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What’s on at the Serpentine gallery this month?

Serpentine gallery

Nestled in the beautiful setting of Hyde Park, the Serpentine Gallery is a popular spot for art lovers thanks to its impressive collection of modern and contemporary arts.

With a regular calendar of events, there’s always something new and exciting to see at the Serpentine Gallery, so let’s take a look at what visitors can expect to find going on this month.

Pierre Huyghe: UUmwelt – 3 Oct 2018 to 10 Feb 2019

For this immersive exhibition, areas of the Serpentine Gallery have been completely transformed to prove an ecological ‘canvas’ by world famous artist, Pierre Huyghe.

In his latest work, Huyghe has used live flies to make a bold statement on emerging intelligence, biological reproduction and instinctual behaviours. He aims to introduce his audience to a new experience where they themselves are introduced to the art, rather than the other way around.

As the Chilworth hotel London is located just a short walk from the gallery, visitors can witness this usual artform for themselves which also uses LED screens and flash photography to create a stand out exhibition.

Atelier E.B: Passer-by – 3 Oct 2018 to 6 Jan 2019

Located at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, just a five-minute walk away from the main Serpentine Gallery and ten minutes from the Chilworth hotel London, Atelier E.B, the collaborative fashion label by designer Beca Lipscombe and artist Lucy McKenzie is showcasing an exhibition surrounding the mannequin as its central theme.

Also exploring the theme of retail display in a digital age, this exhibition will appeal to lovers of art and fashion alike as it charts the use of mannequins through iconic department stores and fashion retail under communism.

If you don’t want to miss this engaging display, then take a look at our luxury London hotels special offers for a great deal on accommodation during your visit to London.

Lee Ufan: Relatum – Stage – 6 Feb 2018 to 27 Jan 2019

If you’re thinking of taking advantage of our luxury London hotels special offers, then hopefully the weather will be kind during your visit as one of the most impressive exhibitions available at the Serpentine Gallery this month is a series of outdoor installations.

The first new sculpture to grace Kensington Gardens in almost eight years, artist Lee Ufan has created this minimalist piece of work using only steel and stone in his piece titled Relatum – Stage.

This installation merges the natural and industrial in a poetic installation that reflects the surrounding environment of the park with the artist taking inspiration from the Neolithic monuments dotted around the British countryside.

Using two angled steel sheets to act as a mirror and two different-sized stones sources from Wales, Ufan invites viewers to experience his latest installation from different angles as it unfolds around them.

Available to enjoy throughout the winter months, you might want to wrap up warm to enjoy this particular outdoor exhibit from the Serpentine Gallery.

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4 Chilworth wellbeing initiatives to sample on your next stay

meditation

You wouldn’t necessarily think of London as a location for rest and relaxation, but there are plenty of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some sensational wellbeing treatments and experiences while you’re in town.

At the Chilworth hotel London Paddington, there’s plenty of ways to find serenity in the city, so read on to discover a few ways we can help you find your own personal oasis of wellbeing in the heart of London.

Yoga, mindfulness and meditation

At our Chilworth hotel London Paddington, you can awaken your body and senses with an early bird yoga session guided by our very own yoga guru. Available every Monday and Wednesday morning, these sessions are the perfect start to your day regardless if you’re hitting the office or heading out to enjoy all of the sights and sounds that London has to offer.

There’s also a 9am session for those who wish to luxuriate for a little longer in our king-sized beds, and each session ends with a deliciously healthy smoothie packed full of essential nutrients.

Our yoga experts are also on hand to offer tips and techniques for switching off in the city with meditation, so grab a yoga mat from reception for some in-room mindfulness or make the most of the serenity in our yoga lounge.

Fully equipped gym

Your gym routine shouldn’t suffer while you’re away from home, and we’ve created a private space packed full of the latest cardio, weight training and workout equipment to help you keep on top of your fitness goals during your next visit to London.

We also offer complimentary bicycle hire exclusively for our guests at the Chilworth as part of our London Paddington hotel deals, so why not head off to nearby Hyde Park for a two-wheeled adventure?

Spa Serenity

Our Paddington boutique spa is a haven for contemplation, blissful treatments and a fully immersive experience nestled in the heart of our hotel.

Paddington boutique spa

With an impressive menu of treatments for total mind and body relaxation or those essential beauty treatments for that big night out in the city, guests can relax and re-energise in this tranquil space. To make a booking visit our Paddington boutique spa and experience total serenity.

Vital Vitamins

Get a dose of vitamins before you step into our hotel restaurant from breakfast; at the Chilworth, we’ve found ways of boosting your vitamin intake before you’ve left your room!

From vitamin C infused showers for healthy, glowing skin to vitamin-infused coffee pods packed full of goodness, you’ll be fully refreshed and ready to face the day ahead.

All of these wellness initiatives can be experienced as part of our London Paddington hotel deals, because we believe that wellness and wonderful city accommodation go hand in hand.

So if you need to recharge your batteries or work on your wellness in the heart of our thriving capital city, then the Chilworth hotel awaits.

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Our pick of this month’s best West End shows

West End shows

Bright lights, big names and show-stopping entertainment, there’s nowhere quite like London’s West End!

Visitors flock to London to see the best West End shows every week of the year as there’s always something new to see and experience. But with so much choice, it can be a tough decision deciding which show you’re going to see during your visit to London.

That’s why we’ve picked out some of the best West End shows coming to town this month, so you’ve got a shortlist of performances to choose from when you stay with us at the Chilworth Paddington hotel.

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical – The Aldwych Theatre

Join the cast of The Tina Turner Musical for a toe-tapping journey from the Queen of Rock n Roll!

Tina Turner has been directly involved with this production, and ticket holders can expect hit songs like “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, “Proud Mary”, “The Best” and “River Deep Mountain High”. We bet you won’t be able to stop yourself dancing in your seat!

This show has received rave reviews, so it’s bound to be a popular option regardless of if you’re a fan of Tina or not.

Stay at our accommodation in Paddington London for easy access to the theatre. The Tube from Paddington takes just over twenty minutes, so it’s a great base for your big night out.

Disney’s Aladdin – The Prince Edward Theatre

Fun for the whole family, join ‘street rat’ Aladdin in this swash-buckling tale of magic, romance and fantastically colourful costumes and opulent stage designs.

Aladdin has been a firm favourite in the West End for months, and with Christmas just around the corner, this is a real treat for big and little kids alike.

With a running time of over two hours, why not grab an early family dinner at one of our restaurants near Paddington before heading off for the show? Once the final curtain has fallen, it’s not far to bring the little ones back to our Chilworth Paddington hotel and get them ready for bed while you enjoy a drink from the bar.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – The Piccadilly Theatre

Returning to London’s West End for a strictly limited season, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an overwhelming success following an international tour.

If you don’t want to miss your chance of experiencing the tale of 15-year-old Christopher Boone as he uses his unusual talents to seek out the murderer of his neighbour, then now is your chance!

Performances are sure to be popular for this show, so it’s a good idea to book our accommodation in Paddington London in advance.

This sell-out show only has a limited number of performances, so don’t miss out on your chance to see this Olivier award-winning production featuring a stellar cast of famous actors in the wonderful West End this month.

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Neighbourhood guide: Notting Hill

Notting Hill

Famous for its annual carnival, there’s so much more to Notting Hill than colourful parades and crowds!

One of London’s most trendy neighbourhoods, there’s plenty to see and do in Notting Hill, so read on to discover where to go and what to see the next time you are in town.

Where to go

Notting Hill is packed full of fashionable cafes and boutique shops which are a haven for fashionistas and serious shoppers staying at the Chilworth hotel London Paddington.

One of the main shopping attractions is Portobello Market, where visitors can pick up everything from vintage clothing and antiques to collectables and jewellery.

Browse the many stalls that flank Portobello Road each Friday and Saturday and discover a treasure trove of items from the past in the many shops located nearby.

Staying in our hotels near Paddington Station makes getting to Notting Hill a breeze as it takes just sixteen minutes by Tube to reach Ladbrook Grove Station which is nearby.

What to see

Notting Hill is also famous for its eclectic mix of quirky museums and independent cinemas and theatres showcasing everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to the newest cult art house films.

The Gate Theatre is a gem hidden away in Notting Hill and although small in size, it has gained notoriety thanks to the array of up and coming theatrical talent that has graced its stage over the years.

Enjoy a Paddington afternoon tea at the Chilworth before heading over to Notting Hill to catch an afternoon performance on a rainy day or simply soak up the atmosphere of this lively neighbourhood with a stroll around the streets.

Staying at the Chilworth hotel London Paddington means that you’re never far away from some of the best entertainment London has to offer, and the Print Room in Notting Hill is a popular venue for those who have a love of live performances.

For a brilliant night out with plenty of belly laughs, leave our hotels near Paddington Station and jump on the Tube to Notting Hill. The Tabernacle hosts the best up and coming comedy acts on a weekly basis, so there’s sure to be something to tickle your funny bone.

How to get there

As Notting Hill is so close to the Chilworth hotel London Paddington hotel, there are plenty of ways to get there.

The Tube runs every five minutes from Paddington Station to nearby Ladbrook Grove Station and takes just over fifteen minutes to reach your destination. There are also several buses that run along the number 7 or number 23 route and take just a few minutes more.

If you’re planning a big night out and want to be dropped off directly outside your Notting Hill venue, then it’s just a ten-minute black cab ride to the heart of the area if you don’t fancy hopping on public transport. Just ask the team at reception to order you a taxi, and you’ll be enjoying a night out in Notting Hill in no time.

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Art exhibitions not to miss this month

exhibitions in london

London is a mecca for artists and art lovers from all over the world, so it should come as no surprise that there’s always something going on to excite and engage anyone with a passion for all things artistic.

And this winter is no exception, with several art exhibitions taking place all over the city.

Here’s our selection of art exhibitions that you won’t want to miss this month when you stay at the Chilworth hotel.

Czech Centre Gallery

This month, the Czech Embassy is opening its doors to the art world and is playing host to a collection of Czech and British artists work.

The Embassy itself is a beautiful building, and now it’s been opened up to members of the public, you’ll be afforded a rare chance to view some of the work of up and coming artists in a special event that celebrates paintings, fashion and design in one eclectic art exhibition.

Reaching the Czech Embassy from our accommodation in Paddington London is easy as it’s just a short Tube ride to Notting Hill Station which takes around ten minutes.

Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Graphic Art at House of MinaLima

One for the whole family, the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Graphic Art exhibition pulls together the fantastical artwork created by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the designers behind the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film.

There’s also a range of props from the movie that have been loaned by Warner Brothers especially for the exhibition, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Tucked away in a quiet corner on London’s West End, you can reach the House of MinaLima from the Chilworth hotel in just twenty minutes, so it’s just a short Tube ride from our accommodation in Paddington London.

Turner Prize 2018 at Tate Britain

What could be better than a visit to a prestigious contemporary art competition at the Turner Prize exhibition at Tate Britain during your visit to London?

Experience the work of the four nominees Forensic Architecture, Naeem Mohaiemen, Charlotte Prodger and Luke Willis Thompson at this world-famous visual arts exhibition and decide who you think should take home the coveted prize.

During your visit, you can also enjoy some of the other permanent displays of art that celebrate the newest and most talked about artists of the modern age in an exceptional venue.

To get there from the Chilworth hotel, you can either take the Tube or for something a little different you can travel in style on the Tate to Tate clipper on the River Thames.

This boat service is dedicated to connecting the Tate Modern and Tate Britain venues.  You’ll set off from the Bankside Pier and can enjoy the waterside scenery as you travel up the river to your final destination.

You’ll love the interior of the clipper too as it has been created with several works of art of its own, so it’s a great experience for anyone who appreciates art in all its forms.

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Churchill War Rooms: Why You Need to Visit

Churchill War Rooms

Hidden beneath the busy streets of Westminster is without a doubt one of the most important places in modern history.

From a secure underground bunker tucked away from view, Winston Churchill and his circle of war experts directed the war effort. In his war rooms, the Prime Minister made important decisions that affected the lives of people up and down the country during the Second World War.

Now, these thought-provoking and historically prominent war rooms are open to members of the public to experience.

Read on to discover why you need to visit the Churchill War Rooms during your next visit to London.

Permanent Displays

As well as hosting visiting exhibitions related to the Second World War, there are a wide range of permanent displays on offer at the Churchill War Rooms that allow visitors to get an insight into the day to day running of this secretive space.

Walk the maze of narrow corridors and warren of rooms to see how the people that worked in this underground setting helped the war effort through the surviving images and objects that give you a real appreciation of how it felt to be tasked with such important work.

You’ll want to aim to spend around 90 minutes at this attraction. The War Rooms can get rather busy at weekends or peak travel times, so to really make the most of your visit take a look at our Paddington hotel special offers so you can visit when there are fewer people around.

The Churchill Museum

Dedicated to one of the most influential figures of the Second World War, this unique museum also hosts a fascinating collection of personal items that chart the life of Winston Churchill. Browse through the collection that begins with items from a lonely childhood to his military career and finally his integral role as Prime Minister.

Getting to the War Rooms from the Chilworth Hotel is easy, simply hop on the Tube at Paddington Station and take the Bakerloo line to Charing Cross station. This journey takes just over 25 minutes.

The Cabinet Rooms

One of the most notable parts of the War Rooms are the Cabinet Rooms, so if you can leave your room at The Chilworth hotel early, it’s wise to go straight there before it gets too crowded.

This important space protected the staff and secrets that were so crucial to the war, and you get a real sense of the importance of the work that was done here as Churchill and his inner circle plotted their route to victory.

If you can take advantage of our Paddington hotel special offers, then you’ll be able to spend a little more on a second visit to this exceptional underground attraction during your stay.

The War Rooms are open from 9:30 am until 6 pm every day, but make sure you book in advance as each ticket gives timed entry so you can immerse yourself in history during your visit.

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Where to find the Best Photography Spots of London from the Chilworth Paddington

Photography Spots of London

For anyone with an interest in photography or an eye for a great shot, then London has a plethora of interesting and engaging places that make for ideal photo opportunities.

Staying at The Chilworth Paddington hotel, you’ve got easy access to some of our favourite locations around London for Insta-perfect photographs, so regardless of your individual style, there’s plenty of inspirational vistas for you to enjoy.

Here’s three great suggestions for photography enthusiasts to enjoy some of the best landscapes around so don’t forget to pack those lenses and SD cards!

Striking buildings

A city rich in history and famed for its architecture, London is a photographer’s playground especially if you enjoy taking shots of historic or striking buildings. The geometric angles of the famous ‘Gherkin’ office space make for bold and impactful photos, and it’s easy to get to from The Chilworth Paddington London hotel. Simply hop on the Tube at Paddington Station and you’ll be there is just over half an hour.

If history and heritage is more your thing, then head to the Tower of London at Aldergate Station using the Circle Line to frame some iconic British buildings of days past.

If all that location exploring has given you an appetite, set your course back to our hotel for the best value afternoon tea London while you recharge your camera batteries.

Picturesque Parks

After enjoying our best value afternoon tea London, why not catch the remaining light at one of the many parks closely situated to our Chilworth Paddington hotel?

Hyde Park is located just a few minutes’ walk away, so grab your camera and head off for an afternoon of scenic photography. Capture the Princess Diana Memorial Playground or the tranquillity of Serpentine Lake.

There’s plenty to see at Hyde Park, and with such close proximity to The Chilworth Paddington hotel, there’s bound to be some scenes that interest you.

Bustling Cityscapes

If capturing movement, people and day to day scenes is your strong point, then head over to Camden Town Market as there’s always something going on!

Camden Town isn’t just filled with throngs of shoppers and bargain hunters, but there’s also a huge number of quirky shopfronts, interesting courtyards and market stalls filled with colour and vibrancy for you to enjoy.

To get there from the Chilworth Paddington Hotel, just hop on the Tube at Paddington Station. It takes just under half an hour to reach your destination, so you can visit at any time of the day without having to worry about traffic.

And if you’re getting low on memory space or battery life, then you can always head back to the hotel and relax in the hotel bar for an hour or so while you top up your power. Once recharged, you can pop back out later in the day to see what else London has in store for the budding photographer.

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The Tudor Palace – Why You Need to Visit St James’s Palace

St James’s Palace

London is famous for its long history, heritage and royal connections. There are several palaces dotted around the city with one of the most significant being St James Palace.

With a rich royal history, St James has hosted some of the most important events in British history and is still a working palace to this day. Read on to discover why this Tudor treasure is well worth adding to your itinerary the next time you visit London…

The history

Built between 1531 and 1536 by Henry VIII, St James Palace still maintains much of its red brick exterior and is a striking example of Tudor architecture. Kings and queens of the past including Charles II, James II, Mary of York, Queen Anne and James Francis Edward Stuart were all born at St James Palace.

The palace apartments and staterooms were used for important functions of the day. They were later enlarged by Sir Christopher Wren to accommodate huge banquets, weddings and other royal receptions.

Queen Victoria used St James Palace for her own wedding to Prince Albert, and several rooms were redecorated during this period by artist William Morris.

A present day palace

Now, the palace is used as the official residence of Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Alexandra. The Chapel Royal or Queen’s Chapel are open to the public at certain times of the year, but what really draws in the crowds is the ornately dressed guards that flank the entrance.

To get to St. James Palace from the Chilworth hotel, head to Paddington Station and take the Circle Line to St. James’s Park Station. This takes just 30 minutes.

As the palace is popular with tourists who come to marvel at its grandeur, it’s best to get there early so fill up on breakfast at one of our restaurants near Paddington and then set off to beat the crowds.

The Tube you need runs from Paddington Station every five minutes, so you won’t have to wait long after leaving the Chilworth hotel to be on your way to this impressive piece of London’s history.

Once you’ve explored the palace, St James’ Park is just a short stroll down the road. Here you can take in the majesty of the building from a distance before returning to our restaurants near Paddington for a dinner fit for a King (or Queen!).

If you’re still hungry for more of London’s beautiful palaces, there are several other important royal residences that are worth visiting during your time in the city. From the iconic Buckingham Palace to Kensington Palace, many of these attractions are open to the public and offer a wide array or interesting tours suitable for the whole family.

Plus, one of the best things about London is its public transport infrastructure. All of London’s palaces are easily accessible by either bus or Tube, both of which are inexpensive and reliable ways to get around this wonderful and historic city.

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Your guide to the shows, films and live performances on at the South Bank this Month

South Bank

London’s Southbank is a real mecca for live performances this winter thanks to several popular venues dedicated to music, the arts and the latest stand-up shows.

There’s always something worth seeing at the Southbank, so if you’re thinking of taking a trip to London this winter then check out a few of our favourite performances – there really is something for everyone!

Read on to discover some noteworthy events for couples, friends and the whole family.

Hadestown, National Theatre

Following a successful season in New York, the popular play Hadestown has come to London’s South Bank up until the end of January 2019.

Follow the characters Orpheus and his muse Eurydice as their love is tested by the promise of plenty that could be their unravelling.

To get to the National Theatre from the Chilworth hotel, simply head to Paddington Station where you can take the Bakerloo line that leaves every three minutes and will have you at your destination in just under half an hour.

Dave Gorman: With Great PowerPoint Comes Great ResponsibilityPoint – The Southbank Centre

Popular comedian Dave Gorman is back to entertain his audiences with his latest show which presents a more detailed analysis of those parts of life you’ve never stopped to think about before.

Armed with a laptop and projector, Dave will have his guests rolling in the aisles with this hilarious take on technology until 16th February 2019 for what’s sure to be a sell-out tour.

Take advantage of our London Paddington hotel deals this winter and you’ll have a little extra to spend on some of the UK’s best comedy acts.

Winter Lights – The Southbank Centre

If you’re lucky enough to be staying at our Chilworth hotel on 5 December, then you won’t want to miss the BBC Concert Orchestra performing this special show named Winter Lights.

With works from past and present written especially for the BBC Concert Orchestra, join some big names in the classical music world for an evening of beautiful music at this iconic venue.

To get there from the Chilworth hotel, take the Tube from Paddington Station to Embankment Station. From there, the venue is just a ten-minute walk away.

 Christmas Carols – The Royal Festival Hall

No visit to London this December would be complete without enjoying a live performance of some of the nation’s most loved Christmas carols. The Royal Festival Hall will be hosting a Christmas Carol extravaganza on Saturday 8th of December at noon which will last approximately four hours.

It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than that, so check out our London Paddington hotel deals this winter and enjoy a live performance that is sure to be filled with Christmas spirit.

There’s also a popular Christmas market for you to enjoy on the Southbank after the performance, so there’s plenty to see and do if you’re taking a trip to London around the festive season.

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6 Yoga and Pilates spots near the Chilworth London

Yoga and Pilates spots

Yoga and Pilates both offer a great way of switching off in the city, but you don’t need to go far in search of a yoga studio to help get a few moments of mindfulness during your time in the capital.

London has plenty of spots ideal for a few morning sun salutations, so read on to discover our favourite yoga and Pilates places near to the Chilworth London Paddington hotel.

Hyde Park

Located just a few minutes’ walk away from the Chilworth London Paddington hotel, Hyde Park has a large green space ideal for early morning yoga or Pilates practise.

Early in the morning is the best time to visit Hyde Park and reawaken your senses with some flowing movements as it tends to be much quieter, but you can still find a secluded spot later in the day if you take the time to stroll around the park.

Regent’s Park

With beautifully maintained gardens and oodles of space, Regent’s Park is a mecca for yoga and Pilates enthusiasts, so you’ll be in good company!

Join one of the free yoga groups or go it alone while you watch the sunrise over the magnificent treetops. To get there from the Chilworth London Paddington hotel, take the Tube from Paddington Station which takes just ten minutes.

Once you are feeling re-energised, head back to our spa near Paddington on foot and enjoy a massage after your brisk twenty-minute walk.

Tibetan Peace Gardens

Ideal for meditation, mindfulness and some gentle exercise, grab a yoga mat from our spa near Paddington and head to the Tibetan Peace Gardens. It’s a beautifully tranquil spot located just twenty minutes away via Tube from Paddington Station.

Hampstead Heath

Popular with dog walkers, Hampstead Heath is also an excellent place for a spot of yoga or Pilates with several community groups using the space at weekends. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, this quiet spot is well worth the travel time.

Chilworth London Paddington hotel

If the weather is less than inviting, then the Chilworth London Paddington hotel has its very own yoga studio open to guests during the day. There are also two morning yoga sessions to enjoy and of course our excellent spa near Paddington if you feel like a little R&R after your session.

If you’ve left your mat at home, there’re plenty of spares in the hotel, so just head over to reception and we’ll be happy to supply you with one.

Battersea Park

If you fancy heading south of the river for the day but don’t want to miss out on your yoga or Pilates session, then Battersea Park is a wonderful spot filled with stunning water features, well-maintained gardens and beautiful views.

Take a stroll around the park to awaken those muscles before finding a peaceful spot to begin your session; there’s plenty of space so you can really relax without being interrupted by people passing by.