London Relaxation – London Relaxation | Mayfair Galleries and Belgravia Cultural Places to Visit 

The Olympic Games are nearly upon us. Most of the country – if not attending in person – will be glued to their TVs cheering on the British hopefuls and praying for medals. And those who choose to visit London during the Olympics will have even more excitement in store – the capital is already buzzing with an intense anticipation that is set to burst into a joyous, celebratory atmosphere when the games get going.

For those of us who have little or no interest in sport, however, all of the focus on the games can seem a little daunting. But whether you’re planning to visit London with a group of avid Olympics enthusiasts and need something to do to during the games, or you simply want to share in some of the sporting celebration without actually watching the events take place, there’s plenty to do on our estates whilst everybody else is celebrating Olympics success (or nursing Olympics defeats!).

Sport doesn’t even have to come into play with the range of museums, spas and cafés on offer in Mayfair and Belgravia. Plan a visit to a few of these establishments and you can guarantee yourself a captivating, relaxing weekend in the most luxurious and fashionable districts in Central London.

Mayfair Places to Visit

Mayfair Galleries
The Mayfair Gallery boasts a truly breathtaking selection of 19th-century Belle-Époque antiques – including furniture, lighting fixtures, ceramics and sculpture. Visiting the Mayfair Gallery is a must for anybody that isn’t interested in watching the games – it’s stuffed with one-of-a-kind curios, and with such a fantastic selection of antiques, you may find a purchase hard to resist. The Mayfair Gallery can be found on South Audley Street. 

Alternatively a visit to the Mount Street Gallery will give you an opportunity to view English and Continental furniture, sculpture, paintings and fine art objects dating back to 17th century.  You can find Mount St Gallery at 94 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1. Around the corner on Davies St you’ll find the Gagosian Gallery. To coincide with the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, the Gagosian Gallery is pleased to present Olympic Rings, a painting made by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1985. Olympic Rings was inspired by the 1984 Summer Olympic Games held in Los Angeles.

Finally, why not visit the Royal Academy of Arts, located at Burlington House, Piccadily. The world’s largest open submission contemporary art show, now in its 244th year, continues the tradition of showcasing work by both emerging and established artists in all media including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, architecture and film.

Mayfair Retail Therapy
There’s plenty more to do in leafy, village-like Mayfair that can take you far from the Olympics crowds. Shop until you drop in some of the amazing boutique outlets or enjoy some Mayfair relaxation by sitting in one of the many street-side cafes and watching the world go by. Try Truc Vert on North Audley St or the Mount Street Deli on Mount Street.

Mayfair Spa and Relaxation
However, if you want to take Mayfair relaxation to a new level then why not book yourself into a Mayfair spa for a treatment? The Illuminata offers a menu of relaxing spa treatments, and is a sure-fire way to avoid all mention of any sporting activities.

Belgravia Places to Visit

Belgravia Spa and Relaxation
Pampering and Belgravia go hand in hand, so if Belgravia relaxation is what you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Pimlico Road is home to the award-winning Hushh Spa, which offers every type of beauty treatment you can imagine for a peaceful afternoon of Belgravia relaxation. Slightly further north, on Wilton Place, is another fantastic Belgravia spa – the Berkeley Health Club and Spa. This luxury facility in the famous Berkeley hotel boasts a rooftop pool and panoramic views of nearby Hyde Park.

Belgravia Museums
If you are looking for an educational diversion in Belgravia, pay a visit to the British Red Cross Museum. Charting the charity’s extensive humanitarian work since its inception in 1870, this fascinating Belgravia museum is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in this beloved British institution. It is best to call ahead before you dedicate a day to browsing its exhibits, however – many of its displays are shown by appointment only. A short distance away in Knightsbridge you will find the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.

No guide to visiting Belgravia is complete without a mention of Buckingham Palace. The royal residence is well worth a visit itself, and it also boasts a range of related museums and attractions –including the Guards Museum, which features artefacts relating to the Queen’s legendary foot guards. You could spend at least a day in each of these attractions, so they’re a great way to pass the time whilst the Olympics take place.