As much as you’d like to stay in your gorgeous hotel room, sometimes you need to get out and about to really soak up a city. Which is why our friends at Hg2 luxury city guides are putting together a monthly list of must-see London attractions.
Somerset House Ice Rink (22 Nov – 22 Jan)
Somerset House Ice Rink (22 Nov – 22 Jan)
It’s not every day you get the chance to ice skate in one of London’s most iconic buildings. Thanks to Skate at Somerset House presented by Tiffany & co. you can.
Your ears will get a treat too, thanks to the soundtracks curated by prominent DJ’s from some of London’s hottest nightclubs. If you aren’t to shy about falling on your back-side, this is the perfect place for a romantic date, so long as she doesn’t get the wrong idea about all of those teal boxes….
Bonfire Night – Guy Fawkes
Remember, remember the 5th of November. Those visiting the UK might not be so familiar with the melodious hymn, but if you’re in town on this day you’re in for a treat. The anniversary of the arrest of ‘the guy’ is an English legend celebrated with wild bonfires and outrageous fireworks. You can catch them in parks across the city, but for one of the best shows in London, head to Battersea Park. When your mulled wine gets cold and you’re ready to find a fire inside, myhotel Chelsea is only minutes away.
Thanksgiving (24th November)
At first thought, you might not expect to find too many Londoners sitting with an oversized turkey come the 24th of November, but with 200,000 American expats residing in the city, you might be surprised. With some of London’s best restaurants serving up their takes on Turkey Day, including Automat in Mayfair and the delectable PJ’s in South Kensington. Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and enough red wine and champers to quench the thirst of the city, there’s no better excuse to tuck in.
Chinese New Year (29th Jan)
It’s the year of the dragon, so be ready to see some fire. As host to the largest celebration outside of Asia, from Chinatown to Leicester Square, London’s busiest centre is transformed into a Chinese spectacle of the most vibrant colours, sounds and sights. Lanterns, dancing puppets, martial arts and delicious foods from the Orient are all on display. In keeping w
Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House with American Express®
Strand London, WC2R
This July, with American Express®, sees the return of London’s (and maybe the world’s) most beautiful open-air cinema to the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at Somerset House in association with Film4. This ever-anticipated twelve-day cinematic event, will feature everything from UK premieres to old classics on the state of the art outdoor screen. This event however, is much more than your average trip to the cinema. Arrive early, bring a picnic and blankets (don’t forget the cushions for later) and relax in the courtyard as DJs play until the stars come out and the film starts rolling.
The event is running from 27th July – 7th August 2011. Doors open at 18:30 and DJs begin an hour later until 21:15 when the film begins, ticket prices vary according to the picture you see.
To enjoy the myhotels package Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House With American Express® from £160 + VAT click here:
myhotel Bloomsbury: http://www.avvio.com/hotels/myhotel_Bloomsbury/bookings/client.php?formname=searchspecials&mode=group&group=Film4+Summer+Screen+at+Somerset+House+with+American+Express+%AE#ipulsestart
myhotel Chelsea: http://www.avvio.com/hotels/myhotel_Chelsea/bookings/client.php?formname=searchspecials&mode=group&group=Film4+Summer+Screen+at+Somerset+House+with+American+Express+%AE#ipulsestart
Udderbelly
Southbank Centre, Jubilee Gardens, SE1
London’s answer to the Edinburgh Festival; this giant purple inflatable cow is gracing the South Bank again this summer – and we couldn’t be happier. Its already in full flow of its 12-week reign and will remain at the Bank until the 17th July with big names in comedy such as Jason Byrne and Jenny Éclair. But it isn’t all comedy; there is literally something for everyone from Free Run (an urban acrobatics show) to quirky fringe shows and performances specifically coordinated for the little ones. Ticket prices vary depending on the show but this unique venue is sure to have something to your taste and it’s already placed itself firmly on the entertainment map.
Notting Hill Carnival
Great Western Rd, W11
The world famous Notting Hill carnival will take place over the August bank holiday (28th- 29th) filling the streets of West London with eccentric West Indian energy and over one million visitors, in Europe’s largest street festival. The carnival has been one of the most anticipated events of the summer every year since it began in 1966, bringing Caribbean flare, food and floats to Notting Hill. The party usually starts on Saturday when the crowd warms up for the official start on Sunday and then the main parade, which is held on bank holiday Monday. The floats embark from Great Western Road, then wind their way along Chepstow Road to Westbourne Grove, and then finally conclude their loud and colouful journey through London at Ladbroke Grove. When day fades into dusk the floats are removed from the streets and the party continues way into the night at the carnival after parties. If you’re in London – make time for this. It will be a weekend you’ll never forget.
Bidoun Library
Serpentine Gallery - Kensington Gardens, W2
To celebrate the opening of the Bidoun Library at the Serpentine Gallery, guests are invited to the Shaabi-Music-Wedding-Dance-Party on the evening of 22nd July 2011. As part of The Edgware Road Project –which sees international artists paired with people that are living and working in London – the Park Nights are an opportunity for different mediums of art to collaborate in ways that wouldn’t normally be seen. Selected texts from the library will be read to the audience in a performance accompanied by loud music in celebration of unconventional pairings. Tickets are only £4-£5 and we think this could be one to see.
Hyde Park Stables, 63 Bathurst Mews, W2
There are five miles of bridleways and two arenas in Hyde Park. Its most famous bridle path, Rotten Row (from 'Route de Roi'), runs the length of the south side and was once a royal short cut between Buckingham and Kensington Palaces. The Household Cavalry can still be seen on morning exercise here on their majestic, glossy mounts. Rather less glamorous nags can be rented from this British Horse Society-approved riding school, and note that it's safety first (read: 'quiet' horses, leading ropes across roads, and no cantering without prior tuition - as such, hen parties are 'catered for').
A Day With A Knight
Sir John Soane's Museum, 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2
Sir John Soane was a popular British architect of the 19th century, not least for bequeathing his house as a museum to the nation when he died in 1837. His greatest work was his design of the Bank of England - sadly this was later replaced, but since he used his home as a test-bed for his grand designs, it has become a pilgrimage for architects and historians alike. Indeed, as a prolific collector with considerable taste, he also attracts art lovers with his Hogarth series (including The Rake's Progress) and his Turners, and attracts archaeologists with his sarcophagus of Pharaoh Seti I. Soane's appeal for all is in the townhouse's original (and mostly preserved) function as a home, so also on view are his breakfast parlour, drawing rooms, kitchen and study - all of course designed by Soane's gifted hand.
Stop That Cab!
Black Taxi Tours, 7 Durweston Mews, W1U 6DF
A tourist attraction in their own right, cabbies train for at least three years to get the 'knowledge' - a comprehensive mental map of London. With their cockney chat and London-wide nous, it's kind of obvious that they'd make good guides. Black Taxi Tour cabbies are also trained guides and will conduct two-hour door-to-door tours for up to five people any time of day or year. Extras on request.
Down To A Tee
Richmond Park Golf Courses, Roehampton Gate, Priory Lane, SW1
Set in the gorgeous surroundings of Richmond Park are two public 18-hole golf courses, a driving range, club hire, and a restaurant and bar. Daily tuition is available from PGA professionals.
Art House
Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), The Mall, SW1
Retail Therapists
Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1
With a champagne nail bar, botox, fake tanning and Daniel Hersheson's blow dry bar, Harvey Nicks has become something of an Ab Fab parody: a one-stop shop to satisfy all of a narcissist's needs. Of course the daily trawl around the shop floor really is awfully hard work, what with four floors of all the top names in women's fashion, from to ready-to-wear to jeans, tees and lingerie, plus an ample accessories and beauty hall, interiors floor and two men's floors, so thankfully there are outposts of Daylesford Organic, Yo! Sushi, Wagamama and Fushi organic juice bar, plus the jet-set Fifth Floor restaurant, champagne cafe? and bar.
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