along the south of the Thames and then the north side after crossing the river on Tower Bridge.
With such vast and impressive scenery, it's no wonder the organisers have dubbed it a "Historical Jog Around London".
St George's Day in London
Dates: |
23 April 2011 |
Venue: | |
Celebrate English heritage on St George's Day in London.
St George's Day in London
London celebrates St George's Day with a whole host of free events including parades, food festivals, theatrical events, children's activities and more. St George's Day is officially 23 April, but London usually celebrates the English patron saint for the entire the week leading up to that date. In 2011, the 23 April falls on a Saturday, so you can expect the main parade and events on the weekend of 23-24 April.
St George's Day in Trafalgar Square
The Mayor of London usually puts on a free, family-friendly St George's Day Concert in
Trafalgar Square. Keep checking back here for more information about this and other St George’s Day activities in London closer to the time.
Easter in London 2011
Dates: |
24 April 2011 |
Venue: | Various venues |
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Easter bunnies, Easter egg hunts and special Easter holiday offers... It must be Easter in London!
Keep your whole family entertained over the Easter holidays with a host of special events in London.
And remember, Easter's not just for kids; grown-ups can enjoy luxurious Easter eggs, and special Easter packages at London hotels too.
This year Easter falls on 24 April but thanks to the Royal Wedding, there'll be an extra Bank Holiday on 29 April, so there'll be two long weekends in a row!
Easter Fun for Kids in London
Easter eggs, ducklings and more in London:
- Kew Gardens: Join the friendly characters from Climbers and Creepers in the gardens. Find tokens and exchange them for a delicious Green & Blacks Easter egg. There'll also be chocolate-making sessions and the chance to view the inner workings of the chocolate tree. 24 Apr
- WWT London Wetland Centre: Instead of Easter eggs, examine some real eggs and see the ducklings developing inside them at "candling" demonstrations. Look out for the fluffy ducklings which have already hatched and see them take their first swim. There are also family activities all month. 9-25 Apr
- London Bridge Experience: Try the London Bridge Experience's gruesome Easter head hunt. Severed heads have been hidden around the attraction and there'll be chocolate rewards for explorers who find them all over Easter weekend. 9-25 Apr
London Burlesque Week 2011
Dates: |
26 April 2011 to 30 April 2011 |
Venue: | Various venues |
Bump and grind your way into another London Burlesque Week.
London Burlesque Week is back for 2011 and it's better than ever with local and international burlesque stars, boylesque, twisted cabaret and much more!
British Burlesque and International Cabaret at London Burlesque Week
Chaz Royal's London Burlesque Week is the largest international showcase of burlesque in the world.
London Burlesque Week presents five huge nights of burlesque and cabaret at various venues throughout London.
London Burlesque Week programme
Royal Wedding – Prince William and Catherine Middleton
Dates: |
29 April 2011 |
Venue: | |
Join the Royal Wedding celebrations in London as Prince William marries Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey.
Prince William's Marriage to Kate Middleton in London
Prince William will marry his long-term girlfriend Catherine (Kate) Middleton at London's Westminster Abbey in spring 2011.
Prince William is The Queen's grandson and second in line to the throne after his father Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.
The Dean of Westminster will conduct the wedding service but the couple will be married by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The address at Westminster Abbey will be given by the Bishop of London.
Royal Wedding Celebrations in London
The Royal Wedding is on Friday 29 April, which has been declared a
UK bank holiday.
Celebrations will be held throughout London as locals and tourists line the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple as they go by. There will also be street parties and special events to mark the occasion across the capital, and the whole of the UK.
Royal Wedding Procession Route
The wedding ceremony takes place at 11am at Westminster Abbey.
Kate Middleton will travel along The Mall from
Buckingham Palace to the abbey by car.
At around 12pm, after the ceremony, the newlyweds will return to Buckingham Palace in a grand carriage procession along a route that goes through:
The final public appearance of the day is likely to be on the Buckingham Palace balcony at around 1.30pm when the couple kiss for the cameras!
