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Although the skies may be grey and the temperatures may drop, although you are more likely to see rain than sunshine and it’s pertinent to pack or invest in a decent umbrella…there is something incredibly magical about visiting London during the winter and it is one of the best seasons to head to the city and explore. Not only is there a whole wealth of special events which take place across the city but it also tends to be quieter with most tourists and visitors preferring to visit during the summer. If you are looking for ways to stay occupied in London this winter, then read on for our suggestions of great places to go: –
This is one of London’s biggest winter events and has now been running for over 10 years, continuing to grow in extravagance and popularity each year that it returns to Hyde Park. Winter Wonderland arrives in the Royal Park in late November and can be enjoyed until the end of January. Each year there are a variety of winter themed activities from ice skating rinks, to magical ice sculptures, fairground rides including a giant ferris wheel and a Christmas market which sells gifts and souvenirs as well as food and drink. It is free to enter Winter Wonderland but there are additional charges for some of the activities so bear this in mind. It’s also one of the busiest winter events in the city, so if you don’t like crowds you might prefer to give this one a miss. However, if you really want to get into the festive spirit, enjoy a delicious cup of mulled wine and wander around some simply startling ice creations, then this is a real must visit attraction.
Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival
Another great festive offering comes from the Southbank Centre. Their winter festival features a Christmas market, live music, food, and drink and even a big top complete with circus performers. Southbank itself is a very vibrant part of the city to explore with lots of cafes and coffee shops which make the perfect place to stop and enjoy a warming hot chocolate before wandering along the banks of the River Thames.
Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square
Just 20 minutes from the Montcalm Hotel and you can arrive in Trafalgar Square, home to one of the city’s longest standing Christmas traditions. Since the late 1940’s, the Mayor of Oslo has gifted a Norwegian spruce to the city of London as a gift of thanks for Britain’s support to Norway during the Second World War. The tree usually stands over 20 metres high and they are often over 50 years old. There is a tree lighting ceremony which takes place in Trafalgar Square and the tree is decorated in a traditional Norwegian style. Even if you are just passing through the Square, take 5 minutes to stand and admire this fantastic Christmas tree which represents so much that is great about this wonderful season.
Christmas Shopping
No trip to London over winter would be complete without taking some time out to indulge a little festive retail therapy. If you are staying in accommodation in London then you will have your choice of the different shopping districts in the city. Regent Street and Oxford Street are usually lavishly decorated over the Christmas period and it’s well worth heading here after dusk just to see the beautifully bright lights which are suspended above this famous shopping stretch. Oxford Street is home to several high-street brands and department stores too which are always good for the bank balance around this time of year. However, there are also several great Christmas markets which pop up across the city; we have already mentioned Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival but there are also usually Christmas markets in Shoreditch, London Bridge, the Tate Modern, Islington Market, and the Barbican too.
London Wetland Centre’s Winter Weekend
If you happen to be visiting London during early December with your family, then you must get down to the very special Winter Weekend which takes place at the London Wetland Centre. This weekend is all about festive fun and there are lots of different activities taking place to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Children can visit Santa in his magical grotto, take a sleigh ride pulled by beautiful huskies, ride a festive donkey, or help Santa’s Elves get ready for the Big Day in their workshop. There’s also the chance for children to make their own festive decoration to take home and place on your own tree as well. Alongside all the festive fun, the London Wetland Centre is a fabulous place to explore with lots of wildlife, open space, lakes and ponds to discover too.
The ‘Usual’ Attractions
Of course, finally, we must mention the fact that London is also home to several excellent attractions which all continue to be open during the winter months and which are located indoors, making them great options if the weather takes a turn for the worst. As we mentioned above, they are also usually quieter during winter too. Museums such as the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Horniman Museum are all fantastic options as are galleries including the National Gallery, the Tate Modern and the Wallace Collection. Several these attractions also embrace the festive period; the Natural History Museum usually has an outdoor ice skating rink in its grounds and the Tate Modern offers a Christmas Market so once you have spent a couple of hours exploring the interior of these attractions you can dive straight back into the Christmas fun with these seasonal additions as well.
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Source: pommietravels.com