There is no more magical place at Christmas than London. You could literally fill weeks or months with things to do in London so let us tell you about our top five for the festive period and they don’t all have a hefty price tag for those on a budget.
Let’s start with the most simple – shopping! You don’t even need to spend any money to enjoy a festive walk around the shops. The windows are dazzling, sparkly and tell a story. Some of the best tend to be the large department stores. Liberty and Selfridges are always some of our favourites. We have previously seen Selfridges carpeted in green ‘grass.’ Harrods has beautiful windows but our very favourite are Liberty. They have a huge unveiling of the windows and you have never seen anything like them. You will find them to be intricate and perfectly themed.
After all this exertion it may be time to take a break and re fuel. There are lots of re fuelling options in London that will remain memorable forever and all of the large five star hotels have indulgent and themed afternoon teas for the festive period. Some of the notable are the Paddington Bear afternoon tea at The Mandarin Oriental. Lanes of London have traditional egg nog with spiced foam but my top pic is the Browns of London. The reason – Christmas carols are played on the piano whilst you dine.
Claridge’s Foyer – Amanda Couzens-Davies
Next up the must see London Christmas tree in the famous Claridge’s. Claridge’s is an institution. From the 1800’s the hotel has been a must visit when in the capital. The tree is completely synonymous with Christmas. This is not just any Christmas tree either because it has been styled by a fashion designer. Previously Dolce and Gabbana, Lanvin and this year the turn of British fashion house Burberry. You won’t be disappointed with this marvel.
Winter Wonderland – Amanda Couzens-Davies
Let’s now Christmas it up a notch further! You can either stay central and hit Hyde Park for Winter Wonderland or head to the east end for Winterville. Both have a similar offering with authentic craft stalls, festive food and drink, ice skating rinks and over in Hyde Park there is an observation wheel and magical ice kingdom. If you choose the Winterville option there are horse and carriage rides which reminiscent of so many Christmas films.
In the evening get your ‘gladragz’ on and either book for a pantomime, there are endless options! Or opt for something for sombre but stunning with carols in St Pauls Cathedral, Westminster Abbey or one that particularly sounds captivating this year the military wives choir that released a best-selling single Christmas time a couple of years ago. Settle into one of the oldest churches in London, St Bartholomew the Great, for what promises to be a musical extravaganza.
Whatever you chose to do this Christmas in the capital – enjoy!
Author: Amanda Couzens-Davies.
