London was perfect during our last winter holiday. Because winter is considered the off-season in these countries (it can get extremely cold in the UK), it is perfect for visiting! Our trip was wonderful and here are a few reasons why.
1. Flights and accommodation are so affordable to the UK during the winter.
For 2 weeks to London from LAX, I spent $361. I left LAX a few days after Christmas and came back a week and a half into 2020!
For 14 days in London, I only had to put in a few days of PTO from work. Being in a location longer makes AirBnb’s an absolute steal for accommodations. Many AirBnb’s and accommodations on places like Booking.com cheaper.
2. You can visit nearby countries so easily and affordably!
During our London trip, we flew to Dublin for a few nights at $45/person including tax. I paid for my 3 siblings and I and it only cost $180 with tax!
As long as you’re not taking too many liquids and limiting the weight on your check-in bags, Ryanair is so affordable.
3. During Christmastime in England, the lights are spectacular.
London in the Winter is beautifully lit and phenomenal.
4. There are not huge crowds, long lines, or the sun to get you down.
Yes, there are crowds but it’s not at all like Pompeii during the summertime. I wouldn’t describe London as being overcrowded, though there were crowds. Since it’s cold in the UK during the winter, many people travel to warmer places like Greece or Italy. This makes London perfect for a winter visit since it’s the “off-season.”
5. You can experience winter holidays, seasons, and festivals in other cultures.
For New Year’s Eve, my siblings and I camped out on Lambeth Bridge for a spectacular fireworks show. I don’t usually participate in New Year’s Eve fireworks shows.
Normally I watch the ball drop in NYC on TV or stay up watching Hallmark movies with some wine and friends. I totally get the tourists-do-what-locals-don’t phenomena since I do it myself.
But when in London, you do what you can’t do at home. Beginning the New Year with international company, singing auld lang syne and watching fireworks over the River Thames was incredible.
6. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, coffee, and (of course) tea are perfect for the winter.
For my first mulled wine experience, I tried award-winning mulled wine in Borough Market. I also tried award-winning hot chocolate at Hotel Chocolat. Being a huge coffee and tea drinker, I sampled coffees and teas all over the city.
7. If you love Harry Potter, Christmastime is the perfect time to visit the Harry Potter Studio.
Each season, they decorate the Harry Potter Studio, where sets of the Great Hall, the Dormitories, common areas, Quidditch, and Hogsmeade are decorated to reflect the seasons. During Christmas, they offer “Hogwarts in the Snow.” The Yule Ball decor and Christmas decorations were all up.
Related: Why You Need to Visit Harry Potter Studios
8. Ice Skating is in season!
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland has a rink! You can ice skate at the historic sites: the Tower of London, Hampton Court (where Henry VIII one resided), the Somerset Ice House, and the Natural History Museum. For more information on rinks, click here.
9. Afternoon tea is perfect for when it is cold.
If you’ve never heard of afternoon tea, you’re in for a treat. Think tea sandwiches, endless tea, clotted cream/jam with scones. It’s the perfect brunch in London. I found it usually ends around 4 p.m.
The photos above were taken at the Crusting Pipe, a restaurant that offers afternoon tea (as well as other dishes) in Covent Garden.
Another one of my favorite places is Fortnum & Mason (established in 1707), which I reviewed here. Fortnum & Mason has teas for all occasions and has special teas blended for King Edward VII in 1902 and a “Wedding Breakfast” tea blended for Kate Middleton and Prince William’s wedding!
Winter in London is phenomenal! I’d love to hear if you have any other suggestions for winter travel destinations. Winter is my absolutely FAVORITE season to travel because trekking through the cold is much more enjoyable that trekking through the hot.
