Craig’s corner

After what seemed like a long winter, spring has finally sprung; the evenings are lighter the weather is warmer and London is buzzing! So, here are some great places to be out and about.

Opera Holland Park

West London’s summer palace of music. Situated in the beautiful surroundings of Holland Park you will find an elegant marquee auditorium for open-air opera performances, with picnic areas, mezzanine, and a terrace. It truly is the perfect place to enjoy critically acclaimed opera in the heart of London. Tchaikovsky, Bizet, Delius, Puccini.... the composers of Opera Holland Park’s 2022 productions span the centuries and the emotions.

Regents Park Open Air Theatre

Established in 1932, the open-air theatre is one of the largest theatres in London and a really special space. This award-winning theatre is a firm fixture of summer in the city, providing a cultural hub in the heart of one of London’s most loved parks. This summer will see Legally Blonde and 101 Dalmatians on stage, starting from 16 May.

Barbican Conservatory

The Barbican Conservatory is one of London’s hidden gems – a giant botanical garden in the middle of the sprawling Barbican complex. A wonderful escape from the outside world and only open on selected days so it’s always best to check beforehand.

Lambeth Palace Garden Open Days 2022

This wonderful garden is open to the public on the first Friday of the month during spring. The Open Days are hosted by local charities and has the air of a village fair on the banks of the Thames.

Ham House and Garden

One of just a handful of National Trust properties in London, this rare and atmospheric 17th century house sits on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond. The formal gardens at Ham House are full of spring delights; known for their sequential display of over 500,000 spring bulbs on the large historic lawns. They host a varied program of open-air theatre and cinema performances in the warmer months. Entrance by ticket/NT membership only.

Open Garden Squares Weekend

From 11 June to 12 June 2022 Take a peek behind the gates of London’s private gardens and discover grassy gems during Open Garden Squares Weekend. Venture into private gardens, roof gardens and community allotments, as well as gardens belonging to historic buildings, museums, churches and universities as they open to the public for one special weekend.

Dippy Returns: The Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur

Although not an outdoor location this is included because I may be a little bit too excited by this one and the young members of the family will love it. Dippy the Dinosaur is returning to the Natural History Museum after four years on tour across the UK. Dippy, who was first displayed in London in 1905, was previously in the museum’s main entrance hall, but was replaced with a skeleton of a blue whale named ‘Hope’. The replica of the diplodocus will go back on display as part of an exhibition from May.

Craig Barclay-Godfrey Member Experience Manager

If I can book any of the above or any other aspect of your return to the Club please contact me via memexpmanager@ thefarmersclub.com