Our guide to the perfect Bank Holiday in London

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that weekends are wonderful. Yet sometimes two days simply aren’t enough, especially when it comes to city breaks. Cue the British bank holiday. Popping up like wildflowers, with extra Fridays and Mondays dotted across summer and stretching into winter, they’re a little like a free pass to relax, explore, stroll, swim, shop… After all, the capital is a goldmine of must-do activities. With an extra 24 hours at The Connaught in the bank (holiday), here’s how to plan the perfect long weekend in London.

Mayfair mornings

Days at The Connaught begin in the sweetest way with breakfast at The Connaught Patisserie by Nicolas Rouzaud. A far cry from muesli and mugs of tea, menus here elevate pastries with delicately laminated croissants, secret-recipe Paris-Brest and limited-edition creations from Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Rouzaud and his team. With blush pink and marble interiors creating a gallery-like space, it turns the most important meal of the day into the most elegant.

The Patisserie is a swift stroll from Hyde Park, arguably London’s most celebrated Royal Park. What’s less well-known, however, are the stables that offer morning horse-rides from Mayfair’s tucked-away mews across Rotten Row and around the Serpentine Lake – an elegant equestrian route for more than three centuries.   

For modern art connoisseurs, the Serpentine Gallery presents an evolving programme of public art, exhibitions and events, centred around the Pavilion. Or swap reins for reigns at Buckingham Palace, a nearby neighbour of The Connaught. The newly unveiled east wing opens a window to the iconic royal balcony, while the Changing of the Guard is something of an institution for London staycation-ers, taking place from 11am each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday – weather permitting. Many climb the steps of the Victoria Memorial for a good vantage point, though it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. 

A cut above

Sartorial strolls across Mayfair’s could bring you to Bond Street’s boutiques and Savile Row, the epicentre of British tailoring. Close to The Connaught, world-renowned couturiers have also found a home on Mount Street – from Carolina Herrera and Christian Louboutin to Lanvin and Balmain. Rubbing shoulders with these fashion icons is a curated collection of art galleries, including Maddox, David Zwirner on Hay Hill and Savile Row’s Hauser & Wirth.

When it comes to culinary creativity, Jean-Georges at The Connaught delivers. Light streams through the windows-for-walls, illuminating each dish as it’s served. Lunches here celebrate global flavours, with a capital spin, as ingredients bring daily market finds to the table. And London bank holidays are the ideal times to share the signature black truffle pizza, best enjoyed on the alfresco terrace.   

Spa serenity

For those who see bank holidays as an invitation to unwind from the daily grind, Aman Spa is a world away from the everyday. A landmark space and the first of its kind outside a resort, here tailored treatment rituals are grounded in wellness. Or simply soak up the serenity of the centrepiece swimming pool, cast in striking black granite. After capital strolls, it’s the perfect place to wind down. 

(River)bank holidays

‘Messing about on the river’ is a weekend in London rite of passage, particularly for families. A luxury Thames River cruise offers a fresh perspective on the city’s most famous landmarks, with The Connaught Concierges on call for tickets and sailing times.

Or stay on dry land and step back in time two million years to discover the treasures of The British Museum – from the Aztecs to Assyrian icons, the Rosetta Stone to modern works by Grayson Perry. Share stories over champagne Afternoon Tea at Jean-Georges at The Connaught, bringing the latter half of the day to a quintessential close.  

Elegant evenings

As the sun dips, the West End lights up, with The Connaught a short chauffeur-driven ride from London’s theatre district – and other iconic venues. Bank holidays are a wonderful time to catch performances, whether it’s contemporary spins on classics at the Royal Opera House, or the Royal Albert Hall’s Films in Concert series. Olivier and Tony Award-winning plays and theatrical events are peppered across the capital, with The Connaught Concierges able to secure tickets to sold-out shows.