June is a magical month to be in London. With warm weather and an events calendar packed with festivals, sports, free entertainment and more, this month is a lively and exciting time to visit London. Here at The Washington Mayfair we will bring you the top things to do in London during June, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
TROOPING THE COLOUR: THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE FREE – 9th June
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.
If you do not have tickets for the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, you can join the crowds of spectators on the edge of St James’s Park overlooking Horse Guards Parade or along The Mall for the parade. For more information visit the official website.
OPENING OF THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE GALLERIES – from 11 June 2018 to 31 December 2022
For the first time in 700 years, it’s about to open to the public eye as a new museum space. Currently being reinvented as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, it will make its debut June 11, and at an ultimate cost of $32.5 million, it’s described as the most significant addition to the church since 1745. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries offer spectacular views of the church and the Houses of Parliament.
The galleries will show off a range of artifacts and ephemera that demonstrate the strong connection between the Abbey and the monarchy. There are centuries-old stained glass panels, manuscripts, and medieval funeral effigies of kings, as well as the more modern vestments used for the Queen’s 1953 coronation. Oh, and the marriage license of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, a.k.a. Prince William and Kate Middleton will also be on view. For more information visit the official website.
HORSE RACING: ROYAL ASCOT 2018 – from 19 to 23 June 2018
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. For more information visit the official website.
MICHAEL JACKSON: ON THE WALL AT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY – from 28 June to 21 October 2018
Michael Jackson is to be the subject of an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery looking at the late singer’s influence on art. Almost 10 years after his death, the London gallery said the way he inspired contemporary artists was “an untold story”. The exhibition coincide with what would have been Michael Jackson’s 60th birthday. Discover the lesser-told story of the King of Pop’s impact on visual art with works from several generations of contemporary artists, including Andy Warhol, Grayson Perry, Maggi Hambling, Catherine Opie and Gary Hume. For more information visit the official website.
REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE – until 15 September 2018
Spend the warm summer evenings watching theatre shows in an idyllic venue with the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2018 Season. Events featuring:
- Peter Pan (17 May-15 Jun)
- The Turn of the Screw (22-30 Jun)
- As You Like It (6-28 Jul)
- Little Shop of Horrors (3 Aug-15 Sep)
- Dinosaur World Live (14 Aug-9 Sep)
For more information visit the official website.
CHANGING THE GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Changing the Guard, also known as Guard Mounting, takes place outside Buckingham Palace from 10.45am and lasts around 45 minutes, with the actual handover taking place at 11am. The Buckingham Palace Old Guard forms up in the palace’s forecourt from 10.30am and is joined by the St James’s Palace Old Guard at around 10.45am. The New Guard then arrives from Wellington Barracks and takes over the responsibilities of the Old Guard in a formal ceremony accompanied by music. The ceremony is free to watch and currently takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, weather permitting.
FATHER’S DAY AT THE WASHINGTON MAYFAIR HOTEL
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, theaters, 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.
We are also offering an exclusive Father’s Day Afternoon Tea – £29.50 per person – Get 50% off by celebrating with your father. See menu here and book now.
