Hyde Park has long been one of the highlights of trips to London during UK & Scotland tours, and the famed destination is especially appealing once the weather turns cold. From late November through early January, Hyde Park is home to the Winter Wonderland festival, which boasts rides, food and events or the entire family.
The festival, which kicks off this year on November 23, certainly lives up to its name. There is a wide variety of attractions strewn throughout the park during the Winter Wonderland that make it more than worth it to venture out in the cold.
For instance, this year's festivities include a new place to visit - The Magical Ice Kingdom, which offers an experience like few others. Not only does this unique creation feature many awe-inspiring ice sculptures, it also allows guests to walk through the stalagmite forest and ice castle, which has everything from bears to wolves to stags, and even a slide, made entirely of ice.
There are also many more traditional festival elements that feature a bit of a winter twist. Along with a large observation Ferris wheel - something not uncommon to London - there are many classic carnival rides. Additionally, one of the Winter Wonderland's most popular attractions is its ice rink, which is illuminated with more than 100,000 pea lights.
Since it began in 2006, the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park has become a staple of the holiday season in London. Whether you're looking to take in the sights of the capital from atop its popular Ferris wheel, do a few laps around the rink or visit the Christmas markets to pick up a few gifts, the festival is certainly worth braving the cold for.
