Things to Do in London This Weekend (6 - 8 February)
Some weekends in London are loud and obvious.
This one isn’t.
Early February weekends sit in a sweet spot: the city has shaken off January’s fog, Valentine’s crowds haven’t fully arrived, and London settles into a rhythm that feels… normal. Cultural spaces are active, winter events are still running, and you can actually enjoy places without fighting for space.
If you’re wondering what to do this weekend without forcing plans or chasing hype here’s how London quietly comes alive from Friday through Sunday.
Friday Evening: Ease Into the Weekend, Don’t Rush It
A Film Night That Feels Like an Event (Without Being One)
February is prime time for independent cinema, special screenings, and film programmes that don’t exist in summer.
Venues like BFI Southbank and Prince Charles Cinema regularly run themed nights, cult classics, and seasonal programming on Fridays perfect for starting the weekend without bar-hopping.
How to get there:
Both are easily reached via Waterloo or Leicester Square stations.
If you’re staying central, South Bank or Covent Garden accommodation keeps the evening relaxed instead of rushed.
A Proper Winter Dinner (Not a Trend One)
Friday night in February is ideal for food that’s comforting, warm, and unpretentious.
Neighbourhood restaurants and pubs are calmer than in December, and staff actually have time to talk. You don’t need reservations everywhere especially if you eat slightly earlier.
Areas like Bloomsbury, Soho side streets, and Marylebone are perfect for this kind of Friday.
Saturday: The Day London Shows Its Best Side
Start With a Museum or Exhibition (While It’s Still Calm)
Saturday mornings are the sweet spot early enough to avoid crowds, late enough to feel awake.
February is when exhibitions are fully open and settled. The Tate Modern, National Gallery, and Victoria and Albert Museum are all excellent choices this weekend.
How to get there:
Central London stations make access easy, and winter travel is smoother than peak seasons.
If you want to turn this into a cultural weekend, Bloomsbury or South Kensington stays make everything walkable.
Walk Somewhere You Normally Rush Through
This is a great weekend for walking London slowly.
Good February routes:
South Bank between Westminster and Waterloo
Little Venice canals
Greenwich riverside paths
Cold air keeps crowds away, and the city feels more spacious. Bring gloves. Walk longer than planned.
Afternoon Coffee Without the Queue
One underrated thing about February weekends: cafés aren’t chaotic.
Independent coffee shops feel local again. You’ll actually get a seat. Conversations linger.
Neighbourhoods like Notting Hill, Hackney, and Clerkenwell shine in the afternoon.
Saturday Evening: Atmosphere Over Noise
Live Music or Candlelit Culture
February weekends favour music, theatre, and intimate performances over big club nights.
Check listings for:
chamber concerts
jazz nights
small theatre productions
Venues in Greenwich, Shoreditch, and central London often host these without heavy promotion.
If you’re heading to Greenwich, Greenwich riverside accommodation turns the evening into a calm escape rather than a late commute.
A Drink That Matches the Season
This isn’t cocktail-theatre season.
February drinks lean warm and simple:
red wine
stout
whisky
classic cocktails
Pubs and bars are quieter, conversations are better, and you don’t feel pushed to move on.
Sunday: London at Its Most Honest
A Proper Sunday Walk
Sunday mornings in February are one of London’s quiet pleasures.
Parks like Hampstead Heath and Greenwich Park feel expansive and peaceful especially before midday.
How to get there:
Both are well connected by public transport, and winter schedules are reliable.
Museums, Markets, or Nothing at All
Sundays don’t need packing.
You could:
revisit a favourite museum
wander a local market
read in a café
do absolutely nothing
London rewards unplanned Sundays more than structured ones.
End the Weekend Somewhere Warm
Finish with:
a pub roast
a quiet dinner
tea and cake
February Sundays are about restoration, not squeezing in one last thing.
Why This Weekend Works So Well
This weekend doesn’t demand attention it allows it.
No big pressure.
No massive crowds.
No seasonal exhaustion.
Just a city offering culture, warmth, and space if you’re willing to meet it halfway.
Final Thought: February Weekends Are About Balance
London doesn’t perform in early February.
It settles.
If you let the weekend unfold starting gently on Friday and ending calmly on Sunday you’ll get far more from the city than if you chase plans.
For more weekly London guides, seasonal ideas, and honest recommendation and explore more on Londonyaar.com.
Some weekends don’t need highlights.
They just need room to breathe.