Your full guide to celebrating London Pride 2025

London Pride returns in 2025 with a powerful celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride, progress and protest. Join hundreds of thousands in central London for the iconic parade, live performances and community events. Whether you’re marching, supporting or soaking up the atmosphere, here’s everything you need to know about getting to London Pride 2025 with South Western Railway.  

Photo credit: Monya Talcer 

When is London Pride 2025?  

London Pride takes place on Saturday 5th July 2025. The parade and main events will take place throughout the day, with celebrations continuing across the weekend. 

Where is London Pride? 

Photo credit: Matias Altbach

The West End is the place to be if you want to be at the heart of the action.  

The parade route runs from Marble Arch to Hyde Park Corner, then along Piccadilly to reach Piccadilly Circus, before finishing just after it passes Trafalgar Square.  

The live performance stages can usually be found in landmark locations like Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square.  

Don’t forget to flock the streets of Soho (especially when the sun goes down), where the atmosphere is at its most electric. 

What's happening at London Pride this year?

• A central London parade with over 30,000 marchers and 500 groups 
• Main stage at Trafalgar Square featuring LGBTQIA+ artists, speeches and activists 
• Soho street parties, bars and clubs joining the celebration 
• Community events, markets and family zones across the weekend 

How to get to London Pride 2025  

You can most definitely expect crowds if you’re heading to London Pride. You could save yourself time and money by taking a train to London rather than battling your way through traffic and road closures. 

Via the South Western Railway network, you can travel directly to London Waterloo and Vauxhall stations from a wide variety of locations. We’d suggest heading to somewhere super central like Trafalgar Square before journeying on to the West End. It’s a good place to find a spot on the parade route, track down the stages, explore the street festivities, and more. 

If you’re keen to get your steps in, it takes 18 minutes to walk from Waterloo station to Trafalgar Square. Simply exit the station, then head left and cross the Golden Jubilee Bridges. Trek to Northumberland Avenue and you’ll soon spot the square in front of you.

There’s always the tube if you’d prefer to save your energy. Hop on the Northern line northbound then get off at Charing Cross. The square is just around the corner from the station exit. 

The walk from Vauxhall to Trafalgar Square is a lengthier 37 minutes but you’ll be able to see some of London’s most historical landmarks like the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Whitehall along the way. 

Travelling by train

If you live near transport hubs like Bournemouth, Southampton Central or Portsmouth, why not leave the car at home and use South Western Railway services to travel to London directly? 

We’ve got plenty of different ticket types designed to match your travel plans. Benefit from cheaper train tickets by travelling off-peak, and enjoy additional savings if you’re eligible for any Railcards and discounts. Coming to join the festivities with friends or family? Then you could cut your ticket price just by travelling together, thanks to GroupSave.

Travelling within London

It's not only the South West region that can benefit from our direct trains into London. South Western Railway services call in at many outer areas of London along the way, including popular spots like Surbiton, Wimbledon and Richmond. So grab your London Travelcard, Oyster card or contactless and travel seamlessly across the city. 

Things to do at London Pride

Photo credit: James Gourley 

London Pride is a truly special event. While its origins are – and the event remains – grounded in making a powerful statement for progress in LGBT+ rights around the world, today’s Pride in London dials the carnival atmosphere up to 10. A massive bonus is that it’s not a ticketed event. Pride’s open to the public and is free to attend. 

Pride events in the South West

Don’t forget London Pride is just one of hundreds of pride events that take place around the UK each year, mostly during summer. So whether you’ve loved London Pride and want more or can’t make it this year, use our SWR Pride guide to see which festivities you could reach via our rail network. 

1. Join the London Pride Parade

The heart of London Pride is the iconic parade, set to take place on Saturday 5th July 2025. Over 30,000 people from LGBTQIA+ organisations, charities, and allies will march through central London. Expect high-energy music, colourful floats, and a powerful atmosphere of solidarity. 

The route typically begins around Marble Arch and ends near Whitehall and Trafalgar Square 

Spectators line the streets from Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus – arrive early for a good spot 

2. Watch live performances at Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square becomes the main stage of Pride, hosting: 

• LGBTQIA+ musicians, drag artists, and dancers 
• Activists, politicians, and community voices 
• Food vendors, drinks stalls, and pop-up installations 

Previous performers have included Ava Max, Emeli Sandé, and Adam Lambert – the 2025 line-up is expected to be just as exciting. 

3. Visit Soho’s Pride Street Parties 

The historic heart of LGBTQIA+ London, Soho is the unofficial Pride afterparty hub. After the parade, head to: 

• Old Compton Street and Dean Street for alfresco drinks and music 
• LGBTQIA+ bars and clubs like G-A-Y, Freedom, and Village Soho 

Free outdoor performances and DJ sets throughout the night 

Explore the Pride Community and Market Stalls 

At locations across central London (often in Golden Square or Victoria Embankment Gardens), browse: 

• LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and makers 
  
• Pride merchandise, food, drinks, and activist booths 
  
• Charities, helplines, and community groups offering support and resources 
  
• Check Out Family and Wellbeing Zones 
  
• For those attending with children or looking for a more relaxed space, Pride also offers: 
  
• Family-friendly activity zones (typically near Embankment) 
  
• Queer wellbeing hubs with meditation, calm spaces, and support resources 
  
• Alcohol-free areas for sober celebration  

Queer Britain Museum 

Looking for LGBT+ oriented things to do if you’re sticking around in London for 48 hours or more? Then Queer Britain is the perfect pick. Situated over in the bustling and recently regenerated Kings Cross area, Queer Britain sprung up in 2022 to mark 50 years since the UK’s first pride march. It pieces together over 100 years of LGBT+ life through objects, images and artefacts, alongside a busy calendar of special events and one-off exhibits. 

You can visit Queer Britain from Wednesday to Sunday. It’s free entry and you won’t need to book in advance. 

Pride parties and events 

When London Pride weekend rolls around, it feels like the whole city gets in on the action. As you explore the West End, you’ll see a myriad of street parties and pop-up stages that spill from bars, restaurants and shops. If a party vibe is what you’re after, head to areas like Old Compton Street, Wardour Street and Dean Street. 

Tips for a hassle-free London Pride

Photo credit: Carlos Calika

Food and drink

London’s West End isn't short of places to eat and drink. On the day, you'll be spoilt for choice but if you'd like to plan in advance we thought we'd share some places that are worth a look in. 

If you’ve finished watching the parade along Piccadilly, you could head for the spectacular HIDE to enjoy modern European food in a stylish three-floor setting. There’s also a charming and contemporary pub called White Horse, and delicious Pan-Asian food over at Titu. 

There are also some great options close to the largest stage in Trafalgar Square. YORI’s Korean inspired menu is a real highlight, while Farzi London serves up unforgettable Indian delights. If you’re in Old Compton Street around dinner time, give local favourites like SOLA, Dozo Sushi and Lobos Tapas a visit.

Places to stay near London Pride 

You should find plenty of places to stay just a stone’s throw from the action. There’s something to suit all price points and groups too, whether you’re visiting as family, friends or partners. 

If you’re on a budget, Travelodge London Covent Garden and Hub by Premier Inn London Soho are among the more affordable stays. Four-star rated hotels The Grand Hotel and The Clermont are just off Trafalgar Square, and both offer comfort and style at a reasonable price. Try the super-luxe W Hotel if you want great views of Leicester Square. 

London Pride accessibility 

There won’t be anywhere to keep luggage - But if you have large bags or suitcases, you could always take these to a left luggage facility at one of the city’s train stations.  

Keep your valuables protected - Particularly given the large crowds, it’s best to keep your phones and wallets in tight pockets, drawstring bags or bum bags.  

Prepare for any type of weather - Hopefully the weather will be super warm and sunny. Make you bring sun cream, sun glasses and plenty of water to stay hydrated.  

Reach out to volunteers if you need help - On the day, there'll be people all over the parts of the city that celebrations are taking place giving information, assistance, and escalating any safety concerns people may have.  

For more information, visit the Pride in London accessibility page. 

Need Extra Support? 

If you're travelling with South Western Railway, our staff are on hand to help: 

Use our Passenger Assistance service to request help with boarding, alighting, and station navigation 

Visit the SWR Accessibility Hub for more information on how to plan an accessible journey.