June spells the beginning of summer, which says to us: Balmy evenings, drinks al-fresco, dates aplenty and hopefully some sunshine (though don’t hold your breath!) As well as all this, there are many events popping up all over the capital over the coming month and beyond. Here are our faves:
Sunset Safari at London Zoo
When? Friday June 5 to Friday July 17
Where? London Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY
What? Are you tired of Friday drinks and dinner? Fancy seeing a giraffe settle down for the evening as the sun sets or want to watch a tiger on the prowl at twilight? Running every Friday night, London Zoo is hosting Sunset Safari, which allows you and your date to enjoy the magic of the zoo after hours. Watch over 750 animals from around the world on a self-guided Safari Trail or go on a guided tour with an expert and learn loads of facts long the way. Afterwards, you and your date can relax with a drink and listen to some live acoustic music at Safari Base Camp.
When? Saturday June 13 to Sunday June 14
Where? Various
What? This magical two-day event in association with the National Trust sees over 200 gardens not normally open to the public welcome visitors across all of London’s 27 boroughs. From roof terraces to interesting allotments, as well as historic gardens, there will be plenty to see. Do you fancy seeing the Prime Minister’s backyard at No. 10 Downing Street? Then enter a separate ballot online to claim a spot.
Spitalfields Music Summer Festival
When? Tuesday June 2 to Tuesday June 16
Where? Various venues, Spitalfields, E1
What? Now in its 39th year, in one of London’s most creative corners comes the annual Spitalfields Music Summer Festival bringing together world-class artists and local people. You can expect a broad mixture of styles and performers across the programmes, including a tenth anniversary performance from Renaissance vocal group Stile Antico and composer Emily Hall unveiling her latest work, Folie a Deux.
When? Wednesday June 17 to Sunday June 21
Where? Regent’s Park, Chester Road, NW1 4NR
What? Foodies listen up? At Taste of London you will be able to test out food from world-class chefs and London’s hottest restaurants, including Club Gascon, Sushisamba, The House of Ho and The Clove Club. More than 200 artisan producers and premium brands attend, so make sure you starve yourself for a few days. As well as sampling the grub on offer, you can watch cooking demonstrations, meet the likes of Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Nuno Mendes or take part in an interactive masterclass.
Secret Cinema: The Empire Strikes Back
When? Thursday June 4 to Sunday September 27
Where? Secret Cinema, Central London, XX1 0LL
What? Hot on the heels of last year’s mega success with Back To The Future, the Secret Cinema is back with a blockbuster screening of the most critically acclaimed episode in the Star Wars trilogy. You and your date can expect to be transported into an “intergalactic space opera” and the event is being billed as “the most ambitious and dreamlike Secret Cinema experience the UK has ever seen.” Tickets don’t come cheap at £75 – or easily – but this promises to be a summer highlight.
When? Friday June 5 to Sunday June 7
Where? Hurlingham Park, Hurlingham Road, SW6 3NG
What? Champagne? Yah. Ponies? Yah. Lots of beautiful people? Yah. Take your date to Polo In The Park. Now in its seventh year, the event is aimed at bringing polo to the masses and showcases a more accessible version of the sport. Teams of three from countries around the world take part and you can expect plenty of celebs in tow. There are also bars aplenty and shopping and food stalls to browse.
When? Thursday June 11 to Tuesday June 23
Where? Hampton Court Palace, East Moseley, Surrey, KT8 9AU
What? There are some high profile names at Hampton Court this summer with performances from Jools Holland, Paloma Faith, KT Tunstall, Alfie Boe and The John Wilson Orchestra. Away from the main stage, you and your date can chill out with a picnic on the beautiful grounds or head to the marquee and enjoy the buffet there. This year the palace is celebrating its 500th birthday.
Have you got any exciting date events in the pipeline for June? Tell us @lovestruck
Like these date ideas? You may also enjoy: London’s Perfect Park Pit-Stops
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