Things To Do This Week In London: 10-16 February 2025

Valentine's events, a lantern festival, and the reopening of a London landmark.

Things to do this week is sponsored by Kingston First.

All week

VALENTINE'S EVENTS: With Valentine's Day coming up on Friday, there are plenty of romance-themed events this week. Take a look at our guide to Valentine's things to do in London — they're for everyone, whether you're on a date, out with a group of friends, or flying solo.

MICHELANGELO, LEONARDO, RAPHAEL: The names of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, yes, but also the Royal Academy's current exhibition about the period when the three superstars of the Italian Renaissance crossed paths in Florence. Learn about the rivalry between Michelangelo and Leonardo and the influence both had on the young Raphael, in an exhibition which closes this weekend. Until 16 February

BARBIE: Time's also running out to see the Design Museum's excellent Barbie exhibition, delving into 60 years of the doll's history, featuring a rare first edition of the very first doll released by Mattel in 1959 — and a few more items which you may recognise from your own childhood. Until 23 February

ORCHIDS: Now's an excellent time to visit Kew Gardens, as the annual Orchids Festival is in full swing inside the toasty Princess of Wales Conservatory. Wander among colourful blooms from Peru, including sculptures of flamingos, bears and other wildlife, all made from flowers. Until 2 March

WWF WINTER WANDER: Conservation charity the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is encouraging people to organise their own sponsored walk this week, to raise money for its work. To get involved in the Big Winter Wander, complete a 5k or 10k walk in your local area, either on your own or with family and friends. 10-23 February

THE PASSENGER: West Brompton's Finborough Theatre hosts the world premiere of a new adaptation of Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz's novel, The Passenger. Set on Kristallnacht in 1938 in Berlin, it's the story of respected businessman Otto who flees his home and takes a train across Germany while trying to conceal his identity. 10 February-15 March

TOM HIDDLESTON: A new adaptation of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing opens at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, starring Tom Hiddleston as Benedick and Hayley Atwell as Beatrice. 10 February-5 April

LONDON'S TRAMWAYS: We love the look of the latest exhibition at the London Archives, which showcases some of the posters and artworks used to promote London's tram network in the first half of the 20th century. 40 works are on display. These include the first set of posters, commissioned in black and white, by the London County Council, and a slew of coloured designs that were commissioned later. FREE, 10 February-26 June

LOST LONDON: And speaking of London Archives, this week is your last chance to catch the Lost Victorian City exhibition. This small but excellent display offers rarely seen photographs of lost buildings and places, and also some of the lost trades. What became of the cat’s meat man? FREE, ends13 February

EAT OF THE WEEK: Brigit's Bakery's afternoon tea bus tours of London are feeling extra loved-up right now. Teaming up with Swizzels, they're serving up a special menu of Love Heart-inspired cakes, as well as (and this is only if you want it, mind) Love Hearts flavoured tea! Until 16 February, then again from 22-30 March

DRINK OF THE WEEK: The plush Coral Room is always worth having up your sleeve should you need to flee the bustle around Tottenham Court Road — and it's just launched an aeronautically-themed cocktail menu. 'Mr Crosbie's Great Aeronautic Adventure' riffs off the 18th-century Irish aeronaut Richard Crosbie with 16(!) new concoctions, including the Silver Nymph (vodka, mastiha, cucumber and mint Greek yoghurt) and a Japanese twist on the negroni made with with gin, sake and lychee. A couple of these and you'll be flying too...

Monday 10 February

MAVERICKS: TikTok historian J Draper tells stories of mavericks throughout history at Conway Hall. Heat about an orphan kidnapped into a bizarre child-raising experiment, a child found living in the woods in Germany who was brought to the royal court in England, and the man who wrote the first account of a dinosaur, as well as other tales from Draper's book, Mavericks: Life Stories and Lessons of History’s Most Extraordinary Misfits. 7pm-8.30pm

NERDY COMEDY NIGHT: Enjoy a night of nerdy new comedy material at the Cockpit Theatre. Members of science comedy trio Festival of the Spoken Nerd try out new material, live. Guest acts Jazmin Scarlett, Gilly Forrester, Mara Reynolds, MJ Hibbett and Robin Hayward perform in the first half, followed by an hour-long preview of Matt Parker's new solo stand-up maths show. 7pm

IF/THEN: West End performer Kerry Ellis stars in the UK premiere of If/Then, about a 38-year-old city planner returning to New York after more than a decade, following a recent divorce. See it at the Savoy Theatre. 7.30pm

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL: For one night only, 60 years of musical duo Simon & Garfunkel is celebrated at the London Palladium. A full live band and brass ensemble perform their hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water and Homeward Bound — with photos and film footage projected onto a large screen. 7.30pm

LOU TAYLOR: Soho Rising Festival presents comedian Lou Taylor in her current one-woman show, Jeans and a Nice Top, at Soho Theatre. After amassing more than 20 million online views, Taylor's debut takes the form of a very modern coming-of-age tale. 8.30pm

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Tuesday 11 February

SEWAGE CRISIS: Why does Britain have a water and sewage crisis? That's the topic of today's Gresham College lecture, given by Professor Martin Daunton, who talks about why the discharge of raw sewage into rivers has been allowed to happen, and whether a return to public ownership would help. FREE, 6pm

POLLY: Claiming to be the first musical about polyamory, Polly: A 21st Century Love Story comes to the Phoenix Arts Club, telling the story of Polly, who is coming to terms with life with her boyfriend, her girlfriend and herself. 6.30pm-7.30pm

GLOBAL ELECTIONS: The British Academy brings together a panel of experts to reflect on a year of global elections. In 2024, almost half the world went to the polls, and this event is a chance to ask your questions about the electoral outcomes to political scientist and author Professor Ben Ansell FBA, expert on US and Indian politics Dr Pavithra Suryanarayan, and expert on European Union politics Professor Sara Hobolt FBA. FREE, 6.30pm-7.45pm

SLAMMA MIA:Riot Cabaret returns for an evening of independent wrestling at the Clapham Grand. Expect high-flying action, jaw-dropping surprises, and impeccable vibes. Age 14+. 6.30pm-10.30pm

JOJO MOYES: Bestselling author Jojo Moyes is at St Giles-in-the-Fields to discuss her new book We All Live Here, with BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth. The novel, released today, is about a woman coming to terms with her estranged family. 7pm

ELIZABETHAN WITCH TRIALS: Professor Marion Gibson discusses her recent book, telling the stories of those accused during the witch trials in 1581-2 at St. Osyth. Hear about the destructive wave of misogynistic persecution and the overlooked stories of the accused individuals in an online talk hosted by the Last Tuesday Society. 7.30pm-9pm

LES ILLUMINATIONS: Hear works by British composers inspired by the Italian Baroque and 19th-century French romanticism, at Wilton's Music Hall. Peter Manning conducts the Chromatica Orchestra performing works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Benjamin Britten and Robin Tritschler. 8pm

MR SWALLOW: Taskmaster and Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed brings his alter-ego Mr. Swallow back to life on stage at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington, as he works up his brand new show ahead of a national tour. 8pm

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Wednesday 12 February

FLOWERS AT SAATCHI: Things get floral at Chelsea's Saatchi Gallery with Flowers - Flora in Contemporary Art & Culture. Art, photography, fashion, archival objects and graphic design all feature in this exhibition, as well as two large-scale installations by artist Rebecca Louise Law (whose work we've featured previously) consisting of over 100,000 dried flowers on trails of wire. Find out more in our art critic's preview. 12 February-5 May

SOANE AND MODERNISM: Find out why Sir John Soane has often been referred to as the "first modernist architect" in new exhibition Soane and Modernism: Make It New. Some drawings from his collection go on display for the first time ever, and there's also a look at other architects whose work has been likened to Soane's. 12 February-18 May

LANTERN FESTIVAL: The Chinese New Year celebrations continue at Merchant Square in Paddington, where a lantern festival takes place on the canal. Write your wishes, dreams or messages of gratitude on a floating lantern and release it, illuminated, into the water. FREE, 5.30pm-6.30pm

ISLAMESQUE: Author and Middle East cultural historian Diana Darke is at Stanfords in Covent Garden discussing her latest book, Islamesque. Hear about Europe’s medieval architectural wonders, and the Muslim master-builders behind them. Landmarks including Mont Saint-Michel, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Durham Cathedral and the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela were all created by Muslim craftsmen, at a time when Christendom lacked such expertise. 7pm-8.30pm

KEYS AND TEASE: Live piano, cabaret singing, and burlesque performances are all part of Keys and Tease: A Romantic Piano Cabaret at Piano Smithfield. Miss PetTIT hosts, with entertainment from pianist Marvin Rose and burlesque dancer Scarlett Whispers. 7.30pm-9pm

Thursday 13 February

WITH LOVE, MARILYN: The current Marilyn Monroe exhibition in The Arches London Bridge celebrates Valentine's Day with special performances of With Love, Marilyn, a one-woman musical cabaret tribute performance to the actress. 13-15 February

THE MIDNIGHT CALLER: A one-act thriller set in a call centre, The Midnight Caller follows Fiona, a young employee who becomes embroiled in a gripping mystery after receiving a cryptic phone call. It's on at the Old Red Lion Theatre in Angel for the next three nights. 13-15 February

STALLED: The world premiere of Stalled, a new musical about mothers, daughters and moving on, comes to the King's Head Theatre in Islington, set in a bathroom and featuring a frazzled mother, a neurodivergent daughter, a young non-binary poet and a terrified queer computer scientist. 13 February-23 March

RODELINDA: The Rodelinda Exhibition at Handel Hendrix House celebrates the 300th anniversary of Handel's renowned opera, which was composed in the building. The display features a portrait from 1725 of the celebrated castrato Senesino, along with an early libretto and various artefacts relevant to 18th-century opera culture. 13 February-6 July

FRIENDS QUIZ: Swot up on lobsters, Chandler's job title, and brands of East German laundry detergent for a Friends TV show quiz at Boxpark Wembley. The winning team gets a plush lobster toy and two free lobster rolls from seafood brand Molo, and the event also includes a photo booth and DJ set. 6.30pm-9pm

PINK NOISE COMEDY: Unlucky in Love at the Clapham Grand is a night of queer comedy featuring a lineup including Travis Alabanza, Grace Campbell, and Kemah Bob, hosted by Jayde Adams. The event supports LGBTQ+ charities, with all profits going to Pink Noise, benefiting Not a Phase and Rainbow Migration. DJs take over after the show. 6.30pm-11pm

UNDERGROUND CABARET: Sarah Elizabeth headlines this week's Lines Underground Cabaret with a live recording of her podcast, A VIP Valentine’s. She discusses topics including girl code, self-empowerment and relationships. Takes place at The Table Clapham. 7.30pm

OUT-SPOKEN: Regular poetry and music night Out-Spoken returns to Southbank Centre, with poetry from Oluwaseun Olayiwola, Ella Frears and Pádraig Ó Tuama, curated by Polari Prize-winner Joelle Taylor. Sam ‘Junior’ Bromfield DJs, offering a set of reggae, soul and R&B throughout the evening. 7.45pm

Friday 14 February

VALENTINE'S: Our romantically themed listings for Valentine's Day can be found here.

ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT: After a lengthy closure, the ArcelorMittal Orbit in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park reopens today, with new operator Zipworld at the helm. The viewing gallery is back open to visitors, as is the world's biggest tunnel slide, now rebranded as 'Helix'. From 14 February

LONDON BOOKSHOP CRAWL: London Bookshop Crawl encourages you to visit as many independent bookshops as possible over the course of one weekend — with events at various shops around the capital (as well as online) to foster a community of book lovers. The aim, of course, is to support London's independent bookshops, while treating yourself to a few new reads. 14-16 February

LONDON MOTORCYCLE SHOW: Start your engine for the London Motorcycle Show, wheeling into town for three days at Excel. See the latest bikes, kit and accessories, as well as a 'base camp' hosted by Charley Boorman. 14-16 February

THE ROBOT ZOO: A robotic rhino, a squid with 18-foot tentacles and a huge housefly with a vacuum cleaner for a mouth are among the oversized, mechanical animals on display at Horniman Museum's Robot Zoo, opening today. The animals are made from familiar machine parts and gadgets, to show how animals are adapted to live their lives, such as how a chameleon changes colour, what makes grasshoppers leap so high and why a platypus looks so strange. 14 February-2 November

QUEER NATURE: Explore the queerer side of nature with an evening of talks by ecologists at Cody Dock. Topics covered include the queer lives of insects, and there's also a special performance by host Bi-Curious George, and Valentine's-themed drinks available at the bar. 6.30pm-1opm

RON'S HONKY TONK: Some of London's finest country music talents perform at Ron's Honky Tonk, including Jake O'Neill, Fin Pearson, Niklas Juritsch, and Ollie Hawkins. Takes place at The Water Rats in King's Cross. 7pm-11pm

Saturday 15 February

COLONEL BLOOD: Name ring a bell? He's the fella who brazenly tried to filch the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London back in 1671. During half term, Blood and his cronies return to the Tower (well, costumed actors playing them, anyway) for three daily performances, which families will enjoy. It's included in the ticket price. 15-23 February

VINTAGE FAIR: Shop for mid-20th century furniture, homeware, lighting, ceramics, and glass, original 1960s and 70s posters and art, prints and charts, books, records, salvaged items, French brocante, vintage fashion and lots more at the So Last Century vintage and retro fair. Takes place at St Dunstan's College in Catford. 15-16 February

HALF TERM: With most schools closed for a week from today, take a look at our guide to February half term events in London, including family-friendly shows and exhibitions, one-off events and more to keep everyone entertained. There's even a section on free things to do — ideal if you're on a budget. 15-23 February

MAKING EGYPT: The Young V&A's second major exhibition is Making Egypt, telling the story of the north African country from Ancient Egypt to modern day. Objects on display range from a 3,000-year-old wooden funerary boat to a Lego model of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Naturally given its location, it's child-friendly — and opens just in time for February half term. 15 February-2 November

RALPH STEADMAN: INKLING: Pinner's Heath Robinson Museum hosts a launch event for its new exhibition, Ralph Steadman: INKling. Be one of the first to see the exhibition and view over 70 years of work by the illustrator, meet members of his team and hear insider stories, and take part in a doodling competition. 11.30am-4pm

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: The Clapham Garden hosts a High School Musical 2 daytime disco brunch. Watch the film on a big screen, with an hour of bottomless booze, mass singalongs, prizes for the best costume, games, and an afterparty. 11.30am-4.30pm

MEDIEVAL WINE TOUR: Join Dr Matthew Green for a three hour theatrical tour of medieval London, with a focus on the trade and consumption of wine. Alluringly, we're promised "a delicious coconut-shell of frothy medieval rosé, as well as two sizeable glasses of modern wines". 2.30pm-5.30pm

KARMA POLICE: Radiohead tribute Karma Police dig deep into the band's back catalogue, playing tracks from Pablo Honey right through to A Moon Shaped Pool. They're on at The Underworld in Camden tonight. Doors 6pm

TAYLOR SWIFT (STRINGS VERSION): Hear Taylor Swift's greatest songs performed by a live string quartet at Woolwich Works. Even better, it's an interactive show, where audience members vote to decide which of Swift's songs make it onto the setlist for the evening. 7.30pm

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Sunday 16 February

CLASSICAL COFFEE MORNING: Tuck into coffee and pastries in the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall, as the London-based Iridescence Ensemble perform repertoire by Frank Bridge and Thomas Adès alongside a couple of contemporary pieces. 10am

ANTIQUES FAIR: The Adams Antiques Fair returns to the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, with over 130 exhibitors selling antique jewellery, silver, decorative pieces and collectables. If you're keen to be first in, get there early as a queue usually forms before opening. 10am-4.30pm

ARSENAL V SPURS: It's a biggie in the Women's Super League today, as Arsenal take on Spurs in a local derby at the Emirates Stadium. The home team will be the favourites for this clash — currently 10 points clear of their north London rivals. KO 12.30pm

WILLIAM BOYD: Jermyn Street Theatre hosts an intimate evening with William Boyd, award-winning author, playwright and screenwriter. The event provides unique insights into the mind of this master storyteller. 7pm

BREWERY COMEDY: Ian Smith, Sallyann Fellowes, Joe Haddad, Maclarry Claudia Trentino and a special guest all perform in a comedy night at Brockley Brewery. Collywobblers Comedy is hosted byMC Sion James, and offers a chance to make a donation to Lewisham Foodbank when you buy your ticket. 7pm-10pm

MIKEL IZAL: The Scala in King's Cross welcomes Spanish singer-songwriter Mikel Izal tonight; he'll be playing tracks from his 2023 album El miedo y el paraiso. 7pm-11pm

BERNARD KOPS: Celebrate the life and work of playwright Bernard Kops in a special event at JW3 Centre. Hear readings, excerpts from stage plays, clips and songs, featuring performers including Jacqui Dankworth, Thelma Ruby and Tracy-Ann Oberman. 7.30pm

SINGALONG: Round off the weekend by gathering round the piano at the Winchester pub in Highgate, and singing along to tunes played by 'Dave the Keys'. With a name like that, you know he's good... 8pm-11pm

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