The capital’s hotel scene is set to get some exciting additions, starting with the launch of The Londoner in June.

Located on Leicester Square, The Londoner calls itself the world’s first super boutique hotel, designed to be eco-conscious and stylish. Along with 350 guest rooms and six underground levels, there are six places to eat including around a fire pit on the rooftop terrace.

The iconic former Whiteleys building is also due to be transformed into the UK’s first Six Senses property. 

Six Senses London will be opening in the former Art Deco department store in Bayswater in 2023.

With 110 rooms and a spa, the landmark building’s Grade II façade, central courtyard and dome will be preserved, alongside the main staircase, originally modelled on the one at La Scala opera house in Milan.

The Warrior Queen returns

Staffordshire’s Tamworth Castle is unveiling a new state-of-the-art gallery this summer, celebrating the town’s Anglo-Saxon history, including ‘warrior queen’ Aethelflaed, daughter of Alfred the Great — portrayed in Netflix hit series The Last Kingdom, which returns shortly for a fourth season.

The real life Aethelflaed ruled the Kingdom of Mercia from the castle until she died in 918, with her achievements marked in the Battle and Tribute gallery opening here later this year.

The gallery will also showcase pieces from the Staffordshire Hoard, as well as interactive exhibits and high-tech displays.

Oxford's Story Museum reopens

After a £6 million development, The Story Museum in Oxford is reopening on April 4, with backing from patrons Malorie Blackman, the former Children’s Laureate, and Philip Pullman, whose stories including His Dark Materials will be brought to life in a series of immersive rooms called The Enchanted Library.

The museum will also have a play space for younger children, called Small Worlds, and The Whispering Wood, an audio adventure focused on oral storytelling from Gilgamesh to Grimm. 

The Treasure Chamber will host temporary exhibitions, starting with the museum’s own story showing how the various original buildings have been transformed.
 

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