Top Family Festive Days Out In London And Oxford This Winter

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Minibus hire winter wonderland

The festive season is getting into full swing, and there’s plenty of wonderful choices for fun and memorable family days out near London and Oxford. If you live in these areas, you can plan the perfect group outing with our range of luxury coach hire options. Here are just some of the magical Christmas destinations to choose from.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland returns for 2024 bigger and better than ever, with the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK, fairground rides, Santa Land, and traditional Christmas markets. This year, thrill seekers can purchase a Five Peaks Pass, enabling fast-track access to five of the wildest rides: Munich Looping, The Hangover, Aeronaut Flyer, Airborne, and Blizzard.

For children, there’s so much on offer: Zippos Christmas Circus, the Real Ice Slide; the Christmas Tree Ride; Justin’s Christmas Singalong; and the Magical Ice Kingdom. For the adults, there’s a great choice of bars, street food stalls, traditional seasonal treats, a market square for gift shopping, and curated party packages for mates or work pals. 

Pantomime at the Palladium

No trip to London would be complete without taking a show in the world famous West End theatre district. This year, Robin Hood is playing at the Palladium, starring national treasure Julian Clary as the lead social justice bandit, and Jane MacDonald of The Cruise fame as Maid Marion. It’s sure to be a great night packed with ribald humorous asides. 

Elsewhere in London if pantos are your thing, there’s Dick Whittington and his Cat at the Hackney Empire; Aladdin at the Lyric Hammersmith, And Jack and the Beanstalk at New Wimbledon. 

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest and biggest occupied castle in the world, currently home to HRH King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The State Apartments are magnificently decorated over the festive season, including a 20ft high Christmas tree on St George’s Hall. 

For children, there’s the chance to take part in festive craft activities and workshops, plus a learning centre and the Queen Mary’s Doll House, which has been fitted out with charming miniature Christmas decorations to celebrate the centenary. 

Blenheim Palace

If you are near Oxford, then treat yourself to a trip to Blemheim Palace. It’s a magical place for all the family, with an illuminated light trail around the grounds, an ice-skating rink, a ferris wheel, a Christmas market in the Great Court, and child-friendly craft workshops. 

There’s also Neverland in the Palace, a JM Barrie inspired tour as Tinkerbell guides visitors of all ages through a specially designed interior. A portion of the fees will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, as the Peter Pan author gifted the rights of his timeless creation to the organisation in 1929.

Oxford Botanic Garden

The world famous Oxford Botanic Garden is home to over 5,000 different plant species and is the oldest botanical garden in the UK. It is decorated throughout with beautiful light displays during the festive season, and there’s also a Christmas Fair where you can pick up seasonal food and drink and artisan gifts.

There’s also a special Christmas Pudding trail that winds its way through the flowerbeds and glasshouses. Groups of 15 people or more must book online in advance, and entry cannot be guaranteed during busy periods. 

Oxford covered market 

Oxford’s covered market is not a dedicated Christmas market, but it’s still a delightful way to soak up the festive atmosphere and while away an afternoon. The historic market sells a wide range of goods, from locally produced crafts and jewellery, to artworks, clothing, flowers, cosmetics, and food and drink. 

Cultural events in Oxford

Oxford is renowned for its culture, so there’s a plethora of choices too numerous to list here. Needless to say there’s all kinds of Christmas music concerts from high brow Handel to favourite Carols, and even a family jazz show. There is also choral music, orchestras, military bands and more.

In Oxford’s theatres and playhouses, there’s a great choice of seasonal pantos, shows, and a must see performance of the National Theatre’s War Horse at the New Theatre.