London is a magical city to visit during the winter months and despite the chill in the air, and the increased risk of grey skies and rainy days, there is still plenty happening in the city to keep everyone happy and occupied. Lots of the major attractions in London transform themselves completely for the build up to the festive season with outdoor ice skating rinks, Christmas markets and special family events being just some of the ways in which you can enjoy winter in London.
So if you are planning a trip to London over the coming months and want to know the best winter activities then here are just a few suggestions to get you started:-
Browse the Christmas markets
It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for a last minute Christmas present or you simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a cup of mulled wine, there are a fair few Christmas markets which crop up across the city during the months of November, December and January. Many of the markets also have fairground rides, carol singers and other festive treats so you can really make an entire experience out of your visit. Some of our favourite Christmas markets include Belgravia Christmas market, Tate Modern Christmas market, Christmas by the River at London Bridge, Greenwich Market at Christmas and Christmas at Camden Market to name but a few. Set aside a few hours to browse the market stalls and wooden cabins which are set up before following it with a glass of mulled wine or a cup of hot chocolate and a spot of people watching as you warm up. Is there anything more Christmassy than that?
Go to a carol service
If you are in the mood to listen to some carols then you will find that a number of London’s best concert venues host festive concerts and Christmas carol services over the winter period. These often feature internationally acclaimed singers and musicians and there are often a number of family-friendly shows and concerts as well for those with younger children to consider. The Trafalgar Square carol concerts are truly spectacular with more than 50 carol groups gathering to sing for an hour beneath the towering Christmas tree in order to raise money for charities. The dates have yet to be set but it will take place during the month of December and if you are able to get along you will certainly leave feeling a lot more festive. Another incredibly popular season of services to attend are the Advent and Christmas services held at St Paul’s Cathedral. There are several events taking place throughout December from A Celebration of Christmas with celebrity readings to a more traditional Christmas carol service on the 23rd and 24th December. The events at St Paul’s are free but they do get busy so it is worth turning up early to ensure you get a seat, especially if you are travelling in from one of the hotels near London City Airport or further afield.
Try an outdoor ice skating rink
Many of us will have been ice skating at one point or another in our lives, but how many of us can say that we have ice skated in the shadow of one of the country’s most historical landmarks? If you head to London during the winter season then you will have the opportunity to do just that. Get yourself booked into the Montcalm Royal London City and then head into London to attractions such as the Natural History Museum, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Canary Wharf and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Many of these ice skating rinks are also surrounded by other festive goings-on so you can relax and embrace the winter atmosphere once you have had your fun spinning and circling on the ice.
Sit by the fire in a pub
London has a large number of cosy, traditional British pubs which can really come into their own during the colder months of the year. Think roaring open fires, real ales on tap, comfy armchairs and plenty of local people to have a chat with; there’s no better excuse than when the weather has taken a turn for the worst and you need somewhere to hole up for a couple of hours. Some of our favourites include Greenwich’s oldest pub: Plume of Feathers, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street, The Flask in Highgate, The Holly Bush in Hampstead and The Prince Albert in Battersea although there are many more you could choose from. The majority of these pubs also serve a menu stuffed full of hearty and heartwarming dinners as well, perfect for the festive period.
Pamper yourself at the spa
Sometimes a trip to London isn’t about haring around the city trying to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible; sometimes it’s about taking some time out for you and making the most of the world-class facilities which London has to offer. A visit to one of the city’s best spas could be the exact thing you need to take your mind off the bitterly cold weather and the stress of planning the perfect Christmas celebration. Or maybe you don’t need an excuse to pamper yourself and just love the opportunity to enjoy a treat or two! Think deliciously warm saunas, temptingly good jacuzzis and a signature massage that will have you relaxed and rejuvenated in no time. Who could say no to that?
Walk around the parks
If you’re touring around the City on your motorbike then it’s worthwhile slowing down for a bit too. We’ve talked a lot about getting out of the weather and inside somewhere cosy but if you want to make the most of the crisp winter days then why not take a walk around one of London’s wonderful royal parks? The parks seem to transform with each passing season and they are just as glorious in winter as they are at any other time of the year. Plenty of them also have refreshment booths so you can grab a hot drink as you go too. So park up and take a walk, you’ll soon warm up in your motorcycle jackets and boots.