It is a truth universally acknowledged that January is the saddest month of the year (sorry, January babies), but don’t worry; there are plenty of mood-boosting activities in London ready to turn those frowns upside down and blitz your January blues. Forget the sorrows of Blue Monday (January 20), or the weary bank accounts that haven’t seen a new deposit for a solid five weeks: we’ve compiled a list of activities for a range budgets and interests that’ll have you smiling in no time.
1. Spend some time in the company of cute animals
Don’t underestimate the power of interacting with a friendly animal or two. It’s scientifically proven that stroking a furry friend or just generally being around animals can help decrease stress, boost your mood and be an effective source of comfort. Luckily, there are plenty of spots in London where you can enjoy the paw-sitively delightful benefits of wildlife watchingmeeting friendly farm animals or simply sipping a cuppa among some content cats. Find out more about animal experiences in London here.
2. Sing your heart out at BAM Karaoke Box
It’s hard to feel down in the dumps when you’re belting out a pop hit with friends. On Monday, January 20, you can book a luxurious room at BAM Karaoke Box for just £5 per person, where with each room sold, £5 will be donated to the suicide prevention charity CALM. So you’ll not only get to show off your vocal prowess with a no doubt incredibly moving rendition of Adele’s ‘Hello’, but you’ll be doing it all for a good cause. Book your room here.
Let your inner child loose this winter at an international immersive world that finally arrived in London last month. The installation is filled with – you guessed it – a whole lotta bubbles, created using a plethora of techniques. In this space, not only will you encounter regular bubbles, but the experience employs VR technology, interactive elements, and mirrored effects to create something incredibly innovative.
Over the course of an hour at Bubble Planet, you’ll saunter between 11 rooms themed around different types of bubbleseach more enchanting than the last. While we don’t want to give away everything you’ll experience, we can reveal there’ll be a hot air balloon flight simulation room; a VR experience room, where you see the world from inside a bubble; and a room filled to the brim with oversized balloons. Sounds pretty damn moody-busting to us!
4. Forget Dry January and enjoy a bottomless brunch with pals
If you like your brunches with a side of booze, there are many options that we can help you out with. Whether you opt for a themed brunch that celebrates your favourite stars, like Cardi B or Lady Gaga, or just fancy a standard brunch where the booze keeps coming, it’s up to you. Check out our Secret London list of the best bottomless brunches in London for inspo.
Since arriving in London, Candlelight has illuminated some of the city’s most unique and gorgeous locations – hello Southwark Cathedral and Glazier’s Hall – with the soft glow of thousands of candles. And what better way to improve your mood this January than by listening to a string orchestra playing some tunes in these gorgeous locations? Plus, some of them will be playing the songs of some pretty well-known music legends…
👑 What better way to break free of the January blues than with the powerful tunes of rock legends Queen. You hear iconic songs such as Killer Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody and We Will Rock You like never before as a talented string quartet performs them inside a candlelit Glazier’s Hall. Book your tickets here.
🎸 Speaking of powerful tunes and breaking things, there are few things more cathartic than listening to the dramatic build of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain. You can lose yourself in the much-loved anthems of the 1960s rock band as a string ensemble brings them to life in a unique setting.
🟡 Swap the blues for some yellow – ok, maybe it’s not their most uplifting song but Coldplay can help you forget the worlds for a while as you listen to the likes of Sky Full of Stars, Paradise and Fix Youperformed by the City String ensemble in Central Hall Westminster. Get your tickets here.
6. Slurp up a free bowl of ramen at Wagamamas
Warm up your Blue Monday (January 20) with a free bowl of ramen from Wagamamaavailable at all locations except airport branches. With only 50 portions per branch, the irresistible giveaway will operate on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 3pm. Treat your tastebuds to tasty options such as the classic chicken ramen, shirodashi pork belly ramen, or the new spicy firecracker chick’n ramen, a plant-based dish created in collaboration with Alfie Steiner for Veganuary. Find out more about this delicious offer and don’t miss your chance to enjoy a comforting treat.
7. Lose yourself in an immersive adventure
One way of curing your blues is escaping reality and embarking on an adventure where the world as you know it is transformed right before your eyes. Work stresses, money worries and all that blues-inducing malarkey will be the last thing on your mind as you journey into a pivotal piece of history or flee malevolent Martian forces…
💥 Step inside the pages of history books as you travel back to 1605 and become part of a daring conspiracy at The Gunpowder Plot Experience. With a gripping combination of authentic sets, virtual reality, and talented live actors you will be transported into the heart of the story and get to enjoy the thrill of clandestine meetings and heart-pounding escapes, grab your tickets here.
🛸 Live through an epic story of survival as you venture into the middle of a real Martian invasion at Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience. You’ll face 300-foot Martian Fighting Machines as Jeff Wayne’s iconic score is brought to spectacular life with holographic projections, immersive sounds, live actors and virtual reality. Who’s got time for blues when you’re busy running for your life? Get your tickets here.
8. Stretch your legs and let your mind wander
Simple, but effective! Don’t underestimate the power of a stroll to cure any January blues. Got a destination in mind or just planning to head out for an aimless meander? London and its surrounding areas are full of different sights to see, whether history, riverside views, landmarks or green spaces are your thing.
🚶🏽♂️Best London walks
🚶🏽♂️Best country walks near London
🚶🏽♂️Best running routes in London
Or, alternatively…
🚲 Hop aboard two wheels an explore some of the best cycling routes the city has to offer.
9. Step into the world of the Wild Wild West at the Moonshine Saloon
Now if you’re not doing Dry January this year and are wanting to improve your mood with a few cocktails, then you should really make your way to Moonshine Saloon. Cowboys and cowgirls, ramblers and gamblers, and all kinds of shady characters fill this intriguing spot, so leave your morals at the door, because you’ll be operating away from the prying eyes of the Sheriff. Once you step off the modern-day pavement, you’ll enter a Wild Western street (the set design is impressive), and perhaps even embody a specific character in the evening’s tale. Got to look the part if you’re going to blend in, right?
While you’re here, you’ll be side by side with live actors who’ll welcome you into the illicit Moonshine empire. Roll the dice – quite literally – as you try your hand at a selection of dice and card games, or simply chat with the local cowboys and cowgirls who frequent this here spot. The bartenders will transform your bring-your-own booze into four personalised Old West cocktails; and as you’ve brought your own liquor, you’re now officially part of the covert liquor operation led by the self-styled King of the Moonshiners, Clyde Cassidy!
10. Find a pocket of peacefulness at The Observatory
A unique new pop-up experience, The Observatory, has now opened in London’s financial district, inviting visitors to explore their emotions through innovative art and virtual reality. Featuring two audio-visual experiences—Harmony 2.0 and Soul Paint—this project blends mindfulness, technology, and creativity to encourage introspection and connection. The interactive art pieces use brainwaves and body mapping to create mesmerising real-time visuals, making it an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.
January is now here, which for many of us means hitting the gym again and trying to get our fitness game back after all the mince pies and turkey dinners we’ve eaten… plus, it’s good for the old mental health and for fending off those January blues. And luckily for us, our beloved capital isn’t all about exclusive, members-only gyms for the rich and famous. There are plenty of places which offer fantastic bang-for-you-buck, from The Gym and Fitness4Less, to Better Health and Boom Cycle. You can find out more in our roundup here.
12. Unwind in the soothing sanctuary of a wellness retreat
Looking to rejuvenate your mind and body – or just block out the humdrum of life for a moment? London has a tempting variety of wellness retreats, from luxurious urban spas to eco-friendly countryside escapes. Whether you want a quick getaway or an immersive wellness experience, these retreats provide a perfect blend of traditional and modern approaches to all things health and relaxation. London’s wellness retreats cater to all, offering treatments like facials, massages, yoga, and more. You’re sure to have a smile on your face once you’ve emerged from the sanctum of spots such as the eco-friendly Glass House Retreat or the exclusive Lanesborough Club & Spa. Find your ideal escape here.
So, there you have it dear reader. January doesn’t have to be all that depressing! Get yourself involved with these eleven different activities and help stave off the January blues! We’re certainly signing up…
