Finally, it's March in London and the city is heading into spring. Yes, it still might be a little chilly but to celebrate this slight progression towards warmth and the first glimmers of spring, March is the month to get out and about. Read on to discover some of our favourite things to do in London in March and some of our favourite Plum Guide homes nearby.

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March is the first month of the year where you can really start to to enjoy some of the city’s most glorious gardens. Kensington Gardens is a great one to start with, offering oodles of green space in the heart of the city. This 265 acre garden is one of the eight Royal Parks of London. There’s a lot more to do than just amble through the grounds here. Check out the contemporary art in the Serpentine Galleries, soak in some royal history at Kensington Palace, and take any little ones to frolic in the Diana Playground. Stay nearby in one of our wonderful Kensington homes like The Hummingbird. Take a look at our guide to Victoria which is another good location if you're looking to stay near Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

If you want to explore London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site while taking in some of that fresh spring air, head to the Kew Gardens for an afternoon. The Royal Botanic Gardens are home to some of the most stunning exotic plants in the world (over 30,000 plants are represented here). Navigate your way through the world’s oldest maze here, which dates all the way back to the 17th century. Want to continue your Royal garden exploration? The Hampton Court Palace Gardens are a must-visit in the springtime. Head here for a mix of parkland and formal gardens and a little deer spotting. Truthfully, these gardens are beautiful in any season, but the blooming flowers in spring are worth checking out.

Celebrating St Patrick's Day in London is a fun-filled and festive occasion with a central London parade and festival held in Trafalgar Square. You’ll get a taste of authentic Irish culture through the mix of traditional food, Irish dancing and local music. The pints are flowing and the atmosphere is truly joyous as the whole city gets together to celebrate this huge day in honour of our neighbouring country. This event pretty much proves the oft-stated fact that the Irish are the best in the world when it comes to celebrating. Stay close to the festivities in one of our homes like St. James's Square nearby. If you can’t make it to the parade, you can celebrate St Patrick's Day at one of the many Irish pubs in the city. Check out Tipperary in Holborn, or Waxy O’Connors in Soho for a night of Irish whiskey and Guiness on flow.

Treat your mother to a classic English afternoon tea at the Orangery in Kensington Gardens. You can enjoy some sweet indulgence together and walk it off in the beautiful gardens after. Another option is to take your mum for a meal somewhere with pretty springtime views of the city. The Sky Garden is the perfect spot for a spot of nature interspersed with some tasty indulgence in one of the restaurants and cafes here. (Don't forget to book in advance.) You could also take your mum for a well-deserved pamper day at the famous Sanctuary spa. You'll enjoy exploring the cobbled streets of Covent Garden afterwards, which is home to many great al fresco dining options. For some bonding time in the city with your mum, The Mirror is the perfect central stay to book.

Since March is the month we break free from hibernation and tentatively step outside our homes, why not indulge in another outdoor activity by taking a Thames river boat? You can book a cruise or simply hop on the city's official Riverboat using your Oyster card. Take the Riverboat from Embankment Pier to Greenwich pier to take in some of the historic Greenwich sites such as the Old Royal Naval College, the Queen’s House, and the Royal Observatory. Bull and Charles is a Plum-approved stay that offers easy access to Embankment pier so you can easily hop onto a boat of your choosing.

You can also opt for an evening dinner cruise as the spring evenings get balmier. It's a great way to see London all lit up at night and see if you can spot any stars in the city night sky. For even more riverside exploration, take a walk along the Chelsea embankment or go for a run by the river along with thousands of other Londoners.

Enjoyed this guide to things to do in London in March and want to read more? Take a look at our guide to London in February next, or perhaps our list of things to do in London in May.