London in winter travel guide – things to do and where to stay

Are you planning a trip to London in winter? Get your woolly hat and gloves ready, it’s a lot of fun.

Having lived in the city for many years we can assure you that London is a city that embraces its cold and brisk weather patterns. So there are plenty of things to do in London in winter even on the greyest of days.

Things to do in London in winter

We wont lie, visiting London in December, January and February provides some unique challenges. The days are cold and darkness sets in early and you will probably want to spend a lot of time indoors. But you might be surprised to learn there are some fun outdoor attractions too.

So get creative and plan out a London winter itinerary with these activities.

Catch a show in London’s West End

In winter, Londoners head to the theater and so should you. Apart from being a classic British tradition, many new shows are launched in winter. From classics like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera to the latest productions starring world famous actors there is a show for everyone playing in London’s West End. 

Check Time Out for up to date lists of what’s on and find discount and last minute ticket deals on the Theatre Tickets Direct website for what’s showing in London this winter.

Top London theatre shows 2022 / 2023

• Les Miserables – London’s longest running show (since 1985) and favourite tale of love, loss and redemption set in the Paris commune – click for ticket info
• Mamma Mia – All your favourite ABBA songs in a feel good musical
• The Book of Mormon – Cheeky satire about the Mormon faith that ultimately endorses love and service
• Wicked – Take a journey to the Land of Oz to meet unlikely friends, witches Glinda and Elphaba 

Find a cosy London pub

Nothing could be cosier and more English than an open fire roaring inside a quaint pub. Stay warm and cosy with a pint of ale or glass of wine by the fire. 

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese at 145 Fleet Street is one of London’s oldest pubs, dating from just after the Great Fire of London. This pub has a coal fire burning in the bar and a fascinating history. Apparently Charles Dickens and Mark Twain once drank there.

If you like the sound of that, here is a list of pubs in London with an open fireplace or if you’d prefer a guided experience you might like to join a fabulous walking tour of the city’s historic pubs where you uncover the hidden stories behind each watering hole > click here for tour information

Visit London’s museums and galleries

Many of the city’s museums and galleries are free to visit, so they are always a popular winter activity in London. We love visiting the British Museum in all seasons but this visitor favourite can fill a whole rainy London day.

The ever popular Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A in Kensington are always extremely busy. And for good reason. They are a treasure trove of interactive exhibits suitable for all ages and interests. We recommend visiting these museums early (before midday) to avoid the crowds.

In Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum takes you on a journey through London’s fascinating transport history – from double decker buses to the first underground lines. There are some useful play spaces there if you are visiting with kids and need a more active indoor activity.

To avoid the main tourist traffic go to Greenwich where there are several fascinating museums including the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory and Meridian Line and National Maritime Museum. You could easily spend a day in Greenwich enjoying the museums with a break for lunch in the famous covered market. 

Art galleries

There is a London gallery for all art lovers – from modern art at the Tate Modern to Old Masters and Renaissance glory at the National Gallery. Many of the galleries offer free admission to their permanent collections and have cosy cafes to warm up in with a hot chocolate after your dose of culture.

Enjoy a mid shopping trip culture fix at the Wallace Collection near Selfridges. This museum is free to enter and has severam impressive galleries including paintings by Dutch Masters and beautifully curated collections of armour, porcelain and furniture.

Afternoon tea indulgence

The British tradition of afternoon tea is a must do each time you visit London. You can have the poshest of teas at The Ritz or take your tea on a vintage London bus as you tour the sights of the city. If you fancy a stylish and modern tea, we recently enjoyed an indulgent afternoon tea with a spectacular view of the Tower of London at Aqua Shard.

Now afternoon tea can be taken at many unique venues across London but I think the most fabulous tea is at the iconic Houses of Parliament – a truly unique London activity. 

Shop till you drop

Shopping in London in winter is lots of fun. You can stay warm in the famous Burlington, Piccadilly and Royal arcades you’ll find on Piccadilly. The historic malls are the perfect spot to browse luxury treats from iconic British and international brands. At Christmas time they are decorated in classic style and are a great place for photos.

While you’re in the area pop into Fortnum and Mason and browse their range of high end food stuffs – perfect for souvenirs or treats.

If you’ve come to shop at some of the biggest flagship stores in the world, duck in and out of the stores along Oxford and Regent Street for high street bargains and luxury finds. 

Make sure you drop by Liberty of London at  and enjoy one of my favourite activities > shopping for scarves! At Christmastime you must go to the top floor where there are all the tree baubles you could dream of in Liberty of London’s Christmas shop.

If you like markets and artisan made goods head to Spitalfields for a uniquely London experience and fun offerings from small designers.

Take a stroll in a park

Before you settle in for a cosy afternoon at a pub or enjoy your afternoon tea, take a brisk walk in one of London’s famous parks and gardens. Though the leaves have dropped, you can still appreciate the grandeur of these open spaces. 

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are popular choices close to the main attractions. Admire the Albert Memorial and say hello to the ducks and swans on the Serpentine. If you’re visiting in December, Hyde Park is transformed into a winter playground known as Winter Wonderland with Christmas activities, rides and stalls. And of course Santa!

Visiting London in December

December is the best month to visit London in winter. The city is magical and decorated beautifully during the Christmas season.

There is nothing more festive than shopping in central London at Christmastime soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying Christmas windows and decorations around Covent Garden and New Bond Street.

Christmas Markets in London

The Southbank Christmas Markets are a fun way to spend an afternoon. Sip on mulled wine as you browse the craft stalls for gifts and ride the carousel. The market and Christmas activities stretch from outside the Tate Modern to near the London Eye.

Right in the heart of Soho, there is a lovely Christmas market at Leicester Square. This one gets very busy with shoppers and visitors so visit earlier in the day if you want to avoid the crowds.

London winter ice skating rinks

Try ice skating at Somerset House or at the Natural History Museum. You can even skate in front of the Tower of London. This is one of our favourite Christmas traditions. For some reason the ice skating rinks close after the Christmas season which is a real shame – it’s so much fun!

Don’t forget to visit London’s famous fun fair Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Open from November to January, there are fairground rides, a market to browse and an opportunity to meet Santa of course.

Where to stay in London in winter

When it is cold outside, we think it is important to stay somewhere lovely and cosy. Find a hotel in a central location with all the creature comforts and you have the ultimate mid winter treat. 

Our pick of London’s luxury hotels

The Goring is close to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey for sightseeing and Sloane Square for shopping.

This elegant hotel is a haven from the fast pace of the city and is renowned for impeccable service and hospitality. Staying here is such a treat > click here for latest prices

Across town at the Rosewood London in Holborn the atmosphere is equally tranquil. Close to the theatres of Covent Garden and shopping on Oxford Street, the hotel is in an historic building that captures the essence of London’s grandeur.

I have enjoyed many meals at the Holborn Dining Room within the hotel and always recommend visitors dine there when in London > click here for the latest prices

Cosy London hotels

Right in the heart of London, the Piccadilly London West End is the perfect base for theatre lovers and shoppers. Guests enjoy complimentary luxury toiletries and fluffy bathrobes at this modern and stylish hotel > click here to check latest prices

Close to the Tate Modern, Borough Market and action on the Southbank, citizenM London Bankside is a modern hip hotel in a great location. Guests love the artwork and modern style > click here for latest prices

London apartment rental

Depending on how you travel and who you travel with, staying in a well appointed apartment may be a better accommodation option. You can find thousands listed on Booking.com and AirBnB but definitely checking out the Plum Guide. They’ve done all the hard work in selecting only the very best apartments at different price points for your 

We recommend you choose areas that are close to transport and activities to make the most of your trip:

• Kensington
• Soho, Oxford Street, West End
• Marylebone

 

London winter weather

Winter runs from December to January in London. Days are short and nights are long – the sun sets around 4 pm and rises again after 8 am.

Temperatures in winter stay well below 10°C / 50°F but rarely dip below freezing. Snow is rare in London but it is a magical sight to behold. There’s nothing quite like seeing the city’s iconic monuments blanketed in snow.

Make sure to bring a warm coat, hat and gloves so you can enjoy your trip to London outdoors as well as inside. 

How long is winter in London?

It can be bitterly cold in London until April. We had the dubious pleasure of walking straight into a horizontal sleet storm over Easter one year.  Londoners excitedly wait for the Spring and Summer when the blossoms are out.

During those seasons the living is all about lazy days in the gorgeous parks and gardens and a long afternoon pub garden lunches. In the meantime, there is much to appreciate about London in winter.

Further reading for your winter trip to London

If you want to hit all the classic sights and only have limited time in London, you might like to check out our 3 day London itinerary. Over three days you can visit everything you love about London – the history, pubs, parks and shopping – even in winter!

More useful posts for your trip to London:

• what to pack for your trip to London
• our favourite list of apps I recommend for visitors to London – updated regularly
• afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament
• some uniquely London souvenir ideas
• spend the day in glorious Greenwich
• our guide to visiting London with kids

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here