Summer in London

Hello Reader

In the last couple of weeks I've been spending a lot of time in London. Although it's 30 years since I lived here, I often return to see family, visit exhibitions and check out new visitor attractions.

These days I'm able to enjoy the city's many charms (free museums, green spaces, elegant architecture and world class culture), without the disadvantages of living there (unaffordable rents, long commutes and high living costs).

And of course sunshine in London makes everyone happy! While visitors are busy ticking off Big Ben and the London Eye, the locals will be having a picnic with friends in their nearest park or hanging out by any form of water (River Thames, Regents canal, Hampstead swimming pond, Serpentine or London Fields Lido)

So I've dedicated this newsletter to some of the things I've enjoyed in London recently - and you could too if you have any visits planned.

I also have loads about London on the blog, from what to see near Kings Cross and Paddington Stations, to Marble Arch and the City of London.

And if you have no plans to visit London this year, perhaps take this as your reminder that your own stay-cation or day-cation awaits, in your nearest town, city or countryside. Look at your own backyard through the eyes of a visitor and you'll be amazed what there is to enjoy!

Wishing you happy summer travels, both near and far

Heather x

PS. If you are travelling soon, check out the tours with up to 40% off on the Get Your Guide Summer Sale Page

Heather at Henry Moore Exhibition in Kew Gardens London

Travelling soon?

If you are travelling soon it really helps us if you use the booking links below.

We make a small commission at no additional cost to you, which helps keep this newsletter and blog free.

Hotels: I use Booking (check out the Summer Deals) but Expedia is also good for flight + hotel packages.

Tours: For top end food tours, we recommend Devour Tours and small group tours with Take Walks. Both Get Your Guide (summer sale) and Viator are also great for tours and experiences.

Trains: For train bookings in Europe use Rail Europe. Byway Travel also offer great no-fly itineraries in Europe and beyond.

Car Hire: For car hire I use the car rental arm of Booking.com (but always check the scores and reviews of each provider).

Villas & Cottages: VRBO for villas and holiday rentals worldwide and Sykes Cottages for UK cottages.

Here's what I've been up to recently in London...

Tea at Fortnum & Masons

Afternoon tea is one of those girly treats that is so typically a 'London' thing to do.

My daughter treated me to a delightful tea at the Fortnum & Masons Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, with the friendliest service, sweetest cakes and most elegant surroundings.

In the shop you'll also want to indulge yourself with the purchase of a prettily decorated tin of loose leaf tea or the finest porcelain tea service as a souvenir of your visit!

This is a treat that combines beautifully with a visit to the Royal Academy of Arts summer exhibition, stroll in Green Park or tour of Spencer House, all of which are 5 minutes away.

Tip: As a traditional afternoon tea is a meal in itself, I tend to book it around 2pm and skip lunch. If you can't finish everything, they will happily pack up your remaining cakes in box to take home.

Spencer House in London

After our afternoon tea, we happily stumbled on Spencer House, which is tucked away in the exclusive streets of Mayfair, overlooking Green Park.

This is one of the few grand London mansions open to the public, and was the home of the Spencer family, ancestors of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Following a no-expenses-spared 10 year restoration, this miniature palace is open for tours every Sunday, the rest of the time being used mainly for events.

If you happen to be in London on a Sunday I highly recommend a visit. The house is breathtaking, and the tour with a Blue Badge Guide was fascinating, explaining the gilded lifestyle of the Georgian aristocracy.

Henry Moore at Kew Gardens

In 2008 I wrote about a previous Henry Moore exhibition at Kew Gardens so was delighted to see that a new exhibition Henry Moore: Monumental Nature has returned.

The 30 sculptures are beautifully displayed throughout the botanical gardens, while smaller pieces and drawings are on display in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery. This is all included in your general admission ticket to Kew Gardens.

We chose a sunny day to visit and using the map in the admission leaflet, managed to see almost all the sculptures over a couple of hours.

Kew Gardens is truly a garden for all seasons and the Henry Moore sculptures are there until 31 January 2027.

We found it wonderful to visit on a sunny day when the gardens are blooming, so I'd definitely add it to your summer list of places to visit.

I've updated my old article with all the photos we took as we strolled around the sculptures.

More things to see in London

I have plenty of articles on the blog that cover what to see in London...

Kings Cross

Spend a day exploring Kings Cross, from canal-side strolls, weekend markets and street food, to the canal museum, music and public art experiences.

If you just have a couple of hours before taking the Eurostar from St Pancreas station, we have some suggestions for you too.

Read: 20 Best things to do in Kings Cross

City of London

The City of London is the capital’s financial and historic heart, a mixture of Roman remains, medieval alleyways and cutting edge modern architecture.

There’s a surprising amount to see and even if your budget isn’t funded by a city slicker's salary, I can recommend plenty of free things to do in the area.

Read: 10 Free Things to do in the City of London

Kensington Gardens

With formal gardens, water features and 265 acres of parkland, Kensington Gardens is one of the most beautiful of the London parks.

While open to the public, it has an intimate feel as the ‘back garden’ of Kensington Palace, home to many members of the Royal Family.

Read: My complete guide to Kensington Gardens and Palace in London

More must-see exhibitions in London

Here are a couple more exhibitions I'll be visiting soon - if you're planning a London visit in the next couple of months try to book well ahead, as the most popular dates sell out quickly.

Queen Elizabeth II: Her life in Style

This exhibition at the King's Gallery, next to Buckingham Palace has been incredibly popular and is now extended until April 2027.

You'll see pieces from the wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth, worn through the ten decades of her life, including her wedding dress and coronation gown.

The exhibition is sold out for most summer dates, but if you're planning a London visit from November onwards, book now to secure your ticket.

In the meantime, there are some lovely videos and articles explaining aspects of the exhibition and queen's wardrobe on the exhibition website.

Frida: The making of an icon

The exhibition about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo at the Tate Modern is open until 7 January 2027.

On display are over 30 of Kahlo’s works that introduce her many self portraits, as well as clothing, jewellery, photographs and memorabilia.

In addition to her own works, the exhibition explores how Kahlo's iconic image has been used both commercially and to inspire other artists.

Book the exhibition here with good availability through July and August, and some special tickets offering the exhibition combined with lunch, dinner or cocktails.