From top attractions dusted in white to tours letting you see the city covered in a blanket of snow, discover magical spots and Insta-worthy locations across London when the snowflakes fall.
Things to do in the snow in London
1. Visit Tower Bridge
Step onto the high-level glass walkway from Tower Bridge to see London swathed in white, from the snow-globe-like City Hall to the Tower of London and the banks of the Thames. Alternatively, see London’s iconic bridge during a snow flurry from a river cruise, many of which pass beneath the bridge. Book Tower Bridge tickets now
2. Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour
Why see one landmark covered in snow when you can see many! Travel around the city, stopping off at key sites as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour – there are several different routes to pick from, each taking in iconic attractions. Book hop-on hop-off tickets now
3. Snap away from the IFS Cloud Cable Car
Discover a winter wonderland from the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Take a single or return journey or combine it with a river cruise, for views of The O2, Greenwich and London’s Docklands as the snow falls. Book IFS Cloud Cable Car tickets now
4. Explore Kew Gardens
Take a stroll in Kew Gardens, which is even more tranquil when it snows. See the famous glasshouses and pagoda covered in snow and spot winter or spring bulbs and flowers poking out beneath the carpet of crystals. The high-level treetop walkway is a great spot to catch great views of the gardens. Book Kew Gardens tickets now
5. Take in the views from the London Eye
Wander along the South Bank, which sparkles in the snow, before jumping aboard the London Eye. On your 30-minute rotation you’ll be able to see snow-topped buildings such as the Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower (also known as Big Ben). Book London Eye tickets now
6. Find history at the Tower of London
As a former prison and place of torture, the Tower of London has a gruesome history – and a dusting of snow gives it an even more otherworldly feel. See an even whiter White Tower or book for the Ceremony of the Keys – a ceremony that’s taken place almost every evening for hundreds of years, even when it snows! Book Tower of London tickets now
7. Head to Hogwarts in the Snow
Although technically not real snow, you can see Hogwarts Castle dusted in filmmakers’ snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter every November to January during Hogwarts in the Snow. The seasonal makeover also sees the Great Hall dressed for a Christmas feast and showcases special effects and props used in the Harry Potter films. Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour London tickets now
8. See Windsor Castle covered in snow
Venture to Windsor Castle, the official royal residence to see a real castle covered in snow. Let the snow crunch under foot as you explore the elegant gardens and St George’s Chapel, and step inside to see the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Doll’s House and more. Book Windsor Castle tickets now
9. Head up to The View from The Shard
Have your head among the snow clouds at The View from the Shard, London’s tallest building, which has an outdoor viewing platform 72 floors up and views from indoor decks on levels 68 and 69. See the city as you’ve never seen it before, as you spot St Paul’s Cathedral, the river Thames, Tower Bridge and more landmarks between the snowflakes.
10. Tour Shakespeare’s Globe
Adding to the feel of olden times, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre looks even prettier in the snow. Take a tour of the iconic playhouse and snap away as the snow falls in this open-air venue on the banks of the Thames. Book onto a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe now
11. Find places to build a snowman
London is spoilt for choice for places to build a snowperson. As the world’s first National Park City, it has hundreds of green spaces where you can scoop up the snow to make your short-lived creation (or just have a snowball fight!). London’s parks or wilder heaths are great spots for snowy shenanigans.
12. Cosy up in pubs with open fires
London is full of cosy pubs, some of which have open fires that are perfect for thawing out. Hampstead’s The Holly Bush is a great place to go after a walk on nearby Hampstead Heath, pop into The Dove in Hammersmith after a walk along the river, or snuggle up in historic The Mayflower in Rotherhithe.
13. Shop at Christmas markets
If it snows in December, head to one of London’s Christmas markets for an extra special festive treat. Popping up across the city, these markets are perfect spots to warm up with hot drinks and snacks while you shop in the snow.
14. Discover the best places to go sledging in London
Thanks to their hills, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park, Brockwell Park, Alexandra Palace, Primrose Hill plus Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath are popular spots for sledging. So grab your sleigh and prepare for some amazing views as you whizz along.
15. Cross the Millennium Bridge
For an iconic “London in the snow” image, place yourself on the south side of the Millennium Bridge near Tate Modern, and capture a snowy bridge with St Paul’s Cathedral in the background. Then, cross the bridge to see historic and modern sights in the City of London.
16. Fill up your feed at Piccadilly Circus
An ideal place for gorgeous snowy shots, Piccadilly Circus has everything going for it when it snows. From snowflakes against its famous LED screens, to the statue of Eros sprinkled with snow and the eye-pleasing curves of Regent Street.
17. Watch it snow on London webcams
If you’re not in London while it’s snowing, catch a glimpse of the city as it snows on these London webcams.
When does it snow in London?
It doesn’t snow in London very often – the last major snowfall was in 2009. But there is usually at least a small snow flurry for a few days most years, generally between November and April. It last snowed in London in January 2024.
Find more things to do in winter and discover more top attractions to see in London when it snows.
