More things to do this week/end in London

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July 10, 2026   |        Dear Reader, I find myself doing weirder and weirder things because of my obsession with the sauna. Last weekend in the New Forest, I booked a session at a place called Iron Heaven. I mean, the name really says it all. No one was there other than a lanky youth doing chest presses with loud Metallica music on in a really dark gym. I rang the bell a couple of times and a nice blonde women trekked over from across the road (above the chip shop) and showed me into the 'wellness' space – a wooden box that had an electric sauna, powerplate and nurosym – plus a cold plunge reeking of chlorine in the common area (i.e. people, although she said it would only be her dad, could walk by). Not quite the vibe I was after, although I do admire the business sense (perhaps not the execution). This weekend, I've planned to jog from my home in Acton to Boston Manor where I've found my nearest wood-fired sauna. It seems counterintuitive to seek out heat in this weather, but actually it can build heat resilience so the outdoor temperature feels more manageable.  Lucy Cleland Editorial Director   Staying In WATCH: The Wimbledon Final It’s a big weekend for sport. Not only will England take on Norway in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Wimbledon draws to a close on Sunday with the hotly anticipated men’s singles final. If you’ve not managed to nab centre court tickets, tune in from home with a jug of Pimm’s and bowl of strawberries and cream. Alexander Zverev, Jannick Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Arthur Fery – the 23-year-old British wildcard who has already made history by storming through to the semis – will battle it out today for a spot in the final. Watch on BBC Two on 12 July from 4pm. Prefer to be out and about? Here are London’s best outdoor screenings.   MAKE: Nina Safaei’s Burrata with Grilled Peaches, Prosciutto and Basil Nima Safaei is the chef-restaurateur behind Soho institutions like Forty Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street and 27 Old Compton Street. And now, he’s sharing his culinary wisdom with us through a debut cookbook, At Home With Nima. We share a summer recipe from the book below, perfect for warm days. Serves 4-6 Ingredients: 4 ripe peaches  2 tbsp olive oil 2 balls of burrata (around 125g each)  8 slices of prosciutto (I like San Daniele)  A large handful of fresh basil leaves  4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil  1-2 tbsp good quality balsamic vinegar  Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Method: Halve the peaches and remove the stones, then brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil (you’ll need about a tablespoon). Heat a griddle pan over a high heat until it is smoking hot. Place the peaches cut-side down on the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them, until lightly caramelised. Turn and cook for another minute on the other side, then remove and set aside. Arrange the grilled peaches on a serving platter or individual plates. Tear the burrata into pieces (do this over the serving platter so you don’t lose any of the creamy middle) and scatter over the peaches. Drape the prosciutto over and around the peaches and burrata. Scatter over the basil leaves, then drizzle generously with the remaining extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with a little sea salt and freshly ground pepper, then serve immediately with plenty of fresh bread.  At Home With Nima by Nima Safaei is out now via Amazon (£25)   BOOK: In-Suite Dining At The Berkeley Want to host a summer dinner, but lacking on space? Swap your living room for five-star hotel The Berkeley, which has joined forces with British table linen brand Summerill & Bishop on a new in-suite dining experience. Guests can enjoy a specially created menu featuring seasonal dishes like burrata with broad beans and pistachios, wild seabass and tiramisu, paired with Pimm’s and jugs of cocktails – all while sitting around beautifully created tablescapes. Plan an al fresco feast for eight on the terrace, or organise a romantic dinner for two in your suite. maybourne.com Going Out PLAN: The Ultimate Road Trip Staycation Follow in the footsteps of Rosalyn Wikeley on a road trip to remember from Sussex to the Cotswolds. Cruising around in a Polestar 3, she took her family to four of the best properties from country stay connoisseur Exclusive Collection. First up was South Lodge for its impressive spa and wild swimming pools, followed by Pennyhill Park, nestled among 120 acres of Surrey parkland. Next stop: Lainston House in Hampshire, a magnificent Georgian property known for its cooking school, Season. And finally, a night at The Manor House, ending with a special last supper at the Michelin-starred Bybrook. Read the full piece here. DO: A Thoroughly British Summer Britain does summer like nowhere else. Between the racedays and regattas, garden parties and long-awaited holidays, the season arrives with a to-do list all of its own – and our Great British Brands are here to help you make the most of it. Whether it’s catching a Wimbledon screening with Christy, enjoying a picnic with Daylesford, getting your hands on the latest cult handbag from Fairfax & Favor or adding some seasonal joy to your home with GP & J Baker, consider this your little black book for the months ahead. Read our full guide here. WORKOUT: At Tewinbury Farm’s New Club If you dread going to the gym when it’s nice outdoors this new launch could be up your street: countryside retreat Tewinbury Farm Hotel has launched the Farm Club. At the heart is Farm Fitness: a concept built around bringing fitness away from the gym and outside instead. Sessions are centred around natural, purposeful movement, with group classes on offer such as Farm Fit, which focuses on high-impact functional movements to build strength and stamina. Prefer pilates? There’s also a reformer studio, plus a large sauna and ice baths for recovery. tewinbury.co.uk Share This Newsletter With A Friend VIA EMAIL VIA WHATSAPP Staying in Forever… Property Of The Week The Sussex retreat of Lord Snowdon and Princess Margaret, this 500-year-old home has welcomed many glittering guests through its doors. Inside: a bathroom wallpapered by scandalous royal news and a balcony taken from Ascot Racecourse’s Royal Box. On the market for £3.95m, bluebookagency.com Competition Time Win a one-night bed and breakfast stay at Foxhill Manor in the Cotswolds Win a four-year membership to online exercise programme After The Barre  Win a £500 Night & Day voucher to use at any PoB hotel  Psssst… Air con is the holy grail this summer – and thankfully 8,000 London restaurants and bars are kitted out with it. Find out which spots will keep you cool while you eat and drink with Where’s Cool, which maps out every pub, bar, cafe and restaurant across England and Wales that definitely has AC.  Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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July 09, 2026   |      Staying In Watch Little House on the Prairie As social media detoxes (and bans) soar, analogue living trends swell and Caro Claire Burke’s searing tradwife satire Yesteryear tops the book charts, Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie reboot premieres at an interesting time. But if you are in the mood for a family-friendly comfort watch, it certainly fits the bill. Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s children’s novels, in turn based on Ingalls Wilder’s own youth, we centre on the Ingalls family, who set out to establish their new forever home in the quickly developing town of Independence, Kansas. But, set as it is in the 1800s, there are plenty of obstacles en route, from fever to wild wolves and fires. And, diverging from the beloved  ‘70s-’80s series, there’s another tension at the series’ core: as the Ingalls family settle on land they were told was ‘free’, they will encounter Osage people who have long called the prairie home. All eight episodes are streaming now on Netflix, with season 2 already in the works. Going Out Check Out Chelsea’s New Brasserie French restaurant group La Nouvelle Garde has opened its first international outpost, with Brasserie Olivia opening its doors in Sloane Square today. Founded by a group of six friends, the group is known for giving the classic brasserie a fun, contemporary spin with buzzy outposts across Paris, Marseille, Lille, Lyon and Bordeaux. Now, that same energy is coming to London with Brasserie Olivia. Open from morning until night, the restaurant will serve a menu of seasonal French classics made using British ingredients from suppliers like Natoora and Flourish, kicking off with breakfast fare of eggs benedict and galette complète. Later in the day the menu includes dishes like tartare frites (British raw beef served French style with homemade fries), BBQ fresh lobster with garlic butter, and tagliatelle with courgette, peas and parmesan. Downstairs will sit Venus Bar, a ‘70s-inspired speakeasy serving experimental cocktails including a cucumber and gin milk punch that tastes like tzatziki. lanouvellegarde.com Property Of The Day It was while staying at this Surrey holiday home that the writer J.M. Barrie first dreamt up the idea for Peter Pan. Inviting his friends, the Llewelyn Davieses, to visit, it was their sons Michael, John and Peter who inspired the characters of the Darling brothers and Peter Pan. On the market for £1,250,000, search.savills.com Little Luxury C&TH Partnership Got a jam-packed diary of events and searching for the perfect outfits? Check out Phase 8, the go-to brand for summer occasionwear. We’re especially loving the Maben Layered Maxi Dress, £229, for weddings, the Katie Scuba Dress, £149, for race days and the Top Handle Clutch Bag, £79, for summer soirees. Find the full collection at phaseeight.com Competition Time With so many serums, ointments and creams to choose from, finding the right skincare routine can often feel overwhelming. But luckily SAINT Jō has the answers. This competition gives you the chance to win a five-step topical skincare system, two-step supplement range and SAINT Jō clutch carry-bag, worth a total of £455. Enter now for your chance to win this luxurious prize.  Psssst… Works from the likes of Caravaggio and Zoffany are among 12 masterpieces going on display as part of a major transformation of Buckingham Palace’s Picture Gallery – one of the State Rooms that opens to visitors each summer. Whatever You Do, Don’t Put things from the freezer in your bed to cope with the heatwave. ‘A common piece of advice you will see is to put your bedding, your pillow or your duvet (who has a freezer with enough space for a duvet?) in your freezer, and then put the frozen object in your bed,’ says James Wilson, a sleep expert at Mattress Online. ‘But this sudden cold will wake your body up. Not only that, a frozen thing will always melt, which causes problems. The moisture it creates warms up, making you even hotter, and it leaves a wet patch in the bed, which nobody likes sleeping in.’   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

July 08, 2026   |      Staying In Host The Ultimate Summer Party We might be in the middle of (another) heatwave, but don’t let the fact it’s hot stop you from becoming a great host. Luckily, we know just the person to get our skills up to scratch. ‘Hosting is my love language,’ says luxury lifestyle content creator Lydia Millen. ‘The vibe is everything. Think about the people you are bringing together, and if you’re offering a meal, where to sit them. Aesthetically, I don’t want to just create a beautiful event, I want it to feel wonderful too. Mismatched crockery, home grown/arranged florals, antique silverware is magic. I like well-loved and cherished over curated and styled for picture perfection.’ And when it comes to making the most of the season, her top tip is to bring the outside in. ‘I use whatever foliage is on offer in the garden, so, bud vases of roses or a pot of basil in summer, alongside bowls of home-grown tomatoes. This feels effortless but indulgent and thoughtful whilst blurring the lines between the outside and inside.’ You can read Lydia Millen’s guide to summer hosting here. Going Out See Luminiscence A spine-tingling new immersive concert experience has landed in the heart of London. Combining live choral singing, orchestral music, dazzling 360° projections and narration from none other than Hugh Bonneville, it is unlike anything you will have experienced before (unless you were one of the 2 million spectators to see the show first in France, then in Manchester). Taking over the historic Westminster Cathedral for a limited run, LUMINISCENCE tells the history of the striking neo-Byzantine landmark, in turn also briefly detailing the history of the capital. The swooping columns and distant ceilings of this, Britain’s largest cathedral, are transformed with sweeping projections which metamorphose across the vast domes, trickle down the brick walls, and breathe new life into the vast interiors left bare for more than 120 years. Between songs masterminded by Beethoven, Verdi, Debussy, Vivaldi, Bach, brought to life by the spellbinding Lux Aeterna choir, Bonneville’s pre-recorded narration explains it all. Until Saturday 26 September, tickets from £32.50, luminiscence.com Property Of The Day Want to live in a slice of cinema history? This historic estate starred in Richard Curtis’s Four Weddings and a Funeral as the site where Andie MacDowell’s character Carrie married her Scottish husband. Since featured in Country House Rescue and multiple seasons of Midsomer Murders, a three-bedroom apartment in this grandiose plot is now up for grabs. On the market for £1.795m, sothebysrealty.co.uk Little Luxury Summer calls for days out in the garden – spent both lounging, and curating your green space for the season. And to do the latter in style, you’ll want to be wearing the newly launched Sister Jane x Petersham Nurseries capsule. Comprising flower bags, a kneeling cushion and a bucket hat, the collection reimagines working in the garden through a whimsical lens (think romantic silhouettes and delicate florals). We especially love the polka dot cross back apron. £49, sisterjane.com Competition Time If a sun-soaked trip to Greece is calling your name, enter now for your chance to win a three-night, all-inclusive stay at Elix, Mar-Bella Collection. Psssst… Did you know every England football men’s senior player since 2007 has donated their international appearance fees to charity? Funds go towards the England Footballers Foundation, which distributes them to partner charities like Help for Heroes and UNICEF. Cheer them on this weekend from one of these London screenings. Whatever You Do, Don’t Assume your favourite Pinot Noir is a winter drink: chilled red is in vogue. ‘Chilled red wines are having a moment because they suit the way people want to drink today: lighter, fresher, and more casually,’ says Yannick Barranco, beverage manager at The Standard’s Isla bar. ‘Consumers are increasingly choosing styles that are lower in tannin, more fruit-forward and easy to enjoy in warmer weather, making lightly chilled reds a natural alternative to both white and rosé wines.’   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

July 07, 2026   |      Staying In Commission Your Own Extraordinary Interiors Want your home to truly stand out? The most seductive interiors are shaped through specially commissioned pieces, where collaboration, ambition, skill and a willingness to take risks transform ideas into something extraordinary. In other words: the more bonkers the idea, the more beautiful the result. ‘In a world where there is so much readily available and many furniture brands offer design services, we owe it to our clients to bring this depth to what we do,’ says Charu Gandhi, founder and director of Elicyon. Now, we’re not suggesting we all need to be outlandishly original when it comes to commissioning – but we can achieve an element of surprise, create something beautiful and perfectly tailor something to the space, our tastes and our needs. As Nicole Salvesen, co-founder of Salvesen Graham, puts it: ‘The more we commission the more we see where we can push – and where we should stand back – to get an exciting result.’ Find out how to commission your own wow-worthy interiors with our guide here. Going Out Try Cult Mindful Movement Workout Sanctum Born in Amsterdam as a way of combatting loneliness during the pandemic, Sanctum is a mindful movement experience which combines kundalini yoga, primal movement, HIIT and breathwork. This isn’t your average workout: devotees liken the experience to therapy due to its cathartic nature. And now the nomadic concept is running a series of sunset sessions at London’s Mandarin Oriental Mayfair hotel, with classes taking place on the terrace of the jaw-dropping penthouse suite. Soak up views of the city skyline while swaying, squatting, laughing and dancing your way through the 55-minute session. Worried about feeling self-conscious? Fear not: headphones work to block out external distractions while pumping powerful music into your ears – cocooning you into your own world of sound and removing any awkwardness. Here’s what to expect. The Sanctum Sunset Series at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair takes place monthly from July to September, with each session limited to just 15 guests. £75pp, wearesanctum.com  Property Of The Day A former pair of garages transformed into a modern home, this charming Notting Hill mews house was reimagined by architects Arya Douge. Light, tall and bright, the property’s highlight is its sweeping staircase – a sculptural centrepiece that leads to the two bedrooms above.  On the market for £2,250,000, domusnova.com Little Luxury West End hotel The Langham is tapping into Wimbledon – and celebrating the British strawberry season – with its new afternoon tea. Served in the elegant Palm Court this summer, the Strawberry Season Afternoon Tea is centred around strawberries from fourth-generation growers J Myatt and Co Ltd at Mockbeggar Farm in Kent. A custom-made strawberry cart will dish up strawberry ice cream and sorbet, while pastries on offer will include Made in Kent: a crunchy biscuit with strawberries and crème fraîche. On the drinks side, guests can choose between two miniature summer aperitifs: the Pimm’s Royal or the non-alcoholic Langham Fizz made with JING Blackcurrant and hibiscus concentrate. Until 2 August 2026, from £85pp. langhamhotels.com Competition Time Picture the scene: sun, sea and not a care in the world. Sound good? Enter this competition now for your chance to win a four-night, all-inclusive stay at Tanjong Jara Resort in Malaysia.   Psssst… From 10 July the first ever women’s cricket Test match will be played at Lords. Held over four days, the Test will see England take on India, with the England team led by Nat Sciver-Brunt. Whatever You Do, Don’t Plant a rose climber too close to a wall or hedge, says gardening expert Rosebie Morton, founder of The Real Flower Company. ‘This soil is often poor, dry and gets very hot, which stresses the plant, causing it to develop diseases like mildew. Instead, plant climbers half a metre away from a boundary.’ Find her top tips on growing climbers here.   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

July 06, 2026   |      Staying In Dig Out The Darts Ever since the then 16-year-old Luke Littler exploded onto the scene in 2023 to reach the final of the PDC World Darts Championship, the sport hasn't looked back. There's something delicious about the fact that what was once perceived as an old man's pub game has become a cultural sensation – famous as much for its flamboyant fan costumes as for the fact that anyone can play. Having a darts board at home adds maximum kudos too, especially in the sporting frenzy of the World Cup. So if you're organising your garden BBQ get-togethers, we suggest amping up the fun with an at-home darts competition. Blade X by Winmau is the board of champions and you can buy it with a tripod for the garden or a surround if you want to mount it on the wall inside. Alternatively, we'll see you down the pub for a round. C’mon England. Going Out Try A Nervous System Reset Facial Nervous system regulation is one of this year’s buzziest wellness trends, designed to signal to our bodies that we’re safe – and ultimately make us feel more relaxed. Until now the focus has been on practices like breathwork and vagus nerve stimulation, but what about if you could achieve nervous system bliss through a facial? Skincare legend Dr. Barbara Sturm has joined forces with esteemed facialist Sarah Bradden to create a new treatment, debuting exclusively at the Sturm Mayfair Spa at Claridge’s. The two-hour experience combines high-performance skincare with advanced facial tech and holistic wellbeing techniques to reduce inflammation, stress and skin health from the inside out. After an AI-powered skin analysis, you’ll experience the STURMGLOW Oxygen Facial, lymphatic drainage, a sculpting massage, acupuncture and The Bradden Method’s signature therapies including reiki, reflexology and tuning fork alignment. Expect to leave with a fresh glow and feeling transformed. £850, maybourne.com Property Of The Day Nestled in the centre of Ibiza, this hilltop estate is only a 10 minutes’ drive from Ibiza Town, Santa Gertrudis and Santa Eulalia. Designed by the island’s renowned architect Blakstad, the modern, five-bedroom finca boasts a pool, terraces and views across the surrounding valley.  On the market for €7,750,000, ev-ibiza.com Little Luxury Hair in need of some TLC? Treat your locks to a nourishing mask courtesy of FLORA LAB PARIS, the French-born brand known for its science-led, scalp-first approach. Available to buy at Harrods, the Intensive Deep Repair Hair Mask is designed to replenish hydration and restore softness. £88, harrods.com Competition Time For your next summer escape, PoB Hotels is offering you the chance to win a £500 Night & Day voucher to use at any of its 56 hotels across the British Isles. Enter here. Psssst… If you need an incentive to get your steps in, get involved with the NHS’ ‘marathon a month’ challenge. Walk for 30 minutes a day – therefore hitting roughly 26 miles in four weeks – and you’ll be eligible for rewards such as incentives and discounts. Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss our brand-new July/August issue, which is dedicated to our most precious resource: water. Sarah Langford investigates how farmers and land stewards are getting radical in the ways in which to hold more water on their land, while Tessa Dunthorne heads to The Hague (a third of which lies below sea level) to see how the Netherlands contends with its own water issues. Buy your copy now to read all this and much more.   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom