London is one of the best family holiday destinations in the UK and you’re bound to find something for everyone – in fact, you’ll probably be spoilt for choice! Whatever it is you fancy this festive season, London certainly won’t disappoint.
Rather than following the crowds to a hotel, a Roomspace serviced apartment can help you to make the most of the Christmas season in London, providing a place where you can relax with your family in your own space. When you’ve had enough time to fill up on breakfast and hot chocolate, it will be time to head out of your cosy apartment to explore the city. We recommend these winter venues for a memorable stay:
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Whether you’re looking for family fun or a romantic couple’s activity, there’s no better backdrop for traditional winter ice-skating than Henry VIII’s Tudor Palace. Wrap up in your hat and scarf, hire some skates and take to the ice for 45 minutes, then warm up with some hot chocolate in the café afterwards. Wheelchairs are welcome on the ice, too. Make a day of it by visiting the Palace itself, to see the Great Hall, Tudor kitchens, formal gardens and maze, or hop across the road for a wander round the village and a meal in one of the pubs, restaurants or cafes.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is just a six-minute drive from our Marina Place apartment and is right next to Hampton Court Station if you’re coming from further afield.
If you find yourself in another area of London, there are also rinks in fantastic settings at Somerset House and Battersea Power Station, too.
Sky Garden
Sky Garden combines spectacular views of London with a free-to-visit public garden. It’s covered, making it ideal for escaping the notorious London rain, although most of it is naturally ventilated so will feel the same temperature as outdoors. You’ll find lush greenery, landscaped gardens and terraces as well as bars and restaurants. Located 35 floors above London, it’s perfect for getting your bearings in a new city or soaking up romantic sunset views.
Over the festive season, you can listen to live music in the bars – perfect for a cheeky cocktail or glass of fizz, whether you’re celebrating with family, winding down with colleagues or a enjoying a festive get-together with friends.
Sky Garden is an eight-minute walk from our River House apartment.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a world-famous botanical garden with an enviable collection of plants. There’s really something for everyone here. Families can run wild in the children’s garden and The Hive – which combines contemporary art with life inside a beehive. Couples might like to wander along the Great Broad Walk borders, for foodies there’s a kitchen garden and for keen travellers there are plants from every corner of the planet… and of course you mustn’t miss the celebrated glasshouses.
On winter evenings, a magical light trail lets you enjoy the gardens after dark. While you marvel at the illuminations, you can warm up with food and drink from independent vendors along the route.
The gardens are just a four-minute drive from our Kew Bridge Court apartments and a short walk from Kew Gardens Station.
The Nutcracker
Is there a more Christmassy performance than The Nutcracker? If your children are old enough to sit still for the duration, it could be the start of a new family tradition. With music from a live orchestra, exquisite dancing and the magic of London’s West End, there’s no better way to discover this enchanting festive tale.
The English National Ballet are performing The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum and The Royal ballet are performing at the Royal Opera House (who also offer behind-the-scenes tours). Both venues are easily accessible by public transport in under half an hour from our River House and Sterling House properties.
Borough Market
Food lovers will truly be spoilt for choice at Borough Market. A fantastic place to visit all year round, with a huge variety of high-quality independent food stalls, it really comes into its own over the festive period. If you’re planning your Christmas season in London around feasting and drinking, Borough Market is a necessary stop-off point. The historic halls are decked in extravagant decorations and the stalls are filled with every kind of food and drink imaginable.
Borough Market is just a 12-minute hop over the Thames from our River House apartment.
While you’re on this side of the river, why not warm up in a traditional London pub, catch at play at the Globe Theatre, soak up the lights of London by night with a trip in the London Eye or treat yourself to pre-dinner drinks or a meal at The Shard – all within a short walk of the market.
Need more?
There’s so much to do over the Christmas season in London that it’s impossible to fit it all into one blog post!
Why not head to the West End for some Christmas shopping, admire the Christmas lights and then soak up a musical or play at the theatre? If it’s big days out with the family you’re looking for, Hogwarts in the Snow or Winter’s Tail at Chessington World of Adventures might help you to create a magical Christmas to remember.
Our apartments are located both within the city and across the surrounding boroughs – why not contact our customer team to find out which of our apartments is best located to meet your needs? Alternatively, click here to find out more about Roomspace’s serviced apartments in London and how to book a stay with us over the Christmas holiday season.
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