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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!

Spring 2024 in London, South Kensington

Feeling the winter blues lately? Fear not, as the arrival of spring is just around the corner, promising brighter days ahead. The longer days are perfect for exploring London and Spring offers a unique opportunity to see the city as new life emerges and the city comes alive with all the vibrant colours of nature. March-May contains several holiday periods and bank holidays which can make the perfect opportunity to book a mini-break to London. Events such as The London Marathon and the other Spring months offer an ideal time to visit London with fewer crowds compared to the summer months and warmer days than winter.

The Bentley Hotel is nestled in the heart of South Kensington and offers a prime location for seeing London in all its Spring glory. Hyde Park is only a short walk from the hotel and offers a chance to embrace the outdoors. Take a leisurely stroll through the parks, following the picturesque paths and spotting all the newly sprouting daffodils and tulips in early spring or the colourful floral displays as we head further through April into May. If you can’t get enough of London’s green spaces, then Hyde Park is not the only option, each of the Royal Parks offer something unique and beautiful in the amongst the architecture of the city. Visit Kensington Gardens, Green Park, The Regent’s Park and St. James Park all in the vicinity of South Kensington and The Bentley Hotel. There are scheduled walks and walking tours which you can find on the Royal Park’s website and navigating to the events section to see what’s planned. For a more immersive experience of the parks, why not take to the waters of The Serpentine Lake during April and explore Hyde Park from the water. Hire a Pedalo or a Rowboat and relax! Top off the day if the weather’s good and dine al fresco with a delicious picnic!

Another location just a short walk away from The Bentley Hotel is The Royal Albert Hall, an iconic cultural landmark in South Kensington. Make sure to visit this special venue and admire its stunning architecture and rich history. As Spring unfolds, this iconic venue comes alive with a diverse array of shows and performances that appeal to every taste and interest. From classical concerts to contemporary gigs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can also book a guided tour of the hall which offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes, finish this with a very special afternoon tea in amongst the hall’s grandeur.

There is not long to go till the London Marathon 2024, taking place on Sunday 21 April. This event has been taking place since 1981 and is a big moment in the London Yearly calendar. Why not cheer on the participants right near the finish line on The Mall located in St James Park. Have a chance to see professional athletes and laugh at the funny costumes as you join in the vibrant atmosphere of the marathon.

We hope that you see why we think The Bentley Hotel is the perfect location for a Spring break in London this 2024. You can guarantee to have a trip to remember in our luxury 5* rooms and suites. Plus, our spa, Le Kalon, is a haven of relaxation in amongst the busy London metropolis and boasts London’s only traditional Turkish Hammam. As Mother’s Day approaches on Sunday 10th March, we have some special Mother’s Day Spa Packages available to book or as Gift Vouchers. Pampers are available as a relaxing treat for Mum or also available as an experience for two. All our Spa packages can be purchased as gift vouchers, which offer full flexibility, are valid for 12 months and can be purchased with just a few clicks, so no matter the occasion a Bentley Hotel Spa Voucher makes gift giving easy.

London – The City of Love

As 2024 gets into full swing, is love on your mind? Many are thinking about love at this time of year, after leaving December, which is the most popular month for wedding proposals and with Valentine’s Day approaching.

So, whether you have just started a new relationship, are recently engaged or been together for years, every relationship can benefit from taking some quality time out of everyday life to focus on being a couple. No matter the time of year!

When asked the question ‘What is the city of love?’ Paris may immediately spring to mind, but we think there’s no better city for sparking romance than London. After all, the city’s beautiful architecture sets the stage for the perfect romantic backdrop. Take a moment to think about Tower Bridge perfectly illuminated across the shimmering River Thames, the London Eye’s gentle rotation and the regal presence of Buckingham palace… It all lends to creating the perfect atmosphere for a romantic weekend away.

In this article we’ll talk about how to plan a romantic weekend in London.

1. Take a Stroll in the Royal Parks: Let nature’s beauty enhance the connection you share as you wander hand-in-hand through the picturesque landscapes of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens or Regent’s Park. You’ll be spoilt for choice by the green spaces available in London. Top tip! These areas make the perfect spot to plan a romantic London picnic, you can go to town with a luxury hamper or simply pack some chocolate covered strawberries and prosecco to share. It’s guaranteed to go down a treat.

2. Sample London’s Culinary Scene: There are the thousands of eateries available to choose from in London’s comprehensive restaurant scene, whatever your foodie wish you can be sure to be able to satisfy it! Whether you want to go all out and go on a gastronomic adventure by booking a table at a Michelin star restaurant or share an intimate meal in a dimly lit bistro.

3. Explore the City by Water: For a unique perspective on London, why not book a romantic cruise along River Thames. The city takes on a different charm when viewed from the water, with iconic landmarks transforming into silhouettes against the night sky.

4. Date Night in the West End: What better way to cap off a romantic day than with a date night in the West End? Lose yourselves in the world of theatre, where captivating performances and timeless stories unfold on the stage. The West End’s enchanting atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for creating memories that will linger long after the curtains fall.

5. Couples Spa at the Bentley: Unwind side by side, let the stress melt away, and create lasting memories with a Couples Spa Package. It’s the perfect escape from every day and the best London date activity. At the Bentley we have a selection of packages designed specifically for two, which are also available to purchase as gift vouchers to use at the perfect time. What better way to say I love you?

We also have a selection of special edition Valentine’s Day Spa Packages available, which combine the scents of love into a sumptuous experience to immerse all the senses. We also offer 10% La Sultane de Saba products with these packages.

No matter the season, London emerges as an ideal destination for a romantic break. Elevate your experience by opting for a stay in a luxury suite at The Bentley, where spacious opulence takes your plans to another level. Plus, why not consider booking our Date Night package to add some extra special touches to your break, like pre-dinner cocktails, dinner included and spa perks.

We hope to see you soon at The Bentley Hotel and Spa London.

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Tag: Luxury