Fun filled days in London with friends this summer

Posted on August 29, 2019September 4, 2019 by dukes

3 women laughing and enjoying London with friends

With such a range of activities and views to enjoy, London is often thought of as being the perfect city break with family. Likewise, this variety also makes it the perfect destination for a trip with friends. Whether it’s just a day out for two, or the whole gang together for the full weekend, what better place to explore? London is known as one of the most wonderful cities in the world, filled with high-class food and drinks, iconic historical sights, and breath-taking entertainment, that you will undoubtedly have a hard time choosing what to do. Here are our top picks for making the most of your time in London with friends this summer.

Continue reading →

July is on the horizon – and it’s perfect weather for a picnic in the park

Posted on June 21, 2019July 1, 2019 by dukes

A picnic in the park arranged by DUKES London in one of the surrounding Royal Parks with a hamper, blanket and wine.

After an unusually cold start to the summer months, the weather is finally starting to pick up and there is the glimmer of some sunnier weeks ahead. With the warmer weather comes the promise of great opportunity – you can finally get out and fully enjoy all that the city of London has to offer. DUKES London believes there is no better place than London in the sunshine and both the locals and tourists agree. If you are looking to relax during your visit to the capital, The Royal Parks of London are the perfect location to take advantage of the climate and step away from the hustle and bustle of London which the season brings. And DUKES has the perfect summer day activity – a picnic in the park.

Continue reading →

8 things everyone visiting London during the summer must do

Posted on June 28, 2018August 2, 2018 by dukes

Summer has officially started. Marked by the ‘longest day of the year’ on 21st June, summer is here, the sun is shining and we’re ready to enjoy it.

One of our favourite times of the year, ask around the city when someone should visit London and it would be surprising if the vast majority didn’t say the summer. The winter is definitely quieter, which is a plus for some, and both spring and autumn have their own draws, but we can’t deny that London truly comes alive in the summer.

Continue reading “8 things everyone visiting London during the summer must do” →

5 Royal sights to visit when in London

Posted on June 26, 2014February 28, 2018 by Dukes Blog

As many of you will know, London is filled with many fantastic attractions and sights – from the London Eye to Big Ben – but the Queen and the Royal family are a particularly big attraction for many people.

So, we wanted to share some information and ideas about the Royal attractions in the capital. And there are a wide variety for you to choose from!

If you were Queen (or King) for the day, where would you spend your time? Continue reading “5 Royal sights to visit when in London” →

The Queen’s birthday parade – a Royal reason to stay in London

Posted on June 2, 2014March 11, 2019 by Dukes Blog

Did you know that each and every year, the Queen celebrates two birthdays?

And it is soon to be one of them – on the 14th June (at the time of writing), the Queen will celebrate her official birthday, even though her ‘actual’ birthday is on the 21st April.

Interestingly, her official birthday doesn’t have a fixed date (hence our ‘at the time of writing’ comment above!), but it is always a Saturday in June, so that there is good weather (hopefully!) for an outdoor event. Continue reading “The Queen’s birthday parade – a Royal reason to stay in London” →

10 things you didn’t know about London – Part 2

Posted on May 28, 2014February 28, 2018 by Dukes Blog

Following on from the first blog post in a two part series, which can be read in full here, today we’re providing another five things you probably didn’t already know about London. Continue reading “10 things you didn’t know about London – Part 2” →

10 things you didn’t know about London – Part 1

Posted on May 20, 2014February 28, 2018 by Dukes Blog

When it comes to London, there will be hundreds of things you – and the majority of people – will know.

Things such as London being the capital city of England, where Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are and being a city that’s packed full of history. All three of these are great examples of things that a lot of people are already aware of, regardless of where they are from. Continue reading “10 things you didn’t know about London – Part 1” →

The details: the summer opening of Buckingham Palace 2013

Posted on August 13, 2013February 25, 2018 by Dukes Blog

This summer you can explore the royal grounds of Buckingham Palace. You can take the opportunity to see some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, as well as The Queen’s Coronation 1953 exhibition, featuring royal dresses, uniforms and jewellery!

You may already know that this summer marked the 60^th anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation in 1953. To celebrate this special occasion the palace’s ballroom will be transformed into the largest exhibition that has taken place for this particular occasion since the day of the Coronation in June 1953.

The centrepiece is The Queen’s white satin coronation dress, designed by Norman Hartnell, and the English purple silk robe worn by The Queen on the day of her coronation, which took more than 3,500 hours to complete and is more than 6.5 metres long.

Guests will be able to appreciate close-up the Diamond Diadem, one of The Queen’s most recognisable jewels, which she is pictured wearing on postage stamps and some banknotes.

For more information on ticket prices and details of the event please click here.

Enjoy afternoon tea at DUKES after your visit to Buckingham Palace, as we’re one of the closest hotels to the Palace – just a short five minute stroll across Green Park.

Image courtesy of Michael Reeve