What To Do In London In Winter

If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting London in winter and wandering around its frosty cityscape while snuggling up around a crackling fire and drinking a warm glass of gently spiced mulled wine then you’re in the right place!

In complete contrast to those dreamy tropical islands, London in winter is a frosty wonderland, especially in December when there’s so much festive fun going on. Some might say it’s even better than visiting London in the summer! With fewer crowds, you’ll get to admire the winter charm of London while sometimes having popular spaces (more or less) to yourself! 

You’ll find fairy lights hanging from the streets, pop-up markets selling delicious food and festive drinks and a merry buzz about the place to make even the most prickly of people crack a smile.  

How Is The Weather In London In Winter?

In all honesty, the weather in London can be a little temperamental but in recent years it tends to be at its coldest in January with low chances of snow. That being said, the city does experience snow days, sometimes, and if you’re lucky you might even get a white Christmas!

However, expect temperatures of around 2°C – 8°C with evenings easily falling below 0°C. It’s likely you’ll wake up to thin layers of frost, especially if you’re staying outside the city or nearer parks and green spaces. 

Walking through England’s parks on a frosty morning is one of the most beautiful things about spending a winter in London. It does rain although not too much, you’re more likely to see rain during late autumn (Oct and Nov) and early spring (Feb and Mar).

The best days are when the sky is deep blue, the spider webs are covered in dew drops and the crispy autumn leaves crackle underfoot making for nippy, but wonderful morning winter walks in London. 

What To Pack For Winter In London?

You will need to ensure you’re wrapped up well as those frosty mornings can get cold! Luckily for you, we have the essential packing list for spending winter in London.

• Heavy Jeans – skinny jeans don’t leave too much room for warmth and additional layers
• Long sleeve tops/ Vests – to wear under your jumpers and blouses
• Shirt and Blouses – for everyday use, get ones with nice cuffs and collars to peak out over your jumpers
• Jumpers or Cardigans – these are important, it’s unlikely they will be removed so get some nice ones
• Heavy Skirts – weather permitting you might get away with a skirt, but make sure you wear suitable boots and tights.
• Tights – if wearing under your jeans you’ll need about 40 deniers if wearing with a skirt you can go with the thicker options 60+
• Walking Socks – the thicker the better and make sure those ankles are covered!
• Boots – try and stay away from trainers unless they cover ankles
•  Wool Scarf, Gloves and Hat – for the morning and evenings you will certainly need these items
• Warm winter coat – for everyday use, make sure it’s warm
• Raincoat – just in case!

How To Get Around London In Winter?

Getting around London in winter is the same as any other time of year. You will be able to catch taxis, use the underground, buses or walk.

Our favourite way to explore London, or any city, is by foot. London in particular is well set up for traversing on foot, the paths are well-marked and there are countless side alleys and hidden roads to be discovered. 

Second to walking comes the tube. The London Underground is a magnificent feat of engineering which usually runs pretty smoothly. During the run-up to Christmas, London does get busy and the underground can get overwhelming.

Here are some tips to navigate London’s tube.

• There are only 4 directions: Northbound, Southbound, Eastbound and Westbound
• Lines either go North to South or South to North and East to West or West to East.
• What about the Circle Line? If you’re using the circle line it still only goes East to West or West to East. check the board or front of the train for a “via” i.e. via Kings Cross. Depending on where you’re coming from this will tell you if you’re going in the right direction.
• Download the tube map on your phone and use it to work out if your next stop is North, South, East or West from your position. 
• Pay attention to the boards at the entrance to each line (before you enter the tunnels!)
• The lines are colour coded. Know which colour you need.

Top Things To Do In London In Winter

Now that you’re all set up for your winter escapades in London it’s time to think about planning your itinerary. To help, here’s a list of the best 17 places to visit and things to do in London during winter.

Explore The (Christmas) Markets

London is full of incredible markets, whether that be Christmas pop-up markets or year-long markets. They are the place to go to find traditional London-themed nic-nacs and have fun being wooed by the exciting crafts. 

Leadenhall Christmas Market

During the month of December, this magical shopping arcade goes all out displaying one of London’s most decorative Christmas displays. It’s full of shops, restaurants and bars all year long but specifically, in December it’s a place to visit for festive cheer and late-night shopping.

Winter Wonderland Christmas Market (& Rides)

The magical fun fair of Winter Wonderland attracts everyone from families to romantic couples walking hand in hand down the lanes of Christmas markets set up around Bavarian beer tents with live music, huge swirling rides and enchanted walks.

Covent Garden Market 

A year-round market set within Covent Garden‘s famous Piazza is alive with music, comedy and entertainment. The home of theatre and the Royal Opera House, this is an exciting place to visit during winter in London. You’ll also be able to grab some great deals in January!

Southbank Centre Winter Market

From November to early January you can enjoy a festive walk along the Thames stopping at sparkling pop-up market stalls and wooden chalets. Think street entertainment, converted buses, cabaret shows and all things joyous.

Spitalfields Market Shoreditch

Somewhere to go all year round, this market is the best place to head in winter (after Christmas) as you’ll have some fantastic offers. Although, during December it’s alive with festive cheer. You can shop all sorts of artisan goods from food, fashion, art and music!

Go Ice Skating

Specially made for wintertime in London, these temporary ice rinks are so much fun you’ll have to visit at least one during your visit to London!

Note: you will need to book in advance for these activities!

Skating at Somerset House

One of the best experiences in London during winter is going ice skating at Somerset House. Perfect for couples, it’s a fun first date (talking from experience) but also great for families. The courtyard of Somerset House becomes a playground with a huge ice rink, drinking chalets and colourful disco lights and music.

Skating at Canary Wharf

If you fancy heading over to the skyscrapers and shops in Canary Wharf there’s a huge ice rink with live music and DJs on Wednesdays which can be enjoyed all day long. Since it now has a covering roof means that even if it does rain your fun won’t stop!

Visit The (Free) Museums

Museums in London are free! Generally, unless privately owned, they are incredible and shouldn’t be missed during your travels through London.

The Natural History Museum

This has got to be my all-time favourite museum in London and is somewhere everyone needs to visit. It’s full of interactive exhibitions and incredible collections of animals, dinosaurs and precious gems. It has such a stunning setting and is just magnificent for all ages!

The National Gallery 

Right in the middle of Trafalgar Square, you’ll find the iconic building which makes for a fantastic visit if you love art, (although, it has to be said that my favourite art museum is the Louvre in Paris). Even so, the National Gallery has countless halls and rooms full of breathtaking artwork from the 13th century to the 1900s. It is free, however, for the special exhibitions, there is a charge.

The British Museum

For the history buffs, the British Museum is also labelled as a Natural History museum but don’t get it confused with the one above! This museum is better suited for adults and dives more into period history and the world. 

Explore The City

Days of wandering around the city are a must as there are so many fun activities to do. Here are a few of our favourites during wintertime in London.

See a Play In The West End

No trip to London in winter is complete without a stop at the West End! There are many options from plays, musicals and comedy to dance. World famous and renowned for fantastic performances, enjoying a show in the theatre is a must on any trip to London.

Enjoy Christmas at St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic building in the heart of London. It’s actually one of my favourite cathedrals in England – second to the one in Lincoln – and is really beautiful to walk around. You are free to visit and attend a service no matter your belief. During the month of December St Paul’s Cathedral holds numerous Christmas events from family crafts and carol singing. 

Ride The London Eye

On a clear day, a great way to see London in winter is at the top of the London Eye. The views are beautiful as you slowly spin around but make sure you go on a nice day when the sky is baby blue. 

See the New Year’s Eve Fireworks

These displays are pretty awesome. They display in front of the London Eye and go all out – one of the best displays in the world. However, you will need a ticket which sells out pretty fast so plan in advance. Otherwise, you will still be able to see them from other areas within London, anywhere up high is good!

Experience Christmas At Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew always do a gorgeous winter trail and light display from late November to early January. It’s a fun place for the whole family and really makes for a magical evening.

Visit The Tower Of London

The Tower of London is actually a fortress and an iconic castle at that, it’s got some serious history! It’s home to the Crown Jewels which you can see inside a vault slowly turning in a softly lit room. It’s a great place to visit during winter in London as it’s usually pretty quiet and you’ll get to wander around the grounds without the usual busy crowds.

For more similar articles, check out my recommendations below:

• Visiting Winter Wonderland
• A guide to the Birmingham Christmas market

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