Top 5 Unique Things to do in London for Christmas 2019
We believe two things to be true. One, there’s nothing better than Christmas. Two, there’s nothing worse than a Christmas event, market or shopping centre that’s jam-packed full of people to the point where you can hardly move around (yes, we’re looking at you, winter wonderland).
If you’re travelling to London over the festive period, it’s all too easy to get drawn into the biggest and loudest places – but you’d be missing out if you did. As usual, we’ve been on the lookout for the less obvious – yet all the more memorable – things to do across the capital in December – those seasonal treats hidden away from the front pages of Google.
1. Nordic bar – The ultimate Christmas pub
We’re not entirely sure what a ‘Viking style’ Christmas involves, but if Nordic Bar in Fitzrovia is anything to go by, it’s bucket-list material. Located just 10 minutes away from The Chronicle, what we love about this pub is that it doesn’t try too hard: its wooden, candlelit interior and log fire can make you feel more Christmassy than any Oxford Street store around the corner. Our suggestion is this: go on a random morning, pick up one of their Scandinavian snacks and a coffee, sit by the fire, close your eyes, and relax.
2. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium – London’s best winter hot drinks spot
Cats may not be the most Christmassy of creatures, but we could all do with a furry friend around as the nights grow longer. Have an afternoon off at Lady Dinah’s café and you won’t forget it – not only does it offer a great range of coffees and teas as well as fully vegan meals, but it’s also a sanctuary for dozens of rescue cats who are in need of a home. And at this time of year, it’s covered with small Christmas toys for the them to play with.
3. Brompton Cemetery – The best free Christmas event
Now for something completely different. Just five minutes away from Nevern Place, Brompton cemetery puts on free storytelling sessions on Sundays with no booking required. It’s very atmospheric, but fear not – it’ll all be over before the darkness descends…
4. Deer-spotting in Richmond Park – A dose of city countryside
A mini paradise nestled within West London, Richmond Park holds a simple yet magic formula: take the city’s biggest royal park, and add nothing but hundreds of beautiful red and fallow deer. On a frosty winter morning, it’s something truly special. We all feel like a country break close to London from time to time, but you can escape the inner-city within an hour from our Nevern Place and Templeton Place properties.
5. Christmas Carol Concert at Southwark Cathedral – The most peaceful spot in central London
There’s something quite special about Southwark Cathedral. It could hardly be in a busier area of London, yet as soon as you step inside it’s as quiet and serene as anywhere in the country. Add to that London’s best Christmas carol concert, and you have something truly memorable.