January getaways to London

If you're heading to London in January, you can expect a markedly different experience than if you were visiting in the summer - despite many of its major attractions being open all year round. While these differences can't all be laid on the weather, the chance to see London's iconic buildings, historic streets and vast parks covered by snow is a definite reason to visit the city during the winter season.



Reading up on opening hours before you travel can save you a great deal of frustration when visiting London in January, as well as reveal additional gems. If you're staying in London over New Year, you should expect some attractions as well as many local businesses to be closed on January 1, while at the other end of the scale, you could benefit from reduced crowds and a more relaxing experience when visiting some of London's top museums for 'Lates' - late-night opening sessions.



For example, the Tate Britain traditionally holds Lates on the first Friday of January, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) on the last Friday of the month and the Science Museum on the last Wednesday, and these could help inform your decision of when to visit the capital for cultural breaks. These events are strictly adults-only due to the alcohol served on the premises however, so you should check beforehand if you're planning on visiting London with children.

It's not only late-night cultural excursions that make January such a great month for visiting London though - you could also find some fantastic post-Christmas bargains too, as many London hotels, restaurants and other establishments reduce their rates to hold onto customers in the traditional month of purse-tightening. Even well-known locations like the London Theatre offer a number of half-price deals during January, so you could treat yourself and a loved one, or the whole family, to a great night out for less.



Of course, January sales are reason enough to visit London on a cut-price shopping break, where you can find huge discounts at many big-name stores, particularly those along Oxford Street and in the West End. Even famous stores like Selfridges and John Lewis offer many fantastic deals during the month, and although prices at Harrods will still tend to be expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised by some of the limited deals on offer - with up to 60 per cent off many luxury items.