An independent winter travel journal · 2026/2027
London in winter
Riverside stalls, palace weekends and West End sparkle. Pick the setting that suits your day.
South Bank suits a riverside afternoon; Covent Garden and Leicester Square fit a West End walk. Hampton Court is a separate outing with limited fayre weekends, while Winter Wonderland combines market browsing with fairground attractions.
Check each venue. A street or public-space market is different from a market inside a paid event or palace. Food, gifts and additional activities have their own costs.
A seasonal gathering of artisan producers at Hampton Court Palace, useful for a food-and-gifts day out.
This is a two-weekend event. Check your date carefully before planning a journey or adding an ice-skating session.
Confirmed · Read the Hampton Court Festive Fayre guide
A riverside festive market within the Southbank Centre winter programme, with food and seasonal stalls.
Use South Bank as the focus of one afternoon rather than crossing the city between stops. A nearby indoor attraction makes a useful weather backup.
Awaiting dates · Read the Southbank Centre Winter Market guide
Festive decorations, a Christmas tree and the Market Building make this an easy stop on a West End walk.
Combine the piazza with dinner or a theatre visit. It works well as a flexible stop between booked activities.
Season announced · Read the Christmas in Covent Garden guide
A compact festive stop to consider when exploring the West End. Its central location makes it easy to combine with Covent Garden.
Treat it as a stop on a wider walk rather than the only reason for a full day in London. Confirm this season’s programme first.
Awaiting dates · Read the Christmas in Leicester Square guide
A full-scale festive fair with rides, food, ice attractions and skating. Choose this for a lively outing with several activities in one place.
Build your day around one or two paid attractions, then leave room to wander. Outdoor queues can feel cold; bring layers even if part of your visit is under cover.
Confirmed · Read the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland guide