Busy street in London with two phone boxes and Christmas lights

The best Christmas markets in London

Think summer’s the best time to visit London? Think again!
By Karleen Stevens

If you happen to be in this enigmatic city as the days get colder and the nights get longer, you’ll notice a proliferation of twinkly lights that can only mean one thing – Christmas markets have appeared!

There are plenty to choose from, each with their own charm – some are in grand, industrial-looking steel and glass constructions, in others you’ll find endless lanes of wooden chalet-style stalls more reminiscent of an open-air market in Germany. Whichever your preference, you’re bound to come away with some festive spirit, because nothing cheers up a dreary winter like fairy lights, mulled wine and some retail therapy! Some of London’s best include:

  • Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
  • Covent Garden Christmas Village
  • Leicester Square
  • Southbank
  • Maltby Street
  • King’s Cross
  • Greenwich
  • Hampton Court

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

 

The biggest (and most famous) of London’s markets, Hyde Park comes to life every year from the end of November to the beginning of January with this theme park-like open air market. Taking up most of the park between Wellington Arch, Marble Arch and Kensington Palace, you’ll find stalls selling all manner of handmade gifts, from traditional gingerbread hearts to candles, suncatchers and personalized Christmas decorations. It’s not just about the shopping, though – you’ll also find Bavarian-style chalets serving beer and oompah music, an ice rink, ice sculptures and rides and games for the whole family.

Covent Garden Christmas Village

 

Covent Garden market is lively at any time of year, but it gets an extra sprinkling of magic dust at Christmas. A giant tree adorns the square and the roof of the South Hall in the main building is transformed into a colorful Christmas canopy. There’s a pop-up Christmas village, and all the regular stall holders get into the spirit with decorations and Christmas gift offerings. To add to the festivities, there are always plenty of buskers plying their trade in the square, so find a good spot to watch and soak up the Christmas cheer, whatever time of day you’re there.

Leicester Square

 

Not far from Covent Garden is Leicester Square, famous for film premieres and M&M World – except at Christmas, when this modest plaza is packed to the edges with Christmas attractions. It’s free to explore, so warm your hands with a hot drink, wander through the maze of stalls and entertainers and perhaps indulge your inner child with a carousel ride. It’s quite compact, so you can easily see it all before or after your evening’s entertainment, or you could stay and enjoy a show here at the specially constructed Spiegeltent.

The South Bank

 

There’s just something special about a market on a riverbank. Perhaps it’s the gentle sound of lapping water, the skyline views up and down the river or the reflection of thousands of fairy lights – either way, the Southbank Markets in London are not to be missed! As well as gifts and trinkets you’ll find plenty to keep you warm, from burgers and bratwurst to waffles and fondue. The Southbank Center always puts on a good show – it’ll be busy, though, so if you find a good spot to sit, grab it straight away and settle in for an evening of live carol singing, street entertainers and people-watching. If it’s too much, head along the river past Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and you’ll find the less-touristy but just as charming Borough Markets.

Maltby Street

 

Nestled under the main railroad line at London Bridge are the Maltby Street markets, which turn into a kind of grown-up street party every Friday night in December. Explore the labyrinth of narrow streets and lanes, with stalls and shops tucked neatly under railroad arches, and stroll up the main alley, known as Rope Walk. This is mainly a street food affair, so get stuck into such culinary delights as tapas, steak, cheese, patisserie or waffles – there’s also plenty to wash it down with, including mulled wine and craft gin. If you fancy sitting outdoors there’s always live entertainment and craft demonstrations, but if things are feeling a little nippy, pop into the nearby Bierkeller in Bermondsey for a warming meal and hearty atmosphere.

King’s Cross

 

If you prefer your Christmas markets with a Dickensian feel, head for the indoor delights of the Canopy Christmas Market at King’s Cross in Coal Drops Yard. This curiously-named building has a large Victorian roof, which adds its own charm as well as keeping the weather out. Here you’ll find plenty of artisan craft and produce to take home, but while you’re there you might as well enjoy a tasting or two, along with live entertainment and various cooking masterclasses. There’s also one weekend each December dedicated to Vegan produce, so be sure to look it up for animal-free food, clothes, homewares and cosmetics.

Greenwich

 

Head east down the river a bit and you’ll find the maritime borough of Greenwich, famous for the National Maritime Museum, Royal Naval College and Royal Observatory (you might also recognize it from its appearance in Thor: The Dark World). There’s also a regency-period undercover market, which is lively all year but is especially good at Christmas, when evening opening hours are extended and Santa makes an appearance in his special grotto. Add to the adventure by getting there via the river, and be sure to try a bit of ice skating or climb aboard the Cutty Sark.

Hampton Court Palace

 

If you need to get out of the city for a day, head south-west and in less than an hour you’ll be at Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s favorite country escape. If you visit on the right weekend in December, even better, because you’ll be able to enjoy its Festive Fayre, complete with ye olde castle background and (somewhat more modern) ice rink and street food. Just for the weekend there are special carol services held in the Chapel Royal, and since you’re there you might as well explore the vast rooms and grounds of Hampton Court, which will be fully decked out in the season’s best finery. Highlights include the vast kitchens, the sumptuous banqueting hall and the yew hedge maze.

Celebrate the silly season with Go City

Warm up this winter with some retail therapy at London’s best Christmas markets. Be sure to have your Go City Explorer Pass handy, so you’ll save on all the city’s hottest attractions as well!

Karleen Stevens
Go City Travel Expert

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Summer in London is a great time to explore on foot like this couple
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2 Days in London

Whether it’s a weekend away or a midweek sojourn, 2 days in London never disappoint. From the city’s world-famous landmarks to shopping in Oxford Street and Portobello Road, ultra-trendy Hoxton and the deer of Richmond Park, the range of attractions astounds even Londoners themselves. Plan it right and you’ll fill your days with delights, do it wrong, and you’ll end up spending all your time on the Tube. That’s why we’ve put together this handy 2 day London itinerary with easily interchangeable days just for you! Day 1Morning You could start your 2 days in London in a thousand different places. But we’d suggest heading to the gates outside of Buckingham Palace for the 11AM Changing of the Guard Ceremony. It takes place daily in the summer – when it’s also possible to enter the palace state rooms – and four times per week during the winter season. Combining pomp and tradition with stirring music and first-rate horsemanship, taking part is one of the biggest honors in the British military. Then slip by the pelicans of St James’s Park for views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Just opposite you’ll find Westminster Abbey, the church where all but two of England’s monarchs have been crowned since 1066. Afternoon Nearby Victoria Street has plenty of places to grab a bite to eat before you turn your attention to the thoroughfare known as Whitehall. Lined with grand government offices, stop by the easy-to-miss gates of Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister. Then continue on to Trafalgar Square, whose bronze lions have guarded Nelson’s column since 1868. On the square’s north side stands the National Gallery. Spanning centuries of western art, collection highlights include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer and one of Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, as well as providing an encyclopedic introduction to British artists that’s sure to keep you busy for the rest of the afternoon. Evening Crossing the Thames by Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges will bring you to an area of riverside packed with attractions. Time it right and you’ll drift over the London skyline inside a glass pod of the London Eye just as the sun begins to set over the capital. It’s a sight well worth making the time for. Follow it up by admiring the street art of Leake Street tunnel on route to Waterloo’s range of bars and underground clubs. The Roof Garden & Bar of the brutalist form of Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Center is a trustworthy spot whatever your drink of choice. Elsewhere, the bar at Sea Containers House will have its riverside views competing for attention with chic interiors recalling the golden age of travel. Day 2Morning With half of your trip to London in 2 days already gone, there’s no time to lose, so shake off any fuzzy heads you might have and start the morning amongst the beefeaters of the Tower of London as you gaze into the display cabinets of the Crown Jewels. They include the largest clear-cut diamond in the world, known as Cullinan I. The smaller but better-known 105 carat Koh-i-Noor diamond is relegated to the regalia of less senior royals than the king or queen, most recently set in the crown of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. For a moment of quiet, head to St Dunstan in the East, a ruined church turned gardens, then cross the Thames at London Bridge for photographs of the much grander Tower Bridge. Continue straight on to Borough High Street, the old stomping ground of everyone from Charles Dickens to Jamie Oliver, whose street food stalls are sure to satisfy your stomach as it approaches lunchtime. Afternoon One of the hottest tickets in town remains The View from the Shard, offering vistas of London from 70 floors up which can stretch for 65 kilometers. In the summer months, spend the middle hours of the afternoon taking in one of Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies or histories in the replica version of The Globe Theater. Outside of performance season, make some time for the contemporary art of Tate Modern instead, before heading to the pale stone walls of St Paul’s Cathedral, another of London’s important churches. It was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. End the daylight hours with a little shopping, by jumping on the Central Line for the quick ride to Oxford Circus, gateway to the stores of Oxford Street and Regent Street. The latter is known for its designer stores and as the main location for Hamleys, the world’s largest and oldest toy store. It has stood on the same site since 1881, having been founded in 1760. Evening Well-to-do Soho, bordered by some of London’s most upmarket neighborhoods, has some of the capital’s best shopping. However, it’s the streets around Hoxton Square, including Shoreditch High Street, where bars and nightclubs come into their own. With something for everyone, from old-style British pubs serving up warm ales to LGBTQ+ friendly haunts with the latest in cocktails, this once unloved part of the capital has been reborn into an area that simply not to be missed once for a place to spend an evening in London. When it comes to dining, London has some of the best chefs of the moment battling behind the scenes to serve up incredible dishes. If you’re looking to round off your 2 days in London by splashing out, you’ve more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants to consider. It’s still possible to eat well on a budget though, with Camden hosting a range of flavors from around the world and Brick Lane the hub of South Asian cuisine. How to spend 2 days in London Opt for 2 days in London and you’re in for an action-packed couple of days. But if you’re concerned about prices mounting up as quickly as a Central Line underground train fills at rush hour, there is an answer. That’s traveling with Go City. Do so and you’ll be able to make incredible savings on admission to many of London’s top attractions, meaning you can do more for your vacation budget than would otherwise be possible!
Ian Packham
best london souvenirs
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Best London Souvenirs

You! Yes, you there! Are you a fan of things? Do you like stuff? Perhaps items related to a specific city? Well, you must be a fan of souvenirs! Loveable keepsakes of times past, that help remind you of the exciting adventures you've experienced. If you're visiting London from further shores, or simply from another part of the UK, you might want something to remember your trip. But which are the best souvenirs? Well, pay attention, and take a gander down below, guv'nor. What we will do, is provide you with a list of the best London souvenirs. Tiny Bus You know them; you love them. London's big red buses are one of the most recognisable elements of the country's capital. And, predictably, you'll find little red buses of all shapes and sizes you can buy and put around your house. Big Ben Definitely one of the must-have London souvenirs. Everyone's favourite large clock, Big Ben is another of London's most famous landmarks. Fancy some of that large clock action in your little lounge? Go grab one and put it on a shelf. That way, it will always be there, watching you. And waiting. Waiting for what, you may ask? You'll just have to wait and see. LDN tees Did you love your visit to London? Do you want to memorialise it in clothing form? Go get an 'I Love - or heart - London' t-shirt. That way, you can wear your memories. And when people see it, they'll ask you all about your trip. Maybe. Red Box Another red London motif is the iconic red telephone box. Sadly a dying breed in this modern age of smartphones and texting, there are still a few dotted about the city. Before they die out completely, go pick up a keepsake. Then, put it somewhere so that the red phone box will live on forever. In your bedroom, or other room. Wherever you want it. Union Jacks Is there anything more English than the Union Jack? Probably, as it's actually the flag of the United Kingdom. Never mind that, go grab a flag, mug, or some Spice Girls-related memorabilia. Anything with a Union Jack, and display it proudly. No list of the best London souvenirs would be complete without it. Harry Potter The boy wizard who changed the lives of an entire generation. You'll find a sorting hat-load of Harry Potter memorabilia all over London, especially since the success of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End. Wands, sweets, hats, and more. Anything a muggle could want! Oyster Card A staple of every Londoner's wallet, you'll probably pick up an Oyster Card so you can get about on the tubes and buses that take you across the city. Keep it, frame it, and display it for your friends and family to see. You went to London, and dared to travel too. And, when you want to come back, you'll be ready to hop on immediately. Marmite. Yes, really Whether you love it or hate it, marmite is the quintessential British spread. So, why not pick up a jar or two, put it somewhere prominent in the kitchen, and then never touch it again. Coasters Do you drink drinks? Do you ever put them on a table only for them to leave a ring stain no matter how hard you tried to avoid it? Then you, my friend, need a coaster. And why not get one that commemorates your trip to the big city of London? There are plenty of coaster options available to you, featuring many of the things we've already discussed. Want a big ben coaster? We're sure you'll find one. Holmes for your home Of course, one reason many of you are travelling to our fair capital is because of the man himself, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. The legend himself prowled the streets of London, solving cases and getting up to other Sherlock-related hijinks. Given the recent Sherlock Rennaissance, expect to find a whole host of Sherlock bits and bobs. If you can get the hat, the magnifying glass, and the pipe, you win Sherlock bingo. Your prize? Looking awesome. Royal Family things Another big English export, the Royal Family draws a remarkable amount of tourism to London every year. Arguably the most famous royal family on the planet, millions tune in to watch their weddings. So, you can expect that there's a lot of Royal-themed memorabilia on offer to would-be collectors. Plates, cups, calendars, books, t-shirts, the list goes on. However you want to celebrate this oddball family, you'll find it in London. You can't leave London without one of the best souvenirs! London keyrings If you live in a house or flat, chances are you have keys. They're the things you use to get in, and keep people out. If you have multiple keys, you might be in the market for a keyring. Well, why not combine your love of keys and your love of London with a London-themed keyring? Whether you want one with a bus, Big Ben, or another landmark like the London Eye, you're sure to find one. Keep your keys safe, stylish, and flash them to all your friends. They will envy your keyring, and they will love it. Footie stuff If you are a big fan of the actual football, the one where people hit the ball with their feet, then you're in luck. There are a number of large football clubs that call London home. You've got world-renowned clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, and you'll find a lot of football shirts, training kits, mugs, posters, and much more at their respective stadium shops. Why not combine your shopping spree with a tour of the Emirates or Stamford Bridge? Or, there are lesser-known, but still great clubs, like West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brentford, QPR, the list goes on. Whichever team you like, player you follow, or kit you prefer, you're bound to find it in London. And that's our list of the best London souvenirs! We hope you enjoy your memorabilia bounty, and display it for all to see. Are you wondering what else you can do while in the city? Why not check out London's best markets, art galleries, or museums?
Dom Bewley
best free museums in london
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Best Free Museums in London

No word sparks the minds of people quite like 'free.' The absence of payment can be a strong pull for us tax, rent, or mortgage payers who need to put oven chips on the table. We can all agree that getting something for nothing is awesome - especially if that free thing is culture. Culture can be inspirational, informative, and eye-opening in equal measure, giving us a look back into the past, allowing us to process the present, or helping us look forward to the future. So, if you're looking for a shot of free culture to go right into your veins, free museums are just the thing. But which ones? Why, these ones, of course! Here are the best free museums in London. Including: British Museum Natural History Museum V&A Museum Science Museum Museum of London and more! British Museum How does 2 million of years of free culture sound? Well, look no further than Britain's very own museum, the British Museum! Enter a world of other worlds, with sections dedicated to many eras of our planet. You'll find carvings and tablets from early man, artefacts from ancient Greece and Egypt, all the way through to Rennaissance paintings. And while you'll have to pay to enter some of the exhibits, on the whole, the bulk of the museum is absolutely free. Natural History Museum Do you want to see freaking dinosaur skeletons? Of course you do. Head over to the Natural History Museum and see them for yourself! Get a glimpse into the distant past as you explore creatures great and small throughout 65 million years of our planet's history. Meet giant sloths, extinct dinosaurs, and a big old blue whale skeleton that hangs over your head. And, other than a couple of paid exhibits, all of this is entirely free for you to explore. So go see some big bones, baby! Oh, and pick up a free guidebook and map combo while you're at it. V&A Museum A celebratory marriage of art, design, and history, the V&A Museum is one of the best free museums you can visit in London. Opened back in the 19th century, and named after then Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, the V&A Museum is an inspiring collection of over 5000 years of art artefacts. Art-efacts? Yes. You'll discover ancient clothes, jewellery, sculptures, and prints that will give you key insight into past cultures and their people. They also have some late events, if you're more of a night owl. Science Museum See how far science has come at a museum dedicated to it. The Science Museum is a mind-opening experience for any curious human, giving you a look back at how science and technology have changed our lives throughout history. From progress in medicine, to monuments to the space race, you'll find a world of wonder within. There are interactive exhibits, a massive collection of scientific artifacts, and much more. And yes, other than a couple of specific paid exhibitions, including the IMAX 4D cinema, you're free to wander and wonder, free of charge. Royal Museums Greenwich Discover the history of humanity's relationship with the oceans at the Royal Museums Greenwich. At the National Maritime Museum, you'll discover the origins of Greenwich Mean Time and timezones, the history of Britain's sea exploration, and heaps of seafaring artefacts. Then, head over to Queen's House, where you can walk up the famous Tulip Stairs, marvel at all the marble, and study some fantastic paintings from notable luminaries of the brush like Turner. And yes, as you may have gathered, it's all completely free. Museum of London Want to get a better insight into the history of the city itself? Then head on over to the Museum of London. There, you'll discover the capital's rich history, from Roman occupation all the way through to the 2012 Olympics. You'll discover how the Great Fire of London resulted in much of the city's redevelopment and redesign. You'll see artefacts from throughout the city's history, from Tudor dresses to medieval tapestries. If you want to learn more about the capital, it's definitely one of the best free museums in London! Imperial War Museum It appears that war is a sad, unavoidable part of human existence. At least, until we finally decide to put our difference aside and work together and transcend. Anyway, enough about that! For the time being, you might want to know a little more about war and the people who take part. Well, the Imperial War Museum is the perfect place to discover the modern history of war, and the horrors it has wrought. Step inside, and you'll find exhibitions dedicated to the First World War, the Second World War, the Holocaust, and how military technology has progressed since. Maybe not the cheeriest of visits, but undoubtedly interesting. And free, so it's perfect for this list! Museum of London Docklands Ever wondered what the life on the docks would be like? Well, there is an entire museum dedicated to dockworkers and their prowling ground. Head over to the Museum of London Docklands and learn about how boats, ships, and other sea-riding vehicles changed our lives forever. There is a load of free exhibitions available that explore the evolution of the docks, worldwide transportation of goods, and the technology that's responsible. If you're looking for free dockland fun, it's easily one of the best free museums in London! Horniman Museum & Gardens And finally, if you're looking for something a little more unusual in your free museum quest, give Horniman Museum & Gardens a gander. Inside, you'll find a comprehensive collection of anthropological artefacts, ancient musical instruments, taxidermied animals from across the globe, and much more. Right now, there's an entire exhibition dedicated to the untold stories of hair. It's called Hair: Untold Stories, because why not? There, you'll find an intimate range of stories and showcases from filmmakers and artists, exploring the history of hair and why it matters so much to us humans. It might sound strange, but it's worth checking out! And that's our list of the best free museum in London! Alongside fantastic museums there are plenty of other free things to do in London too. Take your pick, and enjoy free, cultural bliss.
Dom Bewley

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