Fun Things to do in London this Winter with Infographic

London transforms into a magical winter wonderland as the temperature drops and the festive season approaches. From twinkling Christmas markets to cosy pub fires, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy during the colder months. Whether you're visiting for the holiday season or exploring the city after the new year, London in winter offers a unique blend of festive cheer, cultural attractions, and warming winter experiences.

London is a great place to visit in the winter season. Speaking from personal experience, the whole range of things to do in London in winter is mind-boggling. The period from December to January is filled with Christmas festivities and outdoor activities galore. It’s also a good time to get touristy since the weather is not as chilly as you may initially think, and the airfares are comparatively more affordable. The crowds are also thinner, which means no more waiting in long lines at tourist spots. Temperatures usually stay lower than 10°C which is quite mild in reality (thanks to the oceanic and humid climate). So, on that note, here’s moving on to some of the best things to do in the city this winter. 

Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in the city this winter.

Table of Contents

Ice at Iconic Rinks

One of the most exciting winter activities in London for people of all ages is ice skating. And there’s no dearth of popular rinks to try as every resident will vouch for! 

1. Somerset House 

Go skating at this beautiful courtyard-turned-skating rink on your trip. There’s plenty to enjoy, right from the Swiss theme to the Skate Lates sessions in the evenings (complete with exclusively curated music). 

Handy Tips: 

• The rink usually stays open from mid-November to mid-January.
• Don’t miss shopping at the Shelter Boutique pop-up store for gifts, clothing, and more.
• The Temple Station is nearest to the location.
• Ticket prices are between £9.50-18 for adults

2. Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

This iconic rink stays open throughout the year and transforms into a sheer paradise in winter, with special festive decorations and disco nights. If you’re looking for a sip and bite, Bailey's hot chocolate, minced pies and mulled wine more than do the job here. 

Handy Tips: 

•  Wood Green is the nearest station.
•  Ticket prices are between £9.50-11 
•  Ice Disco sessions are available from £16.50

3. Hampton Court Palace

Savour a regal skating experience where the 16th-century palace provides a gorgeous backdrop, especially when it lights up at night. Of course, the food on offer is great and there are drinks to pair with the food!

Handy Tips: 

• It usually stays open from mid-November to early January
• Hampton Court (National Rail) is the nearest station 
• Ticket prices start from £20.30 approximately 

Magical Light Displays 

Some of the best places to visit in London in winter are spots that deck up with fantastic lighting and decorations. Nothing conveys the festive feel better than these magical lights that create a fairytale-like ambience. 

1. Christmas at Kew

View the amazing light installations all around the place, with the trees sparkling in all their glory. 

Handy Tips: 

• Don’t miss the finale that lights up the Palm House 
• The usual dates are between mid-November and Early-January 

2. Oxford Street

Oxford Street hosts some of London’s most fabulous light installations and you will lose track of time as you browse through the enchanting window displays all around. 

Handy Tips: 

• You can participate in a raffle with a charitable cause
• Don’t miss the circus and Christmas special events here
• You can check Serviced Apartments Oxford Street near the location to explore comfortably.

3. Covent Garden

Innumerable people make a beeline for Covent Garden to watch the amazing lighting displays along with huge bells for the company. The entire stretch from Covent Garden to Seven Dials turns into a winter wonderland in the season. 

Handy Tips: 

• Don’t forget to stop by the gorgeous Christmas tree on your way out

Winter Gardens

Personally speaking, there are tons of beautiful places to visit in London in winter, but nothing quite matches up to the lovely gardens all around. 

1. Kew Gardens

Covering 500 acres to the southwest of central London, these royal botanical gardens are a sight for sore eyes in winter. 

Handy Tips: 

• Check out the indoor rainforest beneath the glass dome at the Palm House
• Visit Temperate House to see rare plant species from across the world
• If you visit during February, then you can view the annual Orchid Festival here

2. Sky Garden

Sky Garden is situated in the heart of the city, offering a rare green zone within the buzzing financial district. 

Handy Tips: 

• Entry is free although booking in advance is recommended
• Limited-release tickets are released every Monday for bookings up to three weeks before your visit 
• Don’t miss the Sky Garden Bars for the view and Darwin Brasserie for the delightful spread

3. Barbican Conservatory 

Who would have guessed that a charming garden would be tucked away within the Barbican Estate? This soothing green spot is located amidst an urban setting but promises relaxing walks for visitors. 

Handy Tips: 

• The garden is free to visit although there are tickets for some attractions
• These are released every Thursday 

Festive Afternoon Tea with a Twist

You’ve not experienced the essence of London culture if you haven’t had festive tea in the afternoons. It is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in London in winter. 

1. The Ritz, Mayfair

You will love how the hotel transforms into a charming venue for Christmas afternoon teas, complete with the delightful tree in the centre and red and gold trimmings. 

Handy Tips: 

• There are carols sung by the iconic Ritz choir all afternoon 
• The spread comprises 18 kinds of loose-leaf tea and finger sandwiches. Other items on the menu include scones, pastries, jam, cream and Champagne (no prizes for guessing)

2. The Langham, Marylebone

The Langham is one of those classic festive joints with a wonderful afternoon tea menu created by Andrew Gravett (pastry chef) and Michel Roux Jr. 

Handy Tips: 

• The Palm Court is the venue for afternoon tea sessions
• Expect surprises like an egg bauble (jewelled) with heritage potato, turkey, cranberries and bacon

3. The Savoy, Covent Garden

It is one of the finest afternoon tea destinations in London, with a tempting spread laid out in the domed atrium and a pianist to play some classic melodies. 

Handy Tips: 

• The venue is the Thames Foyer 
• Expect to find a wide selection of sandwiches and classic British fare like honey-roasted ham with cranberry jam
• There’s also an incredible patisserie spread, covering everything from fruit cakes to treacle cream
• We have Serviced Apartments Covent Garden to provide a relaxing stay near the prime location.

Winter-Themed Pop-Up Events

London winters are synonymous with exciting pop-ups that sprout all over the place, offering treats, goodies and more to visitors.

1. Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch

This one’s a rooftop pop-up, complete with Gothic themes, outdoor fireplaces, chandeliers and gondola-like seating. 

Handy Tips: 

• You will find the venue at 1, Curtain Road
• Keep checking the site for a diverse range of events and attractions 

Check out Serviced Apartments in Shoreditch for a perfect stay.

2. Winterland, Fulham

Fulham is one of the best places to visit near London in winter and more so for its fabulous Winterland pop-up. Picture an Alpine forest with cocktails, brunches and ski-lift bubbles. Sounds exciting doesn’t it? 

Handy Tips: 

• The venue is situated at Wandsworth Bridge Road 
• Putney Bridge is the nearest station 
• Don’t miss the Bavarian beer tent with its fabulous varieties 

3. Fire & Fromage, Southbank

This one’s for the gastronomes and foodies who love digging into delectable Christmas treats with lovely snow globes and a view of the River Thames to boot. 

Handy Tips: 

• The location is the South Bank 
• There are private dining experiences available along with a raclette bar

Festive River Cruises

Ditch the winter day trips from London and get on a spectacular cruise on the Thames, exploring the city’s biggest attractions and have a blast onboard! 

1. London’s Original Christmas Boat Party 

This cruise is ideal for a fun jaunt with friends, colleagues and loved ones in winter. Enjoy the illuminated river and the landmarks lined up on the banks as you cruise away to glory. 

Handy Tips: 

• There are group discounts available along with flexible payment options
• Ticket prices usually range between £33-34 per person
• Inclusions usually cover a four-hour cruise across the main sights of London with a DJ and festive buffet. There’s also a licensed bar to offer you soothing drinks.
• You have to board at the Central London Pier between the Tower Bridge and Big Ben

2. River Thames Christmas Cruise with Lunch/Afternoon Tea

Take this 1.5-hour cruise on the Thames, enjoying a wholesome Christmas-themed afternoon tea or lunch onboard. Explore the London Eye, Big Ben and other attractions in all their glory on your route. 

Handy Tips: 

• The cruise comes with audio commentary onboard to help you know more about the landmarks that you see
• Don’t miss cruising beneath the Tower Bridge 
• The meeting point is the Tower Pier in Central London

Winter Village at King’s Cross

King’s Cross certainly deserves a place in the list of top things to do in London in winter. The winter village magically transforms the bustling area into a charming destination. 

Handy Tips: 

• Don’t miss visiting Club Curling with its live DJs, cocktails and game slots starting from £8 on average 
• Children under 12 can play for free if they’re accompanied by an adult
• Shop till you drop at Thursday Lates, checking out the stores in Coal Drops Yard which stay open till 9 PM every Thursday
• Explore the pop-up festive markets and view the special light installations 

We have Serviced Apartments in Kings Cross for a relaxing stay in the main location.

Harry Potter Studio Tour with a Festive Twist

Christmas in the Wizarding World is a lifetime experience for Potter fans (like yours truly). The Happy Christmas journey starts with a view of Hogwarts in the Snow. Start from the Great Hall with its gold decorations and lavish banquets along with flying witches and fireplaces. 

Handy Tips: 

• The festive tour will be from 16th November 2024 to 19th January 2025
• Don’t miss the Slytherin and Gryffindor common rooms and check out the magical Forbidden Forest
• Other attractions include Diagon Alley visits and a huge selection of souvenirs, gifts and more
• The visit ends with a tour of the Hogwarts Castle model decorated with snow

Winter Walk through Historic Royal Parks

Take a walk through some of London’s most famous royal parks in winter, with their lovely greenery acting as a balm from the hectic pace of the city. 

1. Kensington Gardens

Find open green spaces and woodlands to explore or simply take a break from sightseeing here. 

Handy Tips: 

• Don’t miss visiting the iconic Kensington Palace nearby
• Other landmarks include the Serpentine and Albert Memorial

2. Kew Gardens

Ideal for wintry walks with your loved ones, Kew Gardens comes to life at sunset with its fabulous lighting. The green oasis covers 300 acres of magical parklands. 

Handy Tips: 

• Go past the woodland and arboretum along with the lakes
• Don’t forget to check out the Palm House and its tropical plants 

3. Greenwich Park 

One of southeast London’s biggest green zones, Greenwich Park houses grasslands, woodlands and diverse wildlife species. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to take a beautiful and energising walk in the winter. 

Handy Tips: 

• Check out the Greenwich Meridian and Royal Observatory here 
• Trek to the top of the hill and capture the spectacular views till Canary Wharf

London Mithraeum

Located at Bloomberg’s new European headquarters, this site showcases the Mithras Roman Temple and some magnificent artefacts discovered during an excavation. 

Handy Tips: 

• Check out the diverse art commissions dotting this archaeological site
• The location is at Walbrook (the lost Walbrook River flowed here once)
• Entry is free although advance online bookings are recommended 

Conclusion 

You can take any travel connoisseur’s word for it. London in winter is a wonderland filled with activities, events, lights-you name it! Take a closer look at this list of things to do in London in winter and plan your itinerary accordingly. Watch the UK capital come alive with festive fervour and enjoy the infectious spirit of celebration above all else. 

To make the most of your stay, consider the comfort and convenience of serviced apartments, especially if you plan to stay in the heart of the city. we provide premium London Serviced Apartments in prime locations, giving you a home-like environment while you explore London’s winter charm.

Drop a comment below and let us know which winter activity in London excited you the most!