Spring | 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.

Spring Self Care at The Bentley Hotel

Spring is arriving early in London, are you ready? There’s no stopping the approach of warmer weather as Spring rolls in more rapidly than we were expecting! Daffodils and crocuses are in full bloom and (nearly a full month early!) the blossom is filling the trees. The RHS predicts that this will be a special year for seeing blossom and that 2024 will see longer-lasting and high levels of blossom. The different varieties of cherry trees around the Royal Parks are some of the most popular sights in London. In Autumn 2019, 25 new cherry trees were planted across the Royal Parks, creating a spectacle during the blossom season that people travel miles to view each Spring for Hanami – a flower viewing tradition! Why not come and see it for yourself? The Bentley Hotel South Kensington is the perfect base near the Royal Parks so you can get the best view of Spring that London has to offer.

While we’re all familiar the restoration and rejuvenation that Spring brings to the world around us, we think it’s equally important to consider our own renewal. So, just as the earth undergoes a refreshing transformation, why not prioritise some Spring self-care to revitalise? Take the opportunity to invest some time in nurturing your own well-being amidst the blossoming beauty of the season with our new Spring Spa packages at Le Kalon Spa. Picture yourself enveloped in a sanctuary of tranquillity, where the stresses of daily life melt away amidst soothing aromas and gentle melodies… Bliss!

Refresh at Le Kalon Spa

We have 3 new spring spa packages designed to be the perfect start to the season: Fresh Spring, Spring in your Step and Spring Has Come…

Don’t have the time to commit to a spa day? Our express package – Fresh Spring may be the package for you. Whether you are staying at The Bentley for business and need a speedy pick me up after a stressful meeting or have big plans in the city and just have a small window for a bit of self-care, then this package was made for you. 55 minutes of heavenly relaxation which involves a cleansing Hammam session followed by a Deep Tissue Back Massage to wave goodbye to any built-up tension. Leave refreshed for Spring and ready to take on the world with a new discovered vitality.

For a slightly longer indulgence, our 2 packages Spring in your Step and Spring Has Come… may be the better choice. After an exfoliating Hammam session, focus on the renewal of the season as you put a spring in your step… literally! With a stress relieving Foot Massage and Mask to nourish both your soul and your soles! Follow this with a Argan Oil nourishing Mini Radiance Facial, to truly complete a body refresh from your head to your toes.

Spring Has Come… Is our longest spa experience focussing on deeply cleansing from the inside out. Let the heat from the Hammam Ritual relax your muscles to prepare you for a Deep Tissue Massage to relieve all stresses before truly relaxing into an Indian Head Massage. Our most indulgent and refreshing option for the ultimate relax.

We have a variety of other spa packages available whether you are looking for spa days for couples, celebrating a special occasion with friends, want to enjoy some alone time or need to buy that perfect gift. We think we are the best spa hotel in London! So don’t wait for the flowers to bloom – begin your journey to springtime renewal today. Book one of our exclusive spa packages and discover why The Bentley Hotel London is the ultimate destination for those seeking the perfect blend of luxury and rejuvenation.

The History of the Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show is an annual event that takes place in the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. It is a world-renowned show that attracts garden enthusiasts from all over the globe. The Chelsea Flower Show is not just any ordinary flower show; it is a prestigious event that has a rich history. In this blog post, we will look at how the Chelsea Flower Show began, some interesting facts and how to make the most out of your visit.

The Beginning of the Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show has roots as far back as 1827 when it started as a simple fête at Chiswick Garden. It progressed to an area, not far from The Bentley Hotel to the RHS garden in our beloved area of Kensington. This was held in 1862 and it was originally known as the ‘Great Spring Show’. It also included an exhibition on a site now occupied by the Natural History and Science Museums!

The shows were a success, and they came to be held annually and eventually in 1913 settled to where we find the show now, in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The first show at Chelsea was a big success and The Gardeners Chronicle wrote: “[The show] exceeded all expectations … so large and numerous were the groups, and so magnificent the quality of the varied exhibits”.

The Chelsea Flower Show or the Spring Show as it was known back then, started to become a well-loved event by many and continued to go from strength to strength. Unfortunately, soon World War I arrived, and the Flower Show had to be put on hold… but they didn’t let this disrupt the tradition of the show. Even during World War II, the grounds were used for growing vegetables to support the war effort and, as soon as it was able, the show resumed in 1947.

The Chelsea Flower Show Today

Today, the Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world. It attracts over 150,000 visitors and the whole event is televised by the BBC. The show features some of the most exceptional gardens, plants, and flowers from around the globe. It also features talks and demonstrations by garden experts and celebrities.

This special spring event also captures the imaginations of many districts in London and has inspired them to run their own floral events which include window displays, fun-filled activities, competitions and more. Most notably, Chelsea in Bloom runs their free annual festival alongside the flower show and each year has its own theme. 2023’s theme is ‘Flowers on Film’. Keep your eyes peeled for more details about the event and how to get involved here.

Get Involved

If you want to be a part of this exciting celebration of nature, then there’s no better time to book and plan your London stay. The Chelsea Flower show 2023 is taking place from 23rd May to the 27th. The Bentley Hotel South Kensington is a great base to enjoy all the delights of London’s celebration of spring. Our luxury decor and eye for detail from our entrance, to our rooms and to our spa truly creates the most enjoyable London hotel experience. Which is why we believe we are the number 1 choice for a Chelsea Flower Show hotel.

Spring into South Kensington

Spring has arrived and it’s time to celebrate the season of renewal and growth. The world around us is blooming with colourful flowers, fresh greenery, and the sweet songs of birds and London is no exception! Here at The Bentley Hotel in South Kensington we would love to welcome you to London this Apri 2023 so that you can embrace all the joys of spring.

Springtime in the Royal Parks

South Kensington is home to some of London’s most beautiful parks, including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. In April, these parks come alive with the colours of spring. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms in bloom. Watch the bees buzzing from flower to flower and breathe in the fresh air. The Royal Parks are the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of London in the springtime!

Boating on the Serpentine

Whilst enjoying the delights of London’s green spaces, why not take a visit to The Serpentine Lake located in Hyde Park. One of the best ways to enjoy the spring weather in South Kensington is by taking a boat ride on the Serpentine. Starting in April, you can rent a rowboat or pedal boat and take a leisurely ride on the lake. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the park from a unique perspective.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

If you want to see nature but the weather is being typically British, then you may want to head over to The Natural History Museum. This South Kensington gem is hosting the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. This annual exhibit showcases some of the most stunning wildlife photography from around the world. You’ll see everything from majestic elephants to tiny insects in their natural habitats. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves nature and photography… Plus a great place to ride out an April shower!

The Bentley Hotel

If you are looking for a hotel close to the royal parks then look no further than The Bentley Hotel – A perfect hotel near Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and more. With 64 luxuriously decorated rooms, a traditional hammam spa, restaurant, and cocktail lounge, you will have everything you need to holiday in London to the full. Book directly through our website for the best rates and offers. We hope to welcome you to our hotel this April.

London in Bloom This May

Do you have something exciting to look forward to this month? Despite still being Spring, May could well be the best month to visit London. Offering sunnier weather, extra holidays and a host of unmissable floral treats! In this latest article we will look at how you can enjoy the best of London this month and into the extended four-day bank holiday.

The biggest event to hit London during the 24th to 28th May has to be the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This world-renowned show combines a floral feast of stunning garden designs, displays, educational exhibits and stylish boutique shopping. Get inspiration for your own house and garden or just simply enjoy the sensory experience. Tickets are available to book now on the website.

If you can’t get tickets to the flower show or you want to enhance your visit, Chelsea in Bloom is completely unmissable. Running along the same dates, it is Chelsea Flower Show’s sister event, and best of all… It’s free. Each year the establishments along four major areas of Chelsea take part in transforming the streets and competing to win awards for their innovative floral displays. This year the theme is “British Icons’. The displays will focus on some of the greatest things to come out of Britain, from the Beatles to Alice in Wonderland. Why not take a walking tour to get the most out of this special event, guided by an expert ambassador? Or our personal favourite… A complimentary rickshaw ride, to really soak up the atmosphere and see the displays in style. (Top tip: the rides seat two – so what a perfect romantic date idea!) It isn’t all about the scenery either – sip a cocktail that promises British Summer in a glass, indulge with a Peter Rabbit themed tasting menu or try your hand at flower arranging. Themed events like these are planned with more waiting to be revealed on the Chelsea in Bloom Website – so, make sure to check before you arrive for the best experience.

Finally, to complete the floral experience, just around the corner from the Bentley Hotel Kensington, is ‘Fait Maison’. A beautiful boutique ‘Salon de The’ where you can enjoy the sunshine and the signature floral window displays – great for a final photo op, in case you haven’t filled your photo gallery with enough botanical wonders! Some menu highlights include a range of interesting drinks, ice creams and Middle Eastern cuisine.

What do you value most when picking accommodation? – Location? Service? A touch of luxury? When your holiday time is precious, you don’t want to waste it. So don’t make compromises on your accommodation and choose The Bentley Hotel South Kensington. Situated near Chelsea and oozing with 5-star opulence, it’s the perfect combination of location, luxury and service for the best holiday in London.

Spring is Springing Up in London

Spring is the season of new beginnings. From the first emerging daffodil to the spectacular displays of cherry blossom. When plants and animals alike start to come out from winter to the delight of watchers on. Take some time this Spring to view what nature has to offer and to shake off those winter blues.

While London might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about observing the joys of spring… The eight Royal Parks boast 5000 acres of quality green space, offering a refreshing contrast to the London city-scape. Here are four parks and their spring displays that are worth seeing:

See the display of vivid pinks, purples and reds of the evergreen azaleas and rhododendrons, along with the carpets of bluebells at the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park
Majestic cherry blossom trees border along the Rangers House Avenue in Greenwich Park which creates a stunning tunnel of pink that’s not to be missed
Inhale the sweet scent of roses in Hyde Park’s ‘The Rose Garden’ which features seasonal flower beds, a grand pergola and two ornate fountains
Admire the St James’s Park daffodils, as they plant one million bulbs across the Royal Parks every year!

If you choose to visit the daffodils at St James’s Park, take a stroll a little further and find a good spot to catch the age-old, traditional ceremony of the Changing Guard at Buckingham Palace. This popular event with young and old alike, usually takes place every other day but it’s good to check the schedule of ceremonies here to make sure that you don’t miss out. The whole event starts around 10:30am and lasts around 45 minutes.

The Bentley Hotel is situated just a short walk away from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, making it a perfect base to enjoy a trip to London and all the joys of Spring. We have a range of 5-star luxury rooms and suites to suit all needs, book directly with us today to avoid disappointment and to get the very best available price. For other offers and perks, take a look here.

There are lots of events happening in the capital throughout March. Such as, International Women’s Day (8th March), St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and Mother’s Day (27th March). Check the dates of your trip to see what special activities are on in the area before you visit.

At The Bentley Hotel, we’ve made it really easy to treat that someone special (and yourself at the same time!) How about adding an appetising afternoon tea or a sensual spa session to your stay? We have two brand new Spring Packages and also two packages specially curated for Mother’s Day, available to book now! All our packages are designed with love to bring a smile to someones face. Our afternoon tea is served in opulent surroundings with fresh pastries and cakes made daily – the perfect way to give someone the TLC they deserve.

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Category: spring