Blog

What are the biggest events in London?

London is a city that never sleeps, and there is always something exciting happening throughout the year. Whether you are into music, sports, culture, or history, you will find an event that suits your taste and interest in London. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the biggest and most popular events in London and give you some tips on how to make the most of your stay at Mercure London Paddington Hotel, one of the best hotels near Paddington Station.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Parade

One of the most spectacular ways to welcome the new year is to join the millions of people who gather along the River Thames to watch the dazzling fireworks display that lights up the sky above the iconic landmarks of London, such as the London Eye, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge. You can also book a river cruise or a private capsule on the London Eye for a more exclusive view of the fireworks. The next day, you can enjoy the colourful and festive New Year's Day Parade, which features more than 10,000 performers from around the world, including dancers, marching bands, acrobats, and floats. The parade starts from the Ritz Hotel and passes through Piccadilly, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, and Parliament Square.

Chinese New Year

London hosts the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The event takes place in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar, and celebrates the culture and traditions of China. You can watch the lively parade that starts from Trafalgar Square and ends in Chinatown, where you can find stalls selling authentic Chinese food, crafts, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy the stage performances, lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks that take place throughout the day.

London Marathon

If you are a fan of running or cheering, you should not miss the London Marathon, one of the most prestigious and popular marathons in the world. The event takes place in April, and attracts more than 40,000 runners, from elite athletes to charity fundraisers, who run 26.2 miles (42.2 km) through the streets of London. The route passes by some of the most famous landmarks of the city, such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament. You can join the millions of spectators who line the route to support and encourage the runners, or watch the race on a big screen in Hyde Park.

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, and one of the four Grand Slam events. The event takes place in late June and early July, and attracts the best tennis players and fans from around the world. You can watch the matches on the famous grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, or on a big screen at Wimbledon Park or other locations across London. You can also enjoy the traditional Wimbledon treats, such as strawberries and cream, Pimm's, and champagne.

Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's largest street festival, and a celebration of the Caribbean culture and community in London. The event takes place on the last weekend of August, and features a vibrant and colourful parade of floats, costumes, music, and dance. You can join the millions of people who flock to the streets of Notting Hill to enjoy the carnival atmosphere, or watch the parade from a balcony or a rooftop. You can also sample the delicious Caribbean food and drinks, such as jerk chicken, roti, rum, and coconut water.

Why stay at Mercure London Paddington Hotel?

Mercure London Paddington Hotel is the perfect choice for your stay in London, whether you are visiting for business or leisure. Our hotel is conveniently located next to Paddington Station, which offers easy access to all the major events and attractions in London, as well as a 15-minute connection to Heathrow Airport via the Heathrow Express. Our hotel is also a short walk from Hyde Park, one of the largest and most beautiful parks in London, where you can relax, picnic, or enjoy some of the events that take place there throughout the year.

Our hotel offers you the comfort and style of a contemporary 4-star hotel, with state-of-the-art facilities and services. Our rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, a work desk, a free mini-bar, and a power shower. Our executive rooms also feature a Nespresso machine, a complimentary newspaper, and free soft drinks.

Our hotel also has a 24-hour fitness centre, a bar, a restaurant, and meeting rooms for up to 40 delegates.

Book your stay with us today and enjoy the best of London's events and attractions. We look forward to welcoming you to Mercure London Paddington Hotel.