Winter in London has a very special kind of magic. The light is softer, the streets are quieter in the mornings, and there’s something incredibly comforting about wrapping up warm and exploring the city on foot — stopping for coffee, galleries, and little cosy corners along the way.
In this winter walk, I’m taking you on a gentle, scenic route from Westminster to Marylebone, passing some of London’s most iconic landmarks alongside hidden gems, cafés and cultural spots that are perfect for colder days.
This walk took us a full day, starting in the morning at 9.30am and finishing just as the light began to fade — ideal for winter wandering.
Start: Westminster & Parliament
Begin your walk at Westminster Station, where you’re immediately greeted by one of London’s most recognisable scenes – Parliament, Big Ben and the Thames.
If you’ve never crossed Westminster Bridge on foot, winter is actually a lovely time to do it. Even when it’s busy, the bridge is wide, the views are uninterrupted, and the low winter sun makes everything feel extra cinematic.
You can also book tickets to go inside Parliament if you want to build this into a longer day – something I’d highly recommend if you enjoy history.
Read my full Guide to Parliament here.
Book tickets to visit Parliament here (AFF Link).
Winter Walk starting at Parliament
South Bank Stroll & the London Eye
From here, head down South Bank, one of my favourite places to walk in London at any time of year. In winter, especially on a Sunday morning, it’s noticeably calmer.
You’ll pass the London Eye, which is worth admiring even if you don’t plan to go on it. If you do, it’s best booked in advance and earlier in the day. There’s also a small park area nearby that’s perfect for photos.
If you’re visiting closer to Christmas, this area is usually home to winter markets – but even outside the festive period, it’s a beautiful riverside walk.
Book the London Eye here (AFF Link).
London Eye in Winter
Crossing Waterloo Bridge
Next, cross Waterloo Bridge, which I truly believe offers one of the best views in London.
From here you can see:
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The Thames winding through the city
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St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance
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The London Eye and Westminster behind you
It’s one of those moments that reminds you why London is worth all the walking – and all the coffee prices.
Waterloo Bridge
Click here to read my Guide to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Click here to book tickets to St Paul’s Cathedral (AFF Link).
Somerset House: Art, Ice Skating & Coffee Stops
Once over the bridge, head towards Somerset House, a former royal palace with a fascinating history – Queen Elizabeth I once lived here before she was crowned.
In winter, the courtyard transforms into an ice skating rink, making this one of London’s most atmospheric seasonal spots. Even if you’re not skating, it’s worth visiting for:
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The beautiful architecture
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River views from the terrace
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Indoor cafés, toilets (always important!) and exhibitions
A perfect winter pit stop.
The Ice Skating is usually on until the second week of January so check dates and book tickets before you travel.
It is free to go to the cafes and courtyard but you can book tickets to the exhibitions here (AFF Link).
Wolfox Coffee, Savoy Court
Just next to the Savoy is a little cafe called Wolfox Coffee which is beautiful outside with snow covered windows. Inside they serve flaky croissants and the snazzy interiors include a photogenic cherry blossom. We just popped in and grabbed a table without a booking.
If you’d like to stay at the Savoy Hotel, click here to book (AFF Link).
Wolfox Coffee
Wolfox Cafe
Wolfox Cafe
Wolfox Cafe
Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square
From Somerset House, walk along the Strand towards Covent Garden. Early mornings are ideal if you want to explore without the crowds.
I really rate the Piazza at the top of the Royal Opera House for catching a little winter sunshine, and if you’re lucky, catch a performance.
Read my Guide to Royal Opera House and Covent Garden here.
Royal Opera House, Top Floor Balcony, Covent Garden Most Instagrammable Cafes And Restaurants London
An interesting place to shelter from the cold is the London Transport Museum – you can read my full review here.
Get tickets to the London Transport Museum here.
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden is endlessly wanderable – shops, theatres, cafés, restaurants – and it leads naturally into Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find the National Gallery.
National Gallery: A Free Winter Escape
One of my top winter tips in London: use museums and galleries as warm, cultural pit stops.
The National Gallery is free to enter and houses over 2,600 works of art. On cold days, it’s wonderfully cosy inside. I always head straight for the Van Gogh rooms — they remind me of school trips and early drawing classes.
You could easily spend hours here, but even a short visit adds a lovely cultural pause to the walk.
It is FREE to visit! But you can book a Guided Tour to the National Gallery here (AFF Link).
National Gallery
Soho & the House of MinaLima
Next, make your way into Soho, passing theatres that are perfect for winter evenings.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, don’t miss the House of MinaLima – one of my absolute favourite stops on this route. Created by the designers behind the graphic props in the Harry Potter films, it’s part gallery, part shop, and entirely magical.
From illustrated books and wallpapers to hidden details like the Marauder’s Map flooring, it’s a must-visit – especially in winter when it feels extra cosy.
House of Minalima
House of Minalima
Read my Guide to Harry Potter London Locations here.
Read my Guide to Harry Potter Tour in Levedon here.
A Glamorous Stop at The Broadway, Soho
Just around the corner is The Broadway, a stunning, art-deco inspired hotel and bar space (designed by the same team behind Annabel’s).
Head up to The Flute, the rooftop bar, where the light floods in beautifully during the day. Even just stopping for a cup of tea feels glamorous here.
And whatever you do – don’t skip the bathrooms. They’re powder-pink perfection.
Click here to stay at Broadwick Soho Hotel (AFF Link).
The Flute at Broadwick
Broadwick Soho’s Moulin Rouge Display for Christmas 2025
Regent Street to Marylebone
From Soho, walk up through Regent Street, especially magical in winter thanks to the angel lights overhead.
Continue into Marylebone, one of London’s prettiest neighbourhoods, filled with independent shops, bookshops, cafés and ribbon stores. It’s slower-paced, elegant and ideal for wandering as the afternoon light fades.
regent_street_lights_angels_instagrammable_london_christmas
Finish: The Wallace Collection
End your walk at The Wallace Collection on Manchester Square — a completely free museum housed in a beautiful historic building.
Wallace Collection
Wallace Collection
Wallace Collection
Wallace Collection
Inside you’ll find:
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Paintings and sculptures
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Furniture and decorative arts
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Armour collections (which my boyfriend could stare at for hours)
There’s also a gorgeous pink café in the central courtyard, making it the perfect final stop. I’d recommend at least 2–4 hours here if you can.
Wallace Collection Museum Most Instagrammable Cafes And Restaurants London
Final Thoughts
This winter walk combines:
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Iconic London landmarks
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Cosy cafés and cultural stops
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Quiet neighbourhood streets
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Warm indoor escapes
It’s ideal for:
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Winter visitors to London
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Locals wanting a slower, more romantic day out
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Anyone who loves walking, art, coffee and beautiful surroundings
Click here to my Instagrammable Guide to Christmas in London.
Click here for my Instagrammable Places in London.
Most Instagrammable Places in London
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