Snow in London: Things to do in the capital when it’s snowing

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Lizzie Thomson24 January 2019

Snow to a child is as magical as waking up on Christmas morning. Snow to an adult, however, is highly inconvenient.

That said, it's time to stop complaining and start taking advantage of the rare winter wonderland in the capital.

London in the snow is a spectacular sight and whether you prefer to take to the slopes with a sledge or simply mosey on through the snow-dusted streets, there’s usually something for everyone to enjoy.

These are the best things to get up to on those scarce snow days in London.

Grab a hot chocolate

Alina Kovalchuk

Nothing warms the soul (and freezing cold fingers) quite like a siky, rich hot chocolate and the city certainly isn’t lacking in winter warmers. SAID dal 1923 in Soho is an outpost of the oldest chocolate factory in Rome, and the Italian hot chocolate has stayed true to its roots. It’s thick, rich and comes in either milk, dark or gianduja (a hazelnut praline) varieties. Don’t scrimp on the trimmings either — Dark Sugars on Brick Lane offers lashings of chocolate shavings and Chin Chin Laboratories in Camden serves it with a generous helping of marshmallow fluff. Read our guide to the best hot chocolates in London here.

Go for a wintry walk

London's best winter walks

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Enjoy a brisk stroll through one of the capital’s parks, which are positively breathtaking in the snow. Hampstead Heath is home to stunning white landscapes and brilliant views of the snow-covered capital. Alexandra Palace also offers spectacular views of the city, if you don’t mind braving it up the hill — just be extra cautious that is might be icy. Read our winter walks guide here.

Call a cosy pub home

Ewan Munro/Flickr

Shelter from the elements and warm up those frozen extremities in front of an open fire at one of London’s cosy pubs. Among our favourites is Hampstead's charming Spaniard’s Inn, which is rich in history and boasts plenty of ghost stories. Likewise, the Dove in Hammersmith is a rather rustic spot with a snug open fire, beamed-ceilings and a dark wooden bar, making it the perfect place to sink a few pints before heading outside. Alternatively, head to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street for an old-English atmosphere, with seating in the cellars which were once thought to have part of a 13th century monastery.

The 50 best pubs in London

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Go and ‘gram it

Did it even snow if it didn’t make it onto your Insta? London in the snow is an Instagrammer’s heaven. Richmond Park and Hyde Park, in particular, are well worth a trip for some brilliant snaps, or go full tourist-mode and get some snowy pics by London’s iconic landmarks — think red telephone booths, the London Eye, the Thames — and watch the likes roll in.

Grab a sledge

With tube meltdowns and travel chaos rife following snow, the fastest way to get around town could well be by sledge. There are plenty of prime sledging spots for adventurers to brave the icy chill: hurtle down Greenwich Observatory’s famous hill and grab some warming refreshments afterwards at the Pavillion cafe, or try Primrose Hill, which offers a long run for keen sledgers to whizz down and has a number of delightful pubs nearby to warm up in afterwards. Read our guide on where to go sledging here.

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