Things to Do in London in Winter

Winter is one of the best times to experience London properly. The crowds thin out, the pace slows, and the city becomes far more enjoyable if you plan your things to do in London in winter around warmth, culture, and atmosphere rather than trying to force outdoor sightseeing.

Person with blonde hair tied in a black bow standing by the River Thames, facing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament glowing warm gold in low winter sunlight, with pale blue sky and rippling grey-blue water in London

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I’m Hazel, a British travel writer who spends a lot of time in London, especially in winter. This guide focuses on things that genuinely work well in cold weather, not activities that feel like a compromise when it’s grey, damp, or dark by 4 pm.

Walk London Neighbourhoods That Suit Winter 🚶‍♀️

Not all areas of London shine in winter, but some really do.

Good winter neighbourhoods include:

Covent Garden for contained streets, evening lights, theatres, and cafés you can dip into easily.
Greenwich for riverside walks, village-like streets, and excellent indoor attractions.
Bloomsbury for quiet garden squares and a cluster of museums within easy walking distance.

Winter works best when you choose compact areas where you can walk a little, warm up indoors, then head back out without feeling battered by the cold.

👉 Read more: Things to Do in Greenwich, London.

Spend Time in Museums You Can Actually Enjoy 🖼️

London’s museums are one of its biggest winter advantages.

Instead of trying to see everything, pick one and slow down:

British Museum for a handful of standout rooms rather than the full circuit.
National Gallery for an hour with a specific artist.
Victoria and Albert Museum for warmth, space, and variety.
National Maritime Museum if you’re in Greenwich and want something absorbing but unhurried.

Winter visits are calmer and far less overwhelming. It’s one of the few times of year you can properly linger.

Take a Winter Walk Along the Thames 🌊

Cold, clear days are ideal for riverside walks.

London skyline with modern skyscrapers including the Walkie Talkie and the Cheesegrater, viewed from across the River Thames under a clear blue sky. — View from the South Bank

Good winter-friendly stretches include:

South Bank between Westminster and Tower Bridge.
Greenwich riverside paths with views back towards Canary Wharf.

Wrap up properly, walk for as long as it feels pleasant, then duck into a café or pub. That stop-start rhythm suits winter far better than trying to power through miles of walking.

Warm Up in London’s Cafés and Bakeries ☕

Winter in London is the season for cafés you can actually linger in.

Good winter-friendly options include:

Monmouth Coffee Company – popular local coffee stop. Covent Garden, Borough, and Bermondsey branches.
The Attendant – small batch coffee roasters. Many locations, but the Fitzorovia branch adds interest, being housed in an old Victorian toilet block!
Fortitude Bakehouse – excellent pastries and a short but worthwhile queue, near Russell Square.
The Wolseley – very grand interiors, but fine to have a long coffee or light meal.

These are places where sitting alone with a book or phone feels completely normal, which makes them especially good winter stops for solo travellers.

Go to the Theatre or a Concert 🎭

Winter is peak season for London’s theatre scene, and it’s one of the best ways to spend a cold evening.

Popular and reliable West End venues include:

Royal Opera House for ballet or opera.
National Theatre for high-quality productions at sensible prices.
Old Vic for strong, character-driven performances.

If you don’t want a late night, matinees work particularly well in winter and still give the day a sense of occasion.

Find a Proper Pub for a Pint and a Hearty Meal 🍺

Winter is not the time for eating on the move in London.

Instead, seek out proper pubs with fireplaces, low lighting, and menus built for cold days. This is where London really comes into its own in winter.

If you want specific ideas, these are reliably cosy:

The Churchill Arms is a classic, lived-in pub in Kensington with a real fireplace and hearty food, ideal after a cold walk.
The Mayflower in Rotherhithe has a cosy atmosphere with a side of history.
The Spaniards Inn is slightly out of the centre, but wonderfully atmospheric on winter afternoons. One of London’s oldest pubs.

Eating alone in pubs in winter feels easier and more comfortable than restaurants, and you can linger without pressure. A pint, a solid meal, and a corner table is sometimes all you need.

Go Ice Skating at One of London’s Seasonal Rinks ⛸️

Ice skating is one of London’s most reliably wintery experiences.

Leicester Square’s illuminated Christmas ice rink at night, with twinkling fairy lights strung through tall trees, colourful festive banners around the central statue, and people skating beneath the bright city backdrop. — Leicester Square’s Ice Rink

Popular rinks include:

Somerset House Ice Rink for atmosphere and music.
Natural History Museum Ice Rink for iconic surroundings.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink for something a little different.

Even if you’re not a confident skater, these work well as a short, seasonal experience followed by something warm nearby.

Smaller seasonal rinks also appear in areas like Greenwich, often with a more local feel and fewer crowds.

Try a Winter Igloo or Seasonal Structure ❄️

Winter igloos have become a regular feature in London over the colder months.

They’re not essential experiences, and they’re rarely cheap, but they can be a fun, very seasonal way to spend an early evening if you like cosy settings and a bit of novelty.

Well-known options include:

Coppa Club Tower Bridge – enclosed domes with views of Tower Bridge, best booked well in advance.
Sipping Room – just off Canary Wharf, very cosy and warm igloo domes. Minimum spend applies.
The Aviary – London City rooftop igloos, very swanky with a price to match.

These work best as a short, intentional plan rather than an all-night affair. Think early drinks, a light meal, then somewhere warm afterwards. There is usually a minimum number for your party.

If you enjoy novelty and atmosphere, they’re worth doing once. If not, you’re not missing a core London experience.

See London’s Winter Lights and Installations ✨

Winter lights in London aren’t just a Christmas thing.

Some of the most interesting displays actually happen after December, when the city quietens down.

Worth knowing about:

Canary Wharf Winter Lights – large-scale light installations for a short period in January. For 2026, this is 20-31 January.
Central London streets – they often keep their Christmas lights up into early January.
There might also be something wintry at Kew Gardens and the Barbican, depending on dates.

These displays work best when combined with a walk, dinner, or early-evening plan rather than a whole night out. It’s always worth checking dates before you go, as many installations run for only a couple of weeks.

Visit Indoor Gardens and Covered Markets 🌿

When the weather is miserable, London does indoor spaces surprisingly well.

Good winter options include:

Barbican Conservatory – warm, tropical, and unexpectedly calming.
Sky Garden – on top of London’s ‘Walkie Talkie’ building. Free to enter (but you still need tickets).
Covent Garden Market – halls for browsing without being outside too long.
Spitalfields Market -one of the best for food options, with vintage clothing too.

Try a Winter Boat Experience on the Thames 🚤

If walking in the cold isn’t appealing, winter boat experiences can be a surprisingly good alternative.

London has leaned into novelty boats in recent years, and while they’re not cheap, they do offer a very specific kind of winter comfort: warmth, views, and not having to move.

Clear plastic igloo boats floating on calm water at Canary Wharf, reflecting warm golden light from surrounding modern glass and beige office buildings under a soft pastel evening sky in London

Options include:

Skuna Boats – known for hot tub boats and winter fondue cruises, with enclosed, heated seating.
Go Boats -Self-drive boat hire on the Regents Canal.
Winter dinner cruises on the Thames – these focus more on atmosphere and views than commentary.

These work best as an early evening plan, especially on cold or wet days when you want to see the city without braving the pavements for hours.

They’re not essential London experiences, but if you enjoy novelty and cosy settings, they can feel very fitting for winter.

See London After Dark Without Staying Out Late 🌙

London evenings feel particularly atmospheric in winter.

A short walk through areas like Covent Garden, Soho, or along the Thames, followed by dinner, a show, or a drink, is often enough. You don’t need to push through the cold for hours to enjoy it.

The combination of lights, reflections, and quieter streets gives the city a slightly theatrical feel.

Is London Worth Visiting in Winter?

Yes, if you enjoy cities for culture rather than sunshine.

London in winter is:

Quieter.
More reflective.
Better for museums, food, and walking.
Easier to enjoy at your own pace.

If you dress properly and plan your days around warmth and indoor breaks, winter can be one of the most rewarding times to visit.

A person in a black coat and hat stands on a rooftop terrace, overlooking a London tourist attraction skyscraper on a cloudy day. — Sky Garden (from 120 Fenchurch Street)

FAQs About Visiting London in Winter

Still deciding whether winter is the right time to visit? These FAQs answer some of the most common questions about visiting London in winter.

Is London worth visiting in winter?

Yes, winter is when London slows down a little (in a good way). It’s easier to get around, museums are calmer, theatre tickets are more achievable, and the city leans hard into cosy comforts. If you plan your days with plenty of indoor stops, winter London can be quietly brilliant.

What is the coldest month in London?

January usually takes that title – expect crisp air, grey skies, and the occasional frosty morning rather than dramatic cold. Nights can dip below freezing, but daytime temperatures tend to hover just above. February isn’t wildly different, but the light slowly starts to creep back in, which always helps.

Does it snow in London in winter?

Sometimes, but not often. London gets the odd dusting rather than proper, lasting snow. When it does happen, the city looks lovely for about five minutes before transport has a small meltdown. Treat snow as a pleasant surprise rather than something to plan your trip around.

Are attractions and museums still open in winter?

Yes, and this is one of winter’s biggest wins. Museums, galleries, theatres, and major attractions stay open year-round, including January and February. Better still, queues are shorter, and spaces feel calmer, which makes winter one of the best times to enjoy London’s cultural side.

Is January a good time to visit London?

If you like a quieter city, January can be a good month to visit London. The festive crowds have gone, accommodation prices often dip, and the city feels more local and lived-in. It’s a great month for museums, slow wandering, and settling into London rather than racing through it.

London in Winter ✨

London in winter rewards a slower approach. It’s a season for museums, theatre, long lunches, proper pubs, and evening walks under winter lights rather than ticking off landmarks.

If you plan your trip around experiences that suit the season, there are plenty of genuinely enjoyable things to do in London in winter. Dress for the weather, plan around warmth, and let the city set the pace. Winter can be one of the most satisfying times to experience London.

Save This for Later on Pinterest 📌

Planning a winter trip to London? Use the image below to save this guide to your Pinterest boards and come back to it later.

Person with blonde hair tied in a black bow standing by the River Thames facing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in soft golden winter light, with pale blue sky and overlaid text reading Things to Do in London in Winter

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Tags: London, UK, Winter

Things to Do in London in Winter (That Actually Suit the Season)