CareFree
London Tours

July - August 2012 Olympics 2012

May - October Modern Britain. Britain was being "lost in a deep provincial sleep". Design Museum exhibition traces the history of Britain's awakening. Translating Nature till October The great mavericks of twentieth century design are represented here. Art school training supplemented by studies in aerodynamics, artists' own style of boldly sculptured forms that spilled from cars to aircraft, and then into furniture and industrial objects.

May - October' Florence Nightingale Museum. Despite rejection by the authorities in London she travelled independently to the Crimea and the exhibition shows how she helped to improve the sanitary hospital conditions in various parts of the world, helped and set up the British Hotel near Balaclava, not far from the frontline of the fighting.

January - October Handel House Museum. 'Handel stories behind eighteenth century super-opera-stars.

January - December Imperial War Museum. The exhibition tells the fascinating story of the part played by animals in twentieth century conflict from the First World War to the present day. Their roles have ranged from carrying vital messages and supplies, to rescuing air raid victims and assisting with reconnaissance.

September - March Institute for Contemporary Arts, celebration of bizarre and debatable British art.

September - December Natural History Museum. Some of the most prestigious and successful events of its kind in the world. It is open to amateur and professionals alike.

September - December National Archives Kew Celebrating Britain’s most famous engineers, inventors and Inventions: Patents, Protest and Power in the Industrial Revolution, 1750-1890. Genius such as: Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859) drove the expansion of domestic and international travel by designing and constructing railways, bridges, tunnels, and ships during the Industrial Revolution. In agriculture: Richard Arkwright’s Specification for the Spinning Frame. Edmund Cartwright and his Specification for Loom for Weaving. James Hargreaves with his Specification for Spinning, Drawing, and Twisting Cotton. Public health and sanitation: Joseph Bramah’s Specification for his Water Closet. Transport: George and Robert Stephenson’s various Specifications for Improvements to Locomotive Engines. for communications: Charles Wheatstone and William Fothergill Cooke with a copy of their ABC Telegraph Transmitter. A working model of the telegraph machine. Eadweard Muybridge with projected images from his Zoopraxiscope machine. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

May - December National Gallery. 70 Impressionists showing painted landscapes exploring composition, paint handling and pictorial structure in innovative new ways.

September - December Dutch Portraits: The Age of Rembrandt and Frans Hals. It will include some 60 works, all painted between 1600 and 1680. Exhibits range from small, individual portraits meant for the private home to the large-scale group portraits of members of charitable institutions and civic guards. Following its independence from Spain in the 17th century, the Dutch Republic experienced an era of unprecedented wealth, the so-called 'Golden Age.'

October - January Renaissance Siena: Art for a City. This section offers the first opportunity in the UK to see Sienese Renaissance works of art in the artistic, cultural and political context of the volatile last century of the Sienese Republic. While the painting of Trecento Siena is universally admired, the art produced during the later 15th and early 16th centuries is much less well known, especially outside Italy. See the bravura techniques and virtuoso inventiveness of two of the greatest Sienese artists of this period, Francesco di Giorgio and Domenico Beccafumi, alongside many of their contemporaries. Around one hundred beautiful paintings, sculptures, drawings, manuscripts and ceramics will be included in the exhibition. Major loans from private and public collections across Europe and America will be displayed alongside the exceptional Sienese paintings in the National Gallery's own collection - works by Matteo di Giovanni, Francesco di Giorgio, Benvenuto di Giovanni, the Master of the Legend of Griselda, Signorelli, Pintoricchio and Beccafumi.

November - February Renaissance Stained Glass. Many of the 15th- and early 16th-century German paintings in the National Gallery have been removed from the ecclesiastical contexts for which they were designed. Frequently these settings also included brilliantly coloured, boldly designed and exquisitely made stained glass windows.

January - December National Portrait Gallery Deep analysis of portraits such as the one of Lucian Freud (1922 – 2011) who was one of the most important and influential artists of his generation. He always wanted to create drama in his pictures, which is why he painted people and the simplest human gestures spanning over seventy years focus on portraiture. The National Portrait Gallery produce fantastic presentations, in close collaboration with artists, concentrating on particular periods and groups of sitters and illustrating their stylistic development and technical virtuosity. Insightful paintings and photos of the artists, their friends and family, demonstrating the psychological drama and unrelenting observational intensity of a profile.

February - November The Queen's Gallery, images of past generations of members of the Royal Family detailed to a remarkable degree by the organisers.

August Royal Academy.Summer Exhibition - The largest open submission contemporary art exhibition with a tradition of work by unknown and emerging artists and established names. It attracts about 9,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, prints and architectural models. Many of the works are for sale from a limited edition print to many thousands for major oils and sculptures.

November Photo-London, photography exhibition, works from 50 galleries around the world, covering film and videos

July - September Royal Albert Hall. BBC PROMS the most fantastic concerts of the year. To celebrate life, strength and human spirit. Once again the world's greatest classical music festival, returns with an amazing line-up of the leading orchestras from around the world, wonderful conductors and soloists, the Proms this year celebrate the enduring genius of Shakespeare and the composer anniversaries of Elgar and Sibelius. Other highlights include the climax of the Proms' four-year Wagner Ring Cycle and an innovative evening of Indian and Pakistani music led by the multi award-winning artist Nitin Sawhney.

December Science Museum. Display celebrating the legendary Spitfire aircraft. Also a glimpse of imaginary futures at the Wellcome Wing created out of decisions that you make about uses of new discoveries in genetics, psycology, brain science. Also: Antenna the world first - a constantly-updated exhibition devoted exclusively to science and technology news, some in 3D.

February - October Tate Britain. From around the end of the 18th century, a new current in British art and literature. The exhibition shows groups of artists whose work was to define the Gothic throughout the next two centuries, and whose influence can be clearly seen in the successful central exhibits of the tate own collection of William Blake's sinister engravings, and a large group of other political satires.

June - February Dazzling, evocative and sublime, this exhibition provides an opportunity to see some of JMW Turner’s most spectacular works and use of colour. Usually outnumbered by his grand oil paintings, around 150 of Turner’s beautiful watercolours are displayed, giving a comprehensive view of the artist’s astonishing use of watercolour, his techniques and his influences. At the heart of the exhibition another seminal British artist, David Hockney, presents his own selection of techniques. Hockney on Turner Watercolours. The exhibition tracks Turner's watercolour work through time. From architecture to topography, ideal and historic landscape to nature studies, and finished works to private sketches, the selection reveals Turner's extraordinary range as a watercolourist. At the same time, it shows the development of the virtuoso techniques that enabled him first to paint watercolours that could compete with oil paintings, and later to transform all aspects of his art by their example. The exhibition includes The Blue Rigi c1841–2, Turner's magnificent work which was recently acquired by Tate with the help of the most successful public appeal ever organised.

June - September Tate Modern: More than one hundred works including paintings, photographs, drawings and films by Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) and other artists in an unprecedented exploration of the central role of cinema in his work. Revealing the artist’s cinematic vision across all forms of his prodigious and controversial output.

April - August Some of the most interesting and significant British painters of the post-war period. Many urban and industrial landscapes are on display. This exhibition focuses on the relationships between early and late works.

February - September V & A. New York Fashion: Now focuses on the new wave of talented young designers emerging from New York’s fashion scene. Some of these individuals have quickly established successful careers at a young age; others are up and coming names whose creations are attracting international attention. This display features the work of twenty designers, including Zac Posen, Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler and Mary Ping.

The V & A : Open every Friday until 22.00 for visits of major exhibitions and galleries, enjoying a drink with friends and take part in a range of talks and events. The last Friday of the month will remain Friday Late, the usual themed contemporary event night.

February - December Wallace Collection. New gallery: works of art once owned by or associated with France’s most tragic Queen, Marie-Antoinette. Stunning pieces of furniture, gilt-bronze, paintings and miniatures illustrate and explore the Queen’s taste for elegant furnishings.

February - November Wigmore Hall: Community and Education Events. Exploring many artists literary background, analyse their poems as biographical confessions and discover how many of them form part of novels.

February Rugby Finals May Guinness Premiership Final

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March - April Ideal Home Show, Earls Court I and II. Everything essential to know about refitting your home.

Sundays Antique and Collectors Fair (pigandwhistlepromotions.com)

CHRISTMAS Ice Rinks Open – a chance to wear warm coats and scarves - Pantomime Season – traditional English Theatre - Pubs have often got an open fire roaring - Public transport stop on afternoon of 24th till 26th! After Christmas: Sales including Harrod’s start – bargains galore

Around/Before EASTER Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. The Boat Race. Who is the favourite? Chiswick Steps the best place to be in an event which dates back to 1829. World famous sporting event first held in 1829. The 4¼ mile Thames course from Putney to Mortlake is over three times as long as the Olympic course. The two university crews battle it out to the roars of the crowds lining the river banks. The race will start at 4:30pm.

April Maundy Thursday. This is the last day of Lent and the "maundy" means command and refers to when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper and commanded his disciples to be humble and do likewise. Traditionally English kings and queens have washed the feet of the poor on this day and given out gifts of clothing and food. The Queen nowadays gives out special silver Maundy coins in purses to as many men and women as there are years in her age.

April The Evening Standard Homes & Property Show Business, an important subject for everybody. From London's best-read paper.

April Easter Day.

EASTER Monday London Harness Horse Parade. Horse-drawn carriages in the city centre, huge annual Easter Monday parade of working horses from giant cart horses to sturdy Shetland ponies, all pulling gorgeous old carts, carriages and engines.

April : London Marathon is one of the greatest sporting events of the year. The 26-mile race through the streets of London attracts runners from all over the world, as well as those running for fun or charities

May - October Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Sam Wanamaker's faithful reconstruction of the Globe Theatre was opened by HM the Queen in June 1997. Shakespeare's plays in the round and standing in the open air as it was over 500 years ago.

May Rock'n'Gem Show (rockngem.co.uk) Alexandra Palace Wood Green, London

April - September Lords Cricket Grounds Season

March St Patrick’s Day

May Royal Windsor Horse Show

May Dulwich Festival TBC

May Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppetry festival. Samuel Pepys became the first person to describe a Punch and Judy show, many years ago, the Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppetry Show brings together dozens of puppeteers.

May Pure and Organic Show (pureandorganicshow.co.uk)

May The Playtex Charity MoonWalk . Organised by the Daily Telegraph challenges and opportunities to unite against breast cancer and the first step to better health, fitness and making a difference. This amazing event will be taking place at Hyde Park, London at night! Walk the Walk organise this unique power walking challenge, where all the participants not only wear decorated bras but set off at midnight. You will be joining this dynamic group of people to raise money, raise awareness, get fit and have fun! The event begins with thousands of walkers streaming into Playtex City greeted by Stiltwalkers and our fantastic team of volunteers! Everyone find their own patch of grass to make camp and relaxed into the evening of entertainment and energy before starting on the challenge of either a half or full marathon. Music and entertainment for the participants.

May Thames Bridges Bike Ride. Charity event. 32 mile and 14 bridges cycle ride to raise money for The Stroke Association, 240 City Road. Tower Bridge. Riders registration www.stroke.org.uk/get_involved/fundraising_events

May Royal Chelsea Flower Show. This event attracts the world’s most talented garden designers and show gardens are very creative displaying thousands of plants. The smaller gardens are split into three different categories - the stylish and bold chic gardens, courtyard gardens, which are for rural or semi-rural settings and city gardens, for urban spaces. The exhibitors prepare for the show for months in advance, nurturing and preening plants, moving them from hot to cold temperatures and even wrapping blooms in cotton wool, to make sure they are at their very best for the event and the visitor is never disappointed in spite of the relatively small space available.

May Guiness Premiership Final Twickenham, Rugby. The flagship event of the Premiership season attracts a massive crowd. Another Wasps vs Tigers match? The Leicester team is desperate to avenge last years Lawrence Dallaglio inspired thrashing.

May - June The Premier Event for Search Engine Marketing & Optimization, Biz Des Centre, London

June Derby Day Epsom Down Race Course. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II may be present at this calendar racing event. The Derby is one of the oldest and greatest horse races in the world, established by the Earl of Derby in 1779.

June - Beating Retreat is a musical ceremony of interesting sound and colour. On two successive evenings London's famous Horse Guards Parade resounds to the stirring sounds of the Massed Bands of the Household Division as they perform Beating Retreat - one of the most colourful ceremony in the capital's military ceremonial calendar. The event starts at approximately 6.30 p.m. with the salute usually being taken by Her Majesty The Queen or another member of the Royal Family. Hundreds musicians, drummers and pipers perform this age-old ceremony. The Retreat has origins in the early days of chivalry when beating or sounding retreat pulled a halt to the days fighting, a return to camp and the mounting of the guard for the night. A major event in the Army’s ceremonial calendar playing hymns and anthems of special significances to fighting forces everywhere.

June usually 3rd Sat in June: The Queen's Birthday Parade. Usually Saturdays in June: Rehersals. "The Trooping the Colour" this ceremony is a parade of music and pageantry in celebration of the Queens Birthday.

June " The Knollys Red Rose Rent". Feast of John the Baptist, since 1381, one red rose is plucked from Seething Lane and presented to the Lord Mayor on the altar of All Hallows by the Tower. The Rent of one Rose is paid in recognition of Sir Robert Knollys who built an unauthorized foot bridge across Seething Lane.

June Queen's Official Birthday Gun Salute.

June Royal Salutes to mark Coronation Day, the birthday of The Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen's official birthday. A 41 gun royal salute fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park at 12:00 noon and a 62-gun royal salute fired by the Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London at 1:00pm.It marks The Queen's official birthday: the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery Fires a 41-gun salute in Green Park and the Honorable Artillery Company fires a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London.

Monday last week June - Sunday 01st week July Wimbledon International Tennis Championship is the world's most prestigious tennis tournament and one of the greatest sporting and social event in the British calendar. The only remaining Grand Slam Lawn Tennis tournament to be played on grass. It attracts top players from all over the world and they enjoy the glamour as much as the spectators.

01st week July Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Organised by the RHS in these historically designed gardens and around many acres of Hampton Court Palace parklands. The Palace plays host to this annual Flower Show at the height of summer, for six days in July, thousands of gardening fans can see, smell and touch an abundance of flowers.

July Tour de France. The biggest annual sporting event in the world, the Tour de France, did start in London in 2007 for the first time in its 100 year history. The Grand Départ, the start of the Tour, was spectacular.

July last Monday "Swan Upping" Since Medieval times 2 Livery Companies and the Crown have the right to keep swans on the River Thames. Every year 6 wooden Skiffs pass along the River Thames, through Marlow Lock, to mark the cygnets.

July Henley on Thames Royal Regatta. Situated near the Old Bridge, one of the most beautiful spots at Henley. An ideal setting to watch the rowing and enjoy the unique atmosphere sipping Pimms and enjoy the green countryside. The riverbanks are lined with clubs and bars and men wear traditional blazers and straw hats.

July - August: The British Motor Show. Back with a NEW look, NEW interactive experiences and more NEW and exciting cars than you'll find anywhere else in the UK. There is only one UK Motor Show: The British International Motor Show is a state-of-the-art Show, the ultimate day out for everyone who drives a car or on the look out for a holiday in London with friends or family at the start of the summer holidays. You will be in the driving seat to see the top new models from the leading car manufacturers. A host of exciting interactive motoring experiences in a glamorous atmosphere.

July - September . Annual public opening of State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s official residence in London. If you are in London at this time, a chance to see these magnificent rooms and the palace gardens is a chance not to be missed.

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