A Long Weekend in London: Summer Bank Holiday Ideas

Central London has something to suit your late Summer rhythm from loud and fast to quiet and refined. Let us take away the hassle of planning your Summer Bank Holiday in London. Browse our hand-picked ideas.

Events Within Easy Reach

Be part of enthusiastic crowds bringing vibrant and electrifying Summer energy.

Notting Hill Carnival

You won’t find a bigger street festival in Europe. Notting Hill Carnival is established with a reputation of being one of the greatest community-led events around. It brings Caribbean culture to the city in style with bright parades, steel bands and flavoursome food. Make sure you check the Notting Hill Carnival website to plan your visit. There’s a Steel Band Competition on Saturday 29 August which you’ll need tickets to see, or it’s free to all on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August.

Location

Notting Hill is within 40 minutes of Bertrand’s Townhouse. Take a short walk from the hotel to Holborn Underground Station and take the Central Line to Holland Park. Walking up Landsdowne Road for less than a mile, you’ll reach Notting Hill Carnival.

All Points East Festival

If you want to immerse yourself in the summer buzz, look no further than All Points East Festival. The crowds will be moving to the bars of experimental rap music this year with headliner Tyler, The Creator on Friday 29 August and Saturday 30 August. Twenty One Pilots are the main attraction on Sunday 31 August, bringing a mix of musical styles and a guaranteed energetic live show. Tickets are available from the All Points East Festival website.

Location

All Points East Festival is in Victoria Park near Hackney. You can get there from Bertrand’s Townhouse in 40 minutes. Take the Central Line from Holborn to Mile End and then step on the 425 Bus from Mile End Station (Stop M) to Victoria Park Road (Stop U). A short walk from there will take you to the festival site.

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

A festival isn’t defined by being loud, it’s the emotion of enjoying the moment with others. Consider visiting a festival of performing arts right across Greenwich. Greenwich+Docklands International Festival celebrates 30 years since it started with an extraordinary programme of theatre, circus and dance. Learn more by visiting the Festival website.

Location

The Festival takes place all over Greenwich so check the website to know where to go. Getting to Greenwich from Bertrand’s Townhouse is simple and under an hour to complete. Take the Central Line from Holborn to Stratford, then switch to the Jubilee Line from Stratford to North Greenwich.

Set Your Pulse Racing with a Theatre Show

You’ll never be found wanting when you’re as close to the West End as Bertrand’s Townhouse is. Just 10 minutes lie between the hotel and the famous hub of London Theatre.

Over the Summer Bank Holiday weekend, a vast selection of productions are available to see. Classics such as Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Piccadilly Theatre, Mamma Mia! at Novello Theatre and Les Misérables at Sondheim Theatre await. New shows such as The Truth A Comedy by Florian Zeller feature more recognisable faces too.

Read our guide to the West End to plan an amazing August trip combined with the joy of musicals or the thrill of dramatic stage shows.

Take the Cinema Experience Outdoors

Bertie was no stranger to cinema, he witnessed the rise of its popularity from the 1890s. He’d recommend it as part of your visit but Roof East in Stratford ensures you don’t miss out on the late summer light. It’s part of Rooftop Cinema Club, giving you an opportunity to take in a classic film with a view of the skyline too. There’s many films on show during the Summer Bank Holiday including Dirty Dancing, Inception and Ratatouille. Visit the Rooftop Cinema Club website for more information and tickets.

Location

It’s an easy 30 minute journey from Bertrand’s Townhouse to Stratford. Take the Central Line from Holborn straight to Stratford.

Monumental Nature and History

Visit some of the city’s iconic attractions to appreciate the Summer Bank Holiday at your own pace with space to be curious.

The British Museum: Drawings and Views of Nature

Location: 4 mins walk from Bertrand’s Townhouse

The British Museum, alongside it’s iconic collection of artefacts, is hosting two highlight temporary exhibitions. Take your chance to see Early Netherlandish drawings and John Constable views of nature. Being so close to the hotel, The British Museum is absolutely worth your while.

Natural History Museum: Visions of Nature and Jurassic Oceans

Location: 30 mins from Bertrand’s Townhouse via Piccadilly Line (Russell Square to South Kensington)

Experience a mix of reality as the Natural History Museum invites you to see the future using a headset. Learn how the actions of today can affect the animals of tomorrow in Visions of Nature. Or, look far back into the past and discover Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep. Get a view into the planet’s prehistoric oceans and learn about the creatures that lived in them.

Science Museum: The Future of Food

Location: 30 mins from Bertrand’s Townhouse via Piccadilly Line (Russell Square to South Kensington)

Museums are so often associated with the stories of the past but the Science Museum has extended the Future of Food exhibition, displaying how food must change to protect the planet. There’s many different exhibits and object galleries at the museum too.

A Comforting Base Away from the Central London Noise

Enjoy the buzz of the city and the vibrant pulse of London’s streets but remember you have a retreat where you can recharge. Sheltering you away from the hum is the hush of Bertrand’s Townhouse boutique hotel in Bloomsbury.

Explore the latest offers including benefits when booking direct and a seasonal saving on your curious summer visit. Book your stay with Bertie.

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