urig
Israel
A question about this place:
What are fun things for a tourist to do in London on Christmas Day?
Answers:
rawcane
London
Have christmas dinner in a pub eg http://www.pubandbar-network.co.uk/pubs/theme_london_chelsea_coopers%20arms_706_440.html
Benjiman gwyn
London
The best things to do anytime in London are in two simple things… getting a beer in a cozy pub with a few friends, or walking around the city without a set direction.
urig
Israel
Thanks Benjiman. I’m planning on doing both! Also looking for something to do on Christmas that can only be done on Christmas ;)
annakirsten
Seattle
Christmas dinner in a London pub is great fun, but be sure to make reservations early or you could be stuck eating Indian take-out or fish and chips wrapped in butcher paper (happened to me).
The Charles Dickens Museum (http://www.dickensmuseum.com/) open on Christmas Day. It is set in the only surviving home of Dickens and offers paintings, original furniture, artifacts, and rare manuscripts relating to this fascinating writer and social commentator.
The museum serves mulled wine, Christmas cake and minced pies. The day also features rare video screenings, admission to a special exhibition, and a small gift. If you choose to go, you might consider pre-booking timed tickets online.
The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is closed on Christmas Day, but is a lot of fun (and free entry!). http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/index.html
Oxford St, Bond St, Regent St are lit up nicely. And there is an ice skating rink and giant Christmas tree at the beautiful Somerset House.
And there is so much more: http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/christmas.aspx
Have fun! I’m envious!
urig
Israel
Thank you so much for these lovely recommendation. The Dickens Museum is particularly interesting. Would you know of any other museums that might be open on the 25th?
annakirsten
Seattle
Most of London closes down, but you might want to catch the Peter Pan Cup swim on Christmas morning in Hyde Park. Since the 19th century, the Serpentine Swimming Club has gathered to swim the icy Serpentine waters on Christmas Day (http://www.serpentineswimmingclub.com/).
You could also take advantage of the fact that virtually everyone will be off the streets by going on one of the special Christmas Day walking tours with London Walks (http://www.walks.com/Homepage/In_December/default.aspx). I think the open top bus tour also runs (http://www.theoriginaltour.com/).
Finally, the Evan Evans Tour Company has several tours on Christmas Day that look incredible, although kind of expensive. They range from 30 – 150 pounds, and include a special holiday meal and sight seeing in locations such as London, Oxford, Windsor, and Stonehenge. They have gotten very good reviews. It is worth considering, since you could avoid holiday closures of restaurants, stores, some taxi services, and the underground. It seems like the prices are very good for what you get: pick-up from your hotel, first-class motorcoach transportation, knowledgeable guides, a three-course meal, dessert, and even a complimentary drink (http://www.evanevanstours.co.uk/christmas/christmas-tours.htm).
paiger007
5 places
I went to London this summer, and we visited Warwick Castle, which was amazing! It’s a little bit of a jaunt, we took the Evan Evans tour bus, so I’m not sure how long of a ride it is. But we didn’t get to stay there very long, so I would suggest just going yourself if you want to stay any longer than an hour.
The brochure for Warwick said sometime around Christmas, I’m not exactly sure when, they did a bunch of old-style Christmas things, carolling, feast, and stuff. I thought it’d be amazing, but unfortunately, I’m not there anymore. One day maybe :)
Hope that helps!
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