Summer In London | Washington Mayfair Hotel Blog

THE BEST EVENTS IN LONDON IN JUNE 2017

June is a downright joyful time to be in London. The sun is officially (hopefully) out and you can enjoy some of the capital’s most famous royal events, including Trooping the Colour, as well as outdoor festivals in the sunshine.

Here at The Washington Mayfair we will be bringing you the top things to do in London during the month of June, allowing you to make the most of your visit.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL – from 7^th to 24^th June 2017

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Hampton Court Palace Festival. Starting life in 1993 as a classical music event, it has gone on to host top international stars from around the globe and has become an annual fixture in the summer calendar.

Confirmed to play this year are Bryan Ferry, Van Morrison, Michael Ball & Alfie Boe, James Morrison, Jools Holland & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Rick Astley, Björn Again and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

Opening at 5:30pm, the East Front Gardens is the perfect place for concert goers to relax, drink and picnic before taking their seats for the evening’s entertainment.

Visit www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com for more information and to book your tickets now.

BP BIG SCREENS – from 7^th June to 14^th July 2017

Experience live opera and ballet in the centre of London with the Royal Opera House’s BP Big Screens 2017. Big screens will once again be set up in Trafalgar Square, where you can watch two operas and one ballet, while some of the shows will this year also be relayed to The Scoop, Hammersmith Lyric Square and Alexandra Palace for more chances to catch all the action. Bring a cushion and a picnic and if the weather’s looking good, arrive early. Trafalgar Square packs out fast. This season’s screenings take places on June 7, July 4 and July 14.

The Royal Ballet’s The Dream, Symphonic Variations, and Marguerite and Armand – Wednesday 7 June at Trafalgar Square and The Scoop

The Royal Opera’s La Traviata – Tuesday 4 July at Trafalgar Square and Hammersmith Lyric Square

The Royal Opera’s Turandot – Friday 14 July at Trafalgar Square, Hammersmith Lyric Square, Alexandra Palace and The Scoop

BEATING RETREAT – from 14^thJune to 15^th June 2017

Experience a spectacular evening pageant of music and military precision drill featuring horses, cannons and fireworks. This annual event is performed on Horse Guards Parade in front of the beautiful backdrop of St James’s Park each year on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings preceding the Queen’s Birthday Parade or “Trooping The Colour” as it is often called. Beating Retreat refers to a military drum call that can trace its origins to 17th-century England and was first used to recall nearby units to their camp for the night. Today Beating Retreat is an evening military concert with a marching display and usually marks the lowering of the Regimental flag at sunset.

Price: from £11.50 per ticket

TASTE OF LONDON – from 14^thJune to 18^th June 2017

Join London’s top restaurants and celebrity chefs for the ultimate al fresco feast in Regent’s Park. For the occasion, the park is transformed into a foodie wonderland as 40 of London’s best restaurants gather to show off the hottest dishes from their extensive menus. Watch live cooking demonstrations, meet some of the capital’s leading chefs, participate in masterclasses and shop at more than 200 food and drink stalls.

Prices:

Adult Ticket: £17 to £30 per ticket

VIP Ticket: £52 to £70 per ticket

https://london.tastefestivals.com/

TROOPING THE COLOUR – 17^thJune 2017

Watch troops from the Household Division honour the Queen’s official birthday with a fantastic military parade that has taken place in London for two centuries. This impressive display of pageantry takes place on a Saturday in June by Her Majesty’s personal troops, the Household Division, on Horse Guards Parade, with Her Majesty the Queen herself attending and taking the salute. Over 1400 officers and men are on parade, together with two hundred horses. Over four hundred musicians from ten bands and corps of drums march and play as one. The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.

Although tickets for the seated stands on Horse Guards Parade are available to the public, the ballot for Trooping the Colour 2017 tickets is now closed. So if you don’t have tickets, you can still join the crowds of spectators along The Mall or on the edge of St James’s Park overlooking Horse Guards Parade from 9am to catch all the action. http://www.householddivision.org.uk/trooping-the-colour

ROYAL ASCOT – from 20^th June to 24^th June 2017

Experience the world-famous race meeting and one of the most fashionable events in London’s sporting calendar at Royal Ascot. Founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and steeped in tradition, heritage and pageantry, Royal Ascot is attended by members of the Royal Family, including the Queen herself. Royal Ascot also features a daily horse-drawn procession from Windsor Castle to Ascot Racecourse led by the royal carriage.

https://www.ascot.co.uk/

WEST END LIVE – from 24^th June to 25^th June 2017

Thousands of people gather in Trafalgar Square to enjoy performances from top West End shows for free. Last year’s line-up included The Lion King, The Bodyguard, Matilda The Musical, The Phantom Of The Opera, STOMP, Jersey Boys, Impossible and Breakfast At Tiffany’s, and starred Beverley Knight, Tom Chambers, Kerry Ellis, Matt Cardle, Pixie Lott and many more famous faces.

This free event is hugely popular and there is limited space, so be sure to get there early to secure a space.

BRITISH SUMMER TIME – from 30^th June to 9^th July 2017

Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park which brings you 10 days of music & entertainment, with legendary headliners & support from today’s rising stars.

Headlining the two weekends of live music in the iconic Royal Park are Green Day, Phil Collins, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, The Killers, Kings of Leon and Justin Bieber.

http://www.bst-hydepark.com/tickets

THE BEST EVENTS IN LONDON IN MAY 2017

Hooray for our beautiful British weather! Whilst you will need a light coat and brolly; the month of May is blissful and its tie to venture out and discover London’s great outdoors. Enjoy the City’s hustle and bustle glory that has to offer and queue up to offers: new exhibitions, magical concerts, open air festivals, sports events and cultural happenings to name a few! A must to look forward to. Here’s our personal picks of favourite upcoming events….so stress not and drag yourself outside. Grab an early-summer ice cream and start maxing out on your potential in having lots of fun in London.

GIACOMETTI AT TATE MODERN – from 10th May to 10th September 2017
For the first time in 20 years, the UK will play host to one of its major retrospective works of Alberto Giacometti. This exhibition reasserts Giacometti’s place alongside the likes of Matisse, Picasso and Degas as one of the great painter-sculptors of the twentieth century. Through unparalleled access to the extraordinary collection and archive of the Fondation Alberto et Annette Giacometti, Paris, Tate Modern’s ambitious and wide-ranging exhibition brings together over 250 works. It includes rarely seen plasters and drawings which have never been exhibited before and now showcases the full evolution of Giacometti’s career across five decades.

Prices:
Adult £18.50 (without donation £16.80)
Senior (over 60) £17.50 (without donation £15.80)
Concession £16.50 (without donation £15)
Under 12s FREE (up to four per family adult)
Family tickets available (two adults and two children 12–18 years) by telephone or in the gallery

For further information or to book your tickets, visit the official website

THE PINK FLOYD EXHIBITION: THEIR MORTAL REMAINS – from 13th May to 1st October 2017
To mark 50 years since the band released their first single Arnold Layne, and with over 200 million record sales later, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum has announced the first major international retrospective of Pink Floyd, one of the world’s most pioneering and influential bands. Re-trace the history of one of the world’s greatest UK bands with Pink Floyd’s first international retrospective. It will feature more than 350 objects and artefacts including never-before-seen material, presented alongside the works from the V&A’s outstanding collections of art, design, architecture and performance. Highlights will also include spectacular set and construction pieces from some of Pink Floyd’s most innovative and legendary album covers and stage performances including The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall and The Division Bell, instruments, music technology, original designs, architectural drawings, handwritten lyrics and psychedelic prints and posters.

Prices:
Monday-Friday £20
Saturday-Sunday £24

For further information or to book your tickets, visit the official website.

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT – from 17th May to 20th May 2017
Explore art, history and heritage after dark with Museums at Night events across more than 30 venues in London. Discover new exhibitions, take torch lit tours, enjoy live music in historic surroundings, and engage in a range of free and ticketed night-time activities. May events

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE 2017 – from 19th to 23rd September 2017
Established in 1932, the award winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the largest theatres in London. Situated in the beautiful surroundings of this Royal Park. Both the stage and auditorium are entirely uncovered. Catch a spectacular programme of theatre under summer skies in the centre of the Royal Park, programme including Jesus Christ Superstar and Oliver Twist. Want more entertainment then have a few laughs with live comedy shows, movie screenings and much more.

For further information or to book your tickets, visit the official website

LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S ANNUAL OPEN AIR CLASSICS CONCERT – 21st May 2017
The London Symphony Orchestra’s free annual Open Air concert in Trafalgar Square is now in its fourth year. For Sunday 17 May’s concert, the orchestra performs an all-Shostakovich programme with their principal conductor Valery Gergiev and violin soloist Nicola Benedetti.
The concert begins at 6.30pm, but make sure to arrive much earlier to secure a space. Large screens and sound systems will be in place to ensure everyone in the square can fully enjoy the experience.

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW – from 23rd to 27th May 2017
RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the world’s most prestigious flower show that inspires millions through showcasing the best in garden design. Chelsea Flower Show, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society, is a must-see for green fingered visitors. World-renowned garden designers, plant specialists, florists and nurseries come together every year to one of London’s most charming and affluent neighbourhoods to show off cutting-edge garden designs and inspirational floral exhibits. Discover rare flowers and plants. Spot emerging gardening trends. See creative floral artworks and unusual displays. And browse the horticultural products on sale, from gardening gadgets to sculptures and plants.
More information about exhibitors and show gardens will be released nearer the time, good news is that the tickets are already available to buy via RHS website.

FOOTBALL: FA CUP FINAL IN LONDON – 27th May 2017
The FA Cup is English Football’s biggest competition. The FA Cup Final, played at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, brings the nation to a standstill and attracts millions of viewers from around the globe to experience these incredible competitions. . If you’re lucky enough to get tickets to the event, you’re in for a real treat – watching a moment of English football history from the stands at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

SUMMER OF LOVE AT SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE – until 15th October 2017
Enjoy a Summer of Love at Shakespeare’s Globe, the most enchanting theatre staging in London with a line-up of Shakespeare’s greatest romantic plays, comedies and tragedies.
Performing in the Globe Theatre:
– Romeo and Juliet (22 April – 9 July)
– Nell Gwynn (2 – 13 May)
– Twelfth Night (18 May – 5 August)
– Tristan & Yseult (13-24 June)
– Much Ado About Nothing (14 July – 15 October)
– King Lear (10 August – 14 October)
– Boudica (8 September – 1 October)
– Midnight Matinees (9 June – 30 June and 22 September)
Prices:
Standing Ticket: from £5 per ticket
Seated Ticket: from £20 per ticket
To view the full season and find out more about the productions, visit the website.

BRIXTON BEACH – from 26th May to 29th October 2017
No plans for summer? Fear not…get yourself down to Brixton because Brixton Beach is back! Housed on a rooftop in the heart of Brixton Market, this colourful paradise is set to be the ultimate urban beach, feeding and watering hundreds of Londoners. Miami circa 1982 is the inspiration and cocktails, DJs, retro film screenings, food stalls and live sports broadcasts are all on the cards, so slick back that hair, pull on a white tuxedo and hope for some suitably tropical weather. Brixton Beach website

London In September, What’s Happening?

Here at the Washington Mayfair we strive to provide all of our guests with a home away from home. However whether you have stayed with us before or you are new to London, we want to provide you with the perfect itinerary to ensure you get the most of your trip to London.

In this most recent article we want to provide you with some of our favourite things to do in London during the month of September, along with some events where September is your last chance to experience them. So, are you in?

Dine With the Twits

Roald Dahl is a significant story writer for children of all ages in England. With his brilliantly grotesque descriptions in his book “The Twits” about a dinner of bird pie, beard pickings and worm spaghetti. Now even though this description doesn’t sound ideal for an exclusive evening out, experimental chefs Bompas & Parr are teaming up with interactive theatre specialists Les Enfants Terribles to create what they’re calling ‘the worst dinner party in the world’ – and it sounds pretty special.

Only for adults, the event will immerse all guests in a truly grotesque and glorious experience which will transition from “squeamishness to scrumptiousness”. But can you stomach it? Well it’s a once in a lifetime event that will have you marvel in wonder and joy in the world of Roald Dahl.

Merge festival

This annual festival created by Illuminate Productions which is aimed to promote a set of performances, events and happenings which draw on the rich heritage and contemporary culture of Bankside.

For 2016 this artistic project is sourcing it’s funding through a crowd funding. Previous years exhibits have included a spectacular light and audio show controlled and programmed by the audience’s brain data. You never know what you will find during this event; however we know that it is something you won’t want to miss out on.

Image result for london bankside

At The Washington Mayfair we want you to get all you can out of your visit to London. As a result we have made sure you can enjoy even more of London with a longer stay at no extra cost, when you book direct.

Here’s a link to our “stay 4 nights for the price of 3” offer.

The Best Of London This August

August is a big month for the world as the Olympics start and end. People all over the world will be travelling to Brazil to experience the sporting events in person. However London won’t be missing out and will be hosting many screening events throughout the city for your enjoyment.

With large viewing areas you can sit back and relax away from the large crowds of Rio and still get back to the Washington Mayfair for a delicious afternoon tea and cake. Visiting might just be the best way to enjoy the Rio 2016 Olympics. As an additional benefit you can plan a longer stay during August and experience more of what the great city of London has to offer.

Notting Hill Carnival 2016

Europe’s biggest street festival is a vivid spectacle representing London’s multicultural past and present. Happening on a bank holiday weekend you can arrive Friday and have a relaxing day Saturday all before getting energetic and lively Sunday and Monday. What better way to spend a long weekend in England?

The Carnival floats and bands set off at 9am on both Sunday and Monday, running through to roughly 7pm both days.

Dance along to live music ranging from reggae to dub to salsa. Dance the days away, experience something new and make memories for life here in London this August.

If you are thinking about joining London for this fabulous and fun event or for more information, click here.

Classic Cinema In August

This August will be a huge month for film in the city of London with many events being hosted to showcase classics from the world of Cinema. Follow our breakdown of the top events to look out for and plan your visit to London.

Film4 Summer Screen

Somerset House in association with Film4 brings cinema lovers a truly eclectic mix of movies. Further films this year include Ex Machina, Sunset Boulevard and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It is truly a night to fall in love with film again.

Bugsy’s 40th Birthday

Comprised of a Q&A with the famous director Sir Alan Parker and, for one weekend only, BAFTA’s Piccadilly home will be transformed into Fat Sam’s, with a dress up photo experience. Live in the film and become of the characters you grew to love.

Kew the Movies

Set within the beautiful Kew Gardens, Kew the Movies takes place mid-week starting with ‘Star Wars – The Force Awakens’. It is followed by Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’ – the perfect film for an open air screening against the ominous foliage of Kew Garden.

From this list there is plenty of activities and events to build up a perfect plan of how to spend your trip to London this August. However, why not make it an extra memorable visit by staying in luxury at The Washington Mayfair Hotel. With great offers when you book direct you can get even more out of your trip to London.

Save with our Summer Sizzler special or find our other Direct Booking Deals here.

The Best Events In London In July

July is the warmest month on average in Britain, so really it is the greatest time to visit and stay in England’s capital, London.

With an average temperature 19°C 67°F July is perfect for venturing into the city centre and enjoying all that London has to offer. July is a time of culture with festivals, museums exhibits and events happening across London.

Here at the Washington Mayfair we will be bringing you the top things to do in London during the month of July, allowing you to make the most of your visit to London.

London on the 4^th of July

This day isn’t just a huge nationwide event in America. It is widely celebrated through-out England. However the place to be with the largest celebrations is of course the capital, London. With restaurants across London providing something special during the 4^th of July weekends make sure you know where to go during this great festivity.

If you are looking for a genuine experience of the USA, then make sure you visit the most American restaurants in London. Find the list here “TIMEOUT”.

Hampton Court Palace In Bloom

From the 5^th July to the 10^th 2016, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show will be held. Showcasing some of the country’s leading designers and nurseries, there will be so much to enjoy. With 34 acres to explore it is a perfect event to visit for the day. Couples can enjoy roaming in the roses and kids will love the extensive activities taking place.

Swan Lake in London

The Australian ballet will be in London performing Swan Lake at the magnificent London Coliseum from the 13^th July to the 16^th July. This means that tickets will go quickly for this spectacular event. A passionate retelling of the traditional tale with a contemporary twist – under the veil of royal protocol, intrigue abounds in this tragic story of one prince torn between two loves. This is a true must see if you are visiting London at this time, as the Australian Ballet Group will soon move on to other countries with this production. Be sure to book direct at the Washington Mayfair for the ideal location to fully experience London while you stay in luxury.

Special Offers

The Washington Mayfair always provides elegance and luxury, and now with four exclusive offers when you book direct you can enjoy even more when visiting the beautiful city of London.

To find out more about these offers, click here.

What To Do In Mayfair & London this June

June is the month where we all want the summer to start but never sure when it will arrive. With everyday taken with stride come rain or shine, the Washington Mayfair offers a perfect location for visiting the great city of London and experiences the finer things in life. Also with its central location the many events during June that are happening are at your fingertips.

June isn’t just a big month for London, it’s a big month for the United Kingdom in general. The 2^nd of June will make 63 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s original coronation. Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to have their coronation televised on TV. This is an amazing achievement and events will be put on through-out London both for this occasion as well as her belated birthday celebration. Make sure you are a part of this historical time.

The Summer Exhibition

In the words of co-ordinator Richard Wilson RA “The Summer Exhibition 2016 will be unpredictable, stimulating, and enjoyable with 10 startling rooms of contemporary art submitted from around the world.”

This year at the Royal Academy of Arts there will be an incredible exhibition set to stun and amaze all those who visit the RA. Taking place from the 13^th June – 21^st August you will have plenty of time to plan your visit to London and experience the luxury at the Washington Mayfair. Wine and dine after a long day enjoying London with Washington Mayfair’s Dining in Mayfair offer, Find it here.

Father’s Day

One day a year. That’s all. Make it special this year with a trip to London experiencing the sophistication and finesse brought to you whilst you stay in Mayfair London. This great city has so much to offer. Whether you are here for a day or three weeks there is always something to do for anyone. Discover an assortment of pubs, theatres, restaurants and so much more. If you find yourself wanting to stay an extra few nights or planning on spending more than just a day in London with your family take advantage of the Washington Mayfair’s offer of 4 nights for the price of 3. Find the offer here.

Discover what the Washington Mayfair has to offer and how you can make the most of your visit to London here.

Regent Street August 2015 Food Festival

Embark on a culinary voyage of discovery this August with the Regent Street August Food festival. Sample some of the very best in fine dining in London. Get your wristband and explore the variety of offers, amazing cocktails and gastronomic treats on offer at the finest Regent Street bars, restaurants & hotels.

The Washington Mayfair is a casual stroll away from the Regent Street August Food festival and offers its own selection of fine dining and accommodation options. For the summer we have some tempting accommodation specials so that you can get the best Regent Street August Food festival expereince.

4th Night Free Offer

Enjoy London this summer with our amazing summer deal. Stay four nights and only pay for three.

Rate includes VAT and WIFI access. Discount applied to nightly rate at time of booking. Full Prepayment required. Non-Cancellable, Non-Refundable. Subject to availability

Click Here To Book Now & Save

Summer Breakfast Offer

Celebrate summer in London with our great website only flexible rate.

Enjoy a complimentary Full English Buffet breakfast when booking this special offer. Rate includes VAT, Full English Breakfast and WIFI access. Free upgrade to next room category subject to availability.

Click Here To Book Now & Save

Experience London’s Parks This Summer

London’s Parks offer a calm oasis in amongst the hustle and bustle of the city and in the summer they really come alive. Washington Mayfair enjoys an ideal location to enjoy some of the best London parks so here is a brief guide to get the most out of London’s Parks this summer.

Just a few moments from Washington Mayfair Hotel lie Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park. Each have their own unique character and host different summer events.

What To Do In Hyde Park This Summer

Hyde Park is one of the largest London parks and offers a large number attractions to enjoy. This is best done on a bicycle so why not hire a Boris or other bike and whizz along the the pathways that criss-cross the various green spaces. Stop at The Serpentine and admire the beautiful white swans. Take a dip at Lansbury’s Lido or if you don’t fancy the idea of getting wet hire a rowing boat.

Pack or buy a pre-packed picnic and bring along a blanket to enjoy in the cool shade of the ancient trees of the Park. Be sure to visit Kensington Palace and Gardens at the western border of Hyde Park.

What To Do In Green Park This Summer

At the South Eastern corner of Hyde Park lies Green Park. The smallest London Park, Green Park borders Buckingham Palace and the Buckingham Palace Gardens. Green Park is perfect for picnics and very popular for sunbathing. Grab a deckchair and soak up the sun with Constitution Hill and Buckingham Palace in the background. Deck chairs are available for hire in Green Park from March through to October.

What To Do In St James’s Park This Summer

St James’s Park is the oldest London park and is at the heart of ceremonial London, providing the background for special pageants such as Trooping the Colour. Catch the Prudential Ride London on the 1st and 2nd August and the changing of the guard at 11:00am daily and 10:00am on Sundays outside the Horse Guard building.

Washington Mayfair is located in Curzon Street which mean these 3 London parks are literally on the hotel’s doorstep. The hotel offers 178 bedrooms and suites perfect for a summer stay in London. Speak to one of our staff about how to get the best out of the nearby London parks.

Lets hold thumbs from some sizzling summer weather and enjoy the best of London’s parks!

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Category: summer in london

THE BEST EVENTS IN LONDON IN JUNE 2017

THE BEST EVENTS IN LONDON IN MAY 2017