Summer’s here and the capital is busy and buzzy - we’ve had some very warm weather of late which means everyone’s out on the streets, soaking up the sun - but whatever the temperature, there’s plenty to do in London in July.

Whether you’re in the mood for blockbuster exhibits at the Tate Modern, live music festivals across the city, fantastic theatre in the West End or cocktails at rooftop bars, you’ll find it…and with the days still long (it won't get dark until after 9pm) you have no excuse not to enjoy yourself.

Here are a few of our ideas for what you can do in the capital this July, and whatever you end up doing, have a great time…

Hyper Japan - 19th to 21st July

Japan - land of Samurais, ancient temples, cherry blossoms, high speed trains, bowls of ramen and plenty more besides. More and more of us are becoming fascinated with this Far Eastern nation and now you don’t have to break the bank and fly there because it’s all coming to London this July, in the form of Hyper Japan.

For three days this summer, attendees at Olympia will be able to immerse themselves in Japanese culture - from manga magazines and mochi ice cream to kimonos and traditional music, there’ll be hundreds of exhibits here, not to mention workshops, live performances and all kinds of incredible food. And if you’re looking for info about travelling East, this is the place to head as reps from Japan’s Tourism Board will be there to answer all your questions.

楽しむ - or ‘enjoy’ as they say in Japanese!

Hyper Japan: Olympia Exhibition Centre, Hammersmith Road, London W14


Wimbledon on the Big Screen - 1st to 14th July

The oldest tennis tournament in the world (and,for many, the most prestigious) returns to south London in July for the first two weeks of the month and the demand for tickets will, no doubt, be as great as ever. But don’t despair, all you racket and ball lovers, because as well as the ‘queue up for end of day tickets’ you can also see the competition on one of the big screens across the capital.

From Canary Wharf and Paddington Basin to Belgravia and Kings Cross, the events are free for all and deck chairs will provide, with deck chairs thrown in for good measure. All you need to do is to show up and bag a spot…just don’t forget your sunscreen and snacks and pray that ‘rain doesn’t stop play’ because this is England at its finest!

Wimbledon on the Big Screen: At venues all across London - 1st to 14th July


 

Somerset House Summer Series - 11th to 21st July

Returning to the capital on July 11th, in the heart of the city, Somerset House Summer Series is back with a range of great gigs that you can enjoy in the lovely Safra Fountain area. Whether you’re into punk, rhythm and blues, you’re bound to stumble across some up and coming musical talent and big hitters like the Patti Smith Quartet and Corinne Bailey Rae are guaranteed crowd-pleasers!

Somerset House sits on the River Thames, close both to Covent Garden and the South Bank Centre, so you can explore the areas and grab a bite before you rock up to your concert.

Somerset House Summer Series: Somerset House, The Strand, London WC2


Barbie Exhibition at the Design Museum

Ever wanted to find out more about the world's most famous doll? Well,now’s your chance because on the back of the hit movie, the London Design Museum is hosting an amazing exhibition devoted to Mattel’s beloved creation - Barbie. And as it’s the first of its kind to ever open in the UK, they’ve pulled out all the stops.

Here you’ll find over 180 versions of this iconic toy, not to mention original outfits, and a rare first edition known as the ‘Number One Barbie.’ Celebrating 65 years since she hit the stores, the exhibit will look into how Barbie designs have changed over the years, showcasing Asian, Black and Hispanic models as well as shifting fashion trends. There’s even a (small) section of Kens and plenty of furniture, vehicles and the ‘Dreamhouse’ to gaze upon.

So dress up and pink and prepare yourself for a trip down Memory Lane. A must visit for any doll lover!

Barbie - The Exhibition: London Design Museum, 224-228 Kensington High Street,W8


Natural Aspects Summer Concert - 21 July

There’s nothing like spending an afternoon on Hampstead Heath (in our neighbourhood) in the summer, surrounded by gorgeous greenery and live music playing whilst you chill out. And this July, you can do just that, courtesy of “Natural Aspects’ who are putting on a free summer concert at north London’s Parliament Hill.

Yes, there’s few things more quintessentially English than sitting on the grass (or lolling in a deckchair) and listening to the band play - only this is a new take on an old concept because whilst it’s being held at a bandstand, the music won't be brass - rather folk, Jamaican, Irish, country and Bengali. A great way to meet other people from the community, turn up any time between 1-5 pm with a picnic and enjoy yourselves.

Natural Aspects Summer Concert: Parliament Hill Bandstand,​ Hampstead Heath, NW3

If you’re coming to London and looking for a place to stay, we'd love to host you at La Gaffe Hotel in 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, from the moment they check in to the moment they say goodbye.

Our rates include a continental breakfast and our (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,courtesy of 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!