June’s such a wonderful time to be in the British capital. The days are long - in fact on June 21st, the longest day of the year, it won’t begin to get dark until almost 10pm. This is why you’ll often see people walking in parks, sitting by the River Thames, strolling in their neighbourhoods and chatting with friends in local pubs until late.

In the meantime, there’s so much going on in London that you won’t know where to begin. From live music and world-class theatre to pop-up markets and street festivals, whether you’re here for a long weekend or a long stay, you’ll have trouble fitting everything in.

Here are some of the events we believe are worth checking out this month - and, in the meantime, if you need a place to stay after your fun days out, our guest accommodation in Hampstead is waiting for you - give us a call or email us and we’ll do our best to help….


1. Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre - until 8th June

What better place to enjoy one of the Bard’s great plays about mistaken identities than in the lovely surroundings of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre? Yes, for anyone who loves the stage, then this annual event is a firm summer fixture.

Sensational performances, wonderful costumes and greenery all around make for an incredible experience and if you arrive early, you can take a walk in the park - in our opinion, the Queen Mary Rose Garden is at its finest at this time of the year.


2. ‘West End Live” - 22nd-23rd June

This stand-out event (which is completely free) is back by popular demand. Held in the beautiful and iconic Trafalgar Square, it’s run by the Society of London Theatre and features some of the UK’s brightest stars in the entertainment industry.

All you need to do is show up early and be prepared to queue - it’s first-come, first-served but what an event it’s going to be! Last year, approximately half a million people took part and the atmosphere was extraordinary. So head down to West End Live for a spectacular time - and be prepared to dance your socks off.


3. Open Gardens Weekend - 8th-9th June

London’s incredibly green, and we’re not just talking about the endless parks.

All across the capital are unusual gardens - private, secret, unique - and one weekend a year they’re open to the public.

Formal squares, rooftops, allotments - at the Open Gardens Weekend you can see some of the city’s most pretty (and usually hidden) gardens. Wow!

 

4. Trooping the Colour - 15th June

This traditional military ceremony, featuring all of the regiments of the British Army, will be celebrating the King’s birthday and it’s quite a spectacle.

Head down to Horse Guards Parade, close to St. James’ Park, for an extraordinary display of pomp and pageantry, with the Monarch taking the salute.

Balloted tickets for Trooping the Colour have already been given out but you can find a spot on the Mall to stand and watch it all for free.





5. Taste of London Food Festival - 12th to 16th June

Foodies will be in their element this month, if they head to beautiful Regent’s Park for the Taste of London Food Festival.

Back by popular demand, you can watch world-class chefs demonstrate their skill, mingle with artisan producers, sample signature dishes and attend ‘cook schools’ that will celebrate this event’s 20th anniversary!

With some of London’s top restaurants taking part, 120 food stands serving up 120 dishes, live music and entertainment, come and celebrate its 20th anniversary and find out why the British capital’s reputation for innovative dining has come so far over the years.


6. Michelangelo - the Last Decades at the British Museum - until 28th July

This landmark new exhibition - ‘Michelangelo - the Last Decades’ at the British Museum is bound to thrill art lovers. Exploring the last three decades of the life of this extraordinary Renaissance painter, you’ll be able to see the towering (over two metres high) ‘Epifania’ (created between 1550-1553) and learn about the master’s life after his triumphant ‘David’ statue and the frescos on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. And who wouldn’t enjoy a stroll around the Bloomsbury neighbourhood, before or after your cultural outing?



7. Hampstead Summer Festival - throughout June

Finally, come to our beautiful neighbourhood and enjoy one of five events that make up this year’s Hampstead Summer Festival.

From the Art Fair, Open Air Theatre and Family Garden Party at Keats House to the Big Fair on Heath Street (actually in the first week of July), soak up the charm and magic of our lovely area - in fact, with Kenwood House and Hampstead Heath nearby, you can really make a day of it!



If you’re coming to London and looking for a place to stay, we'd love to host you at La Gaffe Hotel Hampstead.  We offer comfortable guest accommodation which is both family-owned and family-run, and returning guests never fail to tell us how much they feel they have a home away from home, the moment they check in.

Our rates include a continental breakfast and famous cappuccino and because we’re only three minutes walk from the Hampstead tube, you can be in the centre of the city in just 15 minutes by London Underground.

For more information about our rooms and to make a reservation directly with us, contact us by phone or email - we’re looking forward to seeing you!