King’s Coronation weekend: Five activities for families in London

Thousands are expected to gather in central London this weekend to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation.

The Monday after the ceremony, May 8, has been designated as an extra national holiday, a further cause for celebration.

Numerous activities inspired by the crowning have been planned up and down the country, with plenty to entertain children and adults alike over what promises to be an event-filled long weekend.

We’ve rounded up five of the best activities in London for some family friendly fun.

Public screenings of the Coronation

Big screens will be put in place in Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park offering thousands of members of the public the chance to watch the coronation on Saturday 6 May.

Screens in St James’s Park will also show the coronation concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7 May.

More details can be found on the Gov UK website.

Coronation street party at Battersea Power Station

Saturday May 6 and Sunday May 7

Battersea Power Station will be celebrating the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla with a street party, paying tribute to the best of British culture.

Crowds will gather under the historic London landmark’s chimneys and enjoy Union Jack-themed decorations, family-friendly activities and live entertainment, while proceedings of the Coronation will be broadcast on a big screen.

The street party revellers will also be treated to specially curated coronation-themed menus, cocktails and offers from British brands that call the iconic building home, as well as a variety of pop-ups.

Coronation celebrations in the City

Several locations within the capital are hosting coronation parties for children and families.

Leadenhall Market will host a Royal Family-themed tea party with Pearly Kings and Queens and tea ladies in 1950s costumes.

The Covent Garden Coronation Party falls on May 7 between 12.30pm and 6pm, while Wembley Way is being renamed King’s Way on May 6.

This ceremonial re-naming sees the avenue return to the use of its original 1900s name, while activities and a screen for the ceremony will be provided.

Celebrate the coronation at ZSL London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo, Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY May 6 to 8

Discover the Kings and Queens of the animal kingdom at lively animal talks, coming face-to-face with more than 14,000 animals; from the Queen honeybee in Tiny Giants to critically endangered Asiatic ‘lion king’ Bhanu in Land of the Lions.

Kids can also get stuck into crafty crown making and face-painting while grown-ups can take a guided tour exploring ZSL London Zoo’s historic royal heritage.

Celebrate Charles III’s coronation at Tower Bridge, London

Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP May 6 to 8

Get in the coronation spirit by joining in a crown-making activity at Tower Bridge in the centre of London.

Celebrate the new King and Queen Consort, use all your craft skills and enjoy exploring the attraction with your new regal, colourful accessory.

You can even use Tower Bridge’s golden crests as a source of inspiration! Visitors to Tower Bridge on May 6 itself will receive a commemorative ticket to mark their visit to Tower Bridge.