London – the best things to do in 2019

Eventos especiales

There’s more than ever going on in the capital, whether your passion is art, architecture, film or history. Here’s the lowdown on some of the treats in store over the next few months.

Welcome to London’s newest neighbourhood

If you thought Kings Cross couldn’t get more exciting, think again. Coal Drops Yard is London’s hottest new mall, just off Granary Square. Set against the backdrop of Victorian industrial architecture, the canal side area now hosts some of London’s top designer brands and restaurants. The Victorian brick arches and cobbled streets remain but the open-plan space now features all-day dining, galleries and an eclectic mix of shops amongst the viaducts.

Great shops, restaurants and bars at Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross
Visit Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross
Gorgeous design and canal views at Tom Dixon shop, Coal Drops Yard
Inspiring design at the Tom Dixon shop, Coal Drops Yard

History in action 2019

Step back in time. The Imperial War Museum will be marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings (June 2019) in addition to 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall (autumn 2019).  Meanwhile, at Kensington Palace, a major new exhibition will mark the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth. Visitors will follow a route through the rooms where the young Victoria spent her childhood (opens 24 May 2019).

Exhibitions in London 2019

If you’re a fan of fashion, head straight for the Victoria & Albert Museum where a Christian Dior exhibition opens on 2 February (until 14 July 2019). The exhibition explores the long lasting legacy of the influential couturier and the fashion house’s relationship with Britain. Also at the V & A, the Mary Quant exhibition (6 April 2019 – 16 February 2020) brings back a world of hot pants, mini-skirts and dazzling make-up.

Beautiful courtyard at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London
The courtyard at the V & A

On a more classical theme, Tate Modern’s Pierre Bonnard exhibition opens on 23 January (to 6 May 2019). Meanwhile, at Tate Britain, the EY Exhibition Van Gogh and Britain runs from 27 March to 11 August 2019.

At the Royal Academy of Arts, the Bill Viola/Michelangelo exhibition (26 January to 31 March 2019) brings together two artists who lived centuries apart but explored the same universal themes.

On screen

Downton Abbey fans, filming for the new movie started at Highclere Castle late last year. Beat the release of the movie and pay a visit to the Castle, which, with the exception of specific guided tours, opens to the public on 7 April 2019.