Coined the Monday of all the seasons, January doesn’t exactly have the best reputation. However, with the new year comes a chance to reinvent yourself and pick up healthier habits. For this reason, many people decide to participate in Dry January: an entire month without alcohol.
But Dry January doesn’t have to be boring; there are many ways to socialise with friends, family and colleagues besides drinking. With plenty of fun things to do in January, London is the best place to spend an alcohol-free day.
What is Dry January?
Dry January is a personal challenge not to drink alcohol for an entire month. After the Christmas festivities, you may want a break from alcohol. Or perhaps you’re not a big drinker, and you’re curious to see what it feels like to cut it out completely.
Some people do dry January as part of a fundraiser, while others keep it to themselves. Whatever your motive, there are plenty of alcohol-free attractions in London to try out this January!
Ready to get inspired? Here are the best non-drinking activities to do in London this Dry January, which are easy reach using public transport.
Railway Arch 198 rear of 85, Bellenden Rd, London SE15 4QJ
Fire up your creativity and try your hand at ceramics at The Kiln Rooms in Peckham. Consisting of three spacious studios, this crafting area offers state-of-the-art equipment for members of any ability, allowing you to hone your skills. You’ll be taught everything from throwing on the wheel and hand building to mould work and decorating. From evening and weekend courses to drop-in sessions, there’s plenty to keep you busy this January.
How to get there: From Clapham Junction, take the overground to Peckham Rye, then walk for four minutes.
If woodwork, upholstery and DIY are your things, then you’ll love the classes at The Goodlife Centre. There are plenty of workshops to join in January: from woodwork, to furniture restoration classes, or get stuck into making your own soap and shampoo.
How to get there: The Goodlife Centre is a 20-minute walk from London Waterloo, or you can get there using the eastbound Jubilee tube. Get off at Southwark station and then walk for around 10 minutes.
If you can’t commit to a membership or weekly classes, then Battersea Pottery Café is a great option. Snack on delicious cakes and cookies in the café as you paint your pottery, which the staff will then glaze and fire for you. Kids and adults are welcome here, so why not make it a family day out?
How to get there: Catch the train to Clapham Junction and enjoy a 15-minute stroll through Battersea to reach the café.
Pizza making classes at Pizza Pilgrims, West India Quay
The best thing about the pizza-making classes at Pizza Pilgrims is that you get to eat the finished product! Perfect for parties or large families, this event is private hire only, so you’ll get the full attention of the pizzaioli as you cook up a storm. Learn everything from pizza-throwing to seasoning, then enjoy the taste of your creation.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, Pizza Pilgrims is just a tube ride away. Take the eastbound Jubilee line, get off at Canary Wharf and then walk for 12 minutes.
Paddington Academy, 50 Marylands Rd, London W9 2DR
If you’ve always admired the rhythm of Latin dancing and want to give it a go, then head to Caramelo Latin Dance Academy. The fun is guaranteed as you try your hand at Salsa, Bachata and the Cha Cha Cha. Classes are available for all abilities; choose between 4-week structured courses, intensive weekend workshops, monthly Saturday socials and more.
How to get there: Caramelo Latin Dance Academy is a quick tube journey away from London Waterloo. Catch the Bakerloo line to Warwick Avenue, then walk for 11minutes.
Inspired by traditional Nepalese practices, the Sound Healing Workshop at Tantra Sound Club is a truly blissful experience. There’s a community feel to this workshop taking place in a small, intimate theatre. Every Thursday evening, participants gather to meditate and immerse themselves in sound to achieve the ultimate Zen feeling.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the northbound Northern tube to Warren Street.
Round up your friends and family and pay a visit to Sixes Cricket, an indoor cricket ground in Fitzrovia. Welcoming all ages and abilities, it’s traditional cricket re-imagined with top-of-the-range sports technology. When the final whistle is blown, head to the on-site restaurant and tuck into a delicious sharing platter.
How to get there: Hop on the northbound Bakerloo tube from London Waterloo and get off at Regent’s Park. It’s then just a seven-minute walk to Sixes Cricket.
The best way to beat the January blues is by getting out in nature – and Regent’s Park has over 395 acres of lush greenery for you to explore. Enjoy the variety of activities on offer, from the Open-Air Theatre to London Zoo, or simply stroll through the gardens and take it all in.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the northbound Bakerloo tube and get off at Regent’s Park.
Take a free walking tour of London
London’s walking tours run all year round, and many are free – perfect for a tighter January budget. If you’re visiting for the first time, then a London Essentials tour is a great place to start, covering all the main sights and attractions. For the more experienced Londoner, why not try one of the TV and Movie tours?
Hop on a Thames cruise
City Cruises allow you to explore London's riverside from the water
For a unique way to see London’s sights, climb on board a Thames River Cruise. Hop-on/hop-off cruises allow you to board and disembark at Westminster, London Eye, Greenwich and Tower Piers throughout the day, so you can see the sights at your leisure. Save 7% on City Cruises’ 24-Hour Hop-On/Hop-Off Thames Sightseeing Cruise with SWR Rewards.
How to get there: The London Eye pier is a five-minute stroll from London Waterloo.
With so much to see and do in London this Dry January, why not plan your journey today? Explore our flexible range of ticket types to find cheap train tickets for your chosen activity. Plus, you can enjoy additional savings with a Railcard or GroupSave. If you’re travelling with a bicycle, make the most of our bike-friendly services and plan your journey in advance to avoid disappointment.
