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.
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.
Saatchi Gallery
Art Gallery, Market, Museum
When scoping out King’s Road, the Saatchi Gallery is the place to go if you have a penchant for up-and-coming art talent. Its raison d’être is showcasing contemporary artworks by emerging artists or international artists who are little known on the London circuit, meaning you’ll be among the first to see these works. Best of all, it’s free to enter!
Portobello Market
Market
Borough Market
Market, American, Asian, European, South American, Caribbean, Street Food, Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
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.
Shakespeare’s Globe, London
Building, Theatre
St Paul’s Cathedral, London
Building, Cathedral, Church
Natural History Museum
Building, 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.
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.
The Old Vic
Theatre
Royal Albert Hall
Building, Concert Hall, School
Barbican Centre
Museum, Music Venue
Regent’s Park
Park
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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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.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.