Regardless of the season, London still attracts thousands of visitors each week with tourists flocking from all over the globe to enjoy the sights and sounds of this iconic city. Despite the colder conditions, there is always plenty to do, with London offering some of the best pubs, galleries, markets, and parks in Europe.
Source: Mike Coulson via Twitter
Temperatures plummet throughout winter in London and it’s important to wrap up warm and prepare for the possibility of snowy and icy conditions. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is one of the most visited attractions in the City and is the perfect family entertainment with ice skating, festive food, seasonal markets, and a variety of rides offering a wealth of options for every generation. It’s completely free to enter and, although it is extremely popular with residents and visitors alike, the vast sprawling nature of Hyde Park means it seldom gets overcrowded.
Trafalgar Square is always a popular destination and its central location makes it difficult to miss. Since 1947, a Norwegian fir standing at an impressive twenty meters has been positioned there and is usually dressed in festive lights and decorations added by a hydraulic crane.
Spitalfields Market not only offers great food and gift stalls throughout the winter but there are also regular pop-up musical acts and it’s the perfect opportunity to grab a warm drink such as a hot toddy or a mulled cocktail whilst sitting back and enjoying all of the talented performers.
Source: Old Spitalfields via Twitter
Staying warm and cozy is absolutely imperative and there are a number of welcoming pubs that are likely to offer a roaring fire and a range of hot meals and drinks for passing visitors throughout the winter months. Many of these venues are steeped in history but few of them are more historic, like the Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell, which was originally founded in 1140. Other indoor options include visiting one of Leicester Square’s iconic cinemas to see the latest blockbuster or visiting one of the legendary London theatres with a number of well-known productions taking place throughout the winter months. Royal Festival Hall, The Barbican, and The South Bank Centre perfectly cater for culture vultures with crowd-pleasing events scheduled throughout the year.
Evening options include dining at one of London’s top restaurants or taking in a gig at world-famous venues such as the Camden Roundhouse, O2 Academy, and the Hammersmith Apollo. London’s West End houses a number of prestigious casinos including the Sportsman, which is just one of many establishments offering a terrific range of table games and slots. Unfamiliar with the casino environment? Don’t worry; websites carrying live casino games and video slots offer a useful introduction to gambling and, with a tablet or mobile on hand, it’s even possible to play in the Sportsman’s exclusive bar. It’s a wonderfully unique venue with an intimate atmosphere that is ideal for meeting friends for a tipple before taking to one of the numerous tables and enjoying the thrill of roulette, blackjack, or poker.
Shoppers can enjoy the January sales at various outlets across London and it is essential to make time to browse recognizable stores such as Liberty, Harrods, or, for a much younger audience, Hamleys. A number of pop-up markets can be found throughout the winter months, offering unique, hand-crafted and bespoke gifts that are ideal for Christmas or birthday presents.
London is the ideal winter city and it never ceases to throw up events and opportunities that cater to every need. As long as you are able to wrap up warm, it is the perfect place to enjoy a long weekend or week-long getaway throughout those cold winter months and visitors are unlikely to find themselves short of things to do in this marvelous metropolis.
