Stay with us here at The Cavendish London where you’re perfectly situated to enjoy what London has to offer during September and October. With the kids (and grand kids!) heading back to the classroom, it’s the perfect time to visit the capital and overnight, or stop the weekend, with us here and recharge your batteries.
Let’s entice you even more with some of the fabulous things we’ve found to see and do over the next couple of months...
A dedicated follower of fashion?
September sees all the fashionistas descending on London for Fashion Week, but unless you’re in the industry, tickets are by invitation only. However, running alongside fashion week is the London Design Festival which runs between 16-24th September. The festival celebrates the design excellence and talent that is the London creative community and puts it centre stage for the entire world to see. With innovative design projects and installations popping up across the capital, two landmark projects will also celebrate the 300th anniversary of Sir Christopher Wren’s death. As part of the ‘Wren 300’ celebrations, St Paul’s Cathedral will present ‘Aura’; a live installation that transforms sound in the cathedral into a pulsating line of projected light whilst ‘Halo’, a transcendent light installation, will feature within St Stephen’s church, Walbrook. Take a look at www.londondesignfestival.com to see what’s happening and where during the festival.
You can also experience Wren’s London legacy from the Thames perspective as part of the events running during the Thames Festival. This celebration of the river Thames through art installations, heritage and educational programmes takes place between 1st September – 1st October with events running across London. With nearly 100 activities taking place from guided ‘mudlark’ foreshore walks to photographic and art exhibitions featuring the river, there will be something to pique everyone’s interest. Check out www.thamesfestivaltrust.org to see what’s on.
If fashion really is your thing though, then the ‘Coco’ Chanel – Fashion Manifesto exhibition at the V&A museum which runs from 16th September must be on your to-do list. Split into 10 different parts including the introduction of the iconic No 5 perfume, it illustrates the evolution of her design style which still influences how women dress today. Admission fees apply to this exhibition but whilst you’re in the area, many of the other museums, including the Natural History and Science museums, are free to visit with a voluntary donation requested.
Dancing Queen
London is the epicentre of musical theatre and concerts with hundreds of performances taking place in the capital. The must-see West End musicals such as ‘We will Rock You’ based on the rock sensation Queen, or the iconic ‘Les Miserables’ are just a short stroll away from The Cavendish. However, if you’re yet to experience ABBA Voyage, the sensation that is the live performance as holograms of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid, then don’t miss it! Abba fans have been waiting 40 years for their return and backed by a 10-piece band, the show features all their biggest hits along with some brand-new songs. The show runs until the end of January next year with evening and matinee performances available.
If her late majesty is more your thing, join Queen Elizabeth’s life and legacy walking tour around Westminster to see the sites and palaces associated with our late Queen. Tours take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Nearby Kensington Palace also has the ‘Crown to Couture’ exhibition which compares the fashions of the Georgian royal court with the red-carpet couture worn by today’s celebrities. It is the palace’s largest ever exhibition featuring over 200 fascinating creations from the days of Charles II through to Lady GaGa and Lizzo’s spectacular dress from the Met Gala. The exhibition runs until 29th October with adult admission £22. Kensington Palace is a pleasant stroll from The Cavendish and so can be enjoyed at your leisure.
Enjoy a spooktacular time
Whether you choose to bring the children for a visit during October half-term or still enjoy being spooked as an adult, Halloween events ensure October ends with a bang (or a bump in the night!)
Fill your Halloween plans with gory ideas and horrifying activities with attractions across the capital. Head to the London Dungeon for some gruesome ghouls and horrible torture or uncover some dark secrets from London’s past with a trip to the London Bridge Experience. Encounter chilling characters in the spooky setting that is the world’s most famous haunted bridge!
If your inner zombie fancies a stroll then join a spine-tingling walk, talk, tour or workshop during the London Month of the Dead which includes visits to some of London’s most famous cemeteries. You can also follow in the footsteps of infamous Jack the Ripper, with walking tours around Whitechapel.
Many of London’s attractions can be visited in one go with a sightseeing pass. The London Pass allows you to visit multiple places and save money – up to 55% off some entrance fees with over 60 attractions to choose from - something definitely worth looking at in the current climate, especially if you have children with you. Visit https://gocity.com/london/en-us for prices and details on passes.
Tired but happy
When you’ve shopped and explored the capital until your feet hurt, head back to the Cavendish for a delicious afternoon tea or meal in our Mayfair Grill where you can enjoy an early supper before heading back out to the theatre or delight in a fine dining experience for dinner. There’s guaranteed to be something to whet your appetite and if we’ve managed to tempt you for a visit this autumn, don’t forget to book direct for the best priced rooms and take advantage of our free Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) programme to gather points towards your next adventure with us, wherever that might be.
We look forward to welcoming you this autumn – so see you soon!