Though every season in the city has its charms, winter in London is especially beautiful: the streets are lined with twinkling lights, an ethereal fog skims the top of the Thames and it can feel like magic is all around. But this season also comes with some decidedly un-magical weather – unpredictable rain, freezing winds, even sleet and snow.
As a result, navigating London during the colder months often means dodging poor weather. (Even if you plan to visit during another season, you can never discount the possibility of rain!) The good news is you can still have an amazing and authentic London experience without spending too much time outside. On that note, here are five great indoor activities to keep in mind for your next winter visit to London.
1. Stay toasty with Swingers Crazy Golf
If you’re looking to stay inside while remaining active, you can’t do better than a game of crazy golf. One of London’s favourite social pastimes, crazy golf is basically indoor mini golf with dazzling decorations and delicious cocktails – and it’s a must-do if you visit London in a group.
Swingers Crazy Golf provides a particularly stylish take on crazy golf, with retro 1920s-inspired venues, impressive botanical interiors and some of the best cocktails this side of the Atlantic. Their City and West End venues are perfect respites from London’s cold weather and chaos – indeed, these portals to the 1920s English countryside will make you forget all about the outside world. And with the all-around atmospheric decor, there’s hardly a better place in London to snap some great Instagram photos!
Not only are the courses themselves quite the experience, but so are the food and drinks at Swingers. You can order wine, beer and cocktails to sip while you’re playing, and even try some signature Swingers exclusives. We’d recommend the “Hot or Not” cocktail of Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Cazcabel Honey, lemon and simple syrup to really heat yourself up (ask for the house-infused chilli tequila if you’re feeling brave!). And when you start feeling hunger pangs, you’ll love the burgers from Patty&Bun, tacos from Breddos and utterly delicious doughnuts from Crosstown Doughnuts.
From the lively crazy golf to the warming cocktails to the gourmet street food, Swingers is sure to put the colour back in your cheeks. Check out Swingers group packages today to book a fantastic day or night out while you’re in London!
2. Stroll through the cosy Sherlock Holmes Museum
The official home of the great British detective, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is another London attraction that will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Pay homage to London’s literary and actual history by delving into Victorian curiosities in these rooms lit by orange-tinted, gas-powered lamps. As you wander, tour guides in Victorian period costumes will regale you with facts about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life – and of course, plenty of stories about Sherlock Holmes himself.
With four floors to examine with your magnifying glass (so to speak), you can get happily lost in this London museum for hours. Indeed, even after you’ve searched the place from tip to toe, you still might not feel ready to re-enter the real world. That’s where the gift shop comes in – and you won’t want to miss browsing the world’s largest collection of Sherlock Holmes merchandise! From tweed deerstalker caps to fascinating jigsaw puzzles, there’s more than enough to ensure that, much like Holmes at a crime scene, you won’t come away empty-handed.
3. Savour a luxurious afternoon tea at the Savoy Hotel
Afternoon tea at The Savoy Hotel is an incomparable London luxury, and what better way to wait out the cold than with a piping-hot beverage? While a bit more expensive than the other options on this list, The Savoy’s tea is worth the price. It’s also one of London’s most historical culinary experiences, having been served at this hotel for well over 130 years!
Today, you and your party can sit in a gorgeous glass-domed atrium where a pianist plays at the center of the room. You’ll choose from an incredible menu and receive impeccable service you won’t soon forget! Along with 70 different types of tea, you’ll get clever twists on classic sandwiches, such as cured beef with celeriac remoulade and a savory tartlet of leeks, feta and spinach. You’ll progress from there to buttery scones and a tempting array of pastries. You may also substitute coffee or Champagne for tea if you’d like, or opt for a vegetarian or vegan tea! In other words, everyone can have just what they want during afternoon tea at The Savoy.
4. Sit and read a while at the stunning Stanfords Bookstore
Few things are more inviting than a bookstore on a rainy day, and Stanfords is one of the most storied (no pun intended) in all of London. Head to the Stanfords in Covent Garden to wander among beautiful decorations and shelves lined with your new favourite books.
True to the principles of its 19th-century founder, mapmaker Edward Stanford, Stanfords specialises in maps and travel guides – perfect for intrepid travelers like yourself. That said, the store also carries plenty of commercial titles, and you’re bound to be intrigued by the various in-store displays! From the hottest new releases to the “BookTok” table as well as a darling little café, Stanfords is just the place to stop and read for a while (ideally with hot chocolate and flapjacks in hand). Whether you need to stock up on reading material or simply escape the cold, a bookstore browse at Stanfords will hit the spot.
5. See Shakespeare by candlelight at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Finally, if you’re visiting London in winter, you absolutely must see Shakespeare by candlelight at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Different shows are performed each season, but the winter 2023 lineup is already looking tough to beat: The Winter’s Tale, Titus Andronicus and a series of monologues from Mawa Theatre Company, the UK’S first all-Black, all-female Shakespeare company.
Particularly with the Globe’s 25th anniversary coming up, this is the perfect way to celebrate London’s rich cultural history, as well as immerse yourself in some of the finest acting in the UK. The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is wonderfully decorated with ornate engravings and chandeliers (not to mention that, unlike the open-air Globe, it’s insulated against the cold). No matter how many Shakespeare productions you’ve seen, any show at the Playhouse will be a singular and intimate theatrical experience – something you’ll be talking about for long after you’ve left London.
