DISCOVER A WORLD OF ART THIS AUTUMN IN LONDON

London is an art lover’s dream any season of the year, but this autumn is set to be a stellar one for the UK capital. Blockbuster exhibitions are ready to take center stage, offering a feast for the senses and an unparalleled cultural experience. If you’re planning an autumn getaway, now is the perfect time to book your stay and discover the artistic treasures London has to offer this year!

The beautiful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.

We’re passionate about introducing our guests to the many charms of Kensington, a London neighborhood we fell in love with many years ago. This peaceful and exclusive residential area is home to Kensington Palace, renowned museums, and the beautiful Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. It’s no wonder why savvy travelers choose Kensington as one of the prime spots to stay in London. Our London Perfect guests delight in uncovering the myriad of unexpected treasures that this neighborhood has to offer. Here is a sneak peek of some of our personal favorites!

An Art Break at the Leighton House

While visiting Holland Park, head to the remarkable Leighton House. Once the private residence of the Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, this opulent mansion now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work. The house itself is a masterpiece of aestheticism, with its intricate Arab Hall adorned with stunning mosaics, colorful tiles, and a mesmerizing dome ceiling. The museum’s collection has a diverse array of artwork, including Leighton’s own paintings, as well as pieces by his contemporaries.

While there was once a community of lavish artist home studios in the Holland Park area, the Leighton House is one of only two still standing and the only one open to the public. Re-opened in 2022 after a £8 million renovation, the museum now houses a lovely cafe as well as exhibition spaces. During the summer, the garden is the perfect spot for an artistic break.

Holland Park – Japanese Garden, Peacocks & Opera!

While smaller than nearby Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, it’s precisely the hidden away feeling of Holland Park that makes it such an unexpected charm amidst the bustling streets of London. Its allure lies in the tranquil atmosphere of its 55.6 acres (22.5 hectares) of gardens. The park boasts a natural gem, the enchanting Kyoto Garden, a serene oasis inspired by Japanese design, where you can wander among koi ponds and lush greenery. Find a quiet bench and you might even hear the distinctive call or catch a bright green flash of the ring-necked parakeets that call the park home. There are even peacocks roaming freely, adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape.

Do London in a day

If you’re not lucky enough to be able to spend a week, or more, in our bustling vibrant capital then don’t worry – London in a day is just as good! It’s not as if there’s a lack of things to do or see, if anything it’s the opposite, what should you see first? We’ve made it easy for you with this one-day itinerary, to cram in the best of London and be left satisfied that you’ve got a true taste of the city. Why not make your day all the more fun with a hop-on, hop-off Thames River Cruise to see London from a different perspective. Don’t forget, make sure you’re armed with a detailed guidebook to help you on your way and head out into the Big Smoke prepared! Breakfast Once you’ve got the essential cup of milky English tea down you, start off your day of sightseeing at Westminster Abbey. A walk around the impressive Gothic church will have you awe-inspired and not short of a photo opportunity. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of London’s most popular landmarks and has an impressive, rich history including being the burial place of Charles Dickens, and Chaucer and it was even the place where William the Conqueror came into reign. Mid-morning Cross over the river and get an unparalleled view of Big Ben across the Thames. The Southbank is one of London’s most preferred locations – for both locals and tourists alike – and it’s full of interesting characters if you secretly enjoy people-watching. The bank of the Thames is lined with pop-up eateries and coffee shops to get your mid-morning fix, as well as street performers, skaters, and musicians. It’s a great place for quirky art installations and a bit of celeb spotting as well. You can walk all the way along the river, past the Royal National Theatre, BFI (British Film Institute) up to OXO Tower and London Bridge. Lunch You’ll most likely have worked up an appetite so refuel and head to Borough Market where you can indulge in every kind of delicacy from French cheese to fresh pheasant, delicate truffles, and chunky homemade soups. Open from 10am-5pm on the weekdays it’s a great place to go for fussy eaters and experimenters alike. Afternoon As you’re a stone's throw from Tower Bridge why not see London from a different aspect, up on its high-level walkways, and learn about the history of the bridge and old Victorian Engine Rooms. Head across the river to the North side of the Thames and explore one of London’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London. Once a fortress, prison, royal refuge, and even a zoo, the Tower has been through everything and has stood the test of time, with many stories to tell. Learn about the legendary ravens, crown jewels, and the famous names who were imprisoned for their sins. Dinner You can’t leave London without visiting one of the city’s most famous piazzas, Covent Garden. This quaint, cobbled square used to house one of the most bustling markets in the city. Now it’s one of London’s most upmarket areas where people flock to the artisan stalls and dine alfresco in the many open-air restaurants. Home to jugglers, entertainers, and the famous Punch and Judy pub it’s a definite must if you’re only here for a day. Evening If you’re lucky, snap up some last-minute discounted theatre tickets for the popular West End shows and end your evening on a high. Covent Garden to Leicester Square is dotted with names in bright lights and all-time classics, like The Witches, Les Miserables, and Shrek. Whether you’re a musical fan or not, these West End shows are a part of London that’s not to be missed. So you’ll see you don’t need days and weeks to explore the capital. As long as you’re armed with a good pair of (sensible) shoes and a map, you can see a generous handful of London’s top attractions and areas. 

Do you have any questions about London?

Fun Facts London

• #1 Oldest Subway in the World. ...
• #2 Big Ben it's not the name of London's Iconic Tower. ...
• #3 Where did the Beatles Live in London altogether? ...
• #4 London Eye – The Tallest Ferris Wheel in Europe. ...
• #5 How do we know when the Queen is in Buckingham Palace? ...
• #6 Tower Bridge is haunted?

What does London stand for?

William Camden reportedly suggested that the name might come from Brythonic lhwn (modern Welsh Llwyn), meaning "grove", and "town". Thus, giving the origin as Lhwn Town, translating to "city in the grove".

How do you describe London?

London is a world cultural capital. It is the world's most-visited city as measured by international arrivals and has the world's largest city airport system measured by passenger traffic. London's 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe.