Downton Abbey Floral Farewell

Fleurs de Villes September 22 - October 1st

Following the London premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on September 3rd and the film’s UK cinema release on September 12th, Kew Gardens will host Fleurs de Villes: Flowers in the City – Downton Abbey from September 22 to October 1.

This enchanting exhibition features floral installations by top London floral designers, inspired by the beloved period drama. Expect to see lifelike botanical mannequins of Crawley family members, household staff, and other fan favorites — dressed head to toe in intricate, plant-based couture.

After captivating audiences in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, New York (pictured) and Vancouver, the exhibit arrives in London — city renowned for its floral artistry, from the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows to Chelsea and Belgravia in Bloom.  The displays at Kew promise to be nothing short of spectacular.

Visitors can also enjoy live floral demonstrations, engaging talks by expert florists, and afternoon tea in the elegant Orangery. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite floral creation.

Whether you're a Downton Abbey devotee, a flower lover, or just seeking a unique day out, this is an event not to miss!
www.theoriginalmaidsofhonour.co.uk ✆ +44 2089 402752
288 Kew Road, Kew Gardens TW9 3DU

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Free Rachel Zegler Performance

In Evita Until September 6th

If you’re in London the next couple of weeks, keep an eye on the balcony of the London Palladium.  That’s where Rachel Zegler — star of West Side Story, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and Snow White — is performing the iconic Evita ballad 'Don’t Cry for Me Argentina' — live, and completely free.

Zegler is currently starring as Eva Perónof Evita until September 6th and the show’s most talked about moment happens outside the theater.  Each evening around 9:05 pm (and ~4 pm during Thursday and Sunday matinees), she steps out onto the Palladium’s balcony and sings to anyone watching from the street and the audience inside.

While some ticketholders have mixed feelings about the live-stream inside, others see it as a creative way to make West End theatre more accessible.  And for fans of Zegler — or musical theatre — it’s a must-see.

Note : Zegler will not be performing Monday, August 25th
www.lwtheatres.co.uk
8 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF

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Summer Exhibition : Beyond the Academy

Halcyon Gallery until August 31st

While the Royal Academy's famed Summer Exhibition — the world’s oldest open-submission art show — closes Sunday, August 17th, there’s still time to catch another exhibition of the same name around the corner.

A short 8 minute walk from the Royal Academy is Halcyon Gallery's Summer Exhibition: Colour & Materiality. This thoughtfully curated show on display until August 31st features a select group of internationally acclaimed artists in an intimate, gallery setting.

Highlights include:

• Paul Cummins’ striking red ceramic poppy installation spans two floors. The piece echoes his commemorative work for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day currently on display at the Tower of London.

• One floor below, Dale Chihuly’s Float Boat — a wooden vessel filled with bright blown-glass spheres—sits alongside his vibrant Light Drawings — liquid acrylic works illuminated by LED strips.

• David Hockney’s iPad drawings, created using the Brushes app, demonstrate how digital tools can realistically simulate traditional brushwork. Halcyon Gallery is known for bringing attention to digital art.

Whether you're a casual visitor, seasoned collector, or art aficionado, it’s well-worth stopping by Halcyon Gallery for an artful twist on the traditional summer exhibition — no ticket or queues required.

www.halcyongallery.com
29 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TR

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The Lookout

Hidden gem in the sky

Opened July 2023, The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate is one of London’s newest free viewing galleries, located on the 50th floor at 650 feet. While slightly lower than nearby Horizon 22, it offers breathtaking 270° views.

The Lookout is a quieter, more relaxed alternative with shorter queues and faster access than Horizon 22 — ideal for the perfect escape above London.

Highlights include:

• Close-up views of London's skyline
• The Thames and Tower Bridge
• South London and The Shard
• West-facing glass for stunning sunsets

Know before you go:

• Tickets are released bi-weekly on Monday
• Walk-ins accepted if space allows (be sure to check their website for dates they are closed to the public for private events)
• Entry is quick and the staff is welcoming

One of London’s best-kept secrets worth checking out!

www.8bishopsgate.com/the-lookout
8 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ

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Lindt Flagship Store

Celebrate World Chocolate Day July 7th

In March 2025, Lindt opened its 2,800-square-foot flagship store in London’s Piccadilly Circus to mark its 180th anniversary. With World Chocolate Day on July 7th, it's the perfect spot to indulge in premium chocolates and one-of-a-kind treats.

Store Highlights:

• Truffle Pick & Mix Station — The UK's largest, featuring 21 Lindor flavours and 15 mini Lindt chocolates.
  
• Chocolate Bar — Enjoy barista-style coffee, hot chocolate, gelato, and milkshakes.

• Master Chocolatiers — Watch the UK's first in-store Lindt
  chocolatiers craft custom creations.
  
• London-Themed Gifts — Take home souvenirs inspired by landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge.

• Unique Treats — Inspired by the viral Middle Eastern dessert, Lindt’s sell-out Dubai style chocolate bar, featuring a blend of pistachio nuts, Kadayif pastry, and milk chocolate, is now available in-store.

Whether you're a true chocolate connoisseur or just craving something sweet, Lindt’s flagship store is a must-visit destination!


www.lindt.co.uk
14 Shaftesbury Ave, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7EA

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Kids Week : Free Tickets for Kids

Tickets on sale June 10th at 10 am

From July 21 to August 31, Kids Week gives children 17 and under the chance to see top West End shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult.  You can also buy half-price tickets for up to two additional children per adult ticket:

Choose from 55 popular productions, including :

Back to the Future The Musical*

The Choir of Man*

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Hamilton

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child*

The Great Gatsby

Les Miserables

The Lion King*

Mamma Mia!*

Matilda the Musical

MJ The Musical*

Moulin Rouge!*

The Mousetrap*

Phantom of the Opera

The Play that Goes Wrong*

Six*

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

Wicked*

Witness for the Prosecution

*These shows offer exclusive extras, such as workshops in acting, dancing, illusions, musical theatre and singing and special Q&A sessions.

Due to high demand, it's a good idea to plan ahead. Have a few dates and shows in mind before tickets go live.

With no booking, postage, or transaction fees, tickets sell out quickly. For the best selection, be ready to book online when sales open on Tuesday, June 10 at 10 a.m. 

Good luck — and enjoy the show!
www.officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week

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The Mitre Hotel

A Regal Return

Just an 8-minute walk from Hampton Court Palace, the newly refurbished The Mitre Hotel is a must-visit. Acquired by the Signet Hotel Group in 2020, the historic 36-room property underwent a £15 million transformation, earning a place in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Built in 1665 by King Charles II to house courtiers, The Mitre has been beautifully restored, blending period elegance with modern comfort. Stylish lounges, bars, and restaurants feature curated art and textiles that add a contemporary twist to classic British charm.

It is a perfect place to stop in before (or after) a visit to Hampton Court for riverside tea refreshments:

• Cream Tea — £11: Buttermilk scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam

• Half Afternoon Tea — £15: Includes crème brûlée cheesecake and a raspberry almond muffin (+£4 for extra)

• Full Afternoon Tea — £35: Includes all of the above, four types of sandwiches, and two additional desserts

        All served with Twist Tea or specialty coffee.

Whether you’re a hotel guest or a local, The Mitre is the perfect riverside retreat!

www.mitrehamptoncourt.com 

Hampton Court Road, East Molesey KT8 9BN

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Belgravia in Bloom

Through the seasons

If you’re not ready for the floral fun to end, head to Belgravia for even more blooms — completely free. While the Chelsea in Bloom and the Chelsea Flower Show wrap up on May 24th, the 10th annual Belgravia in Bloom runs from May 19th to May 26th.  This year's theme 'Through the Seasons' will be featured in 45+ displays.

Use the map to plan your route: start in Knightsbridge on Motcomb Street, stroll through Eccleston Yards and Elizabeth Street, and finish on Pimlico Road (Sloane Square Station is nearby). Or, reverse the route and end near Victoria Station.

Whichever way you wander, Belgravia in Bloom is the perfect way to let your floral adventures linger just a little bit longer!
www.belgraviavillage.com

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Hampton Court Gardens for free

Mothers Day weekend May 10-11

Just in time for US Mother’s Day weekend, Hampton Court Palace is offering free entry to its historic gardens on May 10–11.

Set along the River Thames, the gardens span over 60 acres of formal landscaping and 750 acres of parkland, showcasing centuries of garden design from the Tudor era onward.

Highlights include:

• Great Fountain Garden — Created in 1689 for William III and Mary II, featuring 13 fountains along with manicured flower beds and yews.

• Privy Garden — One of the most accurate reconstructions of a baroque-style garden from 1702.

• Hampton Court Maze — The UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze built in the 1700s.

• Wilderness Garden — Once a formal 1680s pleasure garden, now a natural display of spring flowers and daffodils.

• Rose Garden — Once William III’s kitchen garden, this 1930s addition features classic and hybrid English roses.

• Great Vine — Planted in 1768 by Capability Brown, it remains the world’s largest grapevine and still produces fruit.
  
  Whether you’re a garden lover, history buff, or just in search of a scenic stroll, the gardens offer a perfect Mother’s Day weekend outing.
  
  Tip : If you miss this weekend or want to wander the gardens for free, save the July 1-6, September 13-14, October 18-19, November 22-23, and December 26.
  
  Note : While these open days allow free access to the gardens, a palace admission ticket is still required to visit other areas of the palace.
  www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace ✆ +44 2031 666000
  Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU

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Chelsea in Bloom

Flowers in Fashion

Chelsea will once again burst into color as the 20th annual Chelsea in Bloom, (May 19–25) transforms the neighborhood with floral artistry. Running alongside the renowned Chelsea Flower Show (May 20–24), this year’s event is sponsored by Cadogan and the Royal Horticulture Society, and features a special partnership with the British Fashion Council for the theme 'Flowers in Fashion'.

A record-breaking 100+ storefronts—including shops and restaurants—will be adorned with imaginative floral displays in every color, shape, and size. The best part? It’s completely free and open to the public. Winners will be chosen by a panel of expert judges, with a People’s Choice Award decided by online vote.

Free walking tours depart daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., or hop on a rickshaw departing every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (except May 19) from Sloane Square. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Download the self-guided map online and enjoy the trail your way.

Whether you love flowers, fashion, or just great photo ops, Chelsea in Bloom offers a colorful, unforgettable experience!

www.chelseainbloom.co.uk

Watch this space for Belgravia in Bloom . . .

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Poppies return

May 6th - November 11th

One of London’s most iconic public artworks returns this spring. Starting May 6th, 30,000 ceramic poppies from the original Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red will be reinstalled at the Tower of London to mark 80 years since the end of World War II.

Originally displayed from July to November 2014, the installation commemorated the centenary of Britain’s involvement in World War I. Each of the 888,246 red ceramic poppies represented a British or colonial serviceman killed in the war.

Most of the poppies were later sold, raising funds for six charities. In recognition of their work, ceramic artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper were awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2015.

The returning poppies, on loan from the Imperial War Museum’s collection, will remain on display through Remembrance Day, November 11th. A portion of the installation is free to view, while full access requires a Tower of London ticket.

Though smaller in scale than the original, this powerful tribute is still well worth a visit!
www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london ✆ +44 333 320 6000
London, EC3N 4AB

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Vogue : Inventing the Runway

Lightroom London

Lightroom London presents Vogue: Inventing the Runway, an immersive exhibition offering an exclusive opportunity to experience fashion history up close. While high-end fashion shows are typically reserved for the press, buyers, and celebrities, this exhibit gives visitors a front-row seat to some of the most iconic events in fashion. 

Since 1892, Vogue has been instrumental in shaping the fashion industry, influencing photography, supermodels, and setting trends that define the culture.

The exhibition showcases the work of legendary photographers such as Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, and Irving Penn. It also features unforgettable video footage from fashion’s most memorable moments, including Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 1999 show, where his No. 13 dress was spray-painted by two robots, and the iconic moment when supermodels Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington lip-synched to George Michael’s 'Freedom' at the close of Versace’s Autumn/Winter 1991 show, and some of the most awe-inspiring and over-the-top 'catwalks'.

TIP : Be sure to take a look at the dress displayed in the lobby Undercover by Jun Takahashi Look 57 from the Spring 2024 collection.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or simply curious about the industry, this exhibit reveals the artistry and innovation behind the legendary catwalk!
Tickets £25, 15 under 18 (free for under 3) — Closes April 26th

BONUS : Purchase your ticket directly from Lightroom London and receive 20% off The Moonwalkers : A Journey with Tom Hanks that explores the history of the Apollo missions and the future of spece exploration.
www.lightroom.uk ✆ +44 300 3034216
12, Lewis Cubitt Square, London N1C 4DY

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NAOMI: In Fashion

A Retrospective

The NAOMI: In Fashion retrospective at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), created in collaboration with Naomi Campbell, showcases her 40-year career both on and off the runway.

Discovered at 15 while shopping with friends, Campbell appeared on the cover of British Elle months later. Within two years, she became the first Black model to grace the cover of Paris Vogue in August 1988. By the 1990s, she was established as one of the original ‘supermodels’ alongside Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Tatjana Patitz.

The exhibit features iconic outfits from her collaborations with designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, and Gianni Versace. It also includes runway footage highlighting her signature ballet-inspired walk, with a chance for visitors to try their own on a makeshift runway after a 'how-to' lesson by Campbell herself.

Beyond modeling, Campbell’s influence extends to activism and philanthropy. A video wall shares reflections from actors, celebrities, designers, models, and others who know her best.

A must-see for Naomi fans and fashion enthusiasts, this exhibit offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the fashion world.  
Tickets £18 — Closes April 6th

For more Naomi, checkout next post Vogue : Inventing the Runway.
www.vam.ac.uk ✆ +44 2079 422000
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

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All creatures great . . .

. . . and small

London is full of surprises—you never know what you might encounter when you turn a corner. Three worth checking out:

Wild Table of Love — Near the exit of the Elizabeth Line at Paddington Station, you’ll find The Wild Table of Love by artists Gillie and Marc. This striking bronze sculpture features Rabbitwoman and Dogman seated at a table surrounded by the ten most endangered animals in the world. Viewers are invited to join them at the two empty seats.

The sculpture is part of Love The Last, a public art initiative aimed at raising awareness, funds, and support for endangered species worldwide. The Wild Table of Love was previously on display at Paternoster Square from June 2022 to May 2023 and will be at Paddington until July 2026.
146 Praed St, London W2 1EE

Bonus : Just across the street is a charming clock featuring a lifelike man who “manually” adjusts the time every minute. This piece, created by Dutch artist Maarten Baas, is part of his Real Time series. The 12-hour recording blends art, design, and theatre, ensuring that every minute is unique. Once you start watching, it’s hard to look away. Similar clocks can be found in Amsterdam, Milan, and Venice.

Two Mice Eating the Cheese — Unlike the large-scale Wild Table of Love, Two Mice Eating the Cheese is London’s smallest public statue. Located on the exterior of an 1860s building near the popular Sky Garden, this tiny piece is said to commemorate two construction workers who tragically fell after fighting over a missing cheese sandwich—only to discover the sandwich had been eaten by mice.
23 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1DE

These quirky art pieces are proof that it’s always worth taking a closer look around in London!

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Paddington Bear

A British Icon

Paddington Bear first appeared in the British children’s book A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, published in 1958. Bond, who lived near Paddington Station in London, chose this location as the spot where the Brown family finds the bear after his journey from Peru. Today, a bronze statue of Paddington marks this famous spot on Platform 1 at Paddington Station. In addition to a shopping kiosk, the station also features the Paddington Shop — the only store in the world dedicated to the beloved character.

The Paddington books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The films Paddington (2014), Paddington 2 (2017), and Paddington in Peru (2024) have helped bring this charming bear to life on the big screen. To celebrate the latest film and Paddington’s role as Welcome Ambassador, a Paddington Bear mural can be seen on Sutton Walk, just outside of Waterloo Station, until January 2026.

In both British and popular culture, Paddington has also enjoyed a special connection with Queen Elizabeth II. In the 1986 book Paddington at the Palace, the bear claims to have spotted the Queen in a window, and in the 2006 pantomime play The Queen’s Handbag, Paddington participated in celebrations for her 80th birthday. However, perhaps the most unforgettable Paddington moment occurred during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, when the bear shared a cream tea and marmalade sandwiches with her in a special televised sketch. Following the Queen’s passing later that year, Paddington’s heartfelt message, "Thank you, Ma’am, for everything," went viral, capturing the public’s affection and admiration for both the Queen and the bear.

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Van Gogh All-Nighter

Tickets on sale January 17th

If you put off seeing the sellout exhibition Van Gogh : Poets & Lovers, the National Gallery will release a special set of night-time tickets for the final weekend when the Gallery will be open 24 hours (9 pm January 17 - 10 am January 18).

This is only the second time the Gallery has been open overnight in its 200-year history - the first was Leonardo da Vinci : Painter at the Court of Milan in 2012.

The Van Gogh exhibit is the third most popular exhibition in the National Gallery’s history, with here 280K+ people since it opened in September 2024.

It is the Gallery's first exhibition devoted to Van Gogh and the only one to focus on the artist’s transformation during his time in Arles and Saint-Rémy and features 60+ works of Van Gogh's most beloved drawings and paintings, as well as rarely seen works from museums and private collections from around the world.

Tip : Limited number of Member Tickets available for late and overnight opening hours www.nationalgallery.org.uk ✆ +44 2077 472885
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

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