5 Things to do in and around Mayfair

5 Things to do in and around Mayfair

Located in the heart of central London, Mayfair has a reputation as one of the most affluent areas in the capital. The name Mayfair is long synonymous with exclusivity and takes its name from 17th-century springtime fete that was once held in the area.  Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Mayfair.

1. Royal Academy of Arts

Burlington House, Royal Academy of Arts: Wikimedia Commons

Founded in 1768, the Royal Academy of arts is the oldest fine arts institution in Britain. The academy was founded by a group of 36 artists and architects, determined to promote British art and architecture. Together they opened Britain’s first art school, which is still a major part of the campus.

The academy is renowned for hosting some of the capital’s finest exhibitions. It is particularly well known for its annual summer exhibition, which has been going since it started. It is an open submission exhibition showcasing some of the best works from pioneering artists.

There is also an impressive permanent collection from artists including Tracey Emin, Angelica Kauffman and David Hockney and continues to be an important place for British art.

As part of its 250th year, it recently underwent a major transformation, increasing in size for a new exhibitions gallery, large enough for three exhibitions to be held concurrently.

With such a huge collection of art on display, the Royal Academy is definitely a place worth visiting, especially for lovers of fine art.

Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House

London

W1J 0BD

Nearest station: Green Park (Piccadilly and Victoria lines)

Open everyday 10am – 6pm.

2. Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason: Wikimedia Commons

Located only a short walk away from the Royal Academy is probably the most famous food department store in the world. Fortnum and Mason, has been in business for nearly 250 years.  Renowned for its high quality food, including hampers, tea and biscuits it is one of the most recognizable department stores in London, a name synonymous with luxury food.

Inside you will be amazed just how big it is, with a magnificent spiral staircase soaring all the way to the top , The basement is dedicated to food, here you will find all the luxuries, including its famous hampers, which starts at £60 and goes all the way up to a staggering £6000. There’s also plenty of eateries, including an ice cream parlour as well as several restaurants.

Although food and drink is the main focus here, home ware, fashion and beauty have also become popular in recent years. With so much on offer it is a great place to pick some gifts to take back with you.

Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly
London
W1A 1ER
United Kingdom

Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus or Green Park

Opening times: Monday – Saturday

3. Wallace Collection

Wallace Collection: Wikimedia Commons

Although not technically in Mayfair, the Wallace Collection is only a short walk away. This is a magnificent museum in an historic house displaying many works of art and furniture as well as an impressive collection of armor and weaponry. For the fine art enthusiast this hidden gem is a place not to be missed. With paintings from artists including Titian, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Gainsborough displayed here.

The house used to belong to Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace and has been open to the public since 1900. The museum has 28 rooms in total with many being refurbished with elaborate wall silks present many collections of 18th century French paintings. There is a permanent area where children can even try on armor. There are also many temporary exhibitions and workshops.

Hertford House
Manchester Square

London

W1U 3BN

Nearest station: Bond Street. Further info can be found on the website

Entry is free. Open daily from 10-5pm.

4. Handel Museum

Outside Handel House: Wikimedia Commons

Handel House is the home of two iconic musicians: classical composer George Frideric Handel and rock legend Jimi Hendrix who lived next door to each other, only a couple of centuries apart. The house is now converted into a museum which you can visit. There are also tours available from knowledgeable guides giving visitors a greater understanding and history behind both residences.

The Georgian town house was the home to composer George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759. It was his first private home in London. Handel is known for composing some of greatest music in English history, including music for the Royal Fireworks.

Handel House opened in 2001 and has been restored as much as possible to the interiors resembling the Georgian era, featuring furnishings of the house contents from 1759. There are also portraits of Handel and the house also holds special events and exhibitions.

Legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix lived on the top floor of the flat at neighboring 23 Brook Street, between 1968-69, describing it as ‘his first real home of my own.’ It was opened to the public in 2016 as part of the museum and displays many of his old possessions, including old guitars and handwritten lyrics.

25 Brook Street
Mayfair
London W1K 4HB

Nearest station: Bond Street

Admission: £10

Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday 11am-6pm

5. Afternoon tea

A visit to Mayfair would not be complete without afternoon tea. There are many  places but the most popular and famous is Claridge’s. Here you will enjoy afternoon tea in the magnificent art deco foyer of the legendary Claridges Hotel. For over 150 years the hotel has been serving afternoon tea, serving a variety of sweet and savoury dishes that are prepared served fresh each day. There are scones and pastries as well as a variety of sandwiches including smoked salmon with caviar and cucumber and cream cheese, all served on its white striped bone china.

The service is also exquisite, with tea connoisseurs at hand to assist with the pairing of different teas. There is no detail spared, from the live piano-cellist playing softly in the background to the flawless pastries.  It is not cheap though, at £90 per person, but is still somewhere I am sure you will enjoy visiting.

Claridge’s
London
W1K 4HR

Nearest station: Bond Street

Price: £90 per person

Served daily between 2:45pm – 5:30pm