Live like a local

Reasons to visit London in summer 2022

May 31, 2022

Whether it’s sunny showers or sunshine, London comes alive in the summer with music festivals, art exhibitions and a certain, world-renowned tennis championship. Here’s how to make the most of the city this year.

RA Summer Exhibition

Established in 1769, the Royal Academy of Art’s Summer Exhibition, which is open to emerging talent and household names, is as popular as ever. The 2022 edition is a nod to modern-day issues with a climate theme. The 1,200 paintings, films, sculptures and photographs are handpicked from 15,000 entries. Most are available to purchase, although many are snapped up at the academy’s annual fundraiser, preview party and a members’ preview day, so go early if you’re looking for new pieces for the walls of your home.

June 21 – August 21

Burlington House, London W1J 0BD and 6 Burlington Gardens, London W1S 3ET

Courtesy of Royal Academy of Arts, London

The Championships, Wimbledon

Pimm’s: check. Sunglasses: check. Strawberries: check. You’re all set to watch the best (and only) Grand Slam tennis tournament still held on grass at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. At any one time, around 42,000 spectators fill the 42-acre grounds in south west London – 14,979 of which are at Centre Court. The world’s top players, always dressed in traditional white, battle it out on 18 courts to win prizes and prestige.

June 27 – July 10

Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AG

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Follow the scent of dahlias and roses to the world’s largest flower show in the grounds of King Henry VIII’s former home. While the festival sees television presenters giving talks, gardening demonstrations and music performances, the real draw is the show gardens, designed by horticultural experts. We particularly like the sound of The Moments of Clarity Garden by Baz Grainger, which features a canal, rock pool and the scents, tastes and sounds that can spark lucid moments in people with memory loss, bringing them joy.

July 4 – 9

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU

Courtesy of James Bryant

Somerset House Summer Series

Street food, al fresco bars and an illuminated stage transform the cobbled courtyard of Somerset House into a festival-esque space each summer. This year’s edition sees jazz drummer Yussef Dayes – who created the soundtrack for the Louis Vuitton show during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris in 2019 – perform on July 9. The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend will also entertain on July 16. Ask our concierge to secure tickets – some may still be available from the box office two or three hours prior to a show.

July 7 – 17

Strand, London WC2R 1LA

Buckingham Palace Tour: Summer Opening

Buckingham Palace is only open to the public in summer, giving you an exclusive chance to peek into the life of a royal family. Explore 19 State Rooms on a self-guided tour, followed by a stroll around a manicured lawn and lake. Inside, highlights include the white drawing room, with its enormous chandelier, mirrors and white and gold décor; the throne room – which you may recognise from TRH the Prince and Princess of Wales’ wedding photos – and a ballroom, the venue for the coronation ceremony of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902.

July 22 – October 2

London SW1A 1AA

Courtesy of Royal Collection Trust

Take in the best of British culture in London by discovering the capital’s art exhibitions or strolling around the neighbourhood of Covent Garden. Alternatively, you may also like to experience the best of summer in Paris.

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