London Travel Forum

We will be in London from May 22 until May 27. We would like to see or take part in some unique ceremonial activities, something that involves costumes and a certain amount of pagentry. We've seen the changing of the guard and the horseguards parade. We would really like something quirky. Any ideas?

You may be too late to book for the dates you want, but there is the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London, see http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/ceremonyofthekeys.aspx.
It's a shame you won't be there a month later when there will be a fabulous river pageant for the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Henry VIII. And Trooping the Colour, for the Queen's official birthday, is also in June.

If you fancy a day in the country you could head to the Gloucestershire village of Coopers Hill for the ancient cheese rolling races

http://www.cheese-rolling.co.uk/

http://www.pillow.co.uk/cheese-rolling.html

I'm not sure if it's an everyday occurance, but there are often people dressed in costumes at Hampton Court. It's a beautiful place to visit and easily reached by train from London.. maybe a 50 minute trip. The gardens are fantastic as is the palace. There's a special exhibition on now because of the Henry VIII celebrations. Costumed people also cook in the kitchens - maybe just on weekends?

If you fancy a day in the country you could head to the Gloucestershire village of Coopers Hill
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Cooper's Hill isn't a village. It's a hill.