Start the year with the New Years Day Parade
London in January is not everyone’s cup of tea, it’s often cold, wet and gray. Yet in many ways it’s one of the best months to visit because of the things to do and bargains to be had. If you like shopping, eating out and going out, then January is the month for you.
Here are a few things to do and as more events are announced I’ll put them here and on the daily blog.
The Royal Academy of Arts have started doing behind the scenes tours of the gallery so that you can find out more about the exhibitions and the gallery. The first tour is on Tuesday 12th.
And of course don’t forget about the Van Gogh exhibition starting on Saturday 23rd.
The Little Angel theatre is a theatre that does puppet shows for children. If it was in a more central location it would be world renowned, it’s that good. But it isn’t the easiest venue to get to so few people know about it. If you’re here with young children it would be worth the effort going.
Sticking with the kids activities theme, visit the British museum this month. They have quite a few activities for the family and many of them are free.
There’s a big film premieres this month that should be interesting. Invictus is on Sunday 31st and it’s hoped Matt Damon will turn up. Be sure to look at our Premiere Guide if you plan on going.
Most people know about the delights of Somerset House especially at this time of year with the ice rink. There is however a good free tour that they do every Thursday and Saturday. It’s very popular so you need to get there early to take part.
Brian Moore is one of the best rugby players England have ever had and he’ll be signing his new book in Leadenhall market on Wednesday 20th. Expect queues.
Also doing signings will be Matthew Reilly at Waterstones in Leadenhall Market on Thursday 21st and Kathy Lette, Deborah Moggach and Xiaolu Guo at Waterstones at Piccadilly on Tuesday 19th.
If you like jive and swing music and didn’t party too hard on New Years Eve head to the Southbank Centre on Saturday 2nd. The Jive Aces, one of the UK’s top jive and swing bands is playing for free.
Also at the Southbank on Sunday 3rd January they are holding a free Ballroom dancing event from 12 – 7pm. Anyone can go along for a free lesson or just to have a dance.
I often mention Canary Wharf because every so often they put on some great events there and because of its location it’s not crammed with tourists. On Friday 15th to Saturday 16th there’s a very good ice sculpting festival taking place and you can even have a go at ice sculpting.
The Late at the Tate Britain is on Friday 8th. It’s a very strange one this month and it’s definitely not mainstream. If you like something different and challenging this is for you.
Strangely The Science Museum hasn’t yet announced what Late they’re holding this month. It’s unlike them as they’re pretty good about that sort of thing and I only hope the same people who organised last years brilliant events are still about. The date to keep free is Wednesday 27th.
One of the great things about doing this blog is letting people in on some of the secret London events. This one is for families and is fantastic. It’s the Barbican Family Film Club held every Saturday morning. You don’t have to be a member just get your ticket in advance and you’re good to go.
If you like jazz music but don’t like the high prices, go to St Martin-in-the-field on Wednesday 6th, The Fabulations will be playing. There’s only unreserved tickets left right now, so if you want to see them you better hurry.
The comedy venue I’m highlighting this month is Amused Moose, it’s another one of those hidden venues that most visitors to London miss. The best night is Saturday at the Soho venue and prices are very reasonable.
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