Cosy things to do in winter in London

Winter in London can be a bit of a bummer sometimes. It’s dark, cold, and wet, and after Christmas things can feel a little bit gloomy for a while. While the holidays turn London into a winter wonderland, after the sparkle disappears it can feel like there isn’t much to do in London. But there is still hope! Even in the dreary months, London offers exciting moments or even just quiet, cosy respite from winter’s monotony. And on those rare sunny January days, London seems to glimmer with the promise of coming spring and brighter days ahead.

I like to go a bit easy on myself during the winter months, so here are my favourite picks of things to do in winter in London.

Banish winter boredom with exciting art exhibitions in London

London’s winter art exhibitions are as dynamic as ever, and spending time in a warm gallery with my mind in another place is one of my favourite ways to spend a winter weekend. Here’s a few of my favourite exhibitions on this winter, and I have a whole post dedicated to what’s on in London this winter if you’re curious to see more.

• Antony Gormley: Body Politic at the White Cube, Bermondsey (plus this one’s free!)

• Impressionists on Paper: Degas to Toulouse-Lautrec at the RA

• Philip Guston at the Tate Modern

• Women in Revolt at the Tate Britain

If you’re in London over the holiday season, don’t miss all my tips about spending Christmas in London.

Treat yourself to a special meal at a beautiful London restaurant

There are so many restaurants in London that it can be hard to choose; but what better way to spend a dark evening than in one of London’s most beautiful restaurants? Here’s a few of my top picks for winter in London:

• Six Portland Road: a small, charming spot with a neighbourhood feel in Holland Park. They do monthly menus which always smash the food out of the park and the friendly vibe here is so comforting.

• Mriya Neo Bistro: a comforting Ukrainian restaurant in Earl’s Court, the food here is the definition of hearty and warming. From incredible borscht to a delicious variety of varenyky (dumplings), this is the place to get some meat on your bones for the winter.

• Sessions Arts Club: the impeccably stylish restaurant that takes some tactical reservations, Sessions Arts Club is a hot spot that is perfect for a dark winter evening. The meal passes slowly but decadently, and the candle-lit historic interior is cosy and romantic.

Embrace the promise of spring on a snowdrop walk

Winter in London might be chilly, but even from the early days of the year there is the promise of spring to come. As the dark days of January draw to a close, snowdrops in London begin to bloom, carpeting lawns and parks in every corner of the city.

Explore renowned botanical gardens like Chelsea Physic Garden, where the 'Heralding of Spring' festival showcases numerous snowdrop varieties amidst a rich history dating back to 1673. Journey to Osterley Park, a National Trust property that marries snowdrops with Georgian architectural grandeur. Or venture to Kew Gardens, a year-round treasure, where the Snowdrop Walk takes you on a magical journey to discover these pristine flowers.

Additionally, consider exploring the historic significance of the Ankerwycke Yew at National Trust's Runnymede, all while enjoying stunning views of the Thames. And for a charming day trip, Petworth House in Sussex presents epic snowdrop walks, complemented by a picturesque town with antique shops, boutiques, and cosy pubs, all nestled within the South Downs National Park. London's winter holds more beauty than you might think.

Relax with a winter spa escape

One word: Spa. This is my criteria for a January getaway.

I’m not saying it’s going to happen for me in January (in this economy!) but I’ve been eyeing Staycation’s spa stays that are available in London. Their stay at the Athaneaum is my January ideal. Plenty of spa access and cosy room in central London. Perfection — if you’ve got £450 for it.

There are lots of other spas that offer day access in London, although even day passes can be pricey. I’ll be on the lookout for any deals this winter and will update with my findings — please let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations!

Discover a new London neighbourhood

London is a city of endless exploration, and each of its neighborhoods carries its own unique charm and character. Stepping into a new neighbourhood is like embarking on a mini-adventure, where every corner reveals a fresh perspective, intriguing history, and a taste of local life. Here are some of my favourites, which offer the perfect blend of art, design, bakeries and beautiful walks.

Islington

Explore the vibrant and eclectic borough of Islington, a charming blend of classic London aesthetics and a trendy atmosphere. I love Victoria Miro art gallery, wandering through the iconic Camden Passage, catching a performance at Sadler's Wells, and savouring pastries at Pophams Bakery or brunch at Jolene.

Bermondsey

Delve into the cultural heart of Bermondsey, where you'll find the Maltby Street Market offering an array of delectable treats on Saturdays. Don't miss the cutting-edge White Cube art gallery, surrounded by smaller art galleries, and take a stroll down Bermondsey Street, one of the best streets in London.

Richmond

Hands-down one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods of London, visiting Richmond can feel like a day trip escape from London. Experience the serene beauty of Richmond, a charming neighborhood boasting the historic Ham House, the enchanting Petersham Nurseries, and tranquil winter walks in the park. Plus, there’s incredible hot chocolate at Knoops that is bound to warm you up.

East London

Of course, there is so much to East London that it’s hard to sum it up as one neighbourhood. The famous flower market is still open on Sundays during the winter, so stop by to stock up on some winter blooms or houseplants to brighten your home. The shopping on Columbia Road is always excellent, and it will be less busy at this time of year. Discover delightful bakeries and restaurants like Jolene, Rochelle Canteen and Café Cecilia, adding a culinary twist to your East London exploration.

Have your fill at one of London’s covered markets

When the weather is unpredictable, London’s markets offer a dry place to explore a variety of food stalls. In Borough Market the stalls are packed with delicious treats, from Bread Ahead Bakery to Humble Crumble for apple crumble, and my very favourite of all, the Black Pig sandwich.

Spitalfields Market is a top choice for cheap eats but also for fun clothing and accessory stalls. Camden Market is of course a popular place to go—while it’s normally a bit much for me, it will be quieter during the winter than normal, so it is a good time to go.

Have a bit of fun at a board game cafe in London

It may sound nerdy, but hear me out on how great board game cafes are. Going somewhere warm, cosy, with unlimited games to try and snacks on order. It’s ideal! Draughts is a popular board game cafe with a location in Waterloo and Hackney. It’s easy to get to from home for me so is the perfect activity for a January Saturday when I’m not sure I really want to leave the house.

Winter strolls in the City of London

My favourite London walk in January is in the City of London. Pick a sunny day—there is bound to be one in January—it will make you feel like everything is brand new, that spring will soon come, and everything will get better. I like the way the light bounces off the glass of the skyscrapers in the city, and I also like the calm quiet of the area on a winter weekend. I might not make it all of these spots, but these are on my list:

• Tower Bridge and Tower of London

• St Dunstan in the East

• Sky Garden

• Leadenhall Market

• Barbican

• Postman’s Park

• Borough Market (The Black Pig—because I cannot resist this sandwich if I am anywhere near the vicinity, and we’ll get two birds with one stone here)

Take a date to one of London’s most beautiful bars

London is full of romantic, beautifully designed bars. I don’t drink, but I love going to bars for the design and mocktails. So—take it with a pinch of salt that I am judging these aesthetically and not by the quality of the drinks! That said, here are my top three choices for a winter date:

• The Red Room at the Connaught

• The Painter’s Room, Claridge’s

• Zetter Townhouse — either location in Marylebone or Clerkenwell has beautiful, cozy bars.

Explore a quirky house museum

Winter can be a time of hibernation, when we are likely to just want to stay home. But that can get boring after a while, so why not try the next best thing—visiting someone else’s home?

London is full of quirky house museums of the city’s famous residents which really bring history to life.

From Sir John Soane's Museum in Holborn, a captivating labyrinth of art and curiosities, to the opulent Leighton House Museum in Holland Park, showcasing Victorian art and Islamic treasures, there's something for everyone. Discover the preserved time capsule of the late Victorian era at Sambourne House in Kensington, or embark on a sensory journey through the fictional world of a Huguenot family at Dennis Severs House in Spitalfields. 575 Wandsworth Road in South London offers a small but enchanting glimpse into the artistic world of Kenyan-born poet Khadambi Asalache, with intricate fretwork designs inspired by his African heritage. These unique house museums are windows into the soul of London's eclectic history and creativity.

Escape to a glasshouse jungle

When it’s wet and dreary outside, there’s no better place to take a mini tropical vacation than a botanical garden glasshouse. Kew Gardens is of course the perfect place to do this, with its three impressive glasshouses providing balmy temperatures and exotic plant life. There’s so much more to see at Kew Gardens during the winter, from the treetop walkway to the early spring Snowdrop Walk.

The Barbican Conservatory is also a prime spot for a garden escape, and this winter it is hosting an art installation by Ranjani Shettar (until March 31 2024).

Take advantage of the January sales

January is the perfect time to go shopping, with deep discounts after the Christmas holidays. London is home to countless charming and unique shops, and browsing around is a great way to spend a January weekend. Here are some I’ll be sure to check out:

• Choosing Keeping for stationary in Seven Dials

• Penreath & Hall for artsy bits in Bloomsbury

• Daunt Books for some new year inspiration in Marylebone

• Townhouse for a charming escape in Spitalfields

Revisit one of London’s major museums

The fact that London’s world-class museums are free to enter is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. There are incredible collections at our fingertips that don’t cost a penny to see, so they also provide a great day out when budget is tight after holiday spending. From the Tate Modern to the Tate Britain, our national art collections are as vibrant as ever. The Tate Britain had a shakeup in 2023, so if you haven’t made it to see the new curation, it’s definitely worth a stop by. Both the British Museum and the National Gallery are as dynamic as ever, so why not stop by and see a masterpiece this winter?

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