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And just like that…2025 is in sight! We may still be in the peak of the festivities, but now’s a good time to make plans for the new year.
For many, January is a time for rest and replenishment but it’s also a great time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the South West’s wholesome hotspots, or take a weekend trip to London to enjoy a quieter and less crowded capital.
We’ve rounded up some ideas to help you keep the January blues at bay including budget-friendly things to do, classes to boost your mood, Chinese New Year celebrations, and more. Plus, find out how to get money-off theatre tickets, activities, places to stay and restaurants with SWR Rewards. Read on to learn more.
Watch London’s New Years’ Day Parade
London's West End hosts one of the most colourful New Year celebrations the capital has to offer - its New Year's Day Parade. Over 8,000 performers from London boroughs and countries across the globe will take to the streets and fill them with amazing sights and sounds.
You'll see classic car parades, gigantic balloons, marching bands, dragon and lion dances, and much more.
Hop on a train to London Waterloo, and take a short tube journey to Piccadilly Circus where the parade starts at 12 pm.
Head to Exeter Festival of Beer
16-18 January
Exeter & East Devon CAMRA host the Exeter Festival of Beer at the Exeter Corn Exchange. Here you’ll find a wide selection of no less than 64 cask ales, plus premium bottled beers, cider and wine, along with tutored beer tasting with internationally acclaimed experts.
Catch a train to Exeter Central for this one. The Exeter Corn Exchange – where the event is held – is around a 10-minute walk away.
Be moved by short stories captured on screen at London Short Film Festival (LSFF). The LSFF hosts 10 days short films, live events, Q&As, workshops and multidisciplinary curation.
It’s spread across various London venues including the Design Museum, Phoenix Cinema, and Rio Cinema.
Catch a train to London Waterloo where you’ll find connections to your destinations.
Take part in Veganuary
Discover how delicious vegan food can be by checking out our top-pick vegan eats in the South West and London. Also take a look at our guide to the best street food markets in London and the South West - which all have delicious vegan options - including Borough and Camden markets, Boxpark, and more.
Head to an exhibition
London has over 170 museums and galleries – so make the most of the quiet period after the festivities to explore them. Here are a few exhibitions worth a visit this month.
Zanele Muholi at Tate Modern
Until 26 January
Muholi is one of the most acclaimed photographers working today. With over 260 photographs, this major exhibition at the Tate Modern presents the full breadth of their career to date.
Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at the National Gallery
Until 19 January
Feast your eyes on some of most loved of Van Gogh’s paintings from across the globe at this exhibition, some of which are rarely seen in public. They’ll be paired together with his extraordinary drawings.
Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism
From 28 January
25 January
Mark the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns on 25 January. Many restaurants and bars in the capital hold Burns night events. For example, the Phoenix Arts Club in Soho is serving up a 3-course meal and Scottish whiskey. Entertainment wise, there’ll be a cabaret show featuring some of Scotland’s best performers. Get your tickets. Meanwhile, Ceilidh Club are hosting their own celebrations at 2 locations - St. Mary’s Marylebone and Porchester Hall where there’ll be food and Ceilidh dancing.
Celebrate Chinese New Year in London
Guo Nian Hao! Chinese New Year is an exciting event that takes place yearly around January and February time. This year will welcome the Year of the Snake and promises to be as exciting as ever.
Join in the action celebrating Chinese New Year in London. There’ll be a Chinese New Year festival with performances and workshops, and a parade featuring colourful floats and more in Trafalgar Square and the West End.
There’s no better time to do some wholesome activities to zen you out and lift your mood after the holiday period. Try these out…
Book some classes
Movement classes: January’s a great time for taking care of your mind, body and soul. You could try classes like yoga and pilates to help release endorphins while building strength. There are heaps of studios across the region including More Yoga and Frame studios which are spread across various London Boroughs. Outside of the city, you can try the Yoga Lounge in Bournemouth, Pilates on the Avenue in Southampton, and New Energy Yoga in Winchester.
Wholesome things to do on a budget
Indoor activities
Head to an escape room: if you’re looking for a fun indoor activity, escape rooms are great fun to enjoy with family and friends. Escape rooms typically involve solving a series of puzzles within a certain amount of time to accomplish a goal - usually to find a key to unlock the room you’re in. There are plenty of escape rooms in London to choose from - including family-friendly ones. Check out our guide to get the details.
Go to the theatre: London’s West End is home to some of the best theatre shows in the world, and the 2025 West End programme is sure to inspire you. From award-winning musicals to dramatizations of literary classics and family-friendly favourites, there’s something everyone can enjoy. Don’t forget to buy your theatre tickets with SWR Rewards to enjoy great savings.
Go Shopping: Now you’ve done your festive shopping for everyone else, treat yourself and fill out your 2025 wardrobe in the January sales. Head to London’s shopping hotspots including Oxford Street, Battersea Power Station and Westfield – see our guide to the best shopping spots in London.
If you don’t fancy facing the busyness of the city, there are an abundance of shopping centres you can visit across the South West including Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton and much more. See our guide.
If you’re starting the year off with a more sustainable aim then consider pre-loved fashion. Check out our guide to The Best Second hand markets in London and the South West.
Plan your travel with South Western Railway
Now you’ve filled your January calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave. We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in February!
