Heading to London, for a four day trip is always exciting! There are so many things to see and do in London and in the surrounding areas.
After a little internet surfing, I soon discovered that the ultimate Christmas destination, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, had just opened.
Last year, I headed over to Hyde Park after a long day of touring Warwick Castle, Stratford Upon Avon, the Cotswolds and Oxford. Needless to say, I was exhausted, but the urge to experience this huge Christmas attraction, kept me going. However, after less than an hour of checking out the Christmas market, my sore feet decided to call it quits and I headed over to my favorite Indian restaurant for some much needed nourishment…and then to bed for some much needed sleep!
This year, I planned my first day around the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. After doing some shopping on Kensington High Street, I continued my walk down to Hyde Park. What I first noticed was that although it was crowded for a Monday night, there was nowhere near the amount of people that I experienced last year on a Friday night. It was nice to be able to browse each booth for Christmas presents without the onslaught of people.
There was a wide assortment of gifts for purchase as well as many food venues. Deciding to have dinner here, I grabbed a beer, a bratwurst and chips and secured a seat in one of the heated seating areas in the Bavarian Village, listening to the live music being performed nearby.
Many attractions were available including the Magical Ice Kingdom, Bar Ice, Ski Zillertal Ice Rink, Santa Land and Circus Shows and could be booked by reservation. Although I walked throughout the entire venue and was tempted, I never did try out any of the rides, such as the Giant Wheel, deciding that it would have been much more fun to return and enjoy with some of my crew members.
But, after smelling the delicious aroma wafting from the Schmalzkuchen House, I finally decided to try some mini donuts, smothered in powder sugar for dessert!
After leaving Hyde Park and feeling extremely festive, I decided to take a detour so that I could walk near Harrods, which was lighted and decorated for the Christmas season. All in all, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland was worth the visit. I boarded the metro, en route to my hotel, with some Christmas shopping completed and a joyous holiday spirit!
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- Open 10am to 10pm daily, until January 3. Closed Christmas Day.
- Free Admission
- Rides and attraction prices vary
- Transportation to Hyde Park via Underground Stations Green Park (Victoria, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines)
Victoria (Victoria line and National Rail)
Paddington (Bakerloo, Metropolitan, Circle & District lines and National Rail)
Check out more pictures on my Facebook page, Snapping the Globe.