With its diverse collection of parks, gardens, leafy avenues and world-famous museums, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea really comes alive in the summer months. The Kensington welcomes many leisure guests every summer who arrive for a slice of the city. To celebrate the sunshine, we’ve rounded up 8 reasons to visit Kensington and Chelsea this summer.

© 2010 David Stanley. All Rights Reserved.

1. Visit Buckingham Palace State Rooms
Despite being one of London’s most famous tourist attractions, The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace only open for a few months each year. From 23^rd July to 2^nd October, tourists and Londoners alike will be able to step into the grandest home in England. Stroll through the nineteen rooms, which the Royal family have used to entertain their guests for hundreds of years.

© 2015 2benny. All Rights Reserved.

2. Marvel at Sensational Butterflies
The Natural History Museum has become home to an invasion of sensational butterflies for their biggest summer exhibition. Running until 11^th September, you can explore a tropical butterfly world in the heart of London. Spot the difference between butterflies and moths and look out for caterpillar camouflage. Magnifying glasses are on hand for a closer look at this fun and educational exhibition. Booking required.

© 2014 M. All Rights Reserved.

3. Get Undressed at The V&A
Discover the fascinating and sometimes controversial story of underwear design from the 18^th century to the present day at The V&A’s revealing new exhibition. Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear will run from 16^th April to 12^th March 2017. Admission costs £12.00 for adults or is free for V&A members.

© 2010 Tony Hisgett. All Rights Reserved.

4. Party at Barclaycard British Summer Time
Every July Hyde Park hosts its open-air festival British Summer Time, which will involve a series of different concerts from 1^st to 10^th July. This year headliners include Stevie Wonder, Take That, Mumford and Sons and Florence + The Machine. Each headliner is supported by fantastic acts and tickets are still available for these musical showdowns.

© 2014 Mike_fleming. All Rights Reserved.

5. Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Hyde Park
Nothing beats being in the park on a summer’s day, and there are enough things to do in Hyde Park for a full day out. Water babies can head out on to the Serpentine by hiring a pedalo or rowing boat, and can even take a dip in the Serpentine lido. With tennis courts, a horse riding school and bikes for hire, there’s no end to summer activities in Hyde Park. Even better yet, with The Kensington’s ‘Pedals, Pashley and Picnic’ package you can indulge in a quintessentially British day out by taking their custom designed bikes around London with a specially prepared picnic.

© 2008 Patrick Nouhailler. All Rights Reserved.

6. Take a seat at Wimbledon
If you’re lucky enough to bag tickets for Wimbledon Tennis Tournament this year, The Kensington provides the perfect base. Far away enough from the madness, but close enough to access on a direct tube ride; simply hop on at South Kensington and you’ll be taken straight to Wimbledon. Even if you can’t get show court tickets, there are various public viewing areas such as Henman Hill, which have just as much tennis buzz as inside centre court itself. Wimbledon will take place this year from 27^th June to 10^th July.

© 2011 Magnus D All Rights Reserved.

7. Celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150^th Birthday
Although Beatrix Potter is famous for spending her later life in the Lake District, she was actually born on Bolton Gardens in Kensington. She grew up in South Kensington and often visited the South Kensington Museum (now known as the V&A) with her father. Her 150th birthday will be on the 28^th July 2016 and is sure to be celebrated in and around the Royal borough.

© 2010 Ann Lee. All Rights Reserved.

8. Get Classical at BBC Proms in the Park
BBC’s Proms in the Park will return again this summer with a line up of 91 concerts over 58 days. Known by many as the Word’s Greatest Classical Music Festival, BCC Proms in the Park concerts will be popping up in a series of venues all over London. One of the most famous venues to play host is the Royal Albert Hall, which is located a 13 minute walk from The Kensington.

© 2012 Paul Hudson. All Rights Reserved.

Are you coming to stay in London this summer? Tweet us at @HotelKensington and let us know what you’re planning