Top Spots for Special Occasions in London

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Special Occasions in London

If you have an upcoming special occasion, London is a treasure trove for places to celebrate – whether that’s by having a delicious meal or taking advantage of a one-off event in the city.

Whether you are staying with us at the Park Grand London Paddington hotel for one night or a longer visit with family, friends or your partner, there are many options nearby for your special occasion. You will be truly spoilt for choice.

If you’re celebrating…. a birthday!

Birthday celebration in london

If you are celebrating your birthday with your close friends, firstly, find out what seasonal events are taking place during your time in London. There are open-air cinemas, music and entertainment festivals throughout the summer months which are ideal for get-togethers with friends where you can feel relaxed. You can take picnics and drinks to most of these events, or purchase what you need at the event.

If you are a winter baby, this is the season for wrapping up in cosy winter layers and drinking hot chocolate and mulled wine at Christmas fairs. Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park), Winterville (Clapham Common) and the Southbank Centre Christmas Market are the largest and most well-known of these. Sample festive snacks, pick up handicrafts and enjoy the magical lights and head indoors for mulled cider when it gets too nippy.

Secret Cinema in London offers immersive ‘live cinema’ experiences year-round. When you purchase a ticket, you will be assigned a character profile who you can dress and act like for the event. Previous events have included Moulin Rouge, The Shawshank Redemption and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Stranger Things and Casino Royale are the current acts.

So, for your next birthday, why not step into your favourite film with your favourite people.

If you’re celebrating…. an engagement!

If you’ve recently got engaged, naturally, you’ll be seeking as romantic a setting as possible where you can enjoy some stress-free quality time with your new fiancé.

Book a romantic stay package in our Park Grand hotels near Paddington Station. Chocolates, wine, flowers and fruits will await you in your room at the Park Grand London Paddington hotels and you can begin your countdown to the big day with a scrumptious full English breakfast.

Engagement is the perfect excuse to take in soaring bird’s-eye views of London, so book a pair tickets to one of the viewing platforms such as the Shard, London Eye or the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street. The London Eye and Shard both offer champagne experience packages so you can make a toast as you take in the views with your loved one. The Sky Garden is free but must be booked approximately three weeks in advance, and you can enjoy a drink at the bar.

If you’re celebrating…. an anniversary!

Whether you’re celebrating the first year of your marriage or even 60 diamond years, there are lots of beautiful settings in London where you can create even more memories. Be inspired by the city around you to think outside the box with your choice of gift.

If it’s your first anniversary – how about surprising your partner with coveted tickets to the West End show they’ve always fantasised about? As well as having a wonderful evening of world-class entertainment, they can keep their ticket as their ‘paper’ memento.

If you’re celebrating year four, you need flowers so take a Sunday morning stroll through Colombia Road Flower Market and then share a plate of fresh fruit for breakfast at one of the local cafes.

If it’s fifteen ‘crystal’ years, how about a trip to Crystal Palace for a romantic walk in the park. Spot the dinosaur sculptures and collect some unusual photographs for your mantelpiece – this will appease the kids, too, if they are joining you.

The London Underground, as well as the National Rail trains, are made from elements including iron, aluminium and steel, so how about planning a route (or treasure hunt) around London to some of the most romantic places, or even take a day trip out of the city.

If you’re celebrating…. Mother’s or Father’s Day!

Father's Day

One that works for either parent, whisk her or him away down the River Thames for a few hours on a river cruise. City Cruises have the monopoly on the river, with a variety of cruises including lunch, afternoon tea and dinner options where you can dine as you drift. They also have themed music evenings such as jazz nights or Elvis Priestley nights, so you can decide which option is best suited to them.

If you’re celebrating…. a children’s birthday

London has plenty of places for children and will give them a birthday party they won’t forget. Book a Park Grand hotel near Paddington Station, from where you can easily access London Zoo which is perfect for animal-mad children – they’ll have a roaring time! Their party package includes the options to add face painting, a bouncy castle, a cake, and a takeaway goodie bag!

Alternatively, KidZania London is an indoor city, ran by kids where children can play whilst trying out various activities which are all themed on different job types. So, if they fancy being a fire officer, a newspaper reporter, a dentist, a cleaner or a banker – KidZania’s activities will show them the ropes and give them first-hand experience, whilst making sure they have a lot of fun. They can even train as a spy, and learn to crack codes. A KidZania booking runs for four hours and takes place at Westfield London (White City).

If you’re celebrating…. a promotion!

If you’ve been working around the clock to get that promotion and you’ve finally scored it, then you should celebrate by doing something to release all the tension.

Head east to Stratford and ride the ArcelorMittal Orbit, which has been transformed into a giant slide. This 40-second ride will get your adrenaline pumping as you plummet down the twisty corkscrew slide at 15 miles per hour. Alternatively, indulge in dinner at the Park Grand Hotel Paddington.

Time to celebrate!