Winter in London: Your Complete Guide to the 6 Best Activities

When the mercury dips and the days grow shorter, that can only mean one thing: it’s time to wrap up warm and discover London in all its winter glory. So, when you’ve been bedazzled by the Christmas lights on Regent Street, braved the crowds at the winter sales and taken your selfie with the Trafalgar Square Christmas spruce, what next? Here’s our rundown of the top 6 winter attractions you simply can’t miss during your stay in London, whether you’re looking for indoor fun or outdoor adventure.

Yes! There’s so much to see and do during winter that you don’t get at any other time of year. Get inspired with these ideas: 

From mid-November through early January, Hyde Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with fairground rides, octane-fuelled roller coasters, food stalls and an ice rink. An Ice Palace, with sculptures and an ice slide, will fascinate little ones, while a range of themed bars, including some adults-only spaces, are perfect for romantic outings and late-night festivities. Keep in mind that entry tickets merely grant you access beyond the gates. To fully enjoy the array of attractions and rides, it is advisable to make separate bookings and payments, ensuring a seamless experience.

Hyde Park Corner Tube station.

Good to know:  Looking for a place to stay near Winter Wonderland? The Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel is a 10-minute walk away.

For a more laid-back vibe, head down to the riverfront for the Southbank Centre Winter Festival. Here, you can taste street food from all corners of the globe at the alpine-inspired Winter Market while buskers entertain the crowd.

Good to know: The Southbank is a renowned cultural hub, so pair your visit with one of the excellent art exhibitions, classical music performances or comedy shows there. Its bars and restaurants are also ideally placed to catch London's famed New Year's Eve fireworks display.

Waterloo Tube or train station. 

There’s one big advantage to winter's early sunsets: the city is bedecked in glittering Christmas lights. The best way to see them? From atop the London Eye Ferris wheel, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views at a height of 135 metres. Look out for famous landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard, and see if you can spot the illuminated Canary Wharf financial district.

Good to know: Book advance tickets online for the best time slots. Better yet, level up your visit with a Champagne Experience or a private pod for two.

Waterloo Tube or train station.

Whether you can land a triple axel or prefer inching along clutching the handrails, London offers some of the most beautiful ice skating backdrops. Our favourite central location is the courtyard at Somerset House, surrounded by the stunning neoclassical building and featuring a champagne and cocktail lounge for an après-skate hangout. The Canary Wharf Ice Rink is another great option, with the recently added clear roof keeping the elements off as you whizz around in the festive glow of their giant mirror ball. 

Good to know: Pre-hire a skate aid (usually an adorable penguin) for children who are still finding their balance.

Somerset House: Strand, London WC2R 1LA. Temple Tube or Charing Cross train station. 

Ice Rink Canary Wharf: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB. Canary Wharf Tube or train station. 

In the mood for some festive shopping? Borough Market, a year-round destination beloved by gourmets, is laden with seasonal gems like oysters and panettone, plus wines, honeys and chocolates that might be just the perfect gift for the foodie in your life. 

Good to know: Christmas Eve morning is a great time to come if you enjoy the frenetic bustle of busy traders.

London Bridge Tube or train station.

To really get in a Christmassy spirit, head to Leadenhall Market, a Victorian arcade that’s bedecked in lavish garlands and glowing lights. Here, you’ll find special workshops like wreath making and wine tasting, plus guided festive-inspired tours. 

Good to know: Look out for the Christmas lights switch-on around mid-November, during which carollers usually perform. 

Fenchurch Street Tube station.

Looking for a magical time? During Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tours, familiar sets like the Great Hall, the Gryffindor Common Room and Diagon Alley are transformed into a wondrous spectacle of snow and candlelight. Potter fans will love the attention to detail, with Christmas trees decked out exactly as they appear in the iconic film series, and costumes from the Yule Ball and Mrs Weasley’s special knitted jumpers on display. Tickets must be pre-booked online.

Warner Bros. Studio Tours, Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR. Take a direct train from London Euston to Watford Junction, where free shuttle buses for ticket holders run every 30 minutes to the Studio Tour.

If you prefer being outdoors, Christmas at Kew offers a sensational evening under the stars for families and couples alike, with a walking trail of artistic light displays illuminating the botanic garden, plus a small funfair and vendors selling mulled wine and other festive treats.

Good to know: The trail can be long for little legs, but save some energy for the dazzling laser-and-music finale at the very end, on the lake in front of the Palm House.

Kew Gardens Tube or train station.

After a long day’s sightseeing, often in unpredictable weather, there are few things more rejuvenating than warming up with a comforting brew in front of a crackling fire. We love The Holy Tavern in Farringdon, a down-to-earth pub with craft ales and a menu of classics like fish and chips - a great hidden gem if you've just been exploring the museums in Holborn. On the fashionable King’s Road in the heart of Chelsea, The Cadogan Arms offers oversized velvet chairs for you to sink into while you sip global wines and sample seasonal British fare. 

Good to know: Pubs can usually accommodate walk-ins if you’re only having a drink, but you may need to book in advance for a meal.

The Holy Tavern: 55 Britton St, London EC1M 5UQ. Farringdon Tube or train station.

The Cadogan Arms: 298 King's Rd, London SW3 5UG. Sloane Square or South Kensington Tube stations. 

• Transport: The most convenient way to travel around London in winter is by Tube (the Underground), rail or bus. The Transport for London website has a handy journey planner and downloadable maps. You can’t use cash on public transport, so buy either a Visitor Oyster card or a London Day Travelcard. Bike-sharing apps like Santander Cycles are other good options. You can also use taxis and ride-sharing apps, but with congestion and traffic restrictions in central London, these can be expensive and time-consuming. 
• Weather: While December, January and February are the “official” winter months, the cold spell often starts in November and spills over into March. Be prepared for wet weather with a water-resistant coat (ideally hooded) and sturdy shoes or boots. You might want to carry a foldable umbrella for emergencies, but they’re sometimes quite useless in the face of London’s blustery conditions. 

Whether you're in the mood for retail therapy, exceptional gastronomy or outdoor adventure this winter, London has it all. The city and its residents make the most of this special season - and you should too.