Taste of culture in the Hampton Court Palace

The Hampton Court Palace, which is one of the two remaining Tudor palaces, has witnessed the history of London for over 500 years. It was owned by King Henry VIII. Its design is unique because it is a combination of two very different architectural styles – Tudor and Baroque. Today, the Hampton Court Palace serves as a tourist attraction for the country. In fact, for tourist, there is a large selection from cheap to luxury holiday apartments London around to choose from.

Food is culture. Any location’s food serves as a reflection of its history and culture. You can learn a lot about a place by the food people serve. If you’re in London and you’re a food enthusiast, the Historic Royal Palaces Food Festivals will be held at the gardens of Hampton Court Palace over the August Bank Holiday (specifically August 25-27).

This event is free for children up to four years old; however, people older than that would have to pay the fee. Children aged 5 to 15 will be charged £9.60. The price will be £19.20 for adults and £15.30 for concessions. The ticket will then include a free pass into the palace. The food festival starts at 10am and ends at 6pm.

The food festival at the Hampton Court Palace will be a huge event because well-known cooks and chefs will be invited. There will be a variety of food to choose from. Food choices range from street foods to specialty dishes. You can see chefs cooking on stage. These chefs include Michel Roux Jr, Nadiya Hussain, Lisa Faulkner, Melissa Hemlsey and Dr Rupy Aujla.

While good music plays in the background, you can roam around the venue tasting different kinds of food. There will be pop-up bars, gifts center, and entertainment. Although it is a food festival, guests are welcome and allowed to bring their own food and drinks. Nonetheless, there are stalls in the gardens offering different food which you may want to try.

Travellers who have booked a few days in the capital during the August bank holiday potentially in any of the aparthotels in Kensington and looking to head to the event by public transport, you have a range of Underground and mainline options to choose from.

Holland Park: Tranquility within the City

Located between Notting Hill, Portobello Road, Kensington High Street, Brook Green, and deemed to be one of London’s best kept secrets, Holland Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna. This 54-acre lovely green oasis houses the tranquil Kyoto and Dutch Gardens contrasting the bustling city outside of it.

This area was formerly the grounds of Cope Castle, later known as the Holland House, which is a Jacobean mansion built for and by Sir Walter Cope. The second owner was Earl of Holland and Lady Rich who was the first person to ever successfully plant and grow dahlias in London. During the 19^th century, the Holland house became a center where politicians and literaries like Lord Byron meets. This is the reason why it was soon named as a “hub of political and literary activity.”

After the World War II, which damaged the Holland House badly, the area was converted into the tranquil park that is known today. Not too far from beautiful Presidential Apartments Kensington is the Kyoto garden. It was built with a koi carp pond, a waterfall, and a bridge in the early 1990s. Currently, the Holland Park also houses a theater where performances are being hosted every summer, and play areas where kids and their families could spend a great weekend bonding time. In the park’s southern section, various sports facilities are to be found while in the northern section, it has a massive woodland area with wildflowers and wildlife.

Development never stopped for this area as apartment buildings are rapidly selling out. Indeed, the property market in this park is thriving continuously. Some of West London’s best schools are also located in the vicinity together with some international schools.

Reaching Holland Park is also a breeze as it is accessible via bus and tube. Of course, it is also accessible via cars as it is situated between the A4 and the Westway. There are also bike docking stations around the area.

Holland Park is free to enter for everyone throughout the entire year from dawn until dusk. So, set up a base by checking out some Aparthotels London for rent to make the most out of your time with your family.

5 Reasons not to miss 2018’s Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in London

China’s influence all over the world is highly evident with various Chinatowns present in different countries. Along with this, London has its own Chinatown as well. This place is lively and vibrant which makes it pleasing to everyone. One of the most anticipated events here is the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.

It is a tradition.

                         If you are staying in any of the hotel apartments in Central London then must visit The London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. It is one of the biggest cultural events in London (along with the Chinese New Year). It has already become part of the city’s tradition as it has been around since 1997 and was initially held at London Docklands Watersports Centre. In 2007, it was moved to the London Regatta Centre, allowing for a wider space for the event.

It will be lively and vibrant.

                         Since it’s a competition, participantsreally prepare for it as it’s not an easy sport. There are 40 vessels to be filled, with each vessel requiring 17 people. Sixteen people will be designated as rowers,while the last person will serve as the drummer to be positioned at the front of the boat. Each boat will be painted in vibrant colors that will contribute to the liveliness of the entire festival.

Less on competition, more on enjoyment.

                         Even though tough preparations need to be done by all participants prior the Dragon Boat Festival, they are not completely aiming to win the competition. They focus more on enjoying the festival and seizing the moment with their fellow players. This isn’t a serious race and it’s even considered a light event. If this is to be compared to the Chinese New Year, the latter is more serious.

There is so much more to see.

                         Despite all the fun water activities, there are so much more things that this festival offers. These include Kung-Fu or martial arts demonstrations, the lion dance, live music, and samples of Chinese foods and drinks—all available for everyone.These assorted attractionsmake this event more enjoyable and, without a doubt, familyfriendly.

It is free!

                         What makes this event even more enticing is that it is free. Everyone is more than welcome to join the festival. Whether your age, gender, or even nationality, this event will be surely fun for you. So book a stay at Kensington aparthotel and be sure not to miss out on this year’s London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival that will happen on the 3^rd of June 2018 at London Regatta Centre.

Top 3 Free Running Clubs in London

Free running clubs are so popular in London. Joining one of them may sound intimidating, but there’s nothing to worry because they are a good place for a beginner like you. Here are three popular running clubs that can be your newest running havens near Presidential Serviced Apartments Kensington:

Nike Running Club

Nike Running Club is known as the world’s biggest running group. It is the upbeat choice for all city runners where you can easily join, meet new friends, and expand your fitness horizon. The original Nike Running Club started in 1999, with the goal of giving a safe, free, and enjoyable environment for exercising.

You are free to choose between 3, 4, and 7-mile course. In each running session, you will see the historical and scenic parts of the city from Regents Street to Regents Park. Nike Running Club is open to people of all ages. This club will give you a chance to dip your toes in fitness waters and push your body to the limits.

Adidas Runners London

This running club holds 4 regular sessions every week, which are sometimes scheduled as evening or early morning activities. Thus, you should stay in self-catering apartments in London for your convenience. You may experience running one Tuesday evening within the south of the stream, while it’s on the north on Thursday. 

Two-women runs are also available every week – one on a Wednesday night and the other on a Saturday morning. Additionally, you may get a rare chance to meet the famous athletes when the club organizes a special run. You should sign up on the group’s Facebook page to know more.

Run Dem Crew

If you want an action-packed, fast, and hard fitness boost, you may be searching for something like Run Dem Crew. This was founded by Charlie Dark, in 2007. Run Dem Crew focuses on community spirit, including the positive advantages of running together with people who are creative, passionate, and energetic.

This group also celebrates the diverse urban environment. They organize and host films, running workshops, and discussions for all workout enthusiasts. Aside from that, Run Dem Crew works closely with the youth in London and provide them advice and mentoring. The group encourages the youth to explore various areas in a supportive, safe, and unique environment. 

When you join this club, you are required to choose between 5 different groups depending on your running abilities. These groups include the beginners’ tortoise level and top athlete level. The standards may differ between every group, but all of them have a defining rule – no one is left behind. 

These are just 3 of the free running clubs in London, but they offer the best opportunities for everybody. So, choose your club, sign up, and take part in their upcoming fitness activities. Don’t forget to book at any London service apartment for your accommodation needs. 

Benefits of Booking a Serviced Apartment

If you visit London, you have several options as to where to stay. There are bed-and-breakfasts, five-star hotels, hostels, self-catering apartments, serviced apartments or aparthotels Central London. An increasing number of people opt to stay in serviced apartments.

When you book a serviced apartment, you get a fully-furnished apartment, as well as services like reception assistance, linen changes, and housekeeping. You also enjoy a bigger space and more privacy.

People prefer serviced apartments for the following reasons:

·         Spacious

A serviced apartment offers the en suite bedroom that you usually get when you stay in a standard hotel. Aside from the bedroom, however, you also enjoy the convenience of having your own kitchen and lounge areas. There are even apartments that offer multiple bedrooms.

·         Cost-effective

If you are traveling as a big group, you will spend a lot if you book an entire penthouse or multiple rooms in a hotel. It is cheaper to get a serviced apartment that has multiple bedrooms.

·         Comes with kitchen facilities

It is expensive to eat out. If you stay in a serviced apartment, you can cook your own meals in the apartment’s fully functional kitchen. Being able to prepare your own food is also an added advantage if some members of your family have strict dietary requirements.

Feels like home

Staying in a hotel room can feel quite constricting. When you stay in a serviced apartment, you have the luxury of having a living room to entertain in, as well as the facilities for doing laundry or for preparing “home-cooked” meals.  It really feels more like home.

  

·         No need to worry about the details

A serviced apartment provides basic housekeeping services so you can enjoy being “at home” without having to do the little tasks you want to do away with.

·         Private

A hotel intrudes on your privacy. You share your bedroom with your kids. The person from housekeeping comes knocking on your door when you are taking a shower or getting some sleep. A serviced apartment allows you as much privacy as you want.

·         You can live like the locals

When you stay in a serviced apartment, you can do the things that the locals usually do. You can go to the local market, cook the popular local dishes, entertain guests at home, and experience London’s culture in the best way possible.

A serviced apartment allows you to enjoy your vacation in the most fruitful and enjoyable way. The next time you visit the city, considering staying in one of the short stay apartments London. 

Have a Wonderful Holiday at the Best Theme Parks in London

You and the whole family are raring to go out for a fun day at the best theme parks in London. All you have to do is to pack your things and get settled at the nicest aparthotels London. From there, you can get to London’s theme parks for a whole new world of adventure from delightful rides to mythical and real-life animals.

A Scary and Entertaining Adventure at London Dungeon

Take a fun but terrifying experience at the London Dungeon, the ever-popular theme park that lets you journey through London’s history. Within the theme park are interactive shows where theatre actors performing live. More than that, you will enjoy the rides displaying London’s dark past like the Whitechapel murders.

Look Behind the Scenes of Harry Potter Films at Warner Brothers Studio

Take the tour brought to you by Warner Brothers Studio as it takes you behind the scenes of your favourite Harry Potter films. In the tour, you get to see loads of costumes, props and sets that made these movies in the popular series truly magical. This is the chance for you and your kids to experience first-hand what makes Harry Potter enchanted. 

A 4D Fairy Tale-Themed Adventure at Shrek’s Adventure! London

For kids who want a fairy tale adventure, there’s Shrek’s Adventure! Have fun exploring the Kingdom of Far Far Away together with a hilarious Donkey guide. From live themed shows to the mirror maze, Shrek’s Adventure! offers you a wonderful holiday quest.

Chessington Thrilling Rides, Underwater and Wild Animals Adventure

One of the best theme parks in London, it offers more than 40 attractions and rides in 10 themed lands. Once you are settled for a comfortable stay in one of the holiday apartments London, head to Chessington and experience amazing rides to get your adrenaline all pumped up. Besides thrilling rides, there’s also the SEA LIFE aquarium and Zoo houses to visit.

Let Your Imagination Loose at KidZania Theme Park

KidZania is the perfect place for kids to set their imagination free. Mainly a role-playing park for kids, it is more of a city for the little guys with locations and shops like those that you can find in the real world. There is a bank, fire station, theatre, etc. where your kids can play around as different professionals and workers that will teach them important values.

If you are on a holiday trip or weekend escape to London with your kids, visiting at least one of these places is a must for a memorable adventure. With comfortable aparthotels just around the area, you are sure to find the ideal accommodation. This way, you have nothing to worry about as you and your family explore London’s theme parks.

A Fun and Comfortable Visit to the Best Themed Restaurants in London

London is a great place to get some classy meal in a stylish restaurant. However, if you are in the mood for some fun time dining in, plenty of best-themed restaurants in London will do the trick. After settling in one of the presidential apartments Kensington, you can explore some of the most unusual restaurants in the city.

Travel Back to London Thousand Years Ago at the Medieval Banquet

The Medieval Banquet is a great place to eat for history lovers. Dine in this themed restaurant and it is as if you travelled back in time. Experience London as it was back to thousand years ago. Treat yourself to a feast of medieval-inspired courses with ale and wine accompanied with magicians, minstrels, and more.

Be Charmed With Exotic Ancient Babylon at Gilgamesh

In the Camden area of Greater London is where a lavish restaurant and lounge that will charm you with Ancient Babylon's glamour is located. Inspired by the epic of Gilgamesh, the Gilgamesh restaurant serves Pan-Asian cuisine in an extravagant setting with inlaid pillars, carved furniture and exquisite details that make it unique.

Dine in Pitch Darkness at Extraordinary Restaurant Dans Le Noir

Certainly one of the most amazing themed restaurants in London, Dans Le Noir is incredibly unique. The reason why is it is where you feast on the best-tasting dishes in pitch darkness. Here is where you feast on international modern cuisines with heightened senses of smell and taste thanks to the dark.

Sleek Dining at Hyde Kensington Featuring Suits of Armour

If you want to be away from London's hustle and bustle, then go straight to Hyde Kensington from your aparthotels in Kensington. Hyde is not just a restaurant but a cocktail bar and lounge bar where you can experience sleek dining with suits of armour to add to a truly unique experience.

Experience Playful Dining at the Dolls House Islington

If it is playful menu you are looking for, the Dolls House in Islington. A restaurant that easily catches your attention thanks to its quirky murals, the Dolls House is perfect for eating, drinking, chatting and dancing. From the striking interiors to the spirited menus, it is a place you will never miss a visit.

If you are on a vacation in London, don’t forget to explore the varying flavours and extravagant themes of these quirky restaurants. It is guaranteed you will not only enjoy your stay in the city because of the comfortable accommodations. Surely, you will also enjoy the fun adventure of dining at these restaurants.

The Best Restaurants in London for Quick and Delicious Meals

Trips around London can get you tired and hungry. Long walks need to be rewarded with quick and delicious meals that can satisfy your hunger and give you a taste of London’s cuisine.

There are a couple of chain restaurants near aparthotels London. In case the food in the hotels does not please your palate, you better walk a few meters and grab a meal from the best chain restaurants in the capital.

Wahaca serves a delicious fill of Mexican street food, only better. Order burritos, tacos, tortillas, and churros, and you’ll find yourself craving for more. The food is reasonably priced as well!

London also offers Lebanese dishes. ComptoirLibanais is the place to go. The restaurant serves breakfast to dinner, with various fares to choose from. Try their bestseller, the roast chicken.

Meanwhile, Italian and Mediterranean food lovers will love Carluccio’s, which offers a variety of pasta. They also serve grilled food and brewed coffee to perk you up after a day of walking and visiting tourist spots.

Try tasting London’s version of French pastry, too. Check out Paul and Le Pain Quotidien, who both serve delicious baguettes and freshly brewed coffee – perfect for tourists who are in a hurry and yet do not want to compromise the quality of their food.

The ubiquitous Marks and Spencer grocer cannot be missed.  They have on-the-go snacks, salads, and sandwiches that can satisfy the hungry tourist in you.

Coffee lovers might want to try Peyton and Byrne, which is near to many popular serviced apartments London and its major tourist spots. They also cater to some museums and galleries around London for that quick caffeine fix after feasting your eyes on masterpieces.

However, Itsu is a better place to eat if you prefer light yet delicious meals. Itsu has got almost any type of sushi, ramen, and salads. Leon is another city favorite, and has earned its place in London’s roster of good, healthy food on the high street. They have snacks, wraps, sides, and boxed meals.

Planet Organic serves sustainable food and sells only pure natural goodness. They were among the first restaurants in London to have an organic juice bar. The service is fast, and the meals delectable. What a perfect way to end a day of adventure.

Just up north London is Breakfast Club, which is well-renowned for its breakfast varieties. Before checking out of your holiday apartments in London, drop by and try Breakfast Club’s Latin American meal.

The Best Free Fitness Classes in London

At the dawn of each year, as the holidays bid everybody goodbye, people immediately sign up for fitness classes. Getting rid of fat that was accumulated in those Christmas dinners is almost on top of each resolution list. In case you find yourself staying a little over the holidays in Presidential Apartments Kensington, why not get in shape and check out the best free fitness classes in London?

The city hosts nine different fitness classes at no cost. You can head to Adidas Studio LDN around Brick Lane and choose from their classes, which they offer only to women. The studio has an array of fitness classes, from running and yoga, to boxing and aerobics. You can even ask a fitness ambassador which exercise suits your lifestyle. Check out their Facebook page so you can book ahead of time.

Asics Bootcamp, in contrast, is located in Hyde Park. Go there if you prefer running while enjoying a scenic view. The social run is scheduled on Mondays, when the staff of Marble Arch store (where the bootcamp is) leaves and hosts the social run. Challenge your stamina and endurance, and join the bootcamp afterwards.

You might also want to join London City Runners, who meet every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The club members are very accommodating to newbies; tourists won’t feel intimidated at all. London City Runners have three stages for running, with each level’s difficulty increasing after one session.

Nike Running and Traning Club, on the other hand, take you to various parts of London: Niketown, King’s Cross, or Battersea. Coaches are willing to help you find your speed level. Up your game with the Training Club, where you can choose from individual workouts to core exercises.

Reebok likewise has a fithub that offers free fitness classes each week. However, they don’t have a fixed session. Classes vary every day.

There’s also a free yoga class in Sweaty Betty, where you really end up all toned and fit after a series of sun salutations. Register online and look for schedules with free classes.

Whatever fitness regimen you like, London can definitely provide it for you. They’re free so you don’t have any excuse not to. The fitness hubs are also near aparthotels in Kensington, where you could stay to unwind and retire after a day of stretching your muscles. Don’t forget to look for Presidential Apartments Kensington so you have a ready place to stay after each fitness class!