February is not only the month of love, with London being the ideal setting for a romantic break, but it is also packed with other cultural events and shows to enjoy. From the Chinese New Year, St Valentine’s Day, to Pancake Day, there is an enjoyable celebration for whatever taste!
February 1 - 4, 2018
If you're in London this month the Holiday and Travel Show is the perfect place to start planning your next trip. As well as leading tour operators from across the UK there will be exotic tastes from around the world, inspirational talks with travel writers and photographers, and free trip planning advice from experts.
February 3, 2018
The V&A open their new exhibition Ocean Liners: Speed & Style this weekend, displaying the fashion, art and design of the 19th and 20th centuries greatest ocean liners.
Website: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/ocean-liners-speed-style#objects
February 3, 2018
This event beings with a private tour of the Science Museum's Illuminating India exhibition by it's curator Matt Kimberly, before heading to the Lecture Theatre for talks from three renowned Indian writers, and a Q&A panel.
February 4, 2018
Whether you're planning on taking part or simply spectating, the Cancer Research Winter Run is a great chance to enjoy London's most iconic streets while they're closed off for the event. If you're planning on running then partying penguins along the course will cheer you on to the finish line, where you'll into the arms of cuddly polar bears.
Website: http://www.londonwinterrun.co.uk/
February 6, 2018
February 6th marks 100 years since women gained the right to vote in the UK, and events and exhibitions will be celebrating this milestone throughout the city this month and year. The Museum of London opens its exhibition, The Suffragettes, on the 2nd of February which runs until next year and a special talk on the 5th of February will be given by author Elizabeth Crawford.
Website: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/whats-on/exhibitions/votes-women
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/votes-for-women-a-centenary-celebration
February 10 - March 11, 2018
The International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition enters its 11th year this month at the Nash Conservatory in Kew Gardens, bringing together the works of the world's best botanical photographers, with a special category dedicated to photos taken in the Kew and West Sussex's Wakehurst Gardens.
Website: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/international-garden-photographer-of-the-year-exhibition
February 13, 2018
National Pancake day falls on Shrove Tuesday each year, and many of London's finest eateries put on a special menu to celebrate. Alongside the usual pancakes offered by The Diner in Soho, they'll be adding fluffy Bacon and Banana stacks and Reece’s Pieces pancakes to their menu.
February 14, 2018
Check out the various events going on around the capital on this special day of love. From restaurants offering special menus, stunning walks to enjoy, and dinner cruises with a romantic twist, Cupid is seriously in the air on this day!
Website: https://www.londonperfect.com/blog/2017/02/top-romantic-activities-this-valentines-day/
February 15 – 18, 2018
For all classic car owners and enthusiasts alike, The London Class Car Show is an unmissable event. The 2018 show features a fun tribute to Getaway Cars, while the Grand Avenue will this year be dedicated to some of the world's most unique and unusual historical cars.
February 16, 2018
Falling this year on the 16th of February, the Chinese New Year celebrates the Year of the Dog. Outside of Asia, London hosts the largest celebrations, beginning with a parade from Trafalgar Square that will wind its colorful way to Chinatown, where festivities begin in earnest. This is a great excuse to head to the shops to buy yourself something red for luck in the coming year.
Website: http://chinatown.co.uk/en/festivals/chinese-new-year/
February 16 – 20, 2018
London becomes the fashion capital of the world for one week in February as top name designers showcase their new collections in the UK capital. As part of the Positive Fashion Initiative, this year will also see an emphasis placed on model health and diversity.
Website: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
February 16 - 18, 2018
The biggest event of the year for all brides-to-be takes place at the Olympia this weekend, with over 300 of the UK's leading wedding suppliers, a Wedding Bakes Gallery, Groom's Room and the Wedding Catwalk showcasing the dresses of leading designers.
Website: www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk
February 17 - 18, 2018
Discover the voyage of your dreams at the London Cruise Show, where cruise lines, specialist operators and travel advisors will provide you with all the information and inspiration you need to plan your trip. There will also be exclusive offers and contests running throughout the two days.
Website: https://cruiseshow.co.uk/london/
February 21 - April 14, 2018
The world's first Architecture Drawing Prize winners have been announced, and will be on display alongside the short listed and highly commended entries at Sir John Soane's Museum until April.
Website: https://www.soane.org/whats-on/exhibitions/architecture-drawing-prize
February 22, 2018
As part of the centenary celebration of the Representation of the People Act which first gave women the vote in 1918, the London Transport Museum will be hosting an illustrated talk discussing just how far we've come since then.
Website: https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/events-calendar/talks#room
February 22 - 25, 2018
Discover this years trendiest fashions and update your wardrobe with designer clothing and accessories at industry-insider prices! When you're finally done shopping, treat yourself to a new look at one of the beauty stations set up by Maybelline and TONI&GUY.
February 28 - May 21, 2018
To commemorate 400 years since the birth of master Spanish painter Murillo, the only two known self portraits of him will be reunited at the National Gallery as the key feature of this exhibition, which runs until May.
Website: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/murillo-the-self-portraits
February 28 - August 27, 2018
Celebrating 100 years of British and Britain-based life painting the Tate Britain presents its exhibition All Too Human. As well as exploring the works of these exceptional modern figurative artists the exhibition will also examine their earlier influences.
Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/all-too-human
February 1, 2018
The Kings of the South Seas launch their new album Franklin with a live performance on board the Cutty Sark, as part of the Death in the Ice exhibition. Tickets are £14 and will be sure to sell out quickly!
Website: http://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/kings-south-seas-franklin