London in December and day trips

I’d book a visit to Kew Gardens as soon as tickets for the Christmas Lights go on sale.

Remember no public transport on Christmas Day so book your stay where you can either cook your own meal or make reservations at a hotel where meals are being served or research somewhere near where you are staying that will be serving Christmas lunch/dinner… where you can walk to or Uber. Expect to pay premium price for the ride.

Instead of calling it Westminster refer to it as Parliament Square ( Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey) and after taking a tour or 2,
( check Patliament and Abbey Websites for ticket availability ) walk along Birdcage Walk past St James Park to Buckingham Palace. I’d then walk through Green Park to Piccadilly and let her explore/shop in Fortum and Mason. Then return to hotel to drop off bags. Find a coffee spot near your accommodation, sit and relax. Then back out to explore. Make sure you two are on the same page about what’s important to her to see.

London is very, VERY crowded especially at Christmas. Be prepared. Honestly I walked into Harrod’s, got a pricey tuna and cucumber sandwich and walked back outside. Felt like a pinball inside the store. Great sandwiches though!

London is great at Christmas. Simply adjust your adaptation mindset to the “not to panic or be depressed” mode due to the hordes.

Yes, you need to book Stonehenge tours.

Only after conferring with your daughter regarding what she’d like to see and do should you start making accommodation reservations.

Some good references for things to do:

www.timeout.london
https://www.aladyinlondon.com/
https://londonist.com/
https://london.eater.com/

Was in London in early December last year. Loved seeing the Battersea Power Station conversion. Also climbed the trail up to the Greenwich observatory. Stellar 360 view of London from there. Lovely meander back down. Had gotten a picnic lunch at Pret A Manger so sat on the lawn and ate it. People watching the entire time.

Search to see if any Santa Runs are scheduled when you are there. Fun to watch. Also check church calendars. There are always chorales and choruses.

Tis the season.

EDIT: as for other parts of England. Whitsable or Rye are doable train rides for a day.

You can also easily tube to Richmond or Highgate and explore Richmond Park or the Hampstead Heath.

If looking for an interesting and vibrant neighborhoods try Camden and Shoreditch.

Years ago I did a tour with Evan Evan’s to Stonehenge and Bath in the depth of winter. It was a very long day and extremely cold at Stonehenge, but we enjoyed it. It does get dark early in December, but that will only really affect the journey back. Definitely worth doing if your daughter is also interested, but there are also tours to many other places.

Westminster isn’t a day trip from London it is in the centre of London. The City of Westminster covers a large area. You may be referring to the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey or Westminster Cathedral?

I meant Windsor! not Westminster. LOL Thank you all for the posts!!!

The Bath Christmas market should be on that time of year. I enjoyed it when I attended a few years back. I would include that in your Bath plans. I was in Bath this past week, and it was as lively as ever with the Spring Fayre, but there is always something special about the holidays. Also, we took the free mayor's city guides walking tour, and if you'd like to learn more about the history, I thought it was worthwhile. https://www.bathguides.org.uk/

Looks like the 2025 market dates have been announced. https://newsroom.bathnes.gov.uk/news/bath-christmas-market-2025-dates-announced

My thoughts: I would do my own thing for Windsor and Bath as they're easily accessible by train. I haven't been to Stonehenge in years/decades, so I can't speak to its current set-up, but of those you mention, that would probably be the one I would visit on a tour.

Happy trip planning!

Windsor or Westminster answer remains the same… book a tour

Just heading back from Rye now and loved it - very picturesque and lots of nice shops. Short train trip from London.

Windsor and Bath are easy DIY trips by train.

I note you're actually visiting before Christmas, which is a nice time. Lots of decorations and atmosphere, but everything open and running.

Besides the good advice you've already gotten, take a look at London Walks.

They offer tours both in London and as Day Trips to most of the places you've mentioned. Although not every day.

I've taken numerous walks in London and a few day trips with them and none have been bad.

Bath is very busy during the Christmas Market. If you take a day trip don’t do it at a weekend. The trains are often absolutely packed. It’s worth going as the market is good and it’s a definitely a very festive atmosphere.