Hotels near Royal Academy Summer Exhibition

A highlight of this year's Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy is an animal-themed 'menagerie' in the Central Hall, with works by Banksy and Mat Collishaw. Staged annually since 1769, the beauty of this show is that anyone can submit their work which gives it a wonderful element of surprise. Approximately 12,000 pieces are sifted through to come up with the 1,500 displayed, created by relative unknowns as well as famous artists and members of the RA. The fun part for visitors is choosing a favourite and, with the majority of works on sale at varying price ranges, you can even buy one if you really fall in love with it. The largest regular contemporary art exhibition in the world, it's an impressive show that gives an excellent cross-section of contemporary art every summer. This year Thomas Houseago has taken over the RA's courtyard with a group of large-scale sculptural works, and the exhibition spills out into nearby Bond Street with a colourful installation of flags featuring work by Michael Craig-Martin RA.