Wimbeldon | The Bentley Hotel Blog

Your London Events Calendar May/June

With 2025 well underway, some of London’s most famous events are filling up the calendar. Not to mention, 2 bank holiday weekends on the horizon! Are you planning to spend your bank holiday in London? It’s the perfect opportunity to book a longer break to make sure you tick off everything on your London plan.

Luxury Vacations in South Kensington

Why not make your London break extra special? Book to stay at The Bentley and stay in one of our 5* luxury rooms or suites at The Bentley Hotel. We know it’s the little touches which take your stay to the next level, which is why we pride ourselves on the exquisitely lavish décor of our rooms and suites which enhance any break, complete with fully marbled bathrooms and bathtubs with whirlpool jets. It’s perfect for a relaxing luxury London vacation!

For how to make the best use of 4 days in London, check out our previous blog – A Perfect Long Weekend In South Kensington: Your Ultimate City Break Guide. It’s a useful plan for how to spend a long weekend in London, ideal for the upcoming May bank holidays. Including visits to Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, the museums, shopping and even time for some relaxation in the spa. You won’t be left thinking what to do in London this bank holiday.

What’s on in London this May

It’s not just the May bank holiday’s that we are looking forward to in London for 2025. Also arriving in May is the long-awaited Chelsea Flower Show. Running from Tuesday 20^th May – Saturday 24^th May. Available to book tickets now.

Don’t want to splash the budget visiting the Chelsea Flower Show? Visit the London free flower show – Chelsea in Bloom to see the streets of Chelsea and other surrounding London boroughs lined with fabulous floral displays. This year Chelsea in Bloom is celebrating it’s 20^th anniversary and the theme is Flowers in Fashion. Over 100 shops and businesses get involved in producing various installations and window displays with multiple prizes up for grabs. Come and visit Chelsea from Monday 19th to Sunday 25th May to pick your floral favourites!

What’s on in London this June

Just like that, June is also just around the corner. Kicking off the month with some more floral action is the London Open Gardens event on the 7^th and 8^th of June. Explore some of London’s best hidden green spaces which are normally closed to the public.

As we move through June, Taste London is back for another year. Returning to Regent’s Park from 18^th-22^nd June, this fab London food festival is serving up some delicious dishes to tickle your tastebuds. If you love dining in London, then the London Taste Festival is for you. Combine this great celebration of London street food with a celebration of London musical theatre! West End Live is also taking place on the 21^st and 22ⁿ^fof June, the free festival where you can see some of the top stars perform numbers from some of London’s leading musicals.

Finally, we are excited to be able to finally talk about Wimbledon 2025! There are less than 100 days to go till the championships and the start of Queens. Taking place form 30 June – 13 July, now is the time to start looking for where to stay in London for Wimbledon! We’ll talk more about how to get tickets for Wimbledon 2025 if you weren’t successful in the ballot in a future blog.

We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some of what to do in London this Spring and how to spend your May bank holiday weekend in London. We’d love to see you check in to the Bentley for a convenient luxury base in the heart of South Kensington.

Top London Events 2025

Are you ready for London 2025? 2024 is fast coming to a close and what a year it has been! From Swifties descending for the Era’s tour to west-end revivals… The city of London has come alive with events and hosted some of the UK’s top moments.

2025 is already promising to be no exception and set to be just as unforgettable. Packed with thrilling events, cultural spectacles, and world-class attractions. Are you planning a visit to London in 2025? Here’s what will make your city break 2025 the best yet with some important London 2025 events to add to your calendar.

1. New Year’s Fireworks

London’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display will kick off 2025 with a bang! With the Thames as the backdrop, expect a dazzling array of pyrotechnics synchronised to music in an all-out display.

2. Wimbledon

One of the biggest highlights of the London 2025 events calendar has to be the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Taking place from 30th June to 13th July 2025. Have you entered the ballot? Hopefully you are successful, but if not… There are plenty of chances to get tickets during the tournament!

3. BST Hyde Park 2025

British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park is back with a stellar lineup of music superstars performing in one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. Tickets are already on sale for some of the hottest artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahn, with many artists still to be announced. Make sure to keep checking to avoid disappointment.

4. London Marathon

Set for April 27, 2025, the TCS London Marathon will see thousands of runners, including Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee, taking on the iconic 26.2-mile course. It doesn’t matter if you’re not participating, this event attracts thousands of spectators who love to get involved in all the action! Why not come and watch?

5. Grand Sumo Tournament

For the first time in 34 years the Grand Sumo Tournament is being held in London at the Royal Albert Hall. This rare treat for sports fans will allow them to witness the strength, tradition, and skill of Japan’s finest wrestlers which usually doesn’t leave Japan.

These are just 5 of the top events planned for London for 2025, there are so many other highlights from sports like the Women’s Rugby World Cup, cultural events like the opening of the Elvis Evolution Immersive Experience, to summertime favourites such as Notting Hill Carnival 2025. Plus, major tours from some top artists like Coldplay and Oasis.

London promises a year to remember, so plan ahead to make the most of these incredible experiences.

Book a hotel to truly enjoy your London 2025 break. The Bentley Hotel offers a luxury experience to take your trip to the next level. Our stunning rooms and suites will be the icing on the cake to your London 2025 getaway. Complete with its very own spa, you won’t want to leave! Make sure to check our Special Offers page for the best South Kensington Hotel Deals.

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?

Are You Ready for Wimbledon 2024?

The iconic Wimbledon Championships are nearly here! During the weeks of July 1 to July 14 2024, the oldest tennis tournament in the world will unfold on the pristine lawns and grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Thousands of portions of Strawberries and Cream will be sold and glasses of Pimm’s poured amidst the excitement as players compete for the chance to be crowned a champion.

Did you enter the Wimbledon ticket ballot? If you weren’t fortunate to win tickets this year, there is no need to fear as Wimbledon remains one of the very few major sporting events where you can buy premium tickets and grounds passes on the day of play! In this article we will review how to get tickets for Wimbledon 2024 and how to plan your trip.

Firstly, if you were one of the chosen ones who snagged tickets in the ballot, then your journey to Wimbledon begins with planning your London stay. South Kensington is a popular choice for accommodation, situated on the District Line only a handful of stops away from Southfields and Wimbledon. It offers a convenient location in a sought-after area of London, close to the museums and the Royal Parks. If you are looking for a Luxury Wimbledon hotel in this area loved by spectators and players alike, then you should definitely consider a stay at The Bentley Hotel South Kensington. This luxurious retreat offers a regal ambiance and impeccable service, setting the stage for an unforgettable Wimbledon experience. Take a look at our luxury rooms and suites here.

How to Get Tickets to Wimbledon 2024

If you aren’t a Wimbledon ticket holder currently, then here’s how to get tickets. Wimbledon’s famous ‘Queue’ offers a unique experience and a great day out. After all queuing is what us Brits do best… Right? It doesn’t even have to be a chore if you do it well. Make sure to book your Wimbledon hotel the day before you plan to go so you can get to the grounds hassle-free and in plenty of time. The earlier you start the quicker you can expect to get in the grounds, so, if you want to be there in time for the start of the matches then make sure to be there as early as possible. The grounds don’t open till around 10am so we recommend bringing things to keep you entertained like a picnic, a book or a pack of cards, plus a blanket to sit on so you can rest your legs! Finally, just remember to soak in all the atmosphere and camaraderie of Wimbledon because it is truly unique.

Once you make it to the gates and receive your grounds pass then you will be able to access all courts including No.3 Court, Court 12 and Court 18, as well as The Hill, where you will be able to see all the action from Centre and No.1 Courts. These tickets are excellent value and great for if you are searching for cheap tickets to Wimbledon.

If you are looking for Centre Court tickets, No.1 Court or No.2 court tickets then there are 500 tickets available each day. This requires a more intensive queuing experience and arriving several days in advance, but it can be done! An easier and cheaper way to access these tickets can be through the ticket re-sell kiosks once you’re inside the grounds, these tickets can then be purchased at a reduced fee as they become available throughout the day.

Within the vast Wimbledon grounds, there is something for everyone, from unique experiences and activities, bars with a view and stunning displays, without even mentioning the tennis! We can’t guarantee you’ll get round it all in a day but we can guarantee an excellent day out. Plus, with the Bentley hotel as your base your Wimbledon Experience will be a delight from beginning to end. So what are you waiting for? Book your Wimbledon 2024 trip today!

Photo by Poppy

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.

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 June With The Bentley Hotel

June. The month where summer officially starts but we all wish it was a little sunnier. The month where Wimbledon delights the public and we celebrate our fathers for all they have done for us.

Make the most of London in the month of June with some great suggestions from The Bentley.

At The Bentley we want to make sure you are making the most of your time in London by providing you with luxurious accommodation, activities and events to attend during your visit.

Father’s Day 2016

With Father’s Day fast approaching it’s time to plan an amazing day out in London visiting the sites, Museums and enjoying a delectable lunch. Why just make plans for a day when you could truly show your appreciation and make it a weekend away in London. Here you can find the best assortment of pubs, theatres, restaurants and so much more. No matter your fathers taste there is something for you to do together. Dine in luxury at The Bentley where we offer private dining and special offers to make the most of your stay. Find our menus here.

Serve up Summer At Wimbledon 2016

Did you know the first Wimbledon championship took place in 1877? This makes it the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It’s enriched with tradition as well as modern influences. For instance Wimbledon once used white balls, however when the events started to be film they changed the ball to yellow to allow it to be seen more easily on television.

Going to Wimbledon is a must do this June. The atmosphere is buzzing and welcoming for anyone from anywhere. You don’t even need a ticket to go. Henman Hill (Murray Mound) offers a huge screen for your watching pleasure. Just grab a picnic blanket and some Pim’s and enjoy the Wimbledon experience without splashing out. Of course nothing compares to being on Centre Court seeing first hand athletes competing for the beautiful Wimbledon trophy. Just be sure to book tickets soon, because they are in high demand.

There is so much London has to offer this June so why not book a stay at The Bentley. Find out about our latest offers here, to get the most of your visit.

Enjoy Wimbledon Finals Week With The Bentley 6 – 10 JULY 2015

With the finals just days away the Wimbledon excitement is reaching fever pitch. Whether you have managed to secure tickets or have been following the action from the comfort of your couch, The Bentley Hotel in Kensington is offering extra special Wimbledon treats. Take your pick from a Delicious Three Course Wimbledon Lunch or a Quintessentially British Wimbledon Afternoon Tea.

Delicious Three Course Wimbledon Lunch

Enjoy a lovely lunch in the last few days of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships with friends and family dining at our exclusive Kensington restaurant, Peridot. The special Wimbledon menu features a sumptuous 3 course festive menu along with a glass of chilled fine Champagne or Pimm’s with lemonade and selection of teas.

Price: £35.00 per person – To make a reservation please call t: 020 7244 5555

Wimbledon Afternoon Tea

Two quintessentially British afternoon activities, tennis and afternoon tea come together at Peridot during the Wimbledon games. Indulge with delicious afternoon tea selection of sandwiches and cream-slathered strawberries, sipping sparkling wine or Pimm’s with lemonade.