The culture list: 11 things to experience and enjoy in May

Spring is finally here. Not only are we welcoming the longer, sunnier days as we head into May, but we're also looking forward to everything London and beyond has on offer this month.

Whether you fancy enjoying some contemporary art at Somerset House, taking a history tour with the Four Seasons, or enjoying Chelsea in Bloom, then we have curated the ultimate list of culture for the month ahead.

Below, we help you plan your May with the latest cultural happenings across the capital and beyond. Plus, check out our pick of the best TV shows to watch, download or stream this month, here.

This month will see more than 140 of the capital’s galleries take part in London Gallery Week, presenting dynamic exhibitions of contemporary painting, sculpture and immersive performance. Among these include the Egypt-born New York-based artist Ghada Amer at Goodman Gallery in Mayfair, who will install a number of planters to spell out the words: “My body my choice”, in protest of the ongoing repeal of US women’s reproduction rights; and Maureen Paley, who will show a series of photographic works by the sister duo Jane and Louise Wilson. Elsewhere, you will find abstract paintings by the Ukrainian suprematist-movement founder Kazimir Malevich, alongside a number of glazed Japanese tea bowls by Raku Kichizaemon at Annely Juda Fine Art. From St James’ to Deptford, London Gallery Week offers an excellent opportunity to explore the rich and diverse nature of the city’s art scene. Brooke Theis

London Gallery Weekend runs from 13 to 15 May

This leading international fair returns for its seventh edition at the beautiful grounds of Somerset House to champion the past, present and future of photography. In a grand celebration of the artform, the exhibition will feature global leading talent including Nick Knight, while paying homage to iconic names such as Frank Horvat, presented among acclaimed exhibitors such as Jane Hilton at Eleven Fine Art or Alia Ali at 193 Gallery.

Bazaar’s Contributing Photographer Rachel Louise Brown is exhibiting her 'Salty Clowns' series at Photo London, where she explored self-portraiture to cope with her own grief, frustration and fear using clowns as a subject. Lucy O'Brien

Photo London is at Somerset House from 12 May to 15 May

Start the summer season by going to East Sussex’s jewel of a festival, Charleston, set at the beautiful home of the Bloomsbury Group. The lineup includes Benedict Cumberbatch, who performs T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land, 100 years after it was written, Armistead Maupin, the Booker Prize-winning Damon Galgut, Fendi and Dior’s Kim Jones, and Zandra Rhodes.

Charleston Festival from 19 until 29 May

This month Trinny Woodall’s revered beauty brand is hosting its first ever three-day pop-up experience. Open to all, Trinny London Land will be an interactive celebration of skincare, with special events including a series of intimate conversations with some of Woodall’s expert friends – plus plenty of shopping. The experience is free to attend, though special events are ticketed and redeemable against purchase on the day. Bridget March

Trinny London Land: 10-12 May at The Vinyl Factory, 18 Marshall Street, W1F 7BE. Book here

Mark the joyous celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, Cinco de Mayo, in style at Los Mochis. The West London restaurant is going back to its roots by throwing a party with cocktails, special one-off dishes and live DJ sets all night long. Los Mochis is also the number one seller of tequila in the world and boasts the second largest collection of fine and rare tequilas in Europe. Jessica Davis

Los Mochis, 2-4 Farmer St, London W8 7SN

Add to your coffee table with a new tome by Ralph Lauren celebrating the history of one of its signature pieces: the polo shirt. The book, published by Rizzoli International, pays tribute to the casual item of clothing - which has remained central to the brand's lifestyle offering since 1972 - and explores the history of the enduring wardrobe classic, worn by everyone from movie stars to presidents and athletes to artists. Featuring vibrant fashion photography throughout and an introduction by Ralph Lauren himself. Sarah Karmali

Ralph Lauren's Polo Shirt, is available to shop now.

For one magnificent week, the streets of Chelsea will burst into life with a vibrant array of fresh flowers. With glorious confections sculpted into models resembling Her Majesty, Mary Poppins and Big Ben, the festival’s theme of British Icons draws on Jubilee celebrations to showcase the very best of floral art, joyfully marking the arrival of spring. LOB

Across the summer months, the Barbican Centre will display a show of immersive art installations that explore human relationships with the natural world. Responding to the immediacy of the climate crisis, the exhibition delves into the interconnectedness of humans, nature and technology through digital works that blend art, science and activism, each element demonstrating radical visions for the future of our planet. LOB

Our Time on Earth is at the Curve, Barbican, from 5 May to 29 August

The luxurious Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square has long been the perfect starting point for discovering the city’s historic heart. Now, free guided walking tours make it easier to do so. Available for in-house and external guests, the group tours – celebrating Ten Trinity Square’s centenary – will shed light on the Grade II listed building set within the original city centre around which the capital has grown – and its illustrious neighbours like the Tower of London. From insights into the formation of the settlement of Londinium, to the destruction caused by the Great Fire of London, you’ll learn insider wisdom and fun facts. BM

The history tours run on the last Sunday of every month. Each tour lasts one hour, for up to eight guests. To book email concierge.tentrinity@fourseasons.com

Through the allure of mythology and legend, this collaborative exhibition brings together works by several different artists, including Christina Forrer, Leah Gordon and Pietro Moretti, investigating the people, traditions, beliefs and oral histories that have shaped and continue to shape collective cultures. Encounter a mesmerising array of drawings, tapestries, paintings and photographs that capture diverse interpretations of folklore across the ages. LOB

‘Once Upon a Time’ is at 23-25 Chiltern Street from 6 to 25 May.

Chanel's famed 18 Place Vendôme store in Paris - a space dedicated to the fashion house's fine jewellery, high jewellery and watch collections - has just reopened following a year-long renovation project. American architect Peter Marino has completely reinvented the three-storey space, which offers a contemporary view of the private world of Mademoiselle Chanel. Think sleek lines, plush furnishings, fascinating artworks and gleaming gold finishes to complement the dazzling jewellery on display. SK

Chanel, 18 Place Vendôme, Paris