Welcome to 2016! We hope you all had an absolutely delightful Christmas and New Year celebrating with those closest to you and that your resolutions are off to a good start. Right now we’re probably still feeling the holiday blues and dreading the long month of January, even though before we know it, the Christmas tree will be hauled through our doorways once more! In the meantime, it’s time to prepare for the year ahead and we’re keen to cheer up your January. You may be surprised to hear that it’s not all doom and gloom in the capital. It is a great time to visit and explore London no matter how harsh Christmas was on your wallet; the shopping sales are on, many of London’s attractions are free and even some exclusive events are taking place this month. So if you need a bit of excitement to ease yourself out of the festive mood, read on.
Whether you’re travelling to the London for a break or if the city is your home, there is always something to do for a day or night out wherever you go. What we love most about London is its unique history, heritage… and that many of the attractions are completely free to nose around whenever you like! So if January is a little tight on the bank account, why not treat yourself to a cost-free trip to the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern, the Science Museum and so much more. Get some fresh air taking a walk along the River Thames and passing by Big Ben, the Tower Bridge and other impressive landmarks that give London its famous name. Just minutes away from our front door is the stunning headquarters of the British Monarchy Buckingham Palace ready for you to admire its picturesque and very English beauty (and of course take a selfie).
If you missed out on the wonders of the New Year’s Day parade, not to worry, January 14th to 17th is your chance to make up for it. Over these four evenings, London will be totally transformed into a winter wonderland by the extraordinary Lumiere Light Festival, the biggest ever light festival that certainly won’t disappoint. Supported by the Mayor Boris himself, Lumiere London is ready to boast iconic architecture, 3D projections and other fascinating works of light. The programme reveals the key locations to be lit up are Piccadilly, Kings Cross, Regent Street, St James’s, Trafalgar Square, Westminster and Mayfair and what’s the best part? This event is totally free of charge, so budget is no excuse to miss it! For a colourful start to your year, stop by these locations and gaze up at the fascinating creations and use your smartphone to find out more about a particular sculpture. Other events happening in the capital that may be of interest include the London Boat Show as well as the London Art Fair and International Mime Festival.
Spread throughout London are some of the most vibrant street markets you’ll find that are perfect for an easy day out that doesn’t cost a penny. The Apple Market Covent Garden is a popular choice where you can weave in and out of the stalls selling all kinds of British crafted products. Take a break and stop for a drink at the Punch and Judy pub on the square and watch the daytime entertainers put on a show from the balcony! A guaranteed enjoyable and also cheap day out at the Camden Market could too be a great choice one weekend to have a nose around the weird and wonderful goings on throughout the complex and who knows, you may find a bargain or two! For vintage lovers, consider paying a visit to the bustling Alfies Antiques Market where you can explore unique and decorative antiques over 5 floors and sit down for a coffee whilst admiring London’s panoramic views from the Rooftop Kitchen. The place to go if you’re one to have fresh and organic foods in your fridge is Borough Market, abundant in street stalls selling cheese, meat, fruit and veg as well as the odd sweet treats to tempt you. We would be here until next Christmas listing all of the exciting, yet cheaper activities you can get up to in London to help you beat the January blues. All we can say is… the fun doesn’t have to stop here!
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