Visiting Kensington in Winter

The idea of going anywhere in wintertime might strike you as a bit grim. So, a winter break visiting Kensington, in London, might not seem like the best idea you’ve heard all year! Maybe you think that the big tourist sights are best tackled in spring, summer and maybe autumn - but, in fact, it’s possible to make a case for winter in Kensington too.

Christmas

OK, everybody likes a few chilly days around Christmas and New Year to inject a bit of atmosphere into the events, but comparatively few enjoy the typically wet, windy, cold and grey typical English winter. It’s not really colourful and cosy like in Scandinavia and lacks the sun of winters in the Mediterranean.

But that time of year has its advantages in Kensington! The borough is absolutely jam-packed full of excellent tourist attractions, including a number of major museums, the Albert Hall, Olympia and countless others sites of interest. Families can spend days exploring these without having to brave the cold outside, so in that sense the weather isn’t even an issue. But when you are out and about, popping in to a local café for a cup of coffee plus a delicious pastry or mince pie can be great when it’s a bit nippy outside.

Fewer Crowds

Even those who love visiting Kensington in summer must acknowledge that the major attractions sometimes struggle to cope with the sheer weight of numbers of tourists and visitors. Queuing to get in anywhere in summer is now the norm, and the delays can be substantial. Even once you’re inside it can be tricky to get close enough to an exhibit to actually see it because the surrounding crowd is three deep!

The good news is that, usually at least, this is not going to be an issue when you're visiting Kensington in winter. By and large, the crowds will have gone from the major museums and a degree of sanity is restored. This is particularly true for the Science and Natural History Museums, which can be nightmarishly crowded in summer. In passing – the same applies to some of the world-famous retail outlets in the area, which can be difficult to set foot inside at the height of summer.

Lower Prices

Hotels, restaurants and shops may all offer special winter tariffs in order to boost their sales and attract the fewer customers that are around. Sometimes those savings can be substantial, which is particularly important if you’re a family with an eye on the budget.Of course, these savings may not be so obvious in the week before Christmas and the period leading up to New Year. But discounts and deals usually pop up in January-March, which is typically the area’s quietest time of the year in commercial terms.

Summary

So, is a visit to London this time of year for you? Well, there are some things you clearly can’t do in winter here. A picnic in one of Kensington’s many parks might be a delight in summer but inconceivable in winter and you can also forget about sunbathing – although that’s also true sometimes in July and August!

On the whole, visiting Kensington in wintertime is not only possible but, for many, it may actually be preferable to spring, summer and autumn for all the above reasons. It’s worth thinking about!

Matthew Zelinski works for the London Regency Hotel, one of the top hotels in Kensington. If you’re visiting Kensington, this wonderful hotel embodies the true flavour of the area, with its traditional regency-style façade and superb facilities. Whether you're looking for accommodation in London for business or leisure, the Regency offers an effortlessly elegant experience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.