Your weekend in London: Fri 30 Jan to Sun 01 Feb 2026
- 6 min read
Your London Weekend Guide: 30 January - 1 February 2026
By Emma Brown, Local London Expert
Hello, lovely Londoners and visitors alike! As January draws to a close, we’re treated to a weekend that perfectly captures that transitional energy - the last hurrah of “new year, new me” vibes colliding with the creeping realisation that February is just around the corner. Whether you’re still clinging to Dry January or ready to celebrate its demise, this weekend has something for everyone.
What’s the Weather Looking Like?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room first: it’s late January in London, so don’t expect sunshine and daffodils just yet. Temperatures will hover around 5-8°C during the day, dropping to near freezing overnight. You can expect a mix of overcast skies with occasional drizzle, particularly on Saturday afternoon.
My advice? Layer up with a warm coat, pack a compact umbrella (the wind tends to pick up near the Thames), and waterproof footwear is absolutely essential if you’re planning any outdoor activities. The good news is that London looks absolutely magical in this moody winter light, all atmospheric fog and twinkling lights reflecting off wet pavements.
Top Events This Weekend
1. Baby Seals Day Trip: Hike the Dunes in Norfolk
Saturday 31 January | Meeting at Stratford Bus Station More details here
This is hands-down my top pick for the weekend, and it’s labelled as the “most popular event” for good reason! There’s something utterly magical about seeing seal pups on the Norfolk coast, and this organised day trip takes all the stress out of planning. You’ll hike through beautiful coastal dunes before reaching the seal colony - an experience that feels wonderfully wild despite being just a few hours from central London.
Insider tip: Bring binoculars if you have them, dress in muted colours (bright reds and yellows can disturb the wildlife), and pack plenty of snacks. The coach journey is part of the adventure, so download some podcasts or bring a book. Also, the cafes near the seal viewing areas can get overwhelmed, so a thermos of hot tea and some sandwiches will be your best friends.
2. Wraysbury to Windsor Walk: Lakes & Thames Path
Saturday 31 January | Waterloo Station (under the clock), time TBC More details here
If Norfolk feels too ambitious but you’re still craving fresh air, this stunning walk along the Thames Path is absolutely perfect. Starting from Wraysbury, you’ll meander past beautiful lakes before finishing in Windsor - where you can reward yourself with a proper pub lunch or cream tea.
Price: Typically just your train fare (around £12-15 return from Waterloo)
Local tip: Windsor is gorgeous for an afternoon wander after the walk. Pop into the lovely independent shops on the cobbled streets near the castle, and if you’re peckish, The Duchess of Cambridge pub does an excellent Sunday roast (yes, I know it’s Saturday, but they often serve it weekends).
3. Free Sketch & Social at the V&A
Sunday 1 February | Victoria and Albert Museum More details here
One of my absolute favourite free activities in London! The V&A is a treasure trove of inspiration, and this meetup brings together sketchers of all abilities to draw among the museum’s incredible collections. You don’t need to be Michelangelo - it’s about enjoying the meditative process of putting pencil to paper in beautiful surroundings.
Price: Completely free (though donations to the V&A are always appreciated)
Insider knowledge: The Cast Courts are particularly wonderful for sketching, with their dramatic sculptures and gorgeous natural light. The museum cafe in the original refreshment rooms is worth visiting in its own right - it was the world’s first museum cafe and the interiors are stunning.
4. Aroma Yoga + Social
Sunday 1 February | Blackwell House, Kings Square Community Centre More details here
Start your Sunday with intention at this lovely yoga session enhanced with aromatherapy. It’s the perfect antidote to a busy week, and the social element afterwards means you might just make some new friends. Kings Square is in the Clerkenwell area, which is wonderful for a post-yoga brunch wander.
Local tip: After your session, walk five minutes to Exmouth Market for some of London’s best independent cafes. Caravan does exceptional coffee and brunch, or grab a legendary sandwich from the Gazzano’s Italian deli.
5. Friday Drinks for Young Professionals
Friday 30 January | Liverpool Street Station More details here
Kick off your weekend with a sociable Friday evening! Liverpool Street has some fantastic bars nearby, and this is a wonderful way to meet new people in a relaxed setting. The area around Liverpool Street has transformed in recent years, with everything from rooftop bars to cosy wine cellars.
Insider tip: If the main venue gets too crowded, Duck & Waffle (on the 40th floor of Heron Tower) is just a stone’s throw away and offers incredible night views of the city. Yes, it’s pricier, but the panorama is worth it for a special treat.
6. Electric Nights at Popworld
Friday 30 January | PopWorld More details here
Fancy something more energetic? Popworld is pure nostalgic fun - think cheesy pop anthems, neon lights, and absolutely zero pretension. It’s the kind of night where you’ll find yourself screaming along to S Club 7 with complete strangers who become instant best friends.
What to expect: Good vibes, throwback tunes, and a crowd that’s there purely to have fun.
7. Dry January Farewell Party
Saturday 31 January | Camden Town Tube Station, then onto the venue More details here
“Dry Jan? Never heard of her” - the name says it all! With drinks from just £2.50 and vinyl DJ sets, this is a proper Camden celebration to see off January in style. Whether you’ve been abstaining all month or simply appreciate a bargain, this is a fun, unpretentious night out.
Price: Drinks from £2.50 (yes, really!)
Local tip: Camden is brilliant for pre-drinks food. Hit up the stalls at Camden Market before they close, or grab tacos from Club Mexicana for some of the best vegan junk food in London.
Sold Out But Worth Mentioning
The Bowling Night at Hollywood Bowl on Friday is unfortunately sold out, but keep an eye on this organiser’s page for future events - they run brilliant socials that book up quickly!
Practical Tips for the Weekend
Getting around: The Elizabeth Line has made weekend travel so much easier. For the Norfolk trip and Windsor walk, make sure to check National Rail for any engineering works (there often are in January).
Saving money: Many museums are free, including the V&A. If you’re doing multiple train journeys, a Network Railcard pays for itself quickly.
Staying warm: London’s historic pubs are perfect for thawing out. Look for ones with working fireplaces - The Lamb in Bloomsbury and The Holly Bush in Hampstead are personal favourites.
Final Thoughts
This weekend offers a beautiful mix of outdoor adventures, cultural enrichment, and social fun. My personal recommendation? Do the seal trip if you can - it’s genuinely one of those bucket-list experiences that reminds you why living near London is so special. Then recover with Sunday sketching at the V&A and a restorative coffee on Exmouth Market.
Whatever you choose, wrap up warm, embrace the winter atmosphere, and make the most of this last weekend of January!
See you out there, London!
Emma x