Exploring best things to do in London in Winter

Planning a trip to the UK capital this winter? Base yourself in Queens Gate London and you’ll discover how this fabulous location near South Kensington lives up to its name as a gateway to fabulous events and attractions, exciting things to see and do, and some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. Use our seasonal guide to the area to start planning a stay you’ll remember forever. 

Top Things To Do In London In Winter

London may attract smaller crowds in winter, but there’s still plenty going on. Discover the top things to do in Queens Gate London and nearby in January and February.

Watch the New Year’s Day Parade: Watch the streets of Central London come alive with marching brass bands, colourful performers, and elaborate floats. The annual parade begins in Piccadilly at 12pm 1 January.

Marvel at Winter Light at the Southbank Centre: See impressive lightworks by renowned artists from around the world at Winter Light, a free outdoor exhibition of illuminations at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Waterloo. Until 8 January.

See Hogwarts In the Snow: The Harry Potter film studios have been transformed for the winter months. Don’t miss out on a truly enchanting self-guided walking tour of the Great Hall, the Gryffindor Common Room, the Boys' Dormitory, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest. Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden. Until 15 January.

Go ice skating in Canary Wharf: Ice Rink Canary Wharf in Canada Square Park is one of the few ice rinks that stay open for the duration of the season. The rink is huge and under cover, so the weather won’t prevent you from lacing on a pair of skates and doing your thing on the ice. Until 25 February.

Be mesmerised by Cirque du Soleil: Canadian circus superstars Cirque du Soleil returns to the Royal Albert Hall for the UK premier of Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities, a steampunk-styled show is inspired by Victoriana. Watch the story of a late 19th-century world inventor who invents a machine that defies the laws of time, space, and dimension unfold through impressive acrobatics, contortion, and other acts. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore. From 13 January.

Peruse the Spain and the Hispanic World exhibition: Be spellbound by Giovanni Vespucci's 1526 map of the world, works by El Greco, Velazquez and Goya, and sculptures, silk textiles, ceramics, lustre ware, silverwork, and precious jewellery from Latin America at the Spain and the Hispanic World exhibition. Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly. From 21 January.

Take in the Kew Gardens Orchid Festival:Don’t miss the chance to see some of the world’s most beautiful orchids in all their glory. The 2023 Kew Gardens Orchid Festival is inspired by Cameroon’s biodiversity and features horticultural displays and living plant sculptures throughout the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond. From 4 February.

Watch experimental theatre at the Vault Festival: Choose from more than 500 experimental plays, theatre pieces, cabarets, immersive experiences, and comedy shows at the 2023 Vault Festival. The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo. From 24 January.

Take a Frost Fair tour: Celebrate the season with a multi-media trail of street art murals, digital art installations, events, and themed food at the Frost Fair. The event commemorates the Frost Fairs that took place when the Thames froze over 24 times between 1605 and 1814 (including the time an elephant walked across the frozen river). Various venues around Bankside. Until 31 January.

Take the kids to the Imagine Children’s Festival: If you’re holidaying with your family in London in winter, treat the kids to a day at the Imagine Children’s Festival. The festival offers fun activities, events, and entertainment for kids. Southbank Centre. 8 to 18 February.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day: If you’re going to be in Queens Gate London with someone special, celebrate Valentine’s Day by doing something special. Book a spot on a Valentine’s Day cruise on the Thames, have dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant, take a romantic stroll through Kensington Gardens, or see a show such as the Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre), or Pretty Woman (Savoy Theatre). 14 February.

Be dazzled at Twist Museum: Let mind-altering immersive rooms and optical illusions dazzle you at Twist Museum. The museum boasts more than 60 exhibits and interactive illusions to test your perception on colour, perspective, shape, sound, heat and more. 

Local Places To Eat And Drink

Enjoy delicious food and excellent wines and other beverages at these fantastic restaurants, bars, and pubs near Queens Gate London.

Launceston Place: Indulge in fine dining at Launceston Place, a restaurant in an 1839 townhouse, known for a notable wine list and Modern British menu. 1A Launceston Place.

Locanda Ottoemezzo: Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and a fantastic wine selection at the ambient Locanda Ottoemezzo. 2-4 Thackeray Street.

The Queen’s Arms: If you want to enjoy a memorable drinking and dining experience in a relaxed urban pub, look no further than the Queen’s Arms. 30 Queen's Gate Mews, South Kensington.

The Anglesea Arms: Discover a traditional alehouse with gastropub menu and bar snacks at the Anglesea Arms. 15 Selwood Terrace, South Kensington.

The Hereford Arms: Relax in a Victorian pub serving Fuller's ale and food from a blackboard menu. 127 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington.

Enjoy A Memorable Stay In Central London

Make the most of your stay in the UK capital by attending some of these fantastic events and by choosing Fraser Suites Queens Gate London as your home from home. Our hotel in a lovingly conserved 19^th century building in the verdant Queens Gate Gardens in South Kensington is only minutes away from many of the attractions that make London such a vibrant city.

Our apartments are available in a range of sizes, so you’re sure to find one to suit your needs, whether you’re travelling solo for a few days, with your family for a week, or on business for an extended stay. Contact us and start planning your trip.