The team is up to all sorts this month, from West End shows to scoping out the best family hotels.
Whether you’re staying put in the UK or heading abroad, there’s plenty here to make the most of summer. Paddington Bear makes an appearance too, of course — alongside tennis, picnics, swimwear, toys and more. Here’s what the team is doing this July, with their kids and for themselves.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
VISIT We are doing our first everyone included multi-generational trip (1 to 80 years old) and I’m so excited, headed to Maxx Royal in Antalya. WATCH Matilda! I’m not sure if my kids are more excited or I am. But its booked and we have the playlist on repeat. Its going to be fabulous! BUY I’m Boden obsessed for my kids and their summer wear plus swim edits are just the best. The cutest swimwear and dresses and outfits for little boys, so they are fully clad in this brand at the moment! EAT A Princess Afternoon Tea, of course. We are booked in for the Disney Moana-Inspired Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane, and will be attending in full dress up princess outfits. TRY I’m excited, and semi terrified, to try Morpheus8 with Dr Jo Rennie at Dr David Jack’s clinic. Post 3 babies, I’ve been told it will be very effective, so treatment kicks off this July. Watch this space, more to come. BOOK Back at the Paddington Bear Experience, this time with all three kids in tow. It’s one of my favourite things to do in London, and with my 13-month-old now toddling about everywhere, this visit is going to be extra special. This will be followed by enjoying an appearance by Paddington bear himself in Connaught Village at the Village in Green summer programme.
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Rachel Story, Style & Commerce Director
STAY If you’re looking for a coastal staycation next to a brilliant British beach, Saltmoore in Whitby has just opened it’s dedicated family pool at The Beach House. Having visited earlier in the year, I can testify that the beach is a huge hit and easy walking distance from the hotel. Not having to worry about dedicated family splash time will definitely take this property to the next level for family stays. PLAY As if right on cue with Wimbledon, my little one has become tennis obsessed and we play every single night in the garden. When he turns four we’re going to enroll him for lessons (his request) but in the meantime, this racket has been the best purchase. EAT We’ve had a few weeks in a row where either one, or all of us, have been away and coming back to a freezer with nutritious and quick meals for our son has been the biggest help. The kids range from COOK is amazing for this when you have a low stocked fridge but haven’t had chance to restock with groceries. Our boy is loving their chicken curry and the spaghetti and meatballs have also been a big hit – 5 for £16 makes them really good value too. BUY Everything is al fresco in our house at the moment, meals included, and picnic time is Theo’s favourite. This checkerboard TBCo. picnic blanket has been the best summer purchase and it wraps up with a chic leather strap, making it ideal for carrying on the go. SHOP We’ve just had a brand new nephew who was born at the end of June! So it’s been incredibly lovely to have the excuse to shop for tiny things all over again. The White Company are always a favourite for newborn babygrows and sweet nursery toys and this new CYBEX Balios with it’s innovative Fold Cot is the ultimate space saver for those who like to travel (and looks incredibly chic at the same time!).
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Ella Alexander, Fashion Features Director
STAY We’re heading to the Dolomites this month to review Aki Plose, a critically-acclaimed family report high up in the mountains. The views look breathtaking and the facilities even better. EAT Heard in Borough has just launched Mini Makers, a build-your-own burger experience that helps little ones to feel like aspiring chefs. I’m keen to try it. DO This sounds like a great rainy day activity; House of Dreamers in the Excel Centre is a 16-room immersive experience that encourages us all to dream a little. It’s already attracted two million visitors across Madrid, Rome, Paris and Milan, and this month marks its UK debut. BUY We are spending a great deal of time in either splash parks and sand pits at the moment, where I stumbled across the marvel that is the foldable bucket and spade. I may be the last one to the party on this, but what an asset to our suitcase this is. WEAR US kids clothing brand Janie and Jack opened its first UK store earlier this year on London’s Kings Road and it’s already proving very popular. I love the short-sleeved shirts; this green towelling style and the ivory embroidered design in particular. The price points are on the higher end, but they’re really good quality pieces.
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Jessica Salter, Citizen Enfants Contributor
FLY My daughter is circus mad (she goes weekly to the The National Centre for Circus Arts) so when I saw that she and I could take a 2 hour trapeze lesson in the Royal Parks, I signed us up. It’s run by Gorilla Circus, and it attracts everyone from Gen Z-ers who want a night out that doesn’t involve drinking to parents and kids (over 8). I can’t wait. LEARN Summer holiday days out that combine a bit of learning with fun always feel like winning combinations. Horrible Histories is coming to Ramses The Exhibition during the summer in Battersea, with Ramses as your tour guide followed by a sing-a-long performance of ‘Making Mummies.’ WATCH The phenomenally successful children’s book series has sold more than 70 million copies and it’s coming to the Southbank as a musical which will cause squeals of delight in my house. For the uninitiated, Dog Man is a crime fighting hero, part dog, part man, and he has to catch the world’s most evil cat, Petey… we’ll just have to watch it to see if he manages. MAKE My daughters love making and crafting, and have a burgeoning interest in fashion, so Chillie Kids Club, an upcycling fashion club run by two stylists with a passion for vintage and sustainable fashion, is a huge hit (they go at least once every school holiday – along with every fashion editor’s children). There are clubs all over London, including at 180 House on select days this summer. BUY I love Rothy’s shoes, all made from recycled plastic bottles and machine washable – and their summer sandals for kids are especially cute. Stylish but, unlike others with fiddly buckles, easy to put on for little fingers. PACK Having a special bag dedicated to your travels (not just school or work) is part of the excitement of holiday and I love Antler’s kid’s backpacks, which have pockets inside for all their special bits and pieces.
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Rebecca Cope, Citizen Enfants Contributor
STAY I’m going to the final night of Harry Styles’ Wembley run on Saturday evening, and have treated myself to the ultimate crash pad: Hotel Indigo K West in Shepherd’s Bush. One stop from Wembley, it’s the perfect place from which to get ready and then rest and recuperate post-gig. A recent revamp has given it a facelift, great food, and a new hydrotherapy pool. VISIT The new Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Tate Modern is right up my alley. ‘Frida: Making of an Icon’ explores the artist’s many ‘selves’, from wife to activist to artist, and features over 30 of her original works. The exhibition also features work by her contemporaries and future generations who were inspired by her unique style, and also looks at so-called ‘Fridamania’ too. I can’t wait to buy everything from the gift shop. BUY I’ve fallen in love with Queens of Archive’s latest collection, Edith Garden, and in particular ‘The Darcy’ style, which is the perfect shade of russet and features padded shoulders, cap sleeves and a square neckline. It’s ideal for summer events, from weddings to Royal Ascot, and I can’t wait to wear it in Croatia later this September too. BOOK It’s a long way away, but I am elated at the news that James Norton will be playing Hamlet in a new production on the West End in autumn 2027. I’ve been a fan of his since Happy Valley, and have no doubt this will be stellar. You can sign up now for alerts on when tickets go on sale – I’ll fight you for them!
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Laura Normanton, Citizen Enfants Contributor
VISIT This month I’m planning to get the kids out of London and visit the new sculpture park at Goodwood. The grounds stretch over 70-acres so there is lots of space to run around amid the art installations. WEAR We are all (except my husband!) living in If Only If nightwear. The nighties and pyjamas are made from super soft cotton voile and are lighter than air which is ideal in a heatwave. READ My 4 year old is really enjoying his subscription to National Geographic Little Kids. STAY We are very excited for our upcoming holiday to Hillside Beach Club in Turkey. Ive heard such great things about this resort. It has an excellent kids club, three beaches and plenty of activities to keep all ages entertained. Ill be packing swimwear from Mini Rodini and plenty of sunblock.
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Frankie Graddon, Citizen Enfants Contributor
VISIT Everyman On The Canal in King’s Cross is hosting free open-air film screenings from 29th June to 16th August. There’s a selection of family-firendly films including Paddington in Peru, Encanto and Monster Inc and afternoon screenings at 12pm, 2.30pm and 5pm. Its first come first served – so get there early to secure a spot. USE Former fashion editor and mum-of-two Harriet Haskell-Thomas, has launched Oovii – an everyday mineral sunscreen developed especially for kids. WEAR Styling my daily wear with Ancient Greek Sandals’ jelly ballerina flat – the chicest splash-pad shoe. TAKE After I had my last baby, my personal trainer advised me to start taking collagen to help support my muscles and joints. I’ve tried lots but Ancient & Brave’s True Collagen is the only one I’ve found that’s truly tasteless. BOOK If you’re looking for a way to entertain the kids during the summer holidays, Clay Club is running ceramics workshops throughout July for 5-16 year olds in East London. LISTEN Hosted by journalist Katie O’Malley, A Long Way To Go podcast discusses topics around pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood with a host of leading experts, from C-section recovery to hair loss and maternal mental health.
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