Alex Sims

It’s the height of the Great British Summer, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re feeling a little groggy this week. Not only are we in the midst of the third heatwave of the summer, with more sweaty, sleepless nights, but many of us stayed up to catch England’s quarter-final match against Norway in the FIFA World Cup. But you’re going to need to suck it up and push through the sleep deprivation, because there’s simply too much unmissable stuff going on over the third week of July.   Head to an open-air gig at Somerset House, where a huge stage has been set up in its beautiful Neoclassical courtyard. Get serious about suds at the London Craft Beer Festival, hit up a comedy gig from some of the best stand-ups on the scene at the Greenwich Comedy Garden, or head to Soho for the London institution, the Soho Village Fete.  If you want to get seriously cultured, head to the Royal Albert Hall, where The Proms start this week for a whole spectrum of brilliant classical music, see a new play about Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, or take a look at the largest UK exhibition of Ana Mendieta’s work to date at the Tate Modern.  With more sun on the agenda, it’s the perfect time to check out some open-air cinema and theatre, or to plan another picnic or pub garden sesh. Get out there and enjoy!  Start planning: here’s our roundup of the best things to do in July In the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.

The Great British Summer heatwave continues, as does the ever-long list of things to see and do in the capital. Expect plenty of football fever this weekend, as we reach the final stages of the World Cup, with the third-place play-offs and the big final landing on Saturday and Sunday. Whether England makes it through or not, there’s still plenty of reason to watch all the action. We’ve listed the best spots to pull out your best chants for the matches below.  Elsewhere, there are plenty of other unmissable events and things to do happening in the third weekend of July. Head to an open-air gig at Somerset House, where a huge stage has been set up in its beautiful Neoclassical courtyard. Get serious about suds at the London Craft Beer Festival, hit up a comedy gig from some of the best stand-ups on the scene at the Greenwich Comedy Garden, or head to Soho for the London institution, the Soho Village Fete.  If you want to get seriously cultured, head to the Royal Albert Hall, where The Proms start this week for a whole spectrum of brilliant classical music, see a new play about Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, or take a look at the largest UK exhibition of Ana Mendieta’s work to date at the Tate Modern.  With more sun on the agenda, it’s the perfect time to check out some open-air cinema and theatre, or to plan another picnic or pub garden sesh. Get out there and enjoy!  Start planning: here’s our roundup of the best things to do in July.  In the loop: sign up to our free Time O

For Londoners, September is a month where you can get the best of both worlds. You've still got the balmy weather, light evenings and relaxed vibe of summer in the city, even if the calendar warns that cooler weather's on the way. So that makes it a perfect time to get your fill of relaxation in rooftop bars and alfresco restaurants, or lolling about in the city’s best urban beaches, parks and lidos. But if you fancy a little more excitement, you'll also find that the city's cultural life is coming out of its annual hibernation and getting ready for autumn's influx of big openings.  You'll find landmark museum exhibitions, new theatre and art shows and brand new food and drink spots as London kicks back into gear. There’s also a whole host of city-wide fests taking over the capital, including Open House London – giving us a chance to get a sneak peek inside usually private buildings – London Design Festival and Totally Thames – the brilliant celebration of London’s watery main artery. In short, there's absolutely no excuse to stay indoors this September. So don't shed a tear for the end of summer: just get out your diary and get planning. Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.

As much as we love clinging to the last traces of summer, October signals a change of pace. Beer gardens empty out, big coats get fished out of wardrobes, and we all start to remember the joys of the great indoors. London's cultural institutions come alive, with line-ups designed to lure us within their walls: there's a host of big theatre productions, major film releases and cultural highlights throughout the month. The BFI London Film Festival returns, as does the London Literature Festival and the Bloomsbury Festival. On the art scene, there’s a wealth of new exhibitions not to be missed, plus Frieze’s annual London art fair, uniting some of the world’s best art galleries in one place. It’s also Black History Month in the UK, and you can expect many of London’s major institutions to throw events to mark the occasion. It’s also the time of year for a hell of a party, with Halloween bringing with it all kinds of spooky celebrations – from family-friendly frights, movie screenings, pumpkin picking and scary nightlife so good it could raise the dead taking over the capital this month. The month also calls for big steins and inventive mixes. Oktoberfest celebrations will take over the capital at the start of the month, while London Cocktail Week is also on the cards.  And there’s plenty more too! Check out our list of the best cultural happenings and things to do throughout October 2026.   RECOMMENDED:📆 The definitive London events calendar

As spring deepens into summer, a soporific, herbaceous scent starts to waft through the air and a purple hue brightens our fields and forests. It’s lavender’s time to bloom.  The deliciously fragrant purple flowers are at their peak between June and September, reaching their zenith in August, when the bees and bumblebees get to enjoy a pollen bonanza. Not only do they smell great, but at London’s glorious lavender fields, the mauve flowers create epic backdrops, perfect for a scenic picnic or your Instagram feed.  There are endless varieties, each with its own colour palette and distinct aroma, from pale lilac to deepest indigo. In London itself, Kennington Park, Kew Gardens and Vauxhall Park are top destinations for lavender-fanciers. Or make a day of it and head to whole farms dedicated to the fragrant blooms just outside the capital, in Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire. Here are some of the best places to find beautiful fields of lavender in and around London this summer.  Best places to see lavender at a glance 📸 Best for photoshoots: Castle Farm 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for a family day out: Mayfield Lavender 🚇 Best for car-less Londoners: Vauxhall Park 💐 Best for picking-your-own: Hitchin Lavender  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do outdoors in London.

We all love Bank Holidays, and if you ask us, the best is saved until last. There’s something about late August Bank Holiday that hits different. It feels like the last gasp of a long, hot summer; a final chance to soak up the sun and lap up the spoils of the season. This year's three-day weekend takes place from Saturday 29th of August to Monday 31st of August. When it comes to parties, the year definitely saves the best bank holiday till last, mainly thanks to the fact that it means Notting Hill Carnival is back. August in London wouldn’t be the same without Europe’s biggest street party. If you’re heading west for the big day, make sure you look at our guides to the soundsystems, timings and fringe events, so you’re fully prepped for the party.  The long weekend also brings some of London’s finest music festivals. All Points East, Rally, South Facing and Body Movements will be popping up again for the weekend with stellar line-ups featuring some huge acts. Or, venture south for Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, south London’s annual celebration of outdoor theatre, which will fill the streets with spectacular installations and community shows.  Make it count! RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to the bank holiday in London.

Alongside the steel bands, elaborately-dressed dancers, rum punch stands and jerk chicken vendors that make up Notting Hill Carnival, we can’t forget about the bass-quaking and rhythm-shaking sound systems that take over the streets of west London during the annual Caribbean festival, which in 2026 takes place from the 29th-31st of August. Notting Hill Carnival’s sound systems are an institution, with some of the DJs having played at the event since its inception. Dotted all across the Carnival area, there are a sound systems for all kinds of Caribbean music, from reggae and roots and ska, to lover’s rock, dance hall and soca, plus bashment, drum and bass, UK garage, hip-hop and so much more, all keeping the party going all day long.  Every corner of W10 over the weekend will become part of a smorgasbord of sound and we’re mapping out the best spots to get stuck in, including iconic sound systems like Channel One, Aba Shanti-I and Gladdy Wax, which will all be there in 2026. Give yourself a head start and check out Carnival’s best sound systems below. What day are the sound systems playing at Notting Hill Carnival 2026? On Carnival Sunday and Monday, over 30 static sound systems will play from noon to 7pm at various locations across the Notting Hill area. Make sure to check this page closer to the date of the Carnival for the most accurate list of sound systems that will be playing and their official locations.   Here’s Time Out’s A-Z of Notting Hill Carnival sound systems th

June in London is pretty much as good as it gets. It’s hot but not too hot. Festival season is in full swing. And there’s the blissful anticipation of months more gorgeous weather ahead, perfect for picnicking, spilling out onto pavements outside pubs, exploring parks, or partying all day long.  There’s plenty of fun in store during the early days of summer, including the second edition of Lido festival (featuring CMAT and Maribou State), the return of SXSW London, and blockbuster exhibitions on Anish Kapoor and Frida Kahlo.  Plus, the capital truly comes into its own this month: beer gardens are at their prime, the city parks are at their prettiest, the open-air theatre season gets going and eating alfresco is on the cards at some of London’s best restaurants. Plus, expect to see long queues in south west London as tennis fans line up to bag a place at the epic Wimbledon championships.  RECOMMENDED: Plan a great summer with our guide to London’s best music fests Get ahead of the pack and start planning your perfect July in London. 

Have you noticed that everyone seems to be doing Pilates right now? Well, there’s good reason. Developed by German trainer Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, the exercise regime is low-impact but does absolute wonders for your muscles (including your core) – and it’ll sort out a load of other issues form bad posture to balance, too. Celebs, dancers and elite athletes swear by it and now all sorts of new studios are popping up over the city. If you wanna get a bit more bendy, toned and powerful, look no further than one of these expert pilates classes. What’s more, it doesn’t matter whether they’re mat-based, inspired by ballet or take place on a reformer machine (they’re not as scary as they look, we promise), these fun and fancy studios won’t leave you bent out of shape. Here are the best pilates classes in London. Fancy testing that new-found flexibility? Try one of these yoga classes in London next.  London’s best pilates classes at a glance Best for barre: Paola’s Body Barre Best for beginners: Frame Best for traditionalists: Kinetic Pilates Best for a budget: The Refinery RECOMMENDED: The best sport and fitness in London

Need some respite from the “city that never sleeps”? We got you. While The Big Apple will eternally be in the spotlight, Upstate New York, blessed with the lakes, the Catskill Mountains, Hudson Valley and Niagara Falls, is a paradisiacal destination for some much-needed restoration, so check out our absolute favorite places to stay.    Upstate New York’s best hotels at a glance: 💎 Most luxurious: The Mirbeau Inn and Spa 👛 Best budget: The Heartwood by Vassar  🏊Best pool: The Lake House on Canandaigua 🧖🏽‍♀️ Best spa: The Gideon Putman Resort 🤩 Most iconic: The Otesaga Resort Hotel Which area is best to stay in Upstate New York? Much of Upstate New York is within comfortable driving distance of NYC: Woodstock will speak to your inner hippie, Kingston and Sleepy Hollow are the spots for history buffs, and hikers should head to Kerhonkson, Mohonk Preserve or Cold Spring. However, there’s a whole load more where that came from in our day trips guide. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the most romantic getaways in Upstate New York How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article

Chicago has everything a great city should—an abundance of museums with impressive collections, top-tier places to eat and drink, and lovely parks and gardens to break up the gleaming skyscrapers. But with so much to explore, you need a solid place to stay, and that’s precisely why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the Windy City’s best hotels. From lesser-known boutiques to towering pillars of luxury hospitality, scroll on for our freshly-curated hotel roundup, including new reviews of The Peninsula and The Guesthouse. Which area is best to stay in Chicago? Lincoln Park and Wicker Park are two brilliant options if you want to be a step back from the bustle of the city, but this is Chicago after all, and the bustle is part of the fun. If you’re visiting for the first time, we’d recommend opting for somewhere central like River North or the Loop.  Chicago’s best hotels at a glance: 💎Most luxurious: The Peninsula Chicago 👛Best budget: Eurostar Magnifiscent Mile 🏊‍♀️Best swimming pool: Viceroy Chicago 🌃Best rooftop: The Gwen  🤩Most iconic: The Palmer House Hilton 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best spa hotels in Chicago How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have b

Miami does several things exceptionally well—vast powdery white beaches, exuberant nightlife, and art museums, to name a few—but with so much to cram in, a little rest and relaxation when you return to your hotel wouldn’t go amiss, now would it?  From ocean-view saunas and sleekly-designed steam rooms to hydrotherapy circuits and full-body algae wraps, below is Time Out’s refreshed roundup of the most impressive spa hotels in Miami, now including the stunning Andaz Miami Beach Resort & Spa, as well as the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa, the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, and The Shelborne by Proper.  Which area is best to stay in Miami? If you’re after something pretty central (particularly as a first-timer to the city) opt for a stay in Downtown or Bricknell, but if topping up those Vitamin D levels is on the agenda, go for a hotel in South Beach, Mid-Beach or Bal Harbour.  Miami’s best spa hotels at a glance: 💎 Biggest splurge: Four Seasons at The Surf Club 👛 Most affordable: Hotel Victor South Beach 🏊 Best pool: JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa 💤 Best massage: Andaz Miami Beach Resort & Spa  🏋️‍♀️ Best fitness center: Gale Miami Hotel & Residences 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in Miami How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels fe

What is it? Pure heaven for anyone with an interest in anything that goes choo-choo, this interactive museum traces the history of London’s world-famous transport system. From the entertaining entrance, where audiovisual recordings of transport systems in New York, Tokyo, Paris, Shanghai and New Delhi, as well as London, are shown on screens, you are whisked by lift to the second floor – and back to 1800 where the capital's first licensed public transport – the sedan chair – and a horse-drawn omnibus from 1805, its painted, flower-bordered designs announcing still-familiar routes, are on show. The first floor holds the most exciting displays, including the first underground engine (steam-powered) and a wooden Metropolitan Railway coach (converted to electricity in 1901); one of several exhibits you can board. Frank Pick, the man responsible for rolling out the London Underground brand and giving each line its own character and ensuring the emblematic bar and circle logo became an intrinsic part of London's visual identity, to the extent it now signifies 'tube station' without the need for words, is the focus of the design display. London Transport's posters – by the likes of Abram Games, Graham Sutherland and Ivon Hitchens – are on show, as is Harry Beck's original tube map. A family play zone for children aged 0-7, All Aboard, features a fleet of mini vehicles to climb into and play on. Kids can repair a little tube train, sail the 'Thames Nipper', play in the lost property

What is it?  The capital’s biggest zoo. Since Victorian times, the zoological gardens in Regent’s Park have amused and enlightened visitors of all ages, but in the past 15 years, the Zoological Society London has changed the proposition here beyond recognition. Gradually the 36-acre park has been rebuilt to support conservation, ensure animal welfare and to make your animal encounter a more inspiring experience. The displays are ever-evolving and the Zoo’s staff are always concocting ingenious ways to expose visitors to the natural habitats and routines of the animals. A South American coastline has been mocked up for the penguins, which you can see from the stands or up close through windows looking directly into the water. The gorillas have full use of an entire African-like kingdom, and the Gir Lion Lodge, where you can stay the night (for real) near – note not with, thankfully – Asiatic lions. A night in one of these sweet little huts can set you back £435 at peak periods for two adults, which includes a two-course dinner, a full English in the morning, free parking at the Zoo (something that’s unheard of in the Camden borough!), an after-hours tour and a complimentary drink on arrival. This is as wild as wildlife gets without putting you at risk of being their next meal. Daily events include talks and feeding times, but there are also one-off events throughout the year, including ‘Sunset Safari’ openings on summer evenings. Recent additions to the zoo include Monkey Vall

What is it? The Science Museum features four floors of educational and entertaining exhibits, including the Soyuz capsule, which brought Tim Peake back from the International Space Station Apollo 10 command module and a gaming experience. The West Hall showcases developments in contemporary science, medicine and technology. Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries contains a substantial collection of medical history treasures. The Pattern Pod is a multi-sensory area for under-eights, Wonderlab holds demonstrations and explainers for bigger kids and Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery lets teenagers discover more about STEM careers. Or, explore the creative work of engineers which change our everyday lives in the Engineers gallery. Exhibits in the Exploring Space gallery include a piece of the Moon and real space rockets suspended from the ceiling and Making the Modern World holds items like the Apollo 10 command module. The Clockmakers' Museum, previously held at the Guildhall, is the oldest display of clocks and watches in the world, with most of the 1250 exhibits dating from between 1600 and 1850. The shop is also worth checking out for its wacky toys.  Why go? To see a fascinating showcase of human ingenuity, and get involved with a wealth of enthralling interactive exhibits.  Don’t miss: The museum has its own in-house IMAX: The Ronson Theatre cinema which shows scientific films in 3D, allowing visitors to be surrounded by space or submerged in the depths of the ocean.

What is it?  A research institution and a fabulous museum, home to more than more than 80 million objects relating to the natural world.  The Natural History Museum opened in Alfred Waterhouse’s purpose-built Romanesque cathedral of nature on the Cromwell Road in 1881. Joined by the splendid Darwin Centre extension in 2009, the original building still looks magnificent, and the pale blue and terracotta façade just about prepares you for the natural wonders within. Since 2017, a huge diving Blue Whale skeleton named Hope, has hung in the Hintze Hall. (She replaced London’s most beloved dinosaur, Dippy the Diplodocus, who reigned in the Hall since 1905). A new Diplodocus skeleton Fern, can now be found outside in the Museum garden.  The museum is divided into four different coloured zones. The Blue Zone contains eccentric animatronic dinosaurs, including the endlessly popular T rex, and models of some of the biggest mammals on the planet. The Red Zone is full of prehistoric fossils, volcanic simulations and artefacts explaining human evolution. The Green Zone is where you’ll see the ‘Creepy Crawlies’ gallery and the fascinating bird specimens. The Orange Zone is full of zoological curios suspended in alcohol and the Darwin Centre where many of the museum’s 80 million specimens are housed, taking up nearly 17 miles of shelving. With its eight-storey Cocoon, this is also home to the museum’s research scientists. The museum has just announced a huge refurbishment project that wil

What is it? A painstakingly accurate recreation of the original Globe Theatre, built in 1997. Built in 1599 and destroyed by fire in 1613, the original Globe Theatre was at the heart of London’s seedy entertainment district in William Shakespeare’s time. Here, productions were put on by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, who included in their company old Bill himself. Although the theatre was rebuilt after the fire, it was eventually torn down in 1644, and as London’s entertainment centre moved west, this stretch of South Bank between Blackfriars and London Bridge was all but forgotten for generations. Fast forward to 1997, when, following a decades-long campaign run by the late American actor Sam Wanamaker, the Globe was recreated near its original site. They used as much historical detail as could be found when designing the building in order to provide an authentic, Shakespearean experience with plays presented as close as possible to the kind of setting and conditions The Bard would have written for. Compared to the seventeenth century version of the theatre, the modern day Shakespeare’s Globe only holds about half the capacity, but theatre-goers can still get a rich feel for what it was like to be a ‘groundling’ (the standing rabble at the front of the stage) in the circular, open-air theatre. The Globe Exhibition and Tour is open all year round and explores the life and work of Shakespeare and theatre in his time. Why go? Step into the shoes of an Elizabethan Londoner in this

What is it? It’s been over a decade now since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but Londoner’s are still reaping the benefits of the £8.77 billion investment in the form of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The immaculate park was first opened to the public in summer 2013, a year after the Games, their paths and waterways enhanced by the new Timber Lodge Café. Next came the Zaha Hadid-designed Aquatics Centre, which is open for public swimming and diving sessions, followed by the VeloPark, home to road, track, BMX and mountain biking, and the southern section of the park. The latter comprises all the remaining parkland, including children's play areas, four walking trails and a couple of dozen public artworks. To the north, the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre has two superfast hockey pitches and ten tennis courts (four indoor, six outdoor) – you can just turn up and play, although it might be advisable to book ahead. The retooled Olympic Stadium (renamed the London Stadium) opened most recently, and now plays host to West Ham as well as various athletics championships and big concerts. But the Olympic Park isn’t finished yet. Work is ongoing around its fringes on a crop of new cultural destinations, housing and other bits and bobs.  Why go?  To take in the greenery and look at all the fancy Olympics buildings in London’s newest postcode, E20 (playfully shared with the fictional Walford of ‘EastEnders’ fame).  Don’t miss:  The park is fringed by pretty canals lined wi

What is it?  A glorious botanical garden with 250 years (and counting) of history, spread over an impressive 300 acres. More than just a pretty plot, the Royal Botanic Gardens are paving the way for the future with not one, but two national bases for research into botanical studies. While you’re strolling through the Victorian Palm House or seeking out the luscious flora (including the giant, stinking Titan Arum in the Princess of Wales Conservatory), scientists are working away in offices and laboratories behind the scenes.  They weren’t always sprawling, starting out a little more humbly in the backyard of what was once the royal palace – favoured most by George III. There’s loads to see here, whether you like green stuff or not. Why not take a trip to the Treetop Walkway? At 18 metres high, this trek through the leaves offers fab views of the grounds. Or, stroll down to the Chinese Pagoda, which was built in 1762 and towers over the southern end of the Gardens. Given the exceptional upkeep and wide variety of fauna, you’re sure to be inspired. And if the plants aren’t doing the trick, try seeking out the sculptures, which feature Henry Moore’s ‘Reclining Mother and Child’ in a stunning setting that changes with the light of each season. In fact, the art alone could take up your entire visit – see the Eduardo Paolozzi sculpture ‘A Maximis Ad Minima’ and visit the Marianne North Gallery and the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, all included in the main entry price.

What is it?  Before Alexandra Palace was a gig venue – programming some of the biggest artists around in a more intimate setting than the likes of the O2 – it was known as the ‘Peoples Palace’, and for good reason. Technically, it’s because it was built in response to the Crystal Palace being relocated south of the river, in order to give north Londoners something to be proud of too, but it also fits that Alexandra Palace has welcomed and entertained everyone who’s stepped through its threshold over its long 165-year history. The place itself looks out over north London from a height. Its altitude rewards casual walkers with spectacular views, and its commanding location and 190-odd acres of leafy parkland mean it's often mistaken for a magnificent palace of regal importance. In reality, it's an offbeat arts/entertainment centre that's making a renewed bid to pull in Londoners for nights out, after decades in the doldrums. In 2018, it re-opened the massive theatre space that had been out of action for decades, giving it a makeover that left its most picturesquely crumbling bits intact. In the years since, it's offered a mix of touring large-scale plays, seated gigs, and kids’ shows. The adjoining East Court is back in action too, offering an airy conservatory-like space where theatregoers can drink, mingle and take tea. These additions join the venue's existing indoor ice-skating rink, expo hall and a vast gig space where you can catch big names and the odd clubbing event. Th

What is it?  Opening in 2007, The O2 gave a second life to the ill-fated Millenium Dome that arrived in London at the turn of the millenium. Since being transformed into the a multi-entertainment centre, it’s seen people flock in their thousands to see one giant superstar after the next grace its stage. Everyone from Barbara Streisand, Prince and Madonna to Kendrick Lamar, Rosalia and Megan Thee Stallion have packed the house.  Still, The O2's sprawling 20,000-seat arena isn't the only thing to recommend. The smaller, less attention-grabbing Indigo2 is a good place to catch soulful crooners and the centre also houses an 11-screen cinema, outlet shops, restaurants, a Hollywood Bowl, an indoor skydiving centre and the immersive theatre experience Mamma Mia The Party.  Why go?  For music, cinema, shopping and plenty more in between.  Don’t miss:  If you’ve ever wondered what London looks like from 53 metres above North Greenwich, the arena’s Up at The O2 experience can give you an insight. The experience AAA lets you walk on the roof of the Arena, attached to a harness of course. You’ll be led up by a guide where you can breathe in the fresh air, take a selfie or two and discover some facts about London’s landmarks before heading back down. Time Out tip:  This place is huge. Do a little bit of research before heading over to find out the best way to get the entrance that’ll place you closest to the bit you’re looking for in this massive complex. Discover our guide to the very be

What is it?  One of London’s most famous Tudor haunts. To cut a long story short, Hampton Court Palace was originally built by Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey, as a showy country retreat to host state visits. Unfortunately, he did such a grand job of out-blinging the king, that Henry pretty much seized Hampton Court Palace from Wolsey as compensation when the Pope wouldn’t let him divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon so he could shack up with Anne Boleyn. Thus history was made. Hampton Court Palace has long been remembered as the Tudors’ stomping ground and some of the wondrous sixteenth-century quarters that still stand proud remain the best bits to visit. Like the kitchens, which once housed the factory-sized production team that fed around 600 people in court twice daily. Or sniff out the spice rooms and cellars, where the king stashed his goodies, including French wine, local game and Italian olives. For those wanting to delve deeper, see if you can track down and tack onto one of the free talks or tours, which run at regular intervals. Or, for a little more excitement, have a look for the resident LARPers, who act out ‘encounters with the past’ (including meeting Henry VIII’s courtiers) in full costume in various places around the palace. The history of this place isn’t solely devoted to the Tudors, of course. The building’s royal allegiance extended to King James, too, who invited none other than Shakespeare himself to host a series of Christmas plays at t

What is it?  Seven books, eight films, a play, and a soon-to-be-released TV series down the line, the world has lost none of its appetite for all things Harry Potter-related, which is why people just keep on coming to Warner Bros’ special exhibition, ‘The Making of Harry Potter.’  Just north of Watford, you’ll find the very warehouses and movie studios that played an integral part in the making of the Harry Potter film franchise. When the crew weren’t at real locations, they were creatively mocking up most of the scenes here in Leavesden. And they’re still standing strong. Given the sheer volume and Potter nerds, Warner Bros decided to leave everything where it was and expand the studios, so other films could still be produced here without interruption. It truly is a magical place. The props, sets and costumes have been lovingly maintained for what has become a permanent exhibition of the memorabilia. Wander through the workshops, storerooms and life-sized sets that were used for the series. Fans will be in heaven here. Step into some of the most iconic locations from the movies: the Great Hall at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and, of course, Platform 9¾ with the gleaming Hogwarts Express steam train. General cinephiles will also appreciate learning more about behind-the-scenes trickery: the special effects, animatronics and methods by which more outlandish characters were brought to life.  You can also get your chops around a flagon of butterbeer (don’t worry, as fans know, it’s ki

What is it?  Massive jewels, life-sized animal sculptures and grisly torture devices. The Tower of London really does have something for everyone, no matter how sadistic your interests are. Because despite the exhausting crowds and long climbs up stairways, the Tower remains one of Britain's finest historical attractions. After all, who wouldn’t want a close-up with the crown of Queen Victoria or the prodigious codpiece of King Henry VIII? This eleventh-century fortress boasts an impressive 900 years of history. Within its walls and beyond the empty moats are interactive displays revealing the extravagant and at times controversial lifestyles of the British monarchs, as well as the torturous deaths of traitors. Glimpse those Crown Jewels (but expect queues of ginormous proportions), or if jewellery’s not your bag, head on over to the White Tower where you’ll find a collection of shiny torture tools. Known as the Royal Armouries, this ancient Norman keep contains swords, suits of armour for both humans and horses, poleaxes, halberds, morning stars (spiky maces) and other means for separating limbs from torsos. There's also a redisplay of the Line of Kings – an original exhibition dating back to the 1680s – which includes wooden horses carved by the prolific sculptor Grinling Gibbons, Henry VIII's armour and a scale model of tilting knights. For the little ones, there are swordsmanship games, coin-minting activities and even a child-sized longbow. Why go?  Get up close to 900 y

Ever since its reign as the UK City of Culture in 2017, Hull has swiftly swept away any assumptions of it being a forgotten post-industrial outpost. Recently, the East Yorkshire port city has blossomed thanks to millions of pounds of investment and a thriving arts and culture scene. Last year, it was even named in National Geographic’s best places in the world to visit in 2026, thanks to its ‘laid-back charm’. Now, there’s even more reason to visit Hull. The city is about to reopen its much-loved maritime museum after a massive six-year-long £20 million refurbishment project. The Hull Maritime Museum, which sits in a grand Grade II-listed old docks office, will open its doors again on Saturday August 8. As well as the artefacts it’s always housed, it will also treat visitors to new exhibits and immersive exhibitions, and the chance to explore one of the building’s impressive domes for the first time.  It’s been a long wait to see the modernised museum, which, after closing in early 2020, was due to reopen in late 2023. Several delays pushed the opening date back to this year. Photograph: Sarah Salunga / Shutterstock.comHull Maritime Museum It’ll certainly be worth the wait, though. The new museum is set to feature a rare scrimshaw tooth linked to a Hull whaling ship called Truelove (which made 72 Arctic voyages over more than a century), as well as a decorated sperm whale tooth – which shows the ship the Phoenix of London hunting a sperm whale, depicted by American scrims

Travelling to the Netherlands? If you’re hoping to hop on a ferry to Rotterdam, your journey has just got a bit more plush. P&O Ferries, which runs a North Sea route between Hull and the Dutch port city, has just installed fancy new sleeper lounges on board to make the overnight journey a little bit more comfortable. While a variety of cabins have always been available on the route, the new Sleep Lounge will give passengers who don’t necessarily want to splash out on a private cabin, but don’t want to rough it in a makeshift sleep spot either, another more comfortable option. Available on crossings from July 13, the new lounge will pack in 36 recliner seats, giving space for people to rest and catch some z’s over the 12-hour-long crossing, which leaves Hull at around 8pm.    Image: P&O FerriesP&O Sleeper Lounge   It means that if you don’t want to fork out for a cabin, passengers can still get a night’s kip on the crossing and arrive bright-eyed and raring to go when they get to Rotterdam the following morning. Passengers who book the new business class flight-style reclining seats will also get a complimentary blanket and a locker. Plus, they’ll also have access to the ferry’s bar, restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment.  Fares for foot passengers on the ferry start from £47 per person one way for off-peak travel between October and December, and a chair in the Sleep Lounge costs an additional £25. Those travelling by car can book from £121 for one car, one passenge

If you see anyone wheeling through London on their bike stark naked this month, don’t be alarmed. This weekend the annual World Naked Bike Ride will be returning to the capital, filling the city with cyclists wearing nothing but their birthday suits.  The event has been happening in London since 2004 and you can get a little taste of what to expect visually here. Despite appearances, there are some serious principles behind it, namely to protest against the global dependency on oil, curb car culture, promote real rights for cyclists and celebrate body freedom. Last year, around 1,200 cyclists took off their kit to ride through London in the nude. The nude riders will head into town from various starting points, merging into one group from Westminster Bridge onwards.  Here’s what to expect for the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) 2026, if you’re looking to take part (or stay well clear).  When is the World Naked Bike Ride happening in London?  The 2026 edition of the World Naked Bike Ride is happening on Sunday June 14. Increased traffic, events, road closures, diversions, protests and the annual Trooping the Colour have made the usual Saturday date increasingly tricky in recent years, so the event’s organisers have agreed to trade places with WNBR Brighton, which will now be taking place on June 13. As well as shifting to Sunday, start times for WNBR London 2026 are also moving half an hour earlier than in previous years. Start times vary depending on where you choose to start fr

In some good news, one of London’s only dedicated queer bookshops has opened a second location. The Common Press, initially opened in Shoreditch back in 2021, exclusively sells literature by and for queer people or people of colour. Although not the first spot for catering for LGBTQ+ readers (Bloomsbury’s Gay’s The Word has been selling books for queer readers since 1979), The Common Press’s main draw was its dedicated events space for LGBTQ+ people and people of colour.  Opened as part of Glass House, a multidisciplinary venue, the bookshop offers a curated selection of books written by LGBTQ+ authors, Black & POC writers, transgender creatives and other marginalised voices, but also became a space for people to socialise thanks to its cafe and bar, which offered a cosy and inclusive community place for events, meetings or just a space to relax and hang out.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Common Press (@thecommonpress) However, in 2023, the shop faced an uncertain future when its investors were no longer able to support the project. It set up a crowdfunder in order to operate independently, and although the shop survived, it was forced to shut its bar and cafe.  Since then, the bookshop has been searching for a way to create this space again, and its second site looks to be the solution. Just like the original, the new location in Dalston is Black queer and trans run. It also has a cafe, a bar, and an events space, meaning it will

Some lucky office workers will be aware of ‘Summer Fridays’, where employees are allowed to shave off a few hours from the end of the working week and clock off early on Fridays during the summer months to take advantage of the longer days (or, just spend more time outside the pub with a pint in hand).  Well, London institution, the National Gallery, is doing its own version of a special summer timetable. But, instead of shortening its opening hours, it’s extending them, so there’s even more time to take in its oil paintings of stiff-backed royals, hilarious political caricatures, and portraits of musicians, scientists, artists, philanthropists and celebrities.  From Friday July 3 to Monday August 31, the free-to-visit gallery will launch National Gallery Summertime, staying open until 7pm daily, with late opening until 9pm on Fridays. Alongside the extended hours, there’ll also be evening creative workshops hosted in the Roden Centre for Creative Learning (RCCL), including life drawing and still life classes, and the gallery’s Take One Picture exhibition will also remain on view throughout the summer. Zurbarán exhibition © The National Gallery, LondonZurbarán exhibition at The National Gallery, London It’s not just the galleries that will be staying open later. The building’s shops, bars, restaurants and exhibitions will also adhere to the new seasonal hours, so visitors can really make an evening of it. Plus, it will mean an extra chance to check out the gallery’s blockbu

After eight years serving bowls of fiery noodle soups, steaming curry laksa and crunchy Malaysian fried chicken, beloved London restaurant Shambal Shiok has shut up shop. Founder Mandy Yin said that she ‘cannot continue personally carrying the financial risk or injecting funds to keep the business afloat’.  Sambal Shiok began life as a humble street food stall, before Yin opened her brick-and-mortar restaurant on Holloway Road in 2018. Its flavoursome soups, salads, chicken and signature nyonya curry laksa became a firm favourite on the London food scene, and earned a five-star review from Time Out. However, like many eateries in the capital at the moment, Shambal Shiok has struggled to operate under the cost-of-living crisis and an increasingly unviable business environment. In a statement on Instagram, Yin wrote: ‘Since 2013, Sambal Shiok has been my heart, my pride and my life’s work. I built my food business on a bootstrap – from street food, to pop-up restaurant, to bricks-and-mortar - because I believed that the flavours of Malaysia, made from scratch, deserved a place in London. But ultimately, it is my name and my family’s security on the line. Photograph: Alex Lambertsambal shiok ‘I cannot continue personally carrying the financial risk or injecting funds to keep the business afloat. Relentless cost increases, staffing pressures and the weight of operational responsibility have taken a deep toll on my mental health and personal life. ‘Since Covid, trading has becom

After three years, the Ukrainian bistro Mriya, run and staffed by refugees, is due to close its doors. Mriya, or ‘dream’ as it translates in English, opened on Chelsea’s Brompton Road in August 2022 – just six months after Russia launched a invasion of the country. Its mission was to provide culinary and emotional sustenance for homesick Ukrainians, as well as to keep the struggles of the conflict in Ukraine on the agenda.  ‘Mriya was created at a time when millions of Ukrainians were displaced by war. More than a restaurant, it became a meeting place for the Ukrainian community in London – a space where people gathered to share food, culture, music, conversation, and a sense of home, while the local community learned more about Ukrainian cuisine and wines,’ said Mriya in a statement.  Created by Olga Tsybytovska and her celebrity chef husband Yurii Kovryzhenko, the restaurant was entirely staffed by Ukrainian refugees, including lawyers, business owners, teachers and students. ‘For many on the team, Mriya was not only a workplace but also a source of stability, friendship, and a sense of belonging during an uncertain time,’ the statement continues. https://www.instagram.com/p/DYFT23cDG_R/?img_index=1 As well as serving traditional dishes like chicken Kyiv, borscht, herring pâté, fermented vegetables and oxtail, as well as serving a formidable collection of vodkas, the restaurant itself is decorated with paintings by Ukrainian artists, and full of salvaged furniture. It held

May is one of the finest months in London for many reasons – the parks are full of colourful spring blooms and the possibilities of summer are on the horizon, but even more notably, there are not one, but two bank holidays to enjoy. And if you’ve looked at your weather app lately, you’ll have noticed that the late May Bank Holiday taking place this weekend (Saturday May 23 to Monday May 25) is shaping up to be a very sunny one indeed. Throughout this week, it’s become clear that London is set for seriously toasty weather over the coming days. The Met Office reckons that temperatures in the capital could reach as high as 33C over the bank holiday. That’s not just hot. That’s a potential heatwave. But just how hot will it be, and could we even be in store for a pre-summer heatwave? Here’s what the weather gurus at the Met Office have forecast for the long weekend. It’s looking like we’ll all get a solid dose of vitamin D, so make sure to pack the sunscreen if you’re heading outside.  RECOMMENDED: ☀️ The best free things to do in London on the late May bank holiday weekend.⛔️ The full list of tube and travel disruption to know about this weekend. Late May Bank Holiday 2026 weather forecast (May 23-25 2026) Here’s what the Met Office reckons is on the cards for London over the late May bank holiday weekend: Saturday May 23 At the time of writing, the Met Office says that Saturday, May 4, will be warm with a few clouds for the majority of the day with highs of 29C in the early ev

Sea Containers, the glamorous five-star Thames-side hotel on the South Bank, has already cemented itself as a go-to cocktails spot in London thanks to its bar Lyaness, manned by Mr Lyan, aka Ryan Chetiyawardana, who is widely considered one of the best mixologists in the world.  But, while Sea Containers’ cocktail bar has made waves with its experimental menus and use of weird and wonderful ingredients (the current menu contains cocktails made with ‘tree caramel’ and ‘micro-organisms’) and has become the only London venue to achieve an esteemed three-pin rating from The Pinnacle Guide, over the corridor, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant has never achieved the same notoriety. But could that be about to change?  The Sea Containers Restaurant has just announced a new partnership with famously foul-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay, launching Gordon Ramsay at Sea Containers from autumn this year. Few details have been announced about the collaboration, but we do know that it will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner inspired by its riverside setting. It will also have a riverside terrace for alfresco dining.  Andy Wenlock, CEO of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global, has said that the new restaurant will capture ‘the vibrancy of the South Bank while upholding the standards of quality, atmosphere and hospitality that define our restaurants globally’. Until then, the restaurant will be open as usual if you want to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the South Bank along with dinner. Did you he

Italian restaurant chain Spaghetti House has been a familiar sight in London for decades, but after 70 years of serving pizza and pasta in the capital, the restaurant group will be shutting its doors in an ‘increasingly challenging environment’.  Spaghetti House opened its first site on Goodge Street way back in 1955, and was one of the first spots to introduce Londoners to traditional Italian food. Founders Simone Lavarini and Lorenzo Fraquelli hoped to bring an authentic-style trattoria to the city where diners could indulge in home-cooked pasta, washed down with a digestif, and went on to open sites in Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Marble Arch, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Kensington High Street and Cranbourn Street.  As of this week, restaurant company Lavval Restaurants Ltd announced that it has entered administration and has ceased trading, with all of its restaurants due to shut their doors. According to reports, the company had already shut its sites in Mayfair, Goodge Street and Fitzrovia before corporate restructuring firm Begbies Traynor was brought in to help close down the business and the remaining restaurants.  Photograph: Alena Veasey / Shutterstock.comSpaghetti House, London In a statement on its website, Spaghetti House says: ‘Over the past few years, we have done everything in our power to navigate an increasingly challenging environment. A combination of sustained cost increases, the lasting effects of COVID-19, Brexit, and ongoing global instability, has fundam

If you’ve ever run the Hackney Half Marathon, you’ll know that despite the fact you’re exerting yourself for 13.1 miles – risking chafing, blisters and sheer exhaustion along the way – somehow it still manages to be a fun, spirited, life-affirming party, thanks to the atmosphere around the course. This Sunday (May 17), everyone from DJs and bands to drumming troupes and choirs will be lining the route, providing upbeat and motivating tunes. But, more importantly, the Hackney streets will be swelling with crowds of spectators armed with signs, sweets and rousing cheers to spur everyone on until the end. Even after you’ve finished the race, which stretches from Hackney Marches to Hackney Downs and curves round to Victoria Park, before ending back at the Race Village at the Marshes again, you’ll find that the good vibes continue. Whether you’re riding high on endorphins or nursing post-race blisters, there are plenty of afterparties, freebies and perks for the determined folk wearing their medals round their necks. Here are the best freebies and treats to look out for – just don’t wear yourself out running round town to bag ’em all. You’ve earned a nice sit down!HACKNEY MARATHON GUIDE📍 The Hackney Half: route and best places to watch.⏱️ Start times and waves.⛔️ Road closures. The best Hackney Half 2026 freebies and perks 1. Craft beer at LARDO What you get: Join a party on LARDO’s terrace after the Hackney Half. There’ll be a Sandwich & Spritz menu available in collaboration wi

If you’ve ever strolled down Queen’s Walk, the Thames-side promenade that stretches from London City Pier to Tower Bridge, you’ll be familiar with the big bulbous, armadillo-style building, 110 Queen’s Walk, which looks out across the river next to Potter’s Field.  Once called a ‘glass gonad’ by former PM Boris Johnson, up until 2021 it was London’s City Hall, and you’d have found the 10-story building buzzing with busy Greater London Authority staff. For the last five years, it’s sat empty, and its famous glass windows have been removed, leaving behind a metal shell.  Originally built in 2002, new plans for the site’s next iteration have been in the works since 2023, and it’s been confirmed that the building will be turned into a new ‘destination for both Londoners and visitors to London Bridge City’, according to the project’s official website. Gensler architects, one of the groups behind the project, has released conceptual drawings of what the building is due to look like, with the old glass shell removed and replaced with rounded terraces and balconies covered in green plants. Update on 110 The Queen’s Walk. With the façade removal nearly complete, preparations are underway for the structural modifications to the building frame. The project aims to preserve the iconic architectural elements while adapting the existing floor plates. pic.twitter.com/a2JzOdOiB1 — ORSA (@ORSA_UK) November 7, 2025 Under plans from its landlord, St Martins Property Investment, the build