7 Family-Friendly Ways to Spend a Day in The West End

Art of London Presents Take A Moment 2023

From August to October an incredible art initiative landed in London's West End via an Art of London collaboration with Take A Moment. Visitors could discover ‘eyes closed’ portraits by renowned photographer Ray Burmiston, focused on raising awareness around mental health.

Curated by Take A Moment director, Lara Journo-Leggatt this heartwarming exhibition featured hundreds of well-known faces with their closed eyes, reminding visitors of the importance of taking care of their own mental well-being.

Each week throughout the duration of the campaign, new famous faces appeared on the Piccadilly Lights. From September to October 2023 the National Portrait Gallery hosted a photography display featuring pictures of stars supporting mental health awareness.

Though the Piccadilly Lights and National Portrait Gallery features of the campaign have now come to an end. You can still visit the Take A Moment website to see the online exhibition.

Art Reframed
Part of Art of London Season: The Art of Entertainment

Experience Art Reframed, a dynamic public art installation in London's West End. Brought to life by Art of London and the National Portrait Gallery, this mesmerising display adorns the skies of Irving and Coventry Street.

Unveiled by Russell Tovey, renowned actor, art enthusiast and co-host of much-loved podcast Talk Art, 'Art Reframed' is a must-see outdoor exhibition in London. The installation showcases some of the National Portrait Gallery's most celebrated portraits presented on more than 50 giant colourful cubes.

Explore London's vibrant art scene with Art Reframed. Stroll through the West End and see a selection of entertainers from across the ages and industries. Greats from the worlds of literature, art, music and film are shown in portraiture form across the skies from William Shakespeare to Harold Pinter, Millicent Small to Annie Lennox see who you can spot across the skies as part of our theme for this year's Season, The Art of Entertainment.

No.1273 Flag in Piccadilly: Culture and Art in the West End

Check out Rana Begum's No.1273 Flag in Piccadilly, London, presented by Art of London and the Royal Academy of Arts. Designed by Rana Begum, these flags are a nod to the start of the Art of London Summer Season: The Art of Entertainment.

Each flag has beautiful patterns that show the diverse culture of the city. Rana used intricate mosaic patterns to represent unity and the diverse community of London. Her clever blend of colour and geometry captures the fluidity of movement, resulting in a rhythm that connects with passers-by.

This eye-catching installation will be featured on Piccadilly until the last day of the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, Sunday 20th August!

Next time you're out in the West End, take a moment to sock in the culture and art while venturing out in the streets of the West End.

Immerse Yourself in Europe's Largest Bookshop Waterstones Piccadilly

Waterstones Piccadilly is the biggest bookshop in Europe, and they have an incredible variety of books for every interest. You'll find books from different genres, like Fiction, Travel, History, and Art. They even have a large selection of books for kids and the whole family.

Explore over eight miles of bookshelves and find something you'll love to read. It's a wonderful place to let your imagination roam free and pick up a book to relax and recharge.

Waterstones also holds amazing events where you can meet authors and enjoy reading sessions for some quality time.

Don't miss out! Visit Waterstones in Piccadilly and dive into the world of books and imagination!

Summer on The Square at The National Gallery

Indulge in a month-long celebration of art, creativity, and community at The National Gallery's much-awaited Summer on the Square this August!

Whether you're young or young at heart, this event has something special in store for everyone.

From the 1st to the 28th of August 2023, the historic North Terrace of Trafalgar Square will transform into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. The National Gallery has curated an exciting lineup of free, drop-in activities that are suitable for all ages, with most events tailored for those over the age of 5.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the amazing events you can expect to see and participate in:

• London Drawing: Become part of a drawing adventure: 10‒13 August 2023, 11 am‒1 pm & 2‒4 pm
• Imagineer and Imagine Bamboo: Discover what you can do with incredible bamboo: 14‒16 August 2023, 11 am‒1 pm & 2‒4 pm
• Moving colours, moving selves: Discover movement and shapes in National Gallery paintings: 17-20 August 2023, 11 am‒1 pm & 2‒4 pm
• Original Arts: Wild waves and stormy sketches: 21‒24 August 2023, 11 am‒1 pm & 2‒4 pm
• Leap then Look: Play, interact, explore: 25‒28 August 2023, 11 am‒1 pm & 2‒4 pm

Take a moment to immerse yourself in creativity! Whether you're interested in exploring interactive art galleries, experimenting with bamboo, unleashing your creativity through drawing, or creating costumes, there's an event for you! Each session promises an engaging and immersive experience that will leave you inspired and refreshed.

Don't miss out!

Unwind and Rejuvenate at Ole and Steen in St James's

Visit Ole and Steen, where you can treat yourself to heavenly freshly baked goodies made with passion. Nestled in St James's, this cosy spot offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, making it the ideal spot to savour these delightful treats.

Take a breather and pamper yourself with their soul-nourishing pastries while sipping on a comforting cup of tea or coffee.

It's the perfect chance to unwind, rejuvenate, and relish some peaceful moments.

Haymarket Hotel: Your Home Away From Home

Looking for a family-friendly accommodation in London? Look no further than Haymarket Hotel! This hidden gem is situated on the corner of Haymarket and Suffolk Place, right in the heart of London's vibrant theatre district.

Haymarket Hotel is designed with families in mind, providing spacious and beautifully appointed family rooms, each showcasing a fresh and modern English style.

As the ideal destination for family stays, Haymarket Hotel offers the perfect balance between exploring the bustling city of London and unwinding in tranquillity. After a day of adventure, you and your loved ones can retreat to the peaceful rooms, escaping the city's hustle and bustle.

With Haymarket Hotel as your base, you can create lasting memories while enjoying the utmost comfort and convenience this exceptional hotel has to offer.

Make the most of your family trip to London by choosing Haymarket Hotel as your home away from home.

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