30 Cool Things To Do In London This Weekend: 16-18 January

With 2025 already over, here are the best things to do in London for the rest of winter. 

But what to do in London this weekend? There's fun to be had with sultry jazz nights in a hidden underground bar, and if you're looking for family-friendly things to do, then check out Cirque Du Soleil Presents OVO.

Check back each week to uncover the best things to do in London this weekend and book on DesignMyNight, from free things to do in London this weekend to the most luxury and unusual. 

What Are The Best Things Happening In London This Weekend?

1. Discover Jazz Nights At Larry's

• When: every Wednesday to Saturday, 8 - 11pm
• Location: National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Place, WC2H 0HE
• Price: free live music; food and drink spend only
• We recommend for: winter date nights with British food, cocktail and live jazz in a space hidden under the National Portrait Gallery

Found tucked away inside the National Portrait Gallery's historic underground vaults, Larry's offers something a little different from the usually brunch-loving Daisy Green Collection. From Breakfast at Audrey's afternoon tea (available Wednesday to Sunday afternoons) to evening dining of beef short rib and fish pie, this place is all about British comfort grub done right, served in a vintage-inspired space adorned with over 100 portraits of the West End's most iconic stars.

For the best experience, we recommend heading over when their free live jazz music is on: every Wednesday to Saturday, between 8 and 11pm. You can book a table for dinner, or from 10pm onwards they offer drinks-only reservations.

Book Your Table At Larry's Here. 

Live jazz nights at Larry's are unmissable.

Find fun things to do if you don't want to drink, including Quiz Game. 

3. Head To A Sustainable Art Exhibition

• When: Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th January 2026
• Location:14-15 Langham Place, Soho, W1B 2QS
  
• Price: £11
• We recommend for: anyone looking to discover new, unique artwork

Treehouse Hotel London have teamed up with Gallery Les Bois to bring you Future Forms: A Next-Generation Sustainable Art Exhibition. This is a two-day immersive exhibition that aims to redefine how art is created, displayed and experienced. Ten groundbreaking artists have contributed to the exhibit, all with the theme of sustainability, environmentalism and materiality.

This is taking over  the 14th floor of Treehouse, transforming hotel bedrooms into intimate gallery spaces that you can wander through at your leisure. Plus, your ticket includes a complimentary drink at Madera, courtesy of Everleaf and Sapling.

Grab your tickets to Future Forms Here.

Explore sustainability at this unique art exhibition.

4. Visit An Unusual Museum

• When: various dates and times depending on the museum
• Location: museums across the capital
• Price: depends on the museum
• We recommend for: quirky art displays and history

It's no secret that London is home to some of the best museums in the world, but if you're bored of all the usual suspects (though we know you really can't go wrong with the Natural History)? We've got just the thing. 

These seven weird and wonderful museums are a great way to spend your Saturday or Sunday (especially if you're looking for free events in London this weekend). Whether you fancy checking out the Freud Museum in Hampstead or heading to Bethnal Green to discover a collection of curiosities throughout history, this list will sort you out. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Unusual Museums Here.

Experience the whacky and wild collections that London has to offer.

5. Drink And Dine At One Of These Amazing Bottomless Brunches

• When: usually held on Saturdays and Sundays
• Location: locations across London
• Price: prices vary depending on the brunch
• We recommend for: tasty cocktails and delicious dishes

Name something you'd rather do on the weekend that a bottomless brunch...we'll wait. Unlimited drinks are now a weekend staple, and mean you can keep track of your pennies without overspending. 

There's a whole host of bottomless brunches available across the city, with everything from ABBA-themed affairs in Covent Garden to multi award-winning brunches entirely centered around Eastenders star, Pat Butcher. Whatever you're looking for, there's something for everyone.

Book A Bottomless Brunch Here.

London has everything from Taylor Swift bottomless brunches to ABBA.

6. Experience A Spellbinding Trip To Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

• When: all weekend
• Location: 127 Hackney Road, Unit 11, Hackney, E2 8GY
  
• Price: tickets from £49.50
  
• We recommend for: immersive experiences and quirky cocktails

The world's first wizarding prison bar is opening its doors this weekend. From the creators of Alcotraz, Moonshine Saloon and Avora, this brand-new immersive experience will see you conversing with dark arts wizards and prison guards from the wizarding world. 

Hexmoor is an immersive theatrical experience combining film-like set designs, three amazing cocktails and magical special effects that are set to blow you away. And you even get your own prison jumpsuit to fully get into character. 

Book Tickets To Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison Here.

Step inside the magical world of Hexmoor prison for the ultimate immersive cocktail experience.

7. Venture Into London's Cosiest Pubs

• When: various opening times
• Location: pubs across the capital
  
• Price: prices of pints vary
• We recommend for: chilled nights and cold pints

If the cooler evenings have you craving a pint by the fire, London’s cosiest pubs are ready to deliver. From historic haunts to hidden gems, there's plenty of tucked away spots with fireplaces across the capital. Highlights include The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead, a 16th-century pub steeped in history; The Mitre in Fulham, serving up hearty British fare beside a roaring hearth; and The Leather Exchange in Bermondsey, where you can tuck into burgers and sweet treats by the flames.

Whether you're after a romantic nook, a Sunday roast with friends, or just a quiet corner to warm up with a mulled wine or a pint of Guinness, these pubs offer the perfect escape from the autumn chill. It’s the ultimate way to toast the weekend in comfort.

Book A Cosy Pub With A Fireplace Here.

Curl up by the fire at one of these amazing pubs this weekend.

8. Book A Saturday Afternoon Winery Tour & Tasting

• When: Saturdays
• Location: Renegade Urban Winery, Unit 7, Lockwood Way, Walthamstow, E17 5RB
• Price: from £25 per ticket
• We recommend for: wine tasting 

With the growing urban winery scene thriving, Renegade Urban Winery in Walthamstow is a fantastic place to spend your Saturday afternoon. For only £25 per person, you'll be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about how their wine is made, followed by the chance to try four different wines.

They also have a wine bar with a similar name in Bethnal Green, so be sure to double check your route before heading over.

Book A Ticket For Renegade Urban Winery Here.

For just £25 you can get a tour of the winery and a chance to sample four different wines. 

9. Grab A Delicious Roast Dinner

• When: varying opening time across the city
• Location: different locations across the capital
• Price: prices vary depending on the venue
  
• We recommend for: cosy Sunday evenings and hearty meals

With the arrival of autumn, there’s no better way to spend a Sunday than tucking into a roast dinner at one of London’s top spots. From cosy pubs to upscale restaurants, the city is brimming with options that serve up crispy roast potatoes, towering Yorkshire puddings, and rich, velvety gravy. Whether you're after a traditional beef roast or something more adventurous like Indian-inspired lamb shank at The Tamil Crown, there’s something to suit every taste.

Explore The Best Sunday Roasts In London Here.

'Tis the season for a delicious roast dinner.

10. Watch Othello At Theatre Royal Haymarket

• When: until 17th January 2026
• Location: Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, London, SW1Y 4HT
• Price: from £31 per person
• We recommend for: theatre lovers, Shakespeare fans, and drama enthusiasts 

Shakespeare’s Othello storms back onto the stage in a bold, high-voltage revival at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Leading the charge is David Harewood (Homeland), joined by Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Detectorists) and Caitlin FitzGerald (Succession), in a production that crackles with tension and contemporary bite.

Directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris (War Horse) and featuring an atmospheric score by PJ Harvey, this reimagining dives deep into themes of jealousy, manipulation and toxic masculinity, making the centuries-old tragedy feel unsettlingly modern.

Book Othello At Theatre Royal Haymarket Here.

Fan of Shakespeare? You'll love this show.

11. Catch An Iconic London Theatre Show

• When: matinees and evening performances from Friday to Sunday
• Location: theatres across London and the West End
• Price: prices vary depending on the show
• We recommend for: plays and musicals

London's West End is one of the most famous theatre destinations in the world, showcasing productions such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Hercules The Musical. 

Whether you're wanting to be transported through a family-friendly experience like Matilda The Musical, or fancy knowing more about Henry VIII's wives in SIX, then definitely book in for a brilliant show. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Theatre Shows Here.

Now in its 26th year of running, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre is perfect for you and the kids.

12. Join An Illicit Smuggling Gang At Moonshine Saloon

• When: selected times from Friday to Sunday
• Where: Moonshine Saloon, 28-30, Houndsditch, EC3A 7DB
• Price: from £39.60 per person
• Perfect for: immersive game nights and quirky cocktails

Out of all the things on in London this weekend, we bet you didn't think you'd see an illicit moonshine smuggling operation taking place. Grab your mates and be a part of the story from £39.60 per person, as you step into an immersive experience that requires you to don your best cowboy hat and sneak your own bottles of liquor in.

Join wanted man Clyde Cassidy and rub shoulders with locals, play a few dice games and enjoy four bespoke tipples whipped up with your own illegal spirits. Just be careful not to go spilling the beans when the Sheriff comes knocking at Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience. - Kiera Chapman

Book Moonshine Saloon Here.

Dress like a cowboy and drink bespoke cocktails at this immersive western-style bar.

13. Catch Each January Weekend's Sunrises At Sky Garden

• When: every weekend
• Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, City of London, EC3M 8AF
• Price: from £7.15 per person
• We recommend for: serene mornings, city views, and a cosy breakfast

If you’re still buzzing from the New Year and fancy a calmer start to the weekend, head 155 metres above the city for a January sunrise at Sky Garden.

Nestled atop the iconic Walkie-Talkie building, the Sky Garden offers panoramic Thames views and a peaceful escape from the post-festive period chaos. Grab a freshly brewed coffee or tea and a pastry from the daily selection, then wander the lush landscaped gardens before the crowds arrive. Bar tables are first-come, first-served, so dress warmly, sip slowly, and let the city wake up beneath you.

Book Tickets For Sunrise At Sky Garden Here.

Catch the sunrise with epic views of London landmarks.

14. Head To A Comedy Night In Covent Garden

• When: every Friday and Saturday
• Location: The Covent Garden Comedy Club, upstairs at the Bull and Egret, 81-82 Long Acre, WC2E 9NG
• Price: from £18 per person
• We recommend for: comedy-lovers and anyone in need of a laugh to kick-start 2026

Every Friday and Saturday throughout January, you can head down to one of the most consistently five-star-reviewed comedy nights on DesignMyNight: The Covent Garden Comedy Club. Find this evening of laughs upstairs at the Bull and Egret pub.

With 23 years in the business and half a million audience members tickled, they've got you sorted for start-of-the-year fun.

Book Covent Garden Comedy Club Tickets.

Expect a barrel of laughs as comedians take to the stage at Covent Garden Comedy Club.

15. Mark The Morning With Skyline Yoga

• When: Friday and Saturday morning
• Location: Perola Bar, 1 Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms, SW11 8BJ
• Price: £40 per person
• We recommend for: yogis and wellness-lovers looking for a unique class with a spectacular view and breakfast afterwards

Art'otel London Battersea is a stunning location with views of Battersea Power Station, a rooftop pool and Portuguese restaurant JOIA. Our pick for this weekend, though? Skyline Yoga with breakfast afterwards.

The ideal wellness boost with the view to match, you can gaze out at the city from Perola Bar on the 14th floor. Follow it up with a complimentary pastry and drink at TOZI's counter afterwards.

Book Tickets To Skyline Yoga With Breakfast Here.

Gaze out at this view of Battersea Power Station during your yoga session. 

16. Sip Cocktails In One Of Circe's Cloud 9 Pods

• When: until 29th March 2026
• Location: 117 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL
  
• Price: from £200 per pod
• We recommend for: intimate group gatherings, private dining, and winter drinks

Escape the winter chill and secure one of Circe’s Cloud 9 Pods, where warmth, comfort, and spectacular views await high above the city streets. Each heated pod is designed for private and cosy drinking or dining, complete with plush seating, soft blankets, ambient lighting, and Bluetooth speakers so you can set your own soundtrack. 

You'll receive a complimentary Patron Paloma on arrival, and the specially curated winter menus promise seasonal indulgence. With space for up to nine people, these pods are highly sought after, so reservations are a must for a magical winter escape in the clouds.

Book Circe's Cloud 9 Pods Here. 

Book your winter drinks at Circe's Rooftop in Waterloo.

17. Visit An Immersive Art Exhibition

• When: selected times depending on the venue
• Location: varying locations across the capital
• Price: from free
• We recommend for: immersive art and family-friendly days out

Step into a world where art meets experience with London’s immersive exhibitions. From digital dreamscapes to multi-sensory installations, the city is bursting with creative spaces that invite you to walk through, touch, and even become part of the artwork. Think glowing forests, surreal projections, and interactive storytelling that goes far beyond the traditional gallery visit.

Whether you're exploring the futuristic realms of Frameless, diving into Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Rooms, or wandering through the colourful illusions at Dopamine Land, these exhibitions offer a fresh, unforgettable way to engage with art. 

Explore More Immersive Art Exhibitions Here.

The city is bursting full of incredible immersive art exhibitions.

18. Explore London's Vegan Restaurants

• When: various opening times
  
• Location: across London
• Price: cost of food and drink varies
  
• We recommend for: all our plant-based pals and anyone intrigued by the vegan restaurant scene in London

Not just a month of resolutions and wellness, January also marks the return of Veganuary. To celebrate, try out some of the finest vegan restaurants our city has to offer - whether you're long-term plant-based or giving it a go for the first time.

Highlights on our guide include Mildred's, Holy Carrot and more.

Find The Best Vegan Restaurants In London Here.

Holy Carrot (pictured) is just one of our Veganuary restaurant picks.

19. Check Out London's Best Parks

• When: anytime
• Location: London's most famous green spaces
• Price: from free
• We recommend for: free things to do and wholesome experiences

When the weather's looking good for the weekend ahead, there's nothing better than chilling in a beautiful green space, and it's one of the many free things to do. This city has plenty of parks (and is actually made up of 40% public spaces), which is why it's only natural that we've put together a guide to the very best parks across the capital.

We've got all areas covered, from Hampstead Heath to Clapham Common or Greenwich Park - perfect for picnics, alfresco drinks and soaking up the sun among Grade II-listed buildings or picturesque Japanese gardens. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Parks Here.

Free-roaming deer inhabit Richmond Park.

20. Explore The Newest Restaurant Openings

• When: various opening times
• Location: varying locations across the city
  
• Price: prices of food will vary
  
• We recommend for: incredible food and dining out
  

• When: all weekend
• Location: multiple venues across London
• Price: tickets vary depending on the venue
• We recommend for: partying and late night dancing

When looking for events in London this weekend, make sure to check out what's going on at some of the city's coolest clubs. You'll find that the Tottenham-based Drumsheds is one of the hottest around, hosting epic gigs in a warehouse space that used to be an IKEA.

If techno's your thing, check out fabric in Farringdon, or make your way over to Hackney Wick for Colour Factory, where you'll find a pretty outdoor terrace serving up delicious food (think burgers and Greek goodies) and all-day and night bashes 'til 4am. - Kiera Chapman

Discover And Book More Clubs Here.

London's home to some of the best nightclubs in the world, including fabric, Drumsheds and Colour Factory.

22. Check Out The Capital's Best Cocktail Bars

• When: open now
• Location: 30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K 6AN
• Price: prices of food and drinks vary
  
• We recommend for: American-Italian dining and date night

Looking for the perfect spot to sip something special this weekend? London’s cocktail scene is overflowing with stylish bars serving up expertly crafted drinks in unforgettable settings. Whether you're into smoky old fashioneds, tropical tiki creations, or something totally experimental, there’s a bar for every taste.

Head to Swift for sleek sophistication, SOMA for minimalist Japanese-inspired mixes, or Nightjar for vintage vibes and live jazz. If you’re after something quirky, try Callooh Callay for playful menus and bold flavours. It’s the ideal way to elevate your weekend plans - one cocktail at a time.

Explore More Of London's Best Cocktail Bars Here.

London is home to some of the best cocktail bars in the UK.

23. Check Out Some Of London's Best Exhibitions

• When: every day on weekends, although each exhibition's opening times are different
• Location: all around London
• Price: price depends on the exhibition
• We recommend for: art buffs and wholesome things to do

If you're wondering what to do in London this weekend, allow us to point you to one of the thousands of exhibitions in the city - some of which are entirely free to enter.

It's a great idea for couples or even a little bit of alone time - just take your pick of everything from the iconic David Bowie Centre to Yoshitomo Nara at the Hayward Gallery and an exhibition on Wes Anderson at The Design Museum. There's also an immersive Titanic experience too.

Explore More Exhibitions Here.

London's exhibition scene is full of historical delights, such as Spencer House, as well as installations dedicated to David Bowie.

24. Visit These Stunning Winter Rooftops

• When: throughout winter
• Location: across London
• Price: food and drink prices vary
• We recommend for: winter date ideas

Winter is fast approaching, and we're all on the hunt for cosy things to do. That's where these winter rooftops come in, promising amazing views of the city while you're surrounded by festive decor and sipping themed cocktails.

These cool pop-ups can be found all over the city. Some of our favourites include Jin Bo Law, London Bridge Rooftop's apres ski pop-up and The Fire Garden at Ham Yard Hotel, to name just a few.

Check Out These Winter Rooftops Here.

Cosy up with a cocktail at these rooftop bars.

25. Cosy Up By A Riverside Firepit At Le Pont de la Tour - L’Après du Pont

• When: until 28th February 2026
• Location: 36D Shad Thames, SE1 2YE
• Price: from £159
  
• We recommend for: winter pop-ups, seasonal cocktails, and Alpine bites

Round up your mates and head riverside for L’Après du Pont, a cosy winter hangout with front-row views of the Thames. Sink into a crackling fire pit (seating up to six), wrap up in soft blankets and let the glowing flames set the mood as the city drifts by.

Expect Cîroc winter cocktails, baked cheese and hearty Alpine-style bites, served from 5.30pm to 10.30pm. Fire pits are available with a £150 minimum spend, redeemed against your final bill, making it an easy win for a festive get-together with a scenic twist.

Book Le Pont de la Tour - L’Après du Pont Here.

Cosy up by the Thames this winter.

26. Get Creative With Pottery Painting

• When: weekend days, with different opening times for each studio
• Location: all over the capital
• Price: dependent on your chosen venue
• We recommend for: wholesome activities and art

Sometimes, you've got to get a little bit creative (or remind yourself why you either loved or loathed having pottery painting parties when you were a kid). Across London, loads of cool haunts are inviting you to decorate ceramics, from cereal bowls and egg cups to classic mugs to drink your morning coffee out of.

Head to West London to the Pottery Café, pay a £7.95 studio fee, then hit the brushes, or make your way over to Kentish Town for Social Pottery's offering which comes with a BYOB option. - Kiera Chapman

Explore More Pottery Painting Places Here.

Head to a pottery painting studio and pay as little as £6 as a studio fee.

27. Visit Lift 109 At Battersea Power Station

• When: Fridays and Saturdays
• Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, SW11 8DD
• Price: from £17 a ticket
• We recommend for: amazing views and quirky things to do

Take the Northern line to one of the most iconic buildings in the city, which is Grade II-listed and has been transformed into a vibrant shopping and leisure destination. Battersea Power Station has been around since 1929, with a steady construction history and plenty of cool pop culture moments (Pink Floyd album cover, anyone?).

Today, you can ascend 109 metres up to the top of Lift 109 and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from £17 per person. And if you're hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for lunch or dinner, including JOIA, run by Michelin-starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. - Kiera Chapman

Read More About Battersea Power Station Here.

Boasting restaurants and bars such as Searcy's, JOIA and Arcade Food Hall and Bar, Battersea Power Station is a must-visit.

28. Celebrate The Late David Lynch A Year After His Passing With The BFI

• When: January 2026 (various dates for events) 
• Location: Belvedere Road, Southbank, SE1 8XT ·and The IMAX
• Price: varies
• We recommend for: fans of David Lynch, those looking to get creative, and cinephiles 

A year after his passing, the BFI invites you into the singular, surreal worlds of David Lynch with David Lynch: The Dreamer - a season celebrating one of cinema’s most uncompromising visionaries. Screening at BFI IMAX and BFI Southbank, the programme brings Lynch’s spellbinding dreamscapes back to the big screen, where they belong.

From iconic features like Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, Eraserhead and Lost Highway to short films, talks and playful events (think quizzes, VJ nights and Lynch-inspired sip-and-paint sessions), this is both a tribute and an invitation: to get lost in the dark, confront the beauty and horror beneath polished surfaces, and rediscover an artist who reshaped film, television and art forever.

Grab Tickets To One Of David Lynch: The Dreamer's Events Here.

David Lynch: The Dreamer. 

30. Be Amazed With Tickets To Cirque Du Soleil Presents OVO

• When: 9th January - 1st March 2026
• Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
• Price: from £50.40 per person
• We recommend for: thrill-seekers, performance lovers and fans of the cool and quirky 

Cirque du Soleil’s OVO is fluttering back into London, and it’s bringing the magic with it. Landing at the Royal Albert Hall from the 9th of January to the 1st of March 2026, this family-friendly spectacular transforms the stage into an insect world, packed with jaw-dropping acrobatics, colour-splashed costumes and seriously impressive feats of strength and agility.

Expect crickets launching sky-high, butterflies soaring through the air and gravity-defying spiders twisting and contorting across the stage, all set to choreography and immersive staging. 

Book Tickets To Cirque Du Soleil Presents OVO Here.

Discover what it means to defy gravity. 

Need more inspiration? Check out the best things to do in London for more ideas.