Best Things To Do This Winter In The UK

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By Marcus Sanigar Food, Drink & Events Writer, DesignMyNight Food, drink and events writer with a decade of experience covering the UK hospitality scene. Has written for Expedia, Trainline and more. Last updated on 12th May 2026

Just because the temperatures are getting chilly and the days a little shorter, that doesn't mean we shouldn't still be going out and living our best lives. So if you're looking for somewhere to visit during the jacket season? We've got the lowdown right here. From immersive cocktail experiences and bottomless brunches to sushi classes and adult-sized ball pits, here are the best things to do in the UK this winter.




London: Silent Disco Christmas Special

@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 19th December 2026

Escape the winter weather on the warm deck of the Dutch Master for the Silent Sounds Christmas Special Thames cruise. As you make your way past London's iconic landmarks, you can drink, dance and belt out festive hits.

Round up some friends, grab the guys from the office or hop aboard solo for a silent disco like no other - all from just £28.60 a ticket.

UK-Wide: Best Brewery And Distillery Tours

To warm your cockles with all things hops, malt and barley, it can only be the UK's finest brewery and distillery tours. From gin classes for getting your fix of all things juniper to Somerset cider tours and classic ale trails or insider looks at craft beer microbreweries, there's a little something for everyone.

UK-Wide: Best Places For Ice Skating In The UK

As the temperature drops, there's no better time to get your skates on. From pop-up rinks to winter wonderlands that are open all year round, there's plenty of places to hit the ice right across the UK. 

The Ice Cube in Leeds, Battersea Power Station's Glide, Manchester's Courts Club and many more are ready and waiting for your best pirouettes and snow ploughs. There's more than skating on offer too. We're talking alpine chalets, festive markets, igloos and plenty more besides. 

London: BucketRace Scavenger Hunt Easter Hunt

@ Golden Square on Saturday 27th March 2027

Round up your best finders and seekers for the BucketRace Scavenger Hunt Easter Hunt. As you make your way around London's landmarks, you'll search for all kinds of items in a bid to bag bonus points and prizes.

Along the way, there's side quests and all kinds of challenges to take on. Grab your smartphone, pop on your comfiest shoes and get involved from just £16.50.

UK-Wide: The Brunch Club

Taking its wild events to cities all across the UK, The Brunch Club is making sure your weekends are never boring this winter. Whether you're in Brighton or Newcastle, Cardiff or Portsmouth, these guys will offer you a themed bash that'll blow your socks off.

Stoke-On-Trent: Factory Floor

If you're looking for the best things to do in the UK in January, then visit Stoke-On-Trent's Factory Floor at The Quarter Potbank. Watch live entertainment from up-and-coming artists and tribute bands, plus party into the early hours with its killer DJ nights.

Glasgow: ARTA

Nestled in Glasgow's Merchant City, ARTA is a Mediterranean hubbub of fantastic events that you need to add to your UK winter itinerary. Not only can you catch live tribute show of The Greatest Showman and ABBA nights, but also comedy drag shows that'll be a hoot and a half.

Newcastle: The WonderBar

Really lean into the jacket season over at The WonderBar, where scrumptious grub and warming drinks reign supreme. But they'll also be keeping you entertained with a top-notch roster of events, from drag-doused bingo and live music to quiz nights.

Lancashire: Ormskirk Food & Drink Market

The Ormskirk Food & Drink Market has reimagined the town's historic hall as a stylish and sophisticated place to eat, meet and play. This December, it's giving you even more reasons to stop by.

You can try your hand at everything from wreath crafting and chocolate making to bauble painting and Christmas quizzes. Whatever brings you down here, craft beer, showstopping cocktails and six local traders serving up Chinese small plates, pizzas and plenty more will see that your fun times are well fuelled.

London & Birmingham: The Big Bakes

Discounts available on certain events

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at The Big Bakes, found in London and Birmingham. You'll be whisked away to a cute marquee so you can create a delicious masterpiece in competition with other teams. If you're on the hunt for fun things to do in the winter while inside, this is a great shout.

UK-Wide: I'm Puzzled

Wherever you are in the country, I'm Puzzled are bringing you fun outdoor experiences to get stuck into. From Bolton to Birmingham or Plymouth, these Murder Mystery Experiences give you a chance to explore your city while solving a digital murder case.

Working in teams of two to six, you'll crack codes, gather clues and interrogate virtual suspects. This is all guided by their app, and tickets start from just £19.99 for the whole group.

London: Après Bar London Bridge Rooftop

A top choice of wintery things to do is a trip to London Bridge Rooftop, where close-up views of the Shard are now combined with an Après Bar pop-up. Think ski lift-style seating in Aperol orange colours, full heated and covered pergolas decorated with snowy firs and lights, and even vintage ski memorabilia dotted throughout the space.

Expect Après brunches, free-flowing mulled wine teapots, seasonal cocktails and more as well.

Salisbury: Winter Wellness At The Great Bustard

January doesn't have to be all resolutions and restrictions. The Great Bustard, a cosy countryside pub with rooms, is offering a refreshing antidote with its new Nourish & Restore experience. Think of it as a winter reset for body and mind: slow down, breathe in crisp country air, and let the season's best local produce work its magic.

The package includes an indulgent dinner, a restful overnight stay, a hearty breakfast, and a bespoke relaxing treatment, all designed to revive and reconnect. Head Chef Jordan Taylor leads the culinary journey, serving ingredient-led winter dishes that are as soulful as they are seasonal, from comforting slow-cooked favourites to tempting vegetable creations and indulgent desserts.