London | 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.

London in Spring

– The Perfect time for Kensington City Breaks and Weddings

Are you loving the better weather? Spring has officially sprung and here in London we are taking full advantage of the sunnier days and longer evenings. Hopefully, 2025 will bring us even more glorious sunshine. There’s no better ‘pick-me-up’ than feeling the sun on your face and taking some time out from the everyday stresses of life. With so many opportunities coming up for time off – Easter and the school holidays, May bank holidays and the May half-term, now is the perfect time to book a London mini break.

Why Stay in South Kensington?

South Kensington makes a great base for all your travel plans. If you are only in London for a short break, make the most of being close to top attractions like the museums and Buckingham Palace so you can fit as much as possible into your itinerary! Kensington also makes a great choice for longer breaks because there is simply so much to see and do. A longer break in London gives you time to fully explore the Royal Parks at a leisurely pace, enjoy boutique shopping and the many dining opportunities in the area.

Offers at The Bentley Hotel South Kensington

The Bentley is the perfect hotel for a Spring London holiday and stands out as one of the best luxury London hotels. It’s an ideal retreat for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and relaxation. Don’t forget that you can get the best price on rooms and suites when you book direct with us through the website. Plus, enjoy free breakfast and 15% off food and certain treatments in our spa. If you are planning on making your London spring break longer then our ‘Stay Longer Save More’ offer may be the best deal for you. Stay for 4 nights to save up to 20% off your break.

London Spring Wedding Inspo

Spring also means Wedding season is fast approaching! We are excited for the weddings we have planned this year at The Bentley. If you have recently got engaged or are considering a spring London wedding, now is the perfect time to start planning.

Back in October, we shared a blog post with 10 essential steps to planning the perfect London wedding—be sure to check it out! The Bentley is truly one of the best wedding venues in London, offering a central location, exquisite ceremony and reception rooms, and an exceptional dining experience. But that’s not all—our luxury spa, Le Kalon, is the perfect place to unwind with your bridal party before the big day or to enjoy a romantic honeymoon treat.

A unique benefit to our hotel is that we have a selection of honeymoon suites to choose from to complete your wedding experience, including The Imperial Suite with its own steam bath, steam room and jacuzzi.

Let The Bentley hotel take all the stress out of your London wedding and contact us to chat your dream wedding plans. We can work with you to make your magical Kensington wedding a reality!

Whatever your plans this Spring, we’d love to feature! Book your stay or contact us today.

Hidden Gems & Fresh Experiences in South Kensington

As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, March is the perfect time to explore South Kensington’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this refined corner of London offers unique experiences beyond the usual attractions.

Secret Gardens and Springtime Strolls

Hyde Park boasts over 600 acres of green space, which is why it’s a tourist favourite. However, because of its size, it can be so easy to miss some of Hyde Park’s best bits. Take a fragrant stroll through The Rose Garden if visiting from May, or seek out The Dell as one of the lesser-known secluded areas of this iconic park where you’ll be rewarded with a meadow of early flowers in Spring. Venture a little further and reach Holland Park. This beautiful park is a tranquil oasis in Kensington, complete with Kyoto and Fukushima Japanese gardens.

If you love discovering hidden gems, unique rooftop spaces and historic walled enclosures then the London Open Gardens event is for you. Taking place on the 7 & 8^th of June 2025, is London’s annual event where normally closed or hidden green spaces open their gates to be explored! You can get 20% off your ticket now with their early bird offer.

Unusual Cultural Experiences

Skip the crowds at the big museums and explore the Leighton House Museum to discover how a 19^th century artist created a stunning private palace of art. We think it’s a truly fascinating and great London hidden gem.

We know that South Kensington is home to some of London’s most famous museums such as The Natural History Museum and The V&A, but often missed off this list is the fabulous Design Museum, also located near Holland Park. This museum is devoted to contemporary design in a variety of forms, it was even awarded European Museum of the Year in 2018!

Or for a truly unusual cultural experience, enjoy some mind-bending reality at the Paradox Museum!

Exclusive Dining & Cocktails

Something we love is that you are never short of a unique dining experience in South Kensington. Experience seafood and shellfish like never before at the Oyster Bar. Located within the iconic Michelin House where Claude Bosi hosts his main restaurant alongside the Oyster Bar. Claude Bosi loves to make simple cuisine which allows seasonal ingredients to be the star of the show.

Have you ever wondered what life was like visiting a 1920s speakeasy? Now you can in Chelsea at Evans & Peel Detective Agency. Slip into this hidden speakeasy disguised as a 1920s detective’s office and enjoy a sneaky cocktail with great ambience.

Wellness & Relaxation at The Bentley Hotel

After a day of exploring, retreat to our hidden gem – Le Kalon Spa. Home to the rare treat of a luxurious traditional Hammam in the centre of London. Invigorating massages, rejuvenating facials and limited-edition spa packages await to provide the ultimate relaxation so you can experience a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Our latest spa package releases are perfect to welcome the spring months and refresh your body ready for the warmer weather. Spring Joy, Fresh Spring Bloom and Welcome Spring offer a variety of treatment combinations for all looking for the perfect London spring Spa day. In addition to the spring spa packages we also have special edition treatments for Mother’s Day, available to enjoy with your mum this Mother’s Day or as a spa gift voucher to be redeemed at a time of your choice in the next 12 months.

We hope you enjoy discovering some of South Kensington’s hidden gems and even find a few of your own. Book your stay now through our website to get 15% off the best available rate.

New Year, New You!

Indulge in Serenity at Le Kalon Spa

As the holiday season fades, Blue Monday appears right around the corner— this year January the 20^th was deemed the so-called “saddest day of the year”. Are you starting to feel the January blues start to set it?

Who says you have to give in to the gloom?

At The Bentley Hotel Spa, we believe that a little indulgent relaxation can go a long way in lifting your spirits. We invite you to escape the mundane and visit the beautiful surrounds of Le Kalon spa where you can immerse yourself in a luxurious world of serenity and experience one of our exclusive spa packages or our top treatments in the heart of London.

There’s never been a better time to refresh, recharge, and restore your inner calm!

January Detox Packages

2025 is set to be an exciting year for our South Kensington Spa and we’re starting it all off with our delicious January Detox Packages. Crafted to help you detox and recover after the holiday season.

Detox Pamper – Breathe in the relaxing aromatherapy scents and fully cleanse in our traditional Hammam.

Recharge & Rewind – Fully cleanse with a Black Soap and Kessa Mit exfoliation then focus on your head space with an Indian Head Massage and Radiance Facial.

New Year Retreat – Take your pamper to the next level and focus on the whole body, starting with a Rassoul Clay Body Mask, before targeting your back and finishing with a sumptuous facial.

Only available until 31^st January, so don’t miss out!

Winter Spa Packages

Filled with the scents of the season, we have 3 packages which last between 1 – 2 hours designed to combat the effects of the colder weather and leave your skin glowing. Winter & Unwind, Winter Glow and Winter Indulge. Read more about what’s included and pick your preference

Valentine’s 2025

Blue Monday signals only a few weeks till Valentine’s Day. Our Love filled spa packages are now available to book or for a future date as a gift voucher (valid for 12 months). We also have a special Valentine’s offer, which is, 10% off any La Sultane de Saba product purchased with the Valentines packages until end of February, so you can enjoy that spa feeling at home too!

Enjoy a perfect pampering duo with Lush Valentine, combining an aromatherapy massage on the back, neck and shoulders and followed by a tension relieving Indian Head massage at a special price of only £99.

Enjoy the classic combo of chocolate and rose in this special package – To Love and Pamper. An indulgent chocolate scrub and delicate rose facial are included, plus a drizzling with a warm blend of Shea butter and oil before targeting your back in an aromatherapy massage. Or opt to take your journey of love to the next level with our premium experience – Amore Retreat.

Book Your 2025 Spa

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our selection of spa packages, we also have a comprehensive selection of treatments available to book individually. So don’t let the everyday routine weigh you down at the start of 2025. Interrupt the monotony and prioritise your well-being with a visit to The Bentley Hotel Spa for the best London spa experience.

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.

Winter in London 2024/2025 – A Magical Season Awaits at The Bentley Hotel

In recent weeks the temperature has started to drop giving us all a glimpse that winter is on the way. London is already starting to transform into a winter wonderland. Twinkly lights line the streets, markets are selling steaming hot chocolates and we’ve even seen a flurry of snow! Nestled in the heart of Kensington, The Bentley Hotel offers the perfect retreat for your winter getaway, combining luxury with unbeatable proximity to London’s most iconic winter experiences.

Winter in London has something to offer for everybody, from quieter days to busy days around the Christmas period and New Year. With the addition of more holiday time, it makes an ideal time to book your winter London trip.

There’s plenty to do across the capital, like the joys of gliding across an outdoor ice rink! London offers many outdoor skating options like:

Riverside skating at Battersea Power Station
Neoclassical skating vibes at Somerset House Ice Rink
Views of London’s top skyscrapers at Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Tudor Palace scenery at Hampton Court Palace rink

The largest outdoor ice skating rink in the UK and London is right next to The Bentley Hotel in Hyde Park. Offering skating to the delightful tunes of live music from the bandstand. Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland is open from 21 Nov 2024 – 5 Jan 2025, boasting London’s top winter attraction with thrill-seeking rides, games, food & drink, shows and live performances whilst soaking up the natural beauty of one of London’s greatest green spaces – Hyde Park.

If you prefer something quieter, enjoy crisp walks in any of the Royal Parks such as Regent’s Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens, browse the boutique shops in South Kensington, take a trip to a classic London department store like Harrods or Fortnum & Mason, warm up to finish with a hot drink at a local café or our all-day dining option – Le Peridot.

London’s vibrant cultural scene also thrives in winter, with exhibitions, theatre performances, and live music waiting to fill your evenings. The Royal Albert Hall is just around the corner from the Bentley and bursting with wintertime entertainment. New events plus classic events are available, like The Nutcracker performing from the 29^th of December followed by Cirque du Soleil 2025 – Corteo playing from the 9^th of January.

Stay Warm This Winter at The Bentley Hotel

Make The Bentley Hotel your sanctuary this winter. After a day of exploring London, return to the comfort of our elegant rooms and suites, where every detail is designed to pamper you. Everyone loves a good deal, so take advantage of our Winter Warmer Offer, where you can save 15% off the best flexible rate, free full English breakfast, and free WiFi.

Treat yourself to a Winter Spa package to complete your experience. The Bentley Hotel’s luxurious spa offers an array of treatments tailored to beat the winter blues. Whether it’s a soothing aromatherapy massage, a rejuvenating facial, or time in our serene Hammam, our spa packages provide the ultimate relaxation. Plus we have some uniquely curated packages specially planned for the best winter self-care. Take a look here.

Gift Vouchers for our spa treatments, hotel stays, and dining experiences are now available, making the ideal gift for anyone who deserves a touch of luxury. Each voucher is valid for 12 months, offering flexibility and the promise of an unforgettable experience. Take a look at our whole selection plus limited edition Christmas Spa Vouchers.

However you are planning to spend your winter in London The Bentley Hotel provides the ideal base for your explorations. With our exclusive winter offer, luxurious spa packages, and thoughtful gift options, there’s no better time to experience London in its most enchanting season. Book your stay now and let The Bentley Hotel be your haven this winter

10 Steps to the Perfect London Wedding

You’ve just got engaged! So, what’s next? Plan the perfect wedding of course! Whether you’ve been planning your wedding since before you can remember or if you are new to the idea, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. From choosing the ideal venue to finding the perfect dress, you can turn your dream day into reality with the right guidance and a little bit of organisation.

Have you considered hosting your wedding in London? London with its blend of beautiful historic buildings and modern charm has made it one of the world’s top wedding destinations. Popular with royals and celebrities alike! Choose from the grandeur of a Westminster Abbey wedding, where royals like William and Kate exchanged vows, to iconic venues like Old Marylebone Town Hall, where celebrities such as Jude Law, Paul McCartney, and Liam Gallagher have wed, or plan something a little more intimate at one of the many small wedding venues across the capital.

We believe that The Bentley offers the perfect, romantic, London hotel wedding venue. Here in this guide, we discuss 10 essential points to think about when planning your London wedding.

1. Central Location

Location is key in planning a successful wedding. It should be easily accessible for both local and further afield guests whilst being somewhere you and your fiancé love. South Kensington is a popular choice. This gem of a location is close to some of London’s best green spaces like Hyde Park and Kensington Palace & Gardens, London’s top museums, the Royal Albert Hall and more.

2. Elegant Venue

Choosing a venue that reflects your style is key. The Bentley Hotel offers a blend of classic elegance and refined luxury. Think fairy tale wedding, in a world where the walls are swathed in sumptuous silks and the bathrooms are marble lined. We offer a complete package including the ceremony, reception, plus the honeymoon.

3. Beautiful Rooms for You and Your Guests

Accommodating your guests in the same venue can simplify logistics and keep the celebration going. The Bentley Hotel offers 64 luxurious rooms and suites, providing comfort and elegance for your family and friends.

We are one of the few hotels in the world which have a variety of honeymoon suites to choose from. The Imperial Suite is a favourite among many of our guests, offering a large floor plan, grand piano, opulent dining room, including private access to Le Kalon Spa. You can take a look at all our suite options here.

4. Wedding Planning

Choosing a venue which can give guidance on the essentials such as flowers, invitations, photography etc. can relieve a lot of unnecessary stress, allowing you both to fully relax on the day and leading up to the wedding. The Bentley offers a “complete” service which can ensure every detail is seamless.

5. Delicious Dining

A bespoke catering service is essential to your unique London wedding. The Bentley offer tailor-made menus using carefully selected fresh ingredients to suit every palate.

6. Beautiful Ceremony and Reception Spaces

For a memorable wedding, both the ceremony and reception spaces should be stunning. The Bentley’s opulent rooms, including the grand ‘1880 Room’ and the chandelier-lit ‘Alexander Suite,’ offer luxurious settings that can be transformed to fit your vision and will make your London wedding reception dream come alive.

7. Pre and Post Wedding Spa

Not an essential but definitely an added benefit is choosing a venue with its own luxury spa! Kiss goodbye to any pre-wedding stresses with a couple’s spa package or enjoy a last minute celebration with the bridal party to ensure your skin is wedding ready. The Bentley’s Le Kalon Spa, with its hammam and rejuvenating treatments, provides a calming sanctuary to unwind.

You can even continue the relaxation after the ‘I do’s’ with a romantic honeymoon experience for 2.

8. Photogenic Backdrops

On your wedding day you create memories you will re-visit forever, so choosing the best backdrops are imperative. South Kensington is full of beautiful places, like the chic streets, natural beauty of Hyde Park to the grand staircase of The Bentley Hotel. Your photos will be effortlessly beautiful.

9. Transportation

Have your guests arrive in style. There are plenty of options for organising classic cars, limousines or other transportation choices in the area. Speak to The Bentley hotel to find out more.

10. Post-Wedding Brunch

The big day flies by all too quickly so keep the celebration going with a post-wedding brunch. The Bentley Hotel’s dining areas are perfect for a relaxed, intimate brunch the morning after, allowing you to bid farewell to your guests in style.

We know if you choose to host your wedding day in London that it will be magical. We hope that some of these points have been useful at the start of your wedding journey. Contact us if you would like The Bentley Hotel to make your dream wedding a reality.

A Perfect Long Weekend in South Kensington: Your Ultimate City Break Guide

South Kensington is the ideal destination for a long weekend getaway in London and autumn is the perfect season to book your break. Autumn months benefit from less crowds, pleasant temperatures and beautiful orange/gold scenery. South Kensington is an area of London bursting with culture, things to do and luxurious dining options. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to planning your city break. To get you off to a head start we’ve put together a guide for a great long weekend in this iconic area.

Where to Stay: South Kensington

For a true taste of luxury, why not stay at The Bentley Hotel? Located in the heart of South Kensington, this five-star hotel offers elegant rooms, delicious dining, and a tranquil spa—everything you need for a relaxing weekend in London. Plus, book our website special to include a full English breakfast with your stay.

Friday: Day 1 – Arrival & Exploring

Your adventure begins as soon as you arrive in South Kensington. Whether you’re coming by train, bus, or car, getting to this part of London is a breeze. The area is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport, with South Kensington tube station serving as your gateway.

Check-In
Check-in with ease after 3pm. Drop all your bags off and indulge in the luxury surroundings. Feel free to speak to our friendly concierge about any questions or directions you may need for your break.

A Stroll Through Hyde Park
Just a short walk from your hotel is Hyde Park, one of London’s most iconic green spaces. Which makes it perfect to explore and stretch your legs after travelling. Take a leisurely stroll through the park as the sun sets taking in the beautiful autumn atmosphere and work up an appetite for dinner!

Dinner at The Bentley
Start your evening the right way relaxing with a drink or two in Malachite bar before heading over to Le Peridot, The Bentley’s in-house restaurant. Indulge in a decadent meal, It’s the perfect spot to kick off your weekend in style, plus get 15% off if you booked your break through our ‘Website Special’.

Saturday: Day 2 – The Museums

The Museum Tour
Start your first full day with a visit to South Kensington’s museum quarter. There’s so much to see and do here that it can keep you occupied all day!

First on the agenda is the Science Museum, where you’ll find interactive exhibits and fascinating displays about everything from space exploration to future technology. Next, head over to the Natural History Museum, one of London’s most beautiful buildings and explore the wonders of the natural world, from dinosaur fossils to gems and minerals. Finally visit the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), dedicated to art and design. From fashion to sculpture, the V&A’s collections are sure to inspire and amaze.

Lunch & Dinner in South Kensington
With so many fabulous restaurants in South Kensington, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, French, or classic British cuisine, there’s something for everyone. For lunch, try one of the eateries along Exhibition Road just along from the museums, or a restaurant like Honest Burgers on Thurloe Street

For dinner, why not book a table at Claude Bosi’s Bibendum for a Michelin-starred French haute cuisine experience?

Sunday: Day 3 – Shopping & Relaxation

After a day of museum-hopping, Sunday is all about shopping and pampering yourself.

A Morning of Retail Therapy
Start your day with some retail therapy at Fortnum & Mason and Harrods—two of London’s most iconic department stores. Explore their luxury food halls, browse designer fashion, and pick up some souvenirs from your trip. Continue your shopping experience down Kensington High Street, where you’ll find a range of high-end and boutique stores and plenty of places to have lunch.

Afternoon Spa Treatment
After a morning of shopping, head back to Le Kalon Spa at The Bentley Hotel for a relaxing treatment. From soothing massages to rejuvenating facials, you’ll leave feeling completely refreshed and ready for your evening. Take a look at our latest treatment packages.

Cap off your weekend with a fabulous dinner at Launceston Place for European fine dining, Da Mario Kensington for a simple Italian Trattoria or Ognisko for up-scale Polish and Baltic dining. Before seeing a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Monday: Day 4 – A Royal Finish

Make the most of a relaxing breakfast and leisurely check out before 11am at The Bentley. Before you head home, take the time to explore a little more of London’s regal side.

Visit Buckingham Palace & Green Park
No London weekend is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Time it right, and you might catch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Head through to Green Park, and back to Hyde Park where you can enjoy the gardens and take a final walk before making your way home.

That completes your South Kensington city break but there’s plenty more to see like… Kensington Gardens and Palace, the Design Museum, Saatchi Gallery and Holland Park plus not even mentioning the rest of London! So why not book our Stay Longer, Save More offer and save up to 20% off our best available flexible rate for your entire break when you book 4 nights or more, it pays to stay longer!

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!