After 2 years of delay, we can’t wait to finally join London’s biggest street party on August 28th as the Notting Hill Carnival fills the streets of west London with Caribbean colours, music and flavours. Watch elaborate floats and colourful costumed performers wind their way through the streets in the carnival parade, dance to the sound of steel bands and calypso music, and visit the tempting food stalls along the route. The Notting Hill Carnival was first held in 1966 as an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival, celebrating Caribbean culture and traditions in London. The carnival has since become the largest... View Article
What better way to honour your mother than with a day — or weekend — enjoying the best of London. Whether treating Mum to an elegant day with brunch, tea, and spa pampering, or a less formal schedule sampling goodies in Borough Market, catching the Princess Diana fashion exhibit at Kensington Palace, and enjoying Sunday Roast at a pub, there’s plenty to mark Mothers Day on March 27. VisitLondon.com has a splendid digest of ideas to make Mum feel like a queen.
Every Summer, Buckingham Palace, one of the last working Royal Palaces in the world, opens its doors for visitors to explore the stunning treasures held within. Your ‘Royal Day Out’ visit will allow you access to The Royal Mews, The Queen’s Gallery and also include viewing the 19 lavishly furnished and decorated State Rooms and the Throne Room. The impressive State Rooms contain the Queen’s private collection of paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Poussin along with many sculptures, beautiful Sèvres Porcelain and the most exquisite collection of fine English and French Furniture found together in the world. ... View Article
“The world’s most joyful art exhibition is back. From icons to the up-and-coming, find the art you love from over 1,300 works selected by coordinator Yinka Shonibare and a panel of artists, under the theme of ‘Reclaiming Magic’.” 254 years ago, founding members of the Royal Academy decided to hold a summer exhibition showcasing “Paintings, Sculptures and Designs … open to all Artists”. The Summer Exhibition became an annual event with the proceeds being used to support student artists where the likes of Gainsborough and Reynolds, Turner and Constable sharpened their skills against each other. Today, the exhibition is one... View Article
The world’s greatest flower show returns this Summer with stunning garden designs, gorgeous floral displays and endless shopping Tickets are on sale for the world’s largest annual floral spectacle — the RHS Flower Show — running 24th to 28th May at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners! More than 150,000 are expected to attend the event, brimming with flower and garden displays which compete for awards, demonstrations, and a flower and supply marketplace. Enlightening tips on gardening in a changing climate and demonstrations by chefs and celebrity gardeners will be spread around the show grounds. Show... View Article
ENJOY THE LINDT GOLD BUNNY HUNT AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE THIS EASTER Hampton Court’s family-friendly Easter weekend — running through from 2nd April to 18th April —adds holiday chocolate lovers’ treats to the usual historic royal activities. A Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt around Henry VIII’s home and gardens will result in receiving a chocolate treat, once all the bunnies are found. There will also be the opportunity to decorate one’s own chocolate cup to be enjoyed at home, and a session on how the Georgians drank their chocolate. Strolling the palace grounds will be Henry and a pregnant Anne Boleyn... View Article
Summer is the time to visit the world’s most famous active royal residence. Now open until 19th September 2021, Buckingham Palace is a place you must go to in London or you will regret it! “Buckingham Palace is recognised around the world as the home of The Queen, the focus of national and royal celebrations. Explore Buckingham Palace Garden this summer, and discover its sights before enjoying a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to picnic on the lawn with views of the Palace. You can also see the magnificent State Rooms on a special guided tour of the Palace this summer” Tours... View Article
24 years after her tragic death, an exhibition and special commemorative temporary garden celebrating Diana, Princess of Wales’ life opened at Kensington Palace and now her wedding dress joins the exhibition this Summer 2021. Opened on 24th February 2017, Diana – Her Fashion Story charts her fashion transition starting with a lace covered party dress worn by a young Lady Diana Spencer for a ball at her family home, Althorp, in 1979 and the demure image of the 19 year old London kindergarten assistant wearing a pale pink Emanuel blouse in her engagement portrait, through to the glamorous... View Article
If you’re stuck for ideas when looking for half term London activities for Teens, look no further than our handy guide. We can tell you what’s on and where’s cool to tempt them away from their smartphones – even if it is only for a few minutes House of Vans is an indoor skate park located beneath Waterloo station. Perfect for cool teens with a love of skating, sessions are organised on its ramps for skates, boards and BMX’s and there are regular live music, film and other events that are held on a regular basis, many of them free.... View Article
Today marks the 372th birthday of our namesake, Nell Gwynn. Notorious in the Restoration period for her rags to riches story, there is so much more to Nell than her being one of King Charles II’s mistresses! Nell came from a poor background in St-Martin’s-in-the-Fields – the Covent Garden area now, and it is believed that she lived in a brothel run by her alcoholic mother. At the age of 13 she had a job selling oranges to theatre-goers King’s Theatre in Drury Lane (forerunner of the Theatre Royal), where she developed her gift for quickfire repartee. A year later,... View Article
Bluebird is a local neighbourhood restaurant on a grand scale, in the heart of Chelsea. Upon opening the door to Chelsea’s most iconic restaurant, you are greeted with a dynamic and contemporary cocktail bar before you even sit down to enjoy your meal in the brasserie-style restaurant. With its fantastic atmosphere, buzzing bar and exciting restaurant, Bluebird Chelsea makes the place to celebrate any occasion or just let your hair down and enjoy great food, wine and unique cocktails. 350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU 020 7559 1000 www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
