Marvellous Mayfair: what to see in one of London’s most salubrious districts

One of the most sought-after, affluent and desirable destinations for visitors to the UK capital for leisure or on business, Mayfair has much to recommend it, indeed. Indeed, here’s just a taster…

Royal Academy of Arts

(Burlington House, Piccadilly W1J 0BD)

An icon of the capital’s arts firmament, the Royal Academy (as it’s colloquially known) is especially famous for its annual exhibition during the summer months that’s literally open to all and sundry, so long as their artworks are deemed of a satisfactory standard to be exhibited. Yet, it’s also a comprehensive venue where specific and ticketed exhibitions vie for the attention of visitors with insightful talks, lectures and workshops. It’s a place that nowadays prides itself on being entirely inclusive and appealing to every visitor, far from its perhaps snooty outlook in centuries past.

Bond Street

(W1S)

While Oxford Street, with which it meets at a right-angle right in the heart of the West End, is concerned with retail solutions for the masses, Bond Street’s altogether a more selective destination; this street’s all about high-quality, luxury, ‘being seen’ while you shop and where window-shopping is as much an activity as the actual buying of goods. Yes, this is the place to go to both browse and buy serious designer garments, bespoke jewellery, fine art and handmade shoes, alongside many other delectable, gorgeous items, that is. Among all the boutiques and stores, fashion store outlets certainly stand out – the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Alexander McQueen, but also globally revered jewellers such as De Beers, Cartier and Fabergé.

Wigmore Hall

(36 Wigmore Street W1U 2BP)

While the likes of South Ken’s Royal Albert Hall are undoubtedly the world-famous concert venues in the UK capital, others such as this district’s delightful and intimate Wigmore Hall are more than worthy of comment, not least because the latter plays host to more than 400 performances a year. If you’re talking classical music and opera, you’re talking the greats who line up to hallow its auditorium – including Bryn Terfel, Andras Schiff and Maxim Vengerov – but also young, new and emerging talent; it likes to mix it up for sure and that admirably means supporting and showcasing up-and-comers (many of whom before now have gone on to enjoy great careers). And as for the music, well, it runs the gamut – everything from Bach to Beethoven and Mozart to modern composers. A real place to discover something a little new along a well-established musical grain then, especially if you’re staying during your visit at nearby accommodation Paddington London.

Park Grand Paddington Court hotel

(27 Devonshire Terrace W2 3DP)

Finally, to get the full Mayfair experience, you really do need to stay in the area – especially because, as noted above, it means enjoying the district’s highlights is free from any hassle whatsoever. And may we humbly suggest that such a fine hotel that’s within walking distance of the above attractions is our own property – the Park Grand Paddington Court. You’ll find it, boasting an oh-so elegant white Victorian terraced exterior, tucked away in a green leafy corner of nearby Bayswater, while inside it blends old-fashioned glamour and luxury with modern comfort – the latter offering a particular emphasis on 21st Century technology and outstanding service to ensure guests enjoy their stay in our club rooms, deluxe rooms and suites as much as possible. We like to think we offer more of a salubrious home away from home rather than an accommodation in a foreign city that’s a long way from home.