Winter activities in London: 15 best things to do

We’re nearly there – at the end of yet another year on this rock. Before you get too bogged down in resolutions, Dry January and trying to turn over a new leaf for 2026, there’s one last night of fun to be had on New Year’s Eve.Unfortunately, NYE is the kind of night out where you can’t just wing it and expect to have a great time – it takes some serious planning if you want to ring in the New Year in one of the city’s biggest and best clubs. We’re here to help with our list of the best NYE bashes to ring in 2026 at, from never-ending club nights to LGBTQ+-friendly celebrations. Book your tickets, plan the perfect ‘fit and grab your mates to give 2025 the ultimate send-off.

RECOMMENDED: Find things to do in London on New Year’s Day.

Is there anything more wonderfully wintry than wrapping up warm, pulling on some ice skates and gliding around a frosty slab of ice with your loved ones? Each winter, London fills up with pop-up rinks, from legendary venues like Somerset House to exciting new ones like Glide at Battersea Power Station. At all, you’ll find festive vibes ramped up to the max, especially come December – and a lot of fellow Londoners vying for a spot on the ice. Book in advance to guarantee you can show off your best ice moves (or your ability to stay upright, at the very least). Here are some of the best rinks to soar across this winter.

London might always be bustling with fun things to do and, come winter, a jam-packed calendar of unmissable events, but sometimes you just need a break from it all. When the capital’s hustle and bustle leaves you feeling a little drained, you can find some escape from the crowds and hordes of tourists by getting up and getting out just for a day. In dire need of crisp country air, a relaxing spa day or a gorgeous, long walk? These day trips from London are all under two hours from Zone 1 and will give you the relief you need this winter.

RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from London

The Tate Modern kicks off its 2026 programme with a retrospective tracing the 40-year career of Croydon’s finest artistic export, Tracey Emin. Over 90 pieces will be exibited in the landmark exhibition, including some of the Young British Artist’s most defining works, from her famous neons and her controversial Turner Prize-nominated installation My Bed, to painting, video, textiles and never-before-exibited sculptures. Expect plenty of raw, confessional art exploring love, trauma and the female body.