Spring is here with a vengeance - blue skies, crocuses out, days still growing longer, and we really do love this time of the year in London.  In fact, because we’re feeling poetic today, here's a lovely quote about this month by the wonderful poet, Henrich Heine…

“In the marvellous month of May, when all the buds were bursting, then in my heart did love arise…in the marvellous month of May, when all the birds were singing, then did I reveal to her my yearning and longing.”

As usual, we’re devoting our first blog of the month to activities going on across London and also the beautiful green and leafy Hampstead area, with some kid-friendly events (bearing in mind that there is a half-term holiday this month, which means thousands of parents will need to keep their little ones entertained).

But there’s also stuff for the adults too - and the beauty is that tubes, buses and the DLR make getting around the city a breeze.  So whether you live in the capital, are making a day trip, enjoying a weekend break, enjoy yourself.  And if you need accommodation in Hampstead, don’t hesitate to contact us - we have 18 guest rooms and are here to help.

    1. Chelsea Flower Show

      Running from Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th May, this really is the world’s greatest flower show and a must for anyone who loves blooms, not to mention passionate gardeners and horticulturists.  With the Chelsea Royal Hospital transformed with magnificent displays, this event never fails to disappoint.

      This year’s theme is ‘wild and natural spaces’ so it’s quite likely you’ll be seeing hedgerows, woodlands and meadows if you visit.   There are endless offerings including a ‘Mind Garden’ (where you can meditate or simply enjoy a moment of tranquillity), learn more about the ecological benefits of rewilding (courtesy of Lulu Urquhart and Adam Hunt) or enjoy an interactive display dealing with soil!  There’s also a wonderful shop where you can purchase gardening tools, seeds and - of course - plants.

      Chelsea Flower Show, 24th-28th May 2022; London Gate, Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR

      https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show

        2. Eid at Trafalgar Square

          On Saturday 7th May, the Muslim festival of Ramadan comes to an end and, to celebrate, London’s holding it’s annual ‘Eid in the Square’ event.  ‘Eid’ in Arabic means ‘feast’ or ‘festival’ and there are two in the Islamic calendar, this one being Eid Al Fitr.

          This free event runs from 12 noon to 6pm in Trafalgar Square and is a great chance to learn more about Muslim history, literature, art and music.  Enjoy acts that range from BBC filmmaker Mehreen Baig and poet Hussain Munaweer to comedians The Halalians and the Star Children’s Choir.

          And since this holiday celebrates the end of some serious fasting, bring your appetite because there’s plenty of street food available in the form of stalls run by London restaurateurs.

          Eid Mubarak!

          Eid in the Square, Trafalgar Square, West End. Saturday 7th May - noon to 6pm

          https://www.london.gov.uk/events/2022-05-07/eid-square-2022

            3. Dinosaur Trail at the Natural History Museum

              Did you ever meet a kid who wasn’t curious about dinosaurs?  We don’t think so.  (Actually, all the kids we know are crazy about them).  So taking your little ones to the Dinosaur Trail at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington is an activity we can’t recommend highly enough.

              On this trail, your children will learn about when dinosaurs lived, how they roamed the earth and when exactly they died out.  They’ll find out about the Spinosaurus (the only dinosaur who lived mainly in the water) gaze at the skull of a Triceratops and, of course, get to see Dippy, the museum’s famous skeleton of Diplodocus.

              The NHM is also free to enter, which means it’s a family-friendly activity that won’t break the bank - and because it’s so close to Hyde Park, you can go for a picnic by the Serpentine afterwards!

              Natural History Museum, Dinosaur Gallery. Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7

              https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/galleries-and-museum-map/dinosaurs.html

                4. Pip and Pop at Kew Gardens


                  Kew Gardens is a beautiful destination in its own right, but one more reason to go there this May is the colourful (and mouth-watering) exhibition by Tanya Schultz.  Using all kinds of ‘candy’ materials (including sweets, sugar and modelling clay) she’s produced a number of immersive installations.  They’re enormous and full of colour and include glitter, pompoms and kaleidoscope pools.  

                  This really is one for the entire family - and there’s also the rest of Kew to explore, including palm houses, lily ponds and orchids galore!

                  Pip and Pop at Kew Gardens - opens 21st May; Kew Gardens, Richmond Road, London TW9

                  https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/food-forever/pip-and-pop-when-flowers-dream

                    5. Silent Disco Yoga on Hampstead Heath

                      Last but not least, we’re including a fabulous activity in our neck of the woods - jolly Hamptead, in north London. On Friday 20th May, beginning at 12 noon, get in touch with your inner self at this incredible event.

                      The combination of yoga and music is an unforgettable one and in a location as stunning as Hampstead Heath, this will be both an inspiring and unforgettable event.  You can bring your own mat (or hire one), and headsets that won’t fall off are included in the price,along with instructors to get you into your groove.

                      The destination is, as yet, unknown but tickets will probably sell out fast so register now.  And if, for any reason, you aren’t into yoga, then why not just take a walk on Hampstead Heath - it’s one of the capital’s most beautiful green spaces, and affectionately known as the ‘Iron Lungs of London.’

                      Silent Disco Yoga - 20th May at noon. Hampstead Heath, London NW3 - exact location TBA

                      https://dusilentdiscoyoga.kickoffpages.com/?fbclid=IwAR04BdXAjX1wrGKsrxNU81slryC5lw7m_tJmU5mbQ-Tf-ShXRGfnyTSGbU8