7 Wonderful Ways To Have A Winter Getaway Without Leaving London

Annabel Usher • 25 November, 2016

Everyone loves a holiday. Jetting off to a snowy ski resort or treating yourself to a Scandinavian city mini break is definitely appealing… but then again? London is rather lovely this time of year! Who wants to miss out on the magical Christmas lights, glistening ice skating rinks and copious amounts of mulled wine that London has to offer?! Save yourself that air-fare and take a trip to these gorgeous ‘getaways’ without ever leaving the city…

1. Apres Ski Lodge at The Montague

The Montague On The Gardens hotel near Russell Square has put on it’s ski jacket for their Apres Ski Winter Pop-up which will transport you into the heart of the French Alpes. Think fir trees, snowmen, snugly blankets and lots of boozy winter drinks including Candy Canes, Butterscotch and Toffee flavoured Schapps and vodkas. Guests can purchase a ski pass which includes a seasonal spread of mini turkey schnitzel, mini bratwurst and mini deep fried camembert as well as a choice of three festive drinks from the Ski Lodge bar menu and access to the Ski Lodge for one hour. All the fun of a Alpine ski holiday without all the trivialities of actually going skiing!

15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ

2. German winter market at German Gymnasium

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Germany are famous for their charming Christmas markets, but you don’t need to take a trip to Berlin to fall in love with the fairy-tale log cabins of a traditional winter market. German Gymnasium are bringing the experience of a German Christmas Market to their cosy, (and more importantly heated), terrace. Taking menu inspiration from winter German street food including temptations such as Elsässer Flammkuchen, a traditional dish of bread dough, crème fraîche, bacon and chives or an enormous currywurst sausage, the food at German Gymnasium is sure to warm you up as it fills you up! Get even more toasty as you snuggle up in a big fur blanket whilst sipping on a glass of Glüwein, German spiced wine. That sure sounds like a Gute Nacht!

King’s Blvd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BU

3. Scandinavian Winter pop-up at Queen of Hoxton

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This much-loved Shoreditch bar has transformed it’s rooftop into a wonderful winter wigwam for it’s Viking themed pop-up – Skye Halla. With Scandinavian influences and Viking inspired cuisine, have yourself a merry winter’s getaway in this East London hot-spot. Warm yourself up by one of the fire pits or with a hot boozy cocktail… or five.

1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX

4. Canadian Ski Resort at Vauxhall Village

It seems that everyone wants the smugness of a ski holiday without having to actually go skiing. At least it seems that way in London this year with Vauxhall’s Winter Village Canadian ski resort! With delights from their resident food vendors such as Sweet Nothings, Souper Soups, City Burgers and Country Kitchen you’ll be spoilt for delicious choice. Grab your ski pass, grab a bottle of Moet and grab a seat in a plush and adorable log cabin – OH DARHling!

6A South Lambeth Place, London, United Kingdom

5. Tropical Art and Bunker Grotto bar at Hang up Pictures

Not all winter getaways have to be cold. In fact, isn’t the whole idea of a winter getaway to getaway from winter?! Go tropical instead by indulging your cultural side in a bit of art at Hang Up Pictures pop-up grotto bar, open for the three week run up to Christmas. Let the funky neon lighting warm you up whilst the £5 prosecco and £3 beer gets you in the festive spirit! Forget about the blistering cold outside and focus on the tropical vibes inside instead my friend!

Open: 3pm – 7pm on Saturday and Sunday

81 Stoke Newington Rd, Stoke Newington, London N16 8AD

6. Back to Scandinavia at Olso Hackney

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Get balls deep at Olso Hackney’s Meatball and Cider festival in celebration of Scandinavia’s most popular exports since Abba! This ultra cool restaurant, bar and music venue will be showcasing some of the most delicious cider brands alongside a tasty meatball menu with profits donated to Orchid, a male cancer charity. Knowing me and knowing you we’re all going to love with delightful Scandi-festival!

1A Amhurst Rd, London E8 1LL

7. Carnival vibes at Portobello Green

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This free weekend festival brings the vibes of Notting Hill Carnival to the iconic Portobello Road area from Friday 2nd-Sunday 4th of December. African drumming workshops, a Christmas rum shack and the world-famous vintage clothes market will set the scene alongside a Santa’s Grotto and traditional Christmas stalls. Spice up your festive season with a spiced rum and rendition of Silent Night on the steel drums!

Ladbroke Grove (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines)

Feature Image: [montaguehotel]

Tags: wintergetaways