Feeling the New Year Blues?
After all the magical Christmas lights and cheer, January can feel a little empty in comparison. But it doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of sights in London bursting with colour and are perfect for a free January outing.
1. Canary Wharf Light Festival
Running from the 17th-27th January, the Winter Lights Festival has a stunning display of colourful light installations in London’s business district. For eight years now, the festival has been home to 6 permanent light installations.
But this year, 12 temporary installations from light artists around the world will be also featured. Follow the trail to see how artists have combined nature and technology in their pieces and immerse yourself in the light and colour.
2. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Kyoto Garden is a small slice of Japan hidden away in Holland Park. Opened in 1991, the Garden was a gift from the city of Kyoto to celebrate the friendship between Japan and Great Britain.
Among the greenery the Gardens offer, enjoy a flash of red from Japanese maple trees and the serenity of the water feature. If you’re lucky, you may bump into the resident peacocks of Holland Park too!
3. Spirit of Soho Mural
Do you have some downtime before catching a show in Soho?
The Spirit of Soho mural is a quick pop of colour to get you in the mood for food, drinks, and other fun in the area. The mural itself is a five-minute walk from Oxford Circus station and depicts St. Anne in a skirt made up of the trendy streets and views of Soho.
4. Notting Hill Houses
Why not visit the area that inspired the classic Christmas movie?
Lancaster Road is based in the heart of London and is lined with houses painted in every colour of the rainbow. Take a stroll down the road to enjoy the pretty pastels which are perfect to light up your Instagram feed.
But if you’re in search for something a bit more vibrant, head east to Portobello Road to see even more colourful houses. If you plan your trip for a Friday or Saturday, you can also enjoy the street market which takes place here.
5. Horniman Museum
Based in South-East London, the Horniman Museum is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful colours of nature. Home to over 250,000 specimens, the museum is filled with various mammals, birds, and reptiles to explore, including the famous over-stuffed walrus that sits in the heart of the museum.
For under £20, you can also book entry to the museum’s butterfly house and aquarium to see these animals up close and personal.
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