Just because it’s chilly throughout the winter months doesn’t mean there’s any less to do on a trip to London; the city offers many activities and experiences to get stuck into during the chillier spells. From wrapping up for a stroll around one of London’s iconic parks to cosying up in a classic London boozer for a Sunday roast next to the roaring fire, join us as we explore the top things to do in London in the winter.
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(WA=Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of Eating Europe
Wrap up and enjoy a foodie tour of Borough Market
First on our list of the best things to do in London in the winter is this Eating Europe Tour of Borough Market, a culinary adventure that takes you on a journey of some of the best food in the city at Borough Market, one of the city’s most iconic food markets. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll enjoy various gourmet treats, from artisanal cheeses and British charcuterie to freshly baked bread and international specialities. The tour also includes stops at hidden gems and food stalls, where you’ll have the opportunity to chat with passionate food artisans and learn about the market’s fascinating history. The market is mostly undercover, so you don’t have to worry too much about the unpredictable British weather.
Borough Market Food Tour | London Bridge
Image Courtesy of Ting
Get cosy and enjoy afternoon tea
Going for afternoon tea in London is a must for those looking to enjoy a quintessentially British experience whilst embracing the city’s heritage. Whether in an elegant tearoom, a historic hotel, or a laid-back café, the ritual of afternoon tea is an authentic journey into British culture. The Savoy Hotel (WA) hosts an impressive afternoon tea inside the Thames Foyer’s opulent glass-domed atrium – an Insta-dream. They provide over 30 tea varieties alongside dainty sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. For unparalleled views of London’s skyline, Ting at the Shard (WA) serves afternoon tea on the 35th floor of The Shard. Or, if you’re visiting during the festive season, opt for Claridge’s (WA), which is serving a festive afternoon tea amongst incredible Christmas decorations, or you’ve got Grosvenor Hotel (WA), which is hosting a fun snowman-themed one!
Image Courtesy of The Culpeper
Get cosy in a London pub
Pubs are a major part of London’s tapestry, especially when winter hits. We love to get cosy in a classic boozer, sipping drinks by the roaring fireplace or enjoying a comforting Sunday roast – Canton Arms (WA) in Lambeth and The Culpeper (WA) in Spitalfields do an excellent one (but you’re never far from a good one in this city so no need to travel far).
Or, if you want an expert guide to show you the ropes, head on this Historical Pub Walking Tour, a captivating journey through the city’s rich history and thriving pub culture. This guided tour offers a unique and immersive experience for history enthusiasts and avid beer fans. Stroll through the historic streets of London and explore some of the city’s oldest and most iconic pubs, each with its own stories and traditions. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can expect a blend of history, local legends, and the opportunity to enjoy a pint or two at these beloved establishments. Devour Tours also hosts a fantastic pub tour, Tastes, Tales & Traditional Ales, with seven food tastings and five drinks at five historic London pubs.
Learn all about Jack the Ripper from a different perspective
Whitechapel, known for its rich history, houses a century-old art gallery, London’s oldest mosque, and the renowned Punjabi restaurant Tayabbs. However, it’s also famously associated with Jack the Ripper’s gruesome murders. This ethical walking tour shifts the focus from the mysterious killer to the brave victims, shedding light on their daily challenges in the Victorian slums of Whitechapel. Explore Aldgate, Whitechapel, and Spitalfields with a local guide, gaining a new perspective on the Whitechapel Murders through the eyes of the courageous victims. Just make sure you wrap up warm!
Jack the Ripper- What About the Women? Walking Tour | Aldgate
Image Courtesy of The Distillery
Learn to make your own bottle of gin
London has a rich and storied history when it comes to gin, dating back several centuries. In the 18th century, London experienced what is famously known as the Gin Craze, which is when there was a huge increase in gin consumption, especially in poorer neighbourhoods. Nowadays, gin is one of the UK’s favourite drinks, enjoyed all over the city. If you want to delve deeper into the world of gin and make your own bottle, The Ginstitute Experience at The Distillery offers a hands-on exploration of the art of gin-making. You’ll learn all about its history, create your own gin recipe and distil a bottle to enjoy back home. They also offer vouchers if you want to gift this experience to someone for the festive season or their birthday.
The Ginstitute Experience at the Distillery | Notting Hill
Image Courtesy of MYO
Get creative at a MYO art class
Make Your Own (MYO) offers classes for adults in London, where you can spend a few hours unleashing your creativity and getting stuck into something artsy either alone or while socialising with pals. Whether you want to create a macramé plant hanger, learn how to craft new festive decorations for your Christmas tree, print your own tea towel or kick off the new year by creating a vision board for 2024, you can do this and much more at one of their classes. They’re also BYOB (bring your own booze), the perfect winter warm-up activity.
M.Y.O (Make Your Own) | Borough
Wrap up and enjoy a walk around a London park
Last up on our list of the top things to do in London in the winter is wrapping up and heading for one of the city’s green spaces. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a bracing winter walk, and London offers many picturesque parks to enjoy a chilly stroll. Victoria Park in East London is a local favourite – it won the People’s Choice Award for the nation’s favourite park. Enjoy wandering around the leisurely 2.7-mile loop, stopping for coffee and a pastry at The Pavilion Café next to the lake (we tell you how to work a visit to Victoria Park into your trip with our pre-planned London itineraries). There’s also Primrose Hill, just a 10-minute journey from Camden, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Greenwich Park offers glimpses of Canary Wharf, Regent’s Park has a hidden Japanese Garden, and Richmond Park is known for its herds of red and fallow deer roaming freely. Both Primrose Hill and Greenwich are included in our 6-Day London Itinerary, so no need to try to work out how to fit this all into your plans.
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