A visit to London is always a thrilling experience, no matter which part of the year you plan your trip. With some of the world’s most famous landmarks, historic architecture, medieval palaces, the best in entertainment and shopping, the city has everything and more expected from an ideal holiday destination.
Testimony of its ever increasing popularity is the millions of tourists and visitors who arrive in the city every year. It is the most visited tourist spot in the United Kingdom and has consistently retained its top spot among the most popular visitor locations in the country. In terms of accommodation there are some of the finest 5 star hotels in London, apart from a host of other types of accommodation to cater to a variety of travellers.
One of the best times to visit the city is during winter, when the hotel and airline rates are as a norm cheaper. The location you decide to stay is definitely important with staying in Central London a recommended option. The Montcalm Royal London House Hotel would be ideal both in terms of location as well as price. And it also is in close proximity to some of the best tourist spots in the city.
There is an incredible amount of places to see and places to visit in London. From visiting the National Gallery, to admiring the crown jewels at the Tower of London, winter is the best time to visit London undisturbed, with relatively less visitors to be seen around the city. It comes as a relief with lesser crowds of visitors and tourists to be found all over the city.
Despite the cold weather, there are an abundance of reasons to stay outdoors at this part of the year. Probably out of the coolest if not the most cool literally is the sport of skating. There are a number of wonderful outdoor rinks that pop-up all the city. Two very popular ice-skating spots with Londoners as well as visitors are at Somerset House and the Tower of London. Visitors get an opportunity to admire the grand facade of the places and experience their rich history. Other spots where you can skate in the city include the ice-rinks at Hampton Court Palace and the Natural History Museum.
With the focus on rinks Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has the distinction of having the largest rink in the city. Apart from its rink there are numerous carnival styled activities that include circus shows, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, a variety of vendors and market stalls, among plenty of others events. There is a German Christmas Market that pops up between the Royal Festival Hall and the London Eye, at the end of November and remains till Christmas Eve.
And for those who prefer the warmth of exploring indoors there are the city’s famous theatres, museums, pubs and concert halls to explore. And the good thing is that many of these public sights can be visited for free like the British Museum, the Tate Britain, the National Gallery, Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Library etc. Of these many fascinating places the British Museum is one of the biggest and a lovely place to explore on a cold winter afternoon.
Winter is a time when the London theatre scene is in full swing with the plays and performances at the West End exceeding if not the equivalent to the best that Broadway has to offer audiences. With more than 200 events, ranging from Shakespearean classics, to musicals comedies to the best of contemporary fringe theatre and lots more, there indeed is a lot to see and enjoy. London does things on a panoramic scale which is at times glitzy and bombastic, a multimedia spectacle that is simply unrivalled in scale and performances. For ardent music-lovers there are plenty of winter concerts to attend at the classy and regal velvet-draped Royal Albert Hall.
One of the most popular holiday traditions is that of ‘pantos’ or pantomimes, which are a long standing holiday event. These are quite unlike the standard silent mimes with fairy-tale styled plays that entertain visitors with unusual costumes, dance and drama sets. It is a fairly interactive experience with audiences coaxed to speak up and interact with the performers. From risqué jokes to entertaining slapstick comedy you will find it all at these events. Two venues that are famous for staging pantomimes are the Old Vic and the Hackney Empire.
Another great spot to visit is Trafalgar Square where you will find a giant Christmas tree decorated in the square. It is an annual gift from the residents of Oslo to Londoners for the services rendered by the British during the Second World War. To know more about the history of Christmas customs and traditions in the England, from the 17th century to contemporary times visit the Geffrye Museum. Its 12 rooms are specially decorated for the festive season every year.
If you are in London on New Year’s Eve make it a point to attend the fireworks from the embankments of the South Bank. It attracts hundreds of thousands of revellers who are spread all over Trafalgar Square and the embankments of the River Thames. Some of the best vantage points for the event are staked out well before the event so make sure to arrive well before it starts. And the good news is that public transport is for free after the events. And on New Year’s Day there is a parade with an eclectic variety of street performers who will make their way from Big Ben to Piccadilly Circus.
One of the best ways to enjoy the decorations and elaborate light displays is to take a stroll and go window shopping on the city’s main shopping streets. These include Bond Street, Regent Street, Brompton Road and of course Oxford Street. And winter is time for the best deals with the post-holiday sales in full swing.
And to sample the best of traditional food and drink take a tour of Borough Market, famous for its seasonal gourmet treats. From mince pie to mulled wine, classic puddings to plenty more delicacies all can be savoured at the market.
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