Griffith Park Observatory and mountains
Live like a local

12 ways to make the most of your summer

June 06, 2019

There are so many reasons to love summer and with our definitive guide you’ll have lots more.
London

Hyde Park Stables

Touring Hyde Park on horseback is a thrilling way to explore the famous 350-acre park. Hyde Park Stables is one of central London’s leading riding schools. It offers lessons for riders of all experience levels, taking routes past the park’s key attractions such as The Serpentine, the Diana Princess of Wales Fountain and the Albert Memorial, as well as along historical tracks such as Rotten Row.

T: +44 20 7723 2813
63 Bathurst Mews, London W2 2SB

Hyde Park Stables CREDIT iStock Lee Torrens
Cutty Sark CREDIT National Maritime Museum London

Cutty Sark

The famous Cutty Sark was the fastest ship in the world when it was built in 1869 to transport tea from China to Britain. Today, it’s a popular attraction for families fascinated by marine history. Young sailors can explore the ship to meet Captain Woodget and other characters from Cutty Sark’s history, take control at the wheel, climb into the crew’s bunks and enjoy interactive games and activities.

T: +44 208 312 6608
King William Walk, Greenwich London, SE10 9HT

Ascot

Runnymede

The site of the sealing of the Magna Carta more than 800 years ago, Runnymede is commonly cited as the birthplace of modern democracy. This stretch of open meadows and ancient woodland is the perfect spot for some quiet contemplation, with monuments to the Magna Carta, Commonwealth Air Forces and John F. Kennedy.

Windsor Road, Old Windsor, TW20 0AE

Runnymede with houses in the distance of the wheat field
Petersham Nurseries garden centre and plants

Petersham Nurseries

Discover the work of local artisans in this bohemian garden and homewares boutique. In the Nursery and Garden Shop, visitors can browse a colourful selection of plants and flowers, as well as elegant outdoor furniture, accessories and gardening equipment. The interiors section stocks an eclectic collection of unique treasures for the home, including beautiful antique furniture.  

T: +44 20 8940 5230
Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 7AB

Paris

Le Jardin du Musée Rodin

A peaceful oasis hidden away in the seventh arrondissement, the Musée Rodin is as much a destination for its sculpture garden as it is its indoor exhibitions. Comprising three hectares of roses, graceful statuary, verdant hedges, terraces and trees, the garden seamlessly blends art and nature, and includes mementos sourced from the artist’s personal collection.

T: +33 1 44 18 61 10
79 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

Musee Rodin Gardens in Paris during a Summer's day
Bois de Vincennes with autumnal trees

Bois de Vincennes

Found on the easterly edge of the city, the Bois de Vincennes is the second largest park in Paris. Take a stroll through the enchanting woodland, or take to the water and rent a boat on Lac Daumesnil. The Bois de Vincennes is also home to the Parc Floral, which hosts jazz concerts en plein air during the summer months.

75012 Paris

Rome

The Orange Garden

While its name suggests that the highlight of The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci or Parco Savello) is its orchard of fruit trees, its views are, in fact, its most captivating attraction. The pocket-sized garden directly overlooks St Peter’s Basilica and its terrace offers unbelievably beautiful views of Rome. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the sun casts an enchanting glow over the city.

Via Di Santa Sabina, 00153 Rome

The Orange Garden CREDIT iStock sandrixroma
Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta key hole

Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta Keyhole

For postcard-worthy views with a twist, head to Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, the headquarters of the Knights of Malta. Get close to the unmissable giant door of the Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta, and discover a secret lookout point in its lock. Peer through the keyhole to see the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, perfectly framed by green hedges.

Piazza Dei Cavalieri Di Malta 2, 00153 Rome

Milan

Walk Along the Naviglio Grande

A lively shopping district with an abundance of restaurants, cafés and bars, Navigli’s crowning feature is its famous waterway. The oldest canal in Milan, many Milanese take an early evening promenade along the Navigli Grande, followed by a pre-prandial cocktail. The area offers charming views and plenty of romantic places to sit and watch the sunset over the water.

Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 20144 Milan

View of canal with boats and diners enjoying a meal by Naviglio Grande in Milan
Lake Como CREDIT iStock marcoscisetti

Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, and home to many rich and famous personalities. Take a boat trip to discover the lake’s enduring appeal, with many companies offering tours – a popular route is from the base of Lake Como to the picturesque town of Bellagio and back again. It’s also possible to hire sailing yachts from the harbour in Como.

T: +39 03 126 9712
Province Of Como Tourist Office, Piazza Cavour 17, 22100 Como

Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory

One of the enduring emblems of Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is a dual beacon of art deco mastery and scientific progress, stationed high above the city. Offering unrivalled views of the metropolis below and the skies above, the observatory also has a full programme of events and shows and a café from none other than Wolfgang Puck.

T: +1 213-473-0800
2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Griffith Park Observatory and mountains
Lake Como CREDIT iStock marcoscisetti

Long Beach

Sailing enthusiasts shouldn’t leave LA without visiting Long Beach. With a number of clubs to choose from (Long Beach Yacht Club and Shoreline Yacht Club, to name but a few), sailors are spoilt for choice. Whether you’re interested in boat rental, sailing lessons or sports such as jet skiing and kayaking, you can find it all in Long Beach.

Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 301 E. Ocean Blvd,
Suite 1900, Long Beach, CA 90802

Back to Dorchester Collection Moments
Live like a local
More like this
Collect issue 28

Collect Magazine

View the latest issue of Collect, our bi-annual magazine featuring a curated mix of culture, art and lifestyle, together with the latest news from Dorchester Collection hotels.