Winter in London

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Traditionally called the off-season, the winter season brings out London’s true character. There is so much to see even if it is winter in London. The major difference is that few tourists visit the city during this season. This only means more room for tourists to appreciate London’s history and pageantry, shopping with excellent bargains, and better seats in the theater. Here are some fun things to do during a London winter:

Buckingham Palace in Winter

Feed the squirrels in Holland Park

Go for a long leisurely walk in the city’s parks, which are so lovely in wintertime. Take some peanuts to the squirrels in Holland Park or feed the ducks in Hyde Park. After that, go to a cosy pub for a drink as Londoners do. London can get freezing cold so wear something warm. Also pack an umbrella.

Spend the afternoon in a bookstore

A bookstore is a nice place to spend some precious time while you are in a London winter vacation. Browse through and then go the coffee shop to read. Many of the city’s large bookstores have their own cafes in the premises.

Explore museums for free

What’s great about London is that many of its museums are free. These include the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, all in South Kensington; the Tate Britain near Westminster, the Tate Modern in Southwark by the river Thames, and the British Museum in Bloomsbury in the heart of London. The National Gallery located in Trafalgar Square also does not charge for entry.

See a film in cinemas

London is notorious for having expensive cinemas. But take heart, there are many cinemas in the city that offer 50% off tickets on Monday afternoons. The Prince Charles cinema near Leicester Square is one of the city’s cheapest cinemas. On occasion, afternoon ticket prices starts at just £1.50. For cinema listings, check the weekly Time Out magazine.

Ice-skate in Hyde Park

Ice-skating in Hyde Park is a fun experience. The Winter Wonderland ice-skating rink arrives in the park in November and stays there until January. Hyde park offers the city’s largest outdoor ice rink and pre-Christmas events like Santa’s Grotto.

Enjoy Christmas time

If you are spending Christmas in London, check Time Out magazine for fairs and markets. Popular events include the singing of Christmas carols on Trafalgar Square and the switching on of Christmas lights on Regent Street. From November onwards, Christmas fairs flood the city. The weeks before Christmas are the best time to visit markets like the Covent Garden or Camden for Christmas presents. Drink some mulled wine, which is always available during this season. Also don’t miss the roasted chestnuts.

London may look like a dark, dull, and cold place during the winter season. But even in the coldest time of the year, you will see that there is a lot going on in London. Just wrap up warm and enjoy your London winter break.