Here's some ideas to do this month without huge crowds

As January rolls around, it's actually one of the best times to explore London during the off-peak season.

It might be a bit chilly outside, but you can easily navigate the city and make the most of touring around London without huge crowds.

Organise a group of friends/flatmates (or go solo), grab your oyster card and warm coats, and get excited to see some iconic things in London during your free time. 🚶🏼‍♀️🧭

🎡 Iconic free things to do in London 🎡

1. Visit the Sky Garden 🌇

Location: 1, Sky Garden Walk, City of London, London EC3M 8AF

🚊 Closest tube station: Tower Hill, Tower Gare, Aldgate, Bank, Mansion House

This is London's highest public garden offers stunning views, a tropical indoor environment, and comfortable seating areas. While it's free, you need to book tickets online for the London Sky Garden in advance.

It's especially beautiful at sunset, and you can spend hours enjoying the atmosphere without spending anything. 🌞

2. Changing of the Guard ⚔️ 

Location: Buckingham Palace

🚊 Closest tube: St James Park, Green Park, Victoria, Hyde Park Corner

The traditional ceremony of Changing of the Guard takes place at 11:00 AM on select days (currently Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday in January) in front of Buckingham Palace. The spectacle lasts about 45 minutes and offers a quintessential London experience with a military band music. 💂🏽‍♀️🇬🇧 

It's less crowded than the summer months, which means you will be able to secure a good viewing spot. Although, we highly recommend you do dress warmly as you'll be outside. 👀

3. Greenwich Park's Observatory Hill 🌳

Location: Greenwich

🚊 Tube: North Greenwich

We can't guarantee this one will be warm, but you could experience a particularly stunning view on a  crisp January morning. ❄️🌿

Enjoy classic views, from over the Maritime Museum to Canary Wharf at the Greenwich Park Observatory Hill. It is famous for being the site of the Royal Observatory, which is home to the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time. 

4. Westminster and Big Ben 🔔

Location: London SW1A 0AA

🚊 Closest tube: Westminster 

January is an excellent time to visit Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, with smaller crowds allowing for shorter queues and better photos at Westminster Abbey.

If you haven't visited this iconic London site, you could witness an early winter sunset illuminated on Big Ben's clock face, creating a magical atmosphere against the darkening sky. The Gothic architecture looks particularly dramatic in winter light.

For more information on tickets, visit Westminster Abbey's website. 🎟️

5. Columbia Road Flower Market 💐

Location: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG

🚊 Tube: Hoxton, Shoreditch High Street

Explore Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday mornings - the winter selection of flora and fauna create a uniquely London atmosphere, and there's many indoor shops and galleries along the street open specially for market day.

While buying is optional, browsing is free and you can enjoy the beautiful natural aesthetics of the Columbia Road Flower Market. 🌸🌷🌼🌻

6. Walk over Tower Bridge at sunset 🗼

Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP

🚊 Closest tube: London Bridge (south side of river), Tower Hill (north side of river)

Want to see something cool in London? Head to Tower Bridge at sunset when the bridge opens up for boats.

The huge bridge sections lift into the air while the sun sets behind them - perfect for amazing photos and seeing how this massive Victorian bridge actually works. Just be sure to look up the Tower Bridge lifting times before you go so you don't miss it. 🌇 

7. Free comedy night at Angel Comedy Club 🎭

Location: Two venues in Islington, The Bill Murray and Camden Head 

🚊 Closest tube: Angel 

Run by comedians for comedians, they are dedicated to affordable access and run free stand up comedy shows 7 nights a week. They always put on fantastic, cheap shows by some of the biggest comedians in the UK. Get your flatmates together and head out for a night of laughs.

Check out Angel Comedy Club’s website for what's coming up this month.

If you are looking for something to do indoors and a bit more cozy, check out the 40+ Halls Life events happening this month. 🏡