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Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show's ground-breaking designs, fine floral collections and new plant unveilings draw horticultural enthusiasts from far and wide to the grounds of London's Royal Hospital Chelsea for five days in May. Members of the British Royal Family can be spotted perusing the dazzling show gardens created by leading garden designers. The main topic of conversation is who should be crowned the Best Show Garden.

Date: 22 May 2023 - 27 May 2023
Venue: Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
Cost:

Various

Notting Hill Carnival

West London erupts into one massive Caribbean street party over the August Bank Holiday weekend as Notting Hill Carnival takes over the area. On the last Sunday and Monday in August, this free event spreads over Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill and beyond, with DJ sets, live musicians and wonderful Caribbean food stalls. On the Monday, the main parade sees a flurry of flamboyant costumes, energetic dancing, musicians and floats make its way through the crowds.

Date: 27 August 2023 - 28 August 2023
Venue: Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove.
Website: https://nhcarnival.org/
Cost:

Free.

New Year's Eve fireworks

Every New Year's Eve in London, the city comes alive with celebrations, fireworks and parties in every corner of the capital. The riverside fireworks extravaganza is nothing short of beautiful and draws thousands of people to the Thames.

Date: 31 December 2023 - 31 December 2023
Venue: River Thames.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

The Soho Hotel

Rooms at this trendy hotel are sumptuously appointed in a modern, eclectic style, not forgetting flatscreen TVs, huge, ultra-comfortable beds, and sleek bathrooms kitted out in grey granite, glass and oak. Befitting a hotel nestled in the heart of London’s entertainment district, there is a swish private event space and two private screening rooms. Onsite restaurant Refuel has an attractive dinner menu, as well as serving afternoon tea and an extensive selection of breakfast dishes.

The Dorchester

Sat beside Hyde Park, the glamorous Dorchester is a stately cavern of old-school British class. Dining includes high-end Asian restaurant China Tang and purveyors of modern British cuisine The Grill at The Dorchester, while the extensive spa in the basement is an exceptional pampering space. For all-out luxury, there’s the baroque and rococo Oliver Messel Suite, perched a-top the hotel, with a terrace offering prime views across the London rooftops.

Point A Hotel Westminster

This no-frills Asian hotel chain in the heart of Westminster is a fantastic option for those seeking value for money in the capital. The concept is simple: by stripping out costly extras, such as room service or windows, you can enjoy staying in a clean room with an ensuite bathroom for very little money. If you want extras, such as towels, toiletries, an in-room safe or a window, you simply pay for them. There are four hotels in the capital but this one in the centre is excellent if you want to be close to heart of the action.

The Zetter

This converted warehouse in the heart of Clerkenwell is pretty affordable considering its desirable location. Its 59 rooms are decked in sleek upholstery, cool mood lighting and in-room entertainment systems. Nice little touches, such as hot water bottles and old Penguin paperbacks, add a homely feel. The Zetter’s popular restaurant, which serves modern Mediterranean food, occupies most of the ground floor and looks onto St John's Square.

Pavilion Hotel

This fun 30-room hotel in London is a great value option for those wanting their London stay served with a funky twist. Each room has its own theme – including Chinese-themed room Enter the Dragon, 1970s infused chamber Honky Tonk Afro, and Moorish-inspired Casablanca Nights – and the hotel claims have housed many celebs and fashion photography shoots over the years. Paddington Station is but a few minutes’ walk away.

The Ritz

Since 1906, The Ritz has been providing exemplary service to its well-heeled guests. The interior of this elegant building is fastidiously decorated in Louis XVI style with marble columns, rich fabrics and antique furniture. The rooms are furnished in soothing pastel colours, and the chandelier-filled restaurant is offers classic glamour for formal meals, and the famous Ritz afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court at 1530 or 1700.

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