Bunch of birkin bags in different bright colors

The Top 5 Most Expensive Birkin Bags

Discover the 5 most expensive Birkin bags ever sold, from Jane Birkin's original prototype to the dazzling Diamond Himalaya. Explore their stories & value.

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For every iconic fashion item there is a fascinating origin story. In 1984, the British actress and singer Jane Birkin found herself on a flight from Paris to London in the seat next to Jean-Louis Dumas, the Executive Chairman of Hermès. She had been the epitome of swinging sixties glamour and the famous muse to Serge Gainsbourg as they created so much of the era-defining music together.
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The story goes that the straw basket Jane used as her everyday bag had spilled its contents in the overhead compartment. She remarked to Jean-Louis that she had always struggled to find a bag that was elegant and practical, so the basket had been her solution. He immediately sketched a new design in response. It was to be a well-structured, deep leather tote with rolled handles that could easily accommodate everything from purses to papers and lipstick to lunches. Hermès&nbsp;produced the prototype later that same year and named it in her honour, Le Birkin. 
Over 40 years later, the Birkin Bag is often the standout star of auction houses and subject to bidding wars for private sales. Here is a collection of the most expensive and interesting Birkin bags ever sold, and a little of their own stories that accompany them.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/most%20expensive%20birkin%20bag.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="most expensive birkin bag" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2 class="c0">1. Jane Birkin’s Prototype</h2>
There can be no other place to start, as this is not just a&nbsp;Birkin, this is the&nbsp;Birkin. Jane used it every day for almost a decade and it became an integral part of her identity on film sets, photo shoots and personal moments. Jane sold the bag in the 1990s and it passed through private collections until it eventually came to <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/unveiling-the-bona-fide-birkin-at-sothebys-fashion-icons-sale-in-paris/" rel="noopener">auction at Sotheby’s Paris in July 2025</a>. 
There are a number of unique elements to this model that clearly mark it as a one-of-a-kind against the later production models that followed. A fixed shoulder strap and subtle hardware differences make it more akin to the&nbsp;Hermès&nbsp;carryalls that were popular at the time it was made.
As one would expect, the sale caused quite a media stir. Bidding opened at seven figures with interest from all over the globe and in the room. When the hammer eventually fell, it signified the full journey from Birkin’s requirements through Dumas’s exquisite design eye and on to the final destination as a fashion accessory turned into museum-grade art piece. The price paid was €8.6 million by a private collector who is now the proud owner of a stunning piece of modern cultural history.
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<h2>2. Diamond Himalaya Birkin 30</h2>
The rise of Birkin handbags as attractive assets has been in motion for a long time. The Himalaya Birkin is often regarded as the zenith of exotic skin craftsmanship that Hermès is capable of. Its name is drawn from the distinctive hue of graded colours that move from pearl white at the centre to an earthy grey at the edge, with a design that mimics the snow-capped majesty of the Himalayan mountains. 
This particular model was adorned with diamond-set hardware and produced in an extremely small run to make for an ultra-exclusive bag for only the most elite Hermès clients. Niloticus crocodile leather provides the most exquisite balance of tone and symmetry for its striking finish in a true masterpiece of design. When it was brought to private sale by Sotheby’s in 2022, it commanded a price that some reports suggest was around $450,00. Much like the purchase process itself, this Birkin is as discreet and sophisticated as it is spectacular. 
In another sale, at a Hong Kong auction in 2017, the realised price of $380,000 represented another turning point for the Diamond Himalaya. A new standard was beginning to be set, particularly through the precious metal models, that would elevate the Birkin into a new asset class.
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<h2 class="c0">3. Birkin 20 Faubourg ‘Neige’</h2>
Although the Diamond Himalaya Birkin models dominate the most expensive examples, there are a few rare items in this area that demand attention. The Birkin&nbsp;20 Faubourg is a limited edition that Hermès introduced in 2019 as a miniature tribute to their historic flagship store in Paris. This bag can easily be considered a concept piece that would not feel out of place in an art gallery to showcase it. The front panels of the bag have been painstakingly crafted to work as visions of the store façade with faux windows, signature orange awnings and a Hermès shopping bag as the clochette.
As one would expect, this was an ultra-limited release with estimates suggesting only a few dozen were created for each colourway. The Neige model of pale white with full matte alligator leather is an exceptionally rare version, with one model selling at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong for over $280,000 in 2023.
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<h2>4. Diamond Birkin 25 ‘Bleu Jean’</h2>
The shiny Bleu Jean effect of this bag is made possible by&nbsp;the use of Porosus crocodile leather that is defined by its high shine and low availability. It is precisely this scarcity that makes it amongst the top of non-Himalayan model Birkin bags when it comes to value and desirability for collectors. With its diamond and white gold hardware aligned to the prestigious exotic material, it becomes a remarkable piece of enduring quality, sophisticated luxury and untold elegance.
The Diamond Birkin is most commonly made as a bespoke commission, with very few created by the fashion house each year. As a result, the clamour for models that are often decades old is understandable. When this model appeared at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2023, it achieved a price of just a little under $200,000.
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<h2 class="c0">5. Fuschia Diamond</h2>
This wonderful example of Birkin style grabbed the headlines in 2015 as it briefly became the world record holder with a price of £146,000. Its glossy Shiny Fuchsia Porosus crocodile leather material is certainly an eye-catcher and one of the rarest materials ever applied for the model.
Hardware of 18k white gold and diamonds added to the allure and bidding was intense at the Hong Kong auction. It was clear that the Birkin bag had made the leap to asset object status and in many ways, this auction was a signal to the market. In just over a decade, prices have climbed rapidly alongside the cultural cachet of this once relatively humble holdall.
Jane Birkin was a star who&nbsp;had the rare alchemy of being effortlessly graceful and eternally interesting. The work that Hermès&nbsp;continues to produce in her memory is a fitting celebration that is now rightly regarded among the finest fashion accessories ever created.
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For every iconic fashion item there is a fascinating origin story. In 1984, the British actress and singer Jane Birkin found herself on a flight from Paris to London in the seat next to Jean-Louis Dumas, the Executive Chairman of Hermès. She had been the epitome of swinging sixties glamour and the famous muse to Serge Gainsbourg as they created so much of the era-defining music together.
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A Brief Guide to Grade II-Listed Status

Understand Grade II listed status in England. Learn what makes buildings special, their protection, and owner responsibilities in this guide.

The built environment of England is a tapestry of different eras, periods and architectural styles that tells a unified story of the country. From the settlements of pre-history through to Roman rule and on to the medieval turmoil of conquests and battles for the throne, the buildings that remain all have important and fascinating tales to tell. Preserving these important structures involves a process of listing that restricts development and promotes appreciation and understanding of their status. Grade II-listing is the most common of these, with well over 350, 000 currently achieving this accreditation.
For buyers, owners and investors, a Grade II listing may often be seen either as a badge of prestige or a barrier to change, when in reality, it is neither. The guide explains how Grade II status works in practice, what it protects, and what responsibility it places on those who own England’s historic buildings.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/grade%20ii%20listed%20building.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="grade ii listed building" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>A Listed History</h2>
As early as the 19th&nbsp;century, there was recognition from the state that active preservation would be required to keep these stories alive for the following generations. This began with the heritage protection of ancient monuments from 1882 onwards that placed selected locations into formal guardianship. The Ancient Monuments Protection Act took over the late-Neolithic long barrow of Kits Coty House&nbsp;near Aylesford in Kent as the first example that would be forever looked after for maintenance and protection.
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<h2>The Impact of &nbsp;World War II Begins the Changes</h2>
During the Second World War, the country suffered devastating destruction across many of its cities and important civic hubs. An emerging salvage scheme for bomb-damaged buildings at the time included the capability to register those affected as a place of historic interest. In the years that followed victory, a landmark legislation was passed through the Town and Country Planning Act of 1947 that granted a legal basis for the listing of buildings of special interest. This eventually laid a path for official preservation across the whole country.&nbsp;This eventually expanded into what we now understand as the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act of 1990.
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<h2>Categorisation Matters</h2>
A Listed Building in England is one ‘which is of special architectural or historic interest’. Within this definition, there are categories that grade them on the strength of their importance and grant them one of three specific statuses: 
Grade I&nbsp;is a building of Exceptional Interest. A good example here is the Tower of London, as this is the most important Norman military structure found anywhere in the world. It also has centuries of connections to the English Royal family as specific points of interest. Other poignant examples are <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/history-of-buckingham-palace/" rel="noopener">Buckingham Palace</a>, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament, representing just about 2.5% of all listed buildings that require stringent controls for any changes.
Grade II&nbsp;is for buildings of special interest that warrant every effort to preserve them, but less stringent than Grade I, focusing on preserving their special character. Both grades require Listed Building Consent for alterations, but controls are tighter for higher grades (Grade I). The crucial distinction between the two lies in the rarity and national significance, which dictate the level of flexibility in making changes. 
Over 90% of the total of listed buildings in England are Grade II. Although there are some standout examples, such as the mid-century BT Tower, this grade also applies to domestic architecture. There are a number of Victorian terraced Houses with representative examples of brickwork, sash windows, iron work and original street patterns that make them eligible too. 
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<h2>Grading Criteria</h2>
Clarifying exactly how a building becomes eligible for a graded status involves a process of marking it against official guidance criteria. The conservation authorities score each building on several categories and their status is a result of how strong they are across each category. However, as is often the case, there may be a very powerful case for one category, such as Close Historical Associations, which means its status is elevated immediately. The discretion of the conservation authorities means that this is more of a process of understanding and context than simple box-ticking. The criteria categories employed are the following: 
<h3 class="c0">Architectural Interest</h3>
This details the design, decoration and craftsmanship that may highlight building types or innovations.
<h3 class="c0"> Historic Interest</h3>
This is where important aspects of any social, economic, cultural or military history can be demonstrated.
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<h3 class="c0">Close Historical Associations</h3>
This is where a building is linked to nationally important people or events.
<h3 class="c0"> Group Value</h3>
A building may be an integral part of a larger ensemble that could include a terrace or estate of significance.
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<h3>Age and Rarity</h3>
A good rule of thumb is to expect that any building before 1700 will be listed or eligible. After 1840, the process did become more selective.
<h2 class="c0"> The Listing Process</h2>
Anybody can nominate a building for listed status, including the owner or local authority. Historic England will then assess its suitability against the specified criteria and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in England. If successful, it then enters the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) and the obligations and restrictions are legally enforced.
<h2 class="c0"> Know Your Grade II Restrictions</h2>
Owning a Grade II-listed building puts one in a position of extreme privilege and responsibility. Essentially, you are a custodian for part of the country’s heritage and must therefore ensure that you comply with any restrictions or prohibitions on the property. 
The listing covers the entire building inside and out unless explicitly stated. It may also apply to structures and fixtures attached to the building, so it is always advised to check.
The status is legally enforceable, which means that completing works without consent is a criminal offence that can lead to prosecution. 
One must therefore always apply for Listed Building Consent (LBC) from the relevant local planning authority before making any changes. They will undoubtedly be looking for evidence of an understanding of the following elements in their work when contacted.
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<h3 class="c0">Materials &amp; Methods</h3>
Traditional materials and methods are usually required to protect the fabric without altering its character. As an example, Victorian terrace houses must be renovated with the same bricks and mortar pointing used on the original building to remain sympathetic to the original aesthetic and design.
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<h3 class="c0">Change of Use</h3>
Even when the building remains intact, changing it from residential to commercial may require specialist consultation and consent.&nbsp;This is usually attended to by the Local Planning Authority in coordination with the conservation authorities that provide listed building consent. Both have to agree for official sign-off.
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<h3 class="c0">Inside Intelligence</h3>
Fireplaces, staircases, cornices and panelling for the interior may all be protected too. If in any doubt at all, then checks are advised as soon as possible.
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<h3>Dereliction</h3>
There is a myth associated with Grade II-listed properties that dereliction or poor condition liberates it from maintenance and upkeep. This is assuredly not the case. One must stay aware of any dangerous developments or existing decay that may require prompt attention during your ownership.&nbsp;This becomes incredibly important as there have been noted cases where a listed building becomes ‘too expensive’ to repair&nbsp;as a result of the restrictions.&nbsp;The owners have then attempted to let it be condemned over time to recoup the money from the land.
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<h3 class="c0">Working Together</h3>
The Listed status of the country’s buildings is a joint responsibility between the authorities responsible for preserving a collective heritage and the public at large who occupy, use and maintain them. Owners of Grade II-listed structures are required to keep it in good stewardship at their own expense. There is no obligation to upgrade or improve, but a sensible approach to maintenance is always advised. If it is decided by local authorities that this criteria is not being met, then they are within their power to serve a Repairs Notice that will enforce the due care and attention required. On extremely rare occasions, the local authorities, in collaboration with conservation authorities, can issue a Compulsory Purchase notice to take back the building into their own care and away from the owner.
All of which seems to represent a fitting relationship between the articles of history and the generations of people that will benefit from the attention, care and understanding that they receive.
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The built environment of England is a tapestry of different eras, periods and architectural styles that tells a unified story of the country. From the settlements of pre-history through to Roman rule and on to the medieval turmoil of conquests and battles for the throne, the buildings that remain all have important and fascinating tales to tell. Preserving these important structures involves a process of listing that restricts development and promotes appreciation and understanding of their status. Grade II-listing is the most common of these, with well over 350, 000 currently achieving this accreditation.

women shaking hands for memorandum-of-sale

Understanding The Memorandum of Sale

Understand the Memorandum of Sale: a crucial, non-binding document in UK property sales. Learn what it contains and why it matters.

Navigating the processes and landmarks involved in UK property purchase can be a challenge for the uninitiated. &nbsp;The documentation and paperwork that passes from vendor to buyer through legal representation and partners has its own distinct language and naming conventions that can sometimes appear inaccessible and restrictive to an overall understanding. As part of one’s due diligence to ensure that the correct steps are being followed by your property team, it often helps to build a firm footing for all of these terms.

<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/memorandum%20of%20sale.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="memorandum of sale" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2 id="h.hhoo55k6zjes" class="c2">A Brief Explanation</h2>
A Memorandum of Sale is a document prepared by the agent commissioned by the vendor to sell their property. It is only drafted once an agreement has been reached through the acceptance of an offer on the property. Importantly, one should always note that a Memorandum of Sale is not a legally binding contract of sale. Instead, it acts as the administrative trigger for the legal and logistical processes that must occur for the property to successfully change hands.
The Memorandum of Sale officially records the principal terms agreed between the vendor and the buyer to mobilise all professional advisers and teams in a fast and efficient manner. These terms will include the price of the accepted offer, the identity of all parties involved in the transaction, and key dates of the purchase journey and details for the solicitors representing both sides.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.wv6cna5uqrkx" class="c2">Premium Property Matters</h2>
When dealing with prime real estate, it can also contain the funding structure that will be employed for the sale to provide enhanced chain detail and a more precise timeline. This is crucial as any delays or ambiguous terms at this level can result in market movement, tax implications or currency exposure that could cost tens of thousands of pounds. Any wealth management teams or tax advisors will use the Memorandum of Sale to mitigate risks and dependencies for your existing portfolio, as they have a full view of anticipated financial events in a pencilled timeline.
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<h2 id="h.pv4h4xb3mjer" class="c2">Delivering the Details</h2>
The contents of a Memorandum of Sale may vary depending on several factors, including the price, location and status of the property involved. However, it is possible to create a checklist of key elements to look for.
&nbsp;
<h3 id="h.fmjepsuegyfa" class="c2">Full Address &amp; Title Details</h3>
This may include complications such as estate rights, long leases and additional information for ancillary buildings. 
&nbsp;
<h3 id="h.t626doisrt1k" class="c2">Agreed Sale Price &amp; Fixtures</h3>
Any special terms or instructions to retain or remove fixtures within the property should be clearly noted.
&nbsp;
<h3 id="h.cw63jyw32pga" class="c2">Names of Parties</h3>
This must include any entities or trusts and contact information for associated conveyancers and solicitors. Naming the agents handling the transaction on both sides is a vital step within this.
&nbsp;
<h3 id="h.va6ds782n8f7" class="c2">Property Status</h3>
Establishing freehold or leasehold status is paramount. There may be mixed tenure or third-party involvement with service charges related to the property.
&nbsp;
<h3 id="h.g8jrpy9mz1ta" class="c2">Land Registry Information</h3>
The Land Registry number or title reference verifies all current ownership and encumbrances. This relates to any restrictions, claims, burdens or liabilities it may have.
&nbsp;
<h3 id="h.vicf43ktf9y4" class="c2">Funding Structure</h3>
This may be cash, mortgage or special financial vehicle of a trust. Any derailing surprises can be avoided with this information.
&nbsp;
<h3 id="h.ly1386t5n44t" class="c2">Dates</h3>
The dates earmarked for exchange of contracts and completion should be clearly stated. 
&nbsp;
<h3 id="h.td56etz8vbxm" class="c2">An Overview of the Next Steps</h3>
Once a Memorandum of Sale has been drafted and shared, a number of steps are put in motion. Both sides of the transaction will undoubtedly have specialised teams and consultancy to take care of the details, but it does make sense to understand the sequence of these important landmarks.
<ol class="c12 lst-kix_list_2-0 start" start="1">
<li class="c0 c6 li-bullet-0">
<h3>Opening The Transaction</h3>
The Memorandum of Sale begins a legal process towards the sale. Anti-money laundering checks for all parties are carried out. </li>
<li class="c0 c6 li-bullet-0">
<h3>Due Diligence</h3>
The purchaser’s legal team can then order&nbsp;all of the relevant searches for title, planning, environmental and drainage. The Vendor’s legal team prepares&nbsp;and issues the contract pack&nbsp;simultaneously. </li>
<li class="c0 c6 li-bullet-0">
<h3>Financial Verification</h3>
At this point,&nbsp;any proof of funds required is&nbsp;provided,&nbsp;or mortgage arrangements finalised. This may lead to a property valuation by the lender if appropriate.</li>
<li class="c0 c6 li-bullet-0">
<h3>Surveys &amp; Inspections</h3>
The building surveys and any specialist reports or heritage assessments are conducted on behalf of the buyer.</li>
<li class="c0 c6 li-bullet-0">
<h3>Enquiries &amp; Negotiations </h3>
If the previous steps have raised any new information or concerns,&nbsp;then enquiries are raised. A process of negotiation for new terms and inclusions may begin at this point.</li>
<li class="c0 c6 li-bullet-0">
<h3>Exchange </h3>
The final contracts are drafted with all enquiries and searches resolved. An exchange date with all funding issues settled.</li>
<li class="c0 c6 li-bullet-0">
<h3>Completion </h3>
The ultimate purchase of the property is arranged with the transfer of funds and scheduling of key handovers. </li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.he2kfisjwzbj" class="c2">The Defining Document</h2>
A Memorandum of Sale can easily be viewed as the most important document in the entire chain of property purchase. It signals intent from both sides that a deal is there to be done, and all parties are willing to do their part to get it over the line. There will undoubtedly be plenty of work to do, and the occasional surprise or challenge may appear along the way, but once this is drafted, the purchase journey is well and truly begun in earnest. 
&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_43b676e9-0976-4830-89e8-ca5ea79078d4" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Selling a Tenanted Property","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/sell-a-tenanted-property","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/sell-a-tenanted-property","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"How to Make an Offer on a House","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/how-to-make-an-offer-on-a-house/","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/how-to-make-an-offer-on-a-house/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Do You Need a Solicitor to Sell House","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/do-i-need-a-solicitor-to-sell-my-house/","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/do-i-need-a-solicitor-to-sell-my-house/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"What Is An EPC","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/energy-performance-certificate-explained/","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/energy-performance-certificate-explained/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Heading":"text","field_group":"group","styles":"group"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/Common_Modules/Modules/AMAL - Internal Link Posts"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}
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Navigating the processes and landmarks involved in UK property purchase can be a challenge for the uninitiated. &nbsp;The documentation and paperwork that passes from vendor to buyer through legal representation and partners has its own distinct language and naming conventions that can sometimes appear inaccessible and restrictive to an overall understanding. As part of one’s due diligence to ensure that the correct steps are being followed by your property team, it often helps to build a firm footing for all of these terms.

The 5 Best Places to Visit in Germany - A Land of Fairytales

Discover the best places to visit in Germany, from diverse landscapes and historic regions to the Black Forest, Bavaria, and North Rhine-Westphalia beyond the usual stereotypes.

Places to Visit in Germany

Germany is a land best remembered, for some, for its efficiency, industry, beer brewing and engaging political history. While none of these are inaccurate and are hallmarks of the country’s image, they obscure a land which is as incredibly rich in vistas and biodiversity as it is in culture. For much of its existence, Germany was not a single nation but a mosaic of independent states and smaller kingdoms, ecclesiastical territories and mercantile cities. That legacy still remains visible today in the difference between everything from how locals greet each other region to region, to food, and even how towns are planned, but this doesn’t necessarily distinguish the best places to visit in Germany on its own.
Only those who have travelled Germany’s length and breadth know the charms of North Rhine-Westphalia even during the rainy season, the delights of the Schwarzwald (The Black Forest) in Autumn, or that Bavaria has far more going for it than just Oktoberfest and Munich’s confines. Germany is a country which is greatly underappreciated and underexplored, even by many living in Western Europe, and for those less-travelled around the country, which forms the backbone of Europe in many senses, these are the parts to see first.
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<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/best%20places%20to%20visit%20in%20germany.jpg" width="1600" height="1067" loading="lazy" alt="best places to visit in germany" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1600px;">
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<h2 style="line-height: 1;">Bavaria</h2>
For centuries, Bavaria’s status as a former independent kingdom has set it apart from much of Germany. Shaped by its Catholic heritage and alpine culture, the people here are deeply religious, so much so that the average Sunday service turns into what seems to the outside eye, a full-blown holiday. Buoyed by the pomp and crash of brass bands, instruments played by traditionally dressed musicians match the crowd full of lederhosen and dirndls, as is the norm in this part of Germany. This sight is a common occurrence across the region. Alpine pastures are filled with an abundance of horned dairy cows, grazing peacefully on the slopes, deep lakes that dot the region, along with dense forest, and beautiful peaks. In contrast, Munich may appear positively cosmopolitan, but it still harbours many traditions from the rest of the region, including its aesthetics. 
Although unapologetically modern in many areas, side streets give way to more heritage architecture, although much of this has been rebuilt following the extensive damage to the city from the Second World War. The wonderful city-expansive park, Tiergarten, harbours beautiful wildflower meadows, amusements and chalet-style restaurants, and the Eisbach’s surging rapids, which serve as a natural wave machine for the city’s surfing community. The north of the region has its charms, with the likes of Nuremberg providing a wonderful alternative to Munich with its Medieval aesthetic and fascinating history. Further west, the beautiful body of water that borders Switzerland in Lake Constance, offers a raft of interesting options, from the history of the infamous Zeppelin airship, Hindenburg, to floating opera performances during summer.
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<h2 style="line-height: 1;">Rhine Valley</h2>
Running from the Swiss Alps into Germany via Lake Constance, the Rhine is Germany’s most significant river, flowing all the way across the country until it reaches the border with the Netherlands. The fertile lands along its banks were some of the most prosperous in the entire country, producing crops of wide varieties and also enshrining the reputation for Germany’s viticulture long before the separate states and kingdoms united. Evidence of this division can still be witnessed following the river’s course by viewing the castles that rise above former toll points, signalling how tightly controlled trading along the Rhine once was, as an often contested route between rival states and powers.
This very much shows how the Rhine serves Germany as a crossroads rather than a destination in itself. The best way to enjoy exploring the river is, of course, cruising up and down by boat. There are a plethora of cruises that run the length of the river from source to sea. Setting off from either Switzerland or the Netherlands and travelling the course of the river through Germany takes passengers past some of its most quaint and engaging settlements. Small towns, such as Bacharach and Oberwesel, retain their medieval layouts and charm, while larger cities like Mainz exemplify the myriad of influences that helped shape Germany’s image, from the Romans to the highest echelons of the Catholic Church. 
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<h2 style="line-height: 1;">The Black Forest (Schwarzwald)</h2>
Dark, wild, enchanting, it’s no wonder the Schwarzwald inspired so many fairy tales, such as those written by the Brothers Grimm, and earned its name from the Romans, who were baffled by its density. It’s one of, if not the most, atmospheric parts of Germany. Contrary to what many would assume is a relatively flat, expansive forest region, the Schwarzwald is surprisingly mountainous, with its highest peak, the Feldberg, just shy of 1500 meters tall. On top of this, it boasts deep glacial lakes and is even the source of one of Europe’s longest rivers, the Danube. 
The small towns and hamlets that make up many of the communities around this region are famous for clockmaking, woodcarving and glass. Spa towns such as Baden-Baden originally developed under Roman rule more than a thousand years ago, thanks to their adaptation of the thermal springs that dot the region. Towns like Baden-Baden received a new lease of life through aristocratic patronage during the 19th century wellness movement, which swept the continent and remains popular today thanks to the warm waters and the elegant design of the spa they’re housed in. Through its combination of enchanting natural beauty and curiosity, the Schwarzwald remains one of the best places to visit in Germany.
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<h2>The Baltic Coastline</h2>
Germany’s Baltic Coast feels markedly different from the rest of the country. Whilst much could be made of the lingering effects of this part of the country remaining behind the Iron Curtain for almost half a century, the truth is that the influences of trade blocks such as the Hanseatic League, the Teutonic Knightly order and the spread of Protestantism here have always set the area apart. Seaside resorts such as Binz and Ahlbeck reflect 19th-century wellness crazes that brought a new form of prosperity through affluent individuals who wished to “take the waters”, believing that the salty sea could cure them of their ailments. Inland, Hanseatic cities like Lübeck and Wismar exemplify the old mercantile affluence that shaped this region prominently right up until the unification of Germany. Bricked <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/gothic-architecture/" rel="noopener">Gothic architecture</a> dominates due to the area's historic lack of locally quarried stone, further lending credence to the practicality and adaptation of the people that inhabit this part of the country. 
This ingenuity extends to remarkable lengths. The Fehmarn Belt tunnel, currently creeping along towards completion, will see the eponymous German island connected to the mainland and neighbouring Denmark. This 11-mile megastructure, the world’s longest immersed tunnel, will be submerged 40metres below the surface and halve the journey time between Hamburg and Copenhagen by rail, making it possible to reach Swedish cities like Gothenburg or Stockholm in less than 8 hours. With completion expected in 2029, the popularity of Germany's Baltic coast is expected to boom as a result, providing all the more reason to visit this small stretch of the country before it is once again dominated by its links to Scandinavia.
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<h2 style="line-height: 1;">Moselle Valley</h2>
The tight curves and steep slopes of the Moselle Valley have restricted expansion throughout the last few centuries. This has led to the preservation of the characterful yet compact villages that dot the valley, giving it a sense of timelessness and unyielding charm. Viticulture dominates the region, with steep vineyards that back upwards on chalky slopes that have been slow to modernise their practices, yet still, they produce some of the finest wines in Germany. Whether travelling through this region on foot or by boat, its beauty is unquestionable, and its rustic charm is captivating.
The lingering effects of the Roman Empire are clear to see. Trier was Germany’s first official city and was a prominent settlement during the heyday of the Roman occupation. The city houses both prominent ruins from this period, such as the impressive Porta Nigra and the Imperial Bath complex, as well as stellar examples of Medieval Architecture, such as the magnificent cathedral of St.Peter. Postcard-worthy towns such as Bernkastell-Kues and Traben-Trarbach are well worth visiting, but the most delightful is surely Cochem, with its Gothic castle and sweeping panoramas. When one considers the best places to visit in Germany, the Moselle Valley will always spring to mind.
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Germany is a land best remembered, for some, for its efficiency, industry, beer brewing and engaging political history. While none of these are inaccurate and are hallmarks of the country’s image, they obscure a land which is as incredibly rich in vistas and biodiversity as it is in culture. For much of its existence, Germany was not a single nation but a mosaic of independent states and smaller kingdoms, ecclesiastical territories and mercantile cities. That legacy still remains visible today in the difference between everything from how locals greet each other region to region, to food, and even how towns are planned, but this doesn’t necessarily distinguish the best places to visit in Germany on its own.

The Best Independent Schools in South West London

Find top independent schools in SW London. Explore top prep & senior schools in Wandsworth, Wimbledon, Putney, and more. Fees, ethos & outcomes.

A Guide to Independent Schools in South-West London

Discover the best preparatory, primary and senior independent schools in South West London, covering fees, ethos and academic outcomes across <a data-insert="true"></a><a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/south-west-london/wandsworth/" rel="noopener"></a>Wandsworth, <a class="c10" href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/battersea-things-to-do/">Battersea</a>, <a class="c10" href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/living-in-clapham-south-london/">Clapham</a>, <a class="c10" href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/south-west-london/wimbledon/">Wimbledon</a>&nbsp;and <a class="c10" href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/south-west-london/putney/">Putney</a>.
This guide draws together a carefully chosen selection of preparatory, primary, senior and all-through independent schools across South West London. Schools have been included for the consistency of their academic results, inspection outcomes, senior school pathways and ethos.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/best%20private%20schools%20south%20west%20london.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="best private schools south west london" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2 id="h.q4p6who4cb92" class="c5">Broomwood Preparatory School, Wandsworth</h2>
Type:&nbsp;Co-educational Preparatory Fees:&nbsp;£8,318 (Pre-Prep); £9,538 (Junior prep); £10,180 (Senior prep) per term, inclusive of lunch and trips (2025-26)
Set around Wandsworth Common, Broomwood is one of South West London’s most academically purposeful prep schools. Educating boys and girls from ages three to 13 across four closely linked sites, it combines early co-education with single-sex teaching in the prep years, while continuing to bring pupils together for specialist subjects, trips and activities. 
In 2025, pupils secured 331 offers across 54 senior schools, alongside 39 scholarships spanning academic, music and sport, placing Broomwood among the area’s most successful feeder preps for selective 11+ and 13+ routes. Co-curricular provision is extensive, with more than 50 activities and a strong music programme delivering around 35 individual lessons each week. Inspected under the ISI’s updated Framework 23, the school met all required standards in June 2025 across leadership, education, wellbeing and safeguarding.
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<h2 id="h.we0i11uretph" class="c5">Newton Preparatory School, Battersea</h2>
Type: &nbsp;Co-educational Preparatory Fees: £8,990 (Lower); £10,220 (Upper) per term 
Newton Preparatory School has established itself as one of the most academically focused independent preparatory schools in <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/south-west-london/" rel="noopener">South West London</a>. Founded in 1991 and educating boys and girls from ages three to 13, the school places intellectual rigour at the centre of its ethos while maintaining a clear commitment to sport, art, music and drama. In 2025, pupils secured 43 scholarships to senior schools, a figure that positions the school among the capital’s strongest performers for selective 11+ and 13+ entry. Academic expectations are set early and supported by close monitoring of progress, while pupils are encouraged to engage fully in extra-curricular clubs, activities and trips. A recent ISI inspection confirms that required standards are met, with leadership and educational quality described as clear and purposeful.
&nbsp;
<h2 id="h.gr5sjaz1fbte" class="c5">Thomas’s Battersea</h2>
Type: &nbsp;Co-educational Preparatory Fees:&nbsp;£9,697–£10,962 per term 
Part of the family-run Thomas’s group, Thomas’s Battersea educates children through to age 13 and is guided by a values-led ethos centred on kindness, curiosity and confidence. Its curriculum places equal emphasis on knowledge, skills, character and metacognition which encourages pupils to think critically and connect learning to real-world contexts. Alongside robust foundations in literacy, numeracy and science, pupils benefit from rich provision in arts, languages, physical education and outdoor learning. The school maintains close relationships with leading independent day and boarding schools, with 2025 leavers progressing consistently to some of London’s most competitive secondaries and securing awards across creative and sporting disciplines. An ISI inspection carried out in 2025 confirmed high standards across both educational quality and pastoral care.
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<h2 id="h.fh57gdaiscp" class="c5">Parkgate House School, Clapham</h2>
Type: &nbsp;Co-educational Preparatory &amp; Nursery Fees:&nbsp;£7,916 per term for Reception to Year 2 and £8,266 per term for Years 3 to 6 
Set opposite Clapham Common, Parkgate House is a smaller preparatory school known for its high expectations and personal approach. Founded in 1987 by its Principal Catherine Shanley and still independently owned and family-run, it educates boys and girls from nursery through age 11. The school was rated Outstanding in every category by Ofsted in 2022 and again in 2025. In 2025, pupils secured senior school places across selective London and international schools, including Dulwich College, JAGS, Benenden and Kingston Grammar School, alongside multiple scholarships across academic, music, drama, design technology and STEM disciplines.
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<h2 id="h.qdrlganyxuiu" class="c5">The Roche School, Wandsworth</h2>
Type: &nbsp;Co-educational Preparatory Fees:&nbsp;Reception to Year 2: £7,502 per term. Years 3 to 6: £7,696 per term. Nursery fees are £6,055 per term for full-time provision
The Roche School is one of a few family-founded and family-owned schools in London. Established in 1983, it educates boys and girls from age two through to 11 and has remained rooted in Wandsworth for more than four decades. Class sizes are small, allowing learning to be closely tailored and ensuring pupils are both supported and challenged. The ethos places the child at the centre of school life, welcoming children with a wide range of talents and starting points. Pupils secured places at more than 40 senior schools in the most recent 11+ cycle, including King’s College School, Emanuel, Godolphin and Latymer and Dulwich College, alongside multiple scholarships across academics, art, music and sport.
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<h2 id="h.uxyw49u2zlcc" class="c5">St Paul’s School, Barnes</h2>
Type: &nbsp;Boys’ Independent Senior School Fees:&nbsp;Around £9,551 per term (Prep); £11,949 per term (Senior Day); £17,981 per term (Boarding) 
Widely regarded as the UK’s leading academic boys’ school, St Paul’s was named The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2026 and features in the Tatler Schools Guide 2026. Founded in 1509, the school remains meritocratic, offering means-tested bursaries to boys gaining places on academic merit. Set on a 45-acre riverside campus, it has co-curricular life embedded into the day and exceptional provision across music, sport and the arts. Academic outcomes place St Paul’s at the top of national league tables, with nearly 60 per cent of A level grades awarded A* and more than 92 per cent at A*/A. Around half of leavers progress to Oxbridge, Ivy League universities or equivalent global institutions.
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<h2 id="h.ol4ov5ssvl8g" class="c5">King’s College School, Wimbledon</h2>
Type: &nbsp;Boys’ Independent Senior School (co-educational Sixth Form) Fees:&nbsp;£10,319–£10,410 per term 
Founded by Royal Charter in 1829, King’s College School is one of the capital’s most academically accomplished and intellectually ambitious schools. Educating boys from ages seven to 18 and set beside Wimbledon Common, it places a strong emphasis on character, service and preparation for life beyond school. In 2025, more than 90 per cent of GCSE and IGCSE grades were awarded at grades 9 or 8, while A level results saw 53.6 per cent of grades awarded at A*. IB students achieved an average of 42.2 points.
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<h2 id="h.rhujdm8duik1" class="c5">Putney High School, Putney</h2>
Type: &nbsp;Girls’ Independent Senior School (GDST) Fees:&nbsp;£8,009 per term (Junior); £9,669 per term (Senior) 
Putney High School GDST is one of South West London’s most academically accomplished girls’ schools, pairing strong examination results with a modern values-led approach. Founded in 1893, the school educates girls from ages four through to 18 and is widely regarded for producing confident, articulate and intellectually curious young women. Sport is a particular strength, with rowing, netball, lacrosse and athletics prominent, while wellbeing is embedded across school life through innovative design and environmental programmes. In 2025, A level results saw 43 per cent of grades awarded at A*, with 79 per cent at A*–A and 94 per cent at A*–B.
As schooling moves into the latter half of the decade, parents are increasingly looking beyond results alone. Across South West London, schools are responding by placing greater emphasis on wellbeing, digital literacy, environmental awareness and preparation for pathways that are no longer linear. For families choosing between the area’s preparatory and senior schools, the focus is shifting towards institutions that combine academic security with the flexibility and breadth needed to support pupils from early years through to adulthood.
&nbsp;
{% module_block module "widget_8a0c0990-b78c-4c09-acd5-bdd5bb7684bc" %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_group" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[{"Line_1":"Best Schools in South West London","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/schools-in-south-west-london/","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/schools-in-south-west-london/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Best Secondary Schools in South West London","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/secondary-schools-in-south-west-london/","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/secondary-schools-in-south-west-london/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Why South West London’s Schools Are Attracting UHNW Families","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/why-south-west-londons-schools-attracting-uhnw-families/","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/why-south-west-londons-schools-attracting-uhnw-families/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}},{"Line_1":"Best Independant Schools in Putney","link_field":{"no_follow":false,"open_in_new_tab":false,"rel":"","sponsored":false,"url":{"content_id":null,"href":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/schools-in-putney/","href_with_scheme":"https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/schools-in-putney/","type":"EXTERNAL"},"user_generated_content":false}}]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"Heading":"text","field_group":"group","styles":"group"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}112029994949{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/Common_Modules/Modules/AMAL - Internal Link Posts"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}{{ include_custom_fonts({"__BentonSans_2d01b9":["Light","Regular"],"FreightBig":["Regular"]}) }}

Discover the best preparatory, primary and senior independent schools in South West London, covering fees, ethos and academic outcomes across <a data-insert="true"></a><a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/south-west-london/wandsworth/" rel="noopener"></a>Wandsworth, <a class="c10" href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/battersea-things-to-do/">Battersea</a>, <a class="c10" href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/living-in-clapham-south-london/">Clapham</a>, <a class="c10" href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/south-west-london/wimbledon/">Wimbledon</a>&nbsp;and <a class="c10" href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/south-west-london/putney/">Putney</a>.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Knightsbridge

Discover Knightsbridge's charm! Explore elite boutique hotels offering personalized luxury, fine dining, & unique style near Harrods & V&A.

A Guide to Boutique Hotels in Knightsbridge

With Harrods at its centre and some of London’s most recognisable museums within walking distance, Knightsbridge is a neighbourhood with grand buildings, diplomatic addresses and retail that sets the global standard.
Amongst the larger landmark hotels, there are smaller establishments that take a different approach. Boutique hotels in Knightsbridge offer personalised design, strong dining options, and in an area of London known for luxury, these are the properties that make it feel personal.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/boutique%20hotels%20knightsbridge.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="boutique hotels knightsbridge" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
<h2>The Franklin</h2>
Just a short stroll from <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/harrods-the-home-of-the-best-luxury-brands-in-london/" rel="noopener">Harrods</a> and the <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/victoria-and-albert-museum-london/" rel="noopener">Victoria and Albert Museum</a>, The Franklin London occupies four Victorian townhouses. Originally built in the late 19th century and reopened after a full refurbishment in 2016, it operates under the Starhotels Collezione banner as a five-star address with a strong identity of its own. Inside, designer Anouska Hempel has created interiors that recall a gilded era, with embroidered furnishings and Venetian stone floors that nod to London’s aristocratic past.
The Franklin offers 35 rooms and suites; each filled with natural light and many overlooking the streets of <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/knightsbridge/" rel="noopener">Knightsbridge</a> or the green of the private gardens opposite. Deluxe rooms have Penhaligon’s bathroom amenities, Illy espresso coffee machines, and also offer a shoe shine service, turndown service and a choice of complimentary newspapers delivered to the room. The height of The Franklin’s offering is the Presidential Suite. With a large sitting area, walk-in wardrobe, and bold blue walls decorated with hand-painted clouds, the suite has been described as an ‘oasis of calm.’
The Franklin Restaurant is led by a Michelin-recognised kitchen serving seasonal menus from Italian heritage and Mediterranean influences. Next door, the bar offers seating for cocktails or champagne, with décor that references classic English lounge culture. Other amenities include a standard 24-hour gym with a hammam and spa, and personalised concierge services which can arrange everything from private museum tours to city excursions. Between its townhouse setting, Hempel’s interiors and a restaurant with culinary credibility, The Franklin delivers five-star standards without losing personality.
&nbsp;
<h2>Knightsbridge Hotel</h2>
On Beaufort Gardens just behind Brompton Road, Knightsbridge Hotel is one of Firmdale Hotels’ smaller London properties and perhaps one of its most characterful. Inside, British designer Kit Kemp’s signature style comes to the fore with guest areas featuring warm colours, bold upholstery and a collection of British art.
The 44 rooms and suites are equally colourfully designed. Oversized floral headboards, ottomans and bright artwork add vibrancy to the bedrooms which feature queen-sized beds, writing desks and granite and oak bathrooms. The suites include vintage chandeliers, large seating areas, double basins in the bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the trees of Beaufort Gardens.
The drawing room acts as the reception, lounge and afternoon tea space, whilst a small honesty bar encourages guests to treat the hotel as their own. Dining is limited to breakfast, afternoon tea and room service, but the surrounding streets more than compensate. The Knightsbridge Hotel stands out as much at its décor, and is like staying in a well-positioned London home, with impeccable taste.
&nbsp;
<h2>The Cadogan</h2>
Overlooking Cadogan Place Gardens on Sloane Street, The Cadogan occupies a building which dates to the late nineteenth century and is part of the Cadogan Estate. The hotel is firmly embedded within London’s literary history, as its most famous anecdote remains Oscar Wilde’s arrest in Room 118 in 1895. The dark green doors open onto a grand wooden staircase, with the hotel’s communal areas arranged around the spectacular entrance hall.
The rooms have minibars with British treats, marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, and many overlook the private Cadogan Place Gardens to which guests enjoy exclusive access. There are two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites with park views, and The Cadogan Penthouse sits at the top of the offering with panoramic views, a huge circular dining area and its own private entertaining space.
In Spring 2026, The Cadogan is set to open its new British bistro within the hotel, promising meticulously crafted menus by Executive Chef Michael Turner. In the meantime, breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks are served in the hotel’s lounge during the refurbishment. Guests are given exclusive access to Cadogan Place Gardens, and the hotel includes a fitness studio and offers private training sessions and in-room spa treatments. For art lovers, the hotel itself showcases an extensive art collection; however, guests also receive privileged access to many of London’s key art galleries and museums. With its literary past, garden access and sense of style, The Cadogan is a boutique hotel with a story or two to tell.
&nbsp;
<h2>The Hari</h2>
Located on Chesham Place between Knightsbridge and <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/belgravia/" rel="noopener">Belgravia</a>, The Hari prides itself on being London’s most sustainable boutique hotel. With a focus on environmental, social and economic sustainability, The Hari offers an energy-conscious stay and has been recognised as the seventh most sustainable hotel in the world.
The hotel has 85 designer bedrooms with king-size beds, bold white Arabescato marble&nbsp;bathrooms, and views of the Chesham Place Garden. The Hari also has a choice of 14 suites. The Library Suite has two private balconies; The Lockhart Suite has a separate living area, feature fireplace and private library; and located on the top floor of the building, The Hari Suite has three private balconies and a one-of-a-kind black marble guest bathroom.
Guests can enjoy an all-day dining menu, Afternoon Tea, or ethically sourced drinks and spirits in The Hari Bar &amp; Terrace which functions as the social anchor, particularly when the retractable roof allows for al fresco seating. Reservations are also available at il Pampero, the hotel’s restaurant which embodies Italian chic and vintage glamour. Wellness is covered through a 24-hour gym and personal training options, and the hotel also offers in-room services such as jet lag recovery treatments. Committed to sustainability, The Hari offers a more eco-conscious stay in Knightsbridge.
All of these hotels sit within easy reach of Hyde Park, the museums and the retail heart of the district, whilst maintaining their own identity whether that be history, sustainability, or art. In a neighbourhood that rarely lacks options, these boutique hotels stand out not for size, but for offering a more tailored way to stay in one of <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/most-expensive-postcode-in-london/" rel="noopener">London’s most established postcodes</a>.
&nbsp;
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With Harrods at its centre and some of London’s most recognisable museums within walking distance, Knightsbridge is a neighbourhood with grand buildings, diplomatic addresses and retail that sets the global standard.

Best Private Dining Rooms in Marylebone

Discover the best private dining Marylebone has to offer, from elegant hotel dining rooms to glass - fronted garden pavilions and renowned restaurants - all within a few charming central London streets.

Marylebone has no shortage of restaurants, but it's the private dining scene that sets the neighbourhood apart from its central London counterparts. Within a few compact streets, diners can find everything from elegant hotel dining rooms to glass-fronted garden pavilions and famous restaurants.
The area caters as easily to corporate lunches as it does to wedding suppers, milestone birthdays and gatherings, with venues offering menus and layouts that range from rooms for ten to full-venue takeovers extending well beyond a hundred.
In this guide, we pick out five of the best private-dining restaurants in the neighbourhood that are all well-suited to marking an occasion.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/private-dining-marylebone.jpg" width="1000" height="667" loading="lazy" alt="private-dining-marylebone" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;">
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">The Royal Oak Marylebone</h2>
The Royal Oak has become a reliable fixture for those seeking a venue with both character and flexibility, offering one of the most versatile private-dining spaces in the area. Its upstairs dining room, framed by large windows and pale wood floors, provides a space that functions as a blank canvas but with enough personality to make an event feel grounded and well-hosted.
The space accommodates up to 32 guests seated and around 40 for standing events, adaptable for everything from celebratory dinners to work functions, meetings, pop-ups and supper clubs, helped in part by the pub’s additional second kitchen. For larger occasions, the entire pub can also be hired exclusively.
The kitchen is able to create bespoke menus ranging from canapés to full three-course meals, drawing on a menu that runs from smoked salmon with cucumber and potato bread to ham hock sausage rolls, pearl barley risotto, lemon sole and a line-up of elevated pub classics.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">The Greenhouses at The One</h2>
The Greenhouses has quickly become one of London’s more distinctive private-dining concepts, offering a series of standalone glass pavilions across two locations — the grounds of One Marylebone and a newer outpost in the City. Each space is individually designed and softly lit, ranging from a tiny two-seater ‘Lovers Greenhouse’ to larger rooms that can accommodate up to 32 guests.
Rather than operating as conventional function rooms, the greenhouses serve as intimate dining settings for breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and evening events built around a Middle Eastern–inspired sharing menu. The business model is simple: guests book a specific greenhouse and experience and, instead of paying hire fees, events run on a minimum spend. The Marylebone site offers four greenhouses with menus beginning at around £55 per person, with longer dining experiences from £75, and the spaces are supported by an in-house events team who tailor menus, styling and extras such as florals, music, photography or brand activations.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">108 Brasserie</h2>
Just off Marylebone Lane, 108 Brasserie offers one of the neighbourhood’s more inviting settings for private dining, pairing the buzz of its main restaurant with a handful of well-considered spaces tucked discreetly behind it. The smallest room, seating up to 12, carries the same warm, modern-classic aesthetic as the brasserie itself and works well for relaxed gatherings or low-key celebrations.
For occasions that call for more space, the dining room opens into The Salon, an elegant and gently theatrical room influenced by 19th-century St Petersburg, which can host up to 50 guests. A second private room nearby seats up to 16 and is often used for business lunches or more intimate dinners.
Menus draw on the kitchen’s globally inspired brasserie style; the £75 private-dining menu might begin with burrata dressed with figs and London honey or a bright tuna ceviche, before moving on to dishes such as roasted organic salmon, grass-fed ribeye with béarnaise, or a squash and pearl barley risotto. Outside of private events, 108 Brasserie remains a firm neighbourhood fixture, known for its all-day menu, generous Sunday roasts and monthly jazz brunch, all supported by a bar stocked with signature cocktails, its own 108 gin and an extensive wine list.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">Sunday in Brooklyn Marylebone</h2>
Bringing a touch of New York hospitality to St Christopher’s Place, Sunday in Brooklyn has become a popular choice for private dining in <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/marylebone/" rel="noopener">Marylebone</a>, offering a collection of rooms well-suited for everything from corporate breakfasts to wedding suppers. The restaurant’s largest space, the Dining Room, has its own entrance off Gee’s Court and seats up to 60 guests, with views into a private kitchen where chefs prepare dishes for cocktail receptions or set-menu events.
Smaller gatherings can opt for the Metropolitan or Bedford Rooms, each seating 16 and styled with Brooklyn in mind, the latter complete with its own bar. The two rooms can be combined for groups of up to 26–32 seated and, for even more privacy, the Wythe Room offers seating for 11 and includes a TV for presentations or screenings. The entire venue can also be hired exclusively, spanning two floors with an outdoor terrace, open kitchen and multiple bars, allowing for large-scale events, conferences or parties for up to 180 guests.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">Nobu Portman Square</h2>
Nobu’s private dining spaces offer one of the area’s more polished venues for hosting and special occasions, combining the restaurant’s signature minimalism with the sense of ceremony that comes from dining at one of the world’s most recognisable names.
The two private rooms sit just off the main restaurant and are framed by floor-to-ceiling glass. The smaller room seats up to 30 guests, while the larger accommodates 60, and the two can be joined for events that require scale without losing the intimacy of a private setting. Guests dine from a series of curated set menus that bring together Nobu classics , dishes such as tuna sashimi salad, yellowtail jalapeño, black cod miso and beef tenderloin with anticucho, alongside more elaborate multi-course menus running up to £295 per person.
Each space offers something slightly different, but all share a commitment to hosting and well-considered food. It’s this that makes Marylebone such a reliable choice for events of every kind, from boardroom lunches to birthday dinners.
&nbsp;
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Marylebone has no shortage of restaurants, but it's the private dining scene that sets the neighbourhood apart from its central London counterparts. Within a few compact streets, diners can find everything from elegant hotel dining rooms to glass-fronted garden pavilions and famous restaurants.

The Best Things to Do in Oxford - England’s Historic College City

Explore the best things to do in Oxford, from historic colleges and dreaming spires to iconic landmarks, literary legends, cobbled streets and scenic riverside views.

The celebrated poet Matthew Arnold often referred to Oxford as the “City of Dreaming Spires”, deriving the moniker from the many celebrated academic colleges that make up most of the city centre. Oxford is synonymous with the very highest levels of education, as one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Such a pedigree is exemplified by the architectural splendour that envelops much of the city, from the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library to the elegant Georgian terrace houses in areas like Jericho and Summer Town.

The city’s origins trace back to the 8th century, with formal recognition as a centre of learning emerging by the 12th century, marking the foundation of the university’s first colleges. Over the centuries that followed, the city became a magnet for scholars from around the world, nurturing minds such as John Locke, Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Oscar Wilde. Today, Oxford’s historic colleges, cobbled streets and riverside views make it one of the most compelling destinations in the UK for a city break. But there is far more to this city than learning alone.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/best%20things%20to%20do%20in%20oxford.jpg" width="1600" height="900" loading="lazy" alt="best things to do in oxford" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1600px;">
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">Christ Church College </h2>
Arguably the most famous of Oxford’s 39 colleges, Christ Church was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII. It stands as both a landmark for peerless education and a somewhat unwitting shrine to pop culture. Its signature stonework looks fittingly ancient, from the cloisters in the narrow courtyard entrance to each flawless step up through the Great Hall with its imperious stained-glass windows. It has a cathedral-like quality, and it is no wonder that it captured the minds of location scouts for a certain film series following the life of a young wizard – Harry Potter.
Many colleges throughout <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/oxfordshire/oxford/" rel="noopener">Oxford</a> have served as location doubles for both interiors and exteriors for Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films, and Christ Church is no exception. Several famous scenes from the earlier movies were filmed here, including the entrance to Hogwarts Great Hall, shot on the staircase leading into Christ Church’s very own. Speaking of other notable architecture, the college’s chapel is a masterpiece of <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/gothic-architecture/" rel="noopener">Gothic architecture</a>, and well worth stopping by. The connecting river walk that loops handily around the outer meadow is a must for a bright sunny day, to truly appreciate the setting of this magnificent site in all its splendour.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">The Ashmolean Museum </h2>
Founded in 1683, The Ashmolean Museum holds the distinction of being the world’s first university museum, and its vast collection spans continents and millennia, bringing together art, archaeology and antiquities in extraordinary depth. Egyptian mummies, Renaissance paintings, Greek sculptures and Asian ceramics all sit under one roof as part of its masterful collection of ancient and exquisite artefacts, many of which were once the personal property of the museum’s founder, Oxford Noble, Astrologer, politician and collector, Elias Ashmole.
Highlights include works by Michelangelo, Raphael and Turner, as well as the Alfred Jewel, an exquisite, golden Anglo-Saxon artefact. The museum’s archaeological collections trace human civilisation from prehistoric times through the ancient worlds of Egypt, Nubia, Rome and the Far East. The museum feels like a spiritual sibling to the <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/the-journal/best-museums-in-london/" rel="noopener">British Museum of London</a>, with an equally impressive collection of Mummies and artefacts from more than 5000 years ago. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy day or a welcome break from touring the colleges, doing something more engaging.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">College Tours of Oxford</h2>
While Christ Church stands out as a worthy entry in its own right, the broader tapestry of Oxford colleges is equally compelling, especially for big fans of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter who are keen to explore more filming locations. Each college has its own character, history and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Founded in 1458, Magdalen College is renowned for its stunning riverside setting and its Deer Park, where fallow deer have grazed for centuries. Its Great Tower offers sweeping views over the city from above its medieval walls.
At Balliol College, founded in the 13th century, celebrated alumni include influential thinkers such as political theorist Adam Smith and television presenter Michael Palin. Its gardens and quads provide a quiet contrast to the bustling streets just beyond its gates. Meanwhile, New College, which, despite the name, was actually established in 1379, boasts a richly decorated chapel and cloisters that feel almost monastic in quality. Directly outside the chapel lies yet another iconic Harry Potter set from the fourth film in the franchise, where Professor Moody turns Draco Malfoy into a ferret. Some tours even give out commemorative wands for those participating to mark the occasion.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">Take a Punt on the River Cherwell </h2>
No visit to Oxford is complete without experiencing the classic city pastime of punting on the River Cherwell. This gentle river winds its way through college meadows and past historic boathouses, offering a relaxing and unrivalled perspective of the city. Boating is synonymous with Oxford, with every college having its own rowing team, and forming an elite squad to take on rivals Cambridge at the annual boat race that’s known around the world, as well as the May Day celebrations, which see the waterways clogged with boats every spring.
Punting is a full-body activity, with no small amount of technique required to ensure your vessel remains on course, and whilst this is relaxing once one has the hang of it, it can be taxing. For those who prefer a guided experience, chauffeurs are on hand during peak season to steer and share local tidbits of history, as you glide gracefully past swans and ducks. It’s something of an unofficial tradition to enjoy a picnic or a pitcher of Pimms and lemonade whilst punting round the waterways of Oxford, and during summer, there’s no better way to bob along under the warm sunshine.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="line-height: 1;">Climb Carfax Tower </h2>
For a stunning panorama of Oxford’s iconic spire-dotted skyline, Carfax Tower is the best view in the city. Perched athistorical crossroads in the middle of the historic centre, this medieval tower is all that remains of the 12th-century St Martin’s Church, and is one of the city’s most visited attractions. A fairly straightforward climb up the tower’s narrow stairs is rewarded with panoramic views over a maze of spires and rooftops.
On a clear day, one can see for miles, with landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library easily viewable, and more views stretching on as far as Headington Hill and the Oxford Canal too. The tower’s clock chimes on the quarter hour, a tradition continued from the old church, making it a distinctive sound in Oxford. The clock features mechanical figures called "quarterboys" dressed as Roman soldiers that strike two bells every 15 minutes, and were installed as part of the tower's 1899 clock restoration, giving it a unique appeal for budding horologists visiting the city.
&nbsp;
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The celebrated poet Matthew Arnold often referred to Oxford as the “City of Dreaming Spires”, deriving the moniker from the many celebrated academic colleges that make up most of the city centre. Oxford is synonymous with the very highest levels of education, as one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Such a pedigree is exemplified by the architectural splendour that envelops much of the city, from the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library to the elegant Georgian terrace houses in areas like Jericho and Summer Town.

What to Wear for the Chelsea Flower Show 2026

Planning a visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026? Discover what to wear, from practical footwear to stylish layers for London’s iconic garden event.

Few dates are as firmly inked into the British social calendar as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It remains the most influential international flower show in the world and one of London’s most widely photographed springtime events. In 2026, the show returns to the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 19–23 May, with extended public opening hours on selected days and the ever-popular Chelsea Late evening opening. Guests can expect boundary-pushing contemporary garden design, trend-setting planting schemes that set the tone for seasons ahead and a crowd that understands the authority of a well-chosen outfit.
Below is a practical guide on what to expect, what exactly to pack and how to dress for 2026.
<img src="https://146414706.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/146414706/chelsea%20flower%20show.jpg" width="1000" height="750" loading="lazy" alt="chelsea flower show" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 1000px;"> 
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">The Dress Code</h2>
There is no official dress code, but <a href="https://sothebysrealty.co.uk/area-guides/london/chelsea/" rel="noopener">Chelsea</a> operates by collective instinct over written instruction. The look is polished, practical and confident clothing that respects the long-established heritage of the show while standing up to extended hours on grass, gravel and temporary walkways.
Chelsea style is best described as an elegant country garden party aesthetic. Formal wear feels misjudged and anything too casual looks immediately out of place. The aim is high-quality clothing that is outdoor-suitable yet still reads as considered and intentional.
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">The Guiding Principles:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Polished, never formal – relaxed tailoring, natural fibres and refined finishes in place of overt occasionwear</li>
<li>Practical designed pieces meant to be worn, walked in and lived in comfortably throughout the day</li>
<li>Comfortable over a full day, with built-in ease of movement for walking, standing and navigating busy show gardens</li>
<li>Weather-aware, with adaptable layers that can be added or removed as conditions change </li>
</ul>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Footwear</h2>
If there is one absolute non-negotiable item at Chelsea, it is footwear. Even RHS show managers emphasise robust, sensible shoes and with good reason. Wet grass, loose gravel paths, uneven ground and extended periods on your feet place real demands on what you wear below the ankle.
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">What Shoes Must Do</h3>
<ul>
<li>Be well-worn and familiar, never brand new or untested</li>
<li>Handle grass, gravel and uneven ground with stability and grip</li>
<li>Offer discreet structural support without appearing technical or sporty</li>
<li>Remain comfortable from early-morning entry through late-afternoon wandering</li>
<li>Withstand light rain, morning dew and damp ground without compromise</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Shoes That Work Well</h3>
<ul>
<li>Leather walking shoes with clean lines, cushioned soles and understated detailing</li>
<li>Low-heeled Chelsea boots in treated or softly grained leather for support and versatility</li>
<li>Loafers or brogues with substance, suitable only in genuinely dry conditions</li>
<li>Refined waterproof ankle boots that balance practical performance with elegant proportions</li>
</ul>
Light-coloured shoes show mud instantly, while thin-soled fashion flats fatigue quickly. Even wedges and block heels struggle on grass and slopes – they look appropriate until you start walking.
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Shoes to Avoid</h3>
<ul>
<li>High heels of any kind, including wedges or block heels</li>
<li>Sandals or open-toed styles unsuited to grass and gravel</li>
<li>Unstructured ballet flats with minimal support</li>
<li>Anything brand new or insufficiently broken in</li>
</ul>
Comfort is not optional at Chelsea; it underpins the entire day.
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Dressing for Variable May Weather</h2>
London in May can deliver sunshine, wind and rain within the same afternoon. Successful Chelsea outfits rely on strategic layering, not optimism.
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Base Layer: Breathable and Flexible</h3>
<h4 style="line-height: 1.8;">Women</h4>
<ul>
<li>Long-sleeve tops or blouses in cotton, linen or fine merino for temperature control</li>
<li>Shirt dresses or midis that move easily and sit clear of damp ground</li>
<li>Tailored trousers or knee-length skirts cut for comfort and ease</li>
<li>Darker tones that wear well outdoors and disguise marks</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="line-height: 1.8;">Men</h4>
<ul>
<li>Long-sleeve button-down shirts or fine-gauge polos</li>
<li>Chinos or moleskins in classic neutral shades</li>
<li>Denim only if soft, dark and well broken in</li>
</ul>
Choose natural, breathable fabrics that regulate temperature and remain comfortable if damp.
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Mid-layer: Adaptable Warmth</h3>
This layer comes on and off throughout the day.
Reliable options include:
<ul>
<li>Lightweight knits in merino or cotton for warmth without bulk</li>
<li>Soft cardigans that layer easily and can be removed throughout the day</li>
<li>Gilets or understated quilted vests for warmth while maintaining mobility</li>
<li>Quarter-zips in muted, classic shades appropriate to the setting</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Outer Layer: Waterproof Protection</h3>
A waterproof jacket is essential – umbrellas are less practical in crowds.
Look For:
<ul>
<li>Genuine waterproofing, rather than simple shower resistance</li>
<li>Breathable construction suitable for long periods outdoors</li>
<li>A hood </li>
<li>Neutral or heritage colours that sit comfortably with tailoring</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Accessories</h2>
Chelsea accessories should work hard without asking for attention.
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Bags</h3>
<ul>
<li>Compact crossbody bags or small backpacks that allow hands-free movement</li>
<li>Structured, weather-resistant materials suitable for outdoor use</li>
<li>Avoid oversized or delicate handbags that become impractical in crowds</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Scarves</h3>
<ul>
<li>Silk or lightweight wool for warmth and understated colour</li>
<li>Functional, tonal pieces that are easy to layer or stow away</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Sunglasses</h3>
<ul>
<li>As practical as they are aesthetic</li>
<li>Useful even on overcast days to reduce glare from pale planting and gravel</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Hats</h3>
<ul>
<li>Straw hats, Panamas and modest brims commonly worn at the show</li>
<li>Avoid oversized, race-day styles that block views in crowded areas</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Outfit Formulas </h2>
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Classic Chelsea (most common)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Tailored trousers or a midi skirt</li>
<li>Long-sleeve shirt or blouse</li>
<li>Lightweight knit</li>
<li>Waterproof jacket</li>
<li>Leather walking shoes</li>
<li>Crossbody bag and scarf</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Country Elegant</h3>
<ul>
<li>Knee-length dress or skirt</li>
<li>Structured blazer or refined country jacket</li>
<li>Ankle boots or brogues</li>
<li>Waterproof layer carried rather than worn</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="line-height: 1.8;">Smart Modern</h3>
<ul>
<li>Stretch travel trousers with a tailored line</li>
<li>Merino top or polo</li>
<li>Modern blazer</li>
<li>Sleek waterproof jacket</li>
<li>Cushioned leather trainers or shoes</li>
</ul>
Chelsea welcomes individuality, but the most successful outfits are those where quality, comfort and confidence truly lead the way.
As the RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns in 2026, it will once again set the agenda for garden design, planting innovation and outdoor living for the year ahead. With a full programme of Show Gardens, Artisan Gardens and Great Pavilion displays, visitors can expect a full-day experience that rewards careful planning. Dressing with comfort and consideration allows time to focus on what matters most, which is engaging with designers, growers and ideas that will shape gardens and wardrobes.
&nbsp;
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Few dates are as firmly inked into the British social calendar as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It remains the most influential international flower show in the world and one of London’s most widely photographed springtime events. In 2026, the show returns to the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 19–23 May, with extended public opening hours on selected days and the ever-popular Chelsea Late evening opening. Guests can expect boundary-pushing contemporary garden design, trend-setting planting schemes that set the tone for seasons ahead and a crowd that understands the authority of a well-chosen outfit.

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Walton-on-Thames

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Wentworth

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Hammersmith

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Westminster

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Part of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Coombe sits between Wimbledon, Kingston, Richmond Park and New Malden.

Coombe

With its historic attractions and sophisticated tree-lined streets, Knightsbridge continues to be one of the most sought-after areas of Prime Central London for luxury real estate, from its listed buildings to its modern serviced residences.

Knightsbridge

Hyde Park sits at the centre of one of London’s most established and desirable residential areas, where grand stucco terraces, garden squares and mews houses surround one of the capital’s best-known green spaces.


Hyde Park

Oxshott is a charming village nestled in the heart of Elmbridge, sitting quietly between the bustling towns of Esher and Leatherhead.



Oxshott

Whether you seek a peaceful retreat or a dynamic urban lifestyle, Buckinghamshire will exceed your expectations. Here’s our guide to exploring all that this enchanting county has to offer.

Buckinghamshire

An elite melting pot of fine dining restaurants, dazzling theatres, designer boutiques, five-
star hotels and private member clubs, Mayfair is a haven for wealthy individuals who like to
prioritise the finer things in life.

Hidden in the heart of central London, Connaught Village is just a stone’s throw from the bustling streets of Oxford Street and the serene expanses of Hyde Park. This elegant neighbourhood captures the essence of what makes London’s village-like pockets so special.



Connaught Village

Guides | Discover expert insights on luxury properties, design, lifestyle, market trends, and the latest company updates from Sotheby's. (13)