14 Absolute Best Days Out in January in England
Looking for a fun day out in January to see you through the lull after Christmas? You need our list of the best days out in January in England, to give you the inspiration to get outside…
The cold weather and shorter days of winter can make it easy to fall into a rut of staying inside, gathered round Netflix and Prime. However, there are plenty of reasons to get outside and see the world, or at least, a bit of it.
Days out in January are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of discounted prices and emptier tourist attractions. Here are some fun January activities you can do to help beat the winter blues. From visiting a local amusement park to going on a scenic hike, to watching parades and visiting museums – you’ll see there’s plenty of great things to do in January to choose from.
So read on and start planning your January days out!
The Best Days Out in January
All the greatest things to do in January in England.
1. New Years Day Parade, London
London comes alive on New Year’s Day with a parade that winds its way through the streets, starting at Piccadilly and finishing at Parliament Square. The parade features floats, bands, and dancers from all over the world and is the perfect way to start the year off with a bang.
The New Years Day Parade is one of the best days out in January and is a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best performers and get a taste of different cultures. Plus, the parade is a lot of fun for all ages. If you’re looking for something to do on New Year’s Day, the New Year’s Day Parade in London is a great option.
Remember, January 1st is a public holiday in the UK, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly with the trains and roads.
2. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Liverpool
This is a great choice for families (or anyone!) looking to get out of the house and have some fun. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live puts on spectacular shows featuring monster trucks racing around courses and performing stunts. The show is action-packed and thrilling, with plenty of surprises along the way.
Plus, you can meet your favourite drivers and get exclusive merchandise, making it the perfect way to beat the winter blues. Your children will love it, and you can enjoy some time in the almighty Liverpool afterwards too.
READ MORE: The Best Places to Visit in 2023
3. Hogwarts in the Snow
January is the perfect time to visit Hogwarts!
The castle is covered in snow, making it the perfect place to take festive photos. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Every year in January, the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter transforms into Hogwarts in the Snow.
You’ll be able to experience the wizarding world like never before and see some of your favourite things from the movies up close. And don’t forget to explore Hogsmeade village, where you can find all your favourite Wizarding World shops and restaurants. From the Great Hall decorated in the snow to Christmas trees in Diagon Alley, it’s a magical experience for both kids and adults. Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, Hogwarts in the Snow is a magical experience that everyone will enjoy. It’s one of the best Harry Potter days out in the country!
4. Explore Nature I Spy at Sir Harold Hiller Gardens
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, the Sir Harold Hiller Gardens are the perfect place to explore nature. The gardens are a great way to get outside and explore some of Hampshire’s most beautiful plants and landscapes.
In January, visitors can participate in an I Spy activity that is fun for adults and children. You’ll be given a list of different plants and items to look for around the gardens, which makes it perfect for those who want a more relaxed activity. This is a great way to explore nature while staying warm during winter.
The gardens are one of the best days out in Hampshire to enjoy.
5. Burns Night in England
If you’re looking for a unique experience, why not celebrate Burns Night in England?
This Scottish festival celebrates the life and works of Robert Burns with traditional music, food, and poetry. There are many great places to celebrate Burns Night in England. Celebrating is one of the best things to do in January in England.
The best places to celebrate Burns Night in England are in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
- In London, there are a number of pubs and restaurants that will be serving traditional Scottish food and drink, as well as hosting live music and entertainment.
- Manchester is home to the world’s largest Burns Night celebration, which takes place annually at the city’s Albert Square. There will be a range of activities on offer, including Highland dancing and Ceilidh bands.
- Birmingham will be hosting several events to mark the occasion, including a haggis-making workshop and a Scottish-themed quiz night.
So if you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate Burns Night this year, check out one of these three cities.
6. Chinese New Year in England
Chinese New Year is a great time to get out and experience some of England’s vibrant culture. Birmingham is one of England’s best places to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The city comes alive with a series of events and celebrations, including a parade, dragon boat racing, and a range of cultural performances. For those who want to experience something truly authentic, there is also the opportunity to visit one of Birmingham’s many Chinatowns – they make for a great day out in England in January.
Another great option for celebrating Chinese New Year in London. The capital city offers a wealth of activities and attractions, from traditional lion dances to spectacular fireworks displays. Visitors can also enjoy a range of delicious food, from dumplings to noodles. With so much on offer, it’s no wonder that London is one of the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year in England.
7. AutoSport International Birmingham
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience motorsport in England, then AutoSport International Birmingham is the perfect event. It’s the world’s largest indoor motorsport show and takes place in January. You’ll be able to browse through hundreds of cars from top manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ford, and more.
Whether you’re a fan of classic cars or the latest models, there is something for everyone at AutoSport International Birmingham. There are also plenty of shows and activities to keep you entertained, such as stunt demonstrations, autocross racing, and even a celebrity guest appearance from none other than Lewis Hamilton. So if you’re looking for an exciting day out in January, be sure to check out AutoSport International Birmingham.
8. Winter walks
As the winter season approaches, there’s no better way to appreciate the beauty of England than by going on a winter walk. There are plenty of great places to explore in England, from National Parks to coastal walks. In January, you’ll be able to experience some incredible scenery while staying warm and safe.
One of the best places for a winter walk is the Yorkshire Dales. Here you’ll find plenty of picturesque villages and rolling hills, as well as stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You could also take a stroll along one of the many beaches in Cornwall or explore some of the ancient forests in Wiltshire, or the coastal walks of Hampshire.
No matter where you choose, a winter walk is a great way to experience England during the colder months and for a cheap day out in January in England.
9. Escape rooms
Escape rooms are a great way to spend an afternoon in January. Challenge yourself and your friends to work together and solve puzzles in order to escape from a themed room.
London is a great city for escape rooms, with plenty of options available ranging from classic heist-themed adventures to zombie apocalypses. You can also find some unique experiences, such as virtual reality escape rooms and augmented reality games. Manchester offers some great options if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key. Whatever city you’re in, Escape Rooms are a great way to have an exciting adventure with your friends on a day out in January.
Here are some of the best escape rooms in England to get you started!
10. Longleat Festival of Lights
The Longleat Festival of Lights is a must-see if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience this January. The festival features stunning illuminated displays and spectacular fireworks, all set within the grounds of one of England’s most beautiful country houses.
This year, visitors will be able to explore eight different themed zones and enjoy live music and performances. So if you’re looking for a unique and magical way to celebrate this winter season, head down to the Longleat Festival of Lights before it finishes!
11. Afternoon Teas
If you’re looking for a more leisurely activity this January, why not treat yourself to afternoon tea?
There are plenty of great places to choose from in England, ranging from traditional tearooms to contemporary cafes. You could go all out and visit the Ritz or Claridge’s for an opulent experience. Or, if you’d prefer something more casual, there are plenty of affordable places to get a classic afternoon tea. Depending on your preference, afternoon teas are the perfect way to spend a few hours in January.
Take a look at these great London afternoon teas for some inspiration.
12. Bath for a Thermal Spa
January is the perfect time to enjoy a day in Bath. If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to spend your January, then why not head down to Bath and visit one of the city’s many thermal spas?
Bath has been home to some of England’s oldest thermal baths since Roman times, thanks to its natural hot springs. Today, visitors can still experience the same therapeutic benefits baths offer, such as stress relief and improved well-being. So if you’re looking for a more soothing way to spend your day out in January, choose Bath. It’s one of the most impressive landmarks in England.
13. Go indoor skiing
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled activity this January, why not head to one of England’s many indoor ski slopes? Indoor skiing is a great way to get your winter thrills in the warmer months. You can take on a variety of runs and terrain parks.
14. Visit a museum
One great activity on a cold day in January is visiting a museum. This is the perfect time to explore some of the museums you may have been meaning to visit but haven’t had the chance. Many museums offer discounted or free admission during the winter, which is a great way to save money. Plus, you can avoid the crowds that often flock to museums during the summer months.
The British Museum in London is one of the most popular museums in England, with more than 13 million visitors yearly. This famous museum houses some of the world’s oldest artefacts and treasures from cultures worldwide (controversially), making it a great place to learn about history and culture. If you’re looking for something a little different, there are also many smaller regional museums that can be just as enjoyable. So take advantage of the cooler temperatures and plan a January day out at your local museum.
Best days out in January
As the temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, it’s easy to want to stay indoors. However, there are plenty of exciting ways to beat cabin fever and make the most out of your winter. Hope you enjoy some of these great ideas for days out in January.
With a new year comes plenty of opportunities for fresh starts and fun experiences. If you’re looking for ideas on how to make the most of your January, look no further— we’ve got you covered with a list of the best days out this month. From local events to international festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What are you waiting for?
Get planning and make this month one to remember!
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