Category: wimbeldon

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. 

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!