Showing posts with label Mark Your Diary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mark Your Diary. Show all posts

Downton Abbey Floral Farewell

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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

Kids Week : Free Tickets for Kids

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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

    Belgravia in Bloom

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    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

    Hampton Court Gardens for free

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    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

    Chelsea in Bloom

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    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!

    Watch this space for Belgravia in Bloom . . .

    Poppies return

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    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

    Vogue : Inventing the Runway

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    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

    NAOMI: In Fashion

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    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

    Van Gogh All-Nighter

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    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

    Best of 2024, Part II

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    Top 10 posts — Part II

    The best of the best from 2024

    5. Stylish Shops & Tea — London's oldest shopping arcades
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/05/stylish-shops-tea.html

    4. Hampton Court Riverside Tea — Two options within walking distance of Hampton Court
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/06/hampton-court-riverside-tea.html

    3. Kew Gardens bloom — A World Heritage Site and one of London's top attractions that is home to over 50,000 plants
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/04/kew-garden-blooms.html

    2. 10 Must-see shows — Catch these during Official London Theatre Sale, one of London's longest-running promotions for top London shows
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/01/10-must-see-shows.html
    1. Top Bonfire Nights     — Three top ones taking place over the weekend and the day of
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/10/top-bonfire-night-fireworks.html




    More to come in 2025!

    Best of 2024

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    Top 10 posts — Part I

    Themed events were particularly popular this past year— it's not too early to mark your diary for 2025:

    10. Wimbledon Walk — Sampling of stops to make, including this year's standout shops
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/07/wimbledon-walk.html
    9. Kids Eat Free Half-Term — . . . and beyond
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/01/kids-eat-free-half-term.html
    8. London Theatre Week — £15-£35 tickets for over 60 shows
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/03/london-theatre-week.html

    7. London Cocktail Week — Features signature cocktails for £8 at 200+ venues
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/09/london-cocktail-week.html

    6. International Chocolate Day — 7 of the best chocolatiers in London and Surrey
    www.londonviasurrey.com/2024/08/international-chocolate-day.html



    Best of 2023 — Part II will feature the best of the best from 2024.

    Festive Advent Calendars

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    Something for everyone on your list

    With a week less between Thanksgiving (for those that celebrate) and Christmas, the holidays seem to be coming up much more quickly than usual.  Not to mention, Advent calendars have been on display beginning in early October. Stock up now for everyone on your list:

    Lindt (£7) — A piece of milk chocolate behind each window — 24 in total.


    Cadbury HEROES (£7.50) — Features miniature bites include Cadbury Dairy Milk, Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramel, aCreme Egg Twisted, Eclair, Fudge, Twirl, Wispa and a milk chocolate mini Santa. 
    Pukka Tea (£11.45) — Assortment of 24 black and green teas and infusions.




    Ferraro Collection (£15) — Selection of 24 gourmet chocolate including coconut, dark, hazelnut and milk chocolates.


    Baylis & Harding (£33) — 12 days of pamper products, including bath bubbles, lotions, soak crystals, soap and shower wash and more.




    Liberty of London Chocolate Advent Calendar (£34.95) — Selection of caramels, chocolates and pralines by Charbonnel et Walker one of Britain's first and finest chocolatiers.



    Or if you want to go all out . . . . 
    Liberty of London Beauty Advent Calendar (£260) — Worth over £1,205, it features 28 products, including 18 full-sized items from some of the best brands in fragrance, hair, makeup and skincare.

    Liberty of London Men's Advent Calendar (£245) — Worth over £700, it complements Liberty's Beauty Advent Calendar and features 25 products, including 14 full-sized items for men's grooming needs.

    Head to the shops or shop on-line before they are gone!

    Top Bonfire Night Fireworks

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    With     Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Day) falling on Tuesday, November 5th this year, some of the major fireworks displays are taking place this weekend in London. The top ones include:

    Alexandra Palace — Considered the 'Glastonbury of Fireworks' the Fireworks Festival will take place Friday, November 1st (gates open 6 pm) and Saturday, November 2nd (gates open 4 pm). In addition to fireworks, the festival includes a bonfire, family area, DJ / live music, German bier festival and more. 
    Tickets: From £5.50, Child £6.
    www.fireworks.london ✆ +44 2083 652121
    Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY

    Battersea Park — While tickets are sold out Saturday, November 2nd, there are still tickets available for one of the biggest fireworks displays in London on Sunday, November 3rd for Battersea Park Fireworks.  The 'Family Fireworks Night' includes family-focused entertainment and fairground rides.
    Tickets: Adult £13.10, Youth (5-15) £8.80
    www.batterseaparkfireworks.com ✆ +44 2039 590015
    Albert Bridge Road, London SW11 4NJ

    Morden Park & Wimbledon Park — The Musical Fireworks Displays takes place Saturday, November 2nd (Morden Park) and Tuesday, November 5th (Wimbledon Park).  Both events include fun fair, food stalls and two different fireworks displays in one night (6;45 pm, suitable for young children and 8:30 pm).
    Tickets: Adult £13.78, Juniors (5-15) £10.07, Family £40.28 (2 adults, 2 juniors)
    www.merton.gov.uk ✆ +44 2034 41168
    Morden Hall Road, Morden, London SM4 5JD
    Home Park Road, London SW19 8AU

    Between Halloween and Bonfire Night falling during October half-term, there is no shortage of fun for everyone!

    Best Pumpkin Patches

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    There is still time during October half-term to find the perfect pumpkin before Halloween:

    Garson's Farm (Esher) —The 155-acre farm is the largest pick your own farm in the UK with over 25 different crops. Halloween coloring contest, pumpkin parade, picking and photo opportunities.
    Through October 31st (pre-booking recommended)
    £4 per person, Children under 2 free
    www.garsons.co.uk
    Winterdown Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8LS


    Priory Farm (Redhill) — More than 10,000 pumpkins are grown at Priory Farm each year. Halloween Trail to find the missing pumpkins and tractor rides. 
    Through October 31st 
    £6.50 per person pick your own pumpkin, Children under 1 free
    www.prioryfarm.co.uk ✆ +44 1737 823304
    Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4EJ


    Secretts Farm (Milford) — Pick from over 100,000 pumpkins of 11 varieties. Fancy dress competition and chance to win Halloween hamper.
    Through October 30th
    £5 per person (booking online required), Children under 2 free
    www.secretts.co.uk ✆ +44 1483 520500
    Chapel Lane, Hurst Farm, Milford GU8 5HU

    While carved pumpkins only last a few days, uncarved ones can last up to 2-3 months and can be enjoyed throughout the fall season!

    London October Half-Term

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    October 25 - November 4

    It seems like the kids just started school and it is already time for a break.  Four family-friendly outings worth checking out over October Half-Term:

    Design Museum : The World of Tim Burton — Catch the last stop of a decade-long touring exhibition featuring paintings, photos, sculptural installations, sketchbooks and storyboards from the filmmaker who brought Batman, Beetlejuice, Edwards Scissorhands and The Nightmare before Christmas to life October 25 - April 21, 2025.
    £19.69 / adult or £9.85 / children (ages 6-15)
    www.designmuseum.org ✆ +44 2038 625937
    224-238 Kensington High St, London W86AG
    Kew Gardens : Halloween Trail     — New spooky light trail open from dusk until dark October 18 - 25 6 pm - 10 pm, October 27 - November 3 4 pm - 10 pm.
    Starting at £15 / adult (member) or £17 / non-members
    www.kew.org ✆ +44 2083 325655
    Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE

    Natural History Museum : Wildlife Photographer the Year     — 60th anniversary photography exhibition features some of the world's best wildlife photographs taken by professional and amateur photographers October 11 - June 29, 2025.
    Starting at £15 / adult (member), £9,25 / child (age 4-16), includes free museum admission
    www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy ✆ +44 2079 425000
    Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD 

    Southbank Centre : The Elmer Adventure — 55 minute musical adaptation of David McKee's Elmer books suitable for ages 3+, October 30 - November 3.
    £16
    www.southbankcentre.co.uk ✆ +44 2038 799555
    Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

    Even if you miss out on these, keep these venues in mind for family-friendly programming throughout the year!