The madcap month of December has passed - Christmas lights erected, parties attended, turkeys roasted and New Years Eve celebrations welcomed. And now January has arrived and many of us feel both dread (at what is usually the chilliest month of the year) and a little deflated too!
But London is not a world city for nothing and at any time of the year there’s plenty to do. So why not take advantage of the quieter streets, the fantastic museums and galleries and the fact that flights are cheaper to the capital this month, and book a trip?
If you're a foodie it's the perfect time of the year to huddle up in a restaurant and try a new dish. If you're a lover of the stage, then why not check out one of London's world-famous theatre productions or dance performances? And if you love to shop… well there’s department stores and street markets galore…
Want some ideas? Well, here are some of our picks if you're coming to London this month…
1. Head into the City Centre to watch the New Year’s Day Parade
If you didn't stagger home from a party at 4 am and if you're not nursing a horrible hangover, then one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the new year is to go and enjoy the capital’s famous New Year's Day Parade. Beginning in Picadilly, close to Buckingham Palace, at 1 pm, this annual parade is extraordinary and attending it is an amazing way to kick off 2026.
All of the city's neighbourhoods (‘boroughs’) are represented and you can expect over 8,000 participants. on the streets. There will be endless performers, including samba dancrs, marching bands, cheerleaders, and Pearly Kings and Queens to raise your spirits. And the cost? Nothing!
2. Visit the Cecil Beaton Exhibition at the National Gallery - until 11th January
The celebrated society photographer Cecil Beaton, had a career that took off in the mid 1920s, when he landed a contract with Vogue. Coupled with a solo exhibition in London in 1927, it established him as one of the leading fashion photographers and portraitists of his generation.
Beloved by Hollywood stars and the British Royal Family in equal measure, this exhibition will feature portraits of some of the 20th century’s most iconic figures. And if you think we're exaggerating, well… think Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Margaret, Francis Bacon, the late Queen Elizabeth, Audrey Hepburn and quite a few more!
From the Bright Young Things of the Jazz Age to British High Society in the 1950’s, you’ll learn why Beaton was renowned not just as a superb photographer but also a costume designer, writer, caricaturist and fashion illustrator. Ending on 11th January, ‘Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World’ exhibition is as fascinating as it is beautiful, so get yourself down to Trafalgar Square fast.
3. See Giselle performed by the English National Ballet - Opens 15th of January for a limited run
A tale of innocence and betrayal, Giselle is a young peasant girl who falls in love with a man, Albrect, who she does not know is a Duke. After discovering they cannot be married because he's already engaged, she descends into despair, madness and ultimately death.
Soon, after she is befriended by the Willis, souls of young girls who have been betrayed by unfaithful lovers. At night, they take revenge by dancing men to their deaths. The question is, will our heroine avenge the betrayal of Albrecht?
A hauntingly beautiful story of romance, love, devastating betrayal and ultimate forgiveness and perhaps one of the most romantic ballets of all time, you don't want to miss this Akram Khan production of Giselle at the London Colliseum…it really is worth booking for this one if you love dance.
4. Catch a showing at the London Short Film Festival
When the days are short and the nights are long, what better place to find refuge from the January cold than in a cinema? Well, you're in luck, because the U.K.'s leading short film festival is returning for the 23rd year, Focusing on young filmmakers, creative visual artists and all kinds of short form cinematography, over 300 works from new voices and acclaimed directors alike.
Picks of the festival include films on grief, empathy, Trans history, the experience of being deaf and Punk Rock in the 1980’s. This is really a festival that, in an age of conformity, pushes the boundaries of independent cinema from across the world.
Located down on the South Bank, by the River Thames, After you've enjoyed a film then why not take a stroll over to Covent Garden or Soho, two more of London's most magical areas for some shopping, and a bite to eat in Chinatown…
5. Boost your Endorphins with a long walk on Hampstead Heath
By any standards, Hampstead Heath is one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. Informally named the ‘green lung’ of the city, take a trip there and find out why it’s so beloved for yourself. Truthfully, it’s like being in the countryside, even though it’s just 15 minutes from the city centre by underground.
Whether you want to explore stately Kenwood House (entry is free), fly a kite on Parliament Hill or go and watch intrepid souls diving into the bathing ponds in freezing cold water, a stroll on Hampstead Heath is the perfect way to get exercise and enjoy some gorgeous nature too.
Finally, if you’re looking for accommodation in London then consider staying with us, here at La Gaffe. Our comfortable guest accommodation is competitively-priced and we’re family-run and owned beside, so you’re assured of a warm and personal welcome. any of our guests have returned again and again over the years, And we like to think that it's a combination of our area, our friendly staff and the fantastic breakfast cappuccino we offer
We’re just three minutes walk from Hampstead tube and then it’s a quick trip (no more than a quarter of an hour) into the city centre by underground. You've also got the charming area of Hampstead to explore, which is chockablock full of small shops, great restaurants, and cosy local pubs.
To find out more about us, give us a call on 0207 435-8965 or book directly with us (for the best rates!) on our website.
Happy New Year to you all!