Things to Do in England in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in England
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuinely quiet attractions - January is peak low season, meaning you'll walk through Westminster Abbey or the British Museum without the usual shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. The Tower of London sees roughly 40% fewer visitors than summer months.
- Theatre tickets are actually available and cheaper - West End shows offer January deals (typically 20-30% off standard prices), and you can book decent seats just days before without paying premium rates. Matinee performances are particularly good value.
- Hotel prices drop significantly - Central London hotels that charge £250-350 per night in summer often go for £120-180 in January. You're looking at 35-45% savings if you avoid the New Year's week spike.
- Locals are back from holidays and the city feels properly lived-in - Restaurants, pubs, and shops return to normal operations after the Christmas chaos, and you'll get better service since staff aren't dealing with peak-season overwhelm.
Considerations
- The daylight situation is genuinely challenging - Sunrise around 8am, sunset by 4pm. That's roughly 8 hours of daylight, and much of it tends to be grey and flat. If you're prone to seasonal mood dips, this matters more than the cold.
- It's not just cold, it's penetratingly damp - That 85% humidity means 2°C (36°F) feels significantly colder than dry cold. The wind cuts through standard winter coats, and you'll understand why Londoners layer obsessively.
- Some country houses and gardens close entirely - Many National Trust properties outside London operate on reduced winter schedules or close completely January through March. If your trip centers on visiting estates and gardens, you'll find limited options.
Best Activities in January
Museum Deep Dives
January is actually perfect for spending 3-4 hours in the British Museum, V&A, or Natural History Museum without the usual tourist crowds. The heating works properly, you can actually see the Rosetta Stone without elbowing through groups, and the cafes aren't overwhelmed. The short daylight hours make indoor cultural activities feel natural rather than like you're missing out on weather. Most major museums are free entry, though special exhibitions typically cost £12-18.
Historic Pub Crawls and Food Tours
Cold January evenings are when London's pub culture makes complete sense. The contrast between bitter cold streets and warm, wood-paneled pubs with proper fires is exactly what these places were designed for. Food tours work particularly well because you're moving between indoor stops, and January means authentic local crowds rather than tourist-heavy groups. Borough Market operates fully in January (closed Mondays), and the hot food stalls - mulled wine, raclette, hot pies - are actually appealing rather than overwhelming.
West End Theatre
January is genuinely the best month for theatre if you're not fussed about seeing shows on opening night. Tickets are more available, prices drop (especially for matinees), and the audiences tend to be more locals and serious theatre-goers than tourist groups. The 4pm sunset means evening shows don't feel like you're sacrificing daylight hours. Matinees starting at 2:30pm or 3pm let you do morning sightseeing and still catch a show.
Historic London Walking Tours
Sounds counterintuitive in cold weather, but January walking tours work because they're shorter (90 minutes vs 3 hours), guides move at a brisker pace, and you're dressed for it. The City of London, Westminster, and Jack the Ripper tours are atmospheric in winter darkness. Key advantage: you can actually hear your guide without competing with street performers and crowds. The cold keeps groups smaller - typically 8-12 people instead of 20-25.
Cozy Afternoon Tea Experiences
Afternoon tea makes perfect sense in January when you want to warm up between 3pm-5pm, right as daylight fades. The experience feels appropriately British and seasonal rather than touristy. Hotels and tea rooms are less booked than in spring/summer, so you can often reserve just 2-3 days ahead. The contrast between cold streets and warm, elegant tea rooms is exactly what you want mid-afternoon in winter.
Day Trips to Bath or Oxford
January is actually decent for day trips to historic cities because the coach or train journey doesn't feel like you're wasting good weather, and these cities are significantly less crowded. Bath's Roman Baths are entirely indoors with excellent heating, and the steam rising from the ancient pools is more dramatic in cold weather. Oxford's colleges, libraries, and covered markets suit January perfectly. You're back in London by dark either way.
January Events & Festivals
London Art Fair
One of the UK's largest modern and contemporary art fairs, typically running mid-January at the Business Design Centre in Islington. Worth attending if you're interested in art beyond the major museum collections - you'll see work from over 100 galleries, and it's where London collectors actually shop. Tickets around £20-25, and the indoor venue is properly heated.
Burns Night Celebrations
January 25th marks Burns Night, celebrating Scottish poet Robert Burns. Many London pubs and restaurants host special dinners with haggis, whisky, and traditional toasts. It's not a major tourist event, but if you're here on the 25th, it's worth experiencing - particularly authentic at Scottish restaurants and pubs in areas like King's Cross or Marylebone.
London Short Film Festival
Typically runs mid-to-late January across various venues including ICA and BFI Southbank. Good option if you're interested in film and want indoor evening activities. Features international short films, often with director Q&As. Individual screenings £8-12, festival passes £40-60.