In this article, you'll learn the following:
The weather might be chilly, but there’s no time for staying indoors this winter! With so much to see and do in the south west around the festive period, wrap up warm and embrace the Christmas magic no matter the weather.
From impressive ice skating rinks to scenic walking routes, the south west is home to some of the best places to visit during winter in the UK. So if you’re looking for the best places to visit this Christmas, you’re in the right place! Our handy guide features all the top Christmas hotspots in the south west - and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a family day out, a romantic getaway or a short break with friends.
London
London is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas cities to visit in the UK! As the days get colder and the festive season is upon us, it is a firm favourite for locals and tourists alike—and there are so many fabulous Christmassy places to visit in London. With so much to do in this fun-packed city, why not make a full weekend out of your trip?
Christmas carols, Trafalgar Square
Begin your trip to London with some Christmas carolling in one of London’s most iconic tourist hotspots, Trafalgar Square. Hear festive music ring around central London with over 40 carol groups coming together to sing well-known and loved Christmas songs. The singing lasts for around an hour so make sure you wrap up warm—and with all proceeds going to charity, it’s a worthy cause.
The nearest SWR train station to Trafalgar Square is London Waterloo. From here, it’s just a 15-minute walk away—head to the impressive Christmas tree in the middle of the square for a good viewing spot!
Winter river cruise
For a delicious Christmas dinner with a view, embark on a winter river cruise down the Thames. Not only will you be able to enjoy some of London’s most iconic sights and attractions from the open waters, but you’ll be doing so while tucking into a hearty roast dinner. The Thames Dinner Cruise runs on selected dates over the festive period, or for those who don’t fancy dinner, river cruises run from embankment throughout the season, giving you the perfect opportunity to take in the festive lights and atmosphere in London during the winter.
The Thames Dinner cruise is just a 10-minute from London Waterloo.
Covent Garden
Ambling through the streets is often the best way to soak in the festive atmosphere, particularly in a city like London that goes all-out with decorations. Wrap up warm and stroll through the decorated streets of Covent Garden, where you can admire giant baubles, glistening lights and one of London’s biggest Christmas trees, which stretches to a staggering 60-feet tall! Be sure to pay a visit to St Martin’s Courtyard too – it's one of London's best shopping centres and the ideal spot for a bit of Christmas shopping. It’s just next to Covent Garden and is home to a range of high street names and contemporary boutiques.
Covent Garden is just a 10-minute walk from London Waterloo.
Ice skating, Hampton Court Palace
Whether you’re a skating pro or an eager beginner, Hampton Court Palace is a great place for a spot of ice skating. With Henry VIII’s former royal home as your backdrop, you can spruce up your skating skills at one of the most scenic ice skating rinks in the country before stopping at the Ice Rink Café & Bar for a warming post-rink beverage.
Get there by catching the train to Hampton Court station, then walk for just 10 minutes to reach Hampton Court Palace.
Enchanted Woodland, Syon Lane
Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland makes a cheaper and quieter alternative to the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens light trail. Gather your family and trace an illuminated trail winding around the lake and through the grand and historic Syon House. Finish off your walk with a tasty bite to eat at the pop-up snack bar or by warming up with a delicious cup of mulled wine. The trail should take around half an hour to complete, but allow for an hour so you can stop off and take photos along the way.
Exeter
Perfect for a winter getaway, Exeter has everything you need to get the whole family into the festive spirit!
Exeter Cathedral
Celebrate the festive season in style at one of Exeter’s most famous historic landmarks. Every year, the cathedral hosts a number of exciting Christmas events perfect for people of all ages, from performances of ‘A Christmas Carol’ to festive carol singing.
To get here, catch the train to Exeter Central, which is just a six-minute walk from the cathedral.
Christmas pantomime, Barnfield Theatre
For cheesy jokes and brilliant slapstick humour that will leave the whole family in stitches, head to your local Christmas pantomime. This year, Barnfield Theatre are hosting a fabulous production of Robin Hood, complete with all the usual comedic twists and outrageous costumes! The whole family can get involved with this one—and it’s perfect for when the weather is chilly!
Barnfield Theatre is just a nine-minute walk from Exeter Central.
Southampton
A joy to visit all year round, Southampton has some incredible festive offerings and winter activities as we come into the colder months.
New Forest National Park
Wrap up warm, put on your wellies and stroll through a winter wonderland of holly and berries at the New Forest National Park. With plenty of trails to choose from filled with vibrant wildlife and stunning scenery-- not to mention all the quaint villages worthy of exploring—you’ll be truly spoilt for choice this Christmas. When hunger calls, stop off at a local pub and warm up in front of a fire with a delicious meal. You can walk, jog or cycle round this relatively flat national park, and don’t forget to pay a visit to the New Forest ponies!
With links from Southampton, London Waterloo and more, it’s easy to catch a train to the New Forest. To begin your festive exploration, catch a train to Brockenhurst.
Stock up on stocking fillers with a trip to one of the south’s largest shopping centres. With over 80 stores as well as more than 50 cafes to choose from, plus a cinema, a bowling alley and an ice skating rink, it’s easy to make a day out of your visit to West Quay. Why not make a weekend out of it and check out some other fun things to do in Southampton?
The nearest station is Southampton Central, at just a nine-minute walk away.
From historic Exeter to bustling London, there are so many places to visit at Christmas in the UK. Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey to your chosen Christmas destination. Make the most of cheap train tickets by going off-peak, and those with a Railcard or travelling in a group could save even more.
