From the cobbled stone alleys to the rituals of afternoon tea, from the vintage buildings to the modern skyscrapers, from the double-decker bus to the red telephone booths, everything about London is magical.
And with the onset of winter, this magical city turns into a winter wonderland.
Winter is also the time when the laid back vibe kicks in, summer dresses are traded for winter coats, hats are replaced by beanies and the entire city dazzles with million shimmering lights.
And all you can think of is to settle down in a cozy pub sipping your favorite drink by the crackling warm fire accompanied by some great music. Oh wait, don’t get us wrong, we are not asking you to go to London to be wrapped in your favorite blanket and sip hot chocolate. There is much more that the city has to offer in Winter as well, so just unpack your winter gear, book your flights to enjoy an Instagramable London.
Here are our top 5 reasons to visit London in winter.
– Winter Wonderland –
London is as pretty during winter as it is in summer. As the fluffy snow descends from the sky and covers the entire city, it looks straight out of a fairytale. The snow-covered London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the Big Ben are quite Pinterest worthy and the afternoon tea is the perfect excuse to escape the London winter.
Ice Staking rinks pop up in different parts of the city where you can find kids and adults having fun alike. There are many impressive skating rinks in the city but the ones that you should definitely add to your itinerary are skating rink at Canary Wharf, Natural History Museum, Somerset House, Hyde Park and the Tower of London.
Winter Festival at Southbank Centre and Hogwarts in the Snow are also quite popular during Christmas.
And if, you are planning a trip around New Year’s eve, make sure to be part of the amazing fireworks on the river Thames.
You can check: Events calendar and plan your itinerary accordingly.
– Lighter on the Wallet –
It is an expensive city and there is no second thought about it. But in winter there are many irresistible deals that you cannot shy away from. All the major attractions or say must visit places are free. Art galleries thrive in the colder months and most of the galleries are open to the public for free.
Everything from accommodation, trips, and food are considerably cheaper during the winter months.
– Less Crowd –
London is quieter in winter as compared to summer. With fewer tourists during winter, London makes for a perfect escapade. The many perks include less crowded museums, bars, restaurants or the entire street to yourself.
You don’t have to dodge with other locals or tourists in the Tube. There is enough space for everybody to soak in the winter charm.
– Shop till you drop –
Winter is the time to splurge on some of your best designer clothes. The year-end sale and clearance sale during winter are the best time to stock your wardrobe. The entire roads and streets scream festive during winter. The most popular Regent street and Oxford street sparkle with dazzling lights during winter and add to an exciting shopping experience.
( Read: London’s top shopping destinations )
Christmas markets are also set up at Southbank Centre and food market at Covent Garden as part of the festivities.
You can also check out some exclusive discounts for British Airways customers HERE
– Great Deals on Airfare –
Let us admit the fact that the airfare always plays a major role while deciding a trip to any destination and the good news is that in winter most of the flights are dirt cheap.
Non-stop airfare to the UK in the summer can cost upwards of $1200 for a flight out of any city in India. But come winter, the prices of flights to the UK from all major hubs are drastically cheap. Nothing better than saving tons of money on airfare and flying during winter. It is also one of the best times to fly with British Airways as the flights are way too cheaper than the summer months.
Getting Around
Entire London is well-connected by public transport ( Tube, Overground, DLR & Bus). It is quite easy to commute from one part of the city to the other without much hassle.
Things to Know
- It is cheaper to travel via public transport compared to hiring a taxi in London.
- Buy an Oyster Card to pay for Tube rides and other public transport (available in Tube Stations) and recharge as you go.
- Planning your accommodation near tube station could make your commute hassle free.
- Based on your preference, download the maps for Tube, Overground, DLR, Bus, River Services and Cycle maps.
- British Airways also provides free sim cards if you fly with them.
- There is no dearth of free things to do in London so make sure you do plan in advance.
- Most of the world-class museums are free so make the best use of it.
- Last but not the least, the best way to brave the London winters is by packing the right winter wear.
How To Get There
There are direct flights of British Airways from all the major cities of India like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi to name a few.
NOTE
If you do find our article useful in planning your trip, don’t forget to send a note/picture of your trip to us ( Email: thetalesofatraveler@gmail.com)
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This post is written in collaboration with British Airways.
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Awesome blog , london is the best place of enjoyment and enjoy vacations. thank you for sharing the blog.
Nice piece of info.Thanks .
Photos are good, of course, but the description is even better!
Aaah London – how can one not love this City. My wife and me have been there multiple times and we could even imagine to live there. To be honest, we never visited London in the Winter times but from the points you mention it makes totally sense. Especially all the reduced prices in Wintersale and less crowded areas are a big plus, thats for sure. Thank you for sharing, happy new year 🙂
Wow never considered that visiting London during winter might actually be better. Everyone usually talks about summer activities there but it’s true, why not go appreciate the different views that are offered because of the white snow?
All very solid reasons to visit during the winter! I’m not a fan of the cold but I think it’s def worth it if the trade up is avoiding crowds and saving a good bit of money.
Nice round up of things to do in London! The snow scene is pretty but in reality it’s usually grey ice sludge that clogs up the roads! Sadly!!
Not really a fan of going outside but sure I love traveling. I haven’t traveled abroad yet but if ever I get the chance, I’ll surely consider traveling in London (hopefully) during the winter season.
Wow, I’d love to visit London sometime. I found it interesting that British Airways offers a free sim card if you fly with them. I’ll have to look into that!
I actually have been thinking to plan a trip to London in winter season, if possible, around Christmas time since I read so many posts in 2016 and it seems the place is so beautiful at this point of time. Bookmarked yours. Will refer to it when I plan my journey
I could visit London in any season, without any reason, because I just love it so much! But you’ve given me even more reason to get to planning! Probably not for this winter but definitely for next. I love the idea of sitting next to a fire in a pub and having a pint after spending the day shopping for deals and ice skating! It sounds lovely!
We love London any time of year! It’s been amazing during all the seasons. Winter is great with all the Christmas festivities. It’s also a plus that it’s easy and affordable to get there from anywhere!
Visited London earlier this year and even though it is a bit to big for my taste, it really was a nice trip. It is hard to imagine the city with a cover of snow, but I’m sure that it would be a nice sight. At least Stockholm changes completely when there is snow. 🙂
Such a useful post guys! I am almost tempted to use my British visa before it expires. I have never been to the city and your post is certainly enticing…
I would love it to Snow in London, i cant remember the last time it did! I live just outside London and my favourite time is to go in the winter, for the Christmas markets, and of course winter wonderland! Thanks for sharing
We spent a few days in London in June while my husband had a job interview, and I really loved it. I’m not even a city person, and I still enjoyed it. So much to do and see, yummy street food everywhere, and so much history. I imagine it would be a different but still great experience in winter.
We visited London in June while my husband had a job interview, and I loved it. I’m not even a city person and I still really enjoyed it. So much fun stuff to see and do! I imagine it would be a totally different experience in winter.
The last time I went to London, I was still a kid. All I can remember from that trip was that it was always raining. I need to head to London soon and you have given me ample reasons to visit it. I also prefer traveling when there are lesser crowds and London in snow looks so magical.
London is one of my favorite cities in the world. Although I really want to visit London in winters. And your post makes me long for it. Thanks for the share. I have truly enjoyed and loved your pictures.
Very nice tips! I love strolling around London, but I have to admit that the winter is not my favourite time of the year there. But whatever time it is, there is always plenty to see and do in London. It’s a great city.
Awesome read. I am heading over Europe for the next few months and London will definitely be a stop. I am a huge British Airways flyer (Avios are my favorite points because of their redemption possibilities). So excited to get back to the UK!
I only got to spend 2 days in London so far so I’m definitely going back… I thought I’d visit in summer but now you made me doubt that 🙂
I agree that visiting London in the winter can be a good choice. It is easier on the wallet indeed. Plus with most of the museums and galleries being free indoor activities you are able to stay warm if it is cold outside.
Looking forward to vising London this year in fact but winter does seem like a great time to go to get some good discounts and less crowds.
Ive never been to London but this post really made me excited to go for it as soon as possible. Stunning photos thank you for sharing it
I have been travelling for a few months and your photo of the red telephone box gave me a small wave of missing home. I too would recommend London in the winter months. Mostly to beat the crowds but also as there are beautiful things to see in summer and winter.
Thanks for sharing.
I have an emotional connect with London. I still remember the first travel Book I read when I was in school , was about this great city. Ever since I have been dreaming to visit this iconic city. Your post made me travel to London even more. Great tips. May be someday I will land there.
I somehow always end up visiting London in the winter. The parks are gorgeous every season but in the winter they are magnificent covered in white. The fact that there are less people is an extra.
All very tempting reasons to visit London. I do want to visit some of the museums there to see our stuffs… you know what I mean. 🙂 The food pics are wickedly delicious!
I’ve been twice in London during the winter. It was a really cool experience 🙂 This is definitely one of my favourite cities in Europe!
I totally agree! I have been in London for Winter the three times I’ve visited… Actually, you don’t have rain those days! The 3 times were for Christsmas so I enjoyed the warming Christmas decorations and markets! It’s cold, yes!, particularly for a Mediterranean body… but nothing better than eat and drink in the pub to get warm again 🙂 Love London! Happy travels! E
Always wanted to go to London but haven’t made it yet. Your post makes me want to go. I’ve never thought about traveling to a destination in the winter that isn’t either ski worthy or beach worthy. Maybe London will be that trip.
I always loved flying British Airways. When I was a kid I said it was my goal to fly first class to London with them. Still haven’t managed first class yet, but ONE DAY! London is good all year round, but it is particularly magical in the winter.
It really doesn’t snow so much in London any more. Since the last 2 years there has been heavy snow just for 1 day. Hope it snows more in future! London does look incredible in snow! Good to know BA gives free sim card for its passengers!
Appreciate the tips to help save money on a trip like this, great post!
I have to compliment your last picture with the lights, that must have been a London bus that gave that effect, love it. You have some very good points, cheaper food, cheaper hotels, cheaper airfare, less people. Why would people visit in summer?