It was so icy during Charles Dickens’s early years that the River Thames froze in February of 1814. The writer created such sensory imagery of a ‘White Christmas’ that it came to stay in our minds. Even though London usually does not get snow on Christmas.
That said, the cold months can be brutal in the city of London. Celebrated poet Robert Bridges’ London Snow begins thus:
When men were all asleep the snow came flying,
In large white flakes falling on the city brown,
Stealthily and perpetually settling and loosely lying,
Hushing the latest traffic of the drowsy town;
Well, peak winter can be the most exciting time in the world’s most exciting city. From mid-November through December, January and into February, it’s a true winter wonderland in London. So get out and explore with a walk over frosty leaves or snuggle up in a cosy pub in front of a crackling fire. While the mercury plummets, send your spirits soaring with our snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug ideas on how to get the best of London.
Cosy up in a Cottage to experience London in the freezing cold months
If you’re looking for affordable homestays in central London, check out athomeinlondon.com. We stayed in two of these homes, and the experience gave us the chance to meet some interesting London locals.
Get inside a Casino for exploring London in the freezing cold months
The lights are dim but your chill-hit spirits are sure to brighten up, what with the alluring machines, seductive table games, and the heat of emotions triggered by all those wins and losses…
Explore an open-covered market
Covent Garden is among the best in the world. Very charming, with tonnes of interesting stuff to keep you occupied for hours. Bargain for all you are worth, do. And it’s all covered, so you’re shielded from the elements while you shop, without the deja vu feeling of being in a run of- the-mill Mall!
Catch a theatre performance
If not here, then where, no? London is one city where you’ll always have ample opportunity to escape the biting cold with a heartwarming theatre show. We watched—and would highly recommend—The 39 Steps.
Relax inside a Spa
In the heart of London, very close to Covent Garden, there’s a spa called AKASHA, and it offers you a buffet of healing, rejuvenating massages that will make you forget the cruel winter outside…
Check out some offbeat museums
Explore London’s more unusual museums: Visit one of England’s oldest medieval prisons at the Clink Prison Museum, or go behind the scenes at The Household Cavalry Museum.
Go Ice skating
Go ice skating at London’s best ice rinks: Go for a spin at Ice Rink Canary Wharf, or test your skills on the ice at Alexandra Palace.
Chill out a Burns Night
Enjoy all things Scottish during Burns Night in January: Celebrate the birth of Scotland’s national icon, Robert Burns on January 25 – whisky bars are good starting points.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea
Delight in a spellbinding Arcane Afternoon Tea at Wands and Wizard Exploratorium*: Select your magic, cast a spell to reveal the ingredients and build your afternoon tea.
Pick a Pub
Our favourite winter warmer: Defrost in front of a roaring fire at a snug London pub: Enjoy a mug of mulled wine.
Some of the information in this article is courtesy of Visit London, the official visitor guide to the city.
