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Something quite remarkable happens every July in London. Thanks to Wimbledon, people suddenly discover their local municipal tennis court, or indulge in virtual tennis.
It’s a tradition that runs deep in the British psyche, even after the last flash of exclusive sportswear has disappeared from our TV screens.
Wimbledon also brings out the British respect for a long queue. At the time of writing people are gearing up for the finals weekend – which remains one of life’s many uncertainties. Every year the overspill from the tennis courts gathers on Henman Hill, while the rest of us are happy to settle for one of the big screens that pop up around town during this famous fortnight.
One of the most satisfying big screen experiences has to be The Skyline London rooftop terrace (atop Blue Orchid Tower Suites) from the comfort of a private cabana. Not only do they serve strawberries and cream and an enticing bottle of Whispering Angel, there is also the option of authentic Italian cuisine.
But if your sole reason for being there is to oblige your tennis–mad family, then the view of the city skyline, taking in the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, will relax the eye muscles and lower the temperature during those explosive double faults. This is the best hotel in London for everybody’s Wimbledon experience.
Of course July also means the start of the school holidays, and the search for undisturbed harmony within the family home. In some households this means excursions planned with military precision. Eventually, however, parents and offspring find themselves cast adrift on the sea of time. Happily there are plenty of lifeboats on the horizon. Read on…
Harry Kane: I Want to Play Football
Until December 4 Museum of London
Free
Keeping to the sports theme, here is a tribute to one of our iconic football heroes, both on and off the pitch. Fans of all ages can enjoy this exhibition, and there’s no charge.
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Superbloom at the Tower of London
Until September 18
This is one of the most beautiful, best thought–out eco shows of the year. It was conceived as a homage to HRH during this year’s Platinum Jubilee. Millions of carefully selected seeds were planted and grown in the Tower’s huge moat. Despite an unseasonably cold and dry start to the year, a sea of wildflowers has bloomed and will continue to please visitors and enhance city wildlife. Tickets available to walk through the moat, or you can survey this oasis of pleasure from the public viewing area for free.
The Gunpowder Plot
Ongoing
The Tower Vaults, Tower of London The famous plot to blow up Parliament: an immersive experience, taking you back to 1605, with Tom Felton starring as Guy Fawkes. Tickets available.
Hadrian’s Holidays: Roman London Family Quest
August 10 and 17
Free (3 locations)
This is a self–guided day out for the family, spread over three different locations, during which time you get to see London through Hadrian’s eyes (and hear through his ears, and smell through his nose, we are told). Roman London as a sensory experience. Your itinerary takes in three landmarks: The London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE (a fascinating temple to the god Mithras), London’s Roman Amphitheatre (think gladiators) and the Bank of England Museum. Follow the map provided, complete your quest and win a prize.
Sculpture in the City
Until April 2023
Free
Across the City Outdoor artworks for the 11th year running. Sculpture in the city is popular public art show – spot contemporary sculpture amongst iconic buildings like the Gherkin and Lloyd’s.
Nocturnal Creatures (Late Night Arts Festival)
Saturday 23rd July 6pm–11pm
Free
Something for older children and adults: A free arts festival that transforms a host of indoor and outdoor spaces around the Whitechapel Gallery and the City of London. Installation, film, live performance and music to enhance the unusual and the historic. Your family might welcome the convenience of a nearby 5 star hotel in London afterwards.
Summer in Aldgate 2022
Aldgate Sounds
Aldgate Square, EC3
A mindful musical lunch break with live concerts. 12-2pm Tuesday throughout July and August.
Petticoat Lane Thursday’s
Wentworth and Goulston Street
Music, fun, food and creative goods. 12-3.30pm Thursdays 14th, 21st, 28th July.
BaLaCo Festival
Aldgate Square, EC3
Community arts and culture festival celebrating the Bangladeshi, Latino and Cockney cultures, part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 2-8pm Friday 22nd July.
On Your Bike
Cycling in the City is a great way to see the oldest part of London. Award winning bike tours for solo travellers, families and groups. You’ll ride safely in dedicated bike lanes, in the footsteps of Romans, pirates and bankers.
On Foot
A 90 minute self–guided tour of the square mile. Hidden gems and famous landmarks. History and culture, shopping, eating and drinking all contained in a FREE visitor trail map from the City Information Centre or download app (iPhone or Android).
Kids’ Week Theatre Offer
There’s an excellent offer for August that families might want to book right now: for every adult ticket purchased, one child goes free. To take full advantage of this offer, combine this with a Kids Week package at Blue Orchid’s Rochester Hotel (on Westminster’s leafy Vincent Square). A stay in this central London hotel gives you access to discounted family rates, family breakfast, dinner included and more.
Family activities within the Royal Parks
The royal parks have organised free bird–watching tours across their extensive central London parkland this July. There are also family activities involving storytelling, bug hunting and ‘critter crafting.’ These parks are important refuges for nature in the city, with over 4,000 species of bugs recorded, and over 100 species of birds supported. Get involved or just go for a stroll. There are cafes too.
It’s Never Too Late
A lot of plans were disrupted by the last two years – birthdays put on hold, anniversaries and reunions mothballed. Blue Orchid Hotels want to help you unpack and celebrate that special occasion with friends and family. Spend one night or more in a luxury suite with views of the Thames and the Tower of London. Plus fine dining, a complementary bottle of champagne, and a rooftop photoshoot with the city skyline as a backdrop to make that memory last.
Picnic in the City
If you are following one of the free trails in the City then you’ll want to take advantage of these open public spaces which are perfect for a rest or a packed lunch, especially if you’re trekking with children in tow. The City is rich with pocket gardens and green oases. Here are just a few:
St Dunstan in the East
St Dunstan's Hill, EC3
This secluded, beautifully planted former church has made the most of its bad luck. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London destroyed an earlier church in 1666, it was bombed again in WWII. But the spire and walls survived, and it’s now a Grade I listed public space, just a stone’s throw from The Tower of London and the Thames path (north bank) that runs between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
The Garden at 120
120 Fenchurch Street, EC3
One of London’s prettiest rooftop spaces, you can find The Garden at 120 on the 15th floor of the Fen Court building at 120 Fenchurch Street. Italian Wisteria, fruit trees and a 200ft long water feature. Entry is free, and it’s a great picnic spot with 360 degree views of the City. It’s only a 3 minute walk from Leadenhall Market, too.
Festival Gardens
St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4
This is a pleasant expanse of greenery close to St Paul’s Cathedral. It has a sunken lawn and wall fountain, benches to sit on and a paved terrace. Great views of St Paul’s iconic dome while you refuel and take a breather.
Roman Wall by the Museum of London
This is a picnic spot along London Wall and next to the Museum of London. There is access to some Roman fort ruins, and views of the architecturally significant Barbican Centre. Somehow Roman forts and the Barbican sit well together. It’s a fascinating link back to London’s Roman origins, and very handy for a visit to the Barbican or the Museum
of London (before it relocates to its new home in Smithfield next year). The museum has a permanent display about Roman London.
Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre
Basinghall Street, EC2 Both an art gallery with a collection that takes in the pre Raphaelites and London’s history. Home to London’s Roman Amphitheatre.
The Charterhouse
July 14
Charter House Square, EC1
Rare chance to see the lovely private gardens of this former monastery, now a museum. Refreshments and live music, family friendly. Seven acres of gardens, open from 5.30pm–8.30pm for one day only. Tickets £10, plus pop–up ‘Sutton Arms” bar and Charterhouse BBQ.
Summer in the Square
Grosvenor Square, Mayfair From 21st to 31st July, Summer in the Square is a celebration of wellness, music and entertainment.
Art in Mayfair Until 31st July, fashion meets art in the streets of Mayfair.
Food
Bleeding Heart Bistro
Bleeding Heart Yard, Farringdon EC1 Classic and modern French cuisine, fine wines. “The best French Bistro in London.” City AM
Ristorante Gloria
54–56 Great Eastern Street, EC2 A 70’s Capri–style, all day Trattoria in the middle of Shoreditch.
Caravan Exmouth Market
11-13 Exmouth Market, EC1
Breakfast and all–day food and drink as well as freshly roasted coffee. “Open, welcoming, laid back.”
Circolo Popolare
40-41 Rathbone Place, W1 Sunny Sicilian trattoria with 60 outdoor seats. Lunch, dinner or weekend brunch in Fitzrovia, every day of the week.
Leadenhall Market
Grace church St, EC3 This beautiful covered market appeared more than once in the Harry Potter films so youngsters might appreciate it. There are cafes and sophisticated shops, and you won’t be disappointed by the look of the place. Also guided tours on the subject of Leadenhall’s links with royalty. End your day by booking into the coolest hotel in London at nearby Blue Orchid’s Tower Suites.
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