What's On This Summer
There's nowhere quite like London in summer. Royal parks fill with picnic blankets and deckchairs, gallery doors swing open onto pavements full of pre-dinner conversation, and the streets slow to a gentler, sun-drenched pace. From open-air theatre and royal pageantry to world-class art and summer festivals, the city comes alive with things to see and do.
Here's our guide to what's on across London this season. Whether you're discovering the city for the first time or know it like your own, there's always something new to explore.
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Burlington House, Piccadilly | 16 June – 23 August 2026
The world's longest-running open-submission art show returns to Burlington House, just moments from Mayfair. Spanning painting, sculpture, photography and architecture from emerging talents through to Royal Academicians, it's one of London's most beloved cultural institutions. Galleries stay open late on Fridays and Saturdays, with DJ sets every Friday in July and a gin bar running Thursday to Sunday.
BST Hyde Park
Hyde Park | 27th June – 12th July 2026
London's biggest summer festival returns to Hyde Park for over two weeks of headline shows. The 2026 line-up brings Maroon 5, Mumford & Sons, Duran Duran, Pitbull and Lewis Capaldi (across two nights) to the UK's most iconic park setting, alongside Open House daytime events including a 3km run with Sir Mo Farah. Just a short walk from Mayfair.
Pride in London
Central London | 4th July
London's biggest Pride parade sets off from Hyde Park Corner and travels along Piccadilly, passing right by the hotel's front door. Free to watch from the pavement, with celebrations continuing across the West End into the evening.
Wimbledon
29th June to 12th July
The world's most famous tennis tournament returns for its 139th year, culminating in the women's final on 11 July and the men's final on 12 July. The grounds are in SW19, about 40 minutes from the hotel, our concierge can help with transport on the day, or point you towards the best spots in Mayfair to watch the finals with a glass of Pimm's in hand.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Regents Park | All Summer
Theatre under the open sky returns to one of London's most beautiful Royal Parks this summer. The season opens with
A Midsummer Night's Dream, runs through the eagerly awaited return of CATS, and closes with Anansi the Spider, alongside live music and special events throughout. A magical, alfresco way to spend a London evening.
Somerset House Summer Series
Somerset House, The Strand | 16th to 26th July
Eleven nights of live music return to the breathtaking neoclassical courtyard at Somerset House this July. The line-up spans iconic American rockers The Flaming Lips, Mercury Prize-winner Benjamin Clementine and atmospheric soundscapes from Agnes Obel, alongside a wave of breakthrough talent. One of London's most sophisticated open-air music settings, and a short hop from Mayfair.
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
29th June to 12th July
The State Rooms open to the public for their once-a-year summer season, offering a rare look inside the working royal residence including the Throne Room, the Ballroom and the White Drawing Room. The Palace sits just a few minutes' walk from the hotel through Green Park, with the gardens included as part of your visit
All Points East
Victoria Park | 21st - 30th August
East London's biggest festival returns to Victoria Park across six headline days this summer. Jorja Smith and Tems open the weekend, Lorde and Tyler, The Creator headline back-to-back nights, and Twenty One Pilots close out the festival, alongside Outbreak Fest's heavier lineup featuring Deftones, IDLES, Amyl and the Sniffers and Interpol. A vibrant addition to any London summer visit, with free community programming running alongside the main stages throughout the week.
Changing the Guard
Buckingham Palace | Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 11am
A fixture of any Mayfair stay the ceremony takes place outside Buckingham Palace, a ten-minute walk through Green Park. It's free to watch, but be sure to arrive early to secure your spot, as the best viewing positions along the railings fill up fast.
Serpentine Pavilion
Serpentine South Gallery, Kensington Gardens | June – October 2026
The Serpentine's annual architectural commission this year is by LANZA atelier. Set beside the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens, the pavilion is free to visit and hosts talks, performances and cultural events throughout the summer. Around a 20-minute walk through Hyde Park from Mayfair.