We are planning a trip to London arriving May 22 and leaving May 29. I understand that is a holiday week. We will be doing day trips from the city. How bad will the crowds be to such tourist spots as Kew Gardens and Hampton Court that week?

Only the day of Monday May 25 is a day off for locals, that's it. The last Monday in May is always a Bank Holiday (just as it is Memorial Day in the US).

Sure, since they don't have to go to work (many or most of them), they might flock to nice places like Kew Gardens, but it's a big place, don't worry about it.

<<< Only the day of Monday May 25 is a day off for locals, that's it >>>

Plus the weekend plus the people who are taking a few days off because their children are on holiday.

Basically it will be more busy than the previous or following week - but it'll depend on the weather as to how busy either will be busy

AlanRow is right - Tourist attractions will be more crowded than usual the whole 4 days (Fri - Mon) plus out in the countryside some places will be more crowded the full week due to school breaks. In London itself you won't notice much difference since a lot of locals leave town.

The Roman Baths, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle and some other places will be crowded. The better the weather the bigger the crowds. But just plan on getting to those sorts of places early and leave by the afternoon. Don't worry too much -- especially since you won't be driving that weekend.

Most schools have a week's holiday. In my part of London, it's 25-29 May, and I think most others are the same. All tourist attractions will be busier than normal, and especially those which appeal to children. Some Londoners might go away that week, but people from other parts of England will be taking their families to visit London. Expect Kew Gardens to be busy if the weather's fine; if it's raining, indoor attractions like the museums will be busy.

If taking trains however expect numerous delays and re-routings and even complete closures (with buses substituted) on Bank Holiday weekends where even though ridership surges the National Rail Authority or whatever schedules 'necessary track work and signalling work' to be done this weekend.