Autumn | The Bentley Hotel Blog

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?

The Top 5 Spa Treatments for Ultimate Relaxation

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to relax and rejuvenate is more important than ever. What better way to unwind and pamper yourself than by indulging in a luxurious spa treatment? As one of the best spa hotels in London, the Bentley Hotel offers an array of world-class spa treatments that will transport you to a realm of tranquillity and bliss. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 5 spa treatments that are sure to provide you with the ultimate relaxation experience.

Number 1: Swedish Massage:

The Swedish massage is a classic spa treatment known for its ability to promote relaxation and ease tension in the body. It involves long, gliding strokes, kneading, and gentle tapping. A Swedish massage is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and relieve stress which is why it is a firm favourite

Number 2: Hot Stone Massage:

A hot stone massage takes relaxation to the next level. Smooth, heated stones are placed on key points of the body, allowing their warmth to penetrate deeply into the muscles. This treatment is excellent for easing muscle tension and promoting a sense of tranquillity and balance.

Number 3: Facial:

Facials are not only great for your skin but also incredibly relaxing. They typically include cleansing, exfoliation, and the application of nourishing masks and serums. A skilled therapist tailors the treatment to your skin’s specific needs, leaving you with a radiant complexion and a deep sense of rejuvenation.

Number 4: Aromatherapy Massage:

Aromatherapy massages combine the benefits of massage therapy with the soothing effects of essential oils. Different essential oils are used depending on the nature of the massage and its desired effects. The scents and therapeutic properties of the oils enhance the massage, making it a holistic and relaxing experience.

Number 5: Body Scrub and Wrap:

This treatment refreshes and rejuvenates the skin, giving it the attention it deserves. The full body scrub is often combined with different oils and sugars to remove dead skin cells and followed by a nourishing body wrap to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. The experience is not only incredibly relaxing but also leaves you with soft, glowing skin.

Spa treatments are more than just a luxury; they are a means to escape, relax, and recharge. These are the top 5 most popular spa treatments and we have them all available to book at the hotel! Our treatments are available to book individually, combined in treatment packages or to purchase as spa gift vouchers for a special loved one. Why not check out our spa packages page to see our limited edition seasonal experiences? Our Autumn Spa Packages are still available to book for a limited time and our Christmas Spa experiences are due for release soon. So keep your eyes peeled!

You’re sure to find the perfect treatment to enhance your London spa day. Experience a world of relaxation and rejuvenation right in the heart of London. Your journey to wellness and serenity begins at The Bentley Hotel!

Autumn Delights in London

Autumn has well and truly arrived in London. The trees are looking beautiful showing their spectacular colours in all their glory. Red, amber, and gold leaves carpeting the floor – a promise of the colder weather to come. The Royal Parks are the perfect place to see the beautiful displays of this majestic season. Wrap up warm and take a stroll straight from the lobby of The Bentley Hotel across to Hyde Park for an escape from London’s city life. Enjoy this haven of green space as you take one of the many trails that pass through the park, admiring the calming presence of the Serpentine. Nothing says autumn better then warming your hands on a delicious creamy hot chocolate, surrounded by nature, so make sure to add the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen to your route and plan a little treat!

Some people may say that the downfall of this delightful season are the darker nights, but here in London we love the chance to explore the capital lit up by night. Arguably, this is when London comes to life! Plus, the darker skies give us the perfect backdrop to enjoy light displays and fireworks events.

Have you had chance to explore the largest public art commission in the world yet? This autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the Illuminated River display. You can download a map here and find out other ways that you can tour this special event. Completed in 2019, the 3.2 miles of illuminated art celebrate the key role that London’s bridges continue to play as part of the capital’s identity, linking the whole city together. See all nine bridges uniquely lit in a special tribute to London.

If you don’t fancy walking, then the London by Night open-top double-decker tours allow you to see all the top sights, from the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament through to Tower Bridge. It’s a wonderful way to see London in under 2 hours and experience the joys of an open top bus.

There are so many things to do in London this Autumn, with the addition of late-night shopping to the return of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland on Nov 18th. Make sure to take advantage of this beautiful time of year and book a few days away in the capital. We would love to welcome you at The Bentley Hotel South Kensington. Our 5* luxury rooms and suites will make your holiday in London truly special. We can always offer you the best rates on our website, plus extra rewards for booking direct! Plan your stay in one of London’s top hotels today.

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Category: autumn