Visitors find London appealing all year round. Your journey may be motivated by business or leisure. Either way, the capital of the UK is so vibrant that it will keep you entertained for days, weeks, even months! The city will offer you culture, nature, entertainment, history and spectacular dining experiences. During the Summer, though, London enters another dimension of magnificence. Colours are brighter, the temperature is comfortable, we (mostly) wave goodbye to the rain and everyone is smiling.
So if you are making travel plans, take a look at what makes London especially delightful in the Summer months.
Green Spaces
Spectacular all year round, London’s plentiful green spaces become an experience destination in the Summer. Many Royal Parks, including St James’ Park and Hyde Park run regular informative walking tours. In Regent’s Park, culture is the order of the day. The Regent’s Park Bandstand offers weekend music concerts. Over at Regent’s Park open air theatre there is a full programme of work from Shakespeare to Lloyd Webber. Outdoor opera performances take place on the Nannies’ Lawn. Foodies will enjoy the Taste of London festival in Regent’s Park. Then, over 10 days in July, Hyde Park is transformed into music heaven with British Summer Time Hyde park.
History
Every corner you turn is seeped in history in London. But if you visit the city in June (this year the 8th), you can experience the Queen’s Birthday Parade. The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is a spectacle beginning at Buckingham Palace and travels along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again. It is preceded by The Colonel’s review on 1st June and The Major General’s Review on 25th May.
The River
London’s waterway is a symbol of the city, instantly recognisable in images and works of art alike. Clearly, the Summer is an ideal time to take a cruise along the river, soaking up the sun and enjoying the glistening water. So on longer days, especially around the Summer Solstice on 21st June, you can enjoy the seasonal opportunity for an evening boat cruise.
Flexibility
What about when it does rain? This is England after all. Well, this is a city used to sudden rain showers. Handily, it is littered with opportunities to shelter from the rain without missing out on the fun. The National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain and Victoria and Albert Museum are must visit institutions. They would take an entire day at least to explore in full. However, admission to the permanent collections is free of charge. As a result, they’re the ideal way to make the most of a brief and sudden rain shower!
Culinary Delights
Summertime allows establishments across the city to make the most of al fresco dining experiences. Take in the views across London from the City by dining on the terrace of Heron Tower at SushiSamba. Or if you’re feeling a bit more mellow, the quintessential British Summer experience can be found at The Ivy Chelsea Garden. Your memorable terrace dining experiences are local when your luxury serviced apartment is located in Kensington.
Wimbledon
No Summer visit to London would be complete without mentioning Wimbledon. For the first two weeks of July, SW19 becomes the most important postcode in the city! Strawberries and cream, Pimms and lemonade and a careful balance of sun hat and umbrella will see you through. Assuming you’re not already armed with ballot tickets to the championships, all is not lost to get into the thick of the action. Debenture tickets are readily available at a price, with the best views and access to the best lounges. Why not ask your concierge service for their assistance here.
London really does have a magical appeal during the Summer, and when you are located centrally with access to great service, you’re best placed to enjoy it. So for visits both long and short, start your experience in the space, privacy and comfort of a luxury serviced apartment.
