Fun things to do in London in winter: by a local

London really is a city for all seasons. Despite the shorter days and cooler temperatures there are plenty of fun and unique things to do in London in winter. So embrace the dark evenings and wintry views: from shopping in historic arcades to ice skating at a palace, candle lit suppers or cocktails by an open fire, we’ve something for everyone in this insider’s guide to low-season London. Updated 2025

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I’ve lived in London all my adult life and my children have grown up here too. We’ve spent plenty of winters in London and know this can be a fantastic time of year to explore the city. Don’t let worries about the weather put you off! There are lots of unique and fun things to do in London in wintertime.

When is winter in London?

London’s winter season spans the three months of December, January and February. These are the coldest months of the year, but in central London temperatures will only occasionally drop below freezing. Grey clouds and rain are another characteristic of London winters but we do have blue skies too. And sometimes it snows!

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Weather in winter in London

There are many misconceptions about winter weather in London. Snow is actually quite rare here, despite what the movies say! Similarly the temperatures generally stay above freezing especially in the city centre.

If you visit London during winter you’ll most likely experience cold weather, cloudy days and some rain. But it’s unlikely to rain all day! If you’re unlucky and the weather is freezing then pavements can become icy and slippery but in the centre of town they are salted and cleared quickly.

The Pluses of London in Winter

• London is a city for all seasons. It’s one of the best European cities to visit in November and I’ll say the same about winter too.
• You’ll find fewer crowds than in the summertime.  You’ll be able to walk into many major attractions without long queues and have more space to enjoy them too. 
• During January and February accommodation prices are lower than in peak season and you’ll also find special offers and discounts in restaurants. 
• There’s lots of indoor entertainment in London, so your enjoyment of the city isn’t dependent on weather or daylight.
• And you can experience all the unique things about London in winter that you’ll miss at other times of the year.

Trade offs of a London winter

• The lead up to Christmas gets super-busy. Mid to late December is high season for restaurants and pubs with corporate nights out and festive celebrations. Theatres are booked up and shopping streets are crowded. 
• Prices go up around Christmas too. December is not a cheap month for booking a hotel.
• Days are short. As we approach the shortest day on December 21, dusk sets in at 4pm. This can be restricting if you’re hoping to do a lot of outdoor sightseeing. 
• The weather! Warm boots, down-filled coats and umbrellas are the answer to chilly weather. But occasionally ice or snow can make pavements slippery and may disrupt public transport.

Perfect hotels for London in winter

These two comfortable hotels really come into their own when nights draw in!

Hazlitt’s On Frith Street, in the heart of Soho, is the former lodging of renowned 18th century man of letters, William Hazlitt. He wouldn’t recognise the flat screen TVs or REN bath products but the carved oak beds, panelled walls and rich swags of fabric would make him feel right at home. This boutique hotel is a real insider’s secret. Snuggle up by the fire in the library with a first edition from the extensive library, or order in bagels, smoked salmon and Bucks Fizz for breakfast in bed.

Read reviews, check availability and book Hazlitt’s Hotel

Sea Container’s London This contemporary luxury hotel with a riverside setting and a 1920s cruise liner vibe is perfect for an indulgent winter stay. It’s handy for cultural outings along the South Bank or popping over the river to Covent Garden for retail treats. If the weather closes in you can take refuge in the rooftop 12th Knot bar with its expansive views of the Thames. Or unwind in the Agua Spa then catch a movie in the hotel’s 56 seat cinema. 

Read reviews, check availability and book Sea Container’s London

10 Fun and unique things to do in London in Winter

1. Go Shopping in Piccadilly

Piccadilly is a wonderful place to shop in winter time. A thoroughfare between upmarket Mayfair, St James and bustling Piccadilly Circus, its heritage stores and boutiques are perfect for Christmas gifts and London souvenirs. Piccadilly is also home to four historic shopping arcades. These glamorous reminders of a former golden age will keep you warm and dry in inclement weather.

Fortnum and Mason Up-market grocers since the 1700s, their eponymous wicker hamper will be your treasured kitchen holdall or picnic standby for years to come. Fortnum’s is a department store of luxurious food, gifts and homeware. Dive in here for afternoon tea if the rain clouds gather then pick up pretty tins of leaf tea to take home. 181 Piccadilly 

Hatchards bookshop Piccadilly booksellers since Georgian times (Jane Austen shopped here) Hatchards holds royal warrants too. Ascend the country house style staircase then follow the sign ‘Through to Crime’. Here you’ll find the perfect Agatha Christie sofa with a view of Piccadilly’s Christmas lights.  So that’s the rainy afternoon sorted. 187 Piccadilly

Paxton and Whitfield Sniff out gifts to adorn a Christmas table at the original Jermyn Street shop. “A gentleman buys his hats at Locks ….  and his cheese at Paxton and Whitfield,” said Winston Churchill, another fan of shopping in Piccadilly.  93 Jermyn Street.

Visit Piccadilly’s glamorous Shopping Arcades

It’s the ideal time of year to re-discover London’s first shopping malls, architecturally appealing and  packed with luxe. In Regency times they were a genteel environment for London’s ladies to go shopping, protected from the mud and pickpockets of Piccadilly. Now jewellery, cashmere, scents and sunglasses glitter alluringly behind the pretty Georgian and Victorian shopfronts. And the arcades dress up to the nines for the Christmas season.

The Burlington Arcade is the best known of Piccadilly’s historic covered galleries. Uniformed beadles patrol it in a tradition established in Regency times. This didn’t deter the masked thieves in 1964 who drove into the arcade in a large Jaguar, raided a jewellers and made off with a stash worth £35,000. They were never caught.  Bollards now stand at the entrances of the arcade to prevent any such repeat.

Across the road lies the Piccadilly Arcade, an Edwardian addition, along with the Art Deco-styled Princes Arcade. While the ladies were keeping their feet dry within, gentlemen of distinction were procuring their necessities in nearby Jermyn Street.  Running parallel to Piccadilly it’s home to the south-side entrances to both arcades. It’s been famous for centuries for all things refined in the way of menswear.

Finally, the pretty Royal Arcade lies just north of Piccadilly between Bond Street and Albemarle Street. This is a Victorian confection, painted in peach and home amongst others to the be-ribboned chocolate boxes of Charbonnel et Walker.

2. Watch Sunrise and Sunset during Winter in London

Since sunrise is at the respectable time of 8 am and sunset happens in the afternoon, you can factor them both into a London winter itinerary. Although they’re rather weather dependent, London has some spectacular winter sunrises and sunsets so you may be in luck! 

Sunrise views in London winters

London’s winter sunrises occur between the relatively civilised hours of 7 and 8 am. So find a place for an early breakfast and with luck you’ll see the sky turn peachy too.  

The Duck and Waffle, open 24/7 on the 40th floor of a city skyscraper, is a classic London spot for a sunrise breakfast. Its floor to ceiling windows give you cloud high views. Salesforce Tower, 110 Bishopsgate.

Millennium Bridge For a takeaway option, grab a coffee then loiter on the Millennium bridge which spans the Thames between Tate Modern and St Paul’s Cathedral. Even hurrying commuters pause to take in the early morning vistas.

London winter sunsets

The London Eye is a great place to watch the sun go down, the city lights flicker to life and the sky turn a deep blue. Time your flight carefully and book ahead. Check here for reviews, availability and to book The London Eye Experience, standard or fast track.

The Sky Garden is another high rise option for a London winter sunset. It’s has free to access views at level 35 of the Walkie Talkie building. You may even be able to get a walk-in ticket at this time of year. But to be on the safe side, tickets can be booked up to 3 weeks in advance. The viewing terrace overlooks the Thames whilst bars and a brasserie serve food and drinks all day. 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M

The South Bank The sun sinking behind the Houses of Parliament is an iconic London view and the South Bank is a great place to see it. Take a stroll beside the river from Bankside towards Westminster Bridge.

3. Winter is the best time to visit London’s free museums

January and February are the best time of year to explore London’s museums and galleries. Without the crowds, especially on weekdays, you can take your time to see amazing works of art and artifacts up close. As an added bonus London has more than 20 free museums!

4. Cosy up in a Pub by a roaring fire

Winter is the perfect time of year to discover London’s most cosy pubs and bars. Pull up a chair by a warm fireplace and sample a craft beer, seasonal cocktail or sophisticated non-alcoholic spirit. You’ll spot welcoming outdoor terraces too, with heaters and comfy blankets.

Here are some characterful London pubs with a great atmosphere in the winter months.

• The Grazing Goat Country pub vibes at this upmarket Marylebone hostelry with rooms, a stone’s throw from Oxford Street.
• The Scarsdale Tavern An historic neighbourhood pub near Kensington High Street. Lovely real fire too.
• The Holy Tavern Cosy quirky pub in Clerkenwell that looks like it dates from the 1700s. It doesn’t! But the re-creation is impressive.
• The Dove The real deal in terms of age, this much-loved little Hammersmith pub is steeped in history. Go there for the river views, low beams and open fire.
• Scarfes Bar Not a pub, this one, it’s more a sophisticated drawing room with a clubby vibe and live jazz. And a roaring fire. Rosewood London, Holborn WC1V

5. Eat Out in London in the Winter

This is a great time of year to explore the best of the London food scene. Forgot all the jokes about British food being bad. Here in London we have a fantastic range of restaurants with cuisines from all over the world and price points from takeaway to Michelin star. And don’t forget Britain’s own classic dishes and traditional snacks: it’s great tasting comfort food for chilly days.

Fish and chips

We have very strong opinions about our fish and chips in Britain. Some will say you need to go to the seaside to get the best. But these two central London locations get consistently good reviews: Rock & Sole Plaice in Covent Garden, Golden Union Fish Bar in Soho just off Oxford Street.

Sunday lunch

The great British food fest that is the Sunday Roast is a perfect occupation for a chilly winter’s day, especially before or after the statutory walk in a park. Lots of pubs and restaurants offer some version of this. Some of the best include:

The Quality Chop House in Clerkenwell, a historic venue with a modern British menu.

The Blacklock restaurants in Shoreditch, Soho and Covent Garden. Great reviews for these central London steakhouses which keep prices reasonable and pull out the stops for Sunday lunches.

Dine with a view of London at night

Make the most of early twilights and book a table for supper with a classic view of the city at night. Some of the most sought-after venues also offer set menus or pre or post-theatre options. Try:

Hutong Yes you are clearly paying a premium for the view at this northern Chinese restaurant on level 33 of The Shard. But what a view it is at night, enhanced by Hutong’s signature red lanterns.

Gaucho Tower Bridge Argentinian steaks and a view of Tower Bridge with all its lights on. That’s a great combination for a winter evening in London.

If you’re looking for a classic Thames dinner cruise, this one comes with a live jazz band: check here for reviews, availability and to book River Thames dinner cruise with live jazz

Mulled wine

No longer restricted to ski slopes, mulled wine is a festive tipple that can really hit the spot after a bracing walk in a park (or round the shops). Steamy, aromatic, and not too alcoholic it’ll warm your fingers too. Many London pubs and outdoor food markets serve mulled wine in the lead up to Christmas.

Hot chocolate

It’s the perfect time of year for hot chocolate too! Pick one up at the kiosks in the London parks or a food market. But for the richest, most luxurious versions try one of these specialist purveyors:

Dark Sugars Brick Lane E1: join the queue for the hot chocolates heaped with chocolate shavings.

Knoops branches: hot chocs in 20 different percentages with tasting notes for each.

6. Enjoy London in December

London is worth a December visit just for its seasonal decorations! In fact the city gets into the Christmas spirit from mid November when the lights are turned on in Oxford Street. You can spend all evening wandering from street to street: every neighbourhood makes a special effort.

In order not to miss out on the best, take a walking tour like this well-reviewed one which takes in markets, lights and stories about local Christmases past London: Christmas Lights and Markets Tour.

Take a private luxury Christmas Lights Tour in a Black Cab or hop on an open-top bus for a trip around the capital’s spectacular trees and lights (preferably on a rain-free evening!).

I make a point of popping into central London for an hour or two on Christmas Day. It’s a once a year opportunity to see the capital without the traffic or the crowds. Here’s a treat if you’re spending Christmas Day in London: a tour by coach of the Sights and Sounds of London on Christmas Day with a professional guide providing the commentary.

Visit a London Christmas Market

Since dusk falls around 4pm the brightly lit Christmas markets really sparkle as you walk through town.

The Winter Market at the Southbank Centre, beside the river Thames on Queen’s Walk, is always a favourite. Lights twinkle and the air is filled with delicious scents from little wooden chalets selling winter-warming favourites like raclette.

Winter by the River, the London Bridge Christmas Market is probably the prettiest with wonderful views of the river and Tower Bridge.

Leicester Square hosts gift stalls, snacks, a Santa’s grotto and a selection of shows in a traditional 1920s spiegeltent.

Sloane Square and Duke of York’s Square on the Kings Road always have pretty lights. It’s one of my favourite places to sit outside with a warm cup of mulled wine and catch up with a friend.

The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is London’s major Christmas fun fair, with an ice rink, beer tents, an observation wheel, plenty of rides and roller coasters, circus and ice shows and a comedy club. You may love it – you may not! Click here for more info.

Book a light trail walk in a London park

Illuminated trails are a must-do Christmas outing for lots of Londoners. The original and arguably best of our Christmas light trails is Christmas at Kew. Here spectacular lights and lasers play on the gorgeous Victorian glass houses while installations twinkle among the ancient trees in the botanic garden. Walkers are tempted with frothy hot chocolates, toasted marshmallows and street food treats. And everyone loves the vintage fairground rides.

Head to an outdoor ice rink

A visit to a nice cosy palace or museum is a tempting plan on a chilly day.  And in the run up to Christmas some of London’s finest add a temporary ice rink on the side, for festive fun with your culture fix. If you’re in London with teens this can be a really fun thing to do.

Note: The seasonal ice rink at the Natural History Museum, above, has closed. But on a positive note the gardens will be transformed into an urban wildlife hub.

There are plenty more museums and galleries with seasonal ice rinks in London. Check the links below for opening dates and times:

Hampton Court Palace and ice rink The 16th century home of Henry VIII at Hampton Court is a stunning backdrop for a session of winter skating. Especially so in the evening when it’s bathed in coloured lights.

Skate at Somerset House, home of the Courtauld Gallery, is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism this year. Expect a 40 ft Christmas tree, Swiss themed cuisine and Skate Lates with DJ sets. Lessons are available too.

The beautiful Queen’s House Greenwich ice rink, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site, has gorgeous views of the historic maritime buildings and the Canary Wharf skyline beyond.

The Ice at Kensington Palace rink is a recent addition to London’s pop-up skating portfolio. It promises a huge covered rink in the Palace grounds with festive food, drink and shopping too.

7. Take a Winter Day Trip from London

England’s countryside is beautiful all year round and the most popular places are much more peaceful out of season. Wrap up warm and pack an umbrella!

Enjoy the Cotswolds in Winter

Explore four of the most beautiful Cotswolds villages out of season when they are at their most peaceful. Your knowledgeable guide will give you lots of suggestions on things to do and places to see as well as leading short walks at some of the stops.

I took this tour in November and can thoroughly recommend it! It’s a wonderful chance to see the most iconic of Cotswolds sights like Arlington Row in low season and generally speaking without crowds. Check reviews, availability and book Full Day Cotswold Tour with Lunch.

Visit Windsor

Windsor is one of the pretty and historic towns and cities close to London. A visit here is a great day out whatever the time of year, and again you can benefit from fewer crowds out of season. Check ahead for the castle’s opening times. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place on selected days throughout the year. You’ll need a Castle entrance ticket to see the ceremony but you can watch the Guards march through town for free. Check here for dates and times.

Windsor and Eton are pretty towns to explore and have a pub lunch. And of course Windsor Castle’s Long Walk is beautiful in every season.

See Hogwarts in the Snow

The Hogwarts in the snow feature at the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio runs from mid November to mid January and it gets booked up very quickly each year. The Studio is about 20 miles north of London and you can reach it by bus, train or taxi.

If you’re concerned about navigating the trains, this Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour & Transfers offers you escorted train travel from Euston to the Studios for a timed entrance. The guide will then leave you to spend as long as you like exploring the Harry Potter Studios before you return to London in your own time on your open train ticket.

8. Explore London’s small historic houses

London is home to many grand and famous historic buildings. But it’s worth seeking out the smaller ones that offer a more intimate slice of life from the past. Winter is a great time to visit them when days are shorter and outdoor exploring is limited. Check their websites for themed events. Here are some of my favourites.

The Charles Dickens Museum

Some say Dickens ‘invented’ Christmas Day in his novella, A Christmas Carol. Certainly the story did a lot to popularise the date as a day of family togetherness and feasting. So a visit to Dickens’ own home, dressed for Christmas, is a perfect London winter treat. During December you can book to watch a live performance of a Dickens tale, or to pay a special Christmas Eve visit. Charles Dickens Museum , 48 Doughty Street, King’s Cross.

Dennis Severs’ House

Take an evocative winter evening tour of this magical 18th century home whose inhabitants seem to have just stepped out for a moment. Take in the ticking clocks, crackling fires, flickering candlelight and the scent of woodsmoke and oranges in the air. It’s a ‘still life drama’ recreating the Spitalfields home of a family of Huguenot silk weavers. Dennis Severs’ house is at 18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields.

Strawberry Hill House

With its whitewashed turrets and towers Strawberry Hill in Twickenham looks just like a castle from a childhood fable. And that’s exactly what its owner intended. 

Horace Walpole, prime minister’s son, bought a small house by the Thames in 1747.  Inspired by his passion for architecture and history he spent years improving and developing it. His home was later to star in his bestselling novel, The Castle of Otranto the first of the whole genre of Gothic fiction.  Experts now celebrate the house as a Gothic Revival masterpiece.

Allow time for cake and coffee in the excellent cafe too! Strawberry Hill House and Garden, 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham.

Turner’s House

Just along the river from Strawberry Hill, Britain’s greatest landscape painter, JMW Turner, of The Fighting Temeraire fame was also attracted to the Thames side location. In 1807 he designed a small villa for himself and his father a retired wigmaker.  Today, Sandycombe Lodge has been restored as near as possible to the home that Turner built.

It’s a fascinating glimpse of Georgian life and the restoration includes some clever tricks to capture the visitor’s imagination. The shadow of Old William, Turner’s father, sits beside the stove in the kitchen and you can hear some of his stories there. Check the website for opening details. Turner’s House, 40 Sandycoombe Road, Twickenham.

Carlyle’s House

Victorian intellectual Thomas Carlyle was a literary star in his lifetime. His home was visited by Tennyson and Dickens – and some of his upper class female fans too. His long-suffering wife Jane wrote amusingly about their daily life and you can read extracts from her letters as you move from room to room in their old home. They lived for 40 years in this terraced house in Chelsea, now a National Trust property. Carlyle’s House, 24 Cheyne Row, Chelsea

9. Spend a London winter night at the theatre

Going to a West End show just seems more special on a dark winter’s evening! Maybe it’s the glittering neon signs, black cabs pulling up to the kerb, the buzz from nearby restaurants, or the chat of friends meeting and greeting in the foyer. All year round, central London is the place to catch big name musicals like the The Lion King, Wicked or Les Misérables. These special occasion treats are worth booking well in advance.

And December brings a new roll call of pantomimes,  ballets, and Christmas shows, wonderful performances that only appear on stage for the Christmas season. It’s yet another reason to plan a visit to London in winter.

Check out the theatres in London’s suburbs

The outskirts of London offer lots of smaller venues too. They showcase great productions at very affordable prices. And you might even catch a play before it transfers to the West End.

We spent a cosy evening in the plush splendour of Richmond’s beautiful little Victorian theatre.  As a classic 1930s whodunnit unfolded on stage we noticed famous faces in the cast from TV’s Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey. It was a fun evening that was inexpensive and easy to book.

Faulty Towers Dining Experience

Remember the legendary BBC comedy Fawlty Towers?  Now imagine being a real-life guest! That’s the set up for the tribute show: Faulty Towers The Dining Experience. 

Guests gather in a hotel suite by Russell Square in Bloomsbury for a three course set meal (though don’t expect to spend much time savouring it!) Your supper is secondary to the theatre that’s happening all around you. It’s slapstick fun as Basil, Sybil and Manuel greet and seat guests, clear plates and interact with the audience. 

Part scripted, part improvised, as the evening progresses you literally don’t know what will happen next.  It’s good clean fun with a helping of 1970s innuendo and more than a dash of nostalgia for classic British comedy. Great for birthdays and anniversary celebrations – which can even get a mention during the show!

Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is at the President Hotel, 56 Guilford St, WC1N. Click for reviews, availability and to book.

I attended the show with a complimentary ticket, all opinions are my own.     

10. Wrap up for a winter walk in London

It’s hard to beat a riverside walk on a crisp winter day. Here are some of my favourites:

Tower Bridge and Bankside

Don hats, scarves and gloves then set off to explore the Thames walks near Tower Bridge. You could pop into the Bridge itself for its fascinating exhibition and lovely views of London.

Afterwards head to a cosy and historic pub for fish and chips or sausage and mash. Try The George Inn, Southwark. It’s owned by the National Trust and is the only galleried coaching inn left in London.  75 -77 Borough High Street, SE1

Hammersmith to Chiswick

Alternatively head to west London to stroll along the footpath north of the Thames river. There’s a lovely walk from Hammersmith to Chiswick with river views and handsome listed houses.  The Dove, Hammersmith is a great pub to start or finish a riverside ramble.  Charles II and Nell Gwynne ate there and you can too.

Guided walks in winter London

Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring his London haunts from the books and films. This 3 hr private guided walking tour (kids go free) takes in all the major locations, starting with a photo opp at Platform 9 3/4. It gets excellent reviews Check the Harry Potter in London Private Tour for reviews, availability and to book.

Notting Hill It’s the perfect time of year for a classic London romcom so try this Notting Hill guided tour which takes in Portobello Road market, film locations and celebrity haunts.

FAQs for Winter in London

Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information on tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.

What to Read Next

London has an array of festive winter fairs, a favourite of mine is the London Bridge Christmas Market and, close by, the Southbank Christmas Market .

For a checklist of London souvenirs: 101 of the Best London Gifts for Family

For more fun food souvenirs to bring home from London: 101 Best British Snacks that make Great Souvenirs

And while you’re here make sure you taste the best traditional London food. Here are 49 must-try dishes and where to find them.

Visiting London in November or December? Don’t miss the spectacular light trail at Kew Gardens

Winter is a great time for to enjoy London’s cultural sights. Russell Square is a leafy enclave close to the British museum with lovely historic hotels.

London is also one of the Best European Cities to visit in November

To experience London like a Londoner: find out Best Non-Touristy Things to do in London 

To plan an itinerary for history lovers: 40+ Historical Places in London and why you’ll want to see them.

Looking for a drink or meal in Kensington? Here’s a guide to the best pubs near the Royal Albert Hall. 

Planning a trip to Windsor? The Long Walk by the castle is a stunning landmark that’s free to enjoy. 

After your walk take a break at one of Windsor’s historic old pubs. 

To see another side of London, leafy Wimbledon has a foot in both town and country.  Explore the common, shop the boutiques and stop for coffee at one of the cafes and coffee shops in Wimbledon. 

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What’s your favourite winter experience in London? Join in the conversation in the Comments below. 

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