With the sun’s glorious rays out in full form, the capital has burst into life with a series of things to do, see, eat and experience.
From picnics in a manicured garden, to a summers evening spent enjoying live music, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy yourself in and out of the sun’s ray! To help you make the most of the hot season, here is our rundown of the places to be if you’re looking to beat the heat this summer...
Glorious gardens
There a few places more idyllic than a garden in the summer time and at Unique Venues of London, we’ve more than one to choose from. From the quiet west London oasis that is Chiswick House and Gardens to the lush wildlife haven at WWT London Wetland Centre and the beautiful country estate Syon Park, there’s something for everyone. For the more adventurous among you, why not try your hand at the Hampton Court Palace Maze? Commissioned around 1700 by William III, it is still baffling visitors today! If something more leisurely is your style, consider a stroll around Kew Gardens’ world renowned botanic gardens or take things to a new height and check out Sky Gardens stunning cornucopia of foliage located 150 meters above the sprawling city streets. There are many green spaces to enjoy this summer and what better way to celebrate the great outdoors than with the re-opening of the Garden Museum following an 18 month long, £7.5 million redevelopment programme.
Majestic masterpieces
If, after a day of exploring the outdoors, you need a little time in the shade, why not pay a visit to some of the capital’s world famous art galleries? From what is arguably the greatest collection of Western European paintings in the world, at National Gallery to Dulwich Picture Gallery, the first purpose built public art gallery in the world, London is no stranger to globally renowned art.
Why not stop by the home of the British art world and the oldest fine arts institution in the country Royal Academy of Arts, or visit The Wallace Collection, home to unsurpassed displays of French 18th-century paintings, furniture and porcelain, as well as iconic Old Master paintings and a world class armoury. If contemporary art is more to your taste then consider Chelsea’s stunning Saatchi Gallery or the riverside art giants Tate Modern and Tate Britain.
Powerful performances
If you’re looking to continue your cultural tour of the capital, then the many theatres, music venues and concert halls are a must see. London has a strong relationship with the performance arts and houses two of the world’s most prolific performance spaces in Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Theatre. Drawing world class musicians, thespians and artists the capital has a vibrant arts scene with everything from cultural icons to hidden gems.
From the grandiose exterior of the Royal Albert Hall to the atmospheric intimacy of a live performance at LSO St Luke’s and even the stunning lawns of Royal Hospital Chelsea during their summer concert series Live at Chelsea, there is something to suit all tastes this summer!
For more information about all of the Unique Venues of London member venues, click here