Your Guide to Planning a Long Weekend in London

Are you looking for festive things to do in London this Christmas?

From festive illuminations to late-night shopping, the city is truly a magical place in the winter months.

Check out our blog to discover 7 fun winter activities in the heart of the city…

Festive Things to Do in London | Light Trail

Step into Christmas with a luminous stroll through the city, where London's enchanting lights take centre stage.

Every year, London transforms into a magical light show, adorning every corner of the city.

This year, the festivities kick off on Thursday, 2nd November, with the illumination of Oxford and Carnaby Street. Explore the brilliantly-lit streets, and be captivated by the breathtaking displays.

Alternatively, embark on a guided Christmas lights bus tour, offering a 90-minute tour of the world-famous lights.

Enjoy Picturesque Views and Cosy Evenings

Experience riverside views from Coppa Club’s pop-up igloos.

Here, you can delight in an intimate space for you and your loved ones, enjoying delightful dinners and drinks as you cosy up under the stars.

Set with snug sheepskin blankets and a stunning vista of the London skyline, you can enjoy the Coppa Club in all weathers.

Sit back and sip on champagne while you indulge in festive snacks and sample dishes from an exclusive festive menu.

Winter Wonderland | Festive Things to Do in London

A trip to London during Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Hyde Park to experience the magic of Winter Wonderland.

The annual transformation of Hyde Park runs for six weeks, from mid November until the beginning of January.

This is the ultimate place for family and friends to enjoy when searching for festive things to do in london; from adrenaline-fuelled rides and attractions, to live entertainment and seasonal treats.

Open from 10am until 10pm, you can enjoy cosy pit bars, ice kingdoms, mulled wine, Bavarian beer and much more!

Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.

Experience Christmas Shopping in London

There are a host of places for Christmas shopping around London; from designer stores to shopping centres.

Why not head over to Knightsbridge and experience the world-famous Harrods? The department store will be lit with 12,000 lights outside, while inside you’ll find luxurious decorations – and over 300 stores across the floors.

In the run-up to Christmas, Westfield are catering to the last-minute late night shoppers. Staying open until 10pm, you can find an array of shopping options, with over 500 shops between the White City and Stratford City centre.

From highstreet favourites to designer brands, you’ll be sure to find Christmas gifts for everyone.

Festive Things to Do in London | Theatre Performances

Embrace the festive fun with a selection of Christmas classics performed in various London theatres.

You'll find a myriad of performances throughout the city, from traditional favourites like "A Christmas Carol" and "The Snowman", to musicals such as "Frozen", as well as entertaining pantomimes.

The theatre offers a magical Christmas activity for all ages, allowing you to relax while enjoying the talents of entertainers.

Festive Things to Do in London | Culinary Delights at DUKES Hotel

Indulge in themed sweet treats and culinary delights with our festive afternoon tea here at DUKES Hotel.

Served daily between 12pm until 6pm, you can enjoy a fine selection of finger sandwiches and cakes in the comfort of our Drawing Room and Great British Restaurant.

Our festive menu in the Great British Restaurant is available from the 24th November until the 7th January, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Between 12pm until 9pm, you can choose from two or three courses of delectable dishes, each carefully curated by our talented kitchen staff.

Christmas at DUKES Hotel London

After a day of exploring London's Christmas wonders, relax at DUKES Hotel London, situated in the heart of St James.

Our hotel offers sophistication and luxury with attentive staff to meet your every need. Choose from modern bedrooms or thoughtfully-designed suites to ensure your London escape is exceptional.

Throughout the festive season, our hotel will be adorned with enchanting decorations to create the perfect backdrop for your Christmas celebration.

To learn more about our festivities or book your stay, please reach out to a member of our team. Alternatively, you can explore our previous blog on planning your staff Christmas party.

Are you in charge of planning a magical staff Christmas party?

Look no further than DUKES Hotel London!

From private dining areas to enchanting Christmas packages, discover our festive offerings to begin planning your seasonal celebration.

Check out our blog to find out more…

DUKES Hotel London | Staff Christmas Party

Nestled in the heart of the sophisticated St James, Mayfair, DUKES Hotel is the perfect setting for your staff Christmas party.

With our dedicated and enthusiastic staff at your service, we’re committed to ensuring your celebration is truly exceptional.

As we dive into the festive season with our Christmas offerings, we have something to suit all types of celebrations, including exclusive deals for those looking to make the most of this special occasion.

Corporate Christmas Parties at DUKES Hotel London

Step into an elegant winter wonderland here at DUKES Hotel.

With enchanting surroundings and seasonal culinary delights, we’ve crafted our Christmas package to provide you with an unforgettable Christmas party.

Our events team will assist you in planning out the perfect evening for you and your colleagues, to help you celebrate the festive season in style.

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a large affair, our festive package can be tailored to suit your needs.

For smaller party sizes, you can indulge in our festive menu within our Great British Restaurant.

Served between noon until 9:30pm, our offerings include 2 courses for £49 or 3 courses for £65.

Private Dining Options

We have a variety of elegant private dining rooms, each of which we'll transform into your very own wonderland for the occasion.

With a choice from delectable British dishes, an extensive wine selection, and delicious crafted cocktails, it will truly be a staff Christmas party to remember!

Set against the tranquil Little St James’s Street, our Sheridan Suite offers a stunning mahogany table, suited for intimate dining affairs. This space is fully air-conditioned, and can fit 12 guests for dining!

Our Event Space

Our historic Drawing Room caters for larger group sizes who’re looking for a more casual atmosphere.

Flushed with natural light, this room flows into the beautiful conservatory, which leads into our exclusive Cognac and Cigar garden.

Accommodating 35 guests, you can hire the Drawing Room exclusively to host your magical staff Christmas Party.

Alternatively, with a capacity of 80 guests, the St James Suite may be better suited for you. This elegant, spacious venue can be used for fine dining, cocktail parties, and much more.

Providing you with a private space to celebrate the festive season, you’ll experience exclusivity and elegance in the St James Suite.

Make a Night of your Staff Christmas Party

The experience doesn’t have to end when the music stops!

Why not make a night of your much-anticipated staff Christmas party, and book an overnight stay in one of our luxurious rooms?

With exclusive room rates for booking your event space, we aim to make your stay memorable.

Each of our guest rooms feature a stunning marble en suite bathroom and timeless classic decor, promising a restful nights’ sleep after an evening of dancing.

The following morning, reminisce on last night’s party as you delight in our Great British Restaurant, where you can divulge in a scrumptious full English breakfast — available from 7am - 11am.

Why not round off your stay with a stroll around Mayfair, and experience the stunning scenery that London has to offer?

Book Your Unforgettable Staff Christmas Party

Get ahead of the game and treat your staff to a memorable Christmas party at DUKES Hotel London.

With a range of event spaces and Christmas offerings available, what are you waiting for?

To begin planning this year's festive celebrations, please contact a dedicated member of our team.

Alternatively, why not take a look at our current offers?

Are you in need of a little retail therapy?

When you’ve had a busy week, sometimes all you need is to escape to the city for a weekend of excellent shopping (and cocktails back at the hotel after, of course!).

So, we’re sharing our ultimate guide to shopping in Mayfair, to help you start planning your trip early…

Why Choose to Go Shopping in Mayfair?

Nestled in the heart of London's vibrant landscape, Mayfair finds itself amidst the bustling energy of the City of Westminster.

Defined by its proximity to some of London's most iconic streets — Park lane, Piccadilly, Regent Street, and Oxford Street — it’s one of the most prestigious shopping destinations in the UK.

From the high-end boutiques of Burlington Arcade to the charming allure of Shepherd Market, you’ll be in haute-couture-heaven from the moment you step into the district.

Just some of our favourite shops include:

Fortnum and Mason

With everything you could possibly need, from delicious snacks to diamond-studded jewellery, a visit to Fortnum & Mason is a delightful treat for those visiting London.

Splurge on a little something — be it chocolates or a new scarf — and carry it away in the iconic turquoise bag that’ll be sure to bring a smile to your face every time you re-use it.

The Burlington Arcade

Inside the Burlington Arcade, you’ll find exquisite stores just waiting for you to be spoiled and pampered…

From Michael Rose to Manolo Blahnik, it’s brimming with beautiful boutique stores, filled with treasures of every desire.

Pearls for your ears, diamonds for your feet, cashmere for your back — the jewellery, clothes, accessories, and shoes are breathtaking, and will certainly hit the spot when it comes to retail therapy.

Paxton and Whitfield

Cheese might not be top of your list when shopping in Mayfair, but it should be!

Paxton and Whitfield offers a mesmerising display of all kinds of cheese; perfect for taking home and using for meals, cheese boards, picnics, and even fondues.

And, if cheese is your kryptonite, you could even consider joining the Paxton’s cheese club.

Designer Brands

Fall in love with your wardrobe all over again, by treating yourself to staple items from the most famous brand flagships, such as:

• Gucci;
• Louis Vuitton;
• Chanel;
• Hermes;
• Dior;
• And more.

Sophisticated and stylish, these are more than just shops; they’re experiences — and ones you’ll likely never forget, as you make your way through Mayfair’s most luxurious names.

Luxury Homeware

From cushions and candles to wine glasses and vases, Mayfair is bursting with exquisite homeware stores.

So, why not commemorate your weekend away in London by choosing some items to give your home a little lift?

Thomas Goode is a luxurious household name, offering glassware, china, and silverware. And, with two royal warrants to supply the British royal household, you too can live like royalty.

For soft furnishings such as bedding and throws, Frette offers classic, timeless designs that’ll elevate the rooms in your home and wow any guests.

Arts and Antiques

If vintage is more your vibe, Mayfair has you covered there, too.

With plenty of charming antique stores housing gorgeous, dated items — such as the Mayfair Gallery — you’ll be certain to find a piece or two amongst the troves of treasure.

Or, if you’re looking for gorgeous artwork, Mayfair is home to an array of exceptional galleries, displaying elegant paintings and sculptures on every wall.

For quirky and bright, we recommend Maddox Gallery, while for classics we suggest Clarendon Fine Art.

“Wine” Down After Shopping in Mayfair

After spending a day shopping in Mayfair, we know just how tired your feet will be!

Head back to DUKES London, and we’ll look after your every need, from an exquisite wine dinner in GBR to refreshing cocktails in DUKES Bar.

And, our stylish rooms are so comfortable, you can sink into a peaceful slumber before rejoining us the next morning for a hearty breakfast to refuel.

If you’d like to book your much-needed weekend getaway, please contact a member of our team.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for green spaces to rejuvenate after shopping in Mayfair, why not take a look at our previous blog to discover our ultimate guide to visiting St James’s Park?

The best museums in London for kids offer brilliant activities for all the family, making them the perfect day out in the big city with your little ones.

London is a treasure trove of museums, jam-packed with exciting artefacts and tales of the city’s long and winding history.

Take the kids on an adventure through time, uncovering the secrets of dinosaurs, the mummies of Egypt, trains of days gone by, and even the science behind how things work…

There’s so much to do, see, and explore behind every museum door; the only question is, how many can you pack into one weekend?!

In this blog, we’re delving into the best museums in London for kids, to help you plan a city break filled with fun, family-friendly activities:

Why Visit London’s Museums?

A thirst for knowledge, somewhere to get out of the rain, something different, or simply a curiosity about what came before us… There are plenty of reasons to visit museums, and London is the best place to do so!

There are an incredible number of museums, hosting unimaginable artefacts, as well as activities, events, and exhibitions.

Most museums are free to enter — but do require a donation to help them continue to run!

Here’s our guide to the best museums in London for kids:

Natural History Museum

Millions of years ago, dinosaurs roamed the earth; unlock the theories behind their existence (and demise), and discover their closest living relatives… Did chickens really evolve from T-Rex’s?

Located in South Kensington, approximately 15 minutes from DUKES London, the

Natural History Museum

Marvel at the enormous blue whale above your heads as you step through the doors, marking the first of many fascinating sights the museum has to offer.

Surprise any little dinosaur fans in your party by heading to the animatronic Tyrannosaurus — the incredible highlight of the exhibit with its jaw-droppingly real presence.

And, if you’re visiting before 30th June 2024, you’ll be lucky enough to see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition! Please note, for the exhibition, you’ll need to book and pay for your tickets in advance.

There’s also a cafe and gift shop, so be sure to indulge in some refreshments, and let the kids take away a special trinket to memorialise the day.

Science Museum

Also located in South Kensington, satisfy curious minds with a visit to the

Science Museum

An exploration of the modern world and its creation, this innovative, interactive museum is the perfect place to ask (and discover answers to) life’s most interesting questions.

Empower your children to learn and discover, while ensuring a great day out for all the family! The museum offers free admission, but you do need to pre-book your visit.

The British Museum

Journey back in time and discover the history of the human race, art, and culture; with its permanent collection of eight million works, The British Museum is a must-visit for kids and grown-ups alike.

Nestled in the Bloomsbury area of London, it’s just over 10 minutes from our hotel, and is well-worth a visit. It’s free to attend, but you’ll need to pre-book the galleries and exhibitions to ensure entry.

It’d be some feat to see all there is to see in one day, so we recommend booking a 2-hour guided tour, guaranteeing that you discover all the ‘best bits’!

From the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon Sculptures, The British Museum is filled with extraordinary artefacts — and will appeal to people of all ages.

London Transport Museum

Showcasing over 200 years of transport history, the

London Transport Museum

Conveniently located in Covent Garden, the museum underlines the evolution of transport since 1800 — from the red London bus to the first Tube map design.

Whether your child is a budding transport enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this museum has something for everyone (including a cafe where you can indulge in a hot meal or a coffee and cake, to refuel throughout the day!)

They often host events, activities, and exhibitions, so take a look online before you go to help plan your itinerary.

You’ll need to

book your visit online

Young V&A

The

Young V&A

An inspiring setting, there are three big galleries called Imagine, Play, and Design, where children can learn through touching, exploring, and having hands-on experiences.

As well as their everyday activities open to visitors, the museum also opens its doors for regular exhibitions and events, bringing fresh ideas and inspiration to young minds.

Hailed as one of the best museums in London for kids, it’s definitely one to add to your list of things to do during your family city break.

Imperial War Museum

Including all conflicts in which British or Commonwealth forces have been a part of since 1914, the

Imperial War Museum

Often a topic for schools throughout the years, it’s important to look back at people’s experiences and remember those who died.

The museum looks at weaponry, planes, tanks, ships, lifestyles, impact, and much more. While the topic may not be the most uplifting, the educational aspects make this a worthwhile visit, and there are often plenty of activities and exhibitions for younger guests.

The guidebook is a helpful tool that showcases the most family-friendly content, as well as tips for adults on how to talk to children about war, along with questions to prompt open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations.

Less than 30 minutes from

DUKES London

Horniman Museum

Rounding up our list of the best museums in London for kids, the

Horniman Museum

Nestled in Forest Hill and boasting a mesmerising array of exhibits, this family-friendly destination offers a captivating journey through anthropology, natural history, and the world of musical instruments.

With over 350,000 objects in its collection, children can discover instruments from every corner of the globe or delve into the immersive World Gallery; there's something to fascinate and inspire curious minds of all ages.

But the adventure doesn't end indoors; the museum sits in impressive 16-acre gardens (idyllic for a spring day out), featuring a Grade II listed conservatory, ornamental garden, whimsical Butterfly House, and more.

And, if all that wasn’t enough to take your fancy, there’s even an aquarium!

No matter your interests, the Horniman Museum is certain to capture your attention and imagination, as you step through each gallery and discover further wonders and adventures.

Use this

helpful guide

If you’re keen to visit one, some, or even all of these museums, why not

book a stay

planning your trip

member of our team

Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to discover the best things to see and do in Hyde Park?