My friend came down to visit for a few days, and one of the things she wanted to do was go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It’s somewhere I’ve always avoided in the past, because of how touristy it always is and how busy it is supposed to get, but I thought we would be okay on a weekday in November.
We booked our entry tickets online, which were free for our chosen off-peak time, and had the option to book other events too, although we didn’t bother. In the event, we were able to book everything we wanted on the day. If you go at a busier time, though, I would definitely recommend booking activities in advance – as the day moved into evening the park started filling up, and the queue for the big wheel in particular was huge.
Some of the things we did in the park included:
- Christmas markets: we had a look round the many market stalls, although we didn’t buy anything. There is plenty of variety on offer, though nothing you wouldn’t see at the markets on the South Bank, for instance.
- Food & drink: throughout the day we kept our energy up with pretzel pizzas, mac n’ cheese, loaded fries and churros, as well as mulled wine, mulled cider and hot chocolate.
- Haunted House: we went on this fairground ride for a laugh but it wasn’t that scary – probably just as well!
- The Giant Wheel: this was great as we got lovely views over London and got to listen to festive songs on the way around, too.
- Ice slide: this was so much fun! You sit in a giant tube and are pushed down a giant ice slide.
- Ice bar: we enjoyed cocktails drunk out of ice glasses in a bar made of ice with ice sculptures, while wearing
iceparkas. - Carousel bar: while it was quiet we enjoyed a drink on a moving carousel bar.
- Teepee: we also had a drink in the teepee, though it was so warm we couldn’t really appreciate the open fires in there.
- Cirque Beserk: we booked this show in the Big Top on the spur of the moment and it was so good! Highlights included motorbikes zooming around a velodrome, amazing feats of skipping, aerial acts and hand balancing (which is more impressive than it sounds). This show is suitable for all the family but is not aimed at children (a children’s circus show is available earlier in the day).
Some of the things we didn’t bother with include:
- Fairground rides: other than the Haunted House, we didn’t bother with fairground rides, although I was eyeing up the carousel. Most of the attractions take the form of fun houses which I would have loved as a child, but which don’t impress me as an adult!
- Fairground stalls – we didn’t bother with these, having no desire to win a giant soft toy prize that we would have to lug around the park all day. Clearly we were in the minority though, judging by the sheer amount of giant coloured bananas we witnessed during the day.
- Ice skating: I have been ice skating once – never again.
- Live music: later in the day, live music can be heard at some of the bars and especially the Bavarian Village.
Winter Wonderland runs until 2 January. Entrance must be pre-booked and it is free at off-peak times. During peak times there is a charge but this can be overridden by booking activities within the park up to a certain amount.
I do think it’s worth going – the activities can add up, but you don’t have to spend loads of money if you don’t want to – you can just wander round the markets and take in the atmosphere if you prefer. I definitely recommend going at a quieter time, though!