It’s hard not to love London in June.  The days are long - in the middle of the month, it will be light until almost 10pm, the weather’s pleasant and people are out and about, enjoying walks in the parks, strolls along the Thames river and Regent canal and al fresco dining.

The capital’s buzzy and lively, with thousands of tourists flooding in, and so much to do you’re often left feeling overwhelmed.  That’s why we’re here - to give you a head’s up on a few events this month that you really shouldn’t miss.

And, as ever, if you need a place to rest your weary head after enjoying yourself, our guest accommodation in Hampstead is waiting for you - give us a call or email us and we’ll do our best to help….

Happy June everyone.

 

1. Trooping the Colour - the King’s Birthday Parade - 17th June 

    After the magnificent Coronation celebrations, King Charles III will be leading the annual ‘Trooping the Colour’ ceremony this June, which takes place in the heart of London, close to Buckingham Palace, and features all of the regiments of the British Army.

    There’s nothing like pomp and pageantry in Britain and so this is a great opportunity to head down to Horse Guards Parade, and see a very impressive set-up.  Many regiments the Household Division will be taking part and His Majesty attending and taking the salute.

    God save the King!

     

    2. Open Garden Squares Weekend - 10th and 11th June

    Many people don’t realise just how green London is until they visit - and it’s not just the Royal Parks either!  The British capital is full of beautiful gardens - many of which are ‘hidden gems’ - and for one weekend a year, 117 of these spots will be opening their doors to the public.

    From north to south and east to west, from rooftop terraces with amazing skyline views to formal squares, the Open Garden Squares Weekend lets you explore places like the Royal College of Physicians, the Inner Temple, Southwark Cathedral Deanery and the William Morris Society…

    Tickets are available online and there are ballots for the more popular gardens so don’t hang about.


    3. ‘West End Live” - 17th and 18th June

    This fabulous two-day event running across the capital across the weekend is back.  Held by the Society of London Theatre, it’ll be taking place in the city centre, in Trafalgar Square and it’s bound to be busy (last year, over 500,000 took part).

    Some of the country's biggest stars in leading musicals and new shows will be performing, and even better the West End Live event is free.  Yep, you just have to show up - although, be warned, sometimes people begin queuing as early as 6am to get a seat near the stage.

    4. ‘River Stage’ at the South Bank - 9th June to 2nd July

      This popular National Theatre event is back this summer with four consecutive weekends of free outdoor performances, down at the South Bank, on the banks of the River Thames, hence the title ‘River Stage’. 

      Whether you’re into dance, live music or performance art, you’re bound to find something up your street and - just like West End Live - it’s all free!  There will be DJs, workshops and companies like Rambert dance and The Glory taking part.  Oh, and with a pizza truck, gelato van and apothecary bar on site, what’s not to like?

      5. Klint & Modrian at the Tate Modern - ongoing

      Visiting the Tate Modern is always a good idea but you’ve got even one more excuse to go this June - to catch an exhibition which fuses mysticism and modernity, bringing together Gustav Klint and Piet Modrian in ‘Forms of Life’.

      Pairing the two artists, you’ll have a chance to learn more about two abstract painters who have more in common than you would imagine.  And when you’ve finished, wander around the rest of this extraordinary building, or stroll by the Thames, cross the Millenium Bridge (enjoying the view) and head into St. Paul's Cathedral.

      A fine day out!

       

      6. Brick Lane Carnival - 3rd and 4th June

      If you like to party, and especially if you’re a fan of techno and house music then head down to East London in the first weekend of June to the Brick Lane Carnival, which is back with a bang.

      ‘Dance on Arrival’ (as it's known) will feature live actors and dancers, indoor and outdoor spaces, great JFs and a wow-factor Carnival Cocktail Menu.   If previous years are anything to go by, it promises to be a spectacular production so book a ticket fast because it will sell out!   

       

      7. Taste of London Food Festival - 14th to 18th June

      Calling all foodies - Taste of London Food Festival is back this June, in the lovely surroundings of Regent’s Park for (as they put it) ‘five days of feasting.’  

      Attend masterclasses, sample signature dishes from fine restaurants at affordable prices, watch demonstrations led by world-class chefs, meet artisan producers and try their products, and indulge in a few tipples of craft beers, wines and fine whiskeys.  

      So if you’re ready to join over 50,000 others and sample some of the best food and drink in Britain, then this is where you need to be.

       

      We hope to welcome you to London in June! If you would like to book a stay in a hotel in Hampstead, we still have some availability, but we are booking up fast at the moment, so if you do want to stay at La Gaffe, please get in touch or book soon!