Long summer days are here to be enjoyed in London. Wimbledon returns, summer festivals are in full swing and it is definitely picnic season. I think London has pulled it out of the bag for the best summer exhibitions in 2023. There is plenty to choose from if you are looking for another excuse to be inside with air conditioning.

1

Wimbledon.. July isn’t July without all the tennis action from SW19. Haven’t got tickets? Do not worry, there are plenty of locations for you to sit and enjoy the order of play all over London. My top seven locations for 2023 are here

 

2

Hyde Park BST Open House : 8 days of free activities in Hyde Park to enjoy. There is yoga, theatre workshops, music performances, cinema, street food market and Wimbledon screenings. What is there not to love.

3

Buckingham Palace Summer opening 14 July – 24 September 2023. What a Royal year it has been, and how better to top it off than with the Coronation Exhibition. See those gorgeous gowns worn by The King and Queen up close. Booking advised.

4

Greenwich Summer Sounds 4-8 July. It has a fabulous line up for 2023 –  Niles Rodgers, Tom Jones, Kaiser Chief’s to Black Eyed Peas… Greenwich is a great spot at the best of times, and this line up is exceptional for 2023.

5

Theatre in London | KIDS WEEK. There are some great shows to see, and this is the time of year to take the opportunity to take your kids for free. For the first time this year the offer is available early on a few selected shows from 7-17 July. Mastercard holders get priority booking at 10am Monday 4 July.

6

BBC Proms | The Royal Albert Hall 14 July – 9 September. A favourite highlight for many, and there is always something for everyone. Tickets from £14. If you have never been, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

and

Military Musical Spectacular in Royal Horseguards 4,5 6th July : If you enjoyed Trooping the Colour, then this musical spectacular is just that. Full of military musical performances from the British Army and fireworks for all the extra. It is truly fabulous.

7

Dragon Boat Race 2023| Merchant Square in Paddington Thursday 27 July. This 2,000 year tradition sees teams of 16 in boats that are racing for the charity Cosmic. The crews dress up and row like crazy to win the trophy raising money for children and the neo natal units at St Mary’s & Queen Charlotte’s hospital.

Extras

Regent’s Park Music Festival & Theatre until 24 September. There is a wide programme of music and theatre available. I’m off to La Cage aux Folles and I can’t wait.

Somerset House : If you have got tickets for the Summer Series, then on the last Friday of each month head to the Terrace Bar for tapas and live music.

Kids in tow this summer? Check out the new opening of the Young V&A in Bethnal Green.

Formula 1 fans.. British GP Week at the William’s Fan Zone, which is back in town. Monday 3 July – Sunday 7 July at 48 Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus.