It's hard to deny the fact that London in February can often be a cold, grey and rather gloomy place. With temperatures low (and sometimes freezing), plenty of rain and sometimes even snow falling on the capital, no wonder it's tough to layer up before venturing out.
But, come on, this is London and there's so much to do even when it's chilly outside. From world-famous museums and galleries to international restaurants, vintage markets, food festivals, top-class theatre and endless live music performances, you're never going to be short of something to do in the British capital.
And, on another positive note, the fact that It's low season means that it will be easier to bag a ticket for a show, grab a restaurant reservation, or just find yourself a seat on the often crowded London Underground!
Here are seven of our recommendations to enjoy yourself this February, if you’re coming to our great city…
1. Chinese New Year at Trafalgar Square - February 22nd
The Chinese New Year is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the Year of the Horse than by galloping down to Trafalgar Square for the festivities? Full of family-friendly activities and featuring the famous Parade, you really don’t want to miss the fun…
The Chinese New Year in London (the largest event of its kind outside of Asia) is being held on Sunday 22nd February. Beginning in Chinatown and progressing to Trafalgar Square, expect a lot of people revelling in the Lunar celebrations. There will be dragon dancing, street food, music and fireworks, and - for those who love Instagram - it’s the perfect opportunity to snap away.
Our top: don’t miss the lion’s eye-dotting ceremony, the martial art displays, Chinese pop and the stage performances in the Square. The family-friendly zone is in Leicester Square, where kids can get their faces painted, enjoy arts and crafts and dress up. And as night falls, enjoy a spectacular firework display.
This event isn’t just fun, it’s free, so what are you waiting for?
2. Arcadia at the Old Vic Theatre - all of February
There’s no more fitting tribute to the late Tom Stoppard than this production of one of his most dazzling plays which, since it premiered in 1993, has become one of his most beloved pieces and, just a few months after his death, has returned to the London stage.
Yes, this latest production of Arcadia at the Old Vic Theatre promises not to disappoint, overseen by the acclaimed director Carrie Cracknell and starring Isis Hainsworth (Thomasina) and Seamus Dillane (Septimus Hodge).
Shifting between different periods, it tells the love story of a brilliant young woman - who is fascinated by the relationship between physics and nature - and her well-meaning but conflicted tutor. Set in Sidwell Park, a grand country house in Derbyshire, its double time frame weaves past and present and lets the audience in on two interwoven stories.
Curious about mathematics and love, in equal measure, this is a play about how we deal with unpredictability and survive loss and, for many of his admirers, remains Stoppard’s greatest achievement. Since it’s only running for eight weeks, don’t wait to book!
3.‘Samurai’ at the British Museum - opens 3rd February
For anyone fascinated by Japan, this ground-breaking exhibition at the British Museum is a must-visit. Tracing the evolution of the Japanese warrior class over the last 900 years, this major exhibition traces the rise of the Samurai, how they were educated, the epic battles they fought and the strict code of honour to which they adhered.
Even better, though, this exhibition delves much deeper, taking apart some of the myths surrounding them - for instance, that they were men with swords, battling heroically. In actual fact, many women were Samurai, and educated to fight. And whilst the Samurais began as mercenaries for the Imperial Court who, indeed, were formidable soldiers, over the centuries, they became scholars, government officials and even patrons of the arts.
‘Samurai’ at the British Museum opens 3rd February but tickets are already on sale. And don’t forget that this is one of the world’s greatest museums, so after you’ve seen the exhibition, feel free to wander down to the Egyptian mummies, gaze at the Parthenon and admire the Rosetta Stone. And the Great Court (designed by Norman Foster) is the perfect place to grab lunch or a coffee afterwards.
4. Tracey Emim Retrospective, Tate Modern - 27th February onwards
One of the most important artists of her generation, she shot to fame after her ‘My Bed’ won the Turner Prize. Now, at the Tracy Emin Retrospective at the Tate Modern, you can experience her extraordinary confessional artwork for yourself.
Drawing on all kinds of media - drawing, painting, sculpture, film, photography - expect art that is raw and candid. The once ‘Enfant Terrible’ of young British artists is famed for her soul-searching and it really shows in this exhibit stretching back 40 years. Emin looks for life in everything and with over 90 pieces on display. There’s plenty on which to ruminate.
The exhibition also includes work by Emin after a cancer diagnosis, looking at how pain impacted her body and how, today, she even admits that her illness made her art ‘better’ by focusing her on the here- and-now.
Moreover, the rest of Tate Modern is a wonderful museum to explore and afterwards, why not take a walk along the South Bank, and enjoy some magnificent views of the Thames, or cross over Waterloo Bridge to explore buzzy Covent Garden, or party-loving Soho?
5. Hampstead Heath Forest Walk - 7th February
On a chilly grey winters day, it's tempting to curl up on the sofa at home but if you want to brush away the cobwebs, why not head to Hampstead Heath, in our lovely north London neighbourhood, to enjoy the company of other nature-loving folks.
The Hampstead Heath Forest Walk takes place on the 7th of February and begins at 11 am, running for three hours. The idea behind the walk is that you get a chance to decompress, take a few deep breaths, switch off from the hustle and bustle of busy life in London and enjoy nature with others.
Forget about counting your steps, this is about enjoying the beauty of one of the city's most lovely green spaces, full of wild greenery, ancient trees and beautiful flora and fauna. All you need to do is to dress warmly, preferably in layers, put on some gloves and a pair of sturdy shoes and head down to Hampstead Heath Overground.
Finally, if you’re coming to London and looking for accommodation, why not consider staying at La Gaffe? We offer comfortable guest accommodation which is both family-owned and family-run, and returning guests never fail to tell us how much they feel they have a home away from home, from the moment they check in to the moment they say goodbye.
Our rates include VAT, a continental breakfast and our (famous) cappuccino and because we’re only three minutes walk from the Hampstead tube, you can be in the centre of the city in just 15 minutes, courtesy of London Underground.
For more information about our rooms and to make a reservation directly with us, contact us by phone or email - we’re looking forward to seeing you!