Getty Images/Michael Stillwell
Get out your Union Jack memorabilia and dust off those Spice Girls CDs, because Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee is on the horizon. June 2 through 5 is the official weekend dedicated to this royal milestone, and there is a host of activities on offer to commemorate the first 70-year reign of any English sovereign—a number of hotels, restaurants, and country estates are serving up exciting destination packages timed to the jubilee. So whether you’re looking for a fabulous meal close to Buckingham Palace or a glamorous afternoon tea service in the countryside, we’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate in London and beyond. Cheerio!
1
Salute the Union Jack at Claridge’s
Dubbed the “annex of Buckingham Palace” by those in the know, Claridge’s has delved back through its archives to unearth and display some of its historic royal treasures, ranging from the original Claridge’s Coronation Day menus from 1953 to entries from Queen Victoria’s diaries.
2
Go Country at Coworth Park
Only a few minutes from Windsor Castle, Coworth Park happens to be where princes Harry and William both spent the nights before their weddings. This is the only hotel in the U.K. with its own polo grounds, so a visit provides opportunities to enjoy some of the queen’s favorite pastimes: leisurely walks through wildflower meadows, horseback riding on one of many trails, and endless hours of polo matches.
3
Take High Tea at the Rubens at the Palace
Just opposite the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, the Rubens at the Palace will offer its Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea all summer long. Expect a six-course experience inspired by Her Majesty’s favorites, celebrating the queen’s love for the good things in life: gin, chocolate, and lemon curd.
4
Tuck In at the Milestone Hotel & Residences
The five-star Milestone Hotel & Residences, near Kensington Gardens, is commemorating the Platinum Jubilee with its brand-new two-night royal package, offering guests a series of exclusive experiences that include a private tour of Kensington Palace, a private visit to the Royal Heritage Jewelers, and a recital by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
5
Break Biscuits at the Berkeley
The Berkeley hotel will present a special Prêt-à-Portea that commemorates the “ultimate fashionista” with three special creations; available through June 12, each represents one of Her Majesty’s most iconic fashion signatures. Guests will also get to enjoy an accompanying cocktail (or mocktail).
6
Enjoy the Suite Life at the Lanesborough
The Lanesborough, a masterpiece property of the Oetker Collection, is one of London’s premier addresses, with private suites that celebrate the best in British craftsmanship and period detailing. To rest and recuperate after a weekend of festivities, the Lanesborough Club & Spa is offering the Queen for the Day pampering special, after which guests can indulge in the Bridgerton Jubilee Afternoon Tea, served in the Club & Spa Restaurant with a glass of rosé Champagne.
7
Take Tipples at the Dorchester
A royal purple cocktail inspired by the four territories of the United Kingdom, the Purple Reign was created by the award-winning team at the Bar at the Dorchester specially for the Platinum Jubilee. We’ll drink to that!
8
Keep Calm and Carry On at 11 Cadogan Gardens
11 Cadogan Gardens is the ultimate city escape, a boutique hotel—the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in London proper—comprising four elegant townhouses. It’s offering a special Sovereign Suites package for the weekend, with guests treated to Jubilee cocktails on arrival, followed by a Jubilee Afternoon Tea and a complimentary suite upgrade.
9
Steep Yourself in History at Gleneagles
Scotland’s Gleneagles features the exclusive Ultimate Jubilee Package, a five-day itinerary that whisks travelers from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh to the rolling hills and glens of Perthshire, all the while immersing guests in the fascinating life and legacy of the royal family.
10
Perch Your Pup at the Langham
The Langham, London will host a variety of celebrations in honor of the queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Frequented by numerous royals over the years, the Regent Street hotel will be adorned in bunting and will serve guests and passersby soft-serve ice cream, iced tea, and pink lemonade from a special trolley at the front of the hotel. The cherry on top, though, is the complimentary meals and drinks for four-legged friends and their owners, available on-site at the Wigmore bar.
11
Situate Yourself at the Stafford
A boutique hotel in prestigious St. James’s, the Stafford London allows guests to immerse themselves right in the middle of the celebrations. The hotel will host a barbecue in its courtyard, with libations provided by English Nyetimer. Guests can also reserve the Stafford Park Suite’s stunning private terrace, with unparalleled views of London’s most iconic landmarks—an ideal place to relax and feel like a queen yourself while watching the queen’s birthday parade (Trooping the Colour) and Royal Air Force flypast.
12
Steal This Idea from Shangri-La the Shard
This month, the Shangri-La the Shard will reveal its biggest decor transformation ever, unveiling a royal extravaganza in collaboration with McQueens Flowers. Upon entering the hotel’s foyer, visitors will be welcomed by a 13-foot-tall sculpture that pays homage to the queen’s stamp motif. Keep your selfie sticks at the ready!
13
Imbibe at the Beaumont
The Beaumont’s Le Magritte Bar will have a special Jubilee cocktail on offer, made with very English ingredients: Keepr’s English Raspberry and Honey Gin, King’s Ginger Liqueur, and English sparkling wine. Guests can raise a glass to the opening of the hotel’s new terrace overlooking Brown Hart Gardens.
14
Enjoy Coronation Consommé at the Goring
The closest hotel to Buckingham Palace, the five-star luxury hotel Goring has been a royal favorite for many years, securing a Royal Warrant in 2013—the only hotel to have been so awarded—and counting among its guests the Duchess of Cambridge, who stayed here the night before her wedding. They’re celebrating with special teas, cocktails, and a coronation-inspired menu.
15
Take a Platinum-Themed Tea at Cliveden House
A historic National Trust country house, Cliveden House is just 40 minutes from London, set on 376 acres of Grade I–listed formal gardens with panoramic views over the river Thames. They’re commemorating the Platinum Jubilee with a fabulous platinum-themed tea service—alongside a cleverly adapted vegan menu. Talk about being treated like royalty!
