Christmas in London

FESTIVE RESTAURANT OPTIONS:

Even though there are usually so many options and choices for places to eat  in the capital, during the Christmas holidays, this selection is narrowed down, with just a few restaurants remaining open during Christmas Day. Below we have selected our favourite places to celebrate during Christmas:

Gastro Pubs:

The Orange, The Thomas Cubitt and The Alfred Tennyson all remain open during the holidays, only closing for the evening of the 25^thof December. Reservation for Lunch on the 25^th is necessary and there is a special Christmas menu at all three Gastro Pubs, which are available on their website and can be found printed at reception.

Asian:

Most of our usual favourites are closed on Christmas day, however, one of them remains open for Lunch on the 25^th – The Cinnamon Club. Reservations are needed and there is a special Christmas menu prepared, which can be found on their website and printed at reception.

Restaurants with a view in London:

If you want to plan your Christmas Day lunch in the heights of the sky scrapers of the City of London, our favourite restaurants with a view remain open as usual during all of the holidays. Sushi Samba is a great place to enjoy an innovative take on Sushi, while enjoying lovely interiors and a fantastic view. If you would like to opt for a more casual dining menu, Duck and Waffle one floor above offers the same views, and remains open for 24 hours a day throughout the whole festive season!

ENTERTAINMENT DURING THE HOLIDAYS:

Ice Skating in London

A jolly activity for the holidays, and if you prefer to stay off the ice, these festively decorated rinks usually offer cosy retreats away from the action to enjoy some mulled wine and sweets. Not too far from our hotel you will find the National History Museum, where you can skate your heart out after enjoying one of the exhibitions at the wonderful museums in close proximity; The Victoria & Albert Museum lies just across the road and has a wonderful permanent exhibition, and of course the National History Museum itself is definitely worth a visit.  Possibly the prettiest place to ice-skate in the capital would be Somerset House in Charing Cross, where you will find yourself skating within the fabulously lit up inner court yard of Somerset House. These ice-skating rinks are closed on Christmas day, however there is one that is open throughout the season; JW3 ice rink in North London remains open on the 25^th of December to cater to your ice-skating desires.

 

THE ROYAL PARKS AT CHRISTMAS

The famous Royal Parks of London may not be your first choice during these cold days ahead, but please be assured that they do offer a beautiful scenery for walks during your holidays. If you decide to go for walk in Hyde Park on Christmas Day morning, you will be able to witness the bravery of the Serpentine Swimming Club, as they take part in the Peter Pan Cup swimming race in the ice cold waters of the Serpentine lake. During the holidays, except on Christmas Day, you can also enjoy the festivities at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, which may be crowded, but is not to be missed.

 

CYCLING AROUND LONDON ON CHRISTMAS DAY

As the public transport system is closed down on the 25^th of December, London’s streets become unusually empty, and there is no better time to enjoy the user-friendly Santander bike stations around London to explore the city. For £ 2.00 for 24 hours and docking stations all over town, the red Santander bikes are a great option, but if you prefer an easier, motor-supported ride, you can also opt for a Lime bike, which are spread across town, and retrievable via the Lime app.

 

Eccleston Square Hotel is a great place to stay during the festive period. Conveniently located in central London, only 15 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace and close to Victoria Station. This luxury boutique offers special discounts during the festive period.