We will be on a family holiday in the UK during the Christmas Season. The trip will include ages 17 and up. Does anyone have suggestions for things to do on Christmas Day and Boxing day? I imagine that many things will be closed. Is it better to be in London, Cambridge or Bath on Christmas Day and Boxing Day? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Singapore
1351 posts
I've been in London a few times on Christmas Day. You need to be aware that most things (including tourist sites, shops and most eating places) will close early on Christmas Eve, and won't reopen until Boxing Day. There will be no public transport operating. The big shops reopen on Boxkng Day.
What do we do? Normally we go to church in the morning (usually Westminster Abbey), then take a long walk through somewhere like St James' Park. Christmas Day is a very nice time to walk in London (weather permitting) without crowds and traffic. It's a great time to relax and explore outdoors on foot.- there's not a lot else to do.
We would normally buy some sandwiches from Pret early on Christmas Eve as a backup, although Middle Eastern and Asian restaurants often do stay open. But most restaurants will be closed. Some pubs in tourist areas may open, but they tend to be very busy and will charge a surcharge
I would imagine Cambridge and Bath will be similar. Just be aware also that rail networks use the Christmas shutdown to do engineering works, so this MAY affect your ability to travel by train around this time - you can check the National Rail website site to see if this affects you.
Posted by
8 posts
I would choose London as your main base for a Christmas trip. The holiday atmosphere there is hard to beat, and with everyone being 17+, there will be plenty to enjoy — Christmas lights, markets, museums, West End shows, and great food.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
3105 posts
markets, museums, West End shows and great food.
Exercise caution with the above comment... Yes theatres will have reopened on Boxing day. Museums will still be shut as will major markets like Borough Market are still closed on Boxing Day. Many of the large shops will be open for post Christmas sales...
Hotels and some restaurants may be open on Christmas Day for lunch (very expensive) but you will need to book these well in advance... As already mentioned Middle Eastern and Asian restaurants often do stay open. You may also find that small 'corner shops' are open for limited hours on Christmas Day. Most people are tucked up inside celebrating with friends and families, although you will find if it is a nice day, many will be out for a walk.
Decide which of the three places you would rather explore on foot. I'd also throw places like Oxford, York or Durham into the mix...
Posted by
Warrington, England
253 posts
Definitely London. If you like Chinese food, and are staying in the west end, I would look for a Chinatown restaurant that will be open on Christmas Day and book a meal there. Make that the focal point of the day.
Posted by
Norway
17 posts
We have spent Christmas in London several times. Once on Christmas Day, we took a bus tour. Another time a walking tour. And the third time the weather was good, so we just took a walk not far from where we were staying in the King's Cross/Regent's Canal area.
We've always found Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants for dinner.
The Southbank Christmas Market is open on Boxing Day.
This is a good guide for Christmas Day and Boxing Day: https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/christmas/things-to-do-in-london-on-christmas-day