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Winter is coming! Actually, it feels like it is already here, and with the colder months in tow, it's easy to feel like the best part of the year is long gone. But fear not, there are plenty of things to do in vibrant and bustling London in these winter months. And we promise you, it is a fantastic place to be with lots of warming treats right on your doorstep.
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Winter is coming! Actually, it feels like it is already here, and with the colder months in tow, it’s easy to feel like the best part of the year is long gone. But fear not – there are plenty of things to do in vibrant and bustling London in these winter months. And we promise you – it is a fantastic place to be with lots of warming treats right on your doorstep. We know lots of our students are new to the UK, some from sunnier and much much warmer climes and maybe not much of a winter person. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together our top 10 things to do this winter to help you find your feet; all you need to do is wrap up warm and go!
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1. Explore London's Cozy Cafe's
We Londoners LOVE a charming and cozy café. In fact, we are sort of renowned for the world over. Visiting some cute independent cafes near your student accommodation will be sure to warm you against the cold. Grab a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa, find a comfortable corner, and indulge in a good book or catch up on your studies. Cafes near Scape Shoreditch include Ozone, serving amazing home-roasted coffee and delicious brunches, FWD - a great open to catch up on some revision and The Book Club for a café by-day, bar/club by night vibe, perfect when you can’t tell if you are in the mood for a mojito or a flat white. Near Scape Kings Cross is The Life Goddess – serving a slice of Grecian sunshine and Greek coffees that are bound to warm the soul, Hicce is a fab spot to settle in and enjoy a baked good to several – it is also a fantastic people watching spot! If you live at Scape Wembley we recommend you check out black sheep coffee, a spacious café where you know you will get great coffee and a good few hours of work done. If you want more of a day-to-night vibe then Boxpark is an obvious choice! Let us know your favourite picks!
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2. Grab some fresh air and go for a walk in the Parks
Winter in London doesn't have to be all about hibernating indoors- absolutely not! Put on your warmest coat and hat and get outside. There are some really beautiful and historic parks and green areas in London, you are spoilt for choice. Take a walk through London's best - Hyde Park, Regents Park, and Hampstead Heath, all of which offer a serene and picturesque setting, with frost-covered trees and serene lakes (if you are lucky). For our Scape Canada Water residents, we recommend exploring Russia Dock Woodland, this is a hidden gem offering a slice of tranquillity. Or head to the Thames River path and take a stroll along the River. If you live in Scape Guildford – we know you are spoilt for choice! Check out our blog for our sister building (The Guild by Morro) that we wrote, it will give you an extensive guide to the best walks in the area – enjoy!
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3. Visit Museums and Art Galleries
London has an abundance of world-class museums and art galleries. They are the ideal refuge from the cold and wet. Why not while away winter days exploring the British Museum (which is 2 minutes away from Scape Bloomsbury), the Tate Modern, or the Victoria and Albert Museum, which hosts regularly changing exhibits. Plus, take refuge or do some Christmas shopping in the gift shops on your way out!
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4. Winter Shopping in London
London is famous for its shopping, and winter is the perfect time to indulge in some retail therapy. Lose yourself for hours in Selfridges, do some Christmas shopping in quaint Covent Garden, and grab a mulled wine while you are at it. Why not pick up some Christmas goodies to brighten up your room for the festive period? One of our favourite things to do is to buy and decorate a gingerbread house!
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5. Attend a show
London's West End is the place to indulge in world-class productions – be it a play, a musical, the ballet, it has it all. It is also within easy access for all Scape buildings as it is well connected by the Piccadilly, Jubilee, Central, and Northern lines. Enjoy a night out on the town and book tickets to a show. Today Tix is a great website for last-minute – on the day bookings. For those drizzly afternoon funks.
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6. Seasonal Food Markets
Roll up roll up. Fancy some tartiflette, maybe a spicy hot curry, maybe some churros – oh boy, do we love London’s food markets in winter. Wherever you live you are spoilt for choice in winter! Generally, make sure you head to Borough Market, Southbank Centre Food Market, or the Christmas Markets in Leicester Square. If you live in Scape Canada Water or Wembley, why not hop on the Jubilee line to Greenwich market, grab something hot and delicious, and walk up the hill to find a bench near the observatory – a perfect winter afternoon.
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7. Ice Skating
London, winter, ice skating – it is an institution! Many outdoor rinks pop up all over the city. If you live in Canada Water, head to Canary Wharf rink with your mates – or a date! For a fun filled afternoon. A bit further out, but great for Scape Guildford residents, make sure you visit Hampton Court Palace Rink – the perfect setting for a wobble on an ice rink. Scape Kings Cross, Bloomsbury, and Shoreditch residents – make sure you check out Tower of London or Somerset House rinks – with amazing views of the Tower of London!
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8. Experience London's Christmas Lights
The holiday season is one of the best times to explore London, the city comes alive with dazzling lights. Join the Oxford street light big switch on and take a walk through the luminous streets of Regent Street, and Covent Garden- why not tie this in with some winter shopping. Don't forget to visit the enormous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, which is an annual gift from Norway, a symbol of peace and goodwill. Christmas at Kew Gardens is another must see luminous event, it is a little further out, but worth the trip!
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9. Cosy Up with a Film
Winter is an excellent time to enjoy a film night. There are numerous independent cinemas like the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill or the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square. The picture house cinemas are always a good and comfy shout – make sure you book your special student discount tickets – always keep an eye out for this bargain offer! Or, if you're more inclined to stay in, cozying up with a classic British film or binge-watch Netflix. Winter is the perfect time to hire out the cinema room in your Scape building for you and your mates to just chill out without even leaving home! Win-win if you ask us….
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10. Day Trips from London
On nicer weather days in winter then why not escape the city for a day and explore the stunning winter landscapes in the countryside surrounding London. Hop on the train to picturesque towns like Oxford or Cambridge, both of which are equally enchanting in winter. You can also visit historic sites such as Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace and marvel at their winter splendour.
Winter in London can be a truly magical and enjoyable time, even for those who aren't typically winter enthusiasts – or indeed for those who have never had a cold winter! The city offers so many activities and experiences as well as Scape events hosted within your building, so we hope you will be spoilt with choice. So, whether you're a student, new to the UK, or in your second/third year at uni, don't let the cold weather deter you from getting the most out of London. From the warmth of cafes and theatres to the enchantment of Christmas lights and seasonal markets, there's something for everyone to enjoy in London, even when the temperatures drop.
