Winter Tips For A First Timer In London

Whilst a British winter might not be the first time of year you consider visiting London for your holidays, there’s more to the city than grey skies and torrential downpours. Indeed, London’s multifaceted attractions and 1500 square kilometres of space make it one of the best cities in the UK for tourists thanks to its many activities both inside – and out. Furthermore, the festive atmosphere in London is enough to un-Scrooge even the most ardent of festivity-phobes. 

Whether you’re on a weekend or week-long getaway in London, winter imbibes the city with a unique character only seen during the months of November to February. This blog will outline some of the best ways to enjoy London in the winter, from brisk walks for those crisp Christmas days to the festive lights of daylight saving evenings. 

Afternoon Teas

There’s no better way to warm your cockles in true English fashion than by enjoying one of its many afternoon tea menus. From London hotel special offers to artsy cafes like Sketch, the culture of afternoon tea might be most associated with summer but has an added, warming practicality to it in the winter period. 

Try A London Pub

You can’t visit London without sampling one of its many city-born brews. Whilst London’s sizzling summers might see the pub garden flock descend upon the terraces of these pubs, the winter is when you see their true nature emerge. Historically, public houses and inns were where travellers and workers could rest and relax after a long night of braving the elements, and the same goes now for many of the city’s most historic establishments – albeit with added WiFi. Some London pubs date back tens of centuries, such as the warrens of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street, whilst the Mayflower in Rotherhithe has retained its rustic dock-worker charm since, well, before the setting sail of the famed Mayflower ship to America. 

All in all, then, a winter pint amidst the rustic floorboards of London’s oldest pubs is a great way for first time Chilworth London Paddington guests to get to know the culture – and people – of the city.

See The Festive Lights 

London’s Christmas period means several things – manic Christmas shopping and dazzling light shows. Floating above the busy department stores and roasted chestnut stalls will be a collection of some of London’s finest sparkles. The Christmas illuminations of Regent Street will bring back the famous Christmas angels whilst Carnaby Street’s theme and focus this year is the pop-up charity shop Choose Love, set up by the charity Help Refugees.

Catch A Christmas Theatre Show

There’s no better way to get out from the cold this winter than with a hearty Christmas tale performed by some of the best actors in the country. Alexander Palace and the Old Vic in Waterloo will be staging separate iterations of the famous Dickens tale A Christmas Carol. The former stars Nicholas Farrell and Mark Gatiss whilst the latter will have Andrew Lincoln taking the central role of Scrooge.

Enjoy An Early Sunset From One Of London’s Best Viewpoints

It might be daylight saving time, but that just means you can catch a London sunset an hour earlier. Enjoy views of the cityscape from Greenwich Park, Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park all of which supply a feast for the eyes, perfect for a Christmas or Boxing Day walk for you and your loved ones.