What's on in London this September
As the final weeks of warmer weather approach, discover the best things to do in London this September.
25 Aug 2022
The summer may be drawing to a close, but with September comes a couple more weeks of warmer weather before the cool autumn months begin. And as the end of the school holidays makes for reduced crowds across the capital’s hotspots, a visit to London over the next couple of weeks promises an exciting trip away. For our top picks of what to do and where to visit this September, keep reading.
Things to do in London
London Design Festival
17th - 25th September
Starting in 2003, the London Design Festival is an annual event set to showcase the height of London’s creativity and prosperity in the Design Industry, featuring some of the world’s greatest thinkers, retailers, and educators. From Interactive Photobooths to discussions on The Art of Sculpting Space visitors can wholly immerse themselves in the festival’s array of events. It is an ecstatic celebration of the creativity and innovation of the London cityscape ranging from architecture to sculpture, and promises a wholly enjoyable experience for all that attend.
This event is located throughout central London and is easily accessible for guests staying at any of our London hotels.
Chelsea History Festival
17th - 25th September
Chelsea History Festival
Experience an immersive series of events at the Chelsea History Festival. Running every year since 2019, the calendar of talks, performances, and interactive tours sets imaginations alight and kindles your curiosity with a marriage of entertainment and education. It is curated in partnership with the National Army Museum, the Royal Hospital of Chelsea, and the Chelsea Physic Garden, and offers events on both local and global history. From discussions on the lives of Britain’s King’s and Queens, retellings of the stories of history’s forgotten women, and performances of Michael Morpurgo’s celebrated book (and later play adaptation), War Horse, there is something for all to enjoy.
Located on Royal Hospital Road, SW3, this event is perfect for guests staying at The Egerton House Hotel or The Milestone Hotel & Residences.
Totally Thames Festival
Throughout September
Discover impressive art installations and live performances across September with the Totally Thames Festival, a physical and digital event that will enliven the shores of London’s famed river. One highlight is Leo Villareal’s nocturnal exhibition, Illuminated River, which will see nine of the Thames' bridges transform into a dazzling artform as they light up and create a brilliant skyline. Alongside this glowing feature, the festival will feature an array of awe-inspiring talks, events, and exhibitions to dazzle any visitor.
Located across the Thames, this event is perfect for guests staying at The Rubens at the Palace in Westminster.
Unique experiences in London
Enjoy an immersive Martini Masterclass
Renowned as one of the best martinis in London, this Martini Masterclass will take you on a journey to uncover the secrets behind the perfect martini. Whether you prefer gin or vodka, a lemon twist or an orange, you can be guaranteed of learning true martini excellence. The use of homemade syrups curated by the talented Head Barman, Sahbi, and the creativity of the flavours across their menu makes this masterclass unlike any other in London.
Uncover the secrets of the Royal Albert Hall
Hosting iconic events such as the BBC Proms, the Royal Albert Hall is one of the most famed buildings in London. Guests staying at The Milestone are in a privileged position to go behind the scenes of this grand venue thanks to their exclusive partnership. Alongside learning the tales and history of the venue with this tour, so too can you indulge in the rare and unique experience of a private performance from the comfort of your room one of the venue's regular performers, the RPO.
Upcoming exhibitions in London
Picturing Pickwick: the art of the Pickwick Papers at the Charles Dickens Museum
Until 11th September
Published in 1836, The Pickwick Papers formed Charles dickens’ first novel and left Victorian society completely enamoured with its vibrant characters and the vivacious portrayals of their lives. This legacy of the novel lives on today, resulting in an exciting exhibition that draws attention to the novel’s exceptional and iconic illustrations, some of which have never before been shown in the UK. Included are the novel’s original illustrations by Robert Seymour, a page of the original manuscript, and original instalments of the story from Victorian newspapers – the medium that Dickens first used when first sharing his stories. For book, history, and art lovers alike, it is one not to be missed.
Located near Russel Square tube station, this exhibition is perfectly located for guests staying at The Montague on the Gardens.
Gold at the British Library
Until 2nd October
The British Library
This celebrated exhibition at the British Library will take you on a journey to uncover the magnificent history of gold and its use in manuscripts and books across the centuries. Showcasing Qur’ans written in gold, letters from King James II, and diplomatic treaties inscribed on gold plates, this exhibition will dazzle you in both beauty and wonder. As you discover how gold elevated rare texts and illuminated their stories, so too will you learn of the mastery of its use in both writing and illustration.
Neighbouring Euston and Kings Cross and St Pancras stations, this exhibition is easily accessible for guests staying at The Montague on the Gardens.
Inspiring Walt Disney: the animation of French Decorative Art at the Wallace Collection
Until 16th October
Visitors to London this September will be enthralled by this Inspiring Walt Disney exhibition unveiling Disney animations as never seen before. Alongside the twentieth-century, hand-drawn American animations will be French eighteenth-century art, their mutual display revealing the ‘surprising and enchanting connection between these two artistic movements.’
Located in the heart of Mayfair, this exhibition is moments away from guests staying at The Chesterfield.
Spend your half-term in London
With an array of family-friendly activities and unique experiences on offer, there is nowhere better to enjoy the half-term break this October than The Rubens at the Palace.
From cupcake-making masterclasses to a dedicated children's check-in, book now and enjoy a trip your little ones will remember for years to come.