Don’t doubt it; there’s an absolute plethora of things to get up to on a visit (most likely a short-break) spent in the UK capital whatever the time of year. However, come the summer – or, at least, the ‘British summer’ – you may wish to make the most of the sun, heat and outdoors and leave the likes of indulging in an afternoon tea London for rainy, colder days occurring on an autumn, winter or even a cooler spring trip spent in the Big Smoke.
In which case then, should you be coming to London this month – all ready with your passport, luggage and shades at the ready – what can you expect to get up to away from the accommodation you choose for yourself (no doubt somewhere centrally-located, highly comfortable yet affordable; like, say, the Park Lancaster Gate hotel London)? Well, here are some ideas on the house, courtesy of us…
Hampton Court Palace Festival
(East Molesey, Surrey, London, KT8 9AU/ 5th-20th June)
Take That star Gary Barlow, Paloma Faith and Lionel Richie – playing his only London shows of 2018 – are just three of the big name acts lined up for this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festival. Tom Jones, legendary guitar player Joe Bonamassa, musical virtuoso Jools Holland and American rock band The Beach Boys also put in an appearance at the summer music festival, set against the beautiful backdrop of Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor Hampton Court Palace. Now in its 26th year, the festival encourages a spot of picnicking, a VIP experience and the chance to hear some well known musicians in an intimate 3,000-seat open-air auditorium.
Trooping the Colour
(Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, Westminster, London, SW1A 2AX/ 9th June)
A vibrant display of ceremony and military history, Trooping the Colour, also known as The Queen’s Birthday Parade, marks the second of the Queen’s two birthdays (this is the official one, her actual birthday is on 21st April). It’s a spectacular piece of pageantry but also a timely reminder of the role of the armed forces who are – in theory, at least – under the Queen’s control. Hundreds of well-disciplined soldiers in full dress uniform march past at the Horse Guards Parade, and a different Battalion gives the Royal Salute each year, all accompanied by stirring military music from the massed bands. On the same day, a 41-Gun Royal Salute takes place in Green Park at 12.52pm and there’s a 62-Gun salute at the Tower of London at 1pm. Perfect for those staying right in the heart of things, for sure – at, yes, accommodation like the Park Grand Lancaster Gate.
Polo in the Park
(Hurlingham Park, Hurlingham Road, London, SW6 3NG/ 8th-10th June)
Now in its tenth year, Polo in the Park has become one of London’s great summer outdoors events. Aimed at bringing polo to the people, the three-day World Series event showcases a more accessible version of the sport, mirroring the effect Twenty20 has had on cricket. Teams of three a side from cities around the world take part, with an England International match on the Friday night. There’s usually also a steady flow of celebrities (Jodie Kidd) and royalty (Princess Beatrice), Mahiki and Polo Bars for classic cocktails, PIMM’s Bus and an array of shops and food stalls. Sunday is family time with Sharky and George, Eddie Catz and Clip‘n’Climb to entertain the kids. Even better, use the discount code LOVEPOLO and get £5 off Friday and Sunday tickets.
