Top Tips for a Winter Break in London

Winter in London can get quite chilly, especially when it gets windy, but it also offers tremendous opportunities for an amazing holiday – and things ate often a lot cheaper than during the summer months. As long as you pre-book your Gatwick airport transfers to get you safely (and warmly!) to your accommodation, there's nothing stopping you having a wonderful holiday in London's colder months.

First Things First

The first thing is to ensure that you pack appropriately. London can be quite miserable if you’re not wearing the right gear! A good woollen coat is a must, but also remember to layer, as it can be quite changeable – especially if you're in and out of attractions and shops. It is vitally important to your warmth to keep your extremities warm – so hats, gloves and scarves are a must.

Enjoy it!

You can’t beat winter, so the best thing to do is just enjoy it! Have fun outside, get the blood pumping, exert some effort and you'll not only stay warm, you'll also get to now the city. Walking briskly is one best ways to keep warm, so why not take in the sights on a walking tour? A traditional city walking tour will include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and all the icons, but also head over to Portobello Road and have a leisurely wander. There is a host of excellent parks in Central London, so if the sun is shining it's a great time to get out and explore those as well. Your Gatwick airport transfers may take you past a few of the Royal Parks, so make a note and return on foot later.

More Blood Pumping Activities

Another great activity to take in the outdoors, show off your cool winter clothes, and get the blood pumping even harder is ice-skating. Alexandra Palace’s ice rink is a great place to go – especially with children. For the full-on Winter Wonderland experience, head to Hyde Park and enjoy this magical evening event that runs around Christmas time. There is an 'ice forest' of frozen sculptures, an ice castle, plus acts like the acrobatic wonders of shows at Zippos Circus and Cirque Beserk. It also has a great Christmas market where you can shop for knick-knacks and arts and crafts.

Indoor Fun

Of course, there will be days when the weather gets a little too cold to get out and about, but there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy - like the museums, galleries, cinemas and theatres. Take in a musical, a comedy show, an exhibition, or just pop into a great café for hot chocolate, tea or coffee. If you’re a fan of BBC’s Sherlock, you may want to visit Speedy’s Café in Camden – you’ll find the surroundings delightfully familiar!

There's no need to hide away in winter; as long as you dress right and know where to go, London can be just as magical in the colder months. Book your Gatwick airport transfers and start planning a wonderful winter escape.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for Gatwick airport transfers, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.