Category: summer

Why Visit London this Summer 2023 – Part 2

Have you booked your London summer break yet? The city is buzzing with a variety of events and activities that are sure to keep you entertained. In our last blog we looked at some of the fantastic events going on across London this summer, but because there were too many to share we thought we would highlight August in a second edition!  

Enjoy the Sun in the Royal Parks 

One of the biggest Summer highlights in the Royal Parks are the Bandstand Concerts. Greenwich Band Stand Concerts are held every Sunday in August at Greenwich Park, these concerts offer a variety of performances in the bandstand and are completely free to attend. With a start time of 3 pm, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon in the sun. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens Bandstand also has a schedule of concerts held into September, and feature a range of musical genres to cater to all tastes. So whether you’re into jazz, pop, or classical, there’s bound to be something to suit you. Take a picnic blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the music!

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, then you’re in luck, there is a performance of Romeo and Juliet on August 12th at St. Johns Lodge Garden in Regents Park as part of the Royal Parks activities. It’s a beautiful setting to watch one of the greatest love stories ever told, so make sure you book your tickets in advance! 

If you’re interested in learning more about the history and horticulture of London’s famous parks, join the walking tour of the oldest Royal Park – St. James’s Park. The Blooms with a View: Horticulture Tour on August 11th is sure to be a highlight. You’ll be able to learn about the different plants and flowers that grow in the park, as well as the history behind this iconic London landmark. 

Good Food with Friends 

Summer is for enjoying good food! There are a variety of food-related festivals happening throughout the city. These events offer the perfect opportunity to taste some of the best food and drink that London has to offer.    

Check out the Hampton Court Food Festival, taking place from 26th-28th August 2023. In this unique historical setting there will be Street Food, Pop-Up Bars, Boutique Drinks, Artisan Producers, Masterclasses, Fete Games and more. A brilliant way to combine site-seeing and dining.  

If you are a fan of craft beer then head on over to Tobacco Dock from 10th-12th of August to sample 800+ beers from over 100 breweries. The best bit… All your beer is included with your ticket! 

Ice cream was made for sunny days and if you have a sweet tooth you can celebrate all things frozen at the Covent Garden Ice Cream Festival returning for another year. It opens from the 10th of August and you can enjoy the festival all the way until the bank holiday weekend.  

Cultural Delights

For some extra cultural experiences, why not attend the Notting Hill Carnival (27 Aug & 28 Aug), Battersea Park Concert (26, 27 & 28 Aug), Greenwich and Docklands Outdoor Arts Festival, or visit The National Gallery’s Drop-in Sessions?

Finally, don’t forget about the world-renowned Proms, which run through August at the Royal Albert Hall. The atmosphere is electric, and the performances are unforgettable. 

With so many events happening in London this August, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy all the city has to offer! If you’re looking for a hotel in the perfect location, near the Royal Parks, Royal Albert Hall and more then why not choose The Bentley? For the best price at best hotels in central London, simply click the ‘Special Offers’ link in the menu. We look forward to seeing you. 

Why Visit London this Summer 2023 – Part 1

London. A jewel in the crown of the UK and one of the greatest cities in the world. There are a million reasons why you should plan a visit to this beautiful city and this summer 2023 is no exception. From the fascinating history to the vibrant culture, delicious food and world-class events… You’ll need more than just a weekend city break! Over the next few posts we are going to highlight some of the best bits. 

One of the biggest highlights in the London calendar has to be Wimbledon. If you’re a fan of tennis, then there is no better place to be to watch the best players in the world compete for the grand title of champion. The pre-cursor to the main championship is at The Queens Club and know this year as the cinch Championship, taking place across 19-25 June. Then the main event of Wimbledon is taking place this summer 2023 across 3-16 July. Tickets for Wimbledon have already been allocated via the ballot but there are up to 500 on-the-day-tickets available every day via ‘The Queue’, plus tickets for the cinch Championship available on their official site. So, there’s still time to be there at Wimbledon 2023. If you already have tickets and are looking for hotels for Wimbledon then make sure to read on. 

Are you ready to party in the park? British Summertime is about to officially kick in with the BST Hyde Park. Held across multiple weekends starting from the 23rd June, BST Hyde Park in London will host incredible shows from legendary music acts and rising stars. Some of the highlights for 2023 will include performances from The Royal Philharmonic, Billy Joel, Lana Del Ray, P!nk, Take That and Alfie Boe.  

Calling all food lovers! ‘Taste’ festival in Regent’s park is a special must-attend highlight this June. Taking place from the 14-18 June, ‘Taste’ converts one of London’s most popular green spaces into a garden party to beat all garden parties. Some of London’s hottest restaurants and chefs will display their talents and serve out-of-this-world dishes and tasty morsels to ignite all your senses. 

Immerse yourself in history and culture at none other than Buckingham Palace. Get a glimpse into Royal life in this iconic landmark, which is open to the public for a limited time starting July 14. Summer is a special time of year to visit because for 10 weeks only the state rooms are opened up to the public, and a number of new exhibitions available. Don’t miss out! 

No matter what your plans are this Summer in London you will need the perfect London Hotel to enjoy your trip to the full. Have you considered staying at The Bentley? We know there is no better choice in London accommodation than our 5* London hotel located in the most convenient location of South Kensington. The hotel is only a short walk away from Hyde Park – so who says that you can’t enjoy 5* luxury at a music festival?? Regent’s Park and Buckingham Palace are also nearby and the hotel is well connected to Wimbledon via the Tube network. With special offers available on stays and the very best prices when you book direct through our website, why not book your stay with us today? We’d love to be your host for any of London’s summer events.

We hope you enjoyed part 1 of why you should visit London this Summer, keep your eyes peeled for more summer events next month. 

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. 

Six Unmissable London Festivals

London is getting warmer and the outdoor events are planned! Who doesn’t love a good festival? An excuse to get together with people, eat new food and enjoy the classic British Summertime. London offers festivals of all types so whatever you are interested in there is an event over the next few months for you. Whether your interests are music, food, theatre, nature, sport, art or even science… In this blog we are going to cover six unmissable London Festivals that are happening this Summer. 
 
Calling all Thespians 
 
Love to belt out some musical numbers? Then West End Live – Saturday 25th June and Sunday 26th June is an event not to be missed. Enjoy completely free performances from West End Musicals – All live in Trafalgar Square. Some performers include classics like Mamma Mia, The Phantom of The Opera and Les Misérables. Check out the full list on the West End Live website. 
 
Music Lovers 
 
Get ready to pull out your festival attire and sing your heart out because BST Hyde Park has music performances booked across 3 weekends throughout June and July. Some musical highlights include; Elton John, Sam Fender and Adele, all set in the stunning scenery of one the Royal Parks. Check out the line ups and where you can buy tickets. 
 
Art Appreciators 
 
Wander through the Masterpiece London Art Fair and purchase or simply view some of the finest works of art, design, furniture and jewellery from antiquity to present day. Held at The Royal Hospital Chelsea from 30 June – 6 July. This year’s 2022 Masterpiece presents two stunning monumental light installations by Anila Quayyum Agha that are a particular must-see visual treat. 
 
Food Aficionados 
 
The world’s greatest food festival, The Taste of London, is happening in Regent’s Park form 15-19 June. Make sure you come with an empty stomach because there are over 100 dishes available with menus available now for you to salivate over. Taste a huge selection of savoury and sweet dishes from the top establishments in London, plus plenty of drink choices to enjoy too! 
 
Horticulture Admirers 
 
Get some inspiration from beautiful garden displays, floral feasts, talks, demos and music at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival from 4-9 July. Plus have the chance to get advice from personalities like Monty Don, Arit Anderson and Hugh-Fearnley Whittingstall. A botanical treat for all nature-lovers. 
 
Science Buffs 
 
Do you know the secrets behind bacteria? If we could power solar panels with berries? Or even if we could heal ourselves with a remote? Get hands on and make your own scientific discoveries at one of London’s biggest science festivals. With workshops and exhibits for all ages. Taking place Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 July at Carlton House Terrace London. 
 
After a fun filled day at a festival you definitely don’t want to have to tackle the drive home. Why not turn your day-trip into a short stay and make the most of your time in London. The Bentley Hotel London is conveniently located in the Royal Borough of Kensington, just across the road from Hyde Park, which makes us a central base for all your travel needs. We offer luxury 5-star accommodation with the very best rates when you book direct through our website. We hope you get chance to visit one of these great London events!

100 Years of Centre Court

Strawberries and cream, luscious grass courts, British Summertime, the Royal Family, the white dress code… What comes to your mind when you think of Wimbledon? Wimbledon is the longest-running tennis tournament in the world and arguably the most prestigious, but where did it all begin?

Tennis hasn’t always been quite like the sport that we know and love today, its history includes French Monks playing a ball game with their hands and shouting ‘Tenez’. Eventually though, hands proceeded to be improved with mitts and many years later the ‘racket’ began to be developed. When the game of ‘tennis’ was in its infancy even Henry VIII was a big fan… He was a keen player who enjoyed playing at his own court. Anne Boleyn was even said to be betting on a game of tennis just before she was taken to the tower of London, it is said she complained that she didn’t get to collect her winnings! Through the invention of better materials and improvements such as bouncy balls opposed to wooden balls, tennis progressed to the outdoor sport that with are more familiar with today. So, it comes as no surprise that England’s fascination with tennis continued to spread to the point where it holds one of the world’s top tennis competitions.

The All England Croquet Club adapted their courts to host the first Wimbledon tennis tournament in 1877 to raise money for their own croquet equipment. However, the event continued from strength to strength and the club quickly changed their name to the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. The rules that they set for the competition, like the scoring being based on a clock face, are essentially the game of tennis that we have now and the same rules are still in operation. Tennis continued its royal connections and the Royal box was introduced at Wimbledon in 1922. Even the future king of England – George VI competed in 1926. The current royal family often make an appearance today.

2022 marks 100 years of centre court and this year the competition is set to be competed between 27 June – 10 July. So, it’s a great time to celebrate Wimbledon and the history of tennis. Hundreds of Centre Court and No.3 Court tickets are released daily throughout the tournament. As well as the opportunity to queue for premium tickets or general ground’s admission to watch games on courts 3 to 18 or join in all the fun on Murray Mound (the newly termed Henman Hill).

Here at The Bentley Hotel Kensington we want to make it easy for you to enjoy the very best Wimbledon experience, we offer a great selection of premium 5* rooms and suites so that you can feel like royalty when you attend one of London’s biggest events of the year. You can easily get right to the centre of the Wimbledon action from The Bentley via the Tube. Make sure to get the very best prices on our best flexible rate and other perks by booking directly here through our website. It’s a busy time of the year – so make sure to plan now so you don’t miss out! 

Enjoy Cooler Evenings In Kensington

The leaves are turning amber and gold, you’re wrapping up in your favourite cosy knit, the hot chocolates are on tap… It has to be autumn time again! Many of us are probably mourning the loss of the sunshine and exclaiming that it is too soon for the colder weather to be upon us but there are definitely a lot of perks to autumn days. Especially autumn days spent in and around Kensington.

At The Bentley Hotel we are right in the hub of Kensington life, nearby to some of London’s top attractions. So not to not leave you wondering what are some of the things to do in London during the cooler September evenings, here are a few ideas.

Fancy a stroll? Evenings lend themselves perfectly to a long walk around one of The Royal Parks. Breathe in that fresh air and relax amongst nature. Interestingly, Hyde Park is open till midnight so you can really make the most of your visit. If you’re someone who likes a bit more structure than just strolling, you can take one of the self-guided walks for that extra special experience. Make sure to check out the Frieze sculpture coming to Regent’s Park for a limited time only from the middle of September.

Is live music is more your thing? You can be serenaded in the intimate setting of the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall to some ‘Late Night Jazz’ or bask in the remainder of the warmer weather with some local performances from musicians at Regent’s Park bandstand each weekend till September 19th.

Whatever you are doing in the day, there is nothing better than rewarding yourself in pure luxury with a stay at The Bentley Hotel. We are here to welcome you to holiday in style with a staycation like no other at one of the premium hotels in Kensington. We can always give you the very best price so book direct with us today.

It may be getting colder outside but it’s always warm nights with us at The Bentley. We look forward to welcoming you!

Visit A Quieter London This Summer 2021

After a very strange 18 months, have you noticed we are finally starting to get back to some sort of normal? The weather is perfect for days out, London trips and enjoying Kensington. Our London spa is very busy as everyone rewards themselves for enduring this long, and the evenings are perfect for enjoying with friends – but London is quiet.

It’s a strange sort of quiet, the shops and attractions are open, but without the influx of visitors from abroad there are no real queues. If you ever wanted to visit Central London, now is the time to book your Kensington hotel stay!

With so many of us working from home, rush hour on the tube is currently just like any other time. Yes we wear masks, but we can sit and read on our journey. The Royal Parks have plenty of picnickers, but the zoos in London aren’t crowded with visitors. As we walk on the streets of Kensington, we have time to stop and admire the buildings, the greenery and the ambience. We aren’t pushed along by a busy crowd, probably the first time in many years!

Enjoy a spa in London and make it a staycation to remember with a 5 star hotel stay. The Bentley Hotel & Spa London has a range of 64 luxuriously designed rooms, each with its own unique charm. Spend the morning exploring Kensington, visiting the exclusive shopping areas at Sloane Street and Kings Road, pausing to enjoy Kensington Palace and Gardens, then, at the end of the day, wind down in a marble bathroom, relax in a bathtub with whirlpool jets. Heaven!

For the best price at best hotels in central London, simply click the ‘Special Offers’ link in the menu. We look forward to seeing you.

What’s Happening In London In September

This September in London promises to be busy. With university students flocking back to their dorms and study halls. Businesses preparing for the holidays to come and the team at The Bentley continuing to offer some of the best luxury and relaxation in Kensington & London. With a perfect location to see London for the great city it is we like to offer you something special, to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Our Kensington location means you get quick access to the entirety of London and so we want to make sure if you are visiting with us this September you aren’t missing out on the great events happening in the capital city.

Last of the Proms

September 10th marks the last prom performance of 2016. This patriotic event will feature British anthems and a flurry of flag waving. The Last Night of the Proms brings the annual celebration of classical music to a rousing close. BBC will be broadcasting the entire event live, so if can’t get tickets you will still be able to enjoy the full event from the comfort of your room at The Bentley.

Image result for last night at the proms

Designing London

Culture can be found throughout London any time of year, however if design and art is what encapsulates your mind and you seek inspiration of composition and style. Don’t just visit London this September; experience all it has to offer in culture between the 17th and 25th 2016. With exhibits across London you will never be far from experiencing something new. Find all the landmark projects here, and even create your own maps with your own exhibit interest on the official site.

Sensational Butterflies

The Natural History Museum also has something interesting on and ever since the 24th of March they have been showcasing their spectacular butterfly collection. Inspire children to take an interest in the world around them and become wise to the true beauty of butterflies.

Take a walk through the wild butterfly garden and try your best to spot as many types as you can from everyday garden breeds to spotlight rare breeds like the Tiger Longwing you could find them all. Only a 4 minute drive away from The Bentley Hotel it’s the ideal place to visit when travelling as a family.

Don’t just visit London this September, experience all it has to offer and stay at The Bentley hotel. Also get more with our sensational suite offer, tailored to provide all of our direct booking guests something a little more luxurious.

Click here for our suite offer.

Whats On In London This August

London this August promises to be a spectacular place. Take your pick from whats on including park pillow fights, carnivals, BBC proms and open air film screenings. There is something for every individual, couple and family here in London this August 2016.

As always we are here to suggest a few key events that should definitely be part of your stay in London this August.

The Royal Family At Buckingham Palace

Now you might not be able to meet the royal family face to face, however you can see one of their residences up close and personal. Buckingham Palace opened its doors to ticket holders on the 23rd of July. Even although this incredible opportunity is running through all the way to the 2nd of October, tickets are selling out fast.

The tour allows you to personal explore the lavishly furnished state rooms, containing some of the greatest treasures and possessions of the royal family.

Items available to be seen include:

  • Paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude
  • Sculpture by Canova and Chantrey
  • Exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain
  • Some of the finest English and French furniture in the world

Even with this tour being available for a limited time every year, each year is special. Every year, the Palace’s summer opening features a special exhibition. This exhibition is always unique and this year it is a celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Notting Hill Carnival 2016

London’s biggest street party is not just big in London as The Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and originated in 1964. Music, food and lots of amazing food is exactly what you need this summer in London.

With the perfect scheduling you can fit so much into the August bank holiday weekend. With sightseeing Friday and Saturday and the energetic carnival Sunday and Monday have the greatest experience this August in London.

The Carnival floats and bands set off at 9am on both Sunday and Monday mornings, running roughly until 7pm both days.

If you are thinking about joining London for this fabulous event or want to know more information, click here.

To find out the newest and exclusive offers for our guests at The Bentley, follow this link. Our sensational suite offer is perfect for a luxury stay in London.