If you’re staying in London over the winter break, there’s lots to do. Explore the city and soak in the season, take time to rest away from your studies and even tick off the things you’ve not yet managed to do on your London bucket list. Need some inspiration? Here are some ideas.
Free things to do
See London lit up
One way to enjoy the season for free is to take a walk and see London lit up.
To see most of the iconic lights, you could start at Strand, walk to Covent Garden for the oversized Apple Market decorations, through the Christmas market in Leicester Square, before heading to Regent Street and finishing at Oxford Street.
There’s a free winter light trail at the Southbank Centre, featuring different illuminated artworks. While you’re there you could stop in to the Southbank Centre Winter Market for a mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Visit one of the museums & galleries
You can visit most of London’s museums and galleries for free. Check out the Natural History Museum, Tate Modern or National Gallery. Close to Guy’s campus is the White Cube in Bermondsey and Dulwich Picture Gallery is near to Denmark Hill campus.
For more inspiration, check out Glossary Magazine’s guide to exhibitions in London this Winter.
Winter walks
Wrap up and get out for a winter walk. Why not try and explore somewhere you haven’t been before? For wintery scenes and to see wild deer, head to Richmond Park. Hampstead Heath offers a views across London from Parliament Hill and woodland walks.
London’s extensive canal paths are also great if you don’t want to get muddy – explore east London walking from Mile End to Victoria Park or follow the Regent’s canal from Regent’s Park to King’s Cross.
Paid things to do
Ice skating
Ice rinks pop up across the city and you can take in the views at Canary Wharf, Battersea Power Station or Somerset House. Skate at Somerset House offer a 20% student discount on selected days and times, check their website for more details.
Christmas at Kew
The iconic botanic garden is lit up every year for Christmas by an immersive light trail. Enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate while you walk through 3km of lights, sculptures against the backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Christmas at Kew tickets are £32.
See a theatre show
London’s theatre scene is diverse and exciting. See something seasonal, stick to the classics - the Lion King and Wicked are long-standing favourites - or try something new.
Check TodayTix for discounted Rush tickets. These are same day tickets that are usually booked the morning of the performance. The National Theatre also have their own Friday Rush ticket sale each week.