Music | The Bentley Hotel Blog

Embrace the Changing Seasons in the Heart of the City

Most of us dread the end of warmer weather, but as August draws to a close, it’s time to look forward to the new seasons ahead. Autumn brings a blend of lingering warmth, beautiful backdrops as the leaves start to change colour, and quieter days across London. In fact, it might just be one of the best times of the year to book your London break!

Explore the Beauty of The Royal Parks

One of the top locations to experience the very best of autumn in London is The Royal Parks.

These iconic green spaces come alive with the colours of the season, offering the perfect setting for an autumnal stroll. Hyde Park, with its over 3,000 trees including beech, chestnut, and lime, transforms into a sea of vibrant reds, fiery oranges, and golden yellows.

It’s a photographer’s paradise, with countless opportunities to capture Instagram-worthy shots of you, your family and friends amongst the stunning landscapes.

The Royal Parks Half Marathon, held on October 13th, 2024, is a fantastic way to combine fitness with the beauty of the season. The route takes you through four of London’s Royal Parks, providing a unique opportunity to experience these historic spaces in a new and exciting way.

Cosy Up in London’s Historic Pubs

As the weather cools, London’s historic pubs become even more inviting. Autumn is the perfect time to indulge in hearty British cuisine, with menus featuring classic dishes like roast dinners, fish and chips, and savoury pies. South Kensington has some great traditional English pubs, like The Hereford Arms, or the Anglesea Arms on Selwood Terrace where Charles Dickens once resided.

Imagine settling into a cosy corner, enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire while savouring a comforting meal and soaking up the history. It’s an experience that perfectly captures the essence of autumn in the city.

Experience London After Dark

As the nights draw in, London offers a range of unique experiences that come to life after dark. Many of the city’s museums and galleries host special evening events during the autumn months, allowing visitors to explore their exhibits in a whole new light.

From after-hours tours to themed nights, these events offer a different perspective on some of London’s most famous cultural institutions.

Autumn Is a Celebration of Culture

Autumn in London is also a time of vibrant cultural events and festivals. The Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington is a great place to spend an Autumn evening. With events lined up such as, Avatar Live in Concert, Dua Lipa, Aurora, and an Evening with Stephen Fry to the continuation of the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. Plus, there is still an opportunity to get ‘on-the-day tickets’ to the Proms all the way up to the grand finale on the 14^th of September.

The EFG London Jazz Festival, running from November 15th to 24th, is another must-see event, featuring over 300 performances across 70 venues.

If you are looking for a hotel nearby to the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Parks and the museums then check out our rooms and suites at The Bentley Hotel. Conveniently placed to provide you with the luxury London stay you deserve. Plus, our spa offers the perfect way to round off any autumn London break.

Warm up on your return to the hotel with a heated stone massage or a cleansing, steamy Hammam session. We’d love to see you this Autumn! Why not book your stay today?

Luxury Family Holidays at The Bentley

How are you planning to entertain the kids this summer? Why not book a trip they’ll remember that’s both fun and educational? There’s no better place to visit than the capital! London is a city brimming with culture, history and endless activities for children and adults alike. In this blog we’ll talk about why London should be your summer holiday destination, how to make the most of it with the kids and why The Bentley Hotel makes the perfect base in the best location.

Free Events in London for Families

You don’t get a lot for free these days, but London offers plenty of fun activities to do that won’t cost you a penny! Perfect when you have several kids to please.

Top of this list has to be the museums! Begin your journey with a trip to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, just a short walk from the Bentley Hotel. All will be amazed by the mesmerising displays, dinosaur exhibits, and the hands-on activities designed to inspire your little ones. There is also the brand-new garden experience which opens this month and offers a special insight into nature featuring a living laboratory.

Handily, close to Natural History Museum is the Science Museum, which contains interactive exhibits, and an iMAX cinema where you can delve into the wonders of the universe. Plus, other events like the Wonderlab, a spectacular interactive gallery, ‘Power Up’ a hands on gaming experience featuring the best video games from the past 50 years, or maybe your kids have always wanted to have a sleepover in a museum? Which is possible with Astronights!

At the V&A Museum South Kensington, this museum hosts a selection of family friendly events. Well-worth a visit is Young V&A, which is a tube ride away from the Kensington museum, but a space where families can imagine, play and design, designed especially for young people.

The Southbank Centre has a range of free family events scheduled this Summer, from choirs and young jazz musicians to carnival fun and art workshops. Stroll along the Thames soaking up the atmosphere and maybe even pop by the Tate Modern to enjoy the free art installations and exhibitions guaranteed to inspire visitors of all ages.

Another place that the kids will love are the Royal Parks, perfect for using up some energy with acres of space to run and play and all completely free. Follow planned walking routes or just explore the grounds and gardens of Hyde Park, Green Park, St-James Park and many more.

Concerts and Shows for the Whole Family

There’s no better feeling than experiencing a show live on stage! At The Royal Albert Hall there are lots of performances and shows scheduled over the next few months. The main event being The BBC Proms. Your kids may love The CBeebies Prom 11 & 12 – Wildlife Jamboree on Saturday 27^th July 2024 or the Doctor Who Prom 47 & 48 on Monday 26^th August. No tickets available? Don’t worry you can always go ‘Promming’! Promming tickets allow you to book on the day for just £8.

Complete Your Holiday

After a busy day with the children, retreat to the luxury of the Bentley Hotel. This five-star gem is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort so you can enjoy some me-time whilst still holidaying with the family. Families especially appreciate the spacious rooms and suites and the hotels proximity to London’s top attractions, making it an ideal base for your family trip to London.

Holidaying with the kids you need a little time to unwind, so why not book yourself a spa session at Le Kalon Spa? A range of treatments are available depending on how much time you have. Take a look at the selection of latest packages available here.

Need more info? The concierge is always on hand to help you plan your days and make the most out of your stay at The Bentley Hotel.

Book Your London Stay

Don’t wait—book your stay at The Bentley Hotel and embark on a London adventure filled with discovery, excitement, and cherished family memories. Your perfect family holiday awaits in the heart of London!

What to do in London in July?

July in London is a vibrant time, brimming with diverse activities and events that cater to a wide range of interests. As the weather improves and thoughts turn to holidays, there are more and more reasons to visit London this July.

The city’s warm weather provides the perfect backdrop for exploring London’s outdoor attractions.

At the height of summer, London is generally around 23C (70F) with peak temperatures around 30C (90F), making London outdoor events the choice for many.

Hampton Court Palace is amazing all year round, but RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is the finest way to immerse yourself in vibrant summer blooms.

The largest annual flower show in the world, RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival runs from 2^nd – 7^th July 2024 and is a plethora of gardens to admire, talks to inspire, food to enjoy and of course, lots of plants.

Outdoor theatres, such as Regents Park Open Air Theatre as well as Pop up outdoor cinemas throughout city are a great way to enjoy the weather with this unique watching experience.

As we move into summer, details are also being finalised and tickets are available for most of the festivals and concerts throughout the month, for example:

With the aim of bringing artists, audiences and communities together, Spitalfields Music Festival 2024 runs from 27^th June – 10^th July with events around the borough so that everyone can find, explore and share extraordinary music in one of the most vibrant areas of London.

Starting Friday 28^th June, BST Hyde Park confirm that 2024 line-up includes:

– Kings Of Leon (Sunday 30^th June),

– Robbie Williams (Saturday 6^th July),

– Shania Twain (Sunday 7^th July)

– and Kylie (Saturday 13^th July)
will join to make a fantastic few weeks of live music in the capital!

As well as ticketed events, there are plenty of free things to do in London in July.

The wonderful Royal Parks, loved by young and old alike and suitable for picnics and staying calm amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

And never forget our many fascinating museums and galleries, such The British Museum, The V&A, Science Museum (brilliant for enquiring minds during the school holidays!) and National Portrait Gallery – all of which are perfect if the weather isn’t on your side after all!

The Bentley Hotel is ideally placed to enjoy all that London has to offer this July. Our lavish rooms with marble ensuite bathrooms are the perfect place to rest your head after a day exploring the city, while our traditional hammam (unique in London) and luxury spa packages are exactly what you need to refresh your senses.

See our Special Offers page for our latest deals, and as always, book direct for the best prices.

South Kensington Events to Fill Your Calendar

As the days grow longer and warmer, the city of London gears up for plenty of Spring/Summer events and exhibitions across the next few months. The Bentley Hotel is conveniently placed right amongst some of the best events London has to offer. Situated in the sought-after area of South Kensington, The Bentley shines out as a beacon of luxury and relaxation, guaranteeing to provide an unforgettable stay in a handy location so you can enjoy your stay to the full. In this blog, we will look at some of the top events in and around the area of South Kensington.

The Great Exhibition Road Festival South Kensington – Join this celebration of art, science, and culture right on the doorstep of The Bentley Hotel. From live demonstrations to hands-on activities and interactive displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this vibrant festival of ideas. Taking place from the 15-16 June.

Natural History Museum, Birds Bizarre and Brilliant – South Kensington is the home to many of London’s famous museums like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and The V&A Museum, which all make an excellent day out, jam-packed with things to see and do. One exhibition that is ruffling a few feathers is the Birds Bizarre and Brilliant at the Natural History Museum. This exhibit opens on May 24^th and runs until 5^th January, helping visitors discover the secrets to birds’ success and learn of their surprising story of survival.

Science Museum, Power Up – Not moving far from the Natural History Museum we get to the Science Museum and this summer they have an exciting exhibition which explores the history of gaming. Embark on a journey of nostalgia as you enjoy retro classics, all the way up to modern day virtual reality gaming. It’s the perfect family event for the summer that your kids won’t want to leave.
BST Hyde Park – In amongst the beautiful surroundings of Hyde Park, the iconic British Summertime festival takes to the stage. With acts such as Shania Twain, Kings of Leon and Robbie Williams you’re promised unforgettable performances. Taking place from 29 June – 14 July, get your tickets now to be a part of the action.
Taste of London Festival – Held in Regent’s Park 13- 15 June, this gastronomic extravaganza brings together the city’s top chefs, restaurants, and food enthusiasts into a delicious event unlike no other. Sample different culinary delights from the various stands, tasting sessions, demonstrations and immersive experiences and enjoy the celebration of London’s culinary scene.

These are just a few of the events that we are excited for over the next couple of months without even mentioning The Chelsea Flower Show (21-25 May) and of course the event of the summer – Wimbledon (starting 1 July)! There are screenings of UEFA 2024 matches throughout the city too, as well as the upcoming Bank Holiday to take advantage of! Keep your eyes peeled for more summer events highlighted in our blog and make sure to book your stay to complete your London visit. If you are planning to extend your stay, make sure to check out our ‘Stay Longer Save More’ London hotel offer and save 20% on our best public rate. Our Summer Spa Packages will also be live from 24^th May. We can’t wait for Summer – can you?

Top Five Things to Do in Kensington

Are you wondering what to do in South Kensington? This beautiful borough is home to some of the best places to visit in London. See our top five things to do in Kensington below.

1. Take Your Pick of Museums!

If you love to spend an afternoon immersed in culture, then South Kensington has it all with a host of museums to visit. The V&A, Natural History and the Science Museum, are all within a short walk of each other. Rather than choose which you want to visit, why not spend some time at them all! During this autumn here are some of the exhibition highlights: Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at the V&A, Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination at the Science Museum, plus the return of the huge Diplodocus replica – Dippy Returns at the National History Museum!

2. See a Performance at the Royal Albert Hall

This iconic Victorian venue has been showing a variety of performances for 150 years! Nestled right in the heart of South Kensington, the hall has events, guided tours, and exhibitions available to book tickets for. Swing dance the night away across the dancefloor of the auditorium on 27 Sep, listen to soundtracks of your favourite films performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra throughout this autumn, or relax with some Late Night Jazz in the Elgar Room.

3. Go Royalty Spotting at Kensington Palace and Gardens

As the official London residence of the newly titled Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Kensington Palace is a beautiful place to immerse yourself in Royal History. Take a tour of this stunning abode and discover the childhood of Queen Victoria who grew up at the palace. Also able to view are the Kings and Queens State Apartments. You’ll be amazed at the grandeur!

4. Shop British on Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is one of London’s high–end shopping areas, containing big designer names to specialist boutiques. It is most famously the home to the classic British department store – Harrods. Browse their catalogue of luxury goods and famous brand names, then treat yourself to seasonal patisserie served on glamorous pink crockery at the Jimmy Choo Cafe.

5. Find a Hidden Gem at Portobello Road Market

With stalls stretching as far as a mile down Portobello Road, this market is one of the world’s largest antique, bric-a-brac and vintage clothing markets! It’s a hub of culture and community as people come together from all over London and the world to see what this colourful street has to offer. Expect to find delicious street food, talented musicians and unique items when visiting this special street market.

These are just 5 of our top things to see in South Kensington, but there are many more interesting places to explore. You will need more than a day to appreciate what this fabulous area of London has to offer. If you are looking for somewhere to spend the night that represents the glamour of South Kensington, then The Bentley Hotel is perfectly located to enjoy all these attractions and much more. With a superior selection of luxury 5* rooms and suites, book via our website for the very best prices and a discount on our best available rate. See our special offers page here. We look forward to welcoming you and hope you have a great time in South Kensington!

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot in London

Are you enjoying the summer sun? 2022 has certainly been a hot summer so far with record temperatures broken, plus even more good weather to come! It’s no fun sat behind a desk so come join us in London to make the most of the sunshine. London is hosting some superb summer events throughout August and into September that you’ll definitely want to be a part of. Plus, if you can’t get the time off now, don’t forget about the bank holiday weekend – Perfect for a long weekend luxury city break in Kensington at The Bentley 5* Hotel.

A shared pastime, loved by all, has to be eating and drinking in the sunshine! There are plenty of alfresco dining options in London available to enjoy. From roof top bars with spectacular views of the city, to pop up events designed to tickle your tastebuds. Covent Garden’s many outdoor dining areas are spread across seven streets and combine a huge range of cuisines from around the world.

For the ultimate al fresco experience, why not take a picnic to one of London’s top green spaces. Hyde Park is just a short distance away from The Bentley. With plenty of spots to spread your blanket and relax, including on the banks of the Serpentine Lido. The lido is a 100m open water swimming area found within Hyde Park. Open from 10am till 6pm you can cool off from the summer heat after a delicious picnic and take a relaxing swim. Bliss!

If you’d rather stay dry, then why not plan your picnic to coincide with one of the free Hyde Park Bandstand concerts happening from 2pm-4pm on select weekends throughout August and into September. See the Melodians Steel Orchestra on Sunday 21st August, Orquesta Mambarito on Saturday 10th September or the Snowdown Colliery Band on Sunday 18th September.

With all that time in the sun you want to be sure that your skin is looking its best. So we have you covered at The Bentley Hotel’s Le Kalon Spa. There is still time to book our summer spa packages to complete the perfect London city break. Our three packages: Summer Pamper, Golden Summer and Summer Delights, each feature a combination of treatments specially curated to refresh your skin and leave it glowing, ready for the sunshine!

We hope you have a fabulous summer and choose to come and visit London with us at The Bentley Hotel South Kensington, you won’t regret it!

Enjoy the BBC Proms with The Bentley

One of the closest London attractions to The Bentley is the highly esteemed concert hall – the ‘Royal Albert Hall’. It has hosted a whole range of events and artists during its 150 years, but arguably most famously, each year it hosts the BBC Proms – an eight-week musical extravaganza. This year it will feature 84 concerts and a massive 3000 musicians, performed between the 15 July and the 10 September 2022.

You can be sure to hear a whole range of musical genres and a celebration of orchestras and ensembles from around the world. A special highlight will include performances from a brand-new orchestra the ‘Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra’ made up of recently refugeed Ukrainian musicians. The theme this year is commemorating 100 years of great British broadcasting. It will feature all our favourite BBC brands and some beloved songs from the greatest shows.

Yet again the whole series of concerts will culminate in a huge musical finale that is the Last Night of the Proms. You could be there amidst the all the highlights of the Proms, jam-packed into one event. Schedules for the line ups are available now and tickets are available to purchase through the website.

There is also an opportunity to go ‘Promming’. Promming is a tradition that is held by the BBC Proms where you can go and enjoy all the joys of the event for a mere £7.12. Around 1000 standing tickets to each of the events are reserved for promming and will be released on the day of the event at 10:30am with the exception of some of the Proms which will be released the day before. So even if the event you’re desperate to attend is sold out… There is still the chance to go!

The Bentley is the perfect choice if you plan to visit any of The Proms, situated in South Kensington, less than a mile away from the iconic venue. You can take a short taxi trip across to the Royal Albert Hall from the hotel or even enjoy a leisurely walk towards Hyde Park to your event. We have a large selection of 5* rooms and suites to choose from which will be sure to make your trip a memorable one. Book directly through our website to receive our best flexible rate along with a range of perks to enhance your stay. We look forward to welcoming you at The Bentley Hotel South Kensington, the best hotel in London! And we hope you get to enjoy some of the finest musical performances London has to offer.

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Category: Music