Best Things To Do In London This Winter

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.

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.

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 hot, boozy beverages like free-flowing mulled wine in a teapot.

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.

Throughout winter, Garage Brunch is hosting a whole load of exciting events at top secret London locations. What to expect? Free-flowing cocktails, a two-course feast and some of the hottest UKG music artists bringing the vibes with non-stop bangers.

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 date night, these private pods have become an annual sensation. And while you might not get views of the Northern Lights, you will be able to cop an eyeful of the dramatic skyline.

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.

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

Offering one of the best winter activities in London, Plonk has taken over venues across the capital to give you an epic crazy golf experience. Venture to Borough or Hackney and get your putt on at one of the colourful courses.

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.

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. You can also enjoy an afternoon tea here for £25 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

London Boat Party are offering up the chance for you to party on Thames on a fun cruise, complete with four hours of party anthems from DJs, a light buffet meal, drinks and pub prices and more. Plus, there's entry to a club on dry land afterwards and a Christmas edition to boot.

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, whipping, stirring and cooking your way to first place.

Throughout winter, The 90's Brunch is hosting a load of exciting events. Head on over to their retro goings-on for a daytime party that includes bottomless cocktails and two tasty courses. Once you've had your fill? Head to the dancefloor as a DJ spins banger after banger.

Hip Hop Brunch LDN 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 drinks and lots of skank-worthy tunes.

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.

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.

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.

This winter, Thames Late is coming in hot with fun speedboat experiences, where you'll zoom down the Thames, enjoying views of London's most iconic landmarks while you feel the breeze in your hair. But that's not all, as you'll also have a hilarious comedian guide along for the ride.

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. And if you're thirsty, there are four bars to check out.

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.

All across the city, Supa Dupa Fly are hosting a series of fun events this winter, from themed club nights and raves to bottomless brunches, with some festive bashes thrown in too. They're throwing parties in Shoreditch, Brixton, Oxford Circus and beyond, so there's something for everyone.

Circe's Cloud 9 Pods are beckoning from the Waterloo rooftop bar that's complete with a Greek-inspired theme and Mediterranean food. Think drinking and dining under the stars while gazing out across the local area, with full heating and a customisable playlist in igloo. Make ours the salted caramel choco-tini, please and thank you.

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. You'll even get to drink your way through plenty of tastings too.

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.

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.

For January and February 2024, The Montague on The Gardens Hotel are boasting a winter lodge complete with comfy blankets and a roaring fire. Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate and spiced cider here, alongside delicious sharing platters. 

Teaming up with W Verbier to bring the spirit of the Swiss Alps to Leicester Square, W London has a Veuve Clicquot Après Lodge complete with a cosy fire pit this winter. Here, you can indulge in Après Tea - a themed afternoon tea complete with crisp potato rosti topped with sour cream and smoked ham, beetroot and dill smoked salmon with keta caviar, and pastries shaped like mountains, skis and snowballs.

Otherwise, check out the lodge's main menu of spiced hot chocolate, ski-themed cocktails and chocolate fondue.

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 (as well as enjoy a tasty four-course meal).

Sky Garden is always a popular spot, thanks to its epic views of the capital from above, as well as its tasty food and drinks. But did you know it also hosts a mega lineup of top-notch events? It's sure to keep you entertained with its live music sessions and more.

If you fancy a fun event come the holiday season, this is a perfect one to get stuck into. The Silent Disco Christmas Special comes complete with stunning views of the Thames, chart-topping tunes from your headphones and delicious drinks to boot.

There are three different DJs to choose from, playing all the very best of house, hip hop and RnB. What's more, you can head to Ballie Ballerson at the end for a brilliant afterparty, complete with a 40% discount on entry.

Looking for a little bit of luxury this winter? Available from 22nd November, the sophisticated Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel are offering a Winter Wonderland 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 festive finger sandwiches and indulgent sweet treats. This experience costs £75 per person, though you can add on a glass of Champagne for £10 extra.

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.