If your family likes to get some fresh air on Christmas Day, we have some amazing winter wonderland walks … and one suggestion for Boxing Day, if you get the walking bug.
Little Venice
Just north of Paddington, Little Venice has become a firm favourite for winter walkers. It is especially pretty in winter and walking along Regent’s Canal. It gives you a chance to look at the house boats, take in the scenery, stop off at local family friendly pubs and wander past London Zoo. Ten minutes walk from Paddington. Five minutes from Warwick Avenue tube stop. This is a great place to walk off some of the Christmas calories without finding the terrain too challenging.
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
From 18 December to 1 January. Including Christmas Day. This little market along the Southbank has become a firm favourite with families. It can be crowded at night. But during the late afternoon/early evening it’s family friendly with free entrance. A gorgeous tree and some fire-pit heated picnic areas where you can sit with your street food and watch the London Eye. Adults will appreciate the log cabin appeal of the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge. Reportedly a little smaller and less foodie than in previous years. This is still a comfortable stroll and an event that all the family can enjoy.
Richmond Park
While London is a bustle of fun and activity over Christmas. A trip to Richmond Park can seem like stepping into another world. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but on Christmas Day you often have large swathes of this enormous park entirely to yourself. Look out for the 350 fallow deer who range in small herds across the park. And if you’re around towards dusk you may also see some of the park’s bat population. The trees covered in frost and if you’re lucky. The frozen lakes, are fantastically photogenic. The Isabella Plantation contains an incredible number of unusual plants and trees. The café in Pembroke Lodge won’t be open on Christmas Day so take a flask of hot chocolate and perch on a bench to warm up during your ramble. Public transport is also limited on Christmas Day, but there is parking on site. The park is open to vehicles from 07:30. Remember that the vehicle gates close at dusk while the pedestrian gates are open 24 hours a day in December.
Stuck for fun on Boxing Day? London Wetland Centre
Ten minutes from Hammersmith, the London Wetland Centre is like a different world. Make sure you wear warm clothing and get ready to experience the wildness of London. With hundreds of water birds and even some otters. Open from 9.30 to 4.30, with the bird hides and explorer zone closing at 4.00. The wetland isn’t free, but it’s fantastic value for money. Family of four £35.00 entrance fee. While children under four get in free.