Ah, winter. The days become shorter and the weather is colder and wetter. Disheartening? Well, maybe slightly, but certainly not if you happen to be in London. That miserable combination certainly doesn’t stop the UK’s capital having great things to do.
With several hostels within the confines of the North Circular, YHA are perfectly positioned to offer great value accommodation in London for your winter trip. Here are our top picks of 10 great things to do in London this winter.
Winter Wonderland
A somewhat obvious choice maybe, but no guide to winter in London is complete without mention of Winter Wonderland, London’s giant-sized celebration of all things Christmas within Hyde Park. With Christmas markets, ice skating, a Ferris wheel and plenty more on offer, make time during your trip to the capital to enjoy this Christmas cracker. A very popular thing to do in London this winter.
Top tip: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is always extremely popular, so be sure to book in advance to enjoy some of the more popular attractions – particularly ice skating. The event will be taking place each day from 21st November to 5th January 2025.
Harrods
Harrods?! Well, yes, Harrods may not be the cheapest shop in the capital but it’s certainly the most popular when it comes to visiting London during the winter months, especially in the lead up to Christmas. Located in Knightsbridge, a salubrious area of West London, the store has everything from Disney toys to designer trainers, fancy chocolates to face creams across its seven floors. It’s well worth a visit.
Top tip: If you’re travelling on a budget, don’t be put off. Ignore the price tags and just enjoy the opulence and craft which goes into dressing the windows, floors and shelves of one of the world’s most famous retail outlets. Exploring Harrods at Christmas is definitely one of our favourite things to do in London in winter.
New Year’s Eve fireworks
Once Christmas is over with and thoughts wander towards the dreaded return to work, it’s important you’ve got some great New Year’s Eve plans to keep your thoughts occupied and to see in the New Year with a smile on your face. What better way to spend it than in London, watching one of the most spectacular firework displays of the calendar year?
Top tip: Sadly, due to demand and safety concerns, the event has required customers to have tickets. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, ensure you purchase a ticket in advance.
Kew Gardens
Starting on 13th November to 5th January 2025, Kew Gardens will be lit up with wonderful illuminations to celebrate the festive period. The 2024 winter trail, takes a new magical route, hosting new dazzling installations. A one mile trail winds its way through the garden to bring you the perfect after-dark experience. The display will include flickering flames in the garden, a tunnel of lights and laser beams dancing over water.
Top tip: Tickets are cheaper when booked in advance, and cheaper still when booked during an off-peak period. Check the website for more details on pricing and for what to expect from a trip to Kew Gardens.
Oxford Street lights/shopping
If you’re yet to embark on your annual raft of Christmas shopping, then England’s most famous high street might be on your list of potential destinations from which to buy those all-important gifts. Having been the case for the past four years, the street will be lit up by a series of lights, making the experience all the more festive and enjoyable. And of course, Oxford Street is littered with an enormous range of shops, including John Lewis, an array of clothes shops and plenty of other high street favourites.
Top tip: Oxford Street is the UK’s busiest high street and is particularly so during the run up to Christmas. Whilst crowds of some degree are inevitable, to avoid the worst of them, try to visit during midweek if possible.
Pantomimes in London
No trip to the UK over the festive period is complete without a visit to the pantomime (oh no it isn’t!). While London may have the pedigree for something a little more serious on stage, the city also plays host to a number of pantomime performances, featuring a number of well-known celebrities. With productions including Robin Hood, Aladdin, A Christmas Carol and more, there’s plenty of choice to chuckle. What a famous thing to do in London this winter — the shows will get you right in the festive spirit.
Head to one of London’s museums
London is awash with museums, and luckily, many of the best ones are free! With highlights including The British Museum, Natural History Museum and Imperial War Museums, there’s plenty to learn and discover from the capital’s most creative curations.
Top tip: If you fancy something a little more off-piste and off the beaten track, try the Museum of Brands or Dickens Museum. The Churchill War Rooms are also fascinating, though a little more expensive.
Go for a wintry walk in Richmond Park
Complete your chilled out afternoon with a walk around Richmond Park, one of West London’s quietest spots, and also one of the most beautiful, particularly during the winter months. You can’t completely escape the festivities — there are 630 deer to which the park is home! A wintry walk is definitely a great thing to do in London this festive period for all the family.
Top tip: Whilst the deer certainly form part of the experience of heading to Richmond Park, please ensure you stay safe and respect the animals by keeping a reasonable distance away from them.
Wands at the ready for the Harry Potter guided tour
Starting at Southwark Cathedral, this wondrous wander will lead you through some of the most recognisable spots from the ever-popular film series. Discover a magical side of The Big Smoke while on the Tour for Muggles, while visiting secret places hidden in plain sight.
Top tip: This is a walking tour, so leave your broomsticks at home.
Scrumptious street food at the winter markets
It doesn’t truly feel like Christmas until you’ve walked around traditional alpine-style chalets with a hot chocolate in hand. Southbank Centre will be opening its winter markets this year, where you’ll find plenty of festive tipples, tasty treats and unbeatable yuletide ambience.
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Photo credit: Krzysztof / Alexey Fedorenko / The Walker / Shu / Evgeny / alexey_fedoren / disq / Pawel Pajor / William / Elena Schweitzer / Song_about_summer / Adobe Stock
