With three glorious final days to stretch out the summer, gather your favourite friends and make the most of London before Autumn comes knocking.
Whether you’re going up to London for the weekend or simply fancy playing tourist in your own town, consider this our manifesto to swapping the everyday for a relaxing London staycation.
Why London is the Best Place for a Bank Holiday
London knows how to spend a long weekend. The terraces are busy, the parks are full, bottles are being poured on rooftops all round the capital, and the streets have an unmistakable late-summer buzz. This year is particularly special, with Notting Hill Carnival turning 60 and celebrating across the Bank Holiday Weekend, while All Points East brings another round of great live music to Victoria Park.
Summer fun is there for the taking, the trick is finding somewhere that puts you close to it all.
A Marylebone Staycation at The Grazing Goat
Tucked away on New Quebec street just moments from Marble Arch, The Grazing Goat feels wonderfully removed from the city while sitting right in the heart of it.
Upstairs, eight specially designed bedrooms make for a handsome home from home, with king and emperor-sized beds, British-made furnishing, and thoughtful touches from Roberts radios to 100 Acres toiletries. Downstairs you’ll find a stylish local pub with a terribly enticing menu waiting for you. We think that beats a minibar.
Step outside and Marylebone is yours for the weekend. Wander down Marylebone High Street, dip into the independent shops and delis, head towards Regent’s Park or make your way through Hyde Park. Oxford Street, Regent Street and the West End are all within easy reach too, should a little shopping or an impromptu theatre trip take your fancy.
After a day exploring, return to New Quebec Street for a pint on the terrace before settling in for dinner. Our menus champion the very best of British produce, with seasonal dishes and hearty pub classics.
Then simply head upstairs to bed. No last Tube required.
A Belgravia Staycation at The Orange
For a slightly different slice of London, make for The Orange off Pimlico Road.
Sitting between Belgravia and Chelsea, The Orange holds some of west London’s finest streets on your doorstep. Sloane Square is a short stroll away, leading you towards the King’s Road, Saatchi Gallery and Chelsea’s boutiques, galleries and antique shops. Wander in the other direction and you’ll soon find yourself amongst the grand squares and handsome architecture of Belgravia.
There are four beautifully refurbished bedrooms upstairs, with interiors inspired by the surrounding Pimlico design district. It is polished without being precious and, most importantly, there’s a pub downstairs.
Start the morning slowly over breakfast before setting off for Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace or a wander along the Thames. When you return, the rooftop terrace is calling for an afternoon drink, while dinner downstairs provides a suitably convivial end to the day.
If Sunday morning arrives a little more slowly than planned, all the better. There’s a Sunday Roast waiting downstairs.
What’s On in London This Summer Bank Holiday?
If you can drag yourself away from the pub, London has plenty planned for the long weekend.
The big one is, of course, Notting Hill Carnival, celebrating its Diamond Jubilee in 2026. The festivities begin with the UK National Panorama Steelband Competition on Saturday 29th August, followed by J’ouvert and the Children’s Day Parade on Sunday 30th August and the Main Parade on Monday 31st August.
Over in Victoria Park, All Points East continues across the weekend, with Tyler, The Creator taking to the stage on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th August, before Twenty One Pilots headline on Sunday 30th.
Our Perfect London Bank Holiday Weekend
We’d start Saturday with a leisurely breakfast at The Grazing Goat or The Orange, followed by a walk through Hyde Park while the city is still waking up.
The afternoon calls for a little culture, shopping or perhaps a dip into a festival, before returning to the pub for drinks and dinner. Sunday should begin slowly and revolve entirely around recovery and a long Sunday Roast. Come Monday, squeeze the last out of the weekend with another wander around the neighbourhood, a little shopping or a visit to Notting Hill Carnival before heading home.
Or stay for one more pint. We won’t tell.
Make a Weekend of It
Sometimes the best getaway is the one that doesn’t require an airport, a passport or an argument about the size of your hand luggage.
Pack lightly. London will provide the rest.
BOOK YOUR SUMMER BANK HOLIDAY STAY
