Not many of us would vote January as our favourite month. But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom once the festive season has come to an end.
The days might still be dark and chilly, but January marks the beginning of a new year and there are plenty of things that you can do to make it a month as exciting and enjoyable as the next.
With this in mind, here are 13 things to do and places to visit in the UK in January that’ll hopefully get you excited about the new year. From music and food, to stargazing and wildlife watching, we hope these ideas leave you feeling inspired.
1. Lose yourself in music at Celtic Connections, Glasgow
According to The Guardian, “If there’s something that makes wintertime in Glasgow great, it’s Celtic Connections”. Celtic Connections is an annual folk, roots, and world music festival that celebrates Glasgow’s links to other cultures across the globe.
With over 2,100 musicians covering more than 300 events across multiple genres of music, the city is brought to life for 18 magical days.
As well as world-class concerts, you can also expect talks, art exhibitions, workshops, and ceilidhs (traditional music, singing, dancing, and storytelling events).
Celtic Connections will run from 18th January to 4th February 2024.
2. Go wildlife watching, UK-wide
Winter is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in nature and do some wildlife watching.
The bare trees make woodland creatures easier to spot; birds begin to arrive for the winter months; and a number of unique creatures appear on the coast. Plus, with fewer crowds than during the summer months, you’re likely to get a better view.
Here in the UK, we’re blessed with beautiful landscapes that are home to amazing wildlife. And while some winter wildlife only appears in specific areas – for example, migrant coastal birds – you may be pleasantly surprised just how much nature can be found on your doorstep.
To see what’s near you, check out the National Trust’s list of best places to spot winter wildlife. Whether you head to Norfolk’s Blakeney National Nature Reserve to spot grey seal pups; go birdwatching in Wembury, Devon; or try and spot the elusive pine marten in Crom, County Fermanagh – wildlife watching is a fun and highly-rewarding winter activity.
3. Immerse yourself in art at the London Art Fair, London
If you have a passion for art, you might be interested in attending the London Art Fair this January.
Each year, the London Art Fair welcomes over 100 leading galleries specialising in modern and contemporary art. Selected from both the UK and abroad, these galleries represent some of the best established and emerging artists in this field.
Expect to see works by internationally renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Charlotte Keates, and David Hockey; as well as a rising collection of new talent.
The 2024 programme promises to bring visitors into conversation with the art world, featuring everything from live performances to immersive installations and a captivating lineup of talks and tours. You can find out more in the London Art Fair 2024 programme.
The London Art Fair is held at Islington’s Business Design Centre and will take place between 17th and 21st January 2024.
4. Browse the stalls at the award-winning St George’s Market, Belfast
If you’re in the mood to shop and eat good food this January, why not head to the award-winning St George’s Market in Belfast?
Built between 1890 and 1896, St George’s Market is the last surviving Victorian market in Belfast. It’s won awards for its fresh, local produce, and buzzing atmosphere – and was voted the UK’s best large indoor market in 2023.
With around 300 traders, food vendors, and an electric atmosphere, it’s the ideal location for foodies and creatives alike.
St George’s Market is open to the public every week from Friday to Sunday, and each day has a different offering. Friday’s variety market, which dates back to 1604, hosts around 200 market stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to books, antiques, and clothes. Saturday is a city food and craft market; and, on Sundays, you can enjoy live music as you browse the stalls of local craftsmen.
The Belfast Food Tours also begin at the market and take you on a four-hour food-filled tour of some of the best food and drink spots in the city.
5. Stargaze at Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Located on the west side of the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, Kynance Cove is a National Trust Go Stargazing Site.
Due to its low light pollution levels and distance from nearby cities and towns, Kynance Cove is an excellent location to spot stars.
It’s usually extremely busy during the summer months, so why not skip the crowds and take a trip in January instead?
Alternatively, if Kynance Cove is too far away from you, there are plenty of other fantastic stargazing spots to enjoy across the UK. And for guidance on what to look out for, our introduction to stargazing is worth a read.
6. Celebrate Hen Galan, North Pembrokeshire
While the rest of us celebrate the New Year on 1st January, for those in Cwm Gwaun, a small wooded valley near Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, ‘Hen Galan’ falls on 13th January. In Welsh, hen means ‘old’ and calan means ‘first day of the month’.
When the ancient Julian calendar was formally abolished in 1752 and replaced with the Gregorian calendar, the people of Gwaun Valley resisted the change – a tradition kept alive to this day.
For many in the area, Hen Galan today is a celebration to rival Christmas – with singing, gift-giving, and a delicious feast – often at a pub. So if you’re looking for another round of celebrations to lift your spirits this January, why not immerse yourself in Welsh culture and take a trip to Pembrokeshire for Hen Galan?
7. Discover the City of Caves, Nottingham
Hidden deep below the streets of Nottingham is the UK’s largest network of caves.
Here, you can soak in the extraordinary atmosphere of over 800 ancient caves, which were first recorded during the ninth-century Viking occupation. They also went on to serve as a medieval tannery and World War II air raid shelter, and you can really feel the history here.
Due to the confined nature of the caves, entry times are staggered, so it’s advisable to book tickets ahead of time.
8. Go skiing in the Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands
Cairngorm Mountain, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, is Scotland’s favourite mountain destination – and the ski area here is the ultimate winter playground.
With over 30km of piste runs, 10 surface lifts, and freestyle terrain, the Cairngorms are the perfect place for beginners and experts alike to enjoy an unforgettable winter snowsports experience.
Alternatively, if skiing isn’t for you, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy your time here. From picturesque walking trails to the Mountain Garden, which offers spectacular viewpoints for spotting local wildlife, it’s a great chance to breathe in some fresh January air.
9. Enjoy a day out at Immersive Gamebox, UK-wide
If you’d prefer to do an indoor activity this winter, why not head to Immersive Gamebox?
Here you can try your hand at a range of hi-tech arcade-style games and challenges that will test your memory and trivia knowledge, and pit you in a race against time. With motion tracking, projection mapping, a surround sound system, and touch screens, this is a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.
Immersive Gamebox is perfect for families, groups of friends, and couples – just remember, you’ll have to work as a team!
Immersive Gamebox has locations in London, Essex, Manchester, and Yorkshire, which you can browse here. Alternatively, if none of these locations work for you, Otherworld offers very similar experiences. Otherworld currently has locations in London and Birmingham, and will be opening in Manchester, Edinburgh, and Dublin soon.
10. Take a trip to Thermae Bath Spa, Bath
Thermae Bath Spa is Britain’s only natural thermal spa. The baths continue to flow with natural hot water throughout winter – which can offer a welcome dose of warmth during the colder months.
With a luxury spa, peaceful cafe, and rooftop pool, a trip to Thermae Bath Spa is an excellent way to kick back and enjoy something a bit different this winter – whether you decide to book a relaxing massage, enjoy the naturally warm and mineral-rich waters, or marvel at the breathtaking views across Bath’s skyline.
Note: Thermae Bath Spa will be closed for maintenance from Thursday 4th to Friday 12th January 2023.
11. Visit a cosy pub, UK-wide
Pubs are a cherished part of the UK landscape – and during the winter months, they offer an especially welcome place to cosy up, enjoy a hearty meal, and chat over a drink or two.
You could set a particular pub as the end-point of a brisk winter’s walk, or plan a trip to one which has great reviews for their Sunday roast.
If you’re not sure where to go, why not try one of the pubs listed in our article; 12 historic pubs to visit across the UK?
12. Get involved with celebrations for Burns Night, UK-wide
Burns Night is one of Scotland’s most cherished celebrations, held in honour of famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns.
Burns was born on 25th January 1759, so Burns Night is held on this date each year. It typically involves a ‘Burns supper’ where you can expect to enjoy plenty of poetry, haggis, and whisky tasting – and, of course, lots of fun and laughter.
You can find out more about what to expect from celebrating Burns Night on the Visit Scotland website.
If Scotland is too far afield for you, Burns Night celebrations are held across the UK too. Some of the best places to celebrate are London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to stay home, check out this guide to celebrating Burns Night at home from Taste Talk, which covers everything from food and drink to music.
13. Make a New Year’s resolution vision board
January marks the beginning of a new year – a time when many of us like to set goals for the months ahead.
However, with surveys revealing that less than 30% of us manage to keep our resolutions up for the year, it’s worth considering what you can do to stay motivated.
Some people find it useful to make a New Year’s resolution vision board. Studies have found that writing down and visualising our goals can lead to a greater belief that we’ll succeed. Vision boards are also a fantastic way to get creative and spend a cosy day indoors. Check out our article, How to create an inspiring vision board, for ideas on how to get started.
If you’re not sure what resolutions to make, our article, 12 New Year’s resolutions that aren’t just for January, might give you some ideas. From setting physical and mental health goals, to decluttering your home and learning a new skill – stick to some of these and 2024 could be your best year yet.
Final thoughts…
Because it marks the end of the festive season, January is sometimes given a bad wrap. But with so many fun things to do this month, there’s plenty of ways to start the beginning of 2024 on a high note.
From wildlife watching and relaxing spas to food markets and art fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.
For more inspiration, check out our collection of ideas for days out in the UK in the travel section of our website.
What plans do you have for January? Have any of the ideas from our list taken your fancy? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.