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What's On

The Glastonbury Festival Archive

Online
V&A South Kensington
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Explore the Glastonbury Festival Archive at the V&A and find out how you can can add your memories to this eclectic and fascinating resource that documents how the Festival has developed over the past 50 years.

The Gore London – Starhotels Collezione

Daily
The Gore
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Brimming with Victorian eccentricity, The Gore represents a piece of British history. Since it opened in 1892, in an enviable location among the high-life hotspots of Kensington, it has been celebrated as one of London’s most enchanting hotels.

The Great Exhibition Augmented Reality Experience

Online
Hyde Park
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Visit Hyde Park, where the 1851 Great Exhibition was held. Download the free app to see a true-to-size recreation of the Crystal Palace. Explore the site, admire the building's scale and details, and learn about its fascinating history.

The Great Exhibition Virtual Tour

Online
Hyde Park
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Take a virtual tour of the magnificent Crystal Palace and experience its innovative design and beauty. Constructed in 1851, it defined Prince Albert's ambitions to showcase the best of Victoria's reign.

The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence

Opens 9th Nov
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Just announced! This major exhibition will celebrate the extraordinary creative output and internationalist culture of the Golden Age of the Mughal Court (about 1560 – 1660) during the reigns of its most famous emperors: Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

The Italian Gardens

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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The Italian Gardens is a 150-year-old ornamental water garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate. It is believed to have been created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria.

The K Bar

Daily
The Kensington
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The ambience of The Kensington hotel’s discreet cocktail bar is set by its elegant décor: the oak panels, polished brass accents, mirrored walls and slate floor lend a strong, sophisticated feel that is matched by the creative and classic cocktails mixed by the immaculate staff.

The Kensington

Daily
The Kensington
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Traditional service and Victorian grandeur come together with sleek style and contemporary comfort at the Kensington, in one of London’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. Embrace a sophisticated member’s club vibe, whether over afternoon tea or all day dining in the light, lively drawing rooms, cocktails in the glamorous K Bar.

The King's State Apartments

Wednesday to Sunday
10:30-5pm; last admission 4pm
Kensington Palace
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This is the ideal time to explore Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. Walk in the footsteps of royalty in Victoria's re-imagined childhood rooms and the magnificent King's State Apartments and Queen's State Apartments.

The Long Time Sessions

Free Online
Ongoing
Serpentine
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A fortnightly online talk series on cultivating care for the world beyond our lifetimes. It brings together leading thinkers and doers from art, culture, philosophy, science, technology, law, finance and politics to take a longer view. Speakers will explore how engaging with the long-term can change the way we act in the short term.

The Magazine Restaurant

Tue - Sun
10.30am - 6.30pm
Serpentine
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The restaurant was designed by award-winning architect Zaha Hadid. The Magazine restaurant offers a contemporary all-day menu, a kids menu, homemade ice creams and cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

The Milestone

Daily
The Milestone
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Discover old world charm, beautiful rich furnishings, exquisite original arts, outstanding cuisine and an experienced and passionate team. This elegant historic hotel is perfectly located opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, and close to the Royal Albert Hall. Enjoy Stable’s Bar and the signature ‘Smoking Old Fashioned’, Afternoon Tea in the Park Lounge or dine in Cheneston’s or The Oratory, the stunning original chapel.

The Natural History Museum's gardens are opening soon!

Opens 18th July
Natural History Museum
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Experience the transformed gardens at the Natural History Museum which will be open this Summer. The new gardens will tell the story of change on our planet over time and allow visitors to explore the museum in new ways!

Image credit: Historic Royal Palaces / Alex Rory Jacobs

The Orangery Restaurant re-opens

Daily
10am - 6pm
Kensington Palace
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After major conservation work, the 18th-century Orangery at Kensington Palace has reopened its doors. Visit the iconic restaurant in a stunning setting for an elegant lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea.

The Pelham London – Starhotels Collezione

Daily
The Pelham
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The Pelham is an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of South Kensington. It has the aristocratic atmosphere of a London townhouse and its interiors are a romantic mix of elegant patterns and rich tones, complemented by the warm welcome and flawless service of a noble residence.

The Queen's State Apartments

Daily
Kensington Palace
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William III and Mary II were crowned as joint monarchs in 1689, after they were invited by Parliament to take the throne in the place of Catholic King James II, Mary’s father. They bought Kensington Palace to become their new home, away from the bustle of Whitehall Palace, and transformed the building into a royal home.

The Raphael Court

Daily
Daily: 10am-5:45pm - Friday: 10am–10pm
V&A South Kensington
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Rediscover the newly refurbished V&A’s Raphael Court - home to the iconic Raphael Cartoons. Commissioned in 1515 by Pope Leo X for the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, they depict the lives of the apostles, Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

The Rembrandt

Daily
The Rembrandt
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The Rembrandt is a four-star hotel bursting with culture and history. The beautifully modernised Edwardian rooms were originally apartments for Harrods. The Rembrandt also boasts modern event suites, a stylish restaurant, plus Aquilla Health and Fitness featuring an indoor pool.

The River

26th July - 26th Jan 2025
10am - 4.30pm
Natural History Museum
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Opening Soon! This new sound installation by artist Jana Winderen in collaboration with sound specialist Tony Myatt explores the watery depths of the River Thames. It features captivating recordings from an underwater habitat that’s often inaccessible to our ears.

The Royal College of Music Museum & Guided Tours

10:15am–5:45pm
Royal College of Music
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The Royal College of Music's Museum offers a unique opportunity to interact with over 500 years of musical history. Items include the world’s oldest guitar and earliest keyboard instrument with strings. Enjoy a tour of the Museum, led by their knowledgeable team on Wednesdays at 12:30pm.

The Royal Parks Podcast

Online
The Royal Parks
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A podcast series where you can take a behind-the-scenes look at the eight Royal Parks. Meet some of the incredible experts who work at The Royal Parks and discover the fascinating stories of these iconic green spaces.

The Serpentine Lido Cafe

Daily
The Royal Parks
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What better location to host a celebration this summer than overlooking the Serpentine in London’s largest Royal Park. Choose from a variety of hot and cold food options including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Serves a selection of teas, specialty coffees and is licensed for alcohol.

The Shop at Japan House London

Mon to Sat
10am-8pm
Japan House London
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Recognised as the cultural home of Japan in London, be inspired by the beautifully displayed cabinets that blur the lines between a gallery and a store. From crafts rooted in Japanese traditions to one-of-a-kind pieces by artists, each product has a story to tell and will make a wonderful gift this Christmas.

The Sunken Garden

Wed - Sun
9.30-17.45
Kensington Palace
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The beautiful Sunken Garden was planted in 1908, transforming part of the gardens previously occupied by potting sheds into a tranquil ornamental garden. Today, the garden continues the tradition of rotational flower displays in the spring and summer.