Things to Do in London in January
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The Tower of London in winter
embankment tower of london england image by david hughes from Fotolia.com
London is brimming with activity throughout the year. January can be rainy, or possibly even snowy, but most of the city's finest attractions are indoors. While some country homes and castles outside the city close during the winter months, almost all of London's sites are fully operational in January.
London's January Sales
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After the Christmas buying frenzy in December comes its aftermath, the January sales. From large department stores to high street shops, boutiques, and outlets, retailers clear out their inventory with massive sales. All along the Oxford Street shopping district the stores offer reductions throughout the month. This is the time of year when bargains are most likely to be found. The king of all January sales is at Harrods, the legendary department store in the borough of Knightsbridge.
Harrods
87--135 Brompton Road
Knightsbridge
London SW1X 7XL
UK
011-44-20-7730-1234
harrods.com
Art Museums -- Masterpieces for Free
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Most of London's greatest museums are open almost every day in January and are free of charge. The National Gallery of Art in Trafalgar Square is a massive repository of masterpieces of world art. The Tate Britain and the Tate Modern hold collections of British art. The Victoria & Albert Museum emphasizes art and design. Admission is free except for certain special exhibits.
The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 5DN
UK
011-44-20-7747-2885
nationalgallery.org.ukTate Britain
Millbank
London SW1P 4RG
UK
011-44-020-7887-8888
tate.org.ukTate Modern
Bankside
London SE1 9TG
UK
011-44-020-7887-8888
tate.org.ukVictoria & Albert Museum
South Kensington, Cromwell Road
London SW7 2RL
UK
011-44-20-7942-2000
vam.ac.uk
World War II History
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The Imperial War Museum covers the history of war but has numerous exhibits dedicated to WWII. Visitors can descend into a replica of the trenches to experience what life inside might have been like. Admission is free. The Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms are inside the actual WWII underground bunker used by Winston Churchill and his cabinet. The museum is a division of the Imperial War Museum, but adult admission is £14.95 (prices are subject to change starting January 2011). The Britain at War Experience recreates the London Blitz, using special effects to simulate the sights and sounds of bombing. An elevator descends into an actual underground air raid shelter, and displays around the exhibit tell the tale what the home front had to endure. Adult admission is £12.95 (check the website for discount vouchers; prices effective spring 2010).
Imperial War Museum
Lambeth Road
London SE1 6HZ
UK
011-44-20-7416-5320
iwm.org.ukChurchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms
Clive Steps
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AQ
UK
011-44-20-7930-6961
iwm.org.ukBritain at War Experience
64-66 Tooley St.
London Bridge
London SE1 2TF
UK
011-44-20-7403-3171
britainatwar.co.uk
Theatre -- West End and Beyond
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The star-studded plays and lavish musical productions of London's West End (the equivalent of New York City's Broadway) are some of the city's top tourist attractions. The cold of winter is an ideal time to sit inside a theatre watching a performance of a new show or an old favorite. Outside of the West End itself are smaller theatres, pub theatres, and "fringe" theatre at more affordable prices. Top ticket prices on the West End may sometimes be high, but online discounts are often available. The TKTS ticket booth offers half price or discounted tickets to many productions every day for same day performances and also sells full price advance tickets. The main TKTS booth is in the center of Leicester Square, right in the heart of the theatre district. There is also a location at the Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
City Sightseeing & The Original Tour
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Tower Bridge
the tower bridge in london image by Gary from Fotolia.com
City Sightseeing and The Original Tour operate double decker bus tours. While the open upper deck might not be a first choice in January, the enclosed lower deck is warm and cozy. There are three bus routes, tickets are valid for 24 hours, and passengers can hop on and hop off at pre-designated stops. Audio commentary comes in seven languages, and the ticket includes an optional Thames River cruise and three walking tours. The buses run every day in January, including New Year's Day. Tours cost ₤25 for adults, ₤12 for children (prices effective through 2010).
City Sightseeing Worldwide
Purfleet Industrial Park
Juliette Close
Purfleet, Essex RM15 4YF
UK
011-44-1708-866000
city-sightseeing.com
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- Photo Credit embankment tower of london england image by david hughes from Fotolia.com the tower bridge in london image by Gary from Fotolia.com
