Days Out | Washington Mayfair Hotel Blog

Winter in London 2024/2025 – A Season to Remember

We’re already seeing signs of winter arriving early in London! It doesn’t have to be all depressing though, we can beat those winter blues and make winter 2024/25 a season to remember. The days may be colder, but the city is coming alive with activities and events planned across the next few months. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a quieter London break with less queues or to visit over the holiday period and enjoy the hustle and bustle of people in the capital. Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Washington Hotel offers a sophisticated retreat with prime access to some of the capital’s most enchanting winter activities.

Winter in London is a time of magical moments, unique to this time is the addition of pop-up outdoor ice rinks. Some of these most popular rinks are back in 2024 for another year:

Somerset House Ice Rink: A stunning neoclassical backdrop makes this a must-visit.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink: Glide beneath a canopy of twinkling lights in the heart of London’s financial district.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: Skate in a historic setting steeped in Tudor charm.

With the largest of these being the Hyde Park ice rink located inside its annual Winter Wonderland. Open from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025 this massive attraction offers skating to live music from the band stand plus a whole host of other activities such as food markets, fairground rides and games. It’s basically a huge winter playground.

Mayfair is brimming with cultural and leisure opportunities for the colder months. Film enthusiasts can enjoy a cosy evening at the Curzon Mayfair Cinema, known for its history, art deco interior and a carefully curated selection of films, from the latest releases to indie gems.

The Royal Academy of Arts is just around the corner from The Washington Mayfair and features thought-provoking exhibitions, while the West End’s theatres light up with world-class performances. From live music to classic ballet performances like The Nutcracker, London’s cultural scene is vibrant and varied this season with something for everyone.

Now the nights are getting darker earlier you can explore the local Museums After Dark. Renowned institutions like the Natural History, Science and the Victoria & Albert Museum host after-hours tours, talks, and workshops, offering a new perspective on their fascinating collections and a more intimate museum experience.

Looking to take in all the London’s sights? Take an open-top bus tour to see the city’s landmarks, sparkling under the winter sky. From Buckingham Palace to Tower Bridge, you’ll witness a panorama of London’s iconic sights in all their glory.

Warm Up at The Washington Hotel

After a day of exploring, return to the warmth and luxury of The Washington Hotel. Each room is designed with comfort in mind, offering the perfect respite from the chilly London streets. Enhance your stay with a cheaper deal, book directly through our website to get a 10% discount on our best available rate, free English breakfast, plus cancel up to 3pm 24hrs prior to arrival without charge.

Plan your winter escape today and let The Washington Hotel be your home away from home in Mayfair.

The Best Way to Spend a Long Weekend in Mayfair, London

Mayfair, one of London’s most prestigious and glamorous areas, is the perfect place to spend a long weekend. Situated in the heart of the city, Mayfair offers an elegant mix of history, luxury, and modern sophistication.

When planning a long weekend getaway, Mayfair’s central location allows easy access to London’s most iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and the bustling West End. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopaholic, or someone seeking relaxation in high-end surroundings, Mayfair caters to all interests.

And where better to stay than The Washington Mayfair Hotel, a historic hotel that offers both comfort and style, while being just minutes from London’s most exciting attractions! Staying here gives you the chance to enjoy modern luxury in a classic setting, with easy access to everything Mayfair has to offer.

Let’s explore the perfect itinerary for a long weekend in Mayfair, from Friday to Monday.

Friday: Arrival!

Once you arrive in London, head straight to the Washington Mayfair Hotel. Check-in, freshen up, and drop off your bags ready to explore the local area. We recommend you take a stroll around the nearby Green Park or Hyde Park for some fresh air to completely unwind after your journey and get into holiday mode, whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery of London’s parks in autumn.

For your first evening, take it easy. The hotel offers an excellent dining experience at Madison’s Restaurant, where you can enjoy a sumptuous dinner. The restaurant’s menu includes an eclectic blend of dishes from around the world, with special dishes available daily. The relaxing atmosphere and attentive service will set the tone for a wonderful weekend ahead.

Saturday: Exploring Mayfair and Soho

After a restful night, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel (free if you book through our website!) before stepping out to explore Mayfair. Start your day by strolling along the historic streets of Mayfair and let yourself explore all the architectural points of interest and stories behind the buildings. Head on over to the area of Savile Row, famous for its bespoke tailors, and Bond Street, which is home to some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, from Chanel to Louis Vuitton. Also in the area is Burlington Arcade, opened in 1819 this is one of Britain’s earliest shopping arcades. This is a must-visit for those who love fashion, shopping and want to explore this exclusive area of Mayfair.

For lunch, book a table at Sketch, an iconic Mayfair restaurant known for its unparalleled dining experience. Sketch is not just a place to eat, it’s a collection of uniquely designed spaces, each with its own specific ambiance and menu. There’s something for everyone.

After lunch, venture into Soho, which is a short walk away. Soho is known for its vibrant atmosphere, boutique shops, and eclectic culture. Spend the afternoon exploring popping into independent shops and galleries. You can also visit Liberty London, an iconic department store with beautiful Tudor-style architecture.

For dinner, you are spoilt for choice across the many restaurants and eateries that line Soho, try Chinatown for Asian delights or head through to the West End and Covent Garden. You could even book to see a theatre performance whilst near the West End before heading back to the hotel. Find out here what’s on in the West End for Autumn 2024 and book your West End tickets.

Sunday: Art, History and Hyde Park

Sunday is the perfect day to soak in some culture. After breakfast, head to the Royal Academy of Arts, which often has outstanding exhibitions featuring world-renowned artists. Then, walk over to the Wallace Collection, housed in a stunning historic townhouse. This hidden gem features an incredible collection of world-sourced art, antiques, and armour.

For lunch visit Mercato Mayfair a fun space to eat in a restored historical building, where you will find a wide variety of kitchens from around the world, all using locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

In the afternoon, take a trip over to Hyde Park for a relaxing stroll or even rent a rowboat at The Serpentine (available until November). Hyde Park offers a lovely escape from the city’s hustle.

For dinner, you could opt for something different by trying a Michelin-starred experience at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, or a more casual evening in Cicchetti for Italian small plates.

Monday: Brunch and Departure

Before heading home, take a final stroll through Mount Street to admire its beautiful Georgian architecture and boutique stores. Visit Fortnum & Mason, a historic department store known for its gourmet food and tea selection—perfect for picking up gifts before your departure. Then head on over to Buckingham Palace for a royal farewell, time your visit right to catch the changing of the guard ceremony, which will complete your weekend!

With its blend of luxury, culture, and central location, Mayfair is the ultimate destination for a long weekend escape. We have just discussed a few options of how to spend a city break in Mayfair, London but there is plenty more to see and do, both in the location of Mayfair and further afield throughout London. Staying for 4 nights or more at The Washington Mayfair will get you 20% off your entire break with our Stay Longer Save More offer. Making it more than worthwhile to extend your break. View this offer and book your autumn 2024 London holiday today.

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!

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 February

How are you planning to spend your February? February is a great month to visit London. You can make the most of the quieter days that the cooler weather brings, enjoy half term with the children, or join in with London Fashion Week! February in London also coincides with various cultural events and festivals. The Chinese New Year celebrations, typically held in the vibrant Chinatown district brings colourful parades and for those celebrating Valentine’s Day in London – there is a variety of options and events planned across the city. However, there is no better time than the colder quieter months than to visit some of London’s best Museums and Galleries. Great way to spend a rainy day, to take the kids on an informative school holiday trip or to enjoy some of the free attractions London has to offer. In this blog we rounded up a collection of London’s top museum picks.

The British Museum – Coming in at number 1 has to be this classic British treasure. Its world-renowned collection is a real treat to behold. There are not many places in life where you can discover two million years of human history and culture. Some of the British Museum Highlights are the Rosetta stone, Hoi Hakananai’a and the Egyption Mummies.
The Natural History Museum – If you thought you’d seen a lot after two million years of human history at The British Museum then that is nothing compared with 4.6 billion years of our planet’s history to explore at the Natural History Museum! From dinosaurs to fossils, the environment to natural forces like volcanoes and earthquakes, there’s lots to discover and learn. There are some special exhibits and events on offer this February, these include a week of half term activities to keep the little ones entertained. Plus, explore love and relationships at Valentine’s at the Museum, or with the Valentine’s Silent Disco, which includes an after-hours private view of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit.
The Science Museum – Explore the fascinating realms of science, technology and innovation at this excellent free London museum. Designed to capture the imaginations of all ages you are sure to be able to marvel at the interactive displays and engaging presentations showing all aspects of scientific advancements past, present and future.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (The V&A) – If creativity and art is more your thing then the next few museums will be right up your street. The V&A museum as it is more commonly know is a museum dedicated to inspiring creativity and exploring makers and innovators from the world over. The museum started its life as a museum of manufacturers after the foundation stone was laid by Queen Victoria in 1899, before becoming known today as The V&A.
The National Gallery – Home to over 2,300 works of art, The National Gallery celebrates paintings and people from Western Europe from the 13th to 19th centuries. This collection of paintings would definitely be a highlight in your London visit. See famous works of art such as, Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait and Turner’s Fighting Temeraire. Free entry is available.
The Tate Modern – If modern and contemporary art is more your thing then The Tate Modern may be more your style. Hosting a huge collection of art works from around the world.

If you are planning to visit the museums on your trip to London then consider staying near and around the areas of South Kensington and Mayfair. This way you have the perfect base to make the most out of your break.

We’d love to have you choose to stay at the Washington Mayfair Hotel. Our hotel is conveniently positioned for the hotels and in an elite district of London so you can add a touch of luxury to your stay. Read more about our rooms and suites and book your stay here. We hope you have a great February in London.

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Tag: Days Out