The festival kicked off on Monday, April 23–which just so happens to be the Bard’s birthday–with a Maori performance of “Troilus and Cressida” by the Ngakau Toa theatre company from New Zealand. With little in terms of set and costumes (but plenty of tattoos flesh!) and despite the foreign language, the universal themes of love and betrayal of the story still shined through.

New Zealand's Ngakau Toa Theatre Company perform a traditional ceremonial 'haka' at The Globe Theatre in London.

Other performances at the Globe that are sure to attract large crowds include the South Sudanese Theatre Company’s “Cymbeline” on 3-4 May, an Afghan performance of “The Comedy of Errors” on 30-31 May, and the National Theatre of China’s rendition of “Richard III” on 28-29 April. Also, the Deafinitely Theatre group will perform “Love’s Labor’s Lost” in British sign language at the Globe on 22-23 May and the Belarus Free Theatre will perform “King Lear” on 17-18 May.

While the Globe may be in the spotlight of the festival, other London theatres will also be getting into the act, including the Roundhouse, National Theatre, the Riverside Studios, and the Royal Opera House. There will also be other events and exhibits celebrating Shakespeare, such as the Living Walls exhibit at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and an exhibition at the British Museum that looks at objects from the playwright’s period.

And instead of staying at a London hotel, our short-term apartment rental give you a much more luxurious accommodations close to all the World Shakespeare festivities. For example, our one-bedroom Mayfair apartment sleeps four and is only a 15 minute a walk to the Globe in Shepherd Market. Or if you’d rather take London’s public transport, the Globe is only four stops away on the Jubilee Line from the nearby Green Park station. Other nearby apartments include the elegant two-bedroom Sloane in Chelsea and our luxurious three-bedroom Eaton Cottage apartment.

While the Globe may be in the spotlight of the festival, other London theatres will also be getting into the act, including the Roundhouse, National Theatre, the Riverside Studios, and the Royal Opera House.

Finally, here is the contact information for some of the London venues hosting the World Shakespeare Festival so you can book your tickets before they sell out:

Globe to Globe: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, 0207 401 9919, http://shakespearesglobe.com/

Roundhouse: Chalk Farm Road, London, 0844 482 8008, http://www.roundhouse.org.uk

National Theatre: South Bank, London, 020 7 452 3000, http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Riverside Studios: Crisp Road, London, 020 8237 1111, https://www.riversidestudios.co.uk/

Royal Opera House: Covet Garden, London, 020 7304 4000, http://www.roh.org.uk/

Beautifully landscaped outdoor garden at the Chelsea Flower Show

One of the highlights of London in May is the chance to visit the Chelsea Flower Show, one of the most fashionable and famous flower shows in the world! The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) hosts their annual spring show on the beautiful grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea for five days each May. If you love gardening or simply admiring floral displays and the latest trends in garden design, then you’ll love the chance to experience the Chelsea Flower Show during your holiday in London. It’s an event we look forward to each spring in London!

With the limited size of the Royal Hospital grounds and the hundreds of thousands of people that attend the show, it can get a bit crowded. Here are our tips and hints for a memorable visit to the Chelsea Flower Show.

1. Book your tickets well in advance!

Garden lovers travel from around the world to see the Chelsea Flower Show, and tickets to the five day event sell out fast. Buy your tickets online as soon as possible to ensure a chance to visit the show during your holiday in London.

Beautiful displays of flowers with a London bobby looking on!

2. Plan a full day to enjoy all the gardens and displays

There’s so much to see at the Chelsea Flower Show! The ground is uneven and can be muddy if it’s rained recently, so wear comfortable shoes and plan a long day out, especially if you’re a garden aficionado.

3. Arrive early to beat the crowds

We like to purchase the all day entry tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show and get there right when it opens because the crowds can get massive later in the day.

Go early before the crowds arrive at the Chelsea Flower Show

4. Visit the outdoor garden displays first!

When you arrive, walk past the little stands selling garden tools and head immediately to the outdoor garden displays. These are the garden scenes that get most of the publicity during the show, and they are such a joy to explore. The queues become very long as the crowds grow, so it’s best to hit them first.

Cleve West's 2011 design for The Daily Telegraph Garden - Photo courtesy RHS

5. Then visit the flower and plant displays

After exploring the outdoor gardens, head to the beautiful displays of flowers under the pavilion tent. Be sure to bring a notepad or way to jot down the names of all the plants you love. Or simply take photos of your favorites, which is a great visual way to remember what caught your eye during the flower show. The displays are so creative and whimsical that you’ll want to photograph all of them, too!

An array of purple flowers at the Chelsea Flower Show

Amazing displays of vegetables at the flower show!

Eye-catching displays at the Chelsea Flower Show

6. Don’t miss the garden supply stands

If you’re looking for some supplies for your garden or souvenirs for the garden lovers in your life, visit all the little stands selling gardening tools, conservatories, foundtains and all kinds of garden products.

Look at all the tomatoes and vegetables on display!

7. Stay for lunch!

The Chelsea Flower Show has many dining options each year in a variety of restaurants and cafes. Or bring a sandwich and something to drink to enjoy a picnic in the seating areas near the bandstand, on the Plateau in Ranelagh Gardens and near Western Avenue.

8. Infants and strollers are not allowed

When planning your visit to the Chelsea Flower Show, keep in mind that children under five, including infants being carried, and pushchairs or strollers are not allowed into the show.

A Flower Show Fit for Royalty!

Royal visits happen each year at the Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show is a draw also for the British Royal Family, celebrities and movie stars, so you never know who you might spot while you’re at the show. Several members of the Royal Family and the Queen often enjoy a special preview of the Chelsea Flower Show before opening to the public.

A dashing Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II at the Chelsea Flower Show

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and his daughter Princess Beatrice at Chelsea Flower Show

Enjoy a Luxurious Stay in a London Perfect Vacation Rental in Chelsea

If you’re planning to visit London for the Chelsea Flower Show, all of our London vacation rentals are centrally located and provide easy walking or Tube access to the Royal Hospital where the Chelsea Flower Show is held each year. If you’d like the luxury of being walking distance, our three bedroom Twain rental is just around the corner from the Royal Hospital grounds.

Cosy and welcoming living room in London rental walking distance to Chelsea Flower Show

Located on a quiet residential street in Chelsea just moments from the Chelsea Flower Show and the fabulous shopping along King’s Road, our two bedroom Fleming vacation rental is an ideal home away from home in Chelsea. Or enjoy the charms of Chelsea Green and a short stroll to the flower show in our two bedroom apartment rental near Chelsea Green and Sloane Square.

Enjoy a luxurious stay in Chelsea Green near the Chelsea Flower Show

Visit the Royal Horticultural Society website for all the latest details for the upcoming Chelsea Flower Show when planning your visit to London. Be sure to book your London Perfect vacation rental and purchase your tickets in advance for this popular event as they sell out quickly. Come to London and experience the greatest flower show in the world!

A burst of spring colours in Fernando Casasempere's "Out of Sync" installation

Visitors to Somerset House this spring have been treated to a surprise when walking through the arched entrance from the Strand. The courtyard has been transformed into a field of spring flowers! London based Chilean artist Fernando Casasempere created 10,000 ceramic flowers set in a grass meadow for his first large-scale outdoor installation in the courtyard surrounded by the wings of the Somerset House. Titled Out of Sync, the flowers represent the precision of nature’s cycles and beauty of the springtime in contrast to the ever-changing man made environment. However, on a gorgeous spring day in London, it seemed Casasempere’s installation fit perfectly. The field of pink and white flowers were absolutely in sync with the blossoms everywhere in London – the parks, gardens and even surrounding St Mary-le-Strand church right in the middle of the busy Strand nearby.

A field of ceramic flowers by Chilean artist Fernando Casasempere

The flowers captured the interest of visitors and Londoners alike, who were out enjoying a peaceful Sunday morning at the Somerset House. There’s a lot to see and do at this important arts and cultural centre, including seeing the excellent collections of the Courtauld Gallery as well as traveling exhibitions on display throughout the 18th-century buildings of the Somerset House.

A close up of Casasempere's flowers at the Somerset House

Located on the Strand between the Royal Courts of Justice and Trafalgar Square—and very near our two bedroom Savoy vacation rental—the courtyard of the Somerset House is a great spot to stop and enjoy a break from sightseeing. Soak up the sun in one of the outdoor cafés at the Somerset House. Or take in splendid views overlooking the Thames toward the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament while enjoying Michelin starred chef Tom Aikens’ specialties at Tom’s Terrace during the summer months.

Soak up art and the architecture of the Somesert House in the sun

Fernando Casasempere’s art installation Out of Sync is on display in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court at the Somerset House until 27 April 2012. Admission to the courtyard is free and open from 08.00 – 23.00. After the spring exhibition in London, Out of Sync will be donated to the people of Chile where it is scheduled to go on display first in Santiago before being installed in its permanent home in the deserts of northern Chile. Catch this burst of spring while you can at the Somerset House! Exhibits and installations change regularly, so simply visit the Somerset House website to see what art exhibits and events will be happening during your holiday in London.

Photos courtesy: Laura Thayer

The Household Cavalry preparing for annual inspection near the Albert Memorial

If you’re in London this Thursday around 10am, you’re in for a royal treat! Plan your morning with a visit to Hyde Park along South Carriage Drive to watch the Major General’s Inspection of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Head to the Cavalry Review Ground just across Kensington Road in Knightsbridge where the Household Cavalry Barracks are located. That’s very near the Royal Albert Hall and the golden Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens.

The brilliant red, white and gold uniforms of the Household Cavalry

The annual Major General’s inspection of the mounted regiment of the Household Cavalry is the first parade of the year and takes place to ensure that the Household Cavalry is prepared to the highest standard. This event marks the beginning of a busy parade season ahead, and is a wonderful chance to see the Household Cavalry in person. Even better – it’s free!

Calling out orders during the Household Cavalry practice in Hyde Park

Last Thursday I was lucky enough to be taking the Number 10 bus from Oxford street to Kensington. Just after rounding Hyde Park corner and starting along the park toward Kensington, I looked to my right saw hundreds of mounted British Cavalry in dress uniform. It was the Household Cavalry, the soldiers who protect the Queen! I ran to the front and begged the driver to let me off and he kindly assented. As I stood there, more Household Cavalry came galloping out of their barracks.

Joggers and people enjoying a lovely spring day in Hyde Park had a treat to see the Household Cavalry!

It was a spectacular show – pomp and circumstance and all that I love about England. I spoke to bystanders and learned that the Household Cavalry were out practicing for the Major General’s Inspection that takes place this Thursday, March 29th. The colors were gorgeous on a beautiful spring day in Hyde Park. There was a band playing and the colors of the red and white uniforms with the gold glimmering in the sunshine were striking against the backdrop of brilliant green and the blue sky.What a welcome to spring in London!

The drum horse is part of the Regimental Band for the Household Cavalry

The inspection includes a review of the Household Cavalry as they walk and trot in various forms past the Major General and his party on the Cavalry Review Ground. I spotted them preparing for these maneuvers along with the band and the beautiful drum horse. It was such a sight to see them out in full uniform—complete with swords—practicing for this important event!

Watching as the Household Cavalry prepares to gallop - an amazing sight!

Seeing such beautiful horsemanship is a wonderful experience in London!

The Household Cavalry on parade to prepare for the Major General's Inspection this Thursday

Spotted Warrent Officer Class 1 Esther Freeborn - the Household Cavalry's first female bandmaster!

If you’re in London this week, you must go to see the Major General’s Inspection in Hyde Park on Thursday. During the Inspection, you’ll see carriages, mounted bands and the entire ceremony on view right in front of you. It’s one of the least publicized events of the year … and it’s free to enjoy!

For some truly elegant floral arrangements, place an order with McQueens located in the center of London. Source: Urbanpath.com

We love our mums here in London! So on the fourth Sunday of Lent, we celebrate Mothering Day (more commonly known as Mother’s Day). So if you’re in London for Mother’s Day, here’s where to go and what to do to spoil any of the mothers in your life!

First of all, you have to find the perfect gift. Trust us when we say that you can’t go wrong with flowers, chocolate, or jewelry. For some truly elegant floral arrangements, place an order with McQueens located in the center of London, but make sure to place your order by 5pm Friday because they are closed on Sundays. For some last-minute but still spectacular blooms, try the Flower Station, which takes orders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you’re in search of something truly decadent, look no further than chocolatier William Curley, whose Belgravia location is five minutes from the Sloane Square tube station. And for some magnificent necklaces and exquisite earrings, check out the award-winning jewelry boutique EC One at either their Clerkenwell or Notting Hill shops.

Treat your mum to a treatment at some of the best spas in London, like the rooftop garden Spa at The Bereley in Knightsbridge. Source: The-Berkeley.co.uk

Now that you’ve gotten your gifts wrapped up, it’s time to relieve mum of her cooking duties and take her out for brunch and afternoon tea. For brunch, you would be smart to consider The Modern Pantry Cafe Bar in Clerkenwell, where chef Anna Hansen presents a variety of the staples as well as some eclectic dishes with extra personality such as the tea-smoked salmon and poached eggs. And then spoil her with some afternoon tea at some of London’s best tea rooms, including the Foyer at Claridge’s or the Thames Foyer at the Savory Hotel. Make sure you book these in advance, however, because they book up quickly.

Then, of course, is the question of how to fill the time between your meals. All things considered, that’s a relatively easy task because London offers plenty to do! Indulge your mum with a shopping trip for the latest fashions and accessories at Kensington High Street shopping center! If your mum enjoys flowers and gardens, take a trip just outside of London to either the Hampton Court Palace or Kew Gardens, both of which have delightful displays of colorful blossoms for Mother’s Day.

Or if walking through shopping districts or gardens doesn’t interest her, then treat her to a treatment at some of the best spas in London. Or recommendations include the rooftop garden Spa at The Bereley in Knightsbridge and the Spa at the Brown’s Hotel. In the evening, head down to Theatereland in the West End to take in a London show at one of the city’s historic theaters!

And if you really want to spoil your mum during a trip to London, forget about staying in a London hotel. Instead, let us help you find the best accommodations in London that are guaranteed to make your mum feel extra special your mum feels extra special. Let us help you pamper your mum with our spacious short-term luxurious London apartment rentals.

And to all our mums out there, Happy Mother’s Day!

Where to Buy Your Mothering Day Gifts in London

McQueens Flowers, 70-72 Old Street, london, 020 7251 5505

Flower Station, Park Road, London, 020 7724 7525

William Curley, Patissier Chocolatier, 198 Ebury Street, Belgravia, London, 020 7730 5522

EC One Jewllery, 56 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London, 020 7243 8811

Where to Eat with Your Mum in London

The Modern Pantry, 47-48 St. John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London, 020 7553 9210

Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, London, 020 7629 8860

Afternoon Tea at the Thames Foyer in the Savory, Strand, London, 020 7420 2111

Things to Do with Your Mum on Mother’s Day in London

Shopping at Kensington High Street

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, 020 3166 6000

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, 020 8332 5655

Spa at the Berkeley in Knightsbridge, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, 020 7201 1699

Spa at the Brown’s Hotel, Albemarie Street, Mayfair, London, 020 7493 6020

Take in a show at a West End theater

Kate and William are moving! ... to Kensington Palace

It’s official! Princess William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will move into his Aunt Princess Margaret’s former apartments in Kensington Palace. The Queen has intervened personally and allocated £ 1mm to help remodel the the 4-story, 20 room apartment where many rooms are still painted in Princess Margaret’s favourite colors pink and turquoise.

The Royal couple are currently living in Nottingham College on the grounds of Kensington Palace

Willkate, as the couple are affectionately called, have been living in a 2 bedroom cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace called Nottingham Cottage. William had originally suggested his mother Princess Diana’s apartment, Number 8, where he lived from birth to 1998, but the couple felt it held too many memories. Now those rooms are being used as office space for Prince Charles.

A major renovation while Princess Margaret's apartment is being remodeled

The Queen intervened with Historic Royal Palaces to be able to make Princess Margaret’s apartment available to offer to the couple, and Kate is said to be excited about the possibilities the beautiful apartment offers. With 20 rooms and 4 stories, there’ll be a lot of work to complete. She is particularly excited about the gardens as she loves to garden herself.

The beautiful 2 bedroom Princes Square vacation rental near Kensington Palace

If you come to London, you might just catch a glimpse of them driving into or out of the Palace. Many of our London apartment rentals are a short walk to the Palace, including the Hornton Mews Home Rental in the heart of London, the Queensgate London apartment and Cornwall vacation rental, the Princes Square rental and the Lancaster apartment. Enjoy picnics, rent bicycles or simply enjoy walking through the beautiful Kensington Gardens when you visit! And do plan time to visit Kensington Palace, which has just received a $20mm restoration.

Kensington High Street is the district's busiest shopping area.

If you’re looking to go on a shopping spree or take in some of the best cultural exhibits in London, look no further than Kensington. It’s one of London’s most luxurious neighborhoods, and we’ve got the inside scoop on what to do in London and where to stay!

Ready for some serious shopping? Well, bring along your wallet and head to Kensington High Street, where you’ll find the latest in clothing, shoes, cell phones or whatever your heart desires at stores like Zara, H&M, and the Gap. But here’s a fair warning: it gets pretty hectic on weekends! If you want to shop in peace, try a weekday morning instead. If you’re looking to spend a little more on the latest designer fashions, then you’ll probably want to head over to Sloane Street where you’ll find plenty of high-end clothing boutiques including Gucci, Prada, and Giorgio Armani. Kensington is also home to several  excellent department stores, including Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Peter Jones.

South Kensington is home to some of best museums in London, like the Natural History Museum.

South Kensington is home to some of best museums in London. If you’re planning to visit the Natural History Museum, we recommend going in the summer to avoid the visiting school children and making sure you don’t miss the Dinosaurs, Mammals, and Central Hall exhibits. Scheduled to reopen next month following a  £12 million renovation, Kensington Palace will house a new exhibit that provides a glimpse into the life of Queen Victoria. And finally, there’s the Victoria and Albert Museum, one of London’s best arts and design museums specializing in contemporary shows like the upcoming Hollywood Costume exhibit.

And while you’re living up the good life in Kensington, give your feet a break from trying on shoes and wandering around museums for a cup of tea. If you’re near Kensington High Street, stop in the Royal Garden Hotel, which overlooks the Kensington Gardens, for afternoon tea. Or if you’ve maxed out your credit cards at Harrods, drop by the Bentley Hotel.

If you’re trying to figure out how to get around London, we suggest the fabulous public transportation system. Getting to all these wonderful shops and museums in Kensington is a breeze with either the Underground or the buses. So leave your driver’s license at home.

And where to stay in Kensington? Forget the London hotels! We’ve got some of the best short-term London rental apartments with features hotel just can’t offer!

For instance, our Cornwall apartment not only has a patio garden but also a conservatory! Or take the beautiful Brunswick 6 bedroom vacation home, which is located along one of Kensington’s prettiest residential streets lined with cherry trees. You’ll be just around the corner from Kensington Palace and moments from Kensington High Street. These are just two of our many apartments with great locations in central London where you can enjoy the good life with all the shopping, culture, and tea that Kensington has to offer!

Shopping

Kensington High Street

Sloane Street

Harrods, 87 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL

Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ

Peter Jones, Sloane Square, SW1W 8EL

Museums

Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD

Kenington Palace, Greater London W84 PX

Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL

Afternoon Tea

Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, W8 4PT

The Bentley Hotel, 27-33 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JX

Where to Stay

Cornwall Apartment

The Brunswick London Home

Opening later this month at the Palace Theatre, all of London is a raving about Jonathan Church’s stage adaptation of the 1952 MGM musical “Singing in the Rain.”

Another dazzling adaptation of a Hollywood film, “Ghost: The Musical,” is playing at the Piccadilly Theatre and promises to make you laugh and then cry in this heart-warming story.

But if you’re in the mood to indulge your devilish side, “Sweeney Todd,” starring Michael Ball as the demon barber of Fleet Street and Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Lovett, will begin slashing throats at the Adelphia Theatre this March.

If you’re looking for something for the kids to enjoy, there’s the excellent “Matilda: The Musical,” which tells the story of a  little girl with an huge imagination battling the powers-that-be, at the Cambridge Theatre.

Starting in May, Kensington Gardens will be presenting a production of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” which is sure to provide plenty of Turkish delight to all!

Of course, you don’t want to go to the theatre on an empty stomach, so drop by some of Theatreland’s fine restaurants for a pre-show meal . Just across the street from the Palace Theatre is Incognico, with the decor of a classical French Brasserie and a menu of delightful French and Italian dishes. If you’re in the mood for something a little more eclectic, the Hampshire Bar and Restaurant provides a unique blend of classic and modern British cuisine on Leicester Square. If you’re in the mood for an after-show drink and want to rub elbows with the cast and crew, check out the White Hart Pub near Shaftesbury Avenue in the heart of  the West End.

Of course, you’ll need a place to stay nearby, but don’t worry because we’ve got you covered with some of the best short-term vacation rentals in London that are just minutes away from  the action in the West End. Take our Notting Hill Gate short-term rental apartment for example. From there it’s just a quick 10-minute subway ride on the Central Line to Theatreland. Getting around London couldn’t be easier.

A few tips before you pack your bags: First, make sure you book your must-see shows a few weeks ahead of time because many of these shows do sell-out! If you’re looking for a Saturday evening show or a very popular show (like The Lion King or Mamma Mia!), you better make that a month or two in advance. Next, don’t worry about dress code. You’ll fit right in whether you’re wearing a suit and tie or a T-shirt and jeans.

Are you as excited as we are bout the upcoming shows in London? Good! Now, hurry up, buy your tickets, and get to London to take in these wonderful shows before the final curtain drops!

2012 London Theatre Picks

Singing in the Rain: 4 Feb-29 Sep at the Palace Theatre

Ghost: The Musical: until October 13, 2012 at the Piccadilly Theatre

Sweeney Todd: 10 Mar-22 Sep at the Adelphia Theatre

2012 London Theatre Picks for Kids

Matilda: The Musical: until October 12  at the Cambridge Theater

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: 8 May-9 Sept at Kensington Gardens

Where to Eat in Theatreland

Incognico, 117 Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus, London, WC2H 8AD

Hampshire Bar and Restaurant, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LH

Hart Pub, 191 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5QD

Where to Stay Near Theatreland

Notting Hill Gate Apartment

David Hockney's "Winter Timber, 2009" painting will be featured in an exhibit at the Royal Academy. Oil on 15 canvases, 274 x 609.6 cm. Private Collection. Copyright David Hockney. Photo credit: Jonathan Wilkinson

Over the past few years, London’s art scene has exploded, challenging New York and Berlin for the title of “Art Capital of the World.” New galleries and exhibits are constantly opening, and every year the city’s Frieze Art Fair is a can’t-miss event for the international art community. And if you’re planning a trip to London this year, you’re in luck because some truly amazing art exhibitions are coming to the city’s museums and galleries!

This year, you can catch the Royal Academy‘s exhibit of the most recent landscapes and experimental art of Britain’s own and beloved artist David Hockney who has recently returned home from a 30-year hiatus in Los Angeles. At the National Portrait Gallery, a retrospective of over 100 realistic portraits and unfinished work by painter Lucian Freud–who sadly passed away last summer–will open next month. Also next month, the Tate Britain will be open an exhibit of over 150 works by Picasso that explores his special connection with Great Britain. And in April, the Tate Modern will present a retrospective of British artist Damien Hirst’s work, featuring his famous pickled shark and diamond skull.

Yoko Ono will be exhibiting her artwork--including Smile Film No. 5--at the the Serpentine Gallery this summer

Meanwhile, smaller London art galleries also have an exciting year planned. John Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono will be exhibiting her multimedia and performance artwork at the the Serpentine Gallery this summer. Also, Rachel Whiteread will be using the facade of the Whitechapel Gallery as her own personal canvas as she decorates it with a “tree of life” motif. And artist Jeremy Deller’s brings to the Hayward Art Gallery his socially conscious artwork, including his event-film that re-enacts a 1984 battle between striking miners and police.

And if you work up an appetite wandering around these galleries, there’s plenty of places to stop in for a bite nearby. At the Tate Modern Restaurant, you can relax with some contemporary cuisine and a glass of wine while taking in some truly extraordinary views of the city. If the weather’s nice, you should head over to the Wallace Restaurant located in the Wallace Collection’s sculpture garden for some seasonal French dishes and fresh air.

For a place to stay near the galleries, might we recommend a short-term London apartment in the Mayfair section of London. From there, it’s a shot trip to both the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy, and getting around London to the other galleries is a breeze.

2012 London Art Exhibit Picks | Major Art Galleries

David Hockney: 21 Jan-9 Apr at the Royal Academy

Lucian Freud: 9 Feb-27 May at the National Portrait Gallery

Pablo Picasso and Modern British Art: 15 Feb-15 Jul at the Tate Britain

Damien Hirst: 5 Apr-9 Sep at the Tate Modern

2012 London Art Exhibit Picks | Smaller Art Galleries

Jeremy Deller: 22 Feb- 13 May at the Hayward Art Gallery

Yoko Ono: 19 Jun-23 Sep at the Serpentine Gallery

Rachel Whiteread Frieze: June 2012 at the Whitechapel Art Gallery

Where to Eat

Tate Modern Restaurant, Sumner Street, Bankside, London SE1 9TG.

Wallace Restaurant, The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN.

Where to Stay

Mayfair Apartment, located in the historic Shepherd Market area of London

On Boxing Day 2011, shoppers stampede through the doors at London's Selfridges.

It’s January! And that means it’s shopping season in London! If you’re travelling to London this month, you’re in store for unbeatable bargains at the city’s fabulous department stores and high street shops. Fashion, electronics, furniture… just about everything is marked down! Sometimes up to 70% off! It’s a shopaholic’s paradise! So pack your bags and come experience London’s January sales.

Traditionally, Boxing Day was celebrated on the day after Christmas to give a day off and a gift to servants who worked on the original holiday to make sure that their employers enjoyed their Christmas. But today, the holiday is better known as the official start of the January sales! On Boxing Day, stores open early, enticing the public with door-buster deals. Shoppers get there even earlier, lining up outside for hours to be the first ones inside! When the doors open, it’s every shopper for herself in an all-out mad dash to the cash register!

If you weren’t in London for Boxing Day, don’t worry! Most sales last until the end of January, and the last days will see some of the deepest price cuts! We have some of the best short-term apartment rentals in London where you can drop off your bags and catch a quick nap before continuing your shopping marathon.

And if you want to join the thousands lined up outside early on Boxing Day next year, we know some of the best to shop.  Start out on Oxford Street where you’ll find the major Department Stores: Selfridges, John Lewis, Debenhams, DH Evans, the largest Marks and Spencer, BHS, Zara, H+M and many more. Our personal favourite is John Lewis, but Selfridges is a popular destination filled with designer labels and markdowns on the first day of the sale.

Wander down Regent Street to the iconic Liberty’s, another of our favourites.  Liberty’s is unique–a mixture of well-known brands and famous for their fabrics and William Morris-style wallpapers.  You’ll find less well-known labels and wonderful toiletries as well. Continue on to Piccadilly and have lunch at Fortnum and Mason’s, famous for its tea and food halls.

What would the sales be without Harrod’s?  As their sale motto goes, “There is only one sale.”  You’ll be exhausted from shopping Oxford Street, but if you’re up for it, continue on to Harrod’s or go the next day.

High Street Kensington is the other popoular destination where you’ll find fashion retailers from Zara to Accessorize as well as dozens of other excellent fashion brands.  The Mayfair short-term rental is an excellent location for the sales as you’re close to Piccadilly and can walk to Fortnum’s and Oxford Street.  Or hop on the tube from our short-term apartment vacation rental in Notting Hill, and you’ll be there in three short stops! And remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the crowds on Boxing Day!