A Guide To London In Wintertime

Culture Trip has teamed up with Hyde Park Winter Wonderland to chart the very best winter sights and attractions in London. To celebrate these highlights, a limited-edition map will be handed out at the Giant Wheel in Hyde Park Wonderland – click here for more details and to book tickets to this ultimate Christmas destination.

London is a city of icons – from the Royal Albert Hall to St Paul’s Cathedral, its landmarks are among the most recognised in the world.

In its snowy parks, festively decorated streets and cosy pubs, London at Christmas is a wonderful place to be. Discover what to do and where to go in our guide to London over the Christmas period.

1. Winter Wonderland

Park

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. This year’s Winter Wonderland runs until 5 January 2020, so be quick to make it down.

3. Portobello Market

Market

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.

4. Borough Market

Market, American, Asian, European, South American, Caribbean, Street Food, Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian

An array of vendors sell their goods at Borough Market

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.

5. Shakespeare’s Globe, London

Building, Theatre

Shakespeares Globe theatre at Bankside, London. Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre

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.

6. St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Building, Cathedral, Church

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.

7. Natural History Museum

Building, Museum

A blue whale skeleton greets visitors to the Natural History Museum

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.

8. The Royal Academy of Arts

Museum, School, Art Gallery

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.

9. The Old Vic

Theatre

The Old Vic has a history dating back to 1818

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.

10. Royal Albert Hall

Building, Concert Hall, School

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.

11. Barbican Centre

Museum, Music Venue

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.

12. Regent’s Park

Park

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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