1. Take a red bus around London while eating cake - obviously!
Is there anything better than taking in the pretty sights of London from the warmth of a big red bus? Well actually, there is! Thanks to Brigit's Bakery you can now enjoy a festive afternoon tea while cruising around the festively-lit streets of London. From Buckingham Palace to Downing Street and the pretty village corners of Notting Hill, you'll see all of the city's best bits while stuffing your face with delicious scones and finger sarnies. Christmas came early this year! Book your tour here.
2. Shoop around the ice rink At Somerset House
Somerset House is one of the most picturesque settings in London, throw in an ice-skating rink, mulled wine and a huge Christmas tree and you've got one great excuse to get festive - and burn some calories while you're at it. Grab hold of your pals and feel the fear - if one of you stumbles, you're all going down together. Well, don't wait for the ice to melt, book it up here!
3. Visit Santa in his Lapland UK grotto
If you can't make it all the way to the real arctic homeland then why not bring Father Christmas to you? Tucked away in the heart of The Crown Estate Ascot, lies the hidden forest of elves, reindeer, husky puppies and of course, the real Santa Claus himself (or, at least, the best doppelgänger you've ever seen. Sorry dad, thanks for your effort and everything). You can help Santa's elves build toys for the children of the world, assist Mother Christmas in decorating gingerbread men and try your luck at ice-skating - just remember, the penguin aids are strictly for the kids ok! Festive fun is just the tinkle of a sleigh bell away. Tickets from £65.50 here!
4. Slink away from the city for some peace and quiet
The city lights are amazing and all that, but if there's one thing we really need to squeeze in before the craziness of Christmas kicks in, it's some well earned R&R. Well look no further than Frimley Hall Hotel and Spa, Camberley. Set among beautiful private woodlands, this Victorian manor house is an Instagram addict's idea of paradise. And if you go over Christmas you'll get to see the hotel in all its festive attire. Home Alone eat your heart out. Why not make the most of it and book in for a massage at their on site spa, kick back in the sauna and dine in style at their delicious Linden restaurant. After a year of being so so good, it's what Santa would want for you! Book in here.
5. Warm up your festive vocals at the Royal Albert Hall
Get into the seasonal cheer with carols by candlelight at the historic Royal Albert Hall. Enjoy traditional jingles, the fanfare trumpeters and the power of a 500-strong choir, all while in the magical surroundings of one of the city's most iconic venues. All that fa la la la la-ing isn't just for the kiddywinks, you know. We don't wannna push our luck or anything but you know Santa... if you're listening? If you could arrange for Adele to be part of that 500-strong choir that would be AWESOME. Book your tickets here.
6. Stuff yourself silly at Sketch
Second to the land of Narnia, this is as Christmassy as life gets. Pull back the curtain at the front door to reveal a corridor well and truly decked out with lofty snow-topped evergreens (fake snow of course, but that really doesn't matter). Hang up your coats and prepare to get festively plump because the Sketch afternoon tea is not one for the small of appetite. From delicious smoked salmon and tarragon finger sandwiches to fruit-packed scones served with organic fig jam AND mandarin and cinnamon cheesecake - if your Christmas wish was to go to food heaven in real life then consider it your lucky day. Foodies and interior design gurus alike - Sketch is what your festive dreams are made of. Book yourself up for a bit of festive gluttony here.
7. Shop 'til you drop in London and then treat your tresses!
Christmas shopping. We all know how it works... you get a present for someone else and then you buy one for yourself, right? So once you've done the good deed of sorting everyone else out, why not take a detour from the chaos of Oxford Street and get your hair done at the prestigious Rosewood Hotel in High Holborn? Ohhh alright fancy pants, if I have to! Inspired by the Orient Express and the decadence of high living - the salon is perfect for those shopaholics who want instant transformations in a hurry. Take the weight off your feet and book in for a catwalk inspired blow dry or a five star hair treatment here. It's what Santa would want you to do.
Up to anything festive in the run up to Christmas? Let us know @sofeminineUK!
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