What to Do This Weekend in London (9–11 January 2026)
London may feel quieter after the festive rush, but this particular weekend has a surprising amount of energy, culture, art, travel vibes and community happenings worth planning around whether you’re here for the first time or you live locally and want to make the most of it.
A Weekend That Starts with Curiosity
January weekends in London can sometimes feel like an intermission a quiet space between Christmas noise and the first big city resurgence in February. But that impression changes quickly when you look at what’s on this particular Friday through Sunday.
This weekend doesn’t feel rushed or overwhelming. Instead, it’s about choice pick your own pace, find what resonates with you, and turn a chilly weekend into something thoughtful, memorable and invigorating.
Whether you’re into travel inspiration, art that ignites imagination, or simple Sunday wandering, London has you covered.
Adventure Travel Show (Saturday & Sunday) Inspiring Plans for Your Next Trip
If you’ve been thinking about travel this year exploring new parts of the world, planning trips, or just feeding your wanderlust the Adventure Travel Show 2026 returns this weekend with an inviting mix of experiences and expertise.
Held at the Business Design Centre in Islington (N1 0QH), this event runs both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January from 9:30 am to early evening. Expect:
Talks by travel specialists
Photography workshops
Travel-writing sessions
Adventure planning insights
Exhibitors from all over the world
For first-timers and seasoned explorers alike, it’s a chance to think beyond London and maybe start making plans that feel much bigger than a winter weekend.
Nearest station: AngelStation (Northern Line) or Highbury & Islington (Victoria/Overground)
If you’re using transport or planning weekend visits, staying somewhere central and easy like a HOTEL can make the short weekend feel even smoother.
Gilbert & George 21st Century Pictures (Ends Sunday) Art with Edge
Art lovers will be drawn to Gilbert & George: 21st Century Pictures, a major retrospective at the Hayward Gallery on Southbank (Belvedere Rd, SE1).
Running through Sunday 11 January, this exhibition gathers more than 25 years of work from the acclaimed duo known for their provocative and humanist art. It’s a thoughtful, immersive experience and experiencing art with space around you (as often happens in January) feels especially intentional.
Nearest stations: Waterloo / Southwark / Waterloo East
Walk the riverside afterwards for a quieter view of London’s skyline and bridges.
If you’re staying near the South Bank or want to make an evening of it, choosing a HOTEL lets you step right into the city’s cultural heart.
The Adventure Continues: Sat & Sun Activities Beyond the Big Shows
Bowie Day Festival (Sat)
Music lovers will enjoy the Bowie Day Festival at Foyles on Charing Cross Road a celebration of one of London’s most iconic musical figures. It’s a great blend of art, music history and good energy on a Saturday afternoon.
Nearest Station: Charing Cross
Wimbledon Village Stables (Sat Afternoon)
For a change of pace, head to Wimbledon Village Stables where a monthly open session lets you explore the stables, meet the horses, and see behind-the-scenes life there.
Nearest Station: Wimbledon Station
This is a relaxed and charming way to fill part of a Saturday without spending much.
Amersham Fair Organ Museum (Sun)
Sunday brings a quirky treat: an open day at the Amersham Fair Organ Museum, where old fairground organs are played throughout the day a unique slice of British mechanical music history.
Nearest Station: Amersham (Chiltern Railways) an easy trip via train from Marylebone.
Blessing of the River Thames (Sun)
A quieter, spiritual moment is the Blessing of the River Thames at Southwark Cathedral on Sunday a short midday gathering celebrating the river and those connected to it.
Nearest Stations: London Bridge / Southwark
These weekend experiences show how London manages to be both lively and contemplative at the same time.
Catch Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo A Special Mid-January Treat
Although this big-production show runs beyond just the weekend, Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo begins on 9 January at the iconic Royal Albert Hall and catching it during the weekend adds a layer of wonder to your visit.
Exploring an insect world of acrobatics, colour and music, Ovo is a favourite for families, couples, or anyone who loves performances that feel playful and uplifting.
Nearest stations: South Kensington / Knightsbridge
If you’re planning your weekend theatre/experience itinerary around major shows like this, booking ahead can secure better seats and reduce stress.
Art and Exhibitions That Extend Beyond the Weekend
Even as specific events peter out, exhibitions in London remain a strong draw for the weekend and beyond:
Lee Miller at Tate Britain – A richly curated photography retrospective running until mid-February.
The Bayeux Tapestry Exhibit – A long-running and deeply historic tapestry exhibition now returning to England, with planned showings beyond January.
Galleries and shows in Chelsea, South Kensington, and the West End continue to host thoughtful exhibits suitable for slow midday exploration.
For art lovers, booking tickets to multiple exhibitions over the weekend can feel grounding and staying somewhere like a HOTEL makes gallery days effortlessly walkable.
Why This Weekend Still Feels Alive
A January weekend in London can be deceptively quiet on the surface but when you layer exhibitions, festivals, travel inspiration, quirky heritage events, and immersive performances, you realise the city is not dormant.
Instead, it’s operating at a pace that feels sustainable, thoughtful, and rich in experience perfect for visitors who want depth over frenzy.
You don’t have to tick fifty boxes this weekend. You just have to pick experiences that feel worthwhile to you a talk that sparks a new idea, a museum visit that expands your view, a festival that lets you bask in sound or slow mechanical music from a century ago.
London lets you create a weekend that feels full without feeling frantic.
Pro Tips for This Weekend
Arrive early at big events (Adventure Travel Show, art shows) to avoid queues.
Pack layers January weather can shift from cold and crisp to wet and windy.
Use public transport Tube and bus services are reliable and avoid traffic.
Choose one major event and mix it with simple wandering that’s the London way.
Final Thought A Weekend That Reminds You Why London Is Worth Exploring
This weekend (9–11 January) doesn’t just fill your calendar. It gives you space, inspiration, variety, and moments that feel grounded rather than frantic.
It’s the kind of weekend you reflect on long after it’s over.
If you want more weekly London plans, local tips, hidden gems, calm experiences and things most first-timers overlook visit LondonYaar.com for guides you’ll actually use.