Most people associate Winter in the UK to be a dreary, bitterly cold time full of seasonal affective disorders and less-than-sunny attitudes. While yes, it does get rather cold, there are so many things to do over the festive season that there’s no reason you can’t still get out and enjoy yourself!
If you’re still not convinced, or are struggling to find some ideas on what to do in London when you feel like hiding inside next to a fireplace (admittedly a nice idea), luckily for you we’ve got a few things here to help you get started on getting out and about, so you can enjoy this fabulous city at its most beautiful time of year.
Get out and on the streets
You can enjoy Christmas time through virtually no effort at all by simply getting out and wandering the shopping streets of London, where you can take in the sparkling Christmas light displays and decorations adorning shopfronts.
The popular Christmas markets also return, giving you the chance to enjoy mulled wine and delicious hot food, all while browsing through the handcrafted items for sale. Held in various locations all around London, the Christmas markets alone can really give you a nice sense of home time at Christmas.
Hit the ice
There are places in London where ice is more fun than inconvenience, and the ice rink at the stunning Natural History Museum is the place just for that. Running from 29 October through to 3 January 2016, this ever popular South Kensington attraction is a magical environment teemed with frost and fairy light-covered trees, and is open to visitors and skaters of all levels of experience (including those with none). And if skating isn’t your thing but you still want to enjoy the atmosphere, you can soak it all in at the Cafe Bar with a warm drink and a bird’s eye view of the rink itself.
The massive 1,100m² ice rink at Canary Wharf is back again this year, and open from 31 October to 27 February 2016. With a skate path that takes you along a journey of fairy-lit trees (this is definitely a big thing in London this time of year), it’s a great place to enjoy the gracefulness of ice skating. Ice Rink Canary Wharf also has an onsite restaurant and bar called The Tasting Room, where you can feed your Winter food and drink cravings in a comfortable environment.
Another ice rink option is at Somerset House, where you can get lessons and skate by day, or join the Club Nights on the ice after dark, with the best club sets around. Truly a luxurious occasion, while you’re there you can indulge in champagne or wine packages at Fortnum’s Lodge, located on site at Somerset House.
Partake in the magic
If you want to get of the magic of Wintertime and Christmas, all wrapped up in one hit, then Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is absolutely the place to visit. This Wonderland runs from 20 November through until 3 January 2016, so make the most of it while you can because there is so much to do. With an ice rink, a Magical Ice Kingdom, circus shows, Christmas markets, plus more, this has everything Winter and Christmas-related you could want. While initial entry is free, the activities and shows require tickets so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
This list is definitely not exhaustive; there is plenty more to do at this time of year in and around London. If you’d like to catch up with us before the Christmas period, contact us and we’d be happy to arrange a time and give you our best tips on getting through this season with a smile on your face.
