London: a cheap winter holiday destination?

Ever thought of London as a cheap place to hang out in winter? Despite being one of the world’s most expensive cities and its unpredictable weather, London is a fantastic place to visit in colder months. Need more convincing? Read on to find out why you should consider holidaying in UK’s capital this winter, instead of other nearby European destinations.

Scenery
There is no doubt London is a hectic city that is full of hustle and bustle. It seems that everywhere you turn to you are greeted by either people or traffic.

But London is also a vast capital, with many pockets of oases that are so quiet and tranquil it will blow your socks away. For example, the Royal Parks are popular withboth tourists and Londoners because they are beautifully kept places right in the heart of the city. Hyde Park, The Regent’s Park, Richmond Park, St James’ Park and Kensington Gardens are all highly frequented, and they take on a romantic, picturesque quality in winter time.Best of all, a visit to these parks is free.

To experience a UNESCO heritage site, why not head down to Maritime Greenwich? Formed by a cluster of buildings that symbolise the English artistic and scientific endeavours of the 17th and 18th century, you can easily spend a whole afternoon wandering around the site. The antidote to a busy city, there is something pretty in Greenwich wherever you look. For spectacular views of the capital, walk up to the Royal Observatory and take as many photos as you wish. You can also enjoy a walk around the 180 acres that make up the Greenwich Park, and if you are lucky, you might even spot a few local deer.

Cheap hotel deals
Another benefit of holidaying in a big city is the abundance of cheap hotels. Deals can be pretty amazing during the winter months, especially if you book early or directly with the hotel.

For example, Shaftsbury Hotels offer excellent accommodation in a range of locations all over London. Those looking for cheap hotels deals should take a look at its website, as it provides packages for all types of visitors as well as special promotions for those staying consecutive nights.

In general, the quality, service and facilities of London hotels vary greatly, so it is important to find out as much as you can about the hotel you are interested in before booking. Choosing accommodation solely on price could be a regrettable approach, and one that ruins your entire holiday.

Things to do on a rainy day
London comes into its own when it comes to having lots of things to do that are not weather dependent. Many activities are free or low-cost, so you can enjoy a great time without breaking the bank.

Museum hopping is a favourite pursuit amongst many tourists. A round at the best London museums will give you a chance to see an impressive and extensive collection of artefacts from all over the world. Whether you are travelling with friends or with children, there is something to impress everyone. To broaden your mind and learn about the glorious past of the British Empire, try the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Science Museum.

In the same vein as above, art galleries are also popular hang outs, especially if it is a rainy day. Whether you are a fan of Van Gogh, Picasso, Renior or Turner, you will find a gallery with paintings that interest you. Most art galleries offer free entry, though you will have to pay to enter special exhibitions. For major galleries, try the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Saatchi Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts and the National Portrait Gallery. If you like something a little more alternative, try the Lisson, Pace London and the White Cube at Shoreditch instead.

Few holidaymakers come to London and pass on the opportunity to see the world famous musicals on offer. Les Miserables, Billy Elliot, the London King are just a few of the productions that have enjoyed great success season after season.

Things to do when the weather is dry
Apart from trips to the Royal Parks and enjoying Maritime Greenwich, there are plenty of other tourist attractions you can go to in order to take advantage of dry weather.
Fans of the Royal Family will love getting to know them at the Buckingham Palace. Time your outing to ensure you get to witness the change of guards, which is a fascinating custom that has taken places for many years.

For those who want to find out more about historic London, a visit to the Tower of London will teach you about the capital’s dark history. A place where criminals were kept before execution, you will also get to see the famous Crown Jewels at the Tower.