Europe is possibly the most sought-after packaged tour destination in the world. Starting from quaint Denmark to the raucous Netherlands, fashionable France to classical Italy, Europe is always ready with a full palette of flavors for its guests. A rather tasteful serving of this palette is London. We don’t know if it’s the red telephone booths or the exquisite accent, the incomprehensible fascination of the world with London just refuses to fade out. The eye-catching symmetry, in collaboration with unmatched antiquity, makes London a great pick for every bucket list. Even during frigid February, you will not be disappointed by the English capital city. In fact, London in February is quite the delight and we'll tell you why.
What makes London in February Special?
Possibly the most common image that comes to our mind when we think about London is the Big Ben. About 160 + years after its completion, this clock tower continues to be earmarked as the representative monument of the multifaceted metropolis. However, London has so much to offer that even the often relentless February weather fails to render it utterly lifeless.
The obvious fact is London, like any other tourism hub in the northern hemisphere, will be relatively crowd-free in February. It is after the busy holiday season that London kicks back and relaxes. As such, you are most likely to get a glimpse of London au naturel in February. Valentine’s Day reveals a uniquely warm side of the city; despite the cold of course. The question isn’t why should you visit London in February. We ask you, why not?
London Weather in February
London's weather in February borders on cold, but not as cold as other cities in Northern Europe. With around 4 hours of sunshine everyday and 15 odd days of rain, the weather can get unpredictable, but not enough to soil plans. You can also expect occasional bouts of snow in the first half of the month, but towards 15th February, snow fall reduces and halts by the end of the months. The temperature tends to be around 7-8 degrees celsius early in February warming to 9-10 degrees celsius by the end of the month.
Visiting London in February: Things to do
1
The Shard
This marvel of science and modern architecture as beautiful from the outside as it is elegant from the inside. Conceptualized as a vertical city, The Shard quadruples up as office space, residential quarters, gastronomy hub, and a breathtaking vantage point to observe the city of London. In February, you will catch a glimpse of the hibernating London as you enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of the restaurants in the structure.
Timings
Sunday - Thursday: 11 AM - 7 PM
Friday - Saturday: 10 AM - 10 PM
32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG,
UK
Getting There ›
2
Tower of London
Resting royally on the bank of River Thames is Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. The construction of the entire structure was concluded in 1399. In addition to being witnessing over 600 years of history, the Tower of London also doubles up as a gallery for a wide collection of gemstones. If you are a daredevil, take the after-hours tour of the Tower of London, which grows a bit spookier in February.
St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB,
UK
Getting There ›
3
Westminster Abbey
Founded in 960 CE, the Westminster Abbey is currently known for its distinctive western facade. The church attracts tourists from all over the world mainly owing to its masterful Gothic architecture. Unlike museums, Westminster Abbey boasts to be the witness of history, not merely one that chronicles it. A laid-back February day is ideal for exploring this age-old wonder.
Timings
Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 3 PM
Closed on Sunday
20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA,
UK
Getting There ›
4
Kensington Palace
The Kensington Palace is a 400 year old residence of the British Royals and continues to be one of the official residences used! It is currently home to the Prince & Princess of Wales, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, among others. Parts of the palace is open to the public and it currently displays a number of artworks from the Royal collection. You can explore historic rooms used by Princess Victoria before she became Queen & more!
Timings
Wednesday - Sunday : 10 AM to 4 PM
The Pavilion & Sunken Garden are open during the Palace hours.
Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX,
UK
Getting There ›
5
Day Trip To Stonehenge
Another one of British cultural icon is the Stonehenge. Located just outside London, the Stonehenge comprises of a ring of self-supported stone blocks that weigh up to 25 tons. Radiocarbon dating has revealed that the structure could be in existence from 3000 BCE. Experts believe that it could be an ancient burial ground, owing to the human bone remnants found in the surrounding area. A tour of Stonehenge in February could be a particularly chilling experience.
Amesbury, Salisbury SP4 7DE,
UK
Getting There ›
6
River Thames Cruise
In terms of popularity, this London attraction is likely to beat all others. The tour of the serene Thames begins at Westminster and extends to Greenwich Pier. On the bank during the cruise, you will spot popular London landmarks including the Palace of Westminster, the London Eye, The Shard, the Cutty Sark to name a few. If that wasn’t enough, the boats come with well-stocked cafes for you to enjoy this cruise of a lifetime to the fullest.
Pipers Island, Bridge St, Reading RG4 8AH,
UK
Getting There ›
7
West End Theatre
If you are into performance arts, the West End Theatre is the first place you should be heading in London. The theoretical counterpart of the Broadway, West End Theatre is a prestigious jewel on the London's crown. In 2017, the West End Theatre recorded 15 million in attendance. Undoubtedly, February should be an ideal time for you to visit with relatively lower sold out rates.
40 Bloomsbury Way Lower Ground Floor, London WC1A 2SE,
UK
Getting There ›
8
British Museum
This is the first national public museum in the world. Dedicated to documenting the rise of human civilization over the years, the British Museum is a repository of one of the most exhaustive documentation ever. Since entry to the museum is free and limited, visiting the British Museum could be a blessing in disguise for you.
Timings
Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM
Fridays: 10 AM - 8:30 PM
Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG,
UK
Getting There ›
9
Warner Bros. Harry Potter Tour
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour comes with this enchanting behind the scenes look at the world of Harry Potter. If you have ever picked up one of the books of this franchise, or have seen the movies, this tour is for you. You will find the Great Hall, the Hogwarts classrooms, and some of the memorable props in its entirety from the series in this studio tour. Ever since its inception, The Making of Harry Potter has remained the highest rated attraction worldwide on TripAdvisor. Do yourself a favor and grab a February time slot for this insanely popular attraction.
Timings
Timings vary, make sure to check their official website.
Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden WD25 7LR,
UK
Getting There ›
10
Take a Stadium Tour
To say that England is a sports-crazed nation will be an understatement. Association football, tennis, rugby, field hockey, you name it, and you will get a shout out at any London pub. Consequently, a stadium tour is a must when you are in London. Visit the home of tennis heritage at the Wimbledon Stadium and Museum or take a look at the hunting ground of English National football team at the Wembley Stadium.
You may also choose to tour Stamford Bridge, or the Emirates Stadium, that house the legendary Chelsea Football Club and the fabled Arsenal respectively. If you are willing to invest a little time, make a short journey to the Northwest to visit the home of arguably the most decorated English football club, Liverpool FC’s Anfield. The relatively lower volume of visitors during this time should make it worth your while.
Timings
Begins at 10 AM
Closing time may vary
London,
UK
Getting There ›
London in February: Events to look out for
Change of Guard at Buckingham
Daily
The quintessential display of British pomp can be experienced at this royal ceremony. An elaborate protocol is followed when the new guard takes over from the old guard, and it is truly a spectacle. Entry is free to this high demand event.
Chinese New Year
February 11, 2024
London will burst into vibrant hues as the city comes alive with celebrations for the Chinese New Year on February 11. Traditional dragon and lion dances will weave through the streets, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals. Trafalgar Square and Chinatown will be adorned with red lanterns and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.
Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition
December 13 2023- February 17 2024
Located in a curated space, the exhibition will showcase the distinctive visual style of Anderson's films, featuring carefully arranged sets of his iconic scenes. Fans can expect to delve into the meticulous details of films like "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "The Royal Tenenbaums," gaining insight into Anderson's unique storytelling through art and design.
London Pancake Day
February 13, 2024
As February unfolds, Londoners will eagerly anticipate the annual Pancake Day festivities. From classic lemon and sugar to innovative toppings, everyone will have the opportunity to indulge in this sweet tradition. Pancake races and flipping competitions will add a playful element to the celebration, making it a fun-filled day for families and food enthusiasts alike.
London in February: 5-day itinerary
Planning to spend 5 days during your visit to London in February? Here's our handcrafted 5 day itinerary to spend 5 memorable days in London.
If you are short on time, we have you covered, too! Check out our post on how to make the most of one day in London.
London February Essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT+1
Country Code+44
Socket Type G
CurrencyPound (£, GBP)
London Weather in February
London can be quite chilly in February. The average high temperature is of 8°C or 46°F. The average low is somewhere around 2°C or 36°F. For more than half the month skies could be cloudy. Rains are possible on up to 10 days, and snow on 3 days.
Where to Stay in London during February
Since the holiday season has just concluded, the hotel rates could be relatively low in February. Staying in Central London will give you the best vantage point to travel to various attractions. London can cater to your budget and specific preferences when it comes to accommodations.
- 5 & 4 star Hotels - The Connaught, The Goring, Hotel 41
- Mid-Range Hotels - The Montague on The Gardens, The Chesterfield Mayfair, Park Grand London Kensington
- Budget Stays - Hotel Moonlight, The Hide London, Premier Inn London City (Aldgate) Hotel
What to Pack for Visiting London in February
You will never go wrong with packing extra warm clothes for London in February, in fact let your bags be brimming with gloves, socks, scarves, and jackets. Avoid carrying loose warm clothes as the wind can get quite strong in London and lose clothes won't really help. Umbrellas, waterproof coats and boots are also of paramount importance. In short, get your winter gear out if you're planning to visit London in February.
Getting Around London in February
The city of London is divided into 32 boroughs and thankfully all of them are well connected via an intricate network of public transports. London’s double-decker buses are a cheap and swift way of traveling and sightseeing. The tube railway network is the fastest connector in the city. The areas beyond the reach of the Tube is served by the local trains. The East and Southeast of London are well served by the driverless network of trains. The river bus doubles up as a sightseeing, traffic-less cruise. Towards the South of London is a reliable fleet of trams. Most means of transport in London are accessible by wheelchair.
Must-try delicacies while visiting London in February
Such is the reputation and publicity of this platter, that it has now spread worldwide and is a staple at most breakfast joints across the planet. This hearty affair traditionally consists of sausages, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, blood pudding, potatoes, and toast. Get the best English breakfast at The Breakfast Club or Hawksmoor Guildhall.
When in London, you cannot miss out on fish and chips. Besides tea, this is the dish that forms the global opinion about British cuisine. This dish is made of fluffy chips, fried fish, and mushy peas with salt and vinegar. Try the best fish and chips in the city at Bonnie Gull or Golden Union Fish Bar.
This British classic is lunch specialty and is typically quite heavy. As opposed to how the name sounds, this is not a dessert. A batter made of eggs and flour is baked in the oven and then softened with gravy. It is then had with roast beef, turkey, or ham. The best places to have it are Joanna’s and Mr. Fogg’s Tavern.
You weren’t expecting we would leave tea out of the list, were you? Having a delightful cup of tea in the odd hours after lunch is the national guilty pleasure in England. And when you are at it, pair the tea up with light scones or the alarmingly Wildean cucumber sandwiches. You would enjoy some of the most memorable teas at Aqua Shard and The Ampersand Hotel.
The beauty mostly lies in the simplicity of things, and this London dessert proves the truth in it. Layers of bread and currants baked with cream. Once you have this, you will know the true power of an English pudding. If you don’t mind getting addicted to these, step into either Gunpowder or St. John’s Bar and Restaurant.
Tips for visiting London in February
- Make sure you arrive for the free attractions well ahead of time to allow yourself a proper vantage point.
- Use a Visitor Oyster Card to get around London and save around 50% on your commute costs.
- Go for advance booking on your West End show tickets to avail discounts.
- Utilize The London Pass to get into around 60 attractions for free. Check for fast-track entry for some of those attractions.
- In the UK, there exists a tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, which falls between 2 February and 9 March, depending on the date for Easter. If you're in London on Shrove Tuesday, make sure to grab some pancakes.
- Ask around for live music, comedy, or cabaret shows.These shows are often hassle-free and give you a proper taste of London.
- London Theatre Tickets can be bought for less than half the price during the months of January and February. With their annual New Year Sale, you can get tickets for leading shows at £10, £20, £30 or £40 from 1 January until 15 February 2019.
- Do not shy out of a little old-fashioned haggling at the London markets.
- Open up your heart to the cafes and food trucks that serve healthy, filling food if you want to save some money.
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