London winter vacation

The winter season is a great time to visit London. The cold weather and snow are perfect to enjoy the many exciting activities available in this city.

London has a lot of attractions that make it an ideal destination for people who want to explore the city during winter. You can go skiing or ice skating at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, or just take a walk through the area where there are many stalls selling handmade crafts and food.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and see famous celebrities’ wax figures. If you’re feeling more relaxed, you can visit Covent Garden Market where you can find lots of food from different countries around the world.

THINGS TO DO IN LONDON IN WINTER

CATCH A SHOW IN LONDON’S WEST END

In winter, Londoners head to the theater and so should you. Apart from being a classic British tradition, many new shows are launched in winter. From classics like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera to the latest productions starring world famous actors there is a show for everyone playing in London’s West End. 

TOP LONDON THEATRE SHOWS 2021 / 2022

• Les Miserables – London’s longest running show (since 1985) and favourite tale of love, loss and redemption set in the Paris commune –

• Mamma Mia – All your favourite ABBA songs in a feel good musical
• The Book of Mormon – Cheeky satire about the Mormon faith that ultimately endorses love and service
• Wicked – Take a journey to the Land of Oz to meet unlikely friends, witches Glinda and Elphaba 

FIND A COSY LONDON PUB

Nothing could be cosier and more English than an open fire roaring inside a quaint pub. Stay warm and cosy with a pint of ale or glass of wine by the fire. 

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese at 145 Fleet Street is one of London’s oldest pubs, dating from just after the Great Fire of London. This pub has a coal fire burning in the bar and a fascinating history. Apparently Charles Dickens and Mark Twain once drank there.

If you like the sound of that, here is a list of pubs in London with an open fireplace or if you’d prefer a guided experience you might like to join a fabulous walking tour of the city’s historic pubs where you uncover the hidden stories behind each watering hole >

VISIT LONDON’S MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Many of the city’s museums and galleries are free to visit, so they are always a popular winter activity in London. We love visiting the British Museum in all seasons but this visitor favourite can fill a whole rainy London day.

The ever popular Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A in Kensington are always extremely busy. And for good reason. They are a treasure trove of interactive exhibits suitable for all ages and interests. We recommend visiting these museums early (before midday) to avoid the crowds.

Tip: We often go to South Kensington tube station and have breakfast so we can enter as soon as they open at 10:00am. Here is a list of popular London eateries that can be found nearby.

In Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum takes you on a journey through London’s fascinating transport history – from double decker buses to the first underground lines. There are some useful play spaces there if you are visiting with kids and need a more active indoor activity.

To avoid the main tourist traffic go to Greenwich where there are several fascinating museums including the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory and Meridian Line and National Maritime Museum. You could easily spend a day in Greenwich enjoying the museums with a break for lunch in the famous covered market. 

ART GALLERIES

There is a London gallery for all art lovers – from modern art at the Tate Modern to Old Masters and Renaissance glory at the National Gallery. Many of the galleries offer free admission to their permanent collections and have cosy cafes to warm up in with a hot chocolate after your dose of culture.

Enjoy a mid shopping trip culture fix at the Wallace Collection near Selfridges. This museum is free to enter and has severam impressive galleries including paintings by Dutch Masters and beautifully curated collections of armour, porcelain and furniture.

For our round up of the best art galleries in London click here.

AFTERNOON TEA INDULGENCE

The British tradition of afternoon tea is a must do each time you visit London. You can have the poshest of teas at The Ritz or take your tea on a vintage London bus as you tour the sights of the city. If you fancy a stylish and modern tea, we recently enjoyed an indulgent afternoon tea with a spectacular view of the Tower of London at Aqua Shard

Now afternoon tea can be taken at many unique venues across London but I think the most fabulous tea is at the iconic Houses of Parliament – a truly unique London activity. 

Tip – join a VIP tour of the Houses of Parliament followed by afternoon tea on the House of Lords terraces with TakeWalks – one of our favorite tour companies. They’ll tell you stories of one of the most famous buildings in London and you’ll sip your tea as Big Ben tolls close by.

I love tea so much I made my own round up of favourite places in London for afternoon tea > click here to view

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Shopping in London in winter is lots of fun. You can stay warm in the famous Burlington, Piccadilly and Royal arcades you’ll find on Piccadilly. The historic malls are the perfect spot to browse luxury treats from iconic British and international brands. At Christmas time they are decorated in classic style and are a great place for photos.

While you’re in the area pop into Fortnum and Mason and browse their range of high end food stuffs – perfect for souvenirs or treats.

If you’ve come to shop at some of the biggest flagship stores in the world, duck in and out of the stores along Oxford and Regent Street for high street bargains and luxury finds. 

Make sure you drop by Liberty of London at  and enjoy one of my favourite activities > shopping for scarves! At Christmastime you must go to the top floor where there are all the tree baubles you could dream of in Liberty of London’s Christmas shop.

If you like markets and artisan made goods head to Spitalfields for a uniquely London experience and fun offerings from small designers.

Tip – Post Christmas sales are fantastic in London and you are likely to find some great deals. Even the lead up to Christmas can uncover some very tempting bargains

TAKE A STROLL IN A PARK

Before you settle in for a cosy afternoon at a pub or enjoy your afternoon tea, take a brisk walk in one of London’s famous parks and gardens. Though the leaves have dropped, you can still appreciate the grandeur of these open spaces. 

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are popular choices close to the main attractions. Admire the Albert Memorial and say hello to the ducks and swans on the Serpentine. If you’re visiting in December, Hyde Park is transformed into a winter playground known as Winter Wonderland with Christmas activities, rides and stalls. And of course Santa!