Summer In London | Washington Mayfair Hotel Blog

Experience the Best of London This School Holiday

There is no better time than now to start planning a family getaway to London for the school holidays! Guarantee your kids a trip filled with history, culture and fun activities that they will love. The Washington Mayfair makes a great base for a family trip to London because of its location to popular family attractions that will allow you to really make the most of your break. Here’s our guide to some of the best things to do in London with kids this summer 2024.

Family Fun in London

Why not start your trip close to The Washington Mayfair with a visit to the iconic London Zoo in Regent’s Park. Home to a huge variety of species, the zoo offers immersive exhibits such as the Land of the Lions and Penguin Beach, plus over the summer holidays, families can discover the science behind scat and explore how droppings help us understand animal diets, habitats, and health. An educational adventure whilst at the same time getting up close and personal with all the animals.

Whilst in Regent’s Park why not explore some of the other Royal Parks in the vicinity like Hyde Park and Green Park. These parks offer acres of green space amongst busy city life, perfect to add some outdoor fun to your trip and for little ones to explore. Enjoy acrobatics at the playgrounds, pedal boats on the Serpentine River and picnic amongst the flowers. There are often outdoor events to enjoy in the parks too, like open-air concerts, bandstand events and theatre performances. St.James Park also leads to Buckingham Palace which is a great place for families to enjoy the unique spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. A ceremony that never fails to capture the attention of all watchers.

London’s Amazing Museums

The London museums offer a perfect chance to learn and play for all ages and it’s unique in that so many of the city’s top museums are all located in the district of Kensington just a few minutes journey from The Washington Mayfair. A must-visit is The British Museum, journey through time with its vast collection of artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. Plus, the kids can participate in free activities and gallery trails designed to make history come alive. Some of the other museum highlights include the new gardens at The Natural History Museum opening this month, space-themed sleepovers at the Science Museum and the Secret Seekers treasure hunt at the V&A. Visit the official museum sites to find out what else is happening this summer.

Stay with Us

Families love that the Washington Mayfair is a convenient base for top London attractions and the ability to combine rooms and suites to meet their needs. Our hotel combines history with modern elegance which will appeal to the whole family and will ensure a restful stay.

Dine at the hotel’s Madison restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious meal from the best ingredients. Or even book a classic British experience of Afternoon Tea. London is a city that’s full of adventure for all ages, so don’t wait, start planning your summer holiday today!

London Outdoor Events In July

As we see the (hopefully!) better weather continue through to July, we also see a lot more outdoor events scheduled in London. With an average of 23C during July, this really is the month to start heading outdoors and enjoying all that London has to offer.

We’re well in the swing of the UEFA Championships now, with the Quarter Finals scheduled for 5^th and 6^th July, Semi Finals 9^th & 10^th and the big finals on Sunday 14^th July. Along with screenings of the matches at Madisons Bar, don’t miss out on our UEFA Meal Offer, only available until 14th July.

Outdoor theatres and pop up outdoor cinemas are also a fantastic way to combine being outside with a unique watching experience. Make it an afternoon to remember with a picnic lunch! Don’t forget sun screen, a hat and of course a blanket for when it gets chilly in the evening!

The Royal Parks are wonderful this time of year, whether you are planning a picnic, or an afternoon reading in one of the famous deck chairs, London’s green spaces are a good opportunity to immerse yourself in peacefulness amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hyde Park is also home to the BST Festival, a series of incredible shows and headlining acts over multiple weekends, starting on Friday 28^th June and running to Sunday 14^th July. This year the 2024 line up includes:

Paolo Nutini (Sunday 30^th June),
Andrea Bocelli (Friday 5^th July),
Robbie Williams (Saturday 6^th July),
Shania Twain (Sunday 7^th July)
and Kylie (Saturday 13^th July)

as well as Stevie Nicks, The Corrs and Morgan Wallen to make up a fantastic few weeks of live music in the capital!

The Washington Mayfair Hotel is ideally situated near all the action this July! Our rooms and suites offer a variety of luxury accommodation designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind.

Don’t forget to check our Special Offers page for our latest deals, as well as our UEFA Meal Offer, our “Spring Escape / Summer Sizzler” gives you 15% off your stay, free full English breakfast and a complimentary room upgrade (depending on availability). We hope you enjoy your summer in London and always, book direct for the best price!

London Events near Mayfair Summer 2024 Edition

Let’s start the countdown to summer with some exciting London events to look forward to in and around Mayfair! There’s something for everyone to enjoy across the city of London and we’re pleased to highlight some of the best events in our latest blog:

Chelsea Flower Show – This beautiful show returns for another year, running since the first show in 1913, it is truly a stunning celebration of nature and botanical delights. Showcasing exquisite floral displays, garden designs and unique horticultural offerings you can guaranteed to be enchanted and inspired. Running all week from the 21^st – 25^th of May 2024, make sure to get your tickets to be a part of the action.

London Gallery Weekend – Embark on a journey of artistic discovery during London Gallery Weekend 31^st of May – 2^nd June. This city-wide event invites art enthusiasts to explore a multitude of galleries, museums, and cultural institutions, showcasing an array of exhibitions and installations. You can curate your own route across London or stay local to Mayfair with a whole range of locations taking part in this free event making it super easy to immerse yourself in London’s art scene.

London Zoo – Did you know you could get up close and personal with giraffes, lions and zebras all without leaving the capital? At London Zoo situated next to Regent’s Park near Mayfair, you can experience a world of wildlife. It’s a great time to visit because in Spring 2024 there were 3 new additions to The Land of the Lions as baby Asiatic lions were welcomed to the family. The zoo makes the perfect summer holiday activity for children and adults alike!

Hampton Court Palace Food Festival – Book tickets to see a range of musical greats up close and personal, from Tom Jones to Cheryl Crow, with performances from modern greats too like Sam Ryder. All within the stunning backdrop of Hampton Court Palace. Taking place from the 11 – 21 June.

Taste of London 2024 – Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey like no other at Taste of London festival. This gastronomic extravaganza brings together the city’s top chefs, restaurants, and food artisans for a weekend of indulgence. From gourmet tastings to live cooking demonstrations, immerse yourself in a feast for the senses and discover the diverse flavours that define London’s vibrant culinary scene. Taking place 12 – 16 June, you won’t want to miss it!

Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition – Now older that 250 years old, the Summer Exhibition is the world’s oldest open submission exhibition. Showcasing from the 18^th June – 18^th August, immerse yourself in a variety of art like no other.

Wimbledon – Nothing says summer like a glass of Pimm’s paired with a delightful bowl of Strawberries and Cream at the most prestigious tennis competition in the world. Plus, there’s still a chance to get your tickets, you can find out more in our Wimbledon blog.

We hope this has given you plenty of ideas of what to do in London over the next couple of months. There are also screenings of UEFA matches throughout the city, as well as the upcoming Bank Holiday to enjoy! At The Washington Mayfair we are conveniently based near attractions such as London Zoo, the Royal Parks, The Royal Academy of Arts and Chelsea Flower Show. Plus, it’s easy to take the tube to events a little further afield. Our rooms and suites offer a variety of luxury accommodation designed with warm tones to add to your comfort and relaxation. Book your spring/summer stay with us today and take advantage of our London hotel offer “Spring Escape / Summer Sizzler” for 15% off your stay, free full English breakfast and a complimentary room upgrade (depending on availability). We hope you enjoy your summer in London!

Washington Mayfair Hotel executive suite

Will you be at Wimbledon 2024?

As the countdown to Wimbledon begins, tennis enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate two weeks of thrilling matches, strawberries and cream, and British tradition at its finest. Taking place in 2024 from 1^st-14^th of July. This event has captured the hearts of people the worldwide and made history with countless epic battles from the rivalry between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe to the dominance of Martina Navratilova and Pete Sampras. Take a look at some fun facts and statistics about the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament:

The Marathon Match: In 2010, Court 18 witnessed tennis history unfold as John Isner and Nicolas Mahut battled it out in the longest match ever recorded. Lasting over three days and spanning 11 hours, this epic showdown saw a staggering 123 balls used, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.
A Floral Wonderland: Wimbledon’s lush green lawns are not the only natural attraction; over 50,000 plants are meticulously supplied each year to adorn the tournament grounds, adding a vibrant burst of colour to the iconic venue.
Towel Talk: Wimbledon-goers are not shy when it comes to souvenirs, with over 54,000 towels sold in 2023 alone. Whether it’s to wave in support or simply as a memento of the event, these towels are a hot commodity among fans.
Serving up Speed: When it comes to serving prowess, Wimbledon has seen some record-breaking moments. Taylor Dent holds the title for the fastest serve in the Gentlemen’s category, clocking in at a blistering 148mph in 2010, while Venus Williams dominates the Ladies’ category with a serve of 129mph in 2008.
Digital Delight: In the age of technology, Wimbledon continues to make waves online. The BBC’s coverage of the tournament shattered digital records once again, with a staggering 54.3 million streams on BBC iPlayer.

Will you be one of the half a million people making their way to London for the Wimbledon Championships 2024? Make your stay memorable and book your Wimbledon Hotel at The Washington Mayfair . Our rooms and suites are ideal for an enjoyable experience from the beginning to the end.

If you don’t have tickets for Wimbledon yet, then fear not, there are plenty of opportunities to get a Wimbledon Grounds Pass or one of the centre court ticket, no.1 and no.2 court tickets available via the daily queue. Book your Wimbledon hotel stay in advance of the day you wish to visit so you can be there in the queue as early as possible to ensure entry at the beginning of play. It’s perfect for those looking for cheap Wimbledon tickets and a great way to not miss out on any of the action. So, what are you waiting for? Get planning your Wimbledon 2024 trip now!

Photo by Poppy

What to Do in London this Summer 2023 – Part 2

In our last blog we highlighted some of the exciting events going on across the capital of London this summer. The weather may not have been the best for July but don’t worry, summer is not over just yet! Hopefully the sun will shine a little more in August in time for plenty more fun-filled London events.

If you are looking for a place to stay for a quick break away or for more of a longer stay to enjoy the holidays with the whole family then The Washington Mayfair Hotel is the perfect pick for you. There is no better base than the district of Mayfair to add a bit of luxury to any vacation.

Take a look at some of London’s August highlights:

Just a short trip from Mayfair, The National Gallery is hosting a variety of Drop in Creative Sessions in Trafalgar Square. Summer on the Square takes place from 1-28 Aug. You can experiment with a variety of materials at this free festival of events. Plus, it’s easy to tie in with a visit the National Gallery, you can book your free entry online or you can queue on the day to enter.

The August warm weather is perfect for a trip to London’s greatest green spaces of the Royal Parks. There are a host of concerts, plays, walking tours and other summer activities available which you can view here.

Notting Hill Carnival is back! Taking place over the bank holiday weekend (27 Aug & 28 Aug) this iconic London street party lights up the streets of West London as people celebrate this festival of Caribbean culture. There promises to be exceptional music, delicious food and drink and lots and lots of dancing! It is free to attend so even if you are visiting London for another event you should definitely pop by, throw some shapes and eat some jerk chicken!

If you are looking for other events across the bank holiday weekend. There are plenty to choose from:

‘The Cool Down’ ice cream festival returns to Covent Garden with over 40 different varieties of ice cream, sundaes, sorbets, frozen drinks, gelato and more. The conclusion of the event is across the bank holiday weekend but it is taking place from 10th August.

If you fancy something a little more savoury then the Hampton Court Good Food Festival is also taking place from 26th-28th August 2023. You can enjoy a range of artisan food, drinks masterpieces, games, shopping and more… All in the unique surroundings of Henry VIII’s palace!

Finally, A long summer’s weekend of open-air picnic concerts is being hosted by Battersea Park in Concert. The perfect environment to relax at one of London’s most elegant summer events celebrating the best in Classical, West End Musicals, Soul & Jazz. Featuring performances from the elite Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. You can even order your luxury picnic in advance!

There are plenty of other events happening across London this summer and nearby our hotel. So make sure you do your research after you book your stay to ensure you don’t miss something special. We look forward to welcoming you if you choose to stay at our Deluxe London Hotel in Mayfair!

What to Do and Where to Stay in London this Summer 2023

London is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, and it has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, shopping, or nightlife, London has it all. And this summer, there are even more reasons to visit this amazing city. Over the next few blog posts, we will highlight some of the best events happening this summer in London and the best London hotel to enjoy all the action.

Here are just a few of the highlights of what’s happening in London this summer:

Wimbledon: The Wimbledon Tennis Championships are one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world, and they’re held every summer in London. If you’re a fan of tennis, this is a must-see event. Tickets are always in high demand and many have already been allocated via the ballot but there is still opportunity to get your hands on some tickets as a number of tickets will also go on sale per day at the event. Wimbledon recommends getting there early to have the greatest success of getting in, so you may want to consider booking your Wimbledon hotel stay the night before so that you can be there early to ensure success! The event is scheduled from 3-16 July 2023.
Queens: A well-loved pre-cursor to the main event of Wimbledon is the Queens Club championship, also known this year in 2023 as the cinch Championship. Tickets to this event are also available now n and this event will take place between 19th and 25th of June 2023.
BST Hyde Park: Is there anything more delightful than some al fresco music? The BST Hyde Park music festival is a multi-weekend event that features some of the biggest names in music. This year’s lineup includes Billy Joel, The Royal Philharmonic, Alfie Boe, Lana Del Rey and P!nk. 23rd June – 9th July 2023.
Taste of London: The Taste of London festival is a food lover’s paradise. It features over 50 of London’s top restaurants, as well as live music and entertainment. This is the perfect event to sample some of the best food the city has to offer. 14-18 June 2023.
Buckingham Palace State Rooms Open to the Public: Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Every summer, the state rooms are open to the public for a limited time. This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into royal life and see some of the palace’s most impressive interiors. July 14 – Sep 24 2023.

No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love in London this summer. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

If you’re looking for a place to stay, The Washington Mayfair is the perfect choice. This luxury home-from-home hotel is located in the heart of the prestigious district of Mayfair and is perfectly located to enjoy everything London has to offer this Summer. The hotel offers a variety of beautiful rooms and suites, as well as an in-house restaurant. The Washington Hotel Mayfair is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring London.

We hope you’ll join us in London this summer 2023.

Your Ideal London City Break

How would you spend a city break to London? Now is the time to make the most of the sunshine as we head into September and book a bit of time away from the day-to-day grind to enjoy the capital. London has something to offer for everyone – so choose your ultimate experience and start making plans!

Super Shoppers

Do you love the thrill of a new purchase? Find everything you are looking in the huge array of London shops. From chain stores to market stalls, there are a variety of goods waiting to be purchased. A particular highlight near to the Washington Mayfair Hotel is the luxury shopping area of Bond Street. Famous for its exclusive brands, art and antiques, it is worth a visit even just for the window shopping!

Green Enthusiasts

Do you prefer to get away from the London architecture and enjoy some green space? The Royal Parks offer over 5000 acres of historic parkland to explore. Hyde Park is the perfect spot to enjoy some alfresco dining, or while the sun is still shining, you may fancy a dip in the Serpentine Lido. A 100m natural open water swimming area open from 10am to 6pm. There are also free bandstand concerts happening on select weekends running into September. Be sure to check the Royal Parks website to see what’s on and where.

Attraction Addicts

London wouldn’t be London without its iconic landmarks. Let’s face it… It would be wrong to visit London without including some of the top attractions like Big Ben or Tower Bridge. Why not plan to have a meal in the highest garden in London? The sky garden is open for free seven days a week, you just have to make sure to grab your tickets on the website in advance. You can also tour inside Buckingham Palace for a limited time during August and September, plus it’s only a short journey away from us at The Washington! It’s well worth a visit for any London Lover.

At The Washington Mayfair Hotel we are the best choice in London accommodation no matter what you love to do in the city. Our luxury rooms are situated in an ideal location so you can explore with ease. Check out our ‘Special Offers’ link in the menu to see how you can get the very best price on your stay. We hope you enjoy your London city break!

Fun in the Mayfair Sun

Summer is here and we’re ready to party in the sunshine! With festival season well underway and some beautiful weather set to kick off July, there are a million and one reasons why a trip to London is perfect for Summer 2022. Here at The Washington Mayfair Hotel, we have some superb summer events happening right on our doorstep that we are just dying to tell you about.

In Grosvenor Square, Mayfair is hosting ‘Summer in the Square’ – a fabulous free festival set to celebrate culture and the hottest new trends… Wake up after a blissful nights sleep in one of the Washington’s beautiful rooms or suites, enjoy a delicious breakfast at our in-house restaurant Madisons and head down to ‘The Wellness Teepee’ where you can immerse yourself in a journey of wellbeing as you join some of Mayfair’s top instructors for a class designed to relax and invigorate. Lunch options are aplenty at some of the top restaurants in the area taking part in the festivities. Plus, a whole range of daily live music and theatre performances that will inspire and delight. Don’t miss this unique day out, taking place from 21st July – 31st July.

No London holiday would be complete without a spot of royalty… For 10 weeks from the 22nd July, Buckingham Palace will be opening it’s grand doors for visitors. Take a peek into the life of the Royal Family and explore some of the stunning rooms and gardens. Some highlights include the Queen’s throne, fine art, historical artefacts and beautiful gardens. Plus see the Queen’s coronation crown, the Diamond Diadem, in person. What could be a better end to the day than to complete the occasion with a quintessentially British tea in the Garden Café? Delish!

Can’t get enough of the Art Deco exterior and the history at The Washington Mayfair? Get your comfy shoes on and turn right out of the hotel onto Curzon Street to take a unique augmented reality tour through the streets of Mayfair. Reveal secrets from the past and explore the history of some of Mayfair’s unique places during the ‘In a Mayfair Fashion’ tour. You can find more information about how to take part and see what’s happening in Mayfair this Summer here.

Don’t forget to book direct with us at The Washington Mayfair Hotel London for the very best rates and additional perks that will enhance your stay. We offer a range of spacious accommodation to meet your needs… Whether you are planning the perfect London trip or even need a London hotel for business. Visit our website to book at the best hotel in London.

Festival Season is Here!

Do you love a festival? An opportunity to get lost in the crowd, to meet new friends, explore new cultures, to be surrounded by nature? Now the days are getting warmer… Events are being planned throughout London to celebrate all sorts of interests from music to sport. Take a look at some of the best events in London that are organised over this month and into July in our latest article.

If you are a food-lover then you are going to love The Taste of London in Regent’s Park. There’s one thing for certain… It’s going to be delicious. There will be five days of feasting taking place from 15-19 June, with a huge collection of food stalls from some of the top London restaurants. Get ready to try food from around the world – Just make sure to arrive hungry because you will want to sample it all!

After a more classic festival vibe? Then prepare to dance like no one is watching at BST London Hyde Park. There is a host of performers booked to perform across nine concert days, with big names like Elton John, Adele and Duran Duran. Plus, plenty of star-studded support acts. All taking place between June and July, take a look at the BST London website for more information about acts and how to get tickets.

Maybe not conventionally know as a festival but still not to be forgotten is the classic British celebration of tennis that is The Wimbledon Championships. Held from 27 June – 10 July, this event creates a special buzz in London that’s not to be missed. Don’t have tickets already? Then don’t worry, as hundreds of Centre Court and No.3 Court tickets are released daily throughout the tournament with the option to queue for general grounds admission… So, there’s still time to be part of the buzz!

What about an event without tickets? West End Live in Trafalgar Square is a completely free festival showcasing the top musicals to hit the West End. See the whole list of performers on their website but as a sneak-peek there will be performances from all the biggest stage stars like Mamma Mia, The Lion King and Hamilton. Prepare to sing your heart out in this huge celebration of theatre.

These are just a few of some of the best festivals in London planned this Summer. Some others include, Summer Science Exhibition 2022 6-10 July, Masterpiece London Art Fair 30 June – 6 July, Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 4-9 July.

Camping is often associated with festivals but there is no need to take the option of least comfort… Book a stay at The Washington Mayfair Hotel for a perfect base to allow you to enjoy all the action in luxury home-from-home London accommodation. After a long day of fun, retire to your room (or maybe even suite?)… Kick off your shoes and relax in a top London hotel. Cut out all the travelling and stay close to all the action. We always offer the best rates when you book through our website, so take a look to see what we can offer you today.

What Makes Wimbledon So Special?

What comes to your mind when you think of Wimbledon? Is it the traditions of strawberries and cream with a glass of Pimm’s? Or maybe it’s more the all-white dress code contrasting with the green of the newly prepared lawns? 2022 marks 100 years of centre court, so it’s a great time to plan to visit the world’s oldest and arguably most prestigious tennis competition. How did England’s fascination with Tennis begin and what makes Wimbledon so special?

Tennis has a lot of history, quite possibly even beginning with the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans! French Monks in 1000 were known to play a ball game with their hands and shout ‘Tenez’ every time they served. Gradually the sport continued to grow in popularity and mitts were developed to replace bare-hands and this led to the invention of the racket. Even Henry VIII took a liking to tennis… He had his own court and often spent hours playing. Anne Boleyn was said to be betting on a game of tennis just before she was taken to the tower of London! Eventually wooden balls and indoor courts made way for the bouncier balls and outdoor courts that we are now more familiar with today. So, it comes as no surprise that England’s fascination with tennis continued to spread to the point where it holds one of the world’s top tennis competitions.

Wimbledon was first hosted by the All England Croquet Club who wanted to find a way to raise money for their croquet lawn improvements. They realised they could adapt their lawns to run the tennis competition. However, the event went from strength to strength and it eventually led to the club changing their name to the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. The first competition set a lot of the rules for the sport, that are still in force today. One of which being the standard tennis scoring being based on a clock face – 15, 30, 45… but 45 proved to be a bit too long to shout so it was shortened to 40.

The Washington Mayfair Hotel is located a tube ride away from Wimbledon and offers a home from home base for you to enjoy your trip. This year Wimbledon is taking place from 27 June to 10 July. Hundreds of tickets are released daily throughout the tournament so there are a lot of chances to get involved in the action. There is also the ability to queue for more premium tickets or just general admission to the grounds for an unforgettable day out. Maybe you might see the next Andy Murray in full swing!

There are more reasons than just the championships to visit Wimbledon. If you’ve enjoyed this brief history, make sure that you visit the Lawn Tennis Museum. Complete your trip by visiting some of the green spaces, pubs and shops available and even a trip to the Wimbledon Windmill. It’s the perfect place to visit for more than just a great day out. Make sure to take a look at our latest offers and special discounts to get the best out of your holiday in London and stay in the premium district of Mayfair. We are your perfect base for whatever you choose, offering accommodation for all your leisure or business needs.

Reserve Online

Category: summer in london