There’s nothing more festive than London at Christmas time. From glittering Christmas lights and ice skating to horse-drawn carriage rides and avant-garde Christmas decorations, London is a Christmas wonderland.
With news that the UK capital is the second most Instagrammed city in the world, it’s time to step off the beaten track of its tourist landmarks and snap away at the London backdrops that are not only Instagram gold but Santa Claus approved.
The Church Hill Arms
Covered with 80 Christmas trees and 18,000 Christmas lights, this Instagram-ready real ale boozer will have you celebrating all things Christmas. Over the festive period, the pub will have carol singing, mulled cider, mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy.
Enjoy one of the most amazing Christmas illuminations in town at London’s most famous watering hole.
119 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 7LN
Richmond Park
There is no better way to welcome in the festive season than making friends with the deers in Richmond Park. For a more snug experience, step into a four-person horse-drawn landau carriage and capture the stark wintry beauty of Richmond Park. Visitors can also pay a unique behind-the-scenes visit to the stables at Holly Lodge.
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Richmond, TW10 5HZ
Syon Park
The Christmas illuminations at Syon Park’s Enchanted Woodland will have you feeling magical. The 600-year-old gardens and their 400-odd specimens of tree are transformed by specially designed illuminations and lights, making this the perfect insta-Christmas spot. A nighttime stroll is sure to give you the festive feels while you light up your Instagram feed with the most enchanting pictures.
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Syon Park, Brentford TW8 8JF
Oxford Street
The notorious Oxford Street Christmas lights form a seasonal centerpiece for the city. This year, the street is decorated with sparkly, glowing snowball-like decorations and 750,000 LED lightbulbs. Snap a picture of the orbs against the sky and your instagram pic will look like a space-inspired art installation rather than just decorations.
Oxford Street, W1, London
Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is a spectacular Christmas destination with picturesque spots that will light up your Instagram. Snap the large outdoor Ice Rink, located around the scenic Victorian Band Stand, or gaze at the action from above the iconic Giant Observation Wheel illuminating the skyline. Winter Wonderland is chock-a-block with photo opportunities involving rows of market stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to mulled wine and bratwurst, alongside fairground rides, and other attractions guaranteed to get your followers into a festive mood.
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Somerset House
Somerset House gets its Insta-fame for its classic Christmas Ice Rink. Wow your Instagram followers with a picture of the illuminated ice beside the glorious Somerset House and the enormous sparkling Christmas tree. Perfectly capture the magic of a Christmas shopping trip and check out The Christmas Arcade — the perfect place to find all your Christmas gifts this festive season and a chance for snapping the Fortnum’s food, tea, gifts and decorations.
Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is one of the most stunning places in London anyway, but at Christmas, it’s even more remarkable after dark as the grounds are illuminated with thousands of lights. From the dancing rainbow of lasers over the lake to the iconic glowing Hive, to the aromatic fire garden, this display will have all your followers in awe.
Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE
