Your weekend in London: Fri 30 Jan to Sun 01 Feb 2026

January 27, 2026
5 min read

Emma’s London Weekend Guide: 30 January - 1 February 2026

Hello, lovely people! Emma here with your insider guide to making the most of this last weekend of January. Whether you’re wrapping up Dry January with a bang or looking for cosy cultural escapes, London’s got something brilliant lined up for you.

What’s the Weather Looking Like?

Let’s be honest: it’s late January in London, so we’re firmly in coat-and-layers territory. Expect temperatures hovering between 4-8°C, with the possibility of grey skies and perhaps a bit of drizzle. The good news? This time of year often brings those crisp, clear winter days that make the city look absolutely magical.

My advice: Dress in layers, keep a compact umbrella in your bag, and wear waterproof footwear if you’re planning any outdoor adventures. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than soggy socks ruining an otherwise lovely day out!

Top Picks for the Weekend

Friday 30 January

1. V&A Friday Lates - Free to Attend

Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington Time: Evening (typically 6:30pm onwards) Price: FREE More info: Meetup Event

This is genuinely one of my favourite Friday night activities in London. The V&A throws open its doors for their famous Late event, and the atmosphere is completely different from daytime visits. Expect live performances, DJ sets, pop-up bars, and the chance to explore those stunning galleries with far fewer crowds.

Emma’s insider tip: Head straight to the Raphael Cartoons room when you arrive. It’s usually quieter during Lates, and there’s something magical about having those Renaissance masterpieces almost to yourself. After exploring, the museum’s café courtyard is perfect for a glass of wine.

Location: Victoria and Albert Museum Time: Evening Price: FREE More info: Meetup Event

Here’s a brilliant idea: combine the V&A Late with this sketch meetup! You don’t need to be Picasso. This welcoming group is all about having fun while drawing, meeting creative people, and finding inspiration in the museum’s incredible collections. Bring a sketchbook and pencil, and let the art around you spark your creativity.

3. Friday Drinks for Young Professionals

Location: Liverpool Street Station Time: Evening Price: Pay for your own drinks More info: Meetup Event

If you’re new to London or simply looking to expand your social circle, this is a wonderfully low-pressure way to meet people. Liverpool Street has some cracking pubs nearby, and the post-work Friday buzz in that area is infectious.

Local knowledge: The area around Liverpool Street has transformed in recent years. After drinks, wander over to Spitalfields for dinner. The market might be winding down, but the surrounding restaurants are excellent.

Saturday 31 January

4. Wraysbury to Windsor Walk - Lakes & Thames Path

Location: Meet at Waterloo Train Station (under the clock on the concourse) Time: Check Meetup for exact meeting time Price: Train fare (roughly £12-15 return) More info: Meetup Event

This is the kind of activity that makes winter in England genuinely lovely. A scenic walk through lakeside paths and along the Thames, finishing in gorgeous Windsor. The winter light at this time of year is beautiful for photography, and the exercise will warm you up nicely.

Emma’s insider tip: Bring a thermos of hot tea or coffee. There’s something incredibly satisfying about stopping mid-walk for a warming drink. Once you reach Windsor, treat yourself to a pub lunch. The Two Brewers on Park Street does excellent Sunday roasts, but their Saturday menu is equally good.

5. Baby Seals Day Trip to Norfolk

Location: Meet at Stratford Bus Station Time: Full day trip Price: Check Meetup for contribution details More info: Meetup Event

Okay, this one requires a proper commitment, but hear me out: baby seals. In winter, the Norfolk coast becomes home to thousands of grey seal pups, and it’s one of Britain’s most incredible wildlife spectacles. The dune hikes are stunning, the fresh coastal air is invigorating, and did I mention BABY SEALS?

Practical notes: This is a long day out, so wear your most comfortable walking boots, bring plenty of snacks, and layer up warmly. Coastal winds are no joke in January!

6. Dry Jan? Never Heard of Her - Camden Night Out

Location: Meet at Camden Town Tube Station Time: Evening Price: £2.50 drinks! More info: Meetup Event

For those celebrating the END of Dry January (or those who never bothered with it in the first place), this Camden night out promises bargain drinks and vinyl DJ sets. Camden’s always got brilliant energy, and at those prices, your wallet will thank you.

Local tip: Line your stomach first! Grab dinner at KERB Camden Market before it closes, or head to Honest Burgers on Jamestown Road. You’ll need the fuel.

Sunday 1 February

Location: Blackwell House, Kings Square Community Centre Time: Check Meetup for session times Price: Check Meetup for details More info: Meetup Event

What better way to ease into February than with a restorative yoga session? This aroma yoga class incorporates essential oils for an extra relaxing experience, and there’s a social element afterwards. Perfect for a gentle Sunday morning before the week begins again.

Practical Tips for the Weekend

Getting around: An Oyster card or contactless payment is essential. Weekend tube service is generally reliable, but always check TfL for any planned engineering works, especially if you’re heading to Waterloo for the Windsor walk.

Eating well: Many restaurants offer excellent-value set lunch menus at weekends. If you’re near the V&A, the museum’s own café is pricier but gorgeous. For budget-friendly options, South Kensington has several good chains along Cromwell Road.

Staying warm: London’s museums and galleries are your best friends in winter. Beyond the V&A, consider popping into the Natural History Museum or Science Museum, both free and just steps away.

Money-saving: Several of this weekend’s events are free or very low-cost. Take advantage! London doesn’t have to break the bank.

Emma’s Final Thought

January can feel like the longest month, but this final weekend is your chance to shake off those winter blues. Whether you’re sketching masterpieces, spotting seal pups, or dancing to vinyl in Camden, get out there and make it memorable.

See you out there, London!

Emma x