London Perfect Blog

London in August

May 16th, 2013 by Laura

An August picnic in London's lovely Green Park

An August picnic in London’s Green Park

Lately we’ve been asked quite a few times about visiting London in August. What is the weather like? What is there to do? There seems to be a myth that London shuts down during the month of August like many big cities in France and Italy. But precisely the opposite is true about London! August is one of the best times of the year to visit London because of the fun outdoor events, absolutely lovely weather and the rare chance to visit sights like Buckingham Palace that are only open during the late summer.

And the weather … well, it’s just about right in August! While Paris sizzles and Italians are burnt by the Tuscan sun, August temperatures in London peak around the 70s with temps over 80 a rarity. Now that’s perfect weather for sightseeing or picnicking in the park. Here’s a look at a few of our favourite summer events and reasons to visit London in August!

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening

See the beautiful State Rooms at Buckingham Palace during the Summer Opening

You’ve seen the Changing of the Guard. You’ve admired the stunning carriages at the Royal Mews. But have you toured the exquisite State Rooms at Buckingham Palace? Every summer the palace’s nineteen State Rooms are opened to the public for two months. Visitors have the chance to discover the lavish rooms and experience the royal lifestyle while touring these important rooms that are still very much used by The Queen and the Royal Family for entertaining guests during state and ceremonial occasions. These rooms are full of history as well as incredible works of art that can only be enjoyed during the Summer Opening. This year the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will be open from:

27 July -31 August 2013
Open daily 09:30-19:00

1-29 September 2013
Open daily 09:30-18:30

Find out more and book your tickets online here.

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House

Popular outdoor film screenings at the Somerset House in London

One of London’s most popular open-air film events of the summer happens in the stunning 18th-century courtyard at the Somerset House. With a giant screen, full surround sound and a fun summer atmosphere, the Film4 Summer Screen presents 14 nights of cinema in London with an eclectic mix of romance, comedy, thrillers and classics. Stay tuned to the Somerset House website for the release of the 2013 summer calendar … grab a blanket and head to Somerset House Summer Screen this August!

Peter Pan: The Never Ending Story World at London’s Wembley Arena

If you’ve seen the statue of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens and know that the author JM Barrie used to stroll through the park then you know the strong connection between London and this classic children’s book. Peter Pan: The Never Ending Story is a spectacular £10 million remake that brings movie quality backdrop images, Cirque du Soleil acrobatics and imaginative choreography to the Wembley Arena in London from August 21st to 26th, 2013. Fun for the whole family … or perfect for the kid in you that has never grown up! Find out more about ticketing here.

West Side Story

West Side Story at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. Photo by West Side Story, London – Image by Nilz Böhme

Theatre and dance lovers will want to book their tickets now to see West Side Story at Sadler’s Wells this summer. One of the greatest musicals of all time, the original Broadway classic with Leonard Bernstein’s famous score will surely be one of the hits of the season! West Side Story comes to London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Islington this summer from August 7th to September 22nd 2013.

The Sound of Music in Regent’s Park

The Sound of Music Open Air Theatre Regent's Park

The Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park presents The Sound of Music this summer!

Stroll through the beautiful Regent’s Park before settling into your seat at the Open Air Theatre to be transported to another time and place with their summer production of The Sound of Music. With timeless classics and a gorgeous setting, this is one summer show we don’t want to miss. The Sound of Music will run from July 25th to September 7th, 2013. Visit the Open Air Theatre website for more information and to book your tickets online.

Open Air Cinema at Kensington Gardens

Visit Kensington Palace and stay for the Open Air Cinema from August 1-3, 2013

August is a wonderful time to visit all of the parks and gardens in London and Kensington Gardens is one of our favourites! Enjoy visiting Kensington Palace, a real working Palace, explore the gardens and in the evening pack a hamper picnic and enjoy a good flick with the Open Air Cinema at Kensington Gardens. On August 1st you can catch the always popular Top Gun, on August 2nd the latest James Bond blockbuster Skyfall and on August 3rd the classic Casablanca. Set up in the gardens by the Orangery at Kensington Palace, this is one lovely spot to enjoy cinema under the stars in London!

Image Credits: Picnic in Green Park by Kate Gardiner, Buckingham Palace State Rooms from Beacon Radio, Summer Screen by Ian Nichol, Orangery at Kensington Palace by leeno

Tags: August Events, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace, London Parks, London theatre, Somerset House
Posted in Events, London Things to Do, London Tips and Advice, Sightseeing | No Comments »

A Taste of the Downton Abbey Lifestyle

May 16th, 2013 by Zoe

Highclere Castle Downton Abbey Location England

Now that driveway looks rather familiar. Welcome to Highclere Castle! Also known as Downton Abbey.

Downton, Downton, Downton, DOWNTON!

It may surprise you fans from the Americas and Antipodes but us Brits are as infatuated with the Edwardian magnificence that is Downton Abbey as you lot are. The narrative twists and turns that drive the lives and romances of characters such as Lady Mary and cousin Matthew, Lady Sybil and Branson the Chauffeur, Anna the Housemaid and Bates the Valet, punctuated by the acerbic bon mots of the Dowager Duchess are utterly, utterly compelling.

And did I mention the costumes? Ooooh.

Credit: Masterpiece/Carnival Film & Television Limited

And as for the setting, well, you can’t do much worse than Highclere Castle. Which is a real place. A proper 19th-century grand house built upon the site of various other castles that have stood in this corner of Hampshire for about 1,000 years. The Carnarvon family has owned Highclere Castle since the 17th century.

Yet this is not only the impressive setting for the most successful costume drama since Mr. Darcy emerged from a pond with a wet shirt in the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice. Indeed, no.

In 1922 the 5th Earl of Carnarvon with Howard Carter discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun. As a result there’s a rather superlative collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display at Highclere that makes one go quite giddy at the knees.

Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter giving each other a very well deserved handshake in 1922.

So the combination of Ancient Egypt AND lots of Downton excitement brings me to the crux of the matter. A spot of controversy for the London Perfect blog…

… for I am about to suggest * sotto voce * a day trip out of London.

Gasp!

C’mon, though. It’s for Downton. Just get yourself to London’s Paddington Station, pop onto a train to Newbury (although best check the timetable before you go) and in 52 minutes you’ll arrive at the station. Hail a cab and in moments you’ll be at Highclere Castle. Just take a peek at what you’ll see!

Now, before you get all spontaneous with this idea I urge some planning. Firstly Highclere is only open to the public on Bank Holidays and Sunday to Thursday during the summer months (lots of lucky people have their weddings at Highclere on Fridays and Saturday). Therefore so don’t even think about an autumnal or winter trip. Secondly the guided visits around the house, gardens and Egyptian collection are ticketed.

And all the prebookable tickets for 2013 are already gone.

Botheration.

But! There are some “walk up on the day” tickets available after 2pm, which would be well worth the risk of a train jolly out of London. And, worst case scenario, you do get there and find all the tickets gone there are some wonderful walks in the area that give you some magnificent views of Highclere.

A summer walk and a beautiful view of Highclere Castle in Hampshire.

A spot of Engilsh bucolic bliss is a marvelously refreshing tonic to the excitement of London’s urban vim and vigour. Whatever happens on your grand day out to Highclere to taste the Downton life (who knows? You might bump into the butler of your dreams!) it’ll be well worth the adventure. If you’re thinking of a trip to London for next year and want to see Highclere Castle, do keep an eye on their website and remember to pre book your tickets well in advance.

_____________

Zoë F. Willis is a writer and enthusiastic London resident. You can read more about her adventures and creative exploits at http://thingswotihavemade.blogspot.co.uk/

Image Credits: Highclere Castle by Richard Munckton, Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter historic photo, Downton Abbey by Richard Munckton

Tags: Day Trips from London, Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle
Posted in London History, London Things to Do, Sightseeing | No Comments »

The Chelsea Flower Show in London

May 16th, 2013 by Zoe

The Chelsea Flower Show 2013 is about to begin!

Calling all green fingers! Grab your sun hats for ‘tis almost time for THE biggest horticultural gathering of the Great British summer. Actually it’s arguably THE biggest horticultural gathering in the world. Dearest London Perfect readers, the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show is almost upon us. This annual event takes place each May and this year runs from the 21st to 25th.

Ah, we do love a bit of allium action

And what a gathering it is. Tickets have already sold out for 2013 and around 161,000 visitors will have a good look at the 500-odd exhibitors, “oohing” and “aaahing” over the traditional, the exciting, the contemporary and the controversial (of which more later) of the gardening world.

Traditional, exciting, contemporary or controversial? You decide.

Gardens aren’t simply spaces to stick in a few Pansies or Busy Lizzies. When created with flair and skill they are an artistic experience that delights all the senses. Colour, perfume and texture are found in abundance whilst the sounds of a green space – from wind rustling through leaves to birdsong – bring balm to the soul. And as for taste … anyone who has grown their own fruit and vegetables will testify to the superiority of flavor over any shop bought impersonator. A true artist could not possibly resist such a palette … and what a location to show off the final art works!

Grassy texture and a calm oasis of lush green. Balm for the soul indeed…

The Flower Show is held in the grounds of the very elegant Chelsea Royal Hospital, a 5-minute walk for those lucky enough to stay in London Perfect’s Hamilton or Elliot apartments in Chelsea. The Show is also celebrating its Centenary. That’s 100 years of celebrating the magnificence that is the gardening creativity of the British (Capability Brown and Humphry Repton anyone?). We may not have an empire any more but, by gum, we’re jolly good at gardening.

Lancelot_('Capability')_Brown_by_Sir_Nathaniel_Dance-Holland

Lancelot “Capability” Brown (1716-83), the Granddaddy of English Gardening

And keen. Did you know that one of Britain’s longest running radio shows – for which gardening clubs up and down the nation still fight pitched battles with trowels and rakes for the honour of hosting – is a gardening show. Since 1947 Gardener’s Question Time has ruled the airwaves.

But back to the Chelsea Flower Show and I would just like to point out that it’s not just about the best and fairest of British gardening. Ok, so Prince Harry is involved in the garden created by the Sentebale charity of which he is the founder. He’s very British. And there will be gnomes (of which more later). Which have been very British since the 1930s. But there will also be exhibitors from the US, Australia, Canada and well, lots of other exotic places. Like Wales.

Visitors hail from every nation at the Chelsea Flower Show

The point is if you can get a ticket or know someone who can get one for you THEN YOU MUST GO TO THE SHOW. It’s the place to see what today’s greatest garden designers are up to and what intriguing horticultural delights you’ll be cultivating in your garden soon.

And this year, controversially, for the first time in 100 years… there will be gnomes.

Garden Gnomes at the Chelsea Flower Show

“Controversial? Me?”

“Whut?” I hear you mutter. You see the common garden gnome – so beloved of rockeries and gardeners with a sense of silliness up and down this nation – have been banned, banned at Chelsea since its inception. In recent years “gnome-fanciers” have been protesting outside the front gates at this terrible discrimination. The problem is that the rules of the Show state that coloured statues (as well as balloons and bunting) are not allowed. Probably because they are considered a distraction from all the floral amazingness. Which is fair enough.

The Garden Gnome: Complement or Distraction? You decide.

But gnomes, gnomes… they come into a special, elevated category all of their own and this year, and for one year only, they will stand tall amongst the brightest and best of the horticultural titans. 9 foot tall in fact. At the entrance gate. It’s all about setting the tone, a very British one that even at it’s most traditional, beautiful and glorious just can’t take itself too seriously.

If you’ll be visiting the Chelsea Flower Show this year, check out our Insider Tips for the Chelsea Flower Show. London Perfect will be there this year, and we’ll report back on all the gardening insights, inspiration and gnome-sighting adventures at the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show!

_____________

Zoë F. Willis is a writer and enthusiastic London resident. You can read more about her adventures and creative exploits at http://thingswotihavemade.blogspot.co.uk/

Image credits: Chelsea Flower Show by Swamibu, Alliums by Herry Lawford, Land art by Frannie Frou Frou, Irish Sky Garden by Sarah from www.gardenvisit.com, Lancelot “Capability” Brown by Sir Nathaniel Dance-Holland, Chelsea Flower Show displays by La Citta Vita, Musical Garden Gnome by Leeze, Sleeping Garden Gnome by Orpel

Tags: Chelsea Flower Show, London Gardens
Posted in Events, London Living, London Things to Do, London Tips and Advice | No Comments »

Pride and Prejudice in Regent’s Park this Summer

May 15th, 2013 by Zoe

Regent Park Spring Flowers London Zoe F Willis

A spring stroll through Regent’s Park in London

Gosh, what a glorious Early May Bank Holiday we have had here in London None of that A Foggy Day (in London Town) nonsense from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald et al. It’s been properly sunny, mild and as a result the city has become simply one of the delightful places in which to amble. In the world. FACT.

But where to amble? There are so many parks but my tip top favourite is…

… cue drum roll…

The Regent’s Park.

Between 1809 and 1832 the architect John Nash (1752-1835) – mastermind behind the Regent Street development that runs south to north through Piccadilly and Oxford Circus – designed the 400 acres and planned many of the striking neo-Classical terraces and properties that flank the park.

A Map of Regent’s Park in 1830

Today Regent’s Park is also home to London Zoo, lots of sports fields for those of an active persuasion, an Open Air Theatre (of which more later) for the culture vultures and many a floral and bucolic pathway if leisurely strolling is more your thing.

And so let me unleash some suitably summery and floral images for your delectation. Get ready to “oooh”, “aaaahhh” and start completely replanning your own garden. Move over rambling country garden style. Formal is BACK.

Elegance and spring colors at Regent’s Park

Tulips galore at Regent’s Park

Relaxing in the sunshine in Regent’s Park

Right and now you’ve had a moment with all that loveliness, get ready for something else that will make you feel a bit hot about the collar. You remember the Open Air Theatre I mentioned earlier? Well, they’ve a packed summer programme that includes To Kill a Mockingbird, A Winter’s Tale, The Sound of Music and…

…Wait for it…

Pride and Prejudice.

Pride and Prejudice in London’s Regent Park … coming this summer!

Weeeeeeeeee! Let there be jubilation in all things Jane and Austen! Let there be Elizabeth Bennet in an empire line dress! Let there be oh-so-handsome and moody Mr. Darcy in a frock coat! Let there be emotional highs, lows and moments of exquisite social awkwardness getting in the way of true love before…

Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley looking dashing on horses

… well, I won’t give away the ending for those of you who haven’t been privvy to the greatest love story of the past two hundred years, but let’s just say it’s AMAZING.

And you’ll get to see it all in the beautiful surrounds of Regent’s Park in the summer from June 20th to July 20th, 2013. What more could you ask for?

Crazy for You, Venue 2011 #2. Photo David Jensen

The Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park. Photo: David Jenson

And finally, you want a quick taster of what might be on offer? Fair enough. Here’s London Perfect’s Pinterest board of Frock Coats and Swooning Ladies. We’ve a Darcy or two on there that should set the tone. See you in Regent’s Park this summer!

_____________

Zoë F. Willis is a writer and enthusiastic London resident. You can read more about her adventures and creative exploits at http://thingswotihavemade.blogspot.co.uk/

Image Credits: Regent Park Map 1830 from Christopher and John Greenwood’s map of London, Pride and Prejudice by the Open Air Theatre, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, Regent Park spring photos by Zoë F. Willis

Tags: London Parks, London theatre, Regent's Park
Posted in Events, London History, London Things to Do, London Tips and Advice | No Comments »

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London in August

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening

Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House

Peter Pan: The Never Ending Story World at London’s Wembley Arena

West Side Story

The Sound of Music in Regent’s Park

Open Air Cinema at Kensington Gardens

A Taste of the Downton Abbey Lifestyle

The Chelsea Flower Show in London

Pride and Prejudice in Regent’s Park this Summer

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