Best Things To Do This Winter In London

• Location: 10-11 Austin Friars, City of London, EC2N 2HG
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £53.94
• Why we recommend: this hearty brunch comes with plenty of booze, but the entertainment is the real draw - promising non-stop drag shenanigans

It's not all doom and gloom this winter, Ginger's Big Drag Bottomless Brunch will be taking over Balls Brothers every Saturday. Get ready for a fabulous afternoon of outrageous fun, from side-splitting entertainment to a two-course feast washed down by fizz.

Dishes include smashed avocado on toast, juicy cheeseburgers or a falafel alternative, followed by vanilla cheesecake or a chocolate pot.

• Location: across London
• When: multiple dates
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: ice skating is the ultimate winter activity, whether it's a romantic date or a fun outing with friends

Whether you're clinging onto the sides or skidding about like Bambi, if there's one London winter thing to do, it's checking out the rinks. And luckily for you, we've got a guide to all the tops spots in the capital where you can skate this winter.

From Queens Skate Dine Bowl down to Winter Wonderland and Alexandra Palace, prepare for a little fun flitting about on the ice.

• Location: across London
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £5.50
• Why we recommend: this quirky, budget-friendly event is both peaceful and eerie, depending on the tales you hear, and the secret locations are always very cool

London Dreamtime is bringing us a range of unique storytelling events during the winter months. While in a top secret location, enjoy an enchantingly dark and wild evening, hearing about everything from monsters and vampires to occult weirdness.

Their events are pretty affordable, beginning at just £5.50 per person, and it's certainly one of the most unusual activities on our list.

Missed your chance to attend one of JOIA's epic rooftop sunset parties? There's still time to get in on the action by grabbing a ticket to their rooftop closing party. To commemorate a successful summer series, this beautiful bar and restaurant overlooking Battersea Power Station is throwing a last hoorah complete with DJ set and skyline backdrop. 

You'll get a complimentary drink with each ticket, and the opportunity to order more sips if you please – including something from their signature cocktail menu. Live the high life this Bonfire Night and experience an unforgettable night with London at your feet.  

• Location: across London
• When: throughout winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: there's no better time of year than winter to cosy up in a pub, and the addition of a roaring fireplace just makes it all the better

While the humble pub has a special place in our heart year-round, it's when the chilly season arrives that they become our permanent home. And why, you ask? The fireplaces, of course. Settle by the flickering flames to tip back pints, glasses of wine and the like.

These boozers range from cosy and intimate to spacious and full of character, but you can count on them all for a warming winter drink.

• Location: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, W1J 5EB
• When: throughout winter
• Price: from £65
• Why we recommend: afternoon tea is a quintessential British pastime, and this is truly one of the most luxurious ones around, complete with a fun, award-winning twist

Looking for a little bit of luxury this winter? The sophisticated Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel are offering an Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea that's bound to delight the tastebuds.

These guys have won an Award of Excellence at the Afternoon Tea Awards for their high standards of service and food, so you know you're in good hands as you munch your way through tiers of finger sandwiches and indulgent sweet treats. This experience costs £65 per person, though you can add on a glass of Champagne for £10 extra.

• Location: across London
• When: multiple dates
• Price: free
• Why we recommend: in a season when there's not so much going outdoors, walking across the city is a great way to get out of the house without spending any money

It may be tempting to hide under your duvet until the return of some sunlight, but we doubt you'd feel better for it. Instead, we're shaking up your plans with some free things to do in London in winter, namely these stunningly frosty walks.

Our top picks for a stroll include the route from Highgate to Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park and Kew Gardens, to name just a few.

• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Unit 11, Hoxton, E2 8GY
• When: throughout winter
• Price: from £53.95
• Why we recommend: this immersive activity makes you feel like a real wizard, and their bespoke cocktails are some of the very best

Winter in London just got a whole lot more magical with Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison's immersive wizarding prison experience. Escape the cold and enter a world of sorcery, potions, and mystery - all while enjoying three handcrafted magical cocktails designed to warm and enchant. Wrapped in your official prison jumpsuit, you'll collaborate with dark arts inmates in a cinematic environment full of spellbinding effects.

The rich atmosphere, combined with a thrilling storyline and world-class cocktails, makes Hexmoor one of the best ways to spend a winter night in London. It's a warm, immersive escape perfect for friends, couples, or anyone seeking something magical this season.

• Location: 14 Charter Street, Canary Wharf, E14 5GZ
• When: every day
• Price: from £62.50
• Why we recommend: this spot is great for some competitive fun, and we always feel like we're on a real TV show here

Think you've got what it takes to be a game show champion this winter? Put your skills to the test at The Cube. This exciting, interactive experience in Canary Wharf features 21 cubes filled with fun and challenging games.

Gather your friends and family for a night of laughter, competition, and unforgettable memories. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat and a refreshing drink from Toni Loco and The Butcher.

• Location: Tooting and Haggerston
• When: every day
• Price: from £32.40
• Why we recommend: this is a top choice for lovers of baking, and is a particularly great option for dates as you work in pairs to whip up your tasty bake

Flaunting some of the best winter events in London, The Big Bake's Tooting and Haggerston outposts will put your skills to the test. Snap up tickets to go head-to-head with other teams in a marquee, whipping, stirring and cooking your way to first place.

You'll work in groups of two across 90 minutes to be crowned the champions, with all the equipment and ingredients you need provided. Plus, you can take home your masterpiece to enjoy afterwards.

• Location: 72 St John Street, Farringdon, London, EC1M 4DT
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £12.10 - including an £11 cocktail on arrival
• Why we recommend: chocolate and cocktails are two of our favourite things, so anywhere that combines the is a winner in our books

Let's be honest, chocolate is pretty much synonymous with Christmas. And The Chocolate Cocktail Club? They're mixing it with booze to create a range of delicious concoctions, including their famous Chocotini and espresso martini tipples. Book your spot to enjoy their libations, and you'll receive a welcome cocktail as part of your ticket price.

You can also enjoy an afternoon tea here for £27.50 per person, complete with finger sandwiches and homemade cakes, as well as 90-minute drinks masterclasses, where you can learn to create impressive concoctions for the winter period.

• Location: across London
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £15
• Why we recommend: this is one of the liveliest quizzes you'll ever take part in, and we particularly recommend it for music lovers

The Sounds Familiar Music Quiz at The Old Queen's Head in Angel, and across other London venues in the West End, is a lively music trivia event where participants can test their knowledge of iconic tunes this winter. 

Expect a fun-filled evening of singalongs, trivia rounds, and plenty of surprises. Whether you're there to win or simply enjoy the atmosphere, it's a great night for music lovers. Don't forget to bring your competitive spirit, as prizes are up for grabs.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: there's nothing better than indulging in a big pot of melted cheese in the winter, and some of our favourite restaurants and pop-ups make this list

Ah, cheese. It's one of life's greatest joys, especially around the chilly season. So if you're looking for romantic things to do in London in winter, have a gander at our guide to the top dogs of fondue, serving oozing, molten, heavenly nibbles of deliciousness.

We've picked out the top spots to load up on the stuff all over the city, from riverside pop-ups to luxury hotels and alpine lodges.

• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Shoreditch, E2 8GY
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £39.22
• Why we recommend: we always have a good time at Alcotraz - it's one of London's best immersive experiences and the cocktails are truly fantastic too

Trade in your sparkles and ties for orange jumpsuits and handcuffs at Alcotraz, a prison-themed cocktail bar. If you're looking for the best things to do in London this January, it will see you sneaking past a wicked warden, avoiding shady inmates and sipping on bespoke tipples.

Your ticket includes four delicious cocktails made to your taste, as well as an entire immrsive experience with live actor. Plus, it makes for some great photo opportunities.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: winter is firmly a time for loading up on delicious, comforting food, and we're luck to live in a city with so many dining options

Cuffing season is finally upon us, so snuggle up with your beau at one of the city's cosiest restaurants. If you're looking for fun things to do in London in winter, the capital is home to hangouts showcasing roaring fires, comfort food grub and twinkling lights galore.

Some of our top picks? Riverside restaurant Vicinity, après ski-inspired The White Haus and twinkling hideaway The Churchill Arms, to name just a few.

• Location: Victoria Embankment, Westminster, SW1A 2HR
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £5.50
• Why we recommend: live comedy is always a great choice for a night out, and this unique setting makes it extra special

The Boat Show Comedy Club should be up there on your London winter itinerary. Taking over a snazzy boat, The Tattershall Castle, these events promise you side-splitting laughs, courtesy of an epic lineup of hot-to-trot comedians.

Everyone from Michael McIntyre to Mick Flanagan has played ere in the past, with a great show every time. And if you're thirsty, there are four bars to check out.

• Where: 57-58 Upper Street, Angel, N1 0NY
• When: winter 2025
• Price: food and drink costs vary
• Why we recommend: everything about this cute pop-up screams winter, and we can't get enough of their seasonal cocktail menu

Perfect for an alpine date night, Bubba Oasis is a rooftop bar and restaurant in Islington that's got a fun winter pop-up going on. Expect an après ski theme, with snow-covered trees, twinkling lights and comfy sofas, as well as a special seasonal menu.

Tuck into warming bites like baked camembert, hearty smash burgers and charcuterie boards, or opt for bottomless brunches instead. Their cocktails are pretty special too - our favourite is the Cinnamon Blueberry Mojito.

• Location: multiple Central London locations
• When: multiple dates
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: you'll find some of the quirkiest cocktails in the city across Mr Fogg's venues, as well as a whole load of weird and wonderful activities

Be delighted and entertained at the whimsical Mr Fogg's, a quirky venue in Soho that's home to all kinds of weird and wonderful events. If you're looking to be challenged, then test your skills on a cocktail-based treasure hunt, where you'll be immersed into an adventure and unravel puzzles along the way. 

They also host a Victorian murder mystery that'll test your detective skills, racing against time to find the culprit. That's not all though, as you can enjoy boozy brunches, cocktail masterclasses and gin tasting sessions here, with tickets starting from £60 each.

• Location: 1 Abbey Orchard Street, Westminster, SW1P 2LU
• When: every Saturday
• Price: £35
• Why we recommend: bottomless brunch is always a great shout in our books, but unlimited fondue is just a whole other level

Munich Cricket Club's Bottomless Fondue Brunch is your Saturday destination for cheesy delights. For £35 each, savour 90 minutes of unlimited fondue with a side of bottomless German mimosas, Haus beers, and refreshing spritzes.

Dunk cured meats, grilled vegetables, potatoes, bread, and cornichons into a rich, velvety pot of cheese and get comfy with friends as the atmosphere is filled with the lively sounds of après-ski hits.

• Location: Pedley Street Station, Arch 63, Pedley Street, Bethnal Green, E1 5BW
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £79.50
• Why we recommend: not only is this a truly brilliant immersive experience, but the three-course meal is one of the best yo'll eat, all from a train carriage

The Murder Express takes you back to the early 20th century in a uniquely immersive experience. All is good and well, but then? There's a death aboard the train. It's up to you to find the killer, picking them out among a whole load of curious characters.

And the best part? There's a sumptuous three-course menu included, prepared by award-winning restaurant Lunar. This includes asparagus velouté, beef bordelaise and an indulgent sticky toffee pudding.

• Location: across London
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £18.99
• Why we recommend: this is a top choice for hip hop fans looking to get their groove on, complete with plenty of rum punch and tasty food

Hip Hop Brunch is making sure that you have a jam-packed winter by hosting a bucketload of fun events. Not only will they whip you up a mouthwatering two-course meal, but also serve you 60 minutes of bottomless rum punch and lots of skank-worthy tunes.

These events take place at locations all over the city, each promising hours of musical fun. Plus, you can secure a two-course meal, with vegan options available.

• Location: across London
• When: multiple dates
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: the city looks especially gorgeous when it's lit up on a winter evening, and where better to watch it from than one of these stylish rooftops?

Top things to do in London in winter? Temperatures may be plummeting, but the only way is up at these snazzy rooftops. From heated pergolas to pop-up installations, you're sure to find some of the best views in the city with our guide to sky-high spots.

Our top picks include Circe's in Waterloo, London Bridge Rooftop and Shoreditch venue Aviary, to name just a few. Whether you're drinking, dining or just taking pictures, these spots are a must-visit.

• Location: across London
• When: multiple dates
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: there's nothing that makes us feel cosier than sipping mulled wine or cocktails in an igloo, ideal for intimate group gatherings

If you're looking for winter things to do in London, check out our list of seriously stunning igloos. Super cute and perfect for pimping up a night out, these private pods have become an annual sensation.

Most of these spots are also cooking up tasty festive menus, paired with hot drinks and killer cocktails. And while you might not get views of the Northern Lights, you will be able to cop an eyeful of the dramatic skyline.

• Location: 300 Oxford Street, W1C 1DX
• When: every day
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: this is one of the best bars in Central London for inter, thanks to its views and the cosy vibes - especially with a mulled wine in hand

1864 Rooftop Bar isn't just a bar - it's an experience, especially in winter with its signature mulled wine and igloos. With sweeping views of the London skyline, you'll have to remind yourself to blink while sipping on a negroni or toasting with a prosecco.

Perfect for cosying up under heaters, this spot adapts to the seasons while keeping the vibes on point. Bring your mates, bring your date, or just bring yourself for a solo recharge with a view.

• Location: Colechurch House, London Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX
• When: multiple dates
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: not only can you enjoy views of the city from this elevated spot, but its alpine makeover is bound to get you in the festive spirit

London Bridge Rooftop is getting a wintery makeover promising a space decked out with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and plenty of heaters to keep you toasty, as well as whole ski lifts as booth seating to match the Après Bar theme. Plus, they'll be delving out festive cocktails and boozy brunches.

Additionally, there'll also be a 6th-floor private Christmas Grotto overlooking the city, which features a darts board and is available for private hires and group bookings.

• Location: Tower Hotel, St Katharine's Way, City of London, E1W 1LD
• When: every Saturday
• Price: £35
• Why we recommend: this cosy restaurant bar offers amazing views of the Thames, and we can't get enough of the wintery alpine vibe

Looking out over Tower Bridge and the Thames, Vicinity is bringing you an Alpine Lodge pop-up for the winter, complete with cosy blankets and firepits to gather around. Sip on mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate and themed cocktails, while admiring the city at night.

They'll be serving up all sorts of seasonal eats here too, including loaded rosti potato bites, cheesy fondue, currywurst and Belgian waffles.

• Location: 28-30 Houndsditch, City of London, EC3A 7DB
• When: multiple dates
• Price: from £39.58
• Why we recommend: we all love a good themed night out, and this immersive experience brings the magic of the Wild west to London amazingly - and the cocktails are excellent too

For an immersive, world-class cocktail experience and evening of American Frontier-style fun, head to the Moonshine Saloon. Over the evening, you'll be tasked with smuggling in contraband alcohol before trying your hand at various card games and sipping themed libations.

Watch out for the sheriff as you sneak in your booze, which the bartenders will turn into four bespoke cocktails for you. From the live actors to the costumes, you'll truly feel immersed in the world of the Wild West.

• Location: across London
• When: throughout winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: these spots are only around for a few months a year, which makes them all the more special - each and every one of these pop-ups gets us in the festive spirit too

While the weather outside is frightful, the city's pop-ups are oh-so-delightful. Get to know the top seasonal igloos, festive cabins and themed cinema screenings, as we've rounded up some of the most fun things to do in London during winter.

Whether you're in the mood for drinking mulled wine in alpine surrounds, trying your hand at curling or even climbing the o2, we've got it all here.

• Location: Wilkin Street Mews, Camden, NW5 3NN
• When: every day
• Price: £25
• Why we recommend: this is the ultimate day out for beer lovers - you'll learn so much, and even get access to exclusive tastings that you won't find anywhere else

Sip your favourite pints at Camden Town Brewery's tour, one of the best winter days out in London. Venture to the super shiny spot to uncover the history of their beers and learn how they're made, hearing some insider information from he experts.

You'll even get to drink your way through plenty of tastings too, both from their year-round beers and maybe even some one-off batches.

• Location: 20 Broadwick Street, Soho, W1F 9NE
• When: multiple dates
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: this is a go-to bar for theatre lovers, and their stunning decor combines with themed cocktails is perfect for pre-show fun

Broadwick Soho is a must-visit this winter for anyone looking to combine festive cheer with a touch of theatre magic in London. This winter, the hotel has partnered with Moulin Rouge! The Musical, transforming the façade into a glittering celebration complete with the iconic red windmill and dazzling light displays, setting the scene for an unforgettable festive experience.

Inside, Bar Jackie and Flute serve up four bespoke cocktails inspired by the show's Bohemian spirit and its guiding principles of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. Whether you're sipping one of these inventive drinks on the rooftop bar, relaxing in the all-day dining space, or enjoying a terrace view, it's a chic winter destination for a pre-theatre tipple or a special seasonal night out.

• Locations: FINK's, akub, The Plimsoll, and more
• When: throughout winter
• Price: varies
• Why we recommend: salad may not be the first thing on your mind during this season, but these warming plates offer a lot to love, and we can't wait to dig in

From bitter leaves to bright citrus, these winter salads prove that colder months are anything but dull. Prawn on the Lawn's kale, confit garlic and agridulce salad balances sweet, sour and savoury with effortless simplicity, while Café Murano's spiced delicata pumpkin with buffalo mozzarella and radicchio brings warmth and Italian soul. Across the city, abc kitchens layers crisp cabbage with spicy lime, pear and herbs for colour and crunch, and akub's leaf-free Maghoussa celebrates charred vegetables dressed with Palestinian olive oil and fresh mint.

Elsewhere, Café Deco and The Camberwell Arms showcase winter greens at their best, Kudu adds yuzu-brightness to baby spinach with truffle and parmesan, Trullo elevates Castelfranco with clementine and pomegranate, and Toklas leans into citrus season with its famed Todolí salad.