Best Things to Do

January and February are an excellent time to experience London at a more relaxed pace. The festive rush has passed, the city feels easier to move through, and many of London’s most rewarding experiences become more accessible. For travellers searching for the best things to do in London in January and February, winter offers culture, food, and neighbourhoods without the usual crowds.

Staying centrally allows you to explore on foot, dip in and out of different areas, and enjoy London in a way that feels natural rather than rushed.

Visit London’s Museums and Galleries in Winter

Winter is one of the best times to explore London’s museums and galleries. Fewer visitors mean you can move through exhibitions at your own pace, spend longer with individual pieces, and avoid queues between rooms.

Major museums such as the Tate Modern, the National Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum are noticeably calmer in January and February. This makes winter an ideal time to visit large exhibitions and permanent collections without feeling hurried. From Hotel Saint, the Tate Modern is easily reached by tube from Aldgate to Southwark, followed by a short walk across the Thames.

Closer to the hotel, the Whitechapel Gallery is around a ten minute walk and regularly hosts contemporary exhibitions by established and emerging artists. Clerkenwell is also home to several independent galleries, including Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery and Pangolin London, both known for their focus on contemporary painting and sculpture. These spaces are easily reached on foot or by a short bus journey.

Discover London’s Winter Food and Drink Scene

London’s dining scene comes into its own during the colder months.

January and February are particularly good for seasonal menus, relaxed reservations, and longer, more atmospheric meals. Clerkenwell is one of London’s strongest food neighbourhoods and is within walking distance of Hotel Saint. Restaurants such as St John, Luca, and Quality Chop House are well suited to winter dining, with menus shaped by British seasonal produce and a focus on comfort without excess.

For evenings further afield, Soho is easily accessible by public transport or taxi. The area offers a wide choice of restaurants and wine bars, many of which feel more enjoyable in winter when crowds are lighter and tables easier to secure.

Walk London’s Neighbourhoods at a Quieter Pace

Walking is one of the most rewarding things to do in London in January.

From Hotel Saint, it is easy to explore the City of London on foot. Routes through Leadenhall Market, Smithfield, and Charterhouse reveal layers of history and architecture that are often missed during busier months. Winter light brings clarity to the streets, making details stand out across both historic and modern buildings.

Bloomsbury also lends itself well to winter walks. Lincoln’s Inn Fields offers open space and calm, while nearby streets are home to bookshops, cafés, and small museums. For longer walks, Regent’s Canal provides a quieter route through the city, particularly appealing on crisp winter mornings.

Experience Theatre and Live Performance in January and February

January and February are strong months for theatre in London.

New productions often open at the start of the year, and ticket availability across the West End is generally better than later in the season. Theatres around Covent Garden and Shaftesbury Avenue are easily reached from Hotel Saint by tube, making evening performances simple to plan.

The Barbican Centre, located within walking distance of the hotel, offers a year round programme of theatre, music, and exhibitions. Its winter programme is particularly varied, making it a highlight for visitors looking for things to do in London in February.

Enjoy Winter Shopping in London

Shopping in London during January and February feels calmer and more considered.

January sales across Regent Street and Covent Garden offer genuine value, while February brings new season collections without peak season pressure. Closer to Hotel Saint, Spitalfields and Shoreditch are easy to explore on foot, offering independent boutiques, design shops, and markets.

These areas feel more local during winter, making them ideal for browsing at a relaxed pace while visiting London in January or February.

Why January and February Are a Good Time to Visit London

Winter offers a comfortable and rewarding way to experience the city.

Shorter queues, quieter streets, and better access to restaurants, galleries, and theatres make January and February appealing months to visit. Staying centrally is particularly valuable during winter, allowing key neighbourhoods to remain within easy reach throughout the day.

For travellers searching for the best things to do in London in January and February, winter presents a version of the city that feels welcoming, engaging, and easy to enjoy.