About London In Winter
Things To Do In London In Winter
The London Eye is a ferris wheel that gives you a 360 degree view of London, in a 30 minute long ride. It is one of the biggest observation wheels in the World.This is a spectacular landmark and should not be missed in London during Winters.The London Eye stands 143 metres tall and has 32 ventilated pods for enjoying the scene.This tourist attraction is open everyday from 11 am to 6 pm.It is located on the south bank of River Thames in Lambeth,which is area easily accessible by trains and buses.
The Westminster Abbey was initially known as Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, and was founded by benedictine monks in 960 A.D., and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.This 1000-year old religious landmark has been the site of Coronation since 1066.The royal wedding of Prince William and Princess Catherine took place here in 2011.It is also the burial ground for well known men like,William Shakespeare,Charles Darwin,Issac Newton and Geoffrey Chaucer.The Westminster Abbey remains open from 9.30am to 3.30pm(Monday-Friday),9am to 3.30pm(Saturday).On Sunday,it remains open only for worshipping purposes.
Another attraction of London in Winter is The Thames Hop On Hop off River Cruise.This cruise starts from various locations such as The Westminster Pier, Greenwich Pier, London Eye Pier and Tower Pier, between 10 am and 6 pm, and lasts for one hour.You can buy passes for the cruise,which are valid for 24 hours,from their official website.The Cruise sails by historic landmarks like The Big Ben,The Houses of Parliament,Cleopetra’s Needle and Somerset House.You can relax in the lower deck or on the upper deck while listening to commentary in different languages.There is also a bar available onboard.
The View from The Shard is a highlight of a trip to London in Winter.It is located 2.3 miles away from London and stands 800 feet tall.This gem of an architecture is the highest viewing point in London and is the only place that gives its guests a glimpse of entire London from one place.There are two available viewing points,the first is an indoor gallery on the 69th level, and second is an outdoor gallery on the 72nd level.The timings of this attraction are from 11 am to 6 pm.Tickets can be purchased online and pre booking is advised.
The Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour is a renowned experience of London during Winters. The operational timings of this tour are from 9 am to 5 pm.Tourists can choose from three options-The Red Route which is 2.5 hours long, which covers northern and central locations like the Hyde Park,London Zoo and Kings Cross, the Blue Route is 1 hour 20 minutes long, and passes by locations like The London Eye,Tower of London, and Big Ben.The Green and Yellow Routes are drop off transportations.These bus tours cover some of the most renowned sights like Madame Tussauds,10 Downing Street and the Buckingham Palace.
The Tower of London is an enigmatic and well preserved building.It is spread over an area of 12 acres and is 89 feet high.This is one of the scenic spots one should not miss when in London.It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and also Her Majesty’s Royal Palace.The opening and the closing times change based on different seasons.Tickets can be bought on-site at the Tower of London’s ticket office or online from websites.The Tower of London is situated on the north bank of the river Thames.The location is easily accessible by buses,trains,tubes and taxis.
The London Dungeon is a popular and historic attraction of London in Winter.This experience includes a 1.5 hour long walk into the city’s eerie and horrific past.Tourists can buy tickets online on the official website of The London Dungeon.The operational timings are 10 am to 4 pm(Sunday-Friday), and 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday.The walk includes 360 degree sets with 19 interactive shows and 20 live actors. It is located in County Hall on Westminster Bridge Road. Visitors can easily reach the site via train or by car.
The Kew Gardens is a splendid plot located in Richmond upon Thames.It was marked as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.The Millenium Seed Bank of the Kew Gardens is the largest seed bank in the World.Tourists can also take a stroll on the 200 metres long, and 18 metres high Canopy walkway.The Great Pagoda on the south east side of the garden is an architectural jewel, and has stood the test of time since before the Second World War. Other splendid structures at the Kew Gardens include-Minka House,King William’s Temple,The Japanese Gateway, and the Palace of Kew.
The Hogwarts in Snow is a mystical site in London during Winters.Tickets are available online on their official website and start from 49.95 pounds for adults and 39.95 pounds for children.The Great Hall is modified to recreate the iconic Yule Ball scene and the Christmas trees are heavily decorated.The newly opened set of the Forbidden Forest is a spectacular scene where the guests can see familiar faces like Buckbeak,the famous Hippogriff from Harry Potter.The Hogwarts Castle looks magnificent in the snow.This tourist attraction is a must for Potterheads and should not be missed.
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The Wintertime Festivals of London have a lineup of events and activities planned for visitors to enjoy.Apart from the eye catching art presentations,entertaining performances and stand up comedy shows,there are also literary demonstrations,homeware stalls and bookstores available.One of the most famous festivals of London in Winter is the Frieze Art Fair held in Regent’s Park.The London Jazz Festival is one of the biggest and most celebrated fests for Jazz lovers in London during Winters.The Trafalgar Square hosts ‘Diwali on the Square’ festival as an appreciation towards the Festival of Lights celebrated in India.
Heavily adorned with lights and decorations,the Christmas Markets of London during Winters are a remarkable affair.There are various spectacular markets in London for tourists to choose from.These markets have several alluring options,from food stalls to music and dance performances, and souvenir shops and boutiques to buy gifts.Some of the most well known markets of London are The Leicester Square Market,The Covent Garden Christmas Village, and The Southbank Centre Winter Market. Christmas in London is a magical time to spend your time in markets with your near and dear ones.Most of these markets are held between the months of November and January.
The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a yearly carnival that takes place between mid November to early January. Visitors can indulge in fun rides like The Giant Wheel,Ice Mountain and Munich Looping.This event starts from 10 am in the morning, and ends at 10 pm(except Christmas).Visitors are advised to pre-book their tickets.The ticket prices vary during off seasons(dates far from Christmas) and peak season(dates closer to the New Year).The Circus Show and glistening Christmas markets should not be missed.This tourist marvel of London in Winter is equally popular between kids and adults.
London during Winter is the best place to have some fun on the ice skating rink.London has some of the best ice skating rinks like the Somerset House which is the most picturesque ice skating rink in London.Another popular rink is the Hampton Court ice rink, which is placed against the backdrop of the Tudor Palace.The Canary Wharf ice rink has the longest running ice skating season of 18 weeks.Most of the ice skating rinks are open from November to early February.Adults as well as children can swirl and twirl away their cold wintery blues at these aesthetically pleasing locations.
The Winter Lights Festival is a dazzling and unique event of London in Winter.The Canary Wharf Light Festival is an award-winning event, and is free of any entry charge.It starts at 4 pm and ends at 10 pm.This free of charge celebration comprises of eye catching light installations from the most eccentric light artists of the World.The most interesting things include a life sized mammoth and reflective,gleaming pillars.The Canary Wharf Lights Festival boasts of many of the exhibits, using recycled items to promote sustainability. Visitors can also avail an array of food trucks lined up at the food market.
The Winterville is an event that takes place on western side of Clapham Common.It has a holding capacity of up to 5000 visitors.This celebration demonstrates films,music,plays and different interactive activities.It is organised by the co-founders of Street Feast and Field Day.The Winterville is Clapham Common’s fundamental skating rink,golf course,disco,outdoor cinema and fairground.This attraction of London in Winter has a wonderful combination of paid and unpaid activities.Food is also an elaborate affair here.They have various options like pizzas,desserts,fish n chips. Adults can indulge themselves in cocktails and mulled wine, available at the bars on site.
The Borough Market is another wonder of London in Winter that focuses on premium quality food and produce.It is the one of the oldest and largest food markets in London and is located in Southwark,London. The wholesale market from 10 am to 5 pm(Monday-Thursday),10 am to 6 pm(Friday), and 8 am to 5 pm (Saturday).The Borough Market is a charity that works with the agenda of serving the community.They work towards various positive goals,one of them being reducing food waste.The traders of Borough Market donate the surplus food to volunteers twice a week to divide it between 20 charities.
The Chinese New Year is a remarkable attraction that falls between the end of January and early February.The New Year Parade starts from Charing Cross and ends at Trafalgar Square.The festival lasts for 15 days and is a mesmerising,one-of-a-kind event. Tourists should not miss this opportunity as it is an once in a lifetime experience.This festival of London in Winter is the biggest of its kind outside Asia.The entire market remains filled with authentic chinese food stalls and Chinatown restaurants.The food at this event never disappoints and has an array of dishes available.
The Husky Sleigh Ride is a popular attraction among children.This event takes place in the WWT London Wetland Centre and requires an entry fee.The nearest tube station is Hammersmith. At Santa’s grotto, children can meet Santa and receive a goody from him for 6 pounds(cash only).The Husky and Donkey rides are free, and are for kids between 2-8 years,with certain weight restrictions.Kids can also participate in making things and decorations at the Elf Workshop for a minimal fee.This whole event is a two-day affair, and cannot be booked in advance but the wait is well worth it.
London In Winter FAQs
Why should one experience London during winters?
Visitors should consider going to London in Winter because during this season the crowd is much less and the attractions are usually less-filled than they are in Summer and Spring. Tourists can enjoy the indoor galleries,museums and exhibitions without having to push through the crowd.London also offers an array of attractions in Winter like colourful markets and wintertime festivals.
What is the temperature in London during winters?
The temperature of London during Winters falls between 4 degree celsius and 9 degree celsius.Winter days are shorter compared to summer days, and are more windy and cloudy than chilly. It rarely snows in London,but when it does it is generally in January or February. Although London is not unbearably cold during Winters,tourists are advised to carry warm clothes and umbrellas.
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Which month is the coldest in London?
January is the coldest month of London in Winter.It experiences occasional blizzards and rain that heavily affects the flights coming in and going out of the airport.
What is the best time to visit London?
Most tourists prefer travelling to London during Summer and Spring.The favourable temperature allows them to walk around the city and enjoy all the outdoor activities and majestic gardens.One of the main reasons for tourists flocking to London in Summer is the Wimbledon Championship.Spring attracts visitors because of the London LGBT Film Festival and The Chelsea Flower Show.
How many days are enough to explore London?
The length of a trip to London depends solely upon a visitor’s choice.It is simply based on the itinerary of the trip.Visitors can plan their tour around 7-10 days and cover almost all the attractions or they can plan a trip around 3-4 days and stroll through chosen places.Since London never fails to amaze its tourists,even a month long trip won't be boring.