There‘s nowhere like the West End as the weather heats up. If you’re staying at any of Clarendon’s serviced apartments in Soho, Goodge Street and Covent Garden this is where we would suggest you make a beeline for this season.
1. Covent Garden Market/piazza
It’s a familiar destination for those who have ever visited Covent Garden Market but this is also a great space for outdoor fun in the summer. You’ll see mime and juggling acts as well as a range of market stalls selling a variety of goods including antiques, craft items, pictures and handmade clothing so it’s a great place to find gifts. The area was formerly home to London’s fruit and vegetable market, which has now moved down to the New Covent Garden Flower Market in Bermondsey.
2. Oxford Street
There is nothing you can’t find on Oxford Street. An internationally famous shopping mecca there is a wide range of stores from high-street fashion and international brands to accessories to childrenswear shops. You need to keep yourself hydrated and there plenty of cafes and bars for you to stop off for a break.
3. Soho Square gardens
The park is over 400 years old and was originally called King’s Square. In the centre is a distinctive gardeners hut. In the summer its used as a gig and live music venue and you can enjoy open air concerts. When the sun is beating down in the centre of the city its the best place for a bit of lunch or a picnic.
4. Somerset House
It’s become one of the most famous film venues in the UK – each summer, The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court hosts London’s most beautiful open-air cinema; Film4 Summer Screen. A highlight of the city’s summer calendar, the series features a range of films, all showing on a state-of-the-art screen with full surround sound. Modern as well as classic movies can be enjoyed as the evening sun goes down with one of the most beautiful backdrops around; The Somerset house building was actually completed during the Tudor era and is a architectural masterpiece.
5. Hyde Park
Hyde Park covers 350 acres and is home to a number of famous landmarks including the Serpentine Lake, Speakers’ Corner and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.The park also offers various recreational activities including open water swimming, boating, cycling, tennis and horse riding.During the Summer, Hyde Park hosts a 10 day summer extravaganza festival with a variety of different acts on show and themed pubs and cocktail bars.
If you are staying in one of Clarendon’s serviced apartments in Covent Garden, Soho and other locations across the West End be sure to check out these great attractions.