A Guide to London in Wintertime

Popping up in Hyde Park, the largest of London’s four Royal Parks, Winter Wonderland signals that the festive season is well and truly under way. Something of a mini city within the city, this annual event is home to a number of Christmas-themed activities. Kick off your Christmas shopping at fairy-lit, Bavarian-style wooden chalets, which sell handmade crafts, culinary treats and more; skate around the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink; and take to the world’s tallest transportable wheel for great skyline views.

When scoping out King’s Road, the Saatchi Gallery is the place to go if you have a penchant for up-and-coming art talent. Its raison d’être is showcasing contemporary artworks by emerging artists or international artists who are little known on the London circuit, meaning you’ll be among the first to see these works. Best of all, it’s free to enter!

The largest antiques market in the world, Notting Hill’s Portobello Road is frequented by over 1,000 dealers, all selling one-of-a-kind pieces. But it doesn’t stop at antiques: vintage clothes, vinyl records, books and food render this half-mile-long market a treasure trove. It runs every day apart from Sunday, with Friday and Saturday the best days to find great antiques.

Borough Market is London’s original foodie destination. The first record of a market on this site is from the 12th century, and Borough Market officially opened in 1851. Over 100 stalls stocked with local and international produce make this market a must-visit. Travel light with an empty tote bag so you can stock up on cheeses, pastries, jams and all kinds of culinary delights.

A reconstruction of the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare’s time, this Globe, on the South Bank, brings the Bard’s works to life for a new generation. Much like the original venue, where Shakespeare’s plays were first produced, this cultural attraction is a renowned performing-arts institution. Plan your visit around its upcoming shows, and book a guided tour to learn more about the past of the legendary Globe Theatre.

Having stood in London for 1,400 years, St Paul’s Cathedral has seen it all. A Grade I-listed building that sits on one of the highest points in the city, this landmark inspires awe in many visitors. Opt for a tour to uncover its fascinating history before enjoying the art in its galleries.

If human evolution and the history of prehistoric reptiles fascinate you, a trip to the Natural History Museum should be on your London agenda. Over 80 million specimens, stretching back billions of years, come together under its gargantuan roof. Among these fossils are part of the first Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton to have been discovered and the skull of a plant-eating Triceratops.

Going strong for 250 years, the Royal Academy of Arts has served as an incubator of talent, showcasing art from visionaries in its many exhibitions. Multiple exhibitions run parallel at any given time, so hours can be spent getting lost here.

The Old Vic knows how to put on a show. Comedy, musicals, operas and dance performances take centre stage at this eclectic not-for-profit theatre, open day and night with a packed schedule of events. Prepare to be entertained from as little as £10.

The stage of this world-famous auditorium has been graced by some of the biggest names in arts, culture and politics. Sir Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein both took to the stage to speak, while the hall has also hosted the BBC Proms since 1941. Retrace this rich history with a venue tour or plan your visit around one of its upcoming events.

A bastion of Brutalist architecture, the exterior of the Barbican Centre is iconic in its own right. Inside, its roster of contemporary arts – like theatre performances, exhibitions and cinema screenings – pushes the boundaries of creativity. Leave a good few hours to explore all that this East London destination has to offer.

On a par with the cultural attractions of the city is northwest London’s Regent’s Park. Trace it through numerous gardens that are unique for their wildlife, fountains and statues, before heading to London Zoo to get up close and personal with 755 species of animals.