10 Things to Do in London in February

Today, London is one of the most diverse cities in the world; rich in history and traditions, it is home to some of the most prominent cultures on the planet. The British capital attracts more than 27 million visitors each year, making it the most visited city in Europe.

Specifically, February is an excellent month to visit London, as the winter cold tends to draw smaller crowds and lines are shorter. Plus, the festive Valentine’s Day atmosphere will captivate you. Below is a curated list of activities you should consider if you’re visiting London this month.

This attraction takes us directly behind the scenes of the production of one of the most iconic sagas of all time. It’s a tour of the Harry Potter Park in London where you can see the actual sets from the legendary saga, as well as a wide variety of props, models, and accessories used for the big-screen special effects.

If you’re wondering how to get to the Harry Potter Park at Warner Bros. Studios, it’s located in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, about 32 km northwest of London. Or you can book tickets that include transportation from London.

If you’re visiting London in February with your partner, resisting the festive Valentine’s Day atmosphere that permeates the city all month long will be mission impossible. London is the ideal setting for a Valentine’s Day that isn’t plagued by boring plans and seasonal clichés. In the British capital , some people even dress up for the occasion.

Without a doubt, the top choice for this special night is to take one of the cruises on the Thames. There is a wide range of prices for these cruises, suitable for every budget. Options range from the most affordable 1-hour tour from Westminster to Greenwich, to those that include dinner, and the most romantic: sunset cruises.

Every year, from the first weeks of February through mid-March, Kew Gardens hosts its annual Orchid Festival. If you’re interested in plant life, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss and an experience that only London can offer.

The festival takes place in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, a climate-controlled space designed to maintain the tropical environment these beautiful flowers require.

Kew Gardens

This floral paradise in central London is the place to go if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle and polluted air of the city for a while. Here you’ll find countless species of plants and trees, several galleries of perfectly manicured gardens, greenhouses, and even an impressive display of a beehive.

London, in addition to being a popular tourist destination, is a city famous for its theater scene. Just like Broadway in New York, the West End is home to London’s best musicals. That’s why tourists visiting the city always add a West End show to their list of things to do in London.

Winter in London is also the perfect time for theater lovers to take advantage of the sales. Depending on the show, you can find discounted tickets and various special offers. During the months of December, January, and February, theater tickets are cheaper to encourage more people to venture out of the warmth of their homes.

This is an immersive experience in haute couture that includes fashion shows and presentations by British and international designers, which fashion lovers thoroughly enjoy.

London Fashion Week is one of the four most important fashion weeks in the world and takes place every year in February and September. This event is held in other cities such as Paris, Milan, and New York. Tickets for the event can be purchased directly on its website by selecting the designer you wish to see and contacting the event’s Press Office.

If you’re having trouble attending the most exclusive events, here’s a tip: get tickets to the London Fashion Week Festival. It’s a more accessible and affordable event that takes place right after London Fashion Week. You can participate in live talks with fashion industry figures, attend exclusive runway shows, get discounts at high-end stores, and enjoy many other activities.

If you’re planning to visit London with children, we recommend attending the Imagine Children’s Festival, an arts festival designed primarily for children, held every February for 12 days at the Southbank Centre. There are events for all ages, from babies to teenagers, and at least half of them are completely free!

This children’s festival, in addition to being charming, wholeheartedly celebrates the power of storytelling. We recommend checking out the delightful variety of activities and performances during your visit to London, as there is something for all ages and tastes. From music and art to storytelling and puppet shows, creativity is the order of the day.

Shrove Tuesday is a religious holiday that precedes the 40-day fasting period of Lent. It is celebrated between February 3 and March 9 each year, and the English mark the occasion with their traditional pancake party. If you’re in London for this celebration, treat yourself and join in the fun with a stack of pancakes and attend one of the famous pancake races.

What are Pancake Races?

It’s a relay race where participants run down a street, frying pan in hand, flipping pancakes. It’s a Shrove Tuesday tradition in England; although it takes place in almost every English town and city, historians trace its origins to Olney, Buckinghamshire. If you want to join this unique celebration, here are some ideas:

• The Great Spitalfields Pancake Race takes place at the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane starting at 12:30 pm.
• The Trowbridge Flipping Race takes place in Trowbridge starting at 10:30 a.m.
• The Greenwich Market Pancake Race takes place at Greenwich Market to raise funds for cancer research, starting at 1:00 pm.
• The Parliamentary Pancake Race raises funds for the charity Rehab and takes place outside the Houses of Parliament starting at 10:15 a.m.
• The Lendenhall Market Pancake Race takes place right in the city center at Lendenhall Market, and free pancakes are given to the first 100 spectators.

Why is Pancake Day celebrated?

The tradition behind this celebration involved the creative use of certain foods that people would voluntarily give up during Lent for fasting purposes; these foods are: butter, eggs, and milk.

The London Classic Car Show is the must-attend event for every owner, collector, connoisseur, or fan of classic cars. It’s a popular celebration held in February in the English capital, showcasing one of the most extensive collections in the entire United Kingdom.

For a couple of days, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a collection that typically features over 700 classic cars. In past events, an indoor driving track has been set up where the best cars are showcased in action. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity not only to view but also to purchase some of the models on display and connect with industry influencers or leading dealers.

It is London’s fourth most popular tourist attraction and one of the world’s most famous markets; approximately 10,000 tourists gather there every weekend, so it can get incredibly crowded. Our advice is that if you visit London in February, take advantage of the off-season and the less crowded days to visit Camden Market and enjoy the experience even more.

What can you find at Camden Market?

Located in north London in an area known as Camden Town, it has a very different atmosphere from the rest of the city. Full of originality and an alternative vibe, the market is divided into six different sections, where you’ll find souvenir shops, alternative clothing, shoes, thousands of handmade items, and of course, great food!

What are Camden Market’s hours?

The official website states that Camden Market is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During the winter season, these hours may vary from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Camden Market is open year-round and is closed only on Christmas Day.

Chinese New Year takes place every year around mid-February, varying by a few days or weeks. The celebration of this holiday in London is one of the largest in the world outside of Asia, which is why hundreds of thousands of people gather there every year.

Chinese New Year events in London are lively, fun, and welcoming. They include dragon dances, traditional dishes, and theatrical performances. The wonderful creative display of the Chinese New Year parade, organized by the Asian community, takes place right in the heart of London. Local bars and restaurants join in the celebration by embracing the tradition and hosting themed parties at their venues.

If you decide to visit London in February, be prepared for fairly cold weather throughout most of the month. According to official data, the average high temperature is 8°C or 46°F, while the average low hovers around 2°C or 36°F.

There are an average of just 12 sunny days in February, with 16 rainy days or 10 rainy days and 3 days of snowfall. To sum up, you can expect sunshine on only half of your days in London during February. Take advantage of those moments to enjoy outdoor activities like the city’s main tours.

Due to winter and its low temperatures, tourist traffic in London in February is below average compared to other months of the year at this same destination.

February is the ideal month to travel to London on a budget. During this month, most tourists prefer to vacation in warmer destinations. This is a major advantage you should take advantage of: lines are practically nonexistent, so you’ll be able to enjoy many more activities, such as the capital’s major museums.

February is a great time to visit London on a budget, as it’s off-season and many people don’t consider it the best time to travel to London due to the cold weather. A visit in February could end up costing much less than a similar trip during peak months like June or July.

While it’s still quite cold, we’re sure the reduced ticket prices will make it worth it. In February, many accommodations offer discounts, and if you’re flying in from another country, you can also find discounts on airfare. Plus, you’ll enjoy reduced prices on day trips.

As we mentioned above, London is quite cold in February, so you’ll need to have your winter clothes ready before you travel. As a general tip, avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes, since in addition to the cold, the winds can be quite strong, which can lead to discomfort or a gust of wind blowing away one of your favorite items.

When traveling to London, be sure to pack:

• Warm winter clothing.
• Waterproof coats
• Waterproof boots
• Warm gloves and earmuffs.
• Hats, or make sure your coats have hoods—or both.
• Don’t forget your umbrella—you’ll be glad you brought it when the rain starts falling.

Since February in London is a month that promises occasional rain, it’s a good idea to have alternative plans or activities ready when your weather app forecasts showers all day. Here’s a post about activities worth doing in London during the winter:

Visiting London’s museums

Whether you’re interested in art, science, or history, in London you’ll find some of the most impressive museums in the world— all with free admission to the public. Among the best museums in London are the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

Not on this list is the London wax museum, better known as Madame Tussauds; it’s one of the few where you’ll have to pay an admission fee, but considering the wax figures you’ll find there, it’s well worth it.

A tour of the Tower of London

This is the ideal place to learn about British history and, while you’re at it, marvel at the wonderful display of the Royal Family’s Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown. The guards are truly friendly and delight visitors who buy tickets to the Tower of London with gory tales and stories from days gone by.