Summer in the City: Top Parks and Events Near Hotel Saint

Summer is a great time to explore London. With pleasant and mild weather, a walkable city centre, and lots to see and do, it’s the perfect season to get out and explore our parks, festivals, and events. Take advantage of your home base in Aldgate, located near the Elizabeth Line, Tower Bridge, and the city’s financial district, with our easy guide to making the most of your summer vacation in the city, all accessible from Hotel Saint.

Parks to Explore

Hyde Park

Also known by the moniker “The People’s Park”, Hyde Park is located in the heart of London and has been the stage for countless awe-inspiring moments throughout history. Today, it’s the preferred place for a stroll, paddle, or concert.

Highlights: Boating on the Serpentine, Speaker’s Corner, and open-air concerts.
Transport: From Hotel Saint, walk to Aldgate Station, take the Circle Line to Notting Hill Gate, then transfer to the Central Line to Marble Arch Station.
Transit time via the tube: 25–30 minutes.

Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill

The perfect place to unwind and dine. Regent Park and Primrose Hill are known for the famous view from the top of the aforementioned hill, being home to London’s largest outdoor sports area, and the impressive range of bird species (120!) who call these grounds home.

Highlights: Queen Mary’s Gardens, Open Air Theatre, and the Taste of London festival.
Transport: Walk to Aldgate Station, take the Circle Line to Great Portland Street Station.
Transit time via the tube: 20–25 minutes.

St. James’s Park

Boarded by three royal palaces, St. James’s Park has been gazed upon by monarchs for generations, and now—you. St. James’s Park is the home of ceremonial events in the capital and leisure activities galore. From soldiers in scarlet tunics to bright beds of flowers bursting with blooms, you’re sure to see something amazing while visiting

Highlights: Pelican feeding, views of Buckingham Palace, and beautiful flowerbeds.
Transport: From Aldgate Station, take the District Line directly to St. James’s Park Station.
Transit time via the tube: 20 minutes.

Kensington Gardens

Once a part of Kensington Palace, these gardens are now yours to explore. Tree-lined paths, gorgeous blooms, and historical monuments await you in this stunning piece of paradise. We can’t forget the most famous resident of Kensington Gardens—Peter Pan. Spot him or not, you’re sure to feel like you stepped inside a fairytale when you arrive.

Highlights: Kensington Palace, Italian Gardens, and the Albert Memorial.
Transport: From Aldgate Station, take the Circle Line to Notting Hill Gate, then transfer to the Central Line to Lancaster Gate Station.
Transit time via the tube: 30–35 minutes.

Summer Events

British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park

Music lovers rejoice! BST is back in Hyde Park and brings with it legendary headliners and today’s hottest musicians for weekends filled with song and dance. See Noah Kahn, Sabrina Carpenter, Zach Bryan, and others in London’s most famous park.

Dates: June 27–July 13, 2025.
Highlights: Performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Zach Bryan, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Transport: From Hotel Saint, walk to Aldgate Station, take the Circle Line to Notting Hill Gate, then transfer to the Central Line to Marble Arch Station.
Transit time via the tube: 25–30 minutes.

Taste of London

Get ready for five days of culinary delights in Regent’s Park. Perhaps the biggest garden party you’ll ever attend, join 55,000 other food lovers for the best food and drink our country offers. Between the bites and sips, check out a cooking class, live entertainment, or market offerings.

Dates: June 18–22, 2025.
Highlights: Culinary delights from London’s top restaurants in Regent’s Park.
Transport: Walk to Aldgate Station, take the Circle Line to Great Portland Street Station.
How Far from Hotel Saint? 20–25 minutes

Kew the Music

A week of picnic concerts in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage site, Kew Gardens. A cornerstone of the music scene in London, this is a festival you don’t want to miss. Pack your own picnic or indulge in curated hampers from Pique, here you’ll hear artists like Craig David, Alison Moyet, and UB40.

Dates: July 8–13, 2025.
Highlights: Open-air concerts in the beautiful Kew Gardens.
Transport: From Aldgate Station, take the District Line to Gunnersbury Station, then transfer to the London Overground to Kew Gardens Station.
Transit time via the tube: 45–50 minutes

All Points East

Chase & Status, Barry Can’t Swim, Raye, and The Maccabees all headline their own day of music at this community-minded, sustainability-first festival in Victoria Park. Looking to shake it up? Funfair rides, attractions, and games are on site and ready to delight.

Dates: August 21–24, 2025.
Highlights: Music festival featuring artists like RAYE and The Maccabees in Victoria Park.
Transport: Walk to Aldgate East Station, take the District Line to Mile End Station, then transfer to the Central Line to Bethnal Green Station.
Transit time via the tube:20–25 minutes.

BBC Proms

The BBC Proms is back for another summer of world-leading orchestras, musicians and conductors. The world’s greatest classical music festival welcomes debutants JADE & Royal Northern Sinfonia, Samara Joy, and Théotime Langlois de Swarte and his ensemble Le Consort to this year’s lineup.

Dates: July 18–September 13, 2025.
Highlights: Classical music concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.
Transport: From Aldgate Station, take the Circle Line to South Kensington Station, then walk to the venue.
Transit time via the tube:30–35 minutes.

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening

Visit the King’s official London residence and see what goes on beyond the famous wrought iron fence. Open only on select days throughout the year to small groups, during the summer, you have many chances to step inside the royal palace.

Dates: July 10–September 28, 2025.
Highlights: Tour the State Rooms of the iconic palace.
Transport: From Aldgate Station, take the District Line to St. James’s Park Station.
Transit time via the tube: 20 minutes.

The Cardinal X Stella Artois

Our very own restaurant, The Cardinal, which you know and love for its bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and warm, welcoming vibe has partnered with Stella Artois to bring summer to our terrace. Expect crisp pours, Stella-infused cocktails, and a new bar menu built for laid-back afternoons and after-work catchups.

Dates: Our resident DJ plays on Wednesdays and Thursdays, lasting all summer from 2pm-6pm
Highlights: Live feed of Wimbledon, enhanced summer menu, and happy hour vibes.
Transportation: The Cardinal is located on the ground floor of Hotel Saint.

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